Harper's Bazaar Cover Girl: CHRISTY TURLINGTON

 

I recently saw 44 year old supermodel, Christy Turlington, on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. Can I just say, she looks amazing! Yes it’s true, her genes may have a little something to do with it. However, I noticed she has subscribed to the “less is more” makeup theory. Admittedly, one can’t just roll out of bed and look this way, it does take a little effort.

To achieve Ms. Turlington’s fresh face look apply concealer under the eyes and on the eyelids to brighten the face. A light a dusting of mineral powder foundation and a hint of blush on the apples of the cheeks to appear refreshed. Finally, a swift coat of mascara and a swipe of lip gloss.

Easy as 1-2-3 OK 4-5:) And done!

XOXO

Maureen

Sweet Home Chicago is the background for our Midnight Velvet Holiday 2013 Catalogue. Even though the sun has barely started to shine in the Midwest, we are already shooting brilliant images for the upcoming Holiday Season.

Just wait until you to see what we have in store for you! All things to make you sparkle and shine brighter than the highest star.

Our challenge, this shoot, has been a bit of  ”weather” for our outside shots. I’m sure that comes as such a surprise to you, weather in Chicago? Aside from that, our locations, thus far, have been providing us with the elegance our MV ladies are used to.

Meanwhile, enjoy your fun in the sun (with sunscreen of course) and we’ll take care if the rest!

XOXO

Maureen

m. vie Pressed Foundation

Wearing a Mineral Foundation provides added protection from damaging UV rays. The natural ingredients are anti-aging as well as calming for your skin. The subtle hint of lavender provides a bit of aromatherapy as well.

For sheer, even coverage apply the powder foundation to dry skin with a Kabuki powder brush. After waiting a minute to see how the coverage develops on your skin, re-apply for more of a fuller, flawless coverage, if so desired.

When you are pleased with your coverage, mist with the Mineral Mist to set the foundation and you are good to go!

Maureen

XOXO

Midnight Velvet model

Achieve this chic Summer look our model is wearing by applying m. vie’s Fuchsia Fantasy Collection to your eyes.

The purple eyeshadow is in the outer corner of the eye and the pink on the brow bone for warmth. Line the inner lower rim of your eye with a black pencil and smudge the purple eyeshadow under the lower lashes. Speaking of lashes, always apply at least two coats of mascara to fully enhance your eyes.

Sweep a soft Mauvelous Blush across your cheeks for a healthy glow. Then compliment your new look with a bold yet soft lip color like Rambling Rose, perhaps;)

Add accessories and you’re model-esque look is complete.

XOXO
Maureen

Q: “Which is preferable — cream or powder blush? Don’t they create the same result?”

 

A cream blush is best applied over a liquid foundation and a powder blush is best applied over a powder foundation. Same consistencies of products create a smooth application. Mixing consistencies can create blotchiness. However, you can wear a powder blush over a liquid foundation apply a translucent powder before applying the blush. Both should types of blush should give you a similar look.

XO

Mo

There is a beauty treatment that you can get for your face called microdermabrasion. This is a service that is usually offered at you esthetician’s or dermatologist’s office.

Microdermabrasion treatments are a non-surgical way to freshen and rejuvenate the skin on your face. This process is used to treat light scarring, discoloration and sun damage.

There is now a microdermabrasion system to use at home, NuBrilliance.  I have tried this machine and it works really well. It is very similar to a professional treatment.

However, I do NOT recommend this if you have sensitive or thin skin. If you are unsure about your skin type, please consult a professional first.

After a microdermabrasion treatment you will notice a beautiful softness and evenness to the texture of your skin. Please apply moisturizer and sunscreen after this process and stay out of the direct sun. Your skin will be more vulnerable to to the UV rays right after the treatment.

Proceed with caution to a new and beautiful complexion.

XOXO

Maureen

Well yet another fabulous MV shoot has come to a close and boy did we have some fun in the sun! Although the hours can make for really long days, it is so rewarding, at the end of the day, to see the images we created come to life almost instantly. Now that everything is being shot digitally, by our talented photographer, Steven Talley, we can accomplish much more in one day’s work. Also, we have instant gratification of viewing the images on a large screened monitor. This allows us to see if there are any changes we need to make to the garment, makeup or hair before selecting our final photograph  that you see in the catalogue.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a little insight to our teams process. I will continue to keep you posted with an insiders peek to our upcoming shoot in June!

XOXO

Maureen

Q: “Is there a way to enhance or show off my freckles? Most foundation just covers them, in an effort to make my complexion look more even.” -Jenny

Hi Jenny! Great question! Try the m.vie mineral foundation with a brush for a sheer coverage.

This evens out the skin tone and allows your freckles to shine through;)

XO MO

Midnight Velvet Photo Shoot

We are at it again, creating the next beautiful Midnight Velvet Catalogue. This time we are shooting glamorous looks for Fall 2013.  As it’s heating up in Arizona we are trying to keep it cool, cool looking that is. We usually shoot 6 months ahead as it takes so much time to get the catalogue mail ready. So we are usually shooting opposite seasons to the one we are living in;) Sometimes I get confused as to what month it really is:)

Firstly, the Art Directors at MV create a layout for the catalogue. The copy writers provide the text explaining the products. We then shoot the images on location. Once the images are edited and approved by corporate they are placed in the layouts. The catalogue pages are then proofed for perfection before being sent to the printer. This process crosses many desks to before completion. Once the books are printed and assembled, they are then addressed and mailed to you:)

So many talented people are involved in just one book! It’s such a pleasure to be a part of the creative process. Enjoy!

XOXO
Maureen

Midnight Velvet Model

To make your eyes appear larger, use a light color eyeshadow on your eyelid. Apply a darker color eyeshadow in the crease of the eye. Use a Chisel Fluff brush to get the best definition in the crease. Start from the outer corner of the eye to the center of the crease and blend out softly. Don’t continue the dark eye shadow into the inner corner of the eye. This will defeat the purpose and make the eye look dark and sunken. Finish by adding a few individual lashes to the outer corner of the eye. This will open the eyes and add a little lift.

Who couldn’t use a little lift now and again?