Q&A: Jouer National Makeup Stylist – Neil Scibelli

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Yin and Yang, “shadow and light”, is an ancient Chinese philosophy used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected. Jouer Cosmetics has found this balance with two exceptional and  exceptionally different products, Luminizing Moisture Tint and Matte Moisture Tint.

Jouer’s best-selling Luminizing Moisture Tint contains light-diffusing minerals that give skin a soft, healthy glow. This product is formulated with powerful antioxidants like ginseng and ginko biloba leaf extract to improve the skin and SPF 20 to protect it. Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint provides the perfect amount of “glow.” Sometimes products that claim a “luminizing” or “dewy” finish, just end up making you look sweaty. This product perfects the look of healthy skin.

Allure recently gave Luminizing Moisture Tint it’s coveted “Best in Beauty” seal.

The counter part to a glowing complexion is found with Jouer’s new Matte Moisture Tint. This is the first matte-formula I have used that does not make my face flat. The lightweight formula blurs imperfections, moisturizes the skin and provides a velvety, soft focus finish – that looks amazing on the skin. Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E, this formula delivers rich antioxidants to the skin. The oil-free formula absorbs oil and reduces shine throughout the day.

As a special treat, Jouer’s National Makeup Stylist – Neil Scibelli has provided all the answers needed on using, applying and selecting cream-based products.

Jouer National Makeup Stylist, Neil Scibelli, for Glow-T.com

Q: What are the benefits of using cream-based products?

A: Cream based products have the ability to leave a more dewy finish to the skin. A lot of cream based products have built in moisturizers, so I recommend them to women with dry skin.

Q: Can all skin-types use them?

A: Yes, all skin types can use cream based products. There are different categories of cream products, so choosing the right one for your skin type is key.

Q: How to pick the right colors for your skin tone?

A: I usually test a small amount of product on the lower jaw line area- to match the skin tone. I like matching the neck color.

Q: Should you use fingers or brushes to apply these products? If brushes…what are the best to use?

A: Fingers are a user-friendly way to apply cream products (like a tinted moisturizer), for those who are on the go.  From a makeup artist standpoint, I recommend using a foundation brush for applying cream products; it creates a more even, flawless finish.

Q: How to apply?

A: I put a dime size amount on the top part of my hand, and dip into it with a foundation brush to apply. This way, you have control as to how much your picking up with your brush. You don’t want to end up with too much product directly on your face, so its a good way to build your coverage up. Apply from the center, moving the product outward.

Q: Any tips or tricks?

A: To prevent a cream product from looking streaky, I recommend patting the formula into the skin. It ensures coverage, without moving the product around too much.

Q: How to make cream-based products last?

A: You can set it with a translucent powder, to lock the product in place. This helps with setting the product, and also absorbs shine in the t-zone area.

Q: Favorite cream-based products?

A: Allure’s award winning product from Jouer Cosmetics, Luminizing Moisture Tint. For a more oily skin type, try the new Matte Moisture Tint also by Jouer. They leave the most incredible natural glow to the skin. They’re both oil-free and ideal for daily wear.

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About Neil Scibelli:

Born and raised in New York, Neil Scibelli has established himself as one of today’s leading fashion and celebrity makeup artists. Growing up alongside his grandfather, an oil painter, Neil began blending colors at the young age of five.  Over the years, his passion for painting developed into a keen interest in makeup artistry.

While absorbing all of New York City’s cultural influences and style, makeup artistry was a natural calling for Neil. He studied his craft while training under world-renowned makeup companies including Yves Saint Laurent, Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin. Neil has also assisted some of the industry’s top artists, such as Kate Lee and Mally Roncal.

A combination of talent, dedication and ambition allowed Neil to successfully turn his years of training into a full-time career. His work is mainly focused in fashion, television, music videos, and red-carpet appearances, with loyal celebrity clients in all genres.

Neil has keyed numerous fashion shows and presentations, including his re-occurring work with stylist Brad Goreski and the Kate Spade company.  Other recent projects include his signature glamming for model/actress Molly Sims, assisting on Beyonce’s music video ‘Party’, and grooming for recording artist John Legend.

In 2008, Neil joined the Jouer Cosmetics team as a freelance makeup artist.  Jouer promoted Neil to the role of National Makeup Stylist in 2011; a position he currently holds.

Dream Cream: Jouer Cream Eyeshadow

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Jouer Cream Eyeshadow is the do-it-all eye product for quick, low maintenance makeup. Line, shade and/or contour your eyes with these easy-to-blend beauties.

These cream eyeshadows are like nothing I have tried before. Extremely lightweight in texture, the formula glides effortlessly onto the lids. They feel like velvet on the skin and the smudge-proof formula lasts all day. The consistency is both layerable and buildable providing options for a sheer or dramatic application.

Available in five gorgeous shades:

♦ Chiffon – shimmering ivory pearl

♦ Feather – shimmering pink champagne

♦ Organza – shimmering lavender taupe

♦ Cashmere – shimmering golden taupe

♦ Suede – shimmering golden bronze

When deciding on whether to use a cream or powder eye shadow, take into consideration factors such as your age and skin type. Powder eye shadows that contain shimmers may settle in wrinkles, fine lines and/or sagging eye lids. Cream shadow is a better option for women of age as they will create a smooth base. If you have very oily skin, using a cream eyeshadow can be frustrating. When combined with your skin’s natural oils, the eyeshadow may quickly smear or seep into the crease. This is an easy fix – as cream eyeshadows can also be used as primers. First apply your favorite cream eyeshadow then set with a powder or powder eyeshadow to absorb excess oil. Not only with the color last and last – but mixing these textures reveals beautiful dimension and light-reflecting properties.

All Jouer products offer a smart packaging solution. Constructed with interlocking sides, every product from lip gloss to face powder “snap-together,” making it easy to mix and match your favorites into the perfect palette.

I am currently having a small love affair with Jouer Cosmetics. Quality formulas, wearable colors and intelligent packaging – what more could you ask for. More reviews to come.

Tips & Tricks: Perfect Summer Glow

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I have spent the last couple months aggressively testing the best self-tanning products on the market. From sprays to mousse, wipes to lotions, I have discovered some great formulas and techniques. (Reviews to follow)

Along the way, I have picked up some tips and tricks to get the perfect summer glow:

PREP:

☀ Do a patch test: Skin may be sensitive to DHA (a sugar derivative) or other ingredients in the product.

☀ Wax 24 hours in advance. Shave 12 hours in advance.

☀ Exfoliate! To get the smoothest, streak-free color possible, apply self-tanner immediately after exfoliating. The outer layer of the epidermis, which is what the self-tanner interacts with, is composed of dead skin cells that last only 7 to 10 days before they shed. You want to make sure you have an even layer of dead skin cells so that they all tan and slough off together. If you don’t properly exfoliate some of the skin will begin peeling in a day or two, which can result in a splotchy tan job.

☀ Apply a light body lotion to dry areas such as knees, elbows and heels. Body lotion will prevent the tanner from saturating these areas.

☀ Choose your favorite self-tanning formula: Aerosols are easy to apply and dry very fast. Mousse has quick-drying power and gives you more control. Wipes are great for on-the-go. Lotions are the most hydrating and will generally last the longest.

APPLICATION:

☀ 99% of the time you will end up with a streaky or uneven tan because of lack of product. Always work with enough product so you are able to glide it over the skin freely. Your skin will only absorb a certain amount of product so it is better to follow the “more is better” rule.

☀ With many application methods to choose from: gloves, mitts, brushes… I believe the best device is your hands. To prevent tan-palms, do not wait until the end to wash your hands. Scrub hands after each section of the body is completed.

☀ Apply product section by section. Always start at the bottom, so you won’t crease the color as you bend over. Start with feet: Apply product to a cotton round and blend on the tops of feet, toes and ankle area. This is my biggest problem area and have found this technique to be the best.

☀ Continue to apply over the shin and calf of a leg. Then apply tanner to your thigh from front to back, using the excess to cover your knee. Repeat on your other leg. For the final step, apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, following with your shoulders and arms.

☀ For application to the back area – your best bet is have someone do it for you. Otherwise, use an aerosol formula for an easier reach.

☀ Hands – same technique as feet. After applying product to the body. Wash hands vigorously. Add product to a cotton round and smooth over the backs of hands and lightly on the fingers, blending down onto the wrist area.

☀ An easy way to soften or slow down the absorption of self-tanner on areas that tend to grab a lot of product such as the elbows, knees and heels is to use a dry wash cloth to gently buff these areas after application. It will pick up some of the excess self-tanner and prevent them from getting too dark.

☀ Ever notice that areas like sunspots, melasma or old scars tend to get darker and more noticeable when you’ve slathered on self-tanner? Once you apply self-tanner to the area, take a slightly damp Q-Tip and gently wipe off the self-tanner from the areas where the dark spots are most prevalent. If it still grabs to the spot – try dipping Q-Tip into some rubbing alcohol. This will minimize the chance of the area getting darker and create a more even tone to the skin.

☀ Wait at least 15 minutes before dressing.

EXTENDING YOUR TAN:

☀ Moisturize! Try to moisturize the skin a couple times a day.

☀ Try a gradual tanner. This will not only extend your tan but will even it out as well.

Tangy Trend: Orange Nails

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This summer change up your lacquer collection with unexpected vibrant hues. Accessorize your fingers and toes with zesty shades of orange. This attention-getting hue comes in many energetic forms; bright coral, firey red, neon, tangerine – a hint of orange is a hot shade for summer.

Summer is synonymous with vibrant color and tanned skin. Express your personal style with loud, fun nail shades. Orange will work on every skin tone and looks incredible on bronzed, sun-kissed skin. These four zesty hues will set tanned skin on fire.

Illamasqua ~ Whack: $21.43

RGB ~ Coral: $16.00

Chanel ~ Holiday: $26.00

Dior ~ Psychedelic Orange: $23.00

The Minimalist: Becca Eye Tint in Baroque

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What I look for in a cream eyeshadow: ability to stand alone, crease-proof, and coverage.

BECCA Eye Tint in Baroque covers all of these and more. The color is a pale mushroom beige with golden undertones. Perfect for all skintones, this color gives off the perfect sheen. The lightweight formula has a cashmere-feel that glides onto the eyelid smoothly. Water-resistant, this product will not smudge or gravitate into creases or wrinkles. Long-lasting and perfect for on-the-go application, using just fingers.

BECCA Eye Tints combine the easy and even application of a cream with the matte finish of a powder. It can be used alone or as a base, layered under powder eyeshadow. Any shadow placed on top will be more vibrant and true to color. It also acts as camouflage for fine veins and thin translucent skin on the eyelid.

TIP: Shake tube before using, formula can break-up inside applicator.

Drugstore Find: Spoiled Nail Color

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While picking up a few necessities at CVS, I stumbled upon a promotional stand for Spoiled Nail Color. Manufactured by Wet-n-Wild Cosmetics, these polishes are exclusive to CVS and retail for $1.99…

I was immediately attracted to a color called Flamingo Pink. The formula is opaque and very true to color. One coat was all that was needed, but due to the price point I thought two coats might have more staying-power. Applied on toes and fingers, one week later, my toes are unblemished and my fingers are just now beginning to chip.

The only setback is the brush. A thick brush, (similar to Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure) but with a weird tapered end. The edge of the brush can be a little awkward, but ignored, due to the $1.99 price tag.

Available in 72 colors, Spoiled Nail Color is truly a great buy. From trendy neon shades to glittery sparkles, one is bound to find a shade worthy of the $1.99 investment.

How To: Glitter

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Sparkle this holiday season with a little glitter.

Application of glitter can go terribly wrong… fast. It is messy and can look too theatrical if not careful. To make glitter appear chic and sophisticated, use only a small amount in a concentrated area.

Start with product. The Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadows by Chanel are by far my favorite. They have intense pigmentation and provide a classic shimmering effect with one easy-to-use swipe. They can be used with fingers or a very dense brush for perfect application. If actual glitter is desired, loose pigments/glitter are best. Make Up Forever Glitters are soft, concentrated and finely-milled for super sparkle.

How To Apply Glitter:

➺ On clean eyelids, apply eyeshadow primer from lash line to brow bone. (Favorite: Urban Decay Primer Potion)

➺ The glitter will need something to adhere to, apply a cream eyeshadow to the lid. This can be nude or a color that compliments the glitter. (Favorite: MAC Paint Pot)

➺ Using a small synthetic brush, dip into the glitter. Tap off excess.

➺ Press the glitter onto the lid in a dabbing motion. Do not sweep.

➺ Mist a setting spray gently on the eyes and wait to dry. (Favorite: Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray)

✴ If this technique is still too messy, on the back of hand or artist’s palette, mix cream eyeshadow and glitter together and apply to the lid. With glitter application, fallout is expected. Make sure to do eye makeup first and face makeup second. Dab the fallout with scotch tape to clean any loose particles.

Neon Nails: Essie Neon Collection

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Essie Neon Collection

Make a statement this summer with bright neon nails on fingers and toes. These amazingly bold hues with add a glow to the skin and enhance your summer tan.

To obtain a perfect polish, first apply a stark white base coat. When the neon color is applied over-top, it will instantly make the shade more vibrant and pigmented. This trick can be used with any nail lacquer, to obtain it’s “true color.”

Essie Neon Collection is a crop of gorgeous acid tones that light up the night. Funky Limelight, Flirty Fuchsia, Perky Purple and Punchy Pink will intensify any manicure.

Coat your nails with neon brights this summer and glow.