A Beautiful Life

I have to admit I’m kind of clueless when it comes to makeup.  I envy those girls on YouTube makeup tutorials who can seamlessly pull off amazing looks with a brush of a shade here, and a touch of a gloss there.  The extent of my usual routine involves some bronzer, mascara, and gloss if I have some.  I’ve been feeling the need to shake things up.

So I was really glad when my friend Rebecca introduced me to beauty, hair and clothing stylist Nadia Albano.  Nadia was the runner-up to W Network’s Ultimate Expert Challenge and she recently opened her own studio in downtown Vancouver offering hair, make-up and personal styling services.   Although I couldn’t attend her industry cocktail party this week, I was super excited that I could attend her makeup demo to learn about different looks I could do.

Nadia was very personable and I felt comfortable right away.  She has a sparkling sense of humour and her session was jam-packed with great tips.  She showed me how to use my own makeup in a completely new way, and I left feeling glamorous (see my reveal below!).  The studio, located in a historical building on Granville street, is bright and girly.  Walls were splashed with pink paint and vases overflowed with blushing peonies.   Black lacquer frames and accent chairs provided a modern contrast in the space.  Based on her attention to detail in the decor, I can tell Nadia is the type who loves to fuss over every detail – that’s a great trait to have in your personal stylist!

The chic reception area.

A pretty Parisian apartment look.

I had a chance to ask Nadia for some Summer makeup advice, too.  Some of these I asked for purely selfish reasons – you can’t blame me for not wanting raccoon eyes all the time!

1. What are this season’s must-have summer makeup looks?  What says quintessential “summer”?

Less is more for summer.  I love a sheer foundation such as Make Up For Ever’s Face and Body; it’s like second skin and very light weight.  A pop of color is the way to go this season.  Try blue, green or yellow on the eyes; waterproof liner isn’t a bad idea.  A bold red or neon lipstick color is also a haute look right now!

2. When it gets hot and humid, what’s a girl to do to keep her makeup from smearing and running? I get raccoon eyes a lot from runny mascara – even waterproof doesn’t stay put!

Primer, primer and primer!  Using a primer before foundation really helps with the lasting power of a foundation.  For the eyes, try the Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eyeshadow Pencil and Aqua Eyeliners; they are THE BEST!  The shadow pencils act as a great base to keep the eyeshadow from creasing and smudging.  I never go without it!  To avoid raccoon eyes, try semi permanent eyelash lash extensions.  No mascara needed; your lashes will look full and FANTASTIC!

3. How should a girl decide on a makeup look? Should it “go” with the outfit, the occasion or her mood? 

It’s a combination of all three!  First and foremost, you should go with your mood.  If you’re not feeling it, don’t wear it – and that goes for your outfit as well!  If your outfit is simple, use your makeup as an accessory to play it up.  In any case, make sure your look is appropriate for the occasion and remember that your makeup doesn’t have to match your outfit.  Think of which colors will compliment the outfit and go from there.

4. If you could only have 1 makeup product for the summer, what would it be?

WOW…that’s a tough one!  I’m going to say Bronzer.  I don’t like to tan my face and bronzer is a great way to look sun kissed minus the sun!  My 5 essential “must-have” products would be: moisturizer with SPF, concealer, bronzer, mascara and gloss!

5.  What’s the biggest mistake most people make with applying their makeup.  Be honest!!

One mistake I see most often is women applying makeup with dirty brushes!  It’s important to keep your brushes clean to protect your skin from bacteria and breakouts, and to maintain the longevity of your brushes (A Beautiful Life: Nadia also said you should clean your brushes after EACH makeup application).  Another one is overuse of product.  Less is more; you can always add more if you feel you need it!

….AND NOW….MY NEW LOOK AFTER THE MAKEUP SESSION WIH NADIA…What do you think?

For a chance to win a “Rock Your Style” consultation package from Nadia which includes up to 8 hours of private sessions, check out Nadia’s blog to enter. 

Nadia’s style studio is located #100- 825 Granville St at the corner of Robson.