The best way to remove your makeup

One of the best ways to remove makeup, at the end of a long day, is through double-cleansing. To double cleanse, first take a makeup wipe or an oil-based product and gently remove your makeup. I normally choose makeup wipes, but I am very particular about the kind of makeup wipe I use because they’re not all made equal. Some wipes contain too many ingredients and those ingredients can cause irritation. My favorite wipe is Mac’s Gently Off wipes. These wipes were created for sensitive skin and eyes and are non-irritating. If you’re not sure which products you should choose when purchasing new skincare, try products labeled for “sensitive skin” because these products aren’t made with harsh ingredients. 


After all of your makeup is removed, start cleansing your skin with your favorite face cleanser. I like to use Philosphy’s Purity Made Simple with a Face Halo remover. I find this to be the best way to remove dirt, oil, and makeup because of the fibers in the Face Halo remover. This special pad is able to trap and remove makeup for a deep cleanse. I like to use the white Face Halo remover so I can be certain that no makeup is left on my face.


I typically don’t wear really heavy makeup, but if I do wear it, I use the fourth step in my makeup routine. To make sure my pores are clear and clean, I use Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Pore and Purifying Face Mask. I never have to worry about a pesky pimple when I use this mask. My skin is left untextured and my pores look smaller. 


Finally, I use Sonia Roselli’s Sexappeal once a week to exfoliate any dead skin buildup that may be on my face and decolletage. Exfoliating once a week is enough for most people. Here’s the address to grab your bottle of Sexappeal https://soniaroselli.com/?rfsn=3882147.c84acc. Grab yours before she sells out again!


I’d love to hear how you remove your makeup. Feel free to comment below!


Until next time…..



Danielle Rochon 




What to expect at a bridal trial?

You’ve booked the perfect venue and selected the dress of your dreams, now it’s time to find the perfect makeup artist to execute the look that will bring your groom to his knees! Here’s what you should expect at a bridal trial:


Bridal trials are typically around 60-90 minutes long. This is the perfect time to find out if

a. You like your makeup artist enough to have her be an integral part of the biggest day of your life, and

b. She can execute the look you’re envisioning 


A great makeup artist will ask questions about your lifestyle, skincare and makeup routine, and comfortability with makeup. He or she should never initiate a makeup application without getting a thorough understanding of your likes and dislikes. For example, If you’re uncomfortable with a bold smoky eye, your wedding day is not the day to play around with this look even if the makeup artist suggests it. Your makeup artist should listen closely to your vision, and make adjustments to that vision to fit your features, skin type, and complexion. Remember, you have to wear the look on your big day, not the makeup artist. It’s important to make sure you like it! Never be afraid to let your makeup artist know if you don’t like something. We want you to be happy and excited about your look!


During the bridal trial, you should be discussing your wedding colors, dress style, and vision for your day. If you want the ambiance to be calm and relaxing while getting ready or you want to clap, clap, clap like you don’t care with your girls and Beyonce blasting, let your makeup artist know! I personally love when my brides turn up with their girls, but I also understand that some brides need more of a serene vibe to shake wedding day jitters.


The bridal trial is about finding the right fit for your personality and taste! When you’ve found the right person, you’ll know just like you knew when you found that perfect dress! Sometimes you have to try more than one and sometimes you just know!


Until next time!


Danielle Rochon 



Follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/daniellerochonmakeup! If you’re newly engaged and searching for a makeup artist to help design your perfect look, book a Bridal Consultation Call with me at www.calendly.com/daniellerochonmakeup. 




Should I book a bridal trial and when?

One of the most common questions asked by a bride-to-be is, “should I book a bridal trial?” The answer is YES! Let me be very transparent for a moment. I have booked brides who I have never met, arrived on the day to do their makeup, and everything turned out fine. Could the experience and makeup possibly have turned out better? Yes! The brides were delighted, but I did not feel the sense of preparedness or connection that I share with brides I have gotten to know over six months to a year. Looking back, I am thankful that everything turned out alright, but some issues can arise from not meeting a bride beforehand. 


 1. Lack of connection 

 On the biggest day of your life, it is important to work with a person who understands your personality, pain points, likes, and discomforts. Unfortunately, on the day of your wedding, there isn’t enough time to sort out these issues, especially if the makeup artist has scheduled other clients on your big day.
 

2. Skin Issues

 If you are getting your makeup done for the first time on your big day, your makeup artist doesn’t know much about your skin and how your skin reacts to certain products. The bridal trial day is the perfect time to wear makeup all day and note any skin reactions. 

 3. Sensitivities 

 I have encountered brides who react to products being put on their eyes. Imagine the surprise of not knowing how to handle these issues on the day of someone’s wedding. 

 4.Miscommunication 

 Natural and dramatic are two words that are interpreted differently by most people. A bride and makeup artist can define natural and dramatic in very different ways. Most likely, the artist won’t have time to redo your entire makeup look if there is a misunderstanding. 


 The only time I think it’s okay to skip a bridal trial is when you know your makeup artist personally, and she has done your makeup before, and you were pleased.


 Finally, when choosing a bridal makeup artist, please select artists whose work you love. A good time to book a bridal trial is 3-6 months before your wedding date or when you have selected your dress, hairstyle, and accessories. 


 Until next time!!!!  


Danielle Rochon 


Sir John’s Chicago Masterclass

Two days ago, I attended Sir John’s masterclass here in Chicago. I’ve attended quite a few masterclasses, but this was the most extraordinary and worthwhile class of all. If you don’t know who Sir John is all I’m going to say is he has created some of Queen B Beyonce’s most iconic looks. Follow SirJohnOfficial on Instagram and google his credentials. I promise you; you’ll love him. 

 First of all, this man is GORGEOUS!!! He’s like a real-life Casanova. He’s kind, he’s beautiful, he’s super-talented, he’s creative, and he’s ALLURING!!! Okay, enough of that. The most striking quality about him as an artist is that he seems to be 100% himself and comfortable with who he is. When he first came into the room, he spoke to us like he was a new friend genuinely interested in who we were and where we traveled from to go to his class. He didn’t behave with a sense of superiority, given his incredible career and talent. He made us feel like he was one of us, a person putting one foot in front of the other every day and trying to do his absolute best with what blessings he’s been given. He created two makeup looks for us. One was a very clean makeup look that did not transform his model into a completely different person but enhanced her a bit. The second look on the second model was an editorial look with glitter and beautiful skin. He is all about beautiful skin and enhancing what a woman is working with. In the age of Instagram makeup, it is so refreshing to see someone who can see the person in front of him and not try to recreate the person into someone completely different. I was drawn to his artistry because I love an artist who can do beautiful, radiant skin and because Beyonce never looks overdone. After the makeup demonstrations, we had lunch at a salon next door. After lunch, the attendees recreated his looks on each other. Sir John and his staff, along with Erica Carr, assisted us in recreating the looks. Goodies were given out if someone did skin well or eyes. After we recreated the looks, it was time to pack our kits and prepare for cocktail hour. We had champagne and more food, and we mingled and bonded as a community of makeup artists. I can’t go into more detail about this class because I am a believer in respecting the teacher who has paved the way and respecting the attendees who spent their hard earned money on investing in masterclasses. 

 I will leave you with a few takeaways from this class. 

 1. I appreciated the tone Erica Carr set at the beginning of the class when she said we are all on the same level in the class. No matter how long we had been doing makeup, it didn’t matter. We were all there to learn. Erica also pointed out things to consider when setting your makeup rate. She said cost plus time plus reputation equal value! Consider all 3 of these things when setting your makeup rate.

 2. Stop discounting your rate. Do it free or don’t do it at all! Ask yourself if the opportunity is going to move the needle in your career? If not, why do it? 

 3. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid are a great one-two punch for antiaging. If you want to know more, YOU MUST ATTEND HIS CLASS!!! 


 Someone asked me on Instagram if Sir John’s class was worth the money. My answer is ABSOLUTELY! I learned less is truly more, and you don’t have to overpaint someone to create gorgeous makeup looks. Lead with kindness and be yourself! You can only be successful if you are 100 percent yourself and create your content! 


Enjoy your Friday loves! 


xoxo


Danielle Rochon 


ARE LUXURY PRODUCTS WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Clients, as well as fellow makeup artists, often ask me if luxury beauty products are worth the financial investment. The answer is it depends on why you’re buying them, and if there are comparable substitutes on the market. If you are a consumer who loves pulling an amazing black sleek Chanel compact out of your bag to touch-up your YSL lipstick, then, of course, you’re going to find luxury products worth the hype. You are a brand-conscious buyer, and there is nothing wrong with a luxurious treat if you can afford it. If you are wondering if the hefty price tag means you are getting better ingredients, longer wearability, better packaging, and better performance, then the answer is yes and no. One brand cannot cure all of our makeup needs. I can find amazing products from almost every brand on the market today, but there are only a few brands who can continuously knock the ball out of the park with every collection. 

 I choose to buy luxury products because I grew up obsessed with reading beauty and fashion magazines. There was nothing more satisfying than reading about products in Allure magazine. When I was old enough to afford these luxury products, I went straight to the makeup counters to purchase them. Years ago, I could only buy lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner from some of the higher end brands like Chanel and YSL. Their complexion section left a lot to be desired if you were a woman of color. I found MAC, Nars, and Bobbi Brown to be way more inclusive when it came to complexion products. Brands are much better now in terms of the color ranges they serve. Hey money talks and despite the fallacy out there about women of color not buying luxury makeup products, statistics say we make up a large amount of the billions spent every year on beauty products. 

 So, are today’s higher-end products worth the hype? For me, yes! YSL made one of my favorite powders called Souffle D’Eclat Loose powder. This powder had a luminescent glow to it because of the mother of pearl finely pressed into the product. YSL has discontinued a few shades, and so many of us are crushed about this. Chanel’s Poudre Universelle Libre is a great substitute. When it comes to lipsticks, Chanel has my heart! The textures are incredible, and I have found the nude color range is fantastic! Will I buy foundations for women of color from Chanel or YSL? Probably not! They still leave a lot to be desired when it comes to extending the shade range. I do carry Dior foundations in my kit! When it was revealed that the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle wore Dior’s Backstage Face & Body for her wedding and the shade range included 40 shades ranging from very light to very deep and including olive, peach, and neutral tones, I was sold! Face & Body is a very basic foundation. You must use excellent skin prep to create expensive looking skin. 

The most natural group in my clientele, the Vanillas, love this lightweight formula. They want to see skin, and skin is what you will get! Nars carries two of my favorite foundation formulas, Natural Radiant Longwear foundation, and Sheer Glow. Both formulas have a radiant look, but the Natural Radiant is a heavier coverage. You can use your fingers to apply the Natural Radiant formula if you want a skin-like effect. One of my wonderful teachers Kai informed me that Nars Sheer glow is not a sheer foundation. The “glow” is sheer, not the formula. The formula is more of a medium coverage. In the high-end foundation arena, I love other brands such as Koh Gen Do, Mac’s Face & Body, and Bobbi Brown’s foundations stick to name a few. I buy these products because I have found nothing comparable to them when I am looking for something that looks natural, feels amazing on the skin, and doesn’t have a dense texture. I also choose luxury products because I want my clients to have the best! This is not a comprehensive list, but only a few examples of products I love. 


Please share some of your favorite products!!!! I’m always looking to try new things!!! If you’re not following me on social media, please like my page @daniellerochonmakeup on Instagram and Facebook!