Melissa Walsh is a celebrity makeup artist based in Hollywood, who’s work has been featured in Maxim UK and Cosmopolitan UK.  Her impressive client list includes Alec Baldwin, Blondie and Depeche Mode.  Melissa has been kind enough to offer you lovely readers a few tips on creating the perfect evening look.

MELISSA:

My tips for a special evening out look:   For a special evening out or a first date I like to set aside some time and really prepare! It makes you feel and look good…

First, I clean off the day’s makeup with a good creamy cleanser and then like to put on a layer of Sugar Face Polish by Fresh and leave for 5 minutes. When you rinse it off it leaves you with soft, smooth, glowing skin. Next, massage in a liberal amount of Janson Beckett Alpha Derma CE moisturizer and let it sink in for a few minutes.  This provides a great non-greasy base for make-up and also smoothes out fine lines. I then apply foundation with a sponge and blend thoroughly – I like Hourglass Veil fluid make-up.  Add concealer where necessary and if you need a little help with dark circles under the eyes (I know I do!), use Jouer Age Repairing Brightener.  If you like cream blush now is the time to add some to the apples of your cheeks and once again blend, blend, blend. Finish your base with a light dusting of loose powder – Hourglass Invisible Veil is great as it suits all skin tones and really brightens.

For gorgeous evening eyes, I start by drawing a line as close to the top lashes as possible with an eyeliner pencil in whatever your favorite shade is: black is always good but I like to experiment with other shades like navy, forest green, plum or gunmetal too – Urban Decay do a good selection and their 24/7 Glide On Pencils really do stay on!  Next, add a complimentary shade of eye shadow all over the lid and just into the crease and blend. If you are using black I find a nude shade or gold, silver or a bronze work really well. Go over the lash line again with a deeper shade of eye shadow to really define the eyes, then line the lower lashes with a metallic version of whatever shadow you are using to brighten the whole eye. Add lots of volumizing mascara for thick dark lashes – Texas Lash by Cargo is amazing for this.

Then add a light sweep of a pinky-peachy blush for pale skins – Urban Decay in Quickie is my choice – or for darker skins a more bronzey shade is best – Tarte bronzers are good. The shimmering blush also acts as a highlighter and makes your cheekbones stand out! Finally, for your lips start with a plumping moisturizer for smooth lips – Janson Beckett Beautifull Lips isn’t at all sticky and sinks in providing a great base for gloss or lipstick. Line your lips with a nude lip liner and blend the edges with a cotton swab. Fill in with your choice of gloss or lipstick, depending on your preference, and you’re done! Glamorous makeup but never overdone…

You can view more of Melissa’s gorgeous work at Beauty and Photo!

E.L.F. will have you tapping into your inner makeup artist with their new Studio Professional line.  A step up from their regular line, these products will have you creating flawless looks in no time.  The two products I’m eyeing are the Eye Primer & Liner Sealer and the Makeup Artist Brush Belt.  The Eye Primer/Sealer is dual-ended, with a primer to help shadows last all day.  The clear, liquid liner end turns any eyeshadow into a long-lasting waterproof and smudge-free liner.  The Makeup Artist Brush Belt holds a slew of brushes and has two inner pockets to hold makeup essentials. 

Have any of you tried the new line? If so, fill us in!

Marshall’s is keeping up with the trends with the introduction of their hip, new boutique, The Cube.  Not only will you find famous designer fashions (Dereon, Baby Phat, Roccawear), you’ll also find high-end cosmetics, fragrances and hair care.  I recently purchased 3 perfume gift sets for less than I would have paid for just one elsewhere. 

I’m sure you’ve noticed how much I love my pink and aqua, so I couldn’t help but show-off this cute bag I picked up for the Jr. Masala.  This was a crazy bargain at $32!

Add The Cube to your holiday shopping destinations, you’ll find something to please all the beauties on your list.

Makeup Masala is giving away this Curve Vintage Soul Gift set (found at The Cube). All you need to do to win, is sign up for the Makeup Mix Forums!  Makeup Mix members will also enjoy special giveaways separate from the Makeup Masala site.  One winner will be chosen Thursday, November 20th at 10:00pm CST.  Readers from all countries are invited to participate.

          Set includes 3.4oz spray, 2.5oz shower gel and lotion.

The forums are now open!  Have fun adding your own makeup pics, videos and even favorite music. Meet other beauty junkies, create and join chat rooms.  If you have your own site, feel free to brag about it and post your own blog feeds and giveaways!

Happy hair-days are here again, thanks to Loreal’s Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Conditioner.  Inside the pretty-in-pink packaging, is one of the best drugstore conditioners around.  The Pearl Protein Complex detangles hair (I like to comb through in shower) and leaves strands silky and shiny.  For curly or coarse hair, this makes a wonderful leave-in under your favorite styling products.

Loreal’s Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Conditioner averages $5 or less at most retailers.

Dashing Diva  began as a nail salon and boutique in New York 5 years ago and has now opened doors on 3 continents around the world.  Famous for their superb service and chic decor, Dashing Diva has now extended that high-level of service online. 

Over 100 shades of nail polishes are offered, along with a complete arsenal of treatments to keep nails looking their finest.  Dashing Diva also carries a huge selection of nail art for those who love to bling up their nails every now and then. 

Select nail polish colors are currently on sale for 25% off for a limited time.  Select skin care is also on sale for 50% off.

No matter where the day takes you, stress is sure to enter on some level.  EO brings balance to the body and senses with their new Peace Gift Box.  Beautifully packaged, the set includes Body Lotion, Bubble Bath and Bath Salts, in generous 4oz sizes.  I actually used the gift set for a pedicure and my feet were left feeling soft and relaxed.  Scented with French Lavender, the products in this set nourish skin with Mango Seed Butter and Aloe Vera.

EO is dedicated to providing the best products possible, with blends of herbs and essential oils.  There are no artificial ingredients used and no animal testing is involved.  Take some time to look through their website; you’re sure to find a product to please and pamper every part of your body!   

The Peace Gift Box can be purchased on the EO website for $9.99 and select products can be found at your local Whole Foods.