The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes & Tools!

Having the right tools and knowing how to use them can make a huge difference in your makeup application and technique but it can be a daunting task! What are your options? What do you need? Let's go over the different brushes and tools for each application!

Makeup Brushes

Below is a simple guide of brushes broken up into the top 5 essential brushes, the top 5 additional brushes to have on hand, and 5 travel brushes for on the go(throw it in your purse for touch-ups!) The brushes with kisses are my personal favorites and the ones I use most often!

Essential Brushes

1. Powder Brush - It's a wonderfully versatile brush that can be used with any powder! Use with your setting powder, blush, bronzer, highlighter, and even contour. HINT: When using this brush in smaller areas, such as contouring, you can hold/smash the hairs between your fingers to create a smaller blending brush.

2. Foundation Brush - Use to apply your foundation, moisturizer, or other skin products.

3. Eye Shadow Brush - Essential brush for applying and blending eye shadow.

4. Concealer Brush - Obviously for use with concealer! Its perfect for concealing those small blemishes or for concealing your under-eye area.

5. Angled Eyeliner Brush - Another versatile brush! Can be used to apply gel/liquid eyeliner, eye shadow, and even for eye brows. HINT: Use dry with eye shadow for a smudged liner or use damp with eye shadow for a more refined line if eye liner isn't available. HINT #2: Use this brush to fill in your eye brows with an eye shadow color that is most like your eye brows natural color (or slightly darker for a sharper look)!

Additional Brushes That Are Good to Have on Hand!

1. Smudge Brush - Great for blending out hard lines or creating a smokey eye by blending out the black eyeliner.

2. Small Shader Brush - It's almost like a larger smudger brush. Can be used to blend eye shadow, eyeliner, or to get into the tear duct area.

3. Crease Brush (Fluffy Dome Brush) - My absolute favorite eye shadow brush! I can use this brush to apply and blend all eye shadow colors. Use to apply and blend color on the crease, under the brow bone, or all over the lid! HINT: You can even use this for shading on the face!

4. Contour Brush - Another favorite of mine! Can be used for contouring cheeks or applying and blending blush!

5. Brow Groomer Brush - Comb can be used to brush out lashes before mascara and during application and the hard bristles on the other side can be used for brushing out eyebrows. HINT: The hard bristles can also be used on the lashes to help de-clump when too much mascara has been applied!

Additional Tools

Some other tools you might want to have on hand:

Alternatives

There are some other great alternatives to traditional makeup application using brushes! 

Airbrush Machine

If it's just for a special event, like a wedding, I just suggest hiring a professional who can do airbrush. If you're thinking about investing in a machine, they do make consumer-friendly ones, like Temptu sold at Sephora. In the end it could actually save you on the cost of makeup because you only use a few drops!

Beauty Blender Sponge

A great tool when used wet for blending out foundation lines and creating a faux airbrush finish! Although the video showing how it works claims the sponge doesn't absorb makeup, I find that I have to use a little more product - however I still love it!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Boudoir in the San Francisco Bay Area

I have been beautifying the "everyday" woman or bridal client for boudoir photoshoots for years! I have to say, its one or my favorite types of photoshoots to do! While I love transforming my bride's, boudoir looks are so much more dramatic and fun! I really enjoy bringing a client's inner beauty out to make them feel so glamorous! 

Boudoirs are really about empowering the every day woman to feel glamorous, beautiful, and sexy! 

I am not a perfect person, no one is really. We all at one point or another had self doubt, an imperfect body image, and negative things effect us. I truly believe an empowered woman is one of the most powerful forces! You are gorgeous, so free yourself of negativity, liberate yourself, and feel empowered!

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

What is a boudoir photoshoot like?

I've worked with several different boudoir photographers and their guidelines are all pretty much the same. It's all about what you are comfortable with! Any professional boudoir photographer will explain beforehand to go over the different options ranging from lingerie to nude and talk about your comfort level! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and beautiful!

How should you prepare?

Of course, having some nice lingerie is ideal! If you are spending the money to have a professional photographer take gorgeous pictures of you, wearing your everyday T-shirt bra and mismatched underwear just wont do! (Unless thats your theme!) If you are going a theme, I've seen cute ideas regarding their husbands (or fiancé's/boyfriends!) occupations like firefighters, construction workers, etc.

Are you getting your hair and makeup professionally done? Like with any special event involving this type of photography I highly suggest leaving it to a trained hand! Besides, it's part of the glamorous feel of the whole thing!

My Boudoir Packages

I offer two different boudoir packages based on your needs! The first, is a one look on-sight hair and makeup application! I will come to the boudoir photography location to do your hair and makeup, including the airbrush makeup and false lashes! This will give you that VA-VA-VOOM and sexy confidence to kind of get into character for this photoshoot! I then leave after the application to keep you comfortable.

The second option includes the initial look listed above but also includes touch-ups and hair/makeup look changes for the duration of your photoshoot. Not only does it include all the hair and makeup application, touch ups, and changes, but I will also help you with your wardrobe and accessories. Additionally I work with the photographer to help with posing your body in flattering ways!

San Francisco Boudoir Photographers

While most wedding photographers also offer boudoir photography, the options below represent who I've worked with on boudoirs and have a great working relationship with! 

Adeline & Grace Photography - www.adelineandgraceintimates.com

Ian Chin Photography - www. boudoirsbyian.com

Karla Bravo Photography - www.boudoirwomen.com

Remember that you are beautiful, have fun, and empower yourself!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

A Romantic, Blush & Gold Wedding Affair!

I love the soft and romantic feel of blush and gold in a romantic wedding setting! While blush colored dresses have become a trend, after being worn by stars like Jessica Biel for her wedding to Justin Timberlake, this trend can be used in decor and hair and makeup!

I can practically feel the warmth, glow, and smell of this color! It's fantastically girlie but soft and romantic at the same time! You can bring the same aspect to your hair and makeup as well! Using soft blush for a flush of color on the cheeks and lips and warm golden eyes! 

For spring bridal hair, I love that it's about using accessories like head bands, fresh flowers, and fun feathers that are so different then the traditional veil! I'm loving the flower crown bridal hair trend right now as well, its absolutely perfect for spring!

The feel of these colors are just timeless! We see many bridal trends come and go (remember the 80's!) but blush and gold is forever! Some of the current bridal trends right now are very bold using patterns and bright colors, however these colors just feel soft and are always in style!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Spring Wedding Makeup at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, Ca

I had the pleasure of meeting my bride, Sara, at her best friends wedding whom I was doing makeup for 6 months prior! Before Sara had even gotten out of my chair that day (or even looking in the mirror!) she had booked me for her wedding! Between my partner and hairstylist Jen Hatcher, our two assistants, and I, we beautified more than 11 ladies, from the bride and her mother to her entire bridal party and even some extended family members! Through smiles, several emotional and tearful moments, and dancing, Sara and her ladies looked fabulous all the way up to their late night In N Out snack!

Sara and Dan were married at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, Ca on March 23, 2013! All photo's are the property and courtesy of Jim Vetter Photography!

CONGRATULATIONS SARA & DAN!

Wishing them a lifetime of happy memories together!

Vendors: Photography: Jim Vetter Photography Venue/Catering: Palm Event Center Event Planning: Eventful Days DJ: DJ Sir EdgarBand: The Peelers Lighting: Enhanced Lighting Hair: Jen the Hair Girl Makeup: Lisa Teller Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero Photobooth: Smile City Photo Booth Chuppah: Under the Chuppah Smores Firepits: Vindeflame Florist: Delford West Flowers

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Post-Party Next Morning Essentials - How to be Brunch Ready!

Have a little too much fun last night? If you celebrated at a wedding or just had a fantastic night out, these quick steps will transform your late night cocktail hangover into a beautiful brunch face! So brew yourself some coffee (Step 1), pop some ibuprofen (Step 2), a follow these steps to look alive after a big night out!

LETS GET STARTED
After you've had a few sips of coffee, make sure you're starting with clean and moisturized skin! Make sure you remove any left-over makeup from that smokey-eye that looked so great last night, your dark circles wont need any extra help!

Start with moisturizer. You can skip this step if you're really rushed, but it really only takes a few seconds. Like your body, alcohol will dehydrate your skin and bring out those red broken capillaries so its important to replenish the much needed moisture!

Next, move to your base: your foundation, tinted moisturizer, or BB cream. In this case, a BB cream might be a better option because it will help restore your skin. Apply your base all over, including your eyelids.

Then you'll want to spot conceal with your favorite concealer or under eye brightener. Apply to any areas or break outs that need extra coverage. You'll also want to focus under the eyes, to awaken, brighten, and de-puff.

Apply the under eye concealer in a triangle starting from the inner corner of your eye down the side of the nose and under the eye 3/4 of the way and blend it out. (See below)

For under eye concealing and brightening I'm obsessed with YSL Touché Éclat (I call it my magic wand!), it can awaken anyone's eyes and make them look like they slept like sleeping beauty for 10 hours! Whatever product or brand you use, the placement still works the same to achieve a similar effect!

The last steps are to add mascara (optional) and your favorite pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses and you're alive and looking well for brunch!

SHARING = AWESOME!

Share on your favorite social media sites!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

www.lisateller.com

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Makeup Bag Overhaul: Spring Cleaning!

Does your makeup bag need a MAJOR overhaul? When your doing your spring cleaning this year, dont forget to clean out your makeup bag! Some cosmetics should be replaced frequently, some dry out, or even expire - these are not things you want to be spreading on your face! Here's a quick guide of what to look out for to keep clean and organized cosmetics!

PURGE

I suggest you start by emptying out the contents of your makeup bag(s). This way you can easily see all the cosmetics you own including the things that have been buried and forgotten! 

Things to throw out:

-Toss anything you no longer use! If you haven't used it in the last 3 months its time to go, make room for new cosmetics you'll actually use!

-Toss out duplicates. Do you have more than 3 black eyeliners? Do you really need them all, in the same color?

-Toss out your mascara! Especially if you have sensitive eyes, you should buy a new mascara every month.

-Toss out anything that is broken or dried out! Its just taking up space!

MOST IMPORTANTLY:

Toss out ALL old Sunscreen! Sunscreen expires every year and the ingredients are no longer effective in protecting your skin from the sun! This includes all sunscreen sprays and lotions, and any products containing SPF like, moisturizers, primers, BB Creams, foundations, etc. 

CLEAN

Now that you've gone through your bag and gotten rid of some things, give the remaining cosmetics you wish to keep a wipe down including both the inside and outside of your makeup bag. This will clean up anything that may have spilled (or exploded!) or left over powders!

To Sanitize your makeup: fill a travel sized spritzer ($1 at any drugstore) with rubbing alcohol (min. 70%). Then spray (somewhat generously) any pressed powders including blushes, eyeshadows, bronzers, and even your mascara wand. The rubbing alcohol will not damage the integrity of the makeup and will dry in about 90 seconds.

Examine your makeup brushes, can you remember the last time you cleaned them?! If not you definitely need to read my blog on cleaning your makeup brushes!

ORGANIZE

Don't get this far and just dump everything back into the bag(s). When you're rushing and pressed for time the last thing you need to be searching for is your favorite lipstick! Being organized will help those hectic mornings, cut down on your "getting ready" time, and get you out the door faster when your already behind.

There are a few ways to do this depending on which you like best and how much makeup you have:

One simple way is to separate your cosmetics into two piles (two bags). The first would be all the makeup you need to complete one every day look! This includes every thing including foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, etc. All the extra colors of eyeshadows, eyeliners, lipsticks, etc and any other extra cosmetics in another bag. That way the necessities are easily reached and you can even grab it and toss in your purse in a pinch. The other bag is something you can use when you have some more time to dedicate to your look!

If you have a ton of makeup, like me, then you can categorize it by type of product. I have all makeup for eyes in one bag, all makeup for face in another, lipsticks in another, etc. I kind of tend to create my look as I go along, so having all my options in one place works best for me! 

Happy Cleaning! I hope you find yourself more organized and happy! 

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

www.lisateller.com

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

iGlow. Glowing Skin anyone?

iGlow.

Winter blues got you down? We all know how harsh winter can be to our skin, hair, nails, etc. and I dont know about you, but I'm dying for some sun, warm weather, and that natural glow summer gives you! Unless you're heading off to a tropical island, the rest of us have to deal with side effects of harsh winter weather.

Now let's get glowing..

First you need to shed all those dead skin cells! Gross right? Well then lets get them off of your face. Use a mild scrub, I like The Body Shop's Seaweed cleansing exfoliator. If you dont have any sort of scrub make your own! Use a little sugar, lemon juice, a little Argan oil if you have some on hand, and cleanser. Now massage your skin gently. :)

Now mix 3 TBSP of baking soda with 1 TBSP of water to make a paste/mask. Spread the mixture evenly over your face in circular motions and marinate on the couch for 5 mins. Rinse completely to reveal your gorgeous glowing skin! Don't forget to moisturize after!

XOXOX

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

www.lisateller.com

Extra, Extra! Read all about it: Newspaper nails and my favorite summer nail trends!

Newspaper Nails:

I'm loving this nail trend and its actually really easy to do! If you're like me, you cant afford to be in the nail salon every week but LOVE the all the chic nail trends you've been seeing everywhere - and this is a super chic and different look you can actually create easily at home! I did mine yesterday and they look FABULOUS!

What you'll need:

• A base nail polish color, I recommend a neutral color so you can see the black print clearly! I used "Like Linen" by Essie, its a creamy, off-white color similar to actual the paper that newspapers are printed on!
• Rubbing alcohol - 70-95% - I used 70% and it worked just fine!
• 10 Cut out Newspaper strips - large enough to cover your nail entirely.
• Top coat nail polish

Go ahead and apply a base polish(if you choose) and then 2 coats of your base color polish.
Make sure the nails have dried COMPLETELY before moving to the next step! I waited an hour just to be sure.
Dip your nail into the rubbing alcohol for 5 seconds then dip the newspaper strip in the alcohol.
Apply the newspaper strip to your nail and push down until it dries, about 20-30 seconds.
Remove newspaper and voila! Apply top coat polish to lock in the ink!

Other Summer Nail Trends I'm lovin'!

White nails are super hot this summer! A stark contrast to glowing skin, white nails are a beautiful way to bring out a tan in summer! Make sure you buy a polish that is thick enough to completely cover your nail. A translucent hue just won't look that good. 

I'm also loving bright colors this summer! Warm colors like pale yellows and corals and cool tones like blues are hot summer nail trends!

Happy nail painting ladies!

How to get a flawless summer glow!

June is finally here! And I'm super excited for the warm weather festivities! So todays blog will feature bronzing powders to get that GORGEOUS, healthy looking, summer glow! A golden glow is a summer essential and its super easy to get without soaking up harmful UV rays or baking in a tanning bed.

Taking a cue from the bronzed beauties that floated down the Spring 2011 runways of Gucci, Donna Karan, and Anna Sui, this seasons secret to bronzed beauty lies in the degrees of shimmer. This summer we will be seeing more subtle glows(keyword here is SUBTLE) than the deep, orange-y tans we're used to seeing. Golds and pink undertones are going to be a major stample this season!

But, before you go shoving your makeup brush into your favorite bronzer here are a couple of guidelines!

Dont sweat the technique! Prep your face with your favorite longwear liquid foundation followed by your favorite powder.

Do not use bronzer to set your makeup! You want to apply it over your usual powder and/or setting powder. HINT: Use a big, fluffy face brush to keep the finish seamless and natural looking.

Bronzer is like icing on the cake! My suggestion is to keep your natural skin color and not deviate from it too much. Keeping it sheer will ensure you get an elevated lift of color without going overboard! HINT: DONT FORGET to blend into your neck as well!

My favorite bronzers are from Stila Cosmetics(available at Sephora) because they come in varying colors to go perfect with your skin tone! You want something with a warm undertone with a touch of gold!

For a slightly more modern look I like to apply a little highlighter with a pinkish tone to the cheek bones. My favorite is Shell from MAC. And then blending a light pink blush with a Stila bronzer! It creates a beautiful natural looking glow!

Your guide to sunless tanners!

Beware of orange snooki glows and streaking! Choosing the right sunless tanner that wont leave you looking like a Jersey Shore cast member is important. lol.

Step by Step Guide to applying self tanner:


1. Prepare your body by showering, exfoliating(you can use a scrub for this or just a washcloth).
2. Dry your entire body thoroughly!
3. Now would be a good time to dry your hair as well! Think about it, you dont want any water dripping from your hair down your back and causing streaking!
4. Use gloves to avoid orange hands
5. Try circular motions instead of straight up-and-down, especially on your legs.
6. GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME! Ideally you should not put any street clothes on for at least 2 hours. Definitely no exercising, cleaning, or doing anything that will make you sweat for a few hours.
7. Avoid rain, showering, washing hands, or coming into contact with water in general for at least 12-24 hours.
8. Maintain your tan using a lotion that doesnt contain alcohol.



Recommended products:

Worth the money: St. Tropez self tanning products ranging from $30-$40. My favorite is the mousse! You can find it at Sephora.com

Bargain Brand: I absolutely love Jergens Natural Glow Foam for $6-$10 (depending on where you buy it)

Lotion to extend your tan: My favorite is Nivea Body Essential Enriched Lotion