Do Mascara Companies Need to Get Real?

It seems like these days that mascara companies are claiming to give you the "false lash look" with out the false eyelashes. Or these amazing lengths and volume.  And when you look at the model featured in the commercial her lashes look insane.  But if you look closely you will notice that these amazing lashes are nothing more then false eyelashes and have been Photoshop enhanced.  It's a total bummer because as the consumer we see this hoping for the same results, when in fact the lashes are fake anyway. 

See for yourself...

My favorite is the Maybelline Falsies commercial.  They claim you don't need false eyelashes, but these are soooo fake!  And the L'Oreal one with Gwen Stefani is funny because they show an upclose shot of her lashes and you can see the strip of the false lash. 

This is a huge pet peeve to me.  Especially when us normal people are striving to look like those models in the commercial and we are struggling to achieve the same look or hold up to the same standards.  Sure these commercials make the mascara seem glamorous and sexy.  But woman are being mislead. 

Back in December 2011, Cover Girl's Natureluxe Mousse Mascara ads were pulled by the NAD claiming the ads were dishonest.  I believe this is a step in the right direction to getting real advertising out there.  Maybelline is also under fire for photoshopping their ads.

Now I'm not saying the products are bad.  In fact a lot of them are good.  But just know that you are not going to achieve the same look that the mascara companies are claiming in their advertising campaigns. 

Each and everyone has a different lashes just like the hair on their head.  So each person is going to get a different outcome.  Find a brand that you like.  And that may not necessarily be the most expensive.  The drug store brands do have excellent formulas. 

So what do you think about this?  Do mascara companies need to get real?  Or do you think this is just par for the course in advertising and marketing?  Let me know your thoughts, comment here or on www.facebook.com/mkmakeupartist. 

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Here She Comes Miss America 2012! Get her Makeup Look!

DO:  Wear waterproof mascara anytime you think you might cry, sweat or get your makeup wet for any reason.  This was a big faux pax of the new Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler, Miss Wisconsin.  However we will over look this big makeup mess and take a look at her beautiful makeup from before the tears.  Well, actually this is after the tears, just touched back up:)

Awe, now that is better.  This gorgeous beauty won the coveted title of Miss America and now will be spending the next year living out of a suite case and supporting worthy causes.  Being a makeup artist I can't help but pay more attention to the makeup.  Laura is very dark haired and choose a black dress, which looked amazing on her.  But surprisingly she choose to wear very dark makeup too.  Which I felt was maybe a tad bit too much.  However, the technique is very pretty.  I just would have done this look with a more neutral dress or maybe softened up the look for this beautiful black one. 

It looks as if she went for a matte black smokey eye the comes up above her natural crease and blended softly near the brow bone.  Heavy black liner is on the top and bottom lash lines including the waterline.  And she definitely is sporting some thick false eyelashes.  She did well to balance out the eyes with a softer lip and cheek.  I am giving her some credit that she does need it to be a bit darker for television.  I like the peachy rose color that she choose.  My overall thought is that although pretty it's a bit much for a 23 year old, the dark hair and dark dress. 

This look is easy to achieve, just use the smokey eye technique in a very black matte shadow.  Pair up with a peachy lip gloss and blush.  And, BAM!  You look like Miss America.  Just don't forget the waterproof mascara!  PLEASE!

Photos courtesy of Scott Harrison http://www.harrisonphotos.com/.

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Royal Wedding Favorites

I just got done watching the pomp and circumstance of the wedding of the decade along with millions of others across the globe.  Kate Middleton, of middle class stature, marries a Prince and becomes the envy of all woman, the Duchess of Cambridge and the future Queen of England.  You would think that with all the media attention and hoopla, she would not risk for a moment how she will appear to millions and millions of people.  It is rumored that Kate opted to do her own makeup on her big day.  Now, she didn't go into it without any kind of training.  She hired makeup artist Arabella Preston to hone in and master her technique.  Most brides especially of celebrity status would never have taken that risk.  Why she decided to do this?  It hasn't been said yet.  But I certainly applaud her for trying.  I would have personally have done more of a softer look with less eyeliner, especially along the lower lash line.  Or have at least blended it out more.  But her use of color was lovely and ultimately she looked beautiful.  The warmth of her eyes really compliment the rosy cheeks and lipstick.  This look would be gorgeous on any skin tone.  And I love her bold eyebrows which are making a full comeback especially for this Fall. 

Kate Middleton's classic and elegant wedding gown was designed by Sarah Burton, director for Alexander McQueen.  This girl just went up in points in my book!  She kept it simple and chic, and certainly not over the top like Princess Diana's dress was.  Her dress has been compared to Grace Kelly's timeless gown.  The lace bodice and long sleeves partnered with a tasteful plunging neckline is so modern yet classic.  She kept her veil simple to let the lace and tiara, which was borrowed from the Queen made by Cartier, shine.  Her train was dramatic yet at a comfortable length.

Her Maid of Honor and Sister, Pippa Middleton, also wore Alexander McQueen in an ivory scooped neck with cap sleeved dress.  This dress is reminiscence to the red dress that Cameron Diaz wore to the 2010 Golden Globes.  She looked absolutely beautiful and the dress fit her like a dream.  It's interesting that Kate had her bridesmaid's were white. 

 I am so fascinated with how popular hats are in England.  Every single woman wore these wonderful hats in every over the top style from large saucer types, floral bouquets, feathers, and these amazing little artistic hats worn in the most awkward of places.  On their forehead.  If you were not wearing one, then you were the minority.  Each hat was a work of art.  Some notable wearers were Victoria Beckham, the Ferguson Daughters, Sophie Winkleman, Lady Frederick Windsor, & Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Queen Mum also looked lovely in a canary yellow dress and matching hat.  I loved that she wore such a cheery color. 

Everyone who watches the Royal Wedding are mostly curious about the fashion.  And that's what it gave you.  Fashion, fashion and more fashion.  Starting with Kate's timeless appeal and to the celebrity and Royal guest's fashion choices, it was surely an event to watch! 


Get Kate Middelton's Wedding day makeup look.  Check out this video:

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