LOVE THE SKIN YOU ARE IN!

As I sit here and sanitize my makeup kit, this PSA comes to mind.

My kit contains a total of 54 different mixable shades and tones of skin color. They have all been tapped into and have made me realize that I would be lost without all of them. Each nuance. Each variation has shown me the power of beauty.

Please, if you do nothing else today, hug and love yourself and be proud of your skin. You were made perfectly and in an image that is not erroneous.

Credits:

Hair & Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | http://www.wafuartistry.com

Photography (L2R): Jorge Rivas, Nicollette Mollet, Wade Livingston, Lalo Torres, Roy Choudhury

LIP SERVICE: Beauty Tips for maintaining a beautiful pout

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They come in all in all shapes, colors, and sizes but all are nonetheless beautiful, sexy, and necessary.

I’m speaking of LIPS!

This area of our skin gets a lot of use but can sometimes be neglected.

ANATOMY

Did you know that the skin on your lips is made up entirely different than anything else in your face? The skin is thinner which allows more blood vessels to show close to the surface. This gives them their color and sensitivity. They also lack oil glands, which keep the skin lubricated. This is why they suffer due to extreme temperatures and dehydration.

Follow these tips to keep your lips feeling smooth and balanced:

1. No licking!- Saliva has powerful digestive enzymes that can destroy the bit of hydration on your lips and leave them raw. Instead, use a lip balm to create slip.

2. To balm or not to balm– In essense, all lip products go on the same way but not all are created equal. A balm will give you a more emollient benefit throughout the day. A conditoner, however, is usually thicker and is meant to be worn longer as a treatment to reap its benefits. Take note to stay away from menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor if you are allergic, sensitive or you have cracked lips as these ingredients will only aggravate the issue.

I do not splurge on lip balms but do use them throughout the day. That way if I misplace them, it doesn’t hurt the bank.

* NIVEA A Kiss of Vitamin Swirl

*Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

For overnight conditioning and repair, I use lip conditioner that has additional antioxidants and collagen. My favorites are:

*Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Therapy

It’s taste and smell are addictive while the Black Currant Seed Oil and Sea Fennel Oil hydrate and smooth out lines. I use nightly and immediately after exfoliating.

*Dior Crème de Rose Lip Balm

Rose of Damas essential oil and shea butter really pack a punch of hydration for your lips. Vitamins A and E combined with SPF 10 also make it my go to when in extreme weather conditions like summer and winter. It also doubles as a nice nail cuticle conditioner.

3. Hydrate – You hear it day in and day out of how important drinking enough water is. This is one the first areas to show signs of dehydration. Sadly enough, caffeine will dehydrate you even more.

4. Exfoliate correctly– Exfoliation is benefial and necessary to remove dead skin cells from our bodies. However, over doing it can have the adverse effect. In general, I exfoliate with a product once or twice a week depending on when it is needed.

My go to exfoliators are:

*Bliss Fabulips Sugar Scrub

This scrub is made with granulated sugar, almond, and walnet shells which gently remove any flakes. Jojoba oil and vanilla condition without residue and stickiness. This is a staple in my makeup kit!

Don’t want to buy one? I make a small batch at a time to give to clients and models. Make one at home by using this recipe:

In a glass bowl, mix:
* 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
* 3 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
* 10 drops of rosewater
* 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil

Mix throughly and store in a glass container. I use this in the shower and scrub my lips in a soft circular motion for 1 minute. Rinse and pat dry.

5, Don’t stay matte forever – I love a good matte lipstick color but these can be quite drying and can accentuate lip dryness. Rest your lips in between by properly using a lip conditioner, exfoliating, and hydrating.

Stay soft and hydrated my friends!

Header Image Credit:

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes
Photos: Jorge Rivas, Nicollette Mollet

BEAT WINTER DRYNESS WITH THE BEST BODY OILS

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I’m not sure what part of the world you are in but here in Dallas, Texas, the weather has a mind of its own.

The heat, humidity, wind, rain and cold can be pretty abrasive and harsh on our bodies.

Now that the winter is upon us, I have to change my skin care routine a bit to ensure that it doesn’t dry out. I have highly reactive and sensitive combination skin with an oily T-zone.

As the days get shorter and we can’t get much of the sun’s glow, we dry our skins out by using heat in our homes and cars, and by longer hot showers.

Here is a list of my go to beauty oils that are tried and true. I keep these in stock in my makeup kit and beauty cabinet. These can be used alone or as a supplement to your routine.

HAIR

* Moroccan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment

This oil is a lifesaver for me when my scalp is unbalanced. Lavender, geranium, and argan oils act together to soothe and moisturize without a greasy feel. If your scalp is on the oilier side, opt for the oily scalp version.

* AG Extra Virgin Argan Miracle Soothing Oil

I use half a pump of this soft oil in my hair immediately after bathing. It is paraben, gluten, and sulfate free. It is amazing for containing frizz and protecting colored hair. Dimethicone helps dry your hair faster and helps with UV deflection. Distribute evenly from root to end to and comb through. Can be used on the body to treat dry patches.

FACE

*Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil

Used by Geishas to create a glow and help suppleness, this is my favorite skin oil to use during drying periods. Camelia, Rice Bran, and Japanese Sea Kelp all act as buffers against free radicals, help restore lipid balance, and hydrate while not being greasy. I use it prior to my moisturizer and I sleep in it as well. 4 to 6 drops are enough. Warm up in hands and press into skin for fast absorption. If you want a heavier glow, just distribute in small circles for a buffed look.

* Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl’s has become a must have for me because they really know skin. No fuss just clean skin care. Squalene, Evening Primrose Oil, and Lavender work together to keep moisture locked in, replenish the lipid barrier, and refuce dark spots and blotchiness. Night time is when our skin regenerates and repairs itself so I use this only at night under my Tsubaki Oil.

*Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Argan Oil has been used for hundreds of years by Moroccan women. This light oil helps shield them from the desert sun and keeps aging signs away. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil is great because it is fair traded and high quality with no parabens, sulfates, or fragance. It is light enough for everyday wear as a moisturizer alone but it also can help with rosacea and eczema. I love using it as a moisturizer, cuticle oil and hair oil on myself and on set.

BODY

* L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

I drench my skin in this oil from head to toe right after a shower. It is high in Omega Fatty Acids which restore the fatty barrier in the skin. It is free of heavy fragrance so it does not clash with any of your other scents. I alternate this oil with raw coconut oil for maximum benefit.

*Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Oil

I use this luxury oil when I am going to go out on the town or for a formal affair. I also sometimes wear this to bed. I love the light, crisp scent which complements all of my fragrances. It is formulated with grapeseed, olive fruit, and date seed oils which make it a dry, fastly absorbed hydrator.

* Carol’s Daughter Coconut Dry Oil Mist

I like to use a dry oil when I’m traveling or if I am in a hurry in the morning. This particular product is great because it has coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize and açai extract for antioxidant benefits.

MULTI-PURPOSE

* Raw Organic Coconut Oil is great to moisturize the body in place of over yhe counter lotions. You can also use it to relive scalp dryness and soften hair.
I rub a bit of the solid onto the soles of my feet and sleep with socks on to moisturize my heels.

*Tea Tree Oil is perfect for when I have a rare(but serious) breakout. Gently swab a drop or two onto the blemish with a cotton bud. It’s antimicrobial and antibacterial propperties also help it keep them at bay and helps with regulating overly oily skin.

*Avocado oil is full of fatty acids that are essential for skin’s water retention. I use mine to sheer out foundation on set or to moisturize lips and cuticles.

Enjoy and stay soft!!

Lauren Bacall: Iconic Beauty

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Only in rare occasions does one find sensuality, poise, beauty, charisma, and talent enveloped in one person. Lauren Bacall has and always will be inspirational to the hairdressing and makeup artistry world. From silver screen starlet to modeling and spoke person, she always evoked glamour.

In my opinion, a shining example of ultra feminine power. One that carries through a lifetime.

Rest in peace Lauren Bacall.

Take time to realize

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Summer is a super busy season. There are a lot of formal events, weddings, graduations, portfolio updates and fall season previews. Thankfully, makeup and hair artists are needed for all of these!

However, being in contact with so many people day in and day out leaves you with a vulnerable and depleted energy. For me, I know that I have to recharge frequently as to not upset my balance.

I was scheduled to lead a beginner’s makeup class in Austin, TX so I decided to make a retreat trip out of it. I checked into a resort off the beaten path.

“I need this alone time” I said. “I can’t hear my thoughts.” I figured this would do my soul some good.

As I drove up to my destination, I quickly realized I got a little more than I bargained for. My cell phone couldn’t make or recieve calls. No texts. No emails. What if someone had a hair and makeup emergency?!

When night fell and the lights were out, I could hold my hand to my face and couldn’t see it. It was pitch dark Wi-fi and no cell signal. What was I thinking?!

The following morning, after a light breakfast, I decided to go for a hike in the hills.

The sky was a bright cerulean blue and it was not too hot. As I walked thru the trail, the noises around me were so defeaning. All I could hear were the crickets, birds, and all types of unimaginable creatures just hanging out. I was easily startled and was very jumpy. I had forgotten how it was to just listen to nature and not freak out at leaves rustling, birds flapping, and grasshoppers chirping. I encountered such beautiful colors, textures, and life.

I glided easily into my walking pace and started jogging. I finished running and was drenched in sweat.

After showering, I was starving and walked to the small cafe on the property. I asked for a window seat during dinner as to stage the “perfect” sunset frame. In the run and chase of trying to perfect and create a career and life, I forget to stop. Slow down. Watch and see.

There were 3 tables that complained that the setting sun was too bright and requested the blinds be closed. Observing this behavior was monumental for me. How many times have I passed up a beautiful opportunity because it’s uncomfortable?

I coordinated my 3 course meal to coincide with the sunset. I began my dinner at 8pm and ended at 9pm. As I watched the clouds change from sky blue, to cerulean, to cornflower, to periwinkle, lavender and finally magenta, it hit me. THIS sunset. These clouds. I will never see again. I must remember to live in the moment.

Remember to cherish the breath you’re taking. The ability to see and feel. Take time to listen to your inner self. Make it your compass. There is a lot of beauty in staying in the moment.

Love, light, and peace to you all:)

Happy National Lipstick Day!

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Happy National Lipstick Day!

Whether it’s au naturale, sensually red, fashion forward violet, or vampy black, express and celebrate yourself!

Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | http://www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Jorge Rivas http://www.jorgerivashoot.com
Nicollette Mollet http://www.nicollettemollet.com
Lalo Torres, Cody Kinsfather

“LIP COLOR” featuring Claire Peralta

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Working on set sometimes requires you to think on your feet to make impact. This series was created in under an hour since our model was in between castings.

Using my Makeup Forever Flash Color Palette, I was able to create an array of colors to tell a fun story.

See below for my color combinations and the end result! Enjoy and go ahead explore!

Credits

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | http://wwww.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Jorge Rivas | http://www.jorgerivashoot.com

Muse: Claire Peralta of Kim Dawson Agency

Summer Fashion & Beauty Trends to try!

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Inspired by Spring/Summer 2014 fashion trends, our team developed a fresh and clean photo session featuring beautiful Jade Ava.

White can be a great color to wear during the summer to keep you cool and to look modern. Crisp white is a big trend in fashion right now and can be worn in a fitted dress as shown here.

You can opt for a tailored pant suit as well.

Bold pops of color were spotted strutting down the runway this season. Add a pop of color to your white with a handbag, accesory or makeup in cobalt blue, sorbet orange, or radiant orchid.

Another big trend that I am quite fond of is a bold floral and colorful print. Fashion stylist Ashley Kim arranged this outfit to showcase this trend.

I recommend trying a beautiful dewy finish to your foundation to showcase a bold lip. I used Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer to achieve a healthy glow. I especially love this product because it is sheer and looks like skin but has enough light coverage to hide imperfections. The SPF 20 is an added bonus. The lipstick color was custom mixed by using OCC Lip Tar in Yellow, Red, and Brown.

Another way to show some flair is by adding a bit of color to your eyes. I opted to skip a traditional black liquid liner for a bold cobalt blue. This shade is MAC Fluidline in Waveline. I love this type of liner because it wears durably especially in the summer heat. I recommend a hint of complimentary blush and a lip balm to balance the look.

As the temperatures heat up, the last thing you want to do is spend hours crafting your hair in a muggy bathroom. I recommend the use of sea salt sprays to add a bit of wave to emulate a beachy texture. I misted Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray in her hair and diffused it with her head tilted down to create texture. I then gathered it at the nape of the neck, twisted a couple of times as if creating a bun and pinned it in place.

As the night comes around, you don’t have to compromise comfort for style. Ashley Kim dressed our model in a plunging back LBD. Show off your tan by gently exfoliating your body with my favorite body scrub 100% Pure Body Scrub. I love it for its smell, chemical free formula and price.

Break out a bold pop of color with your LBD. I paired a sultry smokey eye in Dove Grey by using the NARS Delphes Trio Palette and a black eyeliner. Complement the look with a pop of red with a daring like the one used on Jade. I recommend Rouge Dior in N°999.

Enjoy and take a colorful risk!

Credits

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | http://www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Nicollette Mollet | http://www.nicollettemollet.com

Fashion Styling: Ashley Kim | http://www.iaagency.com

Model: Jade Ava Armstrong

FASHION FLASHBACK FRIDAY: “A Girl’s Dream” Editorial feature InFluential Magazine

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FASHION FLASHBACK FRIDAY: “A Girl’s Dream” Editorial feature InFluential Magazine.

FASHION FLASHBACK FRIDAY: “A Girl’s Dream” Editorial feature InFluential Magazine

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This beautiful magazine cover and fashion editorial came together using the stunning designs of Binzario Couture. The session, which was photographed as the foliage was turning from fall to winter here in Dallas, Texas, seems to come right out of a fairytale.

The hair and makeup by Walter Fuentes showcased gentle washes of rose and bordeaux stains on the cheeks and lips. The skin was left with a satin finish and highlighted with pearlescent and gold tones using NARS Highlighter in Albatross and the Foreplay Palette. Faux elbow length gloves were handpainted in White Acrylic Paint by MAC to add a twist on a traditional element.

The hair was set with a 3/4″ curling wand alternating directions of curls to create maximum texture. The hair was then finger raked and arranged organically as to conserve the ringlets. The shot of her by the water inspired me to make a headpiece of white feathers to simulate a White Swan. The hair for the shot of the dark blush gown was brushed out completely with a Mason Pearson and finger backcombed.

The editorial was featured at http://influential-magazine.com/a-girls-dream-fashion-editorial-continued/

Enjoy!!