Can one shade can work for every skin tone? In the case of Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge #8 ($24), it just might. This fire-engine-red hue was made especially for Madonna's worldwide tour by her makeup artist, Gina Brooke. (It's waterproof, smudge-proof, and crease-proof, too.) Brooke created the color for her star client, but she made sure that this lipstick looks good on any complexion — so we tried it to see if it fit all of ours. Read on to see the results.
Editor's note: This is the final blog post from our amazing guest writer, Gina Brooke, who created the makeup look seen here on Madonna.
As a beauty expert and as a makeup artist, I depend on the skill of application and technique. That's why it is essential to use the right tools to achieve my artistic vision.
One of the most exciting parts of consulting for a makeup brand is the product development process. At Hourglass, we plan our lineup a year in advance — scouting new ingredients that are unique and focusing on products that women really want. I love working with Carisa Janes, Hourglass’s CEO and founder. She is an absolute perfectionist and truly understands the need for creating quality products that are innovative and effective. See Gina's favorite new products when you keep reading.
Editor's note: The following post is written by our guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Here, she shares some of the things that inspire her on a daily basis.
People often ask: What inspires you? While a makeup artist can certainly be moved by a classic movie, an art show or a fashion trend, inspiration often comes from less obvious sources. A woman on the street. An article in the New Scientist. Or the color of a building you spy on your travels to the Far East. Almost anything can prompt a creative foray. Here I’d like to share some of my recent inspirations and how they were interpreted.
Click through to see 10 things that inspire Gina (some pictures NSFW).
Editor's note: The following post is written by our guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Here, she shares her tips for achieving the perfect sunless glow.
As the mercury rises, so does our desire for sun-kissed skin. In the Summer months I advocate tanning for all my clients — as long as it's the type that comes from a bottle. We're all aware of the dangers of roasting in the sun, or exposing your skin to a tanning bed. Thankfully, sunless tanning has become more convenient in recent years. It's now easier to avoid the pitfalls of the past, like streaked skin or the noxious scents so often associated with tanning products. Here's my recipe for healthy, glowing-looking skin. See Gina's advice when you keep reading.
Editor's note: The following post is written by our guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Here, she shares her tips for enhancing and appreciating your natural beauty:
Many people look in the mirror and focus on the things they dislike about themselves. As a makeup artist for both celebrities and civilians, I continuously hear: My nose is too big. My lips are too small. My eyes are too far apart. And the list goes on. I’m no psychologist but it seems to me that we castigate ourselves unfairly at the risk of the bigger picture. The truth is, no one is perfect and we all have a feature that is unique and beautiful. At any rate I believe that imperfection is far more intriguing than symmetry. By embracing your own unique beauty, and enhancing the features you actually like, it’s possible to break free from this self-esteem trap. It’s an approach I use every single day. See Gina's advice when you keep reading.
Editor's note: The following post is written by our new guest writer, Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke. Whether you're looking to break into the beauty business or simply want to improve your application skills, Gina's advice is bound to help:
When it comes to excelling at beauty, practice makes perfect. Some people do courses, others pick up a makeup brush after years of doing hair, but my start in beauty came via the fashion world. Back then, after having studied design and photography in New York, I thought I would be a fashion designer. At a test shoot with a photographer, I was asked to do the model's makeup. I'd always enjoyed doing my own makeup but, up until then, I hadn't thought of the profession as a career. I was immediately hooked, and did what anyone breaking into a new field would do. I studied. I read. I practiced — on myself and my friends.
See Gina's tips for becoming a makeup expert when you keep reading.
Editor's note: The following post is written by our new guest writer, celebrity makeup artist Gina Brooke.
Beauty products have a shelf life, so begin by taking stock of your makeup and eliminate anything that was purchased more than two years ago (especially foundations with SPF). Next inspect your mascara wands, and toss away any older than three months. Finally, have a good hard look at your makeup brushes. If they have not been washed regularly, they are most likely bacteria receptacles. Out they go, too. Now that’s done, here are five game-changing products that will enhance the way you look and feel.
Gina Brooke is the Artistic Director for Hourglass Cosmetics, and works with gorgeous A-listers like Madonna, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Campbell, and Gwen Stefani. She has a wealth of beauty knowledge, and for the next few weeks, Gina will be sharing her expertise as our new guest blogger. We can't wait to read her amazing content! Take it away, Gina:
I’m thrilled to be guest blogging for BellaSugar. Beauty has been a longtime obsession of mine. According to my mother, I showed an early affinity for makeup. At the age of four I borrowed her lipstick, scrawled on the living room walls, and then attempted to eat it. A little too enthusiastic, admittedly.
My philosophy is that there are no rules when it comes to makeup. Experimentation is key, and it helps build confidence. After that the possibilities are endless. Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing insider tricks, key products in my kit, and the secret to glowing skin. I hope you find the posts informative, educational and inspiring.
— Gina
Makeup artist Gina Brooke has created looks for Madonna, Anne Hathaway, and Gisele Bundchen, and has a wealth of beauty knowledge. We're excited to share this Daily Makeover story by her:
The holidays are a joyful time, but also a time where we tend to overindulge — whether it's by eating too many sweets and salty snacks or drinking to the point of regret. We especially seem to notice it the next morning when we look in the mirror and see the lovely side effects of our late night filled with excess — skin appears dry, tight and sallow, and our eyes are puffy from too much salt intake. Fortunately there are some quick and easy home remedies and makeup tricks to resolve these problems. Get the scoop after the jump.
We love makeup artist Gina Brooke, so we're happy to share this Daily Makeover story by her:
Primping for the party season sometimes means turning out a look at a moment's notice. For those occasions when you only have a few minutes, here are two high-glam looks that will make the A.M. to P.M. transition seamless.
All you need for the first look is a highlighter and red lipstick. I've extolled the virtues of highlighters before, but they really do imbue the skin with an instant radiant glow. Just apply to the apples of the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose and on the jaw bone.
Next create a bold, red pout. Start with a neutral liner first. Don't just fill in the lines—use the liner over the entire lips to create a base for your lipstick. Using a lip brush, apply a richly pigmented lipstick from the outer corner to the inner corner, then repeat from the other side.
If sultry eyes are more your thing, try a metallic smoky look. Choose a shadow duo with a black and a metal shade like gunmetal gray, silver or bronze. I love Hourglass' Visionaire in Prism. Using a shadow brush, apply the lighter shade to the base of your lid, working your way from the inside corner out. Use your finger to blend for a gradation of color.
Apply the dark shade, but avoid applying it all the way across to the inner corner of the eyes—this can make your eyes appear smaller. Blend the two colors together, then add a couple of coats of mascara, and a neutral lip shade, and you are ready to hit the town.
Either one of these are fantastic party looks and should take you less than five minutes to do!
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