Sunday, July 24, 2011

Active Duty Member Goes From Air to High Fashion! INK COSMETICS launches August 20, 2011 in DC

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE!

INK COSMETICS seen in July 2011 Issue of ELLE Magazine!


We spotted ink...cosmetics on Aubrey O'day and Johnny Weir in the July 2011 issue of ELLE magazine.  If you haven't picked you a copy what are you waiting for? 

What an awesome experience!  We can't thank our dear friend and practically family...designer INDASHIO for his continued support over the years.  His designs have graced the red carpets for many years now and we are so grateful to work with a man of such class and unique creativity. 

Indashio has always believed in my artistry and has allowed me to express myself as we mix our two passions to create epic concepts.  The night prior to Indashio's show I was still practicing my couture lashes for Johnny Weir at like 3 am.  Both Indashio and I texting each other images and loving every moment of it!  We are pleased to have received so many positive comments on the look and are extremely excited for the upcoming season!  We are looking forward to what Indashio has in store this Sept and hope to bring another cultivated look to our fans!

XXO Besos!
Anna Castillo

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Beauty on the Battlefield! Makeup & Beauty ideas for the Military Woman!

DISCLAIMER: For security reasons I can not disclose aspects of my training or deployment information. I will however, showcase some of the unclassified equipment we are required to wear while on deployment. Some of you may have more, some less...


Combat Beauty Basics!


Yes, ladies you can still be beautiful while kicking ass on your deployment! At a minimum you can at least feel beautiful between missions.



Being a part of the U.S. Military has been a part of my whole life.  My father was a Marine and as some of you know I have been in the Air Force for 13 years now.  I love what I do and would not change it for the world.  I am currently attending a special pre-deployment military course to better my skills.  I have pulled some images to show a glimpse of a light load of gear we wear when we execute missions.  I would say it could be anywhere between an extra 45-65 lbs.  Sounds crazy huh?  Let me tell you...I live for this $***! 

Although, the one thing that upsets me is I can't wear lashes while conducting operations?  It's not cool to get up from a low crawl with a lash stuck to your cheek.  You better believe I have a style of lashes for almost every occasion.  When I gear up I go oh' naturale!



Living conditions are definitely not the Ritz!  Key bathing essential items includes toiletries, shower shoes, and a towel.

This is a tribute for all military women like me who still want to feel and look beautiful while protecting our freedom.  Carrying semi-automatic weapons all day doesn't mean we have to be manly!  Here are some quick tips to help you stay sane while on your next deployment.

Beauty Packing kit:
BODY
Sunblock
Shower Gel
Body Lotion
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Floss
Facial Wash
Toner
Ready-to-go Facial Masks
Nail Polish Remover
Cuticle Oil
Cuticle Scissors
Nail Hardener
CLEAR Nail Polish - It is important to only wear clear polish when in field conditions so medics are able to check circulation if needed. 

BEAUTY
Moisturizer
Oil-Free Liquid Foundation w/SPF
Concealer
Oil Control Powder
Shadow Base
Bronze/Brown Shadow Palette
Waterproof Black or Brown Eyeliner
Cream Colored Eyeliner
Tinted Lip gloss
Tinted Chap stick w/SPF
Waterproof Mascara
Tweezers
Lash Curler

MAKEUP BRUSHES
Powder Brush
Wide Shadow Brush
Fluff/Smudge Shadow Brush
Liner Brush
Foundation Brush
Blush Brush

Makeup how-to for the battlefield

Step 1:  Clean, tone and moisturize your face.  Top with and SPF of at least 30.

Step 2:  Conceal any dark circles and/or blemishes.

Step 3:  Apply a thin layer of oil-free liquid foundation using the foundation brush on the uneven tones of your skin.  Trick here is to not overdue it.  You aren't going out clubbing or on a hot date for goodness sake! 

Step 4:  Using your powder brush apply oil-control powder all over your face and neck.

Step 5:  Apply shad0w base to your lids to help prevent creasing.

Step 6:  Invest in a great bronze/brown shadow palette and start with the lightest color first.  Add the color all over your lid.  Enhance the corners of your eyes with a medium tone shadow using the fluff/smudge brush. 

 Choco-tini Battlefield Palette by ink...cosmetics
Now Available at W Salon

Step 7:  Fill in your brow using an angled liner brush and the dark brown color of your shadow palette.

Step 8:  Line the inner rim of your eye with a cream liner only.  You want your make up to be subtle and natural.  Use your darker liners only on the top lash line when desired.  Add waterproof mascara on top and bottom lashes.  Finishing with a quick curl using a quality lash curler.

Step 9:  Apply a peachy bronze blush on your cheek bones.

Step 10:  Complete you natural battlefield beauty look with a pretty pinkish tinted lip gloss.  Use a tinted chap stick if you will be out on extended missions.  This will help keep your lips moist and prevent chapping.

Ladies, deployments are difficult!  Don't let yourself get lost in the action!  Don't forget can still feel beautiful!  Do so will keep help keep your morale up and your skin maintained! 

GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL OUR MILITARY TROOPS!  HURRY HOME!  Please don't hesitate to email me any questions or comments!  XOXO Besos from a fellow comrade!

<3,



  


Monday, July 11, 2011

ink cosmetics and W Salon VA Event for Miss Northern Virginia USA

W Salon and I Blog: Miss Northern Virginia USA: "We were happy to participate and be a Hair and Makeup Sponsor for the Miss Northern VA USA held at the Hilton Hotel in Dulles, VA and hos..."