Self Acceptance, Smiling and Positive Thoughts or a Guide to Cosmetics Shopping from a Professional Make-Up Artist

by Olga Tsiba of Glamorized Skin

We were recently introduced to a Make-Up Artist, Tatyana Seredkina, by one of our models. After meeting Tatyana in person, we realized that we share great passion for the art of make-up. Tatyana’s resume with international education and experience is impressive. She graduated with high honors from Tiiu Luht School of Make-Up in Tallinn, Estonia.  She also completed an apprenticeship with Katrin Sangla, a renowned Estonian Make-Up Artist. Katrin Sangla trained in Hollywood under the pioneer, whose efforts resulted in creation of airbrush make up, Joe Blasco. Inspired by Katrin’s experience and driven by her desire to increase her own awareness of beauty, Tatyana moved to Los Angeles, California.  She studied advanced Make Up Artistry in special effects, stage, and beauty at Joe Blasco’s Professional Make-Up Artist Trainer Center. At the 2008 International Make-Up Artist Trade Show, Tatyana earned a spot among the finalists of the Beauty Fantasy Student Competition. This inspiring young woman currently resides in Laguna Hills, California, and continues to explore beauty by working with many professional photographers and models. Tatyana says that  helping women find their personal best image is what inspires her the most.

Tatyana agreed to share some of her knowledge and personal experiences with Glamorized Skin readers. We love her easy-flowing, conversational style. By the way, all the photos in this post are of Tatyana's work!

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When Olga and Inna of Glamorized Skin approached me and shared their ideas about empowering women and helping them look their best on the daily basis, I thought: what a great way to share what I know about make-up and beauty outside of professional work environment. Here is my small collection of personal tips and findings. While writing this article, I imagined that I am talking to a very good friend.

SHOPPING

WHY

Shopping can be really frustrating when you find yourself in a cosmetic store just because… I find that planning my shopping before entering the store helps. I can be more focused, get what I need, feel more confident and depending on my goals, every salesperson happens to be either invaluable or invisible. By the way, just browsing the store could be a plan too. In any case, every make up shopping trip should be fun. Being in a gloomy mood or in doubt does not work for me.

HOW

Every woman knows how tricky choosing the right color of lipstick can be. Foundation is even trickier. My biggest mistake of all times is trying to find just one perfect magic shade for every occasion and season. I know I need much more than one of everything…even mascara. I have it in black, brown and even purple.

I do not have a magic formula for picking out the right color. It is always based on trials and experiments. I often go outside for daylight to check the colors I liked the most in the store. I use my hand for lipsticks and shadows, although I know it is not the same as my face. The undertone is what is important because it is the same on your entire body. If a shadow looks dull on my hand or a lipstick appears to look odd, it means this particular color just does not go with my skin tone.

I always have two or three foundations. Why more than one? I have a light color and a color that is two shades darker. I use them alone depending on the season and how tanned my skin is or the time of day. I have to admit that I have made mistakes picking out the right colors for myself. Being a make-up artist, I felt very unhappy discovering the “misses” in my purchases after bringing them home. However, over time, I realized that fear of failure is worse than failure itself. Do not be afraid to experiment. In then end you will have fun, get smarter and look fabulous!

ARE BRANDS IMPORTANT? 

I do not make my decisions based on how well known the brand is. The most important factor for me is safety. I avoid products with harmful substances such as parabens, SLS, petrolatum and many others. There are plenty of websites for checking cosmetic safety. I use www.cosmeticsdatabase.com regularly. I was surprised by how a more expensive make up or cosmetic product can be more hazardous for my health than a cheaper brand that you would pick up at a local drug store.

 GLAMOROUS SKIN

Many women want to have fantastic luminous gorgeous skin. During my teenage years, I could not claim that I had great skin. That is when I began to research how to improve skin condition. For example, I learned that simple, fragrance free cleansers, such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, work well for my face, body, and shaving needs, regardless of the time of day. Overall I keep my cosmetic routine as simple as possible and always check products for safety. I think it is better to spend time on researching the product than more money on products with unsubstantiated claims.

Being on any type of a diet is a very personal and delicate choice. Every woman’s body is different. I would encourage women to pay attention to how the body reacts to different foods, drinks, medicines and supplements. With today’s access to information on the web, you will be able to find what works for you with time. Our beauty and health is in our hands if only we pay attention. Aside from that, these personal findings help my skin feel and look better:

- Avoid dehydration: I drink plenty of water. I do not drink soda, black tea or use sugar. They take water away from the body. My next step is to get rid of coffee. I have to admit that it is a challenge!

- Help digestion: drink water 15 minutes before a meal, not after. Drinking water after your meal dilutes your stomach acid making it harder for your body to digest food. This is not very easy to get used, but makes a big difference for me. 

There is a connection between what people eat and the appearance of their skin.  Indigestion can lead to breakouts along the jawline, rosacea or other skin disorders. I found that not drinking water right after meals helps skin look more radiant.

- Sweets right after a meal, for me, is not the best time for their digestion for the same reason as not drinking water right after meals.

This topic has no ending, but those are my personal staples. I found them helpful in maintaining the health of my skin.

THE BEST MAKE UP PRODUCTS 

…are Self Acceptance, Smiling and Positive Thoughts

Have you noticed how different your “I feel terrific” face looks from “I feel depressed” face? I realized that a smile makes me look relaxed and glowing.  Switching worries to positive expectations conceals “expression lines” in seconds and heals relationships.

OTHER QUICK TIPS FROM TATYANA

 

If your have blemishes, it is better to use a matte bronzer vs. a bronzer with shimmer. Shimmer emphasizes skin imperfections because it attracts light. You may be surprised, but one of my favorite matte bronzers is the New York Color Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny (the price is the surprise!). Its tone is just right - not too yellow or orange.

Matte shadows look more sophisticated and elegant; shimmer brings fun to make-up. TheBalm has a palette with nine different shadows that I really like.

Different textures do not blend well together; liquid or creamy texture needs to be powdered before applying dry product. 

You can find out more about Tatyana’s work on her Facebook page and website.

Sources: 

Professional Make Up Artist Training Center, www.Joeblasco.com

All photographs in this article are copyrighted and cannot be used without authorization of the photographer(s).