9 drugstore beauty buys to keep you hydrated through a long, dry winter

Hot Off The Press…beauty writer from the Today Show reached out to me being that I am a Beauty Expert and a Celebrity Makeup Artist what I could suggest for the article. Below you will find my 2 picks but read the full article to see the others.

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While we love counting down to the holiday season, we are not a fan of how dry our skin gets as the weather gets cold.

TODAY Style is here to help! We asked celebrity experts, dermatologists and makeup artists to share their favorite products to stay hydrated this winter season. The best part? Everything can be found in the beauty aisle at your local drugstore.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint, $15, Jet

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“This foundation will bring moisture to your skin and plump it for 24 hours. That means a radiant, flawless, natural look thanks to the main ingredient: hyaluronic acid. Using a damp beauty blender, I like to apply it in an upward and outward motion. It’s a weightless, non-greasy, oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that won’t settle into fine lines. And it comes in 10 blendable shades,” said Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, a celebrity makeup artist and co-founder of Entitled Beauty.

Brandy Gomez-Duplessis doing Jenni JWow Farley makeup
JWOWW makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis using Stila Cosmetics Hue Highlighter in Kitten on her…look at that GLOW

4. e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer, $6, Jet

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer

“This primer will boost your skin making it look radiant and hydrated (and flawless and smooth) like you’ve been Photoshopped. The primer is infused with grape and vitamins A, C and E to nourish your skin with anti-aging benefits that will help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Apply the primer with a damp beauty blender by patting onto the entire face. Your makeup will last all day, keeping you selfie ready!” said Gomez-Duplessis, who has worked with Kerry Washington and Jennifer Aniston.

Read the full Today Show article from writer Aly Walansky here.

6 Beauty Items I Used At Apollo Fundraiser In The Hamptons This Weekend

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Life is great can I get an AMEN!

On Saturday morning I received a text from Holly, a woman who I luv & respect in the production world. When I saw her text I knew that it would be work related, but what I didn't know was the how fabulous. After only receiving very little information I was booked for the assignment and packed up my makeup kit and was whisk away from Warren Tricomi Salon in Greenwich to the East Hampton. While in route, I was receiving info from Holly on who was being added to my list for hair & makeup. When I started seeing words like butler and security then followed by confidential, I knew this assignment was a major one. Once on the property my driver was talking with security then I realized it was a star-studded event from what I over heard. So my phone was put away no pics was going to be taken I was going to enjoy my blessings of being in this environment doing hair and makeup for the chosen ones.

Once the evening was done my driver brought me to my hotel I still didn't digest everything because I was tired that I feel right to sleep. For me as I write this article I am now thinking about my glamxurious evening in the Hamptons. There were so many great run in's with celebrities but my favorite was when a woman  mistaken me for the fabulous Cookie, actress Taraji  P. Henson.

So do you want to know about my lovely evening? The Historic Apollo in the Hamptons fundraiser is held at Ron Perelman’s magnificent home, The Creeks, in East Hampton. It was the 8th Annual fundraiser for The Historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. I was slated to work on one of my childhood music artist, the talented Patty Smyth. She was the opening artist and she sung my favorite Patty Smyth song "Warrior". I even shared with her while doing her hair and makeup that I would be doing a lot of hair flips when she perform that song. Another person I was slated with was the beautiful actress Rashida Jones and the amazing singer Alice Smith. This night was operated under the supervision of the Apollo Theater Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization who's goal is to preserve and honor its storied legacy. For Ron Perelman to host this glammed out event says a lot about him. I was hoping for an opportunity to meet Ron Perelman, just for what he was doing for the Apollo theater was amazing. I'm crossing my fingers to get a call back next year. I'll be better prep with the right hair & makeup items. But I had a great kit for the misty weather and I think the ladies makeup held up really well.

Patty Smyth…can you see that highlight & contour

Alice Smith…her glow was from Stila & lips from Dior

So many fab guest I saw were: Alicia Keys, JLO, Jrud, Pharrell Williams, Jamie Foxx, Bon Jovi, Chris Rock, Mavis Staples, Justin Timberlake and many many more.

My Top 6 Beauty Items I am So Glad To Have With Me For Apollo In The Hampton were:

Beauty Blender

 Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer

 Urban Decay All Night Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Foundation + Concealer

Stila Cosmetics Heaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten

L'OREAL Paris Elnett Satin  Strong Hold Hairspray 

 

 

Makeup & Martini’s NYC Makeup Review On Stila Cosmetics

img_7405We are back at it again with our 2nd episode of our makeup video Makeup And Martini’s NYC. I am so elated to share with you a gifted box of makeup from Stila Cosmetics on this segment. I am such a fan of Stila and I also want to share with you that I was a Stila rep back in 2011. I’m still such a fan of the brand and I use a lot of Stila products when on set because I LOVE STILA! So, today Johnny and I will share with you some of the products that was sent to me. Because I’m a die hard fan I am familiar with some of the items but Johnny is new to Stila so I’m delighted to watch Johnny play and fall in love with Stila.

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If any of you have ever been around Johnny and myself you know all we do is drink and talk makeup, makeup, makeup when together! So Johnny had this fun idea that we should just turn the camera on and just let whatever happens, happens. Well, this is what we’re doing. We not trying to be similiar to anyone just being us having fun. Because we both have a sassy personality we really never know what will come out of our mouth so put on your seat belt and sit back enjoy the foolishness that we bring while sipping on our Finlandia Vodka.

Here is the list of the items we were playing with in the video from Stila Cosmetics.

*Stay All Day Foundation +Concealer

*Heaven’s Hue Highlighter

*Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

*Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Palette

*Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

*Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

YouTube Page: Makeup And Martini’s NYC 

Instagram Page: makeupandmartinisnyc

 

The Life Of A Makeup Artist Who Does Video Blogs

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I really enjoy been busy with a variety of things that pertains to my career. This morning started at 8am prepping for a second Skype interview from the team in London about my upcoming speaking engagement.

I have worked so hard as a makeup artist in the beauty & entertainment industry for 20 years and the last few years I have looked at others avenues in the beauty industry like speaking at events about makeup & skincare. So when I receive emails and calls about speaking and educating others it’s a dream come true because as I have gotten older I am looking to stay in the beauty industry but I’m now ready to educate others more whether it’s aspiring makeup artists and/or consumers.

 

The call went very well I was able to get all of my questions answers and we went over my time frame, topics, and products needed. After the call I headed out to meet up with Johnny to film our second makeup video for Makeup & Martini’s NYC. I feel that the second video was so much easier and felt really good because I once again love to teach so I was able to show a little of that on the second video. I can’t wait for you all to see it on Friday.

Recently, I was gifted with a box of goodies from one of my favorite makeup brands so I waited to open the box of goodies with you all. We also took still pics for content to use on our Instagram page as well. If you haven’t followed us yet please do when you get a chance. Once again thanks to Finlandia Vodka for supporting us with products and our cute Finlandia martini glasses.

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Behind The Scenes pic while filming Makeup and Martini’s NYC 

Can I tell you how much hard work goes into this whole world of video blog. For now we are the producers, the directors, the lighting people, the camera people, wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, hairstylist, and bartender. Poor Johnny has the hard part he does all the editing. This is why all of those 100’s of videos I have of myself on my computer and hard drive just sit there is because I don’t have the patience for editing. So I am grateful for having Johnny cuz he handles all of the social media as well.

After filming we discuss our next week topic. So that we can have current content for you all.

Don’t forget to tune in on tomorrow to see our second video. Thanks Guys!

 

 

Instagram Page: MakeupandMartinisNYC

YouTube Page: Makeup and Martini’s NYC

Excited To Be Working With CoverGirl Cosmetics Again

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So elated about working with CoverGirl cosmetics again on an upcoming assignment in New York this month. You might remember that I did an AD campaign with CoverGirl for their Queen Collection. I had so much fun and to work with the famous photographer Keith Major was a major deal for me. Here is the video that I posted on my Instgram page and the actually article and links to video on Ebony magazine page. Can’t wait to share with you when it happen my day with CoverGirl.

7 Top Drugstore Eye Shadows For Spring, According To Celebrity Makeup Artists

aly walanskyOnce again I was asked by Aly Walansky contributor writer for the Today show if I would share my beauty expertise on new drugstore eye shadows for spring. It’s always great to be acknowledge by peers in the beauty industry. Two of my products that I suggested were used in the article; a L’OREAL Paris & Wet n Wild eye shadow.


We have our eyes on spring! And that means searching for some great new beauty looks for the season.

TODAY Style reached out to celebrity makeup artists to find out their personal favorite eye shadows for spring. The best part? They’re all available at your local drugstore.

Wet n Wild Poster Child Eyeshadow Palette
wet n wild eyeshadow palette in Poster Child
These items were hand-picked by our editorial team because we love them – and we hope you do, too. TODAY has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by TODAY. READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

Sunday Riley: Why Everyone Is So Obsessed With the Skin-Care Brand Right Now

In January beauty writer Deanna from Allure magazine interviewed me about a skincare brand that I’m very obsessed with called Sunday Riley.  Being that I’m a makeup artist that is always on set working with celebrities, at photo shoots, fashion shows, and award shows, I am always looking for the best skincare to give me that flawless complexion. I can honestly say, Sunday Riley has given me just that.

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Sunday Riley skincare.jpgThe other night, I was out to dinner with a friend. We’ll call her Brittany. While I was busy stealing handfuls of crispy fries off her plate, she waxed poetic about the skin-care brand Sunday Riley. “I love Sunday Riley,” she said. “I’m a sucker for the packaging. It makes it less scary.”

“What do you mean?”

“So retinol is an intimidating ingredient,” explained Brittany, trying to get a fry for herself. Retinol is an intimidating ingredient since, if not used correctly, the vitamin A derivative is as good at making your skin red and raw as it is at boosting collagen. “When I see a clinical retinol tube, I think, Oooh, my face is literally going to flake off. But when you offer it as blue oil and give it a fun name like Luna, I want it.” (I know. Our conversations are riveting.)

She was talking about Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil, a potent treatment that’s a rich, inky blue. (It gets that color from an anti-inflammatory ingredient called blue tansy oil. If you’re curious, we did a little investigating last year.) And Brittany wasn’t kidding: The bottle is as far as you can get from the sometimes fugly, superfunctional packaging of certain skin-care products. The font, minimalist and sophisticated. The name, whimsical. The formula itself, packed with retinol to smooth skin and boost collagen.

Last but not least: the price. It’s as high as you might think. (A one-ounce bottle of Luna Oil retails for $105, which means you’d better not drop any on your bathroom counter or drizzle any on the front of your shirt.) But this doesn’t stop fans from hoarding bottles by the Houston-based brand. “You pay for what you get,” says Brandy, a makeup artist from Ridgefield, Connecticut. In addition to Luna, she owns Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm, and U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil. If you’re counting, this regimen clocks in at $405 for a total of five full-size products. It’s worth every penny to Brandy. “I used to wear so much foundation because I hated my large pores and dark spots,” she says. “Sunday Riley has given me back my confidence. I don’t know what I would do without it.” Read Full Article Here.

Who Rocked It? Allison Williams vs Idina Menzel

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When you been in the beauty industry as long as I have, being asked for a beauty quote by any magazine is a major deal. I was so honored that I was asked about this topic, GREEN EYESHADOW. I’m such a fan of this shade for the eyes so this was an easy one to speak on. I talked about the makeup look that both actress was wearing, it’s Allison Williams vs Idina Menzel. I selected Allison Williams makeup look because it was such a great look for her. The colors were all complimentary for her complexion. Do you agree?

Guess what, I’m being interviewed today to give another beauty quote to Life & Style…GOD IS GOOD!

A Snow Day Is Perfect For Pampering Your Skin

connecticut-makeup-artist-brandy-gomez-duplessis-in-drybar-rollersIt’s officially a snow day in Connecticut.  So ladies it’s a perfect day to pamper your skin ( and have a glass of wine) to a luxurious afternoon of indulgence instead of the quick scrub and rinse we usually do in the morning before work.

I’m giving myself a spa experience today by immersing my skin into a bevy of different skin nurturing items. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a drugstore, beauty store, or your dermatologist, I always tell my clients to love your skin by caring for it. Find the right skincare products based on your skin type from cleansers, eye creams, moisturizers, eye & face masks, and a good lip treatment to create your long lasting flawless finish.

Here is my secrets for looking this good….wait did you really think I woke up like this? See all of the products here.

*In my hair are Drybar High Tops Self Grip Rollers thanks Drybar, a Premier Blow Out Salon.

Do You Like This Athletic Glam Makeup Look

 

Whenever my makeup muse Lena from Ridgefield, CT come to see me just know the makeup will be STUNNING! Any makeup look that I give her is going to be flawless. My girl was not having a good day so what do a girl do, come get her makeup done. So, I’m calling this makeup look ATHLETIC GLAM. We make for a great team I luv working with Lena because she allows me to be a makeup artist creating different looks for her even if it’s out of her comfort zone. I have been Lena’s makeup artist for a few years now. We hit it off the first time she hired me to do her makeup.

I always get asked if I really use Jane Iredale mineral makeup. Yes, everything on Lena is from Jane Iredale. It’s not about the makeup it’s about the artists, the brushes, the skincare when trying to get a beautiful look. Come see me and I’ll show you how to achieve a ATHLETIC GLAM makeup look, unless you rather I just do it for you. Well, what are you waiting for. Book me by emailing me at; brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com I offer concierge makeup services not just in Ridgefield but all of Fairfield County and New York.

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