January 28, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 1 Comment

Hard Candy; Lip Gloss SALE

Categories: Must Have Products, Specials

I just found out that my absolute FAVORITE drug store Lip Gloss is on CLEARANCE for under $4, not sure if it’s going to be gone forever, but you better believe I’m going straight to my nearest Wal-Mart to grab those babies TODAY!!!  The Hard Candy Plexi Gloss, has a beautiful glassy gloss finish that doesn’t feel sticky!  The finished look is so very luscious!  And it works wonderfully for photo and film!

If you don’t remember the brand,  Hard Candy used to sell in department stores, that was about 10 years ago or so.  Along with the amazing gloss’ they sold that smelled like cake, (yummy), they also had some really innovative packaging and longstay nail polish that came with a super cute ring on the twist-off polish cap.  They closed the line for little while then relaunched in 2009!  But they ONLY distribute the line within Wal-Mart. Not only was I excited when the line relaunched, but now they are now revamped AND quite a bit less costly in price.  Let me tell you ladies, that gloss is AMAZING!  Now I just need to start trying more of the line, then dish the details to you!

~Jessi

January 3, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

Ending 2010 with a Vegas trip & an update!

Categories: Up to Date Info

Last month was quite a busy one for me!  It was time to work on Game Show Network’s Season 7, of High Stakes Poker.  We had the usual suspects of poker players along with the fantastic Kara Scott, (co-host).  As well as being the key makeup/hair for the show, I am fortunate enough to assist with Kara’s styling and accessories!  It is such a blast when I get to style.  Although there was help from Poker Productions this year, Kara still was just as stunning as ever!  I have included a photo from Day 3, taken by Rob Gracie.

As I was setting out to travel to Las Vegas for High Stakes Poker, I got a call from Dacia @ Shag Me Salon in Vegas.  She needed help with a gig that neither she nor her salon stylists could work.  So I altered my schedule to get out there sooner to work at “I (Still) Do”.  It was an event that celebrates marriage, and for contestants to win the chance at renewing their vows, Vegas style!  I was set off to work with Olwen @ Style Vegas and Photographer Eric Ita.  When I got to the event, I had no idea what to expect!  It was at the new Rumor Boutique Hotel!  Such a beautiful resort to behold, I was really happy to get a peek at the suites there.  Style Vegas has a Vegas Weekend package that allows visitors to take home along with the experience of Sin City, but a stylish makeover as well, head to toe.  And a photoshoot package as well!  The lucky couple that we worked with was Ali & Gav Martell from Toronto, Canada.  While working with Ali I found out she is also a blogger, (Cheaper Than Therapy), a very busy woman with a husband and 3 beautiful children.  So you can imagine what a makeover would do and a little R&R in Las Vegas for the couple! Enjoy these images from the shoot, taken by Eric Ita, styling by Olwen @ Vegas Style!

On another note, I found out that “The Sinner”, (the indie that I worked on over the summer in Austin, TX) has made it to IMDB!  Such great news!  And since I’m photo happy at the moment, I’ve included a favorite of mine from recent filming! Photos by Douglas Wells.  In the photo are: Katherine Willis, Emily Kaye, Matt Cook.  Second image with David Christopher and Savannah Welch.

2010 was such a great year for me.  Remembering all these moments warms my heart!  I love creating these memories, full of joy, hope and beauty.   I know 2011 will be more amazing than I can imagine!  Until the next update my dearies!

~Jessi

December 7, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

Q & A: How to create a flawless pin-up look for the women of color?

Categories: Makeup How To's, Retro Corner

Question from Chrishauna:  How can I create an awesome and flawless pin-up look for the women of color?

Lena Horne

Answer:  Well my lovely Chrishauna, (note to readers: she is a long time friend of mine), let me start by telling you one thing.  There are 2 different ways to do pinup makeup.  You can choose to do the old-school matte look or the modern bit of shimmer look.  I am going to write this how to, based on the matte look, but I will also incorporate the shimmer additive as a side note! I have also included images of some fabulous women of color that were around and did wear a look similar to the one I am describing!  Enjoy!

Before these steps below remember to apply your normal daily moisturizer and undereye cream!

FACE:
1.  To get that perfect porcelain look you need to start off with a good, clean skin base!  To help you with that, you need to apply over your entire face, a primer.  Try PAULA DORF Perfect Primer, $36
2.  Apply foundation with your fingers, over entire face, except in your under eye area.  I suggest a makeup that will keep you shine free and has a medium coverage with a Matte finish.  Find your perfect shade in either, LAURA MERCIER Oil Free Foundation, $42 or IMAN Second to None Foundation Stick, $14.99.
3.  Next you need a concealer for your under eye area and any imperfections you may want to hide!  I suggest you apply IMAN Second to None Cover Cream, $12.99 in a shade suitable for you.  Make sure to blend, (with your fingers) the concealer with your foundation so you have a smooth finish.
4.  Finish your skin routine with a translucent finishing powder, you can use either a loose or pressed but make sure to apply with a large powder brush, such as:  PHYSICIANS FORMULA Bamboo Wear Bambuki Brush, $10.  Using your brush, lightly dust your powder all over your face, this will set your makeup and ensure you have the Porcelain Prefect and Matte Skin!  Try IMAN Oil Blotting Pressed Powder, $14.99!
5.  For contour, try IMAN Blushing Powder Duo in either Posh or Allure, $10.99.  To apply; smile into the mirror and concentrate application on the apples of cheeks, then gently blend up and towards the temples of your face.  You can also apply the deeper shade alone in the place of bronzer.  To apply; follow same directions but instead of smiling, make a pucker by holding your cheeks in and follow the hollowed area under your cheek.

Billie Holiday

EYES:
1.  With your finger apply MAC Sublime Nature, $16.50 entirely on the lid and blend into the crease (or MAC Rubenesque, $16.50 for the modern shimmer look)
2.  Apply MAC Dazzlelight, $14.50 eyeshadow gently on the brow bone area, and blend into your lid/crease shade.
3.  Blend in MAC Mystery, $14.50 eyeshadow into your crease, (softly – a little goes along way) but staying away from lid and browbone.
4.  Line the top lid with MAC Fluidline, $15 using an eyeliner brush, JAPONESQUE Eyeliner Brush, $11 (dip tip of brush into gel formula and wipe off excess on rim of jar, glide brush in small strokes across lash line, continue to build line, until desired intensity is achieved.
5.  Line lower lashline with MAC Mystery eyeshadow softly, then blend down into a softer line with clean fingertip
6.  Add MAC Nylon to inner corner of eyelid to add a pop of brightness.
7.  Fill in brows as needed with an eyeshadow or brow liner of your choice.

LASHES:
apply favorite mascara, curl lashes then top off with Lashes by Ardell for your desired length look

LIPS:
If you don’t have that perfect red lip shade in your makeup kit, refer to The Perfect Red Lip blog that I previously wrote.  If you do have that shade of red:
1.  Line lips precisely with your red liner
2.  Blend lip liner inward toward the inside of your mouth to keep line soft on the inside
3.   Apply lipstick within the lip line and gently blend lipcolor and liner together!
There you are ladies!  Your flawless pinup makeup look for women of color!
~Jessi
December 3, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, 1 Comment

Last Minute Deals for $50 and Under!

Categories: General

It’s that time again when you have made your shopping list and checked it twice!  Do you have some fashion savvy ladies and gentlemen in your life that you still don’t know what to buy for?  This is a question I always get from friends, what to buy at the makeup stores!  Here are some great ideas that I know all my friends would love!  I am writing this blog in reference to Sephora’s website, if you shop online, you get free shipping with purchases over $50!  For purchases that total at least $25 there are 2 different specials!  Choose from; a free clutch with 12 samples or 10 travel ready samples with a airplane friendly sized pouch!  Of course you need to read the details to see if you qualify!  Check those deals out by CLICKING HERE!  I chose some deals below, but be sure to check out the website if I missed that perfect product!

Gifts $25 and under:

BLISS Hand Cream Duo, $11;  High Intensity &  Blood Orange+White Pepper hand creams.  A pair of healing creams for the ultimate at home manicure, that softens skin without being greasy and helps heal rough cuticles!  

PHILOSOPHY Peppermint Bark Duo, $18;  A mint candy shower gel/bubble bath & high gloss, high flavor lip shine. (pictured right)

TOO FACED Cheap Thrills Set, $20;  A $107 value, this 6 piece value set that contains lipstick, 2 eyeshadows, mascara, gloss and bronzer!

SEPHORA by OPI Mini Collection, $22; 6 fabulously festive nail colors. Petite sized nail polish that is long wearing and chip resistant.

L’OCCITANE Hand Cream Trio Collection, $25;  Shea Vanilla, Lavender and Shea Butter Hand Creams, all wonderful hand creams penetrate the skin quickly to protect, nourish and moisturize hands without the greasy residue. (pictured left)

Gifts $50 and under:

LANCOME Juicy Tubes Gift Set – Sparkling Pinks, $29.50;  A value of $61 this beautiful set is a collection of 6 holiday inspired shades of sparkling pinks.

NARS Orgasm Lust and Cheek Set, $30;  A mirrored compact holds a mini highlighting/bronzing blush duo in Orgasm/Laguna along with a mini lipgloss in Super Orgasm

LORAC After Party Collection, $37;  A $105 value, this set includes a trio of glimmering pink and purple eyeshadows, a nude luminizing powder, a lipstick plumper, and a glittery black eyeliner/eyeshadow.  All packed in a purple faux croc makeup bag/clutch. (pictured left)

LAURA MERCIER Eye Book, $45;  This $174 value is filled with 8 top selling eye colors, a cream eye illuminator and a mini double ended eye color/smudge brush. (pictured right)

ANTHONY Logistics for Men, The Perfect Shave Kit, $50;  Help that man in your life get a closer, smoother and more refreshing shave! This kit contains cleanser, scrub, after pre-shave oil, shave cream and after shave balm.  Ingrown hairs and irritation, BE GONE!

There were so many gift deals to choose from, I couldn’t write a blog on everything!  So I chose the items I know I would go out and buy!

Click here for a full list of gift deals for HER.

Click here for a full list of gift deals for HIM.

Enjoy everyone and happy shopping! ~Jessi

December 1, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

A fresh new approach; 2 NEW have to OWN products!

Categories: Must Have Products

There are 2 products I recently added to my personal makeup kit!

First, a bit of explanation.  Do you remember the Clinique Black Honey lipstick in the skinny silver tube, (pictured to the right).  It’s been around ever since I started shaking down the makeup counters, (since junior high at least)!  It’s that really sheer, tint of a deep red plum.  A beautiful color, but not too crazy about that finish, and let’s be honest, I forgot all about that lipstick, 20+ years later!

Clinique re-vamped that lipstick and it has made it’s way into my MUST HAVE product catagory!  For that perfect, pouty look with application ease, I have found my absolute personal favorite gloss!  Finally, they did it!  Clinique Superbalm in Black Honey $14, it’s an EXCLUSIVE product to Sephora, so go quicky, before they are GONE!  Why is this product so amazing do you ask?  Not only does it have amazing shine power, but it instantly relieves dryness while protecting lips with antioxidants.  Like I stated earlier, RUN don’t walk to Sephora, to at least ask that sales person for a sample! (pictured left)

Now the 2nd addition to the MUST HAVE’S category is L’Oreal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner, $8.49.  This eyeliner is a tricky bugger to work with I will attest to that, (keep it sharpened).  But once you have it down, you will love it!  I have worn this for the days that I just don’t want to apply eyeliner with my eyeliner brush, and it stays on so beautifully!  Long-wearing, and smudge-proof!  The times I have worn it, it stays intact for up to 12 hours!  And I have very oily eyelids!

Have fun with these 2 products and I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday season, write soon!

~Jessi

September 15, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, 1 Comment

Relocation = Revamp

Categories: Up to Date Info

Since I have recently relocated to Austin, TX.  I am starting over in my field, and revamping.  I have been contacting photographers, and professionals I have previously worked with, to start my career on the right foot!

I also added a new service posting!  My makeup & hair artistry services are now posted on Thumbtack!  What are you waiting for?  Go on and take a look at Thumbtack.com!  There is something for everyone!

I heard about Thumbtack from a photographer Rebecca Rakas for Xact Shot Photography.  She is very talented, so go check out her website!  I am really glad we got to meet together today!  She is a true talent and a great woman!  Be sure to be on the look out for my future collaborations with her!

I also booked a music video for 3 nights in October, here in Austin, TX!  I am doing makeup/hair/sfx for the band Disturbed!  I am really excited!  Not only is the video concept amazing, but it sounds like alot of fun work!  I am very excited for the adventures to come in the future!

Hope everyone is healthy, happy and busy!  Until next time!

Stephanie Moore Photo

September 9, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, Leave a comment

Q & A: How to keep baggage to a minimum!

Categories: Makeup How To's

Q:  Jessi, you did my makeup at the conference, and whatever you used in the under eye area
really tightened up the skin keeping it from bagging (wahoo!)  Is there
any way I can repeat this at home???  You’re the first one
who used it and it made a huge difference.  Any help you can provide would
be appreciated.  Thank you so much!!!  I’ve tried looking online for it and have
not had any luck. ~ H.A.

A.  Well H.A., I’m so happy to hear that not only did the makeup withstand your long day, but I helped you feel amazing too!  ;)

When I did your makeup I used a few different products in the undereye area.  I started with Boots (Lifting and Firming Eye Cream, $17.99) to prep your skin. 

Second, I applied MAC (Select Cover Up, $16.50) as your undereye concealer to brighten. 

Lastly, after your eye makeup has been applied, and there are NO traces of leftover powder from eyeshadow, lightly dust Ben Nye (Visage Loose Powder in Banana, 1.5oz, $7) on you undereye area to finish your look and brighten even more.

I hope this helps H.A.!!  And if anyone else has any questions you would like to submit please send all questions to firemakeup@gmail.com!

August 12, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, Leave a comment

Oh Me! Oh My! An improved old favorite!

Categories: Must Have Products

For years I have been discussing Smith’s Rosebud Salve, with every single person I come into contact with!  Do you have issues with dry or cracked lips?  SEARCH NO MORE!  Rosebud Lip Balm Salves are formulated to provide moisture, sheen, and emollient protection for the skin and lips with a subtle aroma.

They have 3 flavors; Strawberry, Rosebud and Minted Rose.  These products are NOT tested on animals!  What’s even better than that?  My excitement is because this wonderful lip balm is now in a tube!  NO MORE MESSY JARS!  Enjoy, and your lips will thank you!  Three Lavish Layers of Lip Balm, $16 Rosebud Salve Lip Balm, $6


August 3, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, Leave a comment

August, filled with Poker TV shows, photoshoots & a bride!

Categories: Up to Date Info

Today, I lead the makeup team into Season 2 of Poker Stars; Million Dollar Challenge, that will air on FOX in October!  Just as last season, I know it will be just as fun and as busy a show!  After a week off, that will include a couple makeup/hair gigs for photoshoots, a bride and a night with a scene from my friends independent, Sin Crept In.

If that weren’t enough to keep me busy, we begin to film a second poker show on August 14th.  With the same cherished crew from the show starting today, I am lucky enough to work with them on our second run this month!  Then it’s off to Austin, TX for a weekend!

I hope you all have been enjoying my blog posts and tutorials!  If you have any products you would like to see reviewed, or how to questions, please send an email so I can get it tackled for you all!  Have a great week everyone!

August 2, 2010, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

Skin Prophecy: Progressive Skin Care, (there’s gospel in that name)

Categories: Must Have Products

I was introduced to Skin Prophecy by my dear friend and fellow Makeup Artist, Cara Maccianti.  My very lucky friend is the niece, of the two phenomenal women that created this line.  And I can honestly tell you, she had to use force and hand me the product, for me to use it.  Why, because I have always had skin issues and everything freaks me out, (yes I am talking about myself).  Introducing my skin into a new regimen was not something I was welcome to.  And yes, if you have been a friend, relative or client to me, I am the first to ask you about your skin!  And I produced the very same worries to Cara that everyone says to me.  We are scared of the worst!  But about 3 months ago, I finally tried it.  I was ready to say good bye to my scarring and the lining that just gets deeper….

HALLE-freakin-JULLA!  I can proudly sit here, and excitedly write, just how much I love SKIN PROPHECY!  Not only have my fine lines diminished, my scarring has lessened.  My skin has a resilience that I haven’t seen in years!  My cleanser, actually feels like it’s cleaning.  My moisturizer does exactly what it has promised!  My flaky and dead skin has vanished.  The exfoliant, cleanser and serum work together to alleviate my blackheads, and they are completely gone!  LADIES and GENTLEMEN, I have found the holy grail!

From the website: “Skin Prophecy was created by two sisters, (MaryAnn Serpa & Dee Dee Serpa-Wickman) , who have struggled nearly a lifetime with adolescent and adult acne. We were challenged personally and professionally, much like the public, searching to find and/or develop products that would make correction, create visual changes and eliminate “The Search”. Now, after nearly a lifetime and 20 years as a Clinical Aesthetician, we have eliminated the search and met our objective….. a clinical skin care line, formulated to aggressively treat all grades of acne, scarring, sun damaged and dehydrated skin, in addition to pre/post operative care.”

AND GUESS WHAT ELSE:

  • Free of Cruelty to Animals
  • Free of Artificial Fragrance
  • Free of Artificial Color
  • Free of Artificial Preservatives
  • Free of Sodium Laurel Sulfate

You must all visit the website or even better send these lovely ladies an email if you have any questions regarding the amazing skin care line.  If you are near or going to visit Santa Barbara, California – MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!

What am I using?  I thought you would never ask!  My regimen; (ingredient info from Skin Prophecy)
  • CLEAN – An Aloe Vera deep cleansing gel that effectively removes dead surface cells, excess oils and impurities. Results are a clean, smooth refreshed complexion.  $30
  • ALOE – A mild face and body Aloe Vera exfoliant that removes skin cell build up. An outstanding universal exfoliant for all skin types skin feels smooth, fresh and refined.  $33
  • HYDRATING – All skin types benefit from this moisturizer. Micellized Vitamins, Ceramide and Squalane provide therapeutic benefits and instant absorption assuring vital moisture and hydration.  $49
  • SERPA SERUM – A special synergistic blend of Vitamin A and Glycolic Acid Polymer produce a powerful combination capable of stimulating cell growth and renewal, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and premature aging, creating a supple youthful glow. Move over Renova!  $78
  • EYE – A firming eye cream that offers ingredients of Whey, Biopeptide Proteins, Shea Butter and Starflower Oil that firms, conceals dark circles, and assures moisture, as well as provide natural SPF protection.  $44
  • LEMON BALM – Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Lemon extracts and Hydrocortisone provide medicinal healing relief. This anti-inflammatory balm relieves irritation caused by sunburn, eczema, insect bites and cosmetic and skin resurfacing procedures. A must for everyone’s medicine cabinet!  $47
OK, don’t be scared!  I promise it doesn’t take long!  Depending on YOUR skin, my daily routine is:
  1. AM – wash skin with CLEAN cleansing gel, then apply HYDRATING moisturizer all over face and neck
  2. PM – wash skin with CLEAN cleansing gel, apply EYE cream in undereye area, then SERPA SERUM all over face and neck, excluding eye area, then HYDRATING moisturizer on top of that.
  3. The LEMON balm, is a soothing and calming product if you ever get an itch, a bug bite.. it’s just divine!
This product really lasts!  You DO NOT need alot of this product for it to be effective, use sparingly.  These sizes will last you about 2-3 months, but the SERPA SERUM and EYE cream will last longer!  Skin Prophecy has truly changed my skin, my self-esteem and I cannot wait to see how amazing my skin will look in the years to come!  As you can see I really want to spread the love about this amazing line!  PLEASE CLICK THE LINKS I HAVE PROVIDED AND CHECK THESE LOVELY PRODUCTS OUT FOR YOURSELF!  I dare you to be beautiful!
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