Make Up Solution
Per a friend's recommendation on Twitter, I ixnayed the idea of using Sephora to do my own make up. I couldn't justify spending almost $300 on make up alone.
So yesterday, per her recommendation, and the recommendation of a couple of other friends, I trekked down to Woodbridge to try out Ulta. Now, it wasn't that I had to go that far, they have a location in Downtown Silver Spring, but we were heading down to Ikea and Michaels anyhow, and made an afternoon of it.
After 30 minutes I was sold. Ulta, as a store has pretty much everything that has to do with make up, hair care, body care, you name it. Not to mention, they have a salon in there! I didn't check out the salon, however it might be worth my while in the future.
The person I spoke with, immediately after I mentioned bridal make up recommended me to this product:
The 7 in 7 kit - a $155 value for $55!!! She demo'ed it for me, it was light, easy, and comes with SEVEN full size products. It also comes in a few different shades for different skin tones! I bought the foundation and powder (that doesn't come with it) so all in all, with a couple brushes that I didn't have, I spent $130.
But! Ulta has an amazing rewards program that gives you 4 points for ever $1 you spend - and you get amazing rewards at various levels. I signed up for it and could already get $4 off my next purchase or I can wait till I spend more.
While I might not exactly live so conveniently to an Ulta, it's definitely worth going out of my way for.
So yesterday, per her recommendation, and the recommendation of a couple of other friends, I trekked down to Woodbridge to try out Ulta. Now, it wasn't that I had to go that far, they have a location in Downtown Silver Spring, but we were heading down to Ikea and Michaels anyhow, and made an afternoon of it.
After 30 minutes I was sold. Ulta, as a store has pretty much everything that has to do with make up, hair care, body care, you name it. Not to mention, they have a salon in there! I didn't check out the salon, however it might be worth my while in the future.
The person I spoke with, immediately after I mentioned bridal make up recommended me to this product:
The 7 in 7 kit - a $155 value for $55!!! She demo'ed it for me, it was light, easy, and comes with SEVEN full size products. It also comes in a few different shades for different skin tones! I bought the foundation and powder (that doesn't come with it) so all in all, with a couple brushes that I didn't have, I spent $130.But! Ulta has an amazing rewards program that gives you 4 points for ever $1 you spend - and you get amazing rewards at various levels. I signed up for it and could already get $4 off my next purchase or I can wait till I spend more.
While I might not exactly live so conveniently to an Ulta, it's definitely worth going out of my way for.
Labels: DIY, Hair and Makeup, Miss Gallery Place
posted by Only One Heidi at 8:46 PM
8 Comments:
As a Photographer that shoots weddings and portraits (especially beauty work), there are some concerns with your choice here that should merit your consideration.
One of the reasons why these product are cheap is that they do not contain as much color pigments as the more expensive brands like MAC, Sephora, or other more reputable brands that Make-Up Artists ("MUA") use.
These cheaper products tend to not show up well when photographed, especially when hit with flash or strong light sources. Brands like MAC (acronym for "Makeup Artist Cosmetics")were developed specifically with this concern in mind.
Also products that contain mica (like Bare Minerals) tend to reflect light around to where it looks like there is a shine on the face when photographed.
Not trying to lecture here but this is the kind of thing that highlights the value of hiring a good MUA for your wedding day. They have the products for every situation and know what work best for the situation and can provide a look that's different from what you normally do and the knowledge and experience.
I know it attractive to save money for your wedding day but sometimes saving money can have unintended consequences.
I would highly suggest a trail with this make-up and photographing it to see how it photographs versus doing a trial with a MUA to see which one works better for you.
I am going to echo a bit what the above commenter said--some really sparkly make up can end up looking really powdery or dusty in photos. If you decide to go with the Ulta make up, I do suggest at least investing in a great primer, like Smashbox or HD Makeup. This will at least keep the make up on your face.
I also suggest getting a powder from either or those brands or MAC or Bobby Brown to finish off the look.
You wont spend $300 and still have some make up that will make you look amazing:-)
this makeup wasn't cheap. The girl who recommended it to me suggested it to me because i told her we were having a professional photographer and that it was photographer ready make up. all these questions re: primer/photographer ready/etc...I asked them.
just because the name isn't bobby brown or mac doesn't mean that it's not as good. I did the trial - with powder and foundation that i also purchased - and it looked just as good as the make up that sephora put on me.
Did you photograph your trail make-up?
In person, few can tell the difference from make-up designed for everyday wear from make-up design for more intense activities. A make-up's quality can be revealed when photographed or video taped.
You are correct, you don't have to buy brand name products. I'll check with the Stylists that I regularly work with for recs on less costly brands.
From experience in photographing consumer level cosmetics, they do not show up well when photographed. Often you have to put on a heavy application of the make-up which can look caked or heavy.
The proof is in the results for you. If it photograph wells then you don't have a problem. As long as you are happy with the decision that's all that matters.
Cheap makeup is exactly that... cheap. The quality is lacking in several ways. The texture & blendability are horrible, and the pigmentation is very low. Weddings are supposed to be one of the most important days of our lives. Why mess that up with crappy makeup?
As a professional makeup artist for film, magazine, and live events, I think its great you've decided to do your own makeup! And Cargo is actually well-known for it's Blu_Ray line of products designed for HD photography. I'm guessing the people who have replied have not used Cargo, or weren't aware that it is actually a high end line carried at Sephora and Ulta, and is one of the FEW lines designed to photograph flawlessly.
Even moreso than MAC.
It's your wedding, not theirs, so if you loved the way you looked - go for it!
@ jordan - THANK YOU!!!! :) Glad to hear it comes recommended. the girl who demo'ed it on me said she had used it as a bridesmaid for her sisters wedding and said it was amazing. Thanks for the reassurance (not that i needed it ;) )
Miss Gallery,
I apologize if what I commented on came off as calling the make up "cheap." I was merely commenting on getting some additional products to ensure the best make up.
I have used Cargo, and I think it does work well. That being said, having worked in events myself and having known and worked with other make up artists in the DC area, I was only offering what I hope was helpful, especially for other girls who might read the blog and decide not to get a recognized make up brand. I think you can use a wide variety of make up regardless of brand, but that having a good primer and a nice powder to finish up the look can definitely make a huge difference. I didnt see a primer or a powder with the kit, hence the recommendation to invest in some.
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