Rock out tonight with Gina Katon and the Darling Stilettos

Behind the Scenes:



This afternoon, I glammed up my friend Gina Katon of the rock band Darling Stilettos for her hot gig tonight at Playhouse in Hollywood. Gina and her 3 gorgeous band mates describe themselves as nasty, filthy, hardcore, sweaty rock and rollers. They perform a combination of original music, as well as cover songs from legendary groups like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Blondie and Queen.

The performance tonight will benefit the Shine on Sierra Leone foundation. Entry into Playhouse and an intimate concert from the Darling Stiletto’s will cost $30.00 and almost all the proceeds will go to this incredible organization. You can get more information about the cause by following the link below.

http://shineonsierraleone.org

Gina’s beauty must-have is black mascara, so I decided to create her rocker look around a bold smokey eye.

So get the look, get over to Playhouse, and let the Darling Stilettos take you on a trip through rock and roll. See you there!

Get the Look:

Face

1. Prepare the skin with a primer or light moisturizer. I used a primer on Gina but either will work.
2. Blend a touch of concealer under eyes and in any areas you need more coverage.
3. Apply foundation with a brush. Blend well onto the face and neck. I used a mineral foundation on Gina for limited coverage but you can achieve this look with mineral or liquid foundation depending on your skin. If you choose a liquid formula, make sure to set with a loose powder.
4. Dust a soft powder cheek color to the high apples of the cheek.

Eyes

1. Groom and define brows with brow liner and set with a brow gel.
2. Line the entire eye with black eye pencil. I used an soft pencil for smudging.
3. Apply eye shadow starting at the upper lids blending up to the crease and around the outer edges. Blend under the lower lashes as well. Use darker shades to create depth. Use lighter shades on the center of the lid and to soften the edges.
4. Curl and coat lashes with an eyelash curler and black mascara.

Lips

1. Apply a sheer red gloss.

All products by Revlon

Sexy Scorpio

Here is this month's zodiac reading for "Scorpio" by ELLE UK!

Lucky Days: 7, 8, 15, 16, 17
Yucky Days: 3, 4, 9, 10 23
Fashion Icon: Thandie Newton
Colour: Magenta

Come out from underground, Scorpio, your public wants to greet you. November is your month of months. It’s not just because of your birthday; there’s so much on tap that there’s barely room to mention it all. Let’s start with lovely, lucrative and luscious Venus entering your sign on the 9th. This is the ideal moment for a makeover, a decadent shopping spree or a facial with a mani/pedi. Beauty treatments seem to “take” better when this planet is on your Sun, so if you need your colour done, go for it during the last three weeks of the month. You can also attract money like nobody’s business. Perhaps this will come in the form of gifts from would-be lovers or perhaps because your boss wants to give you a raise. The icing on the gorgeous birthday cake is that you’ll be so beyond sexy and alluring that you’ll barely know what to do with yourself. That’s some serious stuff, because Scorpios are never at a loss when it comes to sex. Next on tap is the brilliant New Moon in your sign on 16 November. Wish on your lucky stars and make a list of everything you want from life during the next six months. Check it in May; you might get more than what you want, but you’ll definitely get what you need.

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Since Magenta is this month's lucky color according to ELLE UK, I've put together the perfect Scorpio Beauty Kit! Check out this magenta lip I did on Megan Fox at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards!


All products by http://www.givenchy.com

Shenae Grimes smolders with sexy eyes for Fall

I recently had the pleasure of working with Shenae Grimes, who currently plays a lead role as Annie Wilson in the hit CW show 90210. Photographer Elias Tahan and I spent an amazing day shooting Shenae for new press photos to showcase her edgy new haircut. Elias and I were able to be really creative on this shoot and I think the artistry and mood really comes through in the photos. Can't wait to see all of them! For now here is a sneak peak of one of the looks I created with her. You can do it with relatively few products and I encourage you to give it a try.



Get the Look:

Face

1.Prepare the skin with a light moisturizer.
2.Blend a touch of concealer under eyes and in any areas you need more coverage.
3.Set with a dusting of loose mineral powder.
4.Dust a soft powder cheek color to the high apples of the cheek.

Eyes

1.Groom and define brows with powder shadow and set with a brow gel.
2.Apply black OR brown eye shadow starting at the upper lids blending up to the crease and around the outer edges. Blend under the lower lashes as well.
3.Line the entire eye with black eye pencil.
4.Curl and coat lashes with an eyelash curler black mascara.

Lips

1. Apply gloss.

All products by L'Oreal

Halloween Chic

Halloween is my favorite time of year. The Mascarade parties and free spirited mentality makes me really excited to do makeup that’s out of this world. Halloween allows us the opportunity to create our dream look, whether that's scary, sexy, fantasy, or funny...the possibilities are endless. This year I was very inspired by runway make up. The beauty and hair is so theatrical and dramatic. I love it all and wanted to use some of what I've seen on the runways as inspiration to create some exciting beauty looks as an ode to Halloween 2009.


Jessica Marie, Vision Models


I created 3 Looks for you using my model Jessica Marie from Vision LA this Halloween: vampire, angel, and flapper. Notice flashes of runway inspiration along with all the products to get the look. I encourage you to create your own fantasy looks this year and look forward to hearing about them. And a quick tip before you get started, halloween can get messy so make sure you have plenty of qtips on hand for details and cleanup. Have fun and enjoy!


Vampire
Get the Look

Face
1. Prepare skin with a moisturizer.
2. Apply liquid foundation w/ a foundation brush. Blend well onto the face and neck. Using a foundation with a matte finish will give you the best result for this look.
3. Set with a loose powder.

Eyes
1. Set brows with brow gel.
2. Apply bright deep plum shadow starting at the upper lids blending up to the crease and around the outer edges. Blend under the lower lashes as well. Add white shimmer pigment to your inner eye near the tear duct. .
3. Curl lashes with an eyelash curler and coat with a thickening black mascara.

Lips
1. Line lips with a deep burgundy liner and fill in by using a damp brush, I blended the purple powder shadow
2. You may add a dark purple or sheer lipgloss if you like. I opted for a matte lip..

Misc
1. Fake blood and fangs found at your local costume store.
2. Crazy Eyes Contacts.





Angel
Get the Look

Face
1. Prepare skin with a rich cream moisturizer.
2. Apply liquid foundation w/ a foundation brush. Blend well onto the face and neck. Using a foundation with a warmer glow will give you the best result, and make the white shadow’s really pop.
3. Set with a dusting of loose powder.
4. Apply a petal pink blush to apples of cheeks.

Eyes
1. Apply matte white shadow starting at the upper lids blending up to the crease and around the outer edges. Blend under the lower lashes as well. Add white cream shimmer pigment to your inner eye near tear duct and the middle of the top eye lid.
4. Nestle a few individual eye lashes with a lash glue. I use tweezers for the most precise placement, but first curl and coat lashes with a dark brown mascara. Then apply the lashes.
5. Trim some soft white feathers. Use topstick to secure white feathers on your brows.

Lips
1. Apply a pale pink lipstick and cover with a pale gloss.





Flapper
Get the Look

1. Prepare skin with a moisturizer.
2. Apply liquid foundation w/ a foundation brush. Blend well onto the face and neck. Using a pale foundation with pink tint will give you the best result for this look.
3. Set with a dusting of loose powder.
4. Apply a bright fushcia blush to apples of cheeks. Blending up in to the temples and close the the outer edges of the eyes.

Eyes
1. Blend the deep navy or purple and black eyeshadows onto the entire eyelid using more of the black towards the outer edges and bringing it slightly lower and out. This isn’t a cat eye. It’s creating more of a hollowed smokey eye effect. Let the brush follow the outer edges and become wider under the eyelid. Use a white or silver shimmer eyeshadow towards the inner part of the eye near the tearduct.
2. Curl and coat lashes with black mascara and draw a thin line inside of the eye with a black eyeliner. Add a touch of foundation and powder over your brows and draw a thin line just above the brow line in a long oval shape.

Lips
1. Line lips with black eye pencil and fill in with a black or dark purple lipgloss. With my look, I did a bit of both.




Here are some runway looks to further inspire you.


Happy Halloween everyone!

Latin Beauty Sofia Vergara

I had the opportunity to work with a beautiful new actress this week, Sophia Vergara. I glammed her up for a day of press to promote Modern Family, her outstanding show on ABC. I’ve been a fan of Sofia’s for awhile, watching her in various TV and films roles, but I must say that her role as Gloria in Modern Family is executed perfectly by her beauty and wit. She is hilarious on set and in person and it made for a delightful day!

I gave Sophia a natural yet dramatic daytime look for her press conference.

Get the Look:

Face

1. Prepare the skin with a light moisturizer.
2. Blend a touch of concealer under eyes and in any areas you need more coverage.
3. Apply liquid foundation w/ a foundation brush. Blend well onto the face and neck.
4. Set with a dusting of loose mineral powder.
5. Dust a soft powder cheek color to the high apples of the cheek.

Eyes

1. Groom and define brows with powder shadow and set with a brow gel.
2. Apply neutral eye shadow starting at the upper lids blending up to the crease and around the outer edges. Blend under the lower lashes as well.
3. Line the entire eye with black eye pencil.
4. Curl and coat lashes with an eyelash curler black mascara.

Lips

1. Apply gloss.

Erika Jayne on the cover of Zink Magazine

Check out the makeup and hair I did for Erika Jayne on the November issue of Zink Magazine! It was shot in New York City by photographer Chloe Crespi and she did a great job! The clothes were amazing and we had so much fun shooting. Pick up your copy in stores to see more from the shoot!

A Bright Alternative featuring Aarin Schlosberg

Who doesn’t love a smokey eye? It’s a look that works on just about everyone, but what if you want to detour from the usual browns and neutral colors and add a pop of color to your fall makeup regime… Switch up your chocolate browns with deep greens, plums, and blues. Black liner and lots of black mascara will really give any pop of color a dramatic edge. People often ask me “I love my these shades of eye shadow but what lip should I pair it with?” So instead of explaining, I decided to demonstrate on my friend Aarin. She was convinced that green wouldn’t work for her but was thrilled about how amazing this vibrant green looked on her eyes. I wanted to show a variation of how you can change your vibe just by changing up your lip color. I decided to play with 3 completely different lip shades; a very pale pink, a vibrant raspberry red, and a deep black orchid. You can see how changing only the lip gave Aarin’s face 3 completely different looks. I will use more colors in the weeks to come, but for now, introduce yourself to a beautiful deep green. What lip is your favorite??









Get the Look:
Face

1. First, prepare the skin with a light moisturizer.
2. Blend a touch of concealer under eyes and in any areas you need more coverage.
TIP: Use the tip of your ring finger to blend under the eye, its your weakest finger and is the most gentle.
3. Apply liquid foundation w/ a foundation brush. Blend well onto the face and neck.
4. Set with a dusting of loose powder.
5. Dust a soft powder cheek color to the high apples of the cheek.

Eyes

1. Groom and define brows with powder shadow and set with a brow gel.
2. Apply bright green eye shadow starting at the upper lids blending up to the crease and around the outer edges. Blend under the lower lashes as well.
3. Line the entire eye with black eye pencil.
4. Curl lashes with an eyelash curler and coat with black mascara.

Lips

1. Apply liner and gloss.
Tips for lips- for these lip options, I opted to not use lipstick and stick with lip glosses and pencils only. Whenever you are using bright colors, a neutral pale mouth is always a safe bet, but for the brave at heart, try bright bold color on your lips with your bright eye.

Also, try these lip colors to see what works for you: peach, red, deep wine, hot pink, orange, and pale pink.

Looking forward to hearing what you paired with your green eye!

Happy Birthday Kim Kardashian!

Happy Birthday to my muse, Kim Kardashian!

Love, Troy

Blot Away! Here's a Great Alternative to Removing Unwanted Shine

Lets get real, an oil slicked face is never attractive. Whether you are dancing at a nightclub, having a busy day in the office or baking on the beach... your inner shine can come out and not necessarily in a good way. Before you layer on the powder, try going a different route...

Oil blotting papers are one of my favorite products. They have been used for over a millennium, originally developed in Japan to layer gold leaf and adorn temples. Geisha’s soon began using them for beauty purposes, blotting over their thick make-up in sweltering non-air conditioned theaters. This brings me to one of the best parts of this product, which is that the sheets are very gentle, absorbing excess oil without disturbing your make-up! They aren’t just for ladies however, it’s a perfect product for men too.

Using oil blotting papers is not rocket science, but since I use them everyday and consider myself quite the expert, here are a few good tips. Pull out a sheet and lay across your forehead. Press down with your fingertips and then release and lift off. Remember, its not a washcloth so don’t rub. Repeat this process on your nose or wherever you are feeling shiny and greasy. The oil from your face is lifted up and left on the disposable sheet, and I must say it’s really quite satisfying.

As cosmetic companies have caught on to this genius product, there are many fabulous options on the market today. Boscia blotting linens are a great choice because they are made of 100% natural abaca leaf fibers and are offered in 7 varieties. I'm wild about the infused options, such as vanilla, green tea, peppermint, lavender, California orange, and rose, but if you want to keep it simple, the essence free option is just as effective. 100 sheets come in a package the size of a credit card, the perfect size to throw in your back pocket, purse or even your wallet. You can buy a pack for $10.00 online at www.boscia.com, or find them at Sephora stores nationwide.

Blot Away!

Confident Libra

This is a special month for me. Yes, It's my birthday month. Oct 6th thank you very much… I had a wonderful birthday with my close friends and now I am excited to share an amazing horoscope with all my fellow Libras.

I read a really interesting weekly horoscope on Elle.com, which basically said that Jupiter turns direct on Monday Oct 12th. This helps us Libra's to discern the difference between good drama and bad drama. It also gives us the ability to infuse a bad situation with an electrifying rainbow of creativity and passion. How amazing is that?

I don't know about you, but I have recently had some negativity in my life. Honestly, I feel like I am gaining control of the situation and want to leave it behind me without stirring up any further conflicts. I realize that I have a tendency to put myself right in the middle of a lot of drama, and that needs to change. This horoscope explained so much and I ‘m learning to channel my energy towards more positive and creative outlets.

We all have things that happen in our lives, whether it’s a break up, loss of job, or some tragedy that robs us of our joy. Don't let it get you down, stay strong. We have the power to decide if we are going to be kicked down by drama. You are the MOST important and you are strong, beautiful, and in control. Happy Birthday to all of my fellow Libra's!!!

I really appreciated Elle Magazines Horoscope this month so I posted it below for us Libra's. For more amazing horoscopes go to Elle.com.

MONTHLY OVERVIEW:
The Sun is in Libra until October 23rd, making this the start of a new solar cycle for you. It’s time to put yourself front and center, to hone in on your priorities and take action. The Libra new moon on the 18th marks your personal new year, a great time to define a few key goals. After an emotional, unstructured September, you’re ready to forge ahead.

Speaking of structure, on October 29th, taskmaster Saturn will enter Libra, staying until October 2012. For the next three years, this celestial life coach will dole out the tough love, forcing you to confront your weak spots and grow. Libra is the sign of partnerships, and you veer between selfishness and losing yourself in others’ needs. Saturn will strip it all down to brass tacks. Although the lost luxury of procrastination will require some adjustment, you’ll be a lean, mean fighting machine by the end of this period—as long as you step up to the challenge.

Ask your friends to cheer you on. Energetic Mars begins a nine-month visit to your group activity sector on the 16th. Get support for your goals through networking associations, online chat forums, and other circles. Break away from the enablers who let you make excuses for playing small. As our Libra uncle once told us, the difference between a friendship and friendliness is this: A friendly person tells you what you want to hear, and a friend tells you what you need to hear. Libra, you can handle the truth.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
October is filled with romantic activity—one of your favorite pastimes. On the 4th, the Aries full moon beams into your relationship sector, bringing a declaration of true love, a heartfelt commitment or a brilliant insight about your love life. If you’ve reached the end of the road, this moon will help you part ways with peace.

With your ruler Venus in Virgo until the 14th, you’re clearing out a few emotional cobwebs. Be careful not to project your past anger onto your current partner—work hard to remember that s/he’s not your mother, father or ex-lover. Any resemblances are actually a gift: they’re stirring up dormant blocks that you need to resolve within yourself.

Do the inner work, because on the 14th, Venus enters Libra until November 7th. You’ll want to be baggage-free to enjoy this cycle. On the 12th, expansive Jupiter ends a four-month retrograde (backward) spin in your fifth house of romance, passion and fertility. The rest of the year looks especially bright for single Libras, or those who want to conceive. There’s an “f”-word your sign forgot over the summer: F-U-N. Laughter is an aphrodisiac, so lighten up.

MONEY & CAREER:
Energetic Mars is in Cancer, your tenth house of high-profile ambition, until the 16th. Get out there and hobnob with the hoi polloi, Libra. Glam up as only you can, and hit the charity functions, award shows, museum openings and black-tie events. Dial a mentor and request a referral, and get as close to the decision-makers as you possibly can. The Sun and Mercury are both in Libra from the 9th-23rd, a great time to strike out.

On October 16th, Mars moves into Leo, your eleventh house of groups, technology and society. Mars will be here for an extended nine-month visit, urging you to team up with other professionals, especially for a cause. Spread the word about your skills through parties, events and fundraisers, or donate a portion of your proceeds to a worthwhile charity. Mars in Leo is also the perfect time to start a blog, website or online newsletter—something that adds value and meaning to people’s lives while also promoting your expertise. If you’re an entrepreneur, build your business with search engine optimization and online marketing.

HEALTH & FITNESS:
Are you ready to give it up already? We’re talking about the last vestiges of emotional baggage, which you’ve been systematically shedding for the last three years. Saturn, the planet of challenges and maturity, has been in your twelfth house of healing, closure and the subconscious since September 2007. On October 29th, Saturn will depart—and you don’t want to miss its valuable lessons. Therapy, energy healing, or any dedicated effort to tie up your past will be doubly rewarded this month.

Look closely: are you still blaming your parents for any part of your life that doesn’t work? Wherever you refuse to succeed—whether it’s love, career, health—chances are, you’re punishing your mom and dad. Consider it, Libra. If you’re experiencing physical ailments, they’re most likely connected to a part of your life where you’re resisting growth (Check out Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life for insight).

While we’re on this roll, how about working out your authority issues at the gym? With Mars in your structured tenth house until the 14th, hiring a trainer can help you work out any buried rage. Let some boot-camp style jerk boss you around, then beat the crap out of him with your boxing gloves. Get it out of your system in a healthy, productive way. If you get toned calves and a supple booty out of the deal, all the better!

Lucky Days: October 9, 17
Money Days: October 11, 18
Love Days: October 4, 27
Off Days: October 1, 15

Libra Beauty
Show the world you're in control by creating a dramatic eye or lip.

A dark smokey black eye or deep lip shade will definitely show the world you are hot, sexy, and powerful, by putting life’s drama into a dramatic make up look.



Steps: Prep your skin with a moisturizer, concealer, and a matte finish liquid foundation. Set with a loose mineral powder.

Cheeks: Dust a soft pink powder blush on to the apples of the cheeks.

Defined eye: Line your entire eye with black eye liner and smudge with a Q-tip swab.
Curl and coat lashes with Black mascara.

Smokey eye: Start by lining your entire eye with a black eye liner. Then create your smokey eye using a soft eye shadow brush. Wet the brush with water so it’s slightly damp. This way you can easily layer the depth of black you want. It will dry matte. Dampening the brush will give you more control when defining your eye shape. Start the black wash of color over the liner first. Then working your way wider until you are in the eyelid crease. Then go a little darker. Once you have your over all definition, keep it slightly smokey or keep layering the black eye shadow until it's as deep as you want it to be. Curl and coat lashes with black mascara. Use a faux lash for added drama.

Brow: Should be groomed with a brow pencil and set with a brow gel.

Lips: Keep lips light or pat on a dark lip shade with your fingertips. You can also use the black lip color to deepen a burgundy, red, or wine lip color. Wear it dramatic and bold or as a stain. You are in control babe!



I was really inspired by the new Chanel line called Noirs Obscurs. It is a perfect line to achieve these confident Libra looks.