Crazy for Prada 2011!

Behind the scenes with ink...cosmetics & Roy Cox Photography for DC Life Magazine Shoot

This week I had the opportunity to work with amazing Photographer Roy Cox in Baltimore, MD.  ink...cosmetics, sponsored their first shoot for DC Life Magazine (DCLM) at his fabulous studio, where Celebrity Makeup Artist Anna Castillo kicked off her new business adventure as the DCLM's Key Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert!  The event was a complete success!  Check out the behind the scenes images below! 

Photo: Christopher Crabb

ink...cosmetics, LLC - Celebrity Makeup

Makeup: Anna Castillo - Celeb MUA/Owner ink...cosmetics, LLC

Photo: Christopher Crabb

Model: (L-R) Kara Allan, Edmund Kuuya & Rania Jaziri 

Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Roy Cox Photography

Model: Kara Allan 

Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Roy Cox Photography

Model: Kara Allan

Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Christopher Crabb

 

Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Christopher Crabb

 Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Christopher Crabb

Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Christopher Crabb 



Makeup: Anna Castillo - ink...cosmetics

Photo: Roy Cox Photography

DC Life Magazine Shoot

Photo: Christopher Crabb

ink...cosmetics, LLC - Celebrity Makeup

ANNA SUI Spring 2011!

If you haven't added yourself to DC LIFE MAGAZINE you are missing out! 

Check out my GET THE LOOK DC! segment for the magazine. 

ink...cosmetics and I have been named the magazine's beauty editor and cosmetics company!  More info on what's happening with ink.. coming soon!  Each week I am sharing easy ways to bring the runway into your beauty regimen.

Beauty: Jourdan Dunn Photo: Luca Cannonieri/Gorunway.com

Want this Anna Sui Spring 2011 look? 

Find out how here:  www.dclifemagazine.com

MAKEUP PRODUCT MUST HAVE!

OH MY FLIPPIN LASHES!  I am completely in love with Revlon's Precision Lash Adhesive!  Let me tell you what happened...

Okay, so I had a scheduled meeting today that we decided to reschedule due to the snow.  Little did we realize it lasted for a minute and then completely melted away.  Well, I was all dressed up and no where to go so I decided to take advantage of the situation and network.  I went out to a few local venders to promote ink... cosmetics and my professional Celebrity Makeup Artist services and upcoming classes.  On my way to one of the locations I sneezed so hard my right lash strip decided to loosen up in the center.  OH NO!  In a complete panic I headed to the first available drug store to buy my usual lash adhesive.  Mind you, normally I never leave home without an emergency makeup fixer kit.  This would usually include lash glue. 

Anyway, while searching for my glue I saw this package and angels began to sing.  AAAAHHHH AAAHH AAH AAAAAHHH AAAHHH AAH!  So, I bought it for under $5.  Now, I thought, there is no time to try and take off the lash to refix.  I needed to move on; time was ticking.  Revlon made it so easy.  All I did was close my eye pull out the applicator brush and added the glue where I needed it.  In seconds all was good.  I dabbed on ink... liquid liner over the top (for my cat eye look... wasn't necessary on a natural look because the product dries clear.)  Then I was off to my next meeting.  THANK GOODNESS for products like these!   

GET THE LOOK DC!

For 2011, I have decided to show a look each week and break down the makeup look for the real city chic woman.  Some weeks will feature actual designers and some will come from fashion savvy guys and gals from all around the world. 

Strap on your stilettos "everyone" ;-) it's going to be exciting!

Please feel free to send me suggestions, comments, and questions.  Subject line: ASK INK, send to aycastillo15@aol.com;  I will personally answer you and send the response back or use it as one of our featured questions on my blog and DC LIFE MAGAZINE. 

My first pick!  LANVIN Spring 2011.  I am absolutely in love with this collection!  Best thing ever!  You, the average John/Jane, can purchase an actual LANVIN design at H&M now.  My new obsession! 

Here's the look straight from the runway.

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Designer Alber Elbaz is all about the real woman; skin, wrinkles, laugh lines and all.  His collection started off with dresses in a beautiful muted palette which had pops of yellow and hot pink.  The look above had one of his Celebrities saying she was the baddest bitch on the block!  Says a lot coming from Janet Jackson (aka Ms. Jackson if you're nasty!)

His choice for the cosmetic look?

Photo: Luca Cannonieri-GoRunway.com

Seductively fresh!  To get this look...

1.  Always start with a clean face!

2.  Conceal your dark areas and blemishes using ink...cosmetics, special coverage concealer in your skin tone.

3.  Place a little foundation in areas that need more coverage. BLEND!  Less is more artistas!

4.  Powder the entire face to set your canvas.  Add a darker powder under the cheek bone to contour.

5.  Smooth a small amount of ink...cosmetics eye shadow primer on the lid.

6.  Grab a wide shadow brush and place a cream matte shadow all over your lid.  From lash line to brow bone.
 
7.  Use a peach taupe matte shadow on the lash line and tap the product on the socket portion of the eye.

8.  Use dark lash glue and add a glamours pair of thick lashes to your lash line.

9.  Finish eyes with mascara.

10.  Last, be sure to mute out your lip with a little foundation or you can use a cream pencil. Don't apply as lip liner just put enough to even it out.  Then add a chapstick for moisture. 

1 - 1 - 11 NEW YEAR ANNOUNCEMENT!

Photos provided by Visual Access Photography LLC.

ink...cosmetics Celebrity Makeup Artista/Owner Anna Castillo is working plans to dominate the Salon/Cosmetic Industry!  Stay tuned ink... supporters can't reveal it all just yet :-)!  

Are you ready for the cosmetic line ink...?  A line providing an environment and energy as classy as the ballet but at the same time, creating an edgy, trendy, and exciting atmospheric confidence of a rock/hip hop concert!  2011 is the year dreams come true and the universe has opened its arms for the House of ink... and Celeb MUA Anna Castillo! 

Thank you God and Thank you fans and supporters!

2011 Party Makeup

Countdown to your 2011 New Years Event!

Photo Courtesy FTV and Randolph Duke 2010

2011 beauty resolution: Be gorgeous everyday! 

 

ink... cosmetics is coming to salons soon!  As I tour the National Capital Region for our "ink... it ~ beauty you" classes I want to ensure our friends and fans feel fresh, sexy, and glamorously gorgeous this year! 

 

Let's check the list...

Rested? - check!  Mani/Pedi? - check!  Swedish message? - check!  Fabulous outfit? - check!  Reservation confirmed for New Years Eve Party 2011? - check!

Only thing missing is your look?  You don't need to go crazy trying to figure out your beauty look for 2011.  Kickoff your new look later this evening with these quick tips.  I have worked with Celebrities like, Shakira, Jaslene Gonzales, Amber Rose and Spinderella just to name a few.  These ladies love to look radiant.  Not necessarily sparkly just beautiful with an enhanced glow. 

When you begin your beauty regimen this evening be sure to start with a clean face.  Then follow these steps.  Randolph Duke's model is wearing one of my favorite looks for evening.

1.  Start with a primer.  This helps fill in fine lines and improves the longevity of your foundation.

2.  You can use either a tinted moisturizer for cover up or my favorite is our ink...cosmetics stick foundation.  I like to use two shades.  One as highlighter and one for contouring.  Big tip here is to BLEND for a flawless look.  Add your highlighter to the high areas of your face and use the darker shade for the low areas.  You can add a light concealer under your eyes to cover dark circles.
 
3.  Repeat this step with a translucent or highlighting powder (high areas) and darker loose powder (low areas - under cheekbone) to really set the look.

4.  Eyes:  To get the look above use ink...cosmetics shadow primer first.  Add ink...cosmetics eyelights in Queen (gold/mauve) right under the brow line as a highlighter.  Take a matte navy eyeshadow and start from the base of the lash and work upward in a windshield whipper motion blending up to meet the highlighted area.

5.  Add false lashes (use a lash that is longer on the edges for a cat-like appearance).  Be sure to use DARK lash glue!

6.  Line both the top and bottom water line of your eyes using a liner brush.  Top these areas with black shadow.  This will lock the product in.

7.  Add a jet black mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

8.  On the apple of your cheekbone add a light shimmer pink/mauve blush.

9.  Line your lips with a nude/pink lip liner from the edges to the center of your mouth.

10.  Finish the look with a high gloss lip gloss and PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR!

Remember to be safe tonight ladies and enjoy yourself! 

You deserve it!  Don't do anything I wouldn't do ;-)! 

Plan your night out...have a safe way to get home!  Drink water to help flush your party exhausted body and don't forget to wash your face when you get home!  :-)  We want to start our first 2011 day with beautiful skin!  XXO Besos!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Don't like Red Lips? Jaslene Gonzalez Sported ink...cosmetics 2010 Lip-gel In The Color "Supermodel!"

Are you already tired of the red lip trend?  Then change it up and wear a plum or wine colored lipstick or lipgloss.  This will still keep you in style this holiday season!  I am completely in love with this look I did for America's Next Top Model, Jaslene Gonzales in New York. 



Holidays are finally here and so are the parties! Fall 2010 runways were full sexy trends. Red lips are all over the girls in D.C. Although I love a trend, sometimes I like to change it up a bit. Staying with the trend but just in a different hue. Dark lips are a gorgeous look.  So, how do you get this trend from the runway and make it your way?

Just follow these easy tips to your perfect PLUM WINE lip!

• Remove dead skin cells by exfoliating your lips first. I like to use Bath and Body, Works Bigelow Soothing Buffer No. 1070.

•Prep your lips with a little moisturizer. This step is essential and will help prime your lip for a dark matte color. In Jaslene’s case I went with a gloss so it would stay moist all night.

•Jaslene is wearing ink…cosmetic’s lip-gel in “Supermodel.” When worn straight from the tube, Supermodel takes on a deep plum appearance. This gloss is magical! When applied with a lip brush you can control the pigment. It goes from a light rosy plum to a dark luscious purple plum gloss. Great day to night product!

Have questions on how to get her whole look? Email me at aycastillo15@aol.com

Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Him!

Now, ladies... between, working, cleaning, cooking, taking kids to functions, loving our husbands, and paying the bills we need to find time to ensure we finish our holiday shopping too.  Don't worry... here is a quick list to assist you in completing this task.

Five must have items for your Man!

#1  Noise Cancelling Headphones $49.99 at www.sharperimage.com

After a long day all he will want is peace and quite.  Or at least to listen to the noise he chooses.  Ladies you have no idea how much your music is fighting to compete with the world's noise until you experience these Noise Cancelling Headphones from The Sharper Image.  Trust me he will love you for this.

#2  The Perfect Shave Kit by Anthony Logistics For Men $50 at http://www.sephora.com/ 

Anthony Logistics designed The Perfect Shave Kit to provide the closest, smoothest, most refreshing shave ever. Infused with nourishing vitamins, exfoliating glycolic acid, soothing aloe vera, and calming benzocaine, this collection banishes ingrown hairs, irritation, and stubble—leaving your skin healthy and protected. Cleanse, buff, shave, and sooth your skin to its pinnacle of smoothness with Anthony Logistics' exceptional, all-in-one regimen.

#3  ProActive Sports Trunk It Golf Gear Organizer at www.amazon.com $29.99.

#4  Black Cigar Set $60 at www.thingsremembered.com

 

Gentleman's pastime that never goes out of style...cigars with the fellas.  This handsome gift will be remembered forever when you personalize the silver finish engraving plate on the front of the black wooden box.  He will be ready for a guy's night out, holding a silver finish mini flask, cigar tube and cigar cutter. Each item is banded in black leatherette with decorative white stitching.  This is sweet for us ladies as well.  I might have to pick me up a set.

#5  Continental Rucksack for $39.50 from by L.L. Bean.  Buy it at www.llbean.com

Great for traveling.  This European-style rucksack has a large main compartment which holds a day's worth of your out door essential items.  L.L. Bean has redesigned and improved this pack, yet the price remains the same as it was back in 1987.  Updates include recycled polyester fabric construction, a pocket for an MP3 player and Air Mesh on the back panel and shoulder straps for improved moisture wicking.  Extra padding in the hip belt adds comfort. Spindrift collars on side pockets help keep items secure.

This handy storage case is designed to store all your honey's golf gear.  Made of durable nylon material designed to last.  Adjustable interior walls allows golfer to customer the customize the storage space to fit their needs.  Mesh ventilation panel allows shoes to breath.  Sturdy zipper and carrying handle allows golfer to easily transport the Trunk It.  Available in black, grey and red.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Her!

Only six days left until Christmas and you were so busy you forgot to finish your holiday shopping!  OH NO!  Don't worry!  Her is a list of my favorites that are still easy on your wallets. 

Favorite MUST have items 1-5:

#1  Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set ($81 Value) for $48.00

 at www.SEPHORA.com

This Sephora by OPI set includes 18 shades that range from essential to edgy.  The nail colors are long wearing, chip-resistant and include a versatile spectrum of reds and a sampling of daring colors that can add fabulous fingertips to any look. 

#2  Also at www.SEPHORA.com

Bliss At-Home Anti-Aging Facial ($159 Value) for $94.  

Formulated with ten anti-aging ingredients this three-step spa treatment will turn back time and make you look years younger.

#3 Lips and Eyes canvas cosmetics case by Anya Hindmarch for $80 at www.NET-A-PORTER.com

Anya Hindmarch black canvas cosmetics case with purple 'Lips and Eyes' slogan and makeup illustration has a top zip fastening with a patent leather tassel zip-pull, an embroidered designer logo on front and a designer-stamped canvas lining.   

A perfect on-the-go, playful and stylish way to carry your cosmetics.  I filled mine with ink...cosmetics essentials lipshine, cream foundation stix in Sandy, oil reducing powder, jet black eyeliner, lash curler, black mascara, blush/bronzer, and of coarse my eye shadow trio in Lioness. 

 

#4 Jean Paul Gaultier Classique X Eau de Toilette Spray 1.6 Oz $65.00 at www.ULTA.com

 

Classique X is sophisticated, sexy, and luminous.  Jean Paul Gaultier pays homage to woman with his unique floral oriental scent in the sensuously curved bottle.  Composed of top notes of rose and star aniseed, heart notes of iris, orchid and orange blossom, and base notes of vanilla and woody amber; Classique is a beautiful and iconic fragrance.

#5  Betseyville Handbags By Betsey Johnson Stud Detail Chain Link Hobo Bag (Compared at $98.) TODAY $69.99 on www.OVERSTOCK.com

This hobo bag from Betseyville Handbags features a metallic fabric exterior with a zip-top closure. Silvertone studs and hardware and a single flat handle with chain link details completes this stylish handbag. Site stated sell out risk is moderate!  So order NOW!

Wish you best of luck on your shopping adventures!  Happy Holidays!  XXO Anna C.