Makeup Kitty

New Blog .......

2008-11-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

Times are changing and progress is happening, so with that said, I have moved my daily posts here.

Please sign up for your daily beauty tips, insider secrets, product reviews and much more!!!

See you over there! :)

Stepping back to the '80's!

2008-09-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, I've stepped back into the '80's and lost about 14 lbs. so far! You might be asking yourself, "What is she talking about?" I am talking about the step workout dvd by Kathy Kahler. It's AMAZING and works! She spends the right amount of time warming up, stretching before and after the workout, does amazing cardio, and then some toning exercises and cool down to complete the workout.

It is a purchase you will not regret and it's fun to be back on the step! Not to mention the fact that the pounds will melt off!

Happy Stepping!

What is your fave makeup product?

2008-08-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

So, I was thinking about this last night, I wonder what the consumers and my clients love in their makeup bag?

Hence, this post of this question....what is your fave makeup product and why?

Make it a great day!

:)

Summertime....

2008-08-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since my last post. I have been so busy this summer with makeup work for weddings, print work and television work. Along with my few days working at the spa, I have had little time to research new makeup/skincare products and do postings about them.

I covered for a makeup artist friend of mine and she turned me on to the BEST translucent powder out there! You better be sitting down, because this will shock you. La Femme Loose Translucent powder. It costs about $2 or $3 and it has the best texture and smell. It goes on the skin beautifully and makes it look flawless, without looking dry.

I also have been loving my sircuit skincare xtrap cleanser, using my clairsonic brush with it morning and night. (I have to be honest, I don't wash my face every night like I should.) Even washing my face 1x a day, my skin is so clear, so hydrated, my fine lines are less pronounced, I'm amazed.

Other than those little finds, that is all I can think of to post at the moment. I could go on about the world of Facebook and how addicted I am to searching for long lost friends and such, or how much I loved "the Dark Knight", and how much I love my hubby of 2 years and our "kids" (our dog and cat), but I'll save you from that.

Until the next time, be well and keep in touch with any beauty/skincare questions you might have.

Best,
Courtney Corvan Alovis
www.courtneycorvan.com

Genie in a Bottle

2008-03-13T10:23:00.001-07:00

Back in the day, I used to always make sure to put a primer on my eyelid before adding shadow. Sometime along the way I just fell out of the habit.

When I was out shopping for new products to add to my makeup kit, I stopped, as always, at Urban Decay and noticed a cute purple genie bottle labeled "Eyeshadow Primer Potion". I swiped a bit on the back of my hand, then took a bright turquoise shadow and put it over the primer. After testing a few other primers on the same hand, I noticed Urban Decay’s potion made the shadow more vibrant and not as dense.

Since then I’ve been using Eyeshadow Primer Potion on myself and my clients. Just apply a thin layer to lids before shadow application and it dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating a perfect canvas for lids that are ready for color.

I have a renewed love for creating the perfect creaseless eyes. They’ll never be without a primer again.

Available at Sephora stores and www.UrbanDecay.com.

www.CourtneyCorvan.com

Sircuit Training

2007-12-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine just told me about a line of all natural, chemical free skincare that she knew I’d love. She knows I’m on a constant search for natural products that deliver results and I think Sircuit Skin may be just what I’ve been waiting for.

Sircuit Skin is an advanced natural skincare line that uses a few key technologies: Chrial Technology, Spin Trap, Heavy Water/D20 and Epidermal Growth Factor, all which are explained in FULL detail on their website. In short, think of it as “fresh off the vine, compared to canned fruit."

After reading through the information and products on the website, I ordered their advanced trial set. After day number two, I noticed such a change in my skin and it felt fabulous I quickly went online and ordered the full-size set.

My skin was feeling extra dry and started breaking out, but after my first use of Sircuit Skin, my skin cleared up and it felt more hydrated than ever. And best of all, it truly is all natural.

www.SircuitSkin.com

www.CourtneyCorvan.com

Brush with Love....

2007-10-25T10:05:00.001-07:00

For over three years I have been a vegetarian. In the last month I decided to become vegan, thanks to reading Skinny Bitch.

One of the main hurdles for me has been finding a comparable replacement for my makeup brushes. Being a makeup artist and becoming a vegan I wanted to find a high-quality synthetic alternative. Peggy Hannaman-Jones, an Emmy-nominated hairstylist and makeup artist, spent years researching and sourcing alternative fibers, cutting brushes by hand, and negotiating with manufacturers. In 2005, after testing more than 300 prototypes, Branded J Collections was born.

The collection consists of sixteen ultra-soft brushes that are made from custom-cut synthetic Taklon fibers and complemented by sleek, cayenne-colored acrylic handles. The Anti-Bacterial benefits are also a huge plus.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you will love the feel and application of these Branded J Collctions brushes.

Available at www.BrandedJcollections.com

www.CourtneyCorvan.com
www.thetipjar.com

Amazing Face

2007-10-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

Amazing Face
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Written by Tipster Courtney
10.10.2007
Last month I was introduced to a concealer that is literally—amazing! No really, it is called Amazing Concealer from Amazing Cosmetics. It doesn't sit on top of your skin and it doesn’t crack in between the laugh lines. It erases the dark circles, leaving the eyes looking refreshed and alert.

Apply this concealer on broken capillaries, blemishes, sun damage and redness makes those annoying imperfections disappear. Amazing concealer is highly pigmented, so you don’t need much. Just use a pin point amount on the imperfection you’re targeting or three small dots on the dark circles around your eyes then blend with your finger.

Here’s another suggestion: Using a lip brush instead of the bigger concealer brush works far better at applying the product to the skin/eyes.

With 8 different shades to choose from, I like to take 2 and blend them together when my skin tone changes. I put a dot of one color and add the 2nd color in a little container and work from that, so no product is wasted.

Available at www.AmazingCosmetics.com and www.Sephora.com.

www.CourtneyCorvan.com

New Products page under construction!!!

2007-10-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of getting together my favorite products page on my website! stay tuned for all the best of the best cruelty-free, toxic free makeup and makeup tools! :)

in the meantime, i just finished a GREAT book, "skinny bitch"....it's a book about health and a great, easy, funny, informative book. :)

enjoy!

Getting ready for Halloween!

2007-10-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Should I be scary, sexy, or funny? Submit any of your Halloween makeup questions and I can guide you in the right direction to make your costume this year be a success!

courtney :)

Feeling Hot...

2007-09-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

I’m always shopping around for new skincare products. On a recent trip to Whole Foods Market I came across a product that caught my eye called Hot Pore™ Cleansing Scrub from Collective Wellbeing.

Hot Pore™ contains natural mineral powders that heat up temporarily. It gently helps to open your pores for a deeper cleansing treatment. Excess oil, make-up and other impurities are swept away by active charcoal and Jojoba wax scrubbing beads. Salicylic acid and retinal remove dead skin cells and help to smooth skin texture.

I use this three times a week in the shower after I cleanse my skin. The first time I used Hot Pore™ I fell in love with the immediate warmth as it was activated on my skin. Jojoba wax beads gently exfoliate and moisturize my skin, while the active charcoal acts as a super sponge soaking up nearly all impurities that pass through it.

Ever since I began using this product I’ve been getting compliments on my glowing, clear skin. I also use it as a spot treatment if a blemish starts to creep up.

I know a good thing when I find it.

Available at www.CollectiveWellbeing.com and Whole Foods Market.

www.CourtneyCorvan.com

Miracle Worker

2007-08-22T12:49:00.001-07:00

On my routine visit to the juice bar for my shot of wheatgrass, I picked up their copy of a book called, “The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain” written by Stanley W. Jacob MD. Since I have been dealing with tendonitis in my ankle for six months now, I flipped through the book and looked up my ailment.

There was an entire chapter devoted to “tendonitis of the hands, arms, and feet”. What is MSM? It’s a non-toxic natural anti-inflammatory supplement with MANY health benefits. It also improves skin tone, keeps wrinkles away and strengthens hair & nails. So I decided to try it out!

After just a week of taking the minimum suggested dosage my ankle pain from my tendonitis was diminished. I told my husband about MSM, as he suffers from weekly migraines, and after about a week his migraines disappeared.

And yes, my “smile lines” are less, skin is glowing, nails are growing, and my hair is shiny and thicker.

Since I am not a medical professional, check with you Dr. before starting MSM.

MSM is available at Whole Foods Market

www.CourtneyCorvan.com

Q & A

2007-08-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Do you have a beauty question? email me at makeupkitty@mac.com and I will post the answer here....:)

Tip Off!

2007-08-08T09:34:00.001-07:00

Written by Tipster Courtney
08.08.2007
I wanted to share a few bite-sized tips with you that I’ve compiled while in the beauty biz. Here are some of my favorites:

If lash extensions don't appeal to you and you have trouble putting on those individual ones yourself, find a pair of strip lashes that you love then take one of the strips and cut it right down the middle. Apply your lash adhesive, then take one half and place the lash on your eye, with the longer lashes on the outer corner of your eye. Take the other and do the same thing on your other eye.

Want to be tan without going in the sun or just even out your already tanned skin and make it glow? Try Air Stockings for the body. It’s an amazing spray-on tan that has diamond powder in it and it is waterproof so it will not come off on your clothing. There are 3 bases to choose from depending on your desired effect.

As you know, I do makeup and facials for a living. Clients always assume that I get facial treatments on a regular basis. Instead, I like to treat myself to an at home facial. Anyone can do this.

Start by using a dry body brush to get the lymph system moving and detoxifying. Then get in the bath with epsom salts for a hot 20 minute soak. Wash your face twice with the appropriate cleanser for your skin type, exfoliate your skin with an enzyme scrub and place a hot towel on your face. Next, wrap your fingers with tissues and get your super magnifying mirror out to begin gently extracting. Apply a toner that is suitable for your skin type. Then apply a thin layer of your clay or hydrating mask and wait 10-15 min. Rinse with lukewarm water, follow with appropriate serum and hydrator, then moisturize.

Stay tuned for more…

www.courtneycorvan.com
www.thetipjar.com

brows

2007-08-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Q: Over the years, my eyebrows have gotten thinner and patchy. I got an eyebrow pencil and tried to fill them in, but they just looked like someone drew a line on my skin, especially where there was actually no hair left anymore. I had a professional make-up artist do my eyebrows once and when she was finished, they looked like eyebrows, seemingly with little individual hairs. Help! How do I make them look like the pro did?

A: This is a good question. When you get your eyebrow pencil, you’ll want to make sure it is sharp. Then you want to gently stroke the pencil in the same direction as the other hairs in the brow. Basically, you are putting on individual drawn lines, penciled on “hair”. Set with a brow gel in either clear or the tone to match your brows and start raising some eyebrows!

Stuck on You

2007-08-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

“Stuck on You”

3 years ago I found myself in an ER, hooked up to an EKG, convinced I was having a heart attack. It turns out it was heartburn. Heartburn brought on from my anxiety. That was the low point for me and I finally took the advice of my then boyfriend and went to acupuncture.

Birute Pociunas (bah-ru-tah po-soon-aahs) has saved my life. I walked into her West LA practice scared and nervous. Her nurturing and loving ways have made me the calm and confident woman I am today. I have my bad days still, but instead of them being a 10 or 11 on a scale of 1-10, my bad days are now, at worst, a 5-6.

Birute came to the United States in 1995 from Lithuania. In Lithuania, she was an OB/GYN for 20 years. After learning English, she fulfilled her interest in Oriental Medicine and Philosophy and has been in practice since 2000.

I cannot rave enough about the benefits I have received from acupuncture. From heavy periods being lighter, to weight loss, to better skin, to less anxiety…I am a changed person. Not only does Birute honestly care for her clients, but her intuitive nature helps things one may not be aware of.

I find the fact that she was a Dr. comforting. She believes in both Western and Eastern medicine and will recommend a trip to your Dr. to double check things.

Whether or not you can see Birute, do yourself and your body a favor and try out acupuncture. It is everything it claims to be and your skin and face will radiate after a few treatments…simply life changing!

Birute Pociunas 310.664.1498

Coat of Arms

2007-08-04T07:43:00.002-07:00

I bet you’ve been wondering how to get rid of Keratosis Pilaris. Well that’s the technical term for it, but we all recognize it as the annoying chicken skin on the back of our upper arms.

I have spent YEARS trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Finally I've found a solution. I can now wear tanks, strapless dresses and-swimsuits without being self conscious of my KP.

Here is the daily routine that I’ve been following and it has worked wonders:

1. Dry Body Brushing (also amazing to detoxify the body by stimulating the lymph system).

2. In the shower I put on my pumpkin enzyme mask. I leave a thin layer on my upper arms for about a minute, then rinse off.

3. After drying off, I apply Sea Breeze Actives.

4. Once that has dried, I apply Goat Milk Body Lotion also from Kate Somerville. The lactic acid in this body lotion is amazing at exfoliating the skin.

Follow the above four steps and I promise you’ll see an improvement. Of course it doesn’t hurt to add in a great arm workout but that’s up to you.

Lashing out!

2007-08-04T07:43:00.001-07:00

With summertime here, lots of beach days are ahead. Wearing waterproof mascara to plump up your lashes at the beach or the pool is fine. But it gets clumpy and often doesn’t work.

Instead, create lush, long, dark lashes without doing damage. Novalash Lash Extensions are your best bet. After testing out various companies, I found Novalash to be my favorite. Novalash has the only pharmaceutical grade, formaldahyde-free adhesive here in the states. Additionally, the Novalash adhesive dries a high gloss, rich black which gives great definition to your eyes.

There have been rumors circulating that eyelash extensions may damage your natural lashes, but as a professional makeup artist and esthetician, I’ve been applying extensions for over 3 years and I am here to tell you this is not the case. If you pull, curl, rub, or apply mascara to extensions, they can and will break off your natural lash. But just be sure to evaluate your natural lashes. If they’re beginning to look weaker, I advise taking a couple months off and coming back when your lashes have grown thicker. (A lash growth cycle is 5 weeks.)

Don’t be afraid, dive in.

www.LashExtensions.com

Beauty is a Breeze...

2007-08-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

About four years ago while I worked on various television shows, the actors would always ask me, "Do you use an airbrush?" When I didn't have one, I felt very out of the loop and behind in my trade.

So I did my research and finally discovered Air Craft Cosmetics. I can confidently say that this is the BEST airbrush system that exists. Since then I’ve been using Air Craft Airbrush System and Foundations on my bridal clients, actors and friends. Everyone is amazed by the time I’m finished.

Air Craft Airbrush System weighs less than 2 lbs. and takes up very little counter space. It comes in a sleek, compact carrying case and includes "blow by blow" instructions for easy, do-it-yourself applications. The foundations come in 17 warm-tone shades, so you won't have that ashy, chalky, too peachy look.

There are other marvelous Air Craft products to check out as well. The Air Base primer, Global Glo Luminizer, Perfect Layover Powder, Air Base To-Glo Primer Duos and Perfect Lip Gloss Duos are worth checking out.

Available at www.AirCraftCosmetics.com

Eyes that rock!

2007-08-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

As a makeup artist it's important that I stay current with the latest makeup trends. So checking out and trying on new cosmetics is essential (I love my job).

While browsing around the Urban Decay counter, two products caught my eye. I must admit that I was first drawn to these products because of their rock star flashback names (I have a secret love for 80’s metal rock bands) but I found myself pleasantly surprised once I tried them on.

First, I applied the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil which comes in 12 rockin’ shades like Gunmetal, Electric and Lust. It's the best and creamiest waterproof eye pencil on the market. Great for lining the inside rim of your eyes, all you have to do is apply to rim, wait one second and it’s set! It is also the perfect base for your next step, the Heavy Metal Glitter Liners. With names like, "Air Guitar" (blue glitter), "Headbanger" (purple glitter), "Mullet" (green glitter), "Spandex" (black glitter, accented w/ rainbow) and "Pyrotechnics" (white glitter) the liner adds sparkle to otherwise ordinary eyes.

From a rocker's ballad to a full-blown jam.....these products are so glam!
www.urbandecay.com

Apples of my cheeks

2007-08-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Should I apply blush only on the apples of my cheeks or in a line up my cheekbones?

ANSWER: Both. I like to start in the hairline, at the end of my cheekbone and blend downward, stopping at the apple of the cheek…or center of the iris of the eye. Be sure to blend, blend, blend! If you are using a crème blush, start at the apple of the cheek and blend up and out…making sure all edges of either the powder blush or crème/gel blush are blended.

No mess no fuss eyeliner

2007-08-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: How do I apply liquid eyeliner without getting it in my eye and all over the place?

ANSWER: Place the finest tip of the eyeliner brush right in the base of your eyelashes and glide it gently across your lid in an outward, upward stroke.

Facial 101

2007-08-01T15:54:00.001-07:00

QUESTION: How often should someone receive a facial?

ANSWER: You should schedule your facials every 4-6 weeks to achieve the best skin tone and texture. Don’t leave it all up to your facialist though…you must be diligent at home with the right products your facialist recommends for you. Be sure she/he isn’t trying to meet a sales goal though. I always ask my client what products they use and how they use them, if I see their skin is reacting great to their home care, I let them know to continue doing it. Also, washing your face 2 times a day makes all the difference in the world.

S.O.S. Eyebrows!

2007-08-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Over the years, my eyebrows have gotten thinner and patchy. I got an eyebrow pencil and tried to fill them in, but they just looked like someone drew a line on my skin, especially where there was actually no hair left anymore. I had a professional make-up artist do my eyebrows once (YOU!) and when she was finished, they looked like eyebrows, seemingly with little individual hairs. Help! How do I make them look like the pro did?

ANSWER: This is a good question. When you get your eyebrow pencil, you’ll want to make sure it is sharp. Then you want to gently stroke on pencil in the same direction as the other hairs in the brow. Basically, you are putting on individual drawn lines, “hair”. Set with a brow gel in either clear or the tone to match your brows and start raising some eyebrows!