Category: Beauty

BeautyCon Los Angeles 2013

Posted on September 3, 2013 by

BeautyCon hit Los Angeles for the first time, bringing together YouTube Beauty Vloggers, Makeup Brands and their fans. In what could easily be the bigger story than the event itself, is the number of fans who showed up at Hollywood’s Siren Studios trying to get into meet their favorite beauty guru. Beauty YouTubers such as Kandee Johnson have hundreds of thousands of subscribers so you do the math at how many people were trying to get in. When I arrived the line was already around the block and the temperature outside was inching up to 90-degrees. Despite my VIP blogger status, I did not get in due to the fact that the venue was at capacity. Some determined attendees, I read on Facebook, finally made it in after a FIVE-hour wait!

However, I did make it to the Thursday evening Industry Night at YouTube’s studios and was treated to a VIP tour of the facility. YouTube offers an amazing opportunity for aspiring videos stars who have over 100K subscribers to come film in their studios, have full access to makeup rooms, Foley sound rooms and several stage settings as well as full edit bays, post production and consultation from on-hand production assistants – all for FREE! The goal is to help people make good content – the more views, the better for YouTube and their stars – everybody wins. Get the full details on how to participate in their programs on the website: http://youtubespacela.com

Following the tour, I stepped outside where beauty brands had set up to promote their products, talk about the benefits and offer giveaway samples. I picked up some great products from LORAC (blog post coming soon), Bare Minerals (see the look I created in a previous blog post), Lush, Jurlique, Joico, Lightenting Whitening, Neautrogena and Revitaliash. Plus, BeautyCon put together a fantastic goodie bag for those who posted about the event on Instagram. So many great new items to try out!

Then the main event began, the panels featuring some of the biggest names in the Beauty space.

Panel 1 “SuperGuru Q&A” included: Elle and Blair Fowler, AndreasChoice and Kandee Johnson.

Panel 2 “Day Dream to Dream Job” included: Leslie Blodgett (bareMinerals), Alisa Gould Simon (Pose), Mandana Dayani (Rachel Zoe, Inc.), WendysLookBook, Mr. Kate, Sophia Bush and Christina Milian with moderator Kandee Johnson.

The panelists were impressively down to earth and forthcoming with tips from their experience both as YouTubers and brand entrepreneurs. Here’s what I learned:

When making a video, a lamp is not lighting!

Guard your privacy when putting yourself out there on YouTube or a blog, several shared experience of stalkers and the Fowler sister’s parents had to move because someone posted their address all over the web. Don’t state publicly where you live, where you will be or about your personal relationships.

Social media helps you make career happen for yourself.

If you are passionate, have common sense, this is your chance to have ownership in something.

It is hard work! You have to be willing to work your ass off. It’s not regular office hours and you never get a day off.

One failure won’t define you. Keep going.

All successful people live with fear, use it to push you. Take risks!

While you want your videos to look as good as possible many found their fans liked it better when they kept it real, left in bloopers, such a dropping brushes and flubbing lines. Keep a little raw realness in and people will connect with you.

Haters gonna hate but love always wins. Trying reaching out to haters and seeing why they are so angry. You might find you’ll make a friend. Try to appreciate someone every day.

Thanks to all the ladies on the panel! So inspiring!

See photos from the evening:

Elle and Blair Fowler

Carol Shaw of LORAC Cosmetics

Marina Curry of BeautyCon

Kandee Johnson

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS! >>

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I have some YouTube videos to make!

Be the star you are,
Kastle

Tags: Alisa Gould Simon, AndreasChoice, bareMinerals, beautyCon, Blair Fowler, Christina Milian, Elle Fowler, Kandee Johnson, leslie blodgett, Mandana Dayani, Mr. Kate, Sophia Bush, WendysLookBook, YouTube, YouTubeSpace

Category: Beauty

bareMinerals: BeautyCon Look

Posted on August 30, 2013 by

At BeautyCon last weekend I was excited to see Leslie Blodgett, creator of bareMinerals, a unique makeup line I’ve tried off and on, and recently began re-incorporating into my beauty routine as I’m trying alternatives to talc-based products. She offered her words of wisdom, admitting that at age 50, she was older than the other YouTube Gurus she shared a panel with and had plenty of advice from her years in the beauty biz. She and the other panelists discussed taking your day dream to a dream job and encouraged beauty entrepreneurs of all ages to stay true and work hard and be grateful for every opportunity to work your passion. The one thing she said was that she’s always loved communicating with her customers, which she has done since the chat rooms of the ‘90s and now with social media.

It’s clear, because bareMinerals offers some beloved products and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take home a BeautyCon goodie bag of bareMinerals products*. I had been wanting to try their eyeshadow compacts since I’ve been loving their face products (particularly the “Warmth” powder and “Mineral Veil” finishing powder.)

Here’s a look I created from my goodie bag gifts:

Products include:

READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in“Serendipitous”, “Magnetism”, “Fate”, “Apropos”
READY Blush in “French Kiss”
Marvelous Moxie Lip Color in “Hot Shot”

Stay tuned for a full report of BeautyCon’s Industry Night!

Kastle

*Makeup samples provided by bareMinerals. See disclosure

Tags: bareMinerals, Beauty, beautyCon, Cosmetics, leslie blodgett, Makeup, mineral makeup

Category: Beauty

OCC Makeup and Gail Potocki Present: Fragmented Alice

Posted on August 23, 2013 by

I’ve been an OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) fan since I discovered their Lip Tars about a year ago. These highly pigmented colors create a bold lip that lasts and is a favorite among pro makeup artists.

They recently launched a color collection in collaboration with Symbolist painter Gail Potocki called, “Fragmented Alice” – a twist on Alice in Wonderland where the makeup colors complement Potocki’s collection of Alice-inspired paintings that are hauntingly beautiful and have elements of gothic psychedelia.

“I’m thrilled with how Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics translated my work into the collection …it’s a unique way for others to physically inhabit the universe of ‘Fragmented Alice’,” said Potocki of the OCC collection.

OCC’s “Fragmented Alice” products were featured at the opening reception for Potocki’s exhibit at the Century Guild gallery, which was transformed into a surreal tea room for the night. Both the evening and the paintings had a juxtaposed sense of darkness and glamour that was beautiful.

See more of her paintings on the Century Guild website.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics products in “Fragmented Alice” include:

Lip Tar Metallic in “Fragmented”, a metallic acid green glaze that leaves a foil-like finish on the lips.

Nail Lacquers in “Severed”, a bright crimson crème and “Gryphon”, a cement grey crème.

Loose Colour Concentrates in “Inflicted”, a patinaed red/lavender; “Curved Sky”, an icy white to iridescent blue; and “Nevar”, a dirty golden olive. These micronized color pigments are fused with light- reflecting mica and can be used to apply shimmer on the eyes, lips, cheeks and body.

I got to try out the lip tar and loose colour concentrates* and created the look below. First, I primed my eyes with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Then I put down a base of Miliani Shadow Eyez cream stick shadow in “Winter White” to create a nice white canvas for the concentrates to really pop. Then I applied “Curved Sky” to the lids and “Nevar” to the crease and a little under the eyes. The “Fragmented” Lip Tar on its own is a little green for regular outings so I tempered it by applying a nude lipstick of Mac “Lush Amber” as a base and used the Lip Tar for a metallic finish.

Be sure to check out OCC’s uniquely inspired and gorgeous “Fragmented Alice” line and Gail Potocki’s collection at the Century Guild, 6150 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232. (Note: the Google Maps directions are incorrect! The gallery is across the street from the Helm’s Design District.)

Go ask Alice,
Kastle

*Makeup samples provided by OCC, see disclosure.

Tags: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Fragmented Alice, Gail Potocki, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic, OCC

Category: Beauty

Morphe Brushes Boutique: Grand Opening Party

Posted on August 15, 2013 by

A quiet little corner in Burbank, CA was thumping with big beats erupting from under a white tent, as a line wrapped down the block of eager makeup enthusiasts waiting to see the new Morphe Makeup Brush Store, the only one of its kind to feature entirely makeup brushes. Morphe threw a bash to celebrate its grand opening with DJs, a candy bar, fancy appetizers and a party crowd.

Every makeup lover knows, its not just the cosmetics you buy but the brushes you put it on with to get the right look. Morphe Brushes offers an extensive selection of cruelty-free natural and synthetic hair bristles at very reasonable prices.

I was eager to see the store, so I did a quick lap in the party tent and got in line. The Morphe Boutique is small so only a few people were allowed in at a time to allow room to shop. I’ll admit my patience was wearing thin, but I was rewarded when I heard my name called from the raffle announcer. I won a huge gift basket filled with skin, hair and nail products! What a treat!

I finally made my way into the store and it is truly a delight. Wall to wall brushes of every kind, cases, cleaners and palettes of makeup. Since I’m always changing my makeup and trying new looks, I’ll definitely be hitting this place to get the right tools.

Congrats Morphe on your new home! Check out the party pix below:

Visit Morphe Brushes Boutique at 616 South Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502

Brush on!
Kastle

Category: Beauty

Pinup Girl Boutique: 1 Year Anniversary Party

Posted on August 1, 2013 by

It was an extra special night at the Pinup Girl Boutique. Celebrating the store’s 1-year anniversary, the clothing brand proved they successfully have made the leap from an online retailer to a couture fashion name with an international following of pinups. They have not only created a clothing line but a glamorous, retro-inspired lifestyle to aspire to that is lived everyday by “Team Pinup,” the models who not only show the looks in the catalog but also work in the store, design the clothes, create the hairstyles, and offer their talent as makeup artists. They created this one-stop-shop to allow everyone be the pinup bombshell they always wanted to be!

And they’ve clearly struck a cord with their audience, who love their monthly parties as a night to dress up and wear those fabulous Pinup Couture fashions. These gatherings are always a great night to go shopping because it’s like a living fashion show, seeing so many people in the Pinup Girl Clothing. My wish list always grows when I see what dress look good in real life. Fortunately, the parties coincide with Magnolia Park’s Ladies Night Out shopping nights when discounts of 10% and up make these fabulous fashions a little easier on the pocketbook.

For the anniversary party, the place was jam-packed. Drinks flowed, new friends were made and I was blown away by the talent lined up for the night. On the small stage in the center of the store, comedienne April Richardson, who sports her own retro flair and Bettie bangs, opened up the night and was hilarious.

Next up was Andra Day whose soulful voice was so moving and she got us all grooving! She was discovered after going viral on YouTube with her covers of pop song mashups. She is currently signed with Warner Bros. Records and working her debut album.

Lastly but certainly not least, was Katrina Parker who gained attention for coming in 2^nd place on “The Voice” TV show. She looked so sweet in her big ‘60s-style hairdo and her voice blew the place away. Katrina is gearing up to release an album funded by Kickstarter.

Both singers are right on the cusp of big time fame and now we can say we saw them early on!

I always find it funny when the Pinup Boutique has performers in the store, they always comment, “this is the best looking crowd we’ve ever played to!” And it’s true, the pinup customer knows how to dress up for a night! The store was filled with beauties working their retro-inpsired look, which is elegant and sexy. Talk about some great people watching! And the night was capped with a toast as Team Pinup gathered on stage to thank their customers, raffle off some prizes and introduce a new line of Pinup Couture handbags for which the crowd gave a loud cheer. Did I mention my wish list was growing?

Check out the party pix below and more on Flickr.

Click here for more PARTY PIX!

Congrats Pinup Girl Boutique and thank you for your fabulous fashions and super-fun events!

I wish you many more years to come – ’cause I have some shopping to do! 🙂
Kastle

Tags: Fashion, Pinup Girl, Pinup Girl Clothing, vintage inspired clothing

Category: Beauty

The Perfect Red Lipstick

Posted on July 11, 2013 by

Almost every girl I know is always on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick. Every time I hear of a new long-lasting lipstick, I want to try it and the first color I buy is red. Well ladies, I think I finally found my perfect red.

While at the PHAMExpo last week, I purchased a number of Stila products, one of them was their Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in the color Beso.

I was pleasantly surprised when I applied it. Drying to a velvety matte finish, the color is a deep, true red and highly pigmented. I applied a little bit of Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Cherry Crush underneath to keep lips red but I don’t know that it was necessary because the lipstick stayed strong for hours. And a bonus, it doesn’t transfer! That means I can give my boyfriend (light) kisses and not get red all over him!

However, because it’s matte, it might feel a little dry to some. I applied some lip gloss over it and I have found most other matte lipsticks break down and get gummy or slide off when you do this. Not my Beso, the color seemed to rejuvenate and kept going!

A tip on application – a little goes a long way and the sponge wand applicator isn’t the best way to go. Dab a little on the back of your hand or a palette (I use a small plastic plate from Target) and use a lip brush. The lipstick is thick enough to line your lips with, but I like using a separate liner. I found Sephora’s Real Red Liner to be a perfect match.

So go get your red on!

S.W.A.K.
Kastle

Tags: Cosmetics, Kastle Waserman, Makeup, red lipstick, Stila, Stiletto City

Category: Beauty

PHAMExpo: Beauty Bonanza

Posted on July 8, 2013 by

If you can imagine Sephora on steroids, you can imagine what a beauty convention is like. For the first time ever, PHAMExpo put down stakes in Pasadena, CA and opened its doors to makeup pros, beauty bloggers and the public alike. Inside, was a giant candy store of cosmetics, pro artist demos and deep discounts on product purchases.

As a beauty junkie and avid watcher of YouTube makeup tutorials, I have to say there’s nothing like having a roomful of pro artists providing tips and answering questions, and the makeup right there for you test and purchase.

When I walked in, Doe Deere from Lime Crime was doing a Q&A on the main stage. With her long lavender hair and doll-like style, Doe and her fun, colorful cosmetics line have amassed a huge following. The audience was packed with girls with funky hair colors and bright makeup eager to ask a question. The most popular question turned out to be turning Doe’s favorite question back to her “What is your daydream?” to which she answered, “To give all my Lime Crime fans a big hug!”

Following the her Q&A, fans lined up to get a photo with Doe in front of the daydream board where the entrepreneur encouraged them to pen their own dream.

I took some time to walk around and see what was available. There were known brands such as MAC, Stila, Inglot, OCC and Makeup Forever and lots of up and coming brands that specialize in lashes, nails and brushes and other pro tools. I spotted a couple of Vanity Girl Makeup Mirrors and got to say hello to founder, Maxine. A few beauty schools were also there to help makeup enthusiasts enroll and go pro.

Some of the displays were pretty over-the-top, especially to exhibit some of the character makeup and artist airbrushing. MAC’s display probably drew the most attention. While all the other booths had female models, MAC lined up five hunky guys in nothing but their boxer briefs to airbrush for what was mostly a crowd of women in attendance. Yeah, that went over well!

My favorite part of the weekend had to be the pro artist demos. Nothing encourages me to try new products more than an explanation on how to use them to get a specific look. At this expo, the running theme seemed to be how to get HD-ready skin. All of these makeup experts work to prep models and actresses for photo shoots and TV and film work, but were well aware that with the popularity of Instagram and YouTube and having an HD camera on that phone in your pocket, EVERYBODY needs to be camera ready!

Some of the most inspiring pro artist demos I checked out included:

Cory Bishop, Stila Cosmetics – really knowledgable about HD-ready makeup. Loved that he used a mature model for his demo (anyone can make a thin, 20-year-old with high checkbones and perfect skin look good!) His tip on using silicon-based products and non-talc powder changed my thinking on my makeup. I was lucky enough to catch him at the Stila counter and he helped me pick out some color matches for my foundation overhaul – thanks Cory!

Caitlin Callahan, MAC Senior Artist – a real pro in knowing how to make skin look like skin, not made-up or powdery. “Creams look like skin, powder looks like makeup.” Really knew her stuff. Offered the great suggestion of taking a quick photo or video of your makeup as you’re doing it or after you’re done to see how it reflects on camera and with a flash.

Tracey Taylor, Temptu Pro Artist – a lesson in airbrush makeup, the ultimate in making skin look smooth with a long-lasting look. Tracey talked about how air-brushing needs very little touch up, is waterproof (yes, you can swim in it!) and covers everything. If you are willing to invest in the equipment and the learning curve, it’s probably the best solution for a flawless face. If you are a pro artist, knowing airbrushing allows you to charge more for your service.

Keynote, Pro Artist Valente Frazier – Emmy award winning makeup artist who has worked with Tyra Banks, Michelle Obama, Rhianna Heidi Klum and more. Has a super fun personality. Created a glamorous but natural look. And thanks for the compliment on my 1940’s hairdo Valente!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW FOR MORE PHOTOS!

Here’s what I learned:

HD shows everything!
Silicone-based products look closest to skin, have light reflective qualities, don’t break down, need primers, powder or setting spray.
A moisturizer with mineral oil gives silicon something to cling to.
If you’re getting camera-ready, don’t use products with sunscreen, it will make skin appear white with a flash.
Buff foundation on with a kabuki brush for an airbrush finish or use a damp Beauty Blender sponge.
Synthetic brushes are better from cream products. Won’t absorb product into the bristles so applies smoother and are easier to clean.
A foundation in a warmer color can used as a bronzer.
Blue and purple-based colors can make you look older. Go for orange-base to look younger.
Strengthen the natural lines of your face – hairline, brows, and lash line and it will make you look younger.
Play-up the features you like about your face (such as eyes or lips) deflect from flaws.
For mature eyes, use browns. They won’t turn grey or ashy. Brown shadow and liner, then a pop of black liner in the waterline.
Use cream blush, it has the same texture as skin, especially on mature skin. Put on hand to warm it, mash into bristles of brush, or dab on cheeks and blend with fingers.
Eye pencils are creamy and reflect like skin. Powder shadow looks like makeup.
Don’t use talc-based powders with silicon-based foundation, it will look cakey. Use low or no talc loose powder to dust on just areas prone to shine to set.
Put concealer under the eye only where it’s dark, not in a big “U”. Then blend with a brush.
After applying concealer under the eye, take a folded tissue to blot and absorb excess concealer to prevent creasing.
Take a photo of your makeup when it’s done to see how it looks to others and with a flash. Nobody wants to be caught out like Nicole Kidman’s famous red carpet flub.

Here’s my haul:

Stila Stay All Day Foundation, Fair #2
Stila Convertible Color, Gladiola
Stila convertible color, Camilia
Stila Lip Stain, Cherry Crush
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, Beso
Stila In the Know Eyeshadow Palette
Stila Kajal Eyeliner, Oynx
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Black
Stila Smudge Stick, Silver Dollar (free gift!)
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow
Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish Powder
Embryoisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer
Beauty Blender Sponge
Beauty Blender Sponge Cleaner (free gift!)
SILK Flat Powder Brush
SILK Complexion Brush
Karen Zander Pro Brush Soap
J. Cats Nail Art Strips

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog on getting my HD look!

Be your best self,
Kastle

Tags: Caitlin Callahan, Cory Bishop, Doe Deere, Kastle Waserman, Lime Crime, MAC, Maxine Tatlonghari, PHAMExpo, Stila, Stiletto City, Temptu, Tracey Taylor, Valente Frazier, Vanity Girl, Vanity Girl Hollywood

Category: Beauty

Retro Hair Class with Miss Rockabilly Ruby

Posted on June 29, 2013 by

One of the key parts of a vintage look is having the right hair. I recently discovered hairdresser Miss Rockabilly Ruby who has styled looks for Pinup Girl Clothing and works out of Lola and Roxy’s Salon in Burbank. I had her give me one of her famous updo’s a few weeks back that came out simply spectacular (see the photo on Instagram) and I was excited to check out her pinup hair class to share her awesome talent here on Stiletto City and get some tips on how to create those amazing Ruby do’s!

I joined about 25 other aspiring pinups in the back room of the Pinup Girl Boutique as Ruby created three different looks: a ‘60s bubble flip, a beehive and an elegant ‘50s faux bob. Ruby hails from Minnesota and just moved to LA last year so we are lucky to have her! She trained at the Aveda Institue after studying graphic design and finding she hated it. But she definitely has an artistic touch to her hair designs! Here are some of the amazing creations she did that day. Click on each image to see the transformation slideshow.

Look 1: Bubble Flip

Look 2: Beehive

Look 3: Faux Bob

Here are a few things I learned:

These do’s will keep hairspray companies in business!

Use duck clips to section off hair and work with one section at a time.

Each of these looks was set the same way using a GHD 1 inch flat iron to curl each piece of hair under and clip. Let set until cool.

Mist each section before you take that flat iron to it to protect the hair. Kenra Platinum Hot Spray works well and is available at the Pinup Girl Boutique.

Your set do can last you a few days if you sleep very still or use satin pillow cases.

Teasing is your friend but will be your enemy when you try to get it out – get in the shower, use lots of conditioner and wide-tooth comb.

Ruby loves doing BIG HAIR, the bigger the better, especially ’60s hair. (My kind of gal!)

Ruby loves talking “Toddlers & Tieras” and “Honey Boo Boo” – don’t get her started!

Now that class is over, I’m hoping I have at least a pinky-full of Ruby’s talent to try to create these looks myself. If not, I know she’s just an appointment away! One thing I know for sure is that it’s a delight to sit in Ruby’s chair. Besides her fabulous end product, her spunky personality will have you laughing the whole time!

Go big or go home!
Kastle

Tags: Kastle Waserman, Miss Rockabilly Ruby, Pinup Girl Boutique, Pinup Girl Clothing, Retro Hair, Stiletto City

Category: Beauty

Get Your Skin Summertime Glowing

Posted on June 21, 2013 by

It’s the official start of summer, that means showing more skin during the hot months ahead. But is your skin ready to be seen or is it still suffering from the dry winter season? Get it in shape! I’ll fill you in on how to exfoliate , moisturize, add a little shimmer, and (gasp) get rid of that ghost-white skin! Here are some tips I put together for my report on Yahoo!

Click here for summer-ready skin.

Bring it on summer!
Kastle

Photo by Calliopejen from Wikimedia Commons

Category: Beauty

Sixties Look

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

My ‘60s inspired glamour look for Pam Ann.
Hair by Ruby at Lola & Roxy’s Hair Studio, Dress By Laura Byrnes Black Label for Pinup Girl Clothing, Makeup by Kastle guided by Micheline Pitt’s Modern Pinup Makeup and Hair DVD.

Go glamorous or go home,
Kastle

Tags: 1960s style, vintage glamour