Vegas, Baby, Vegas—Glamour Series

So, when I posted about a great Hollywood day trip to Vegas, I promised the makeup lovers amongst you that I would chat with my celebrity makeup artist friends to ensure you always look as glam as possible. Here is part one of my glamour series. I checked in with red carpet makeup artist Kenetia Lee on her favorite looks for a night out in the town in Vegas.

Maxine: How do you think Vegas makeup differs than “regular makeup?”

Kenetia: Well, I think there is no better place to lose your inhibitions than in Sin City, so why not go all the way and add a little flare with your makeup too? You can’t go wrong with a smoky eye because it’s a signature nightclub look (and nightlife is everything in Vegas!). It’s all about the bright flashing lights and being just a tad bit showy, so instead of the usual black smokey eye, opt for some eye-popping, show-stopping color to smoke out around those eyes.

Maxine: A colored smokey eye? That sounds hard to pull off.

Kenetia: Not really. Choose a color that compliments your eyes, here are some guidelines: Brown eyed girls (this includes hazel) can work with any color. Blue eyed babes should look for hues of peach and orange. Green eyed gals? Lavenders and purples will look great.

Maxine: And what about the lip? With all that going on with the eyes…

Kenetia: Totally right. If you are going to play up those eyes, go with a nice nude lip to bring it all together. But again, don’t be afraid to play with color...especially in Vegas. It’s only makeup, it washes right off. And speaking of that … I don’t care how late you stay out. Wash off your makeup. The best makeup needs a great palette to begin with.

Some of Kenetia’s Favorite Products to achieve a great smoky eye:

Urban Decay’s Fishnet (appx $17):

L’Oreal’s HIP Duo Eyeshadow #224 Showy (appx $1.29)

Next up in our How to Look Great in Vegas series is Jessica Metivier. She is based in Los Angeles and specializes in film, television, photography and special events. She’s brought her talent to America’s Next Top Model and The Real Housewives, but like lots of L.A. Glam Squaders, she also loves to work with “real women.” We’re especially fond of her work because she did our first “models and all” photo shoot for Vanity Girl Hollywood a couple of months ago.

Maxine: So, where would you start to look hot in Vegas?

Jessica: I say lashes. As in fake lashes. When most of us think of false lashes we often think full strips can look fabulous, but they can be a pain in the you-know-what to apply. I like demi lashes even better! Demis add just the the right amount of length and lift to the outer corner of the eyes, giving a super sexy look that’s more natural and easier to apply. Give your lashes a good curl and apply one coat of mascara. Next, add your demi’s and let the glue dry, then one or two more coats of mascara and you’re good to go!

Maxine: And what about on the lips?

Jessica: What I la la la love for a hot summer look are coral lips! Don’t be afraid to rock some color on your pout. Coral looks good on just about every skin tone. Colors on the pink side flatter lighter skin tones, and darker beauties look fierce in orange based coral.

Maxine: Wow, coral. That’s a color I shy away from…

Jessica: Which is why I love it. But here’s how you can make it mistake-proof. For staying power, powder your lips to remove any traces of oil or gloss. Apply a light coat of lip color, then blot. Next, use a pencil that matches your lip color—not your lipstick—to line your lips and keep lipstick from feathering.

Maxine: And what about color on the eyes?

Jessica: Well, when wearing a bold lip, remember to go easy on the eye make-up. A fresh, bronzed-out look looks really good with coral. And I know you didn’t ask me for fashion tips, but a cute little clutch is the final accessory for a night out in Vegas.

Here are some of Jessica’s favorite products to look hot in Vegas:

MAC Cosmetics 20 Lash (appx $13)

Smashbox Nude Lip Pencils (appx $16)

If you would like to hire Jessica for your photo shoot or special event: jessica @ jessicametivier.com

So, rounding out our lineup of makeup experts for your Vegas look is Amanda Jacoballis—aka Makeup Mandy. We love her for so many reasons…not the least of which is that she is right up the street from my flat. While she boasts an impressive celebrity client list including Eva Longoria and Leighton Meester, she and her staff are totally down-to-earth and love to work with “real women” too. When I have a special event, it’s super easy to pop in there for gorgeous makeup and then run across the street to Urth Caffe (yes, the same one as in many a scene of Entourage) for a cup of tea or an organic salad. I digress, so here’s Mandy:

Maxine: Can you give our readers a little advice on how to look great in Vegas?

Mandy: We are no strangers to Vegas! For me, the most important things are my pre-Vegas beauty rituals so that I feel low maintenance while away and don’t have to fight over bathroom time with the girls. A dark organic spray tan is a must to both make you look better and need less makeup.

Maxine: That makes so much sense! A trip with the girls is sooo much different than one with your man…and bathroom time is at a premium.

Mandy: Absolutely. Which brings me to the next time-saving pre-Vegas ritual—LASHES. Dramatic eye lashes that last a week are low maintenance and look awesome.

Maxine: So now that you have all this great “foundation” in place, what do you do for makeup?

Mandy: I love Juli Hewitt’s bronzer in Aphrodite and take this with me all night for quick touch ups as it gives a great glow and provides coverage.

Maxine: I know you also do hair…

Mandy: The All-Nighter styling powder is great to prolong your blowout and add volume!

Maxine: Any final tips?

Mandy: I also always have a great black liquid eyeliner with me for dramatic eyes that don’t smudge!

Mandy’s Favorite Products Pre – and during Vegas:

Organic Spray Tan offered at Makeup Mandy on Melrose

Week long Eyelash Extensions offered at Makeup Mandy on Melrose

Juli Hewitt Bronzer in Aphrodite (appx $30)

All-Nighter Styling Powder (appx $18)

For more information about Makeup Mandy, click here.