2009 PRO HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

As a Pro makeup artist I am always shopping for products and accessories for my kit that will hold up to my high standards and that I can trust will get the job done when I am under "on set" time constraints! My clients expect the very best from me and my artistry and I make sure that my kit (and my brain) are packed with many tricks of the trade!

The products in my kit are not only amazing they are “the best in show!” I have spent the better part of the past 20 years testing numerous cosmetic, skincare and accessory lines. Time and time again, I return to the products I know I can rely on.

So, I thought that I would compile some of my favorite brands and put them into a 2009 Pro Holiday Gift Guide (just in case our readers needed ideas on what to get your favorite makeup artist or beauty junkie)!

All of these products would make great gifts or stocking stuffers and are perfect for the beauty Pro or novice in your life!

Japonesque Train Case: every teen, woman, beauty junkie or professional makeup artist needs a place to keep their makeup and this cute train case is just the right size! Would fit perfectly under the sink and makes travel even more stylish!

The Kim Greene Line: this set of professional “on set” actor bags are perfect for at home too! This Pro loves them because they are clear and you can see exactly where your favorite lip gloss is for quick access! Great for travel and perfect for anyone on “the go!” Teens love them and they are essential for any college student living in the dorms!

billybBEAUTY Brush Line: this Pro is always adding to my extensive collection of brushes and Billy B.’s line is amazing! Easy to grip handles make “making up” easy and the quality of these brushes make the investment worth every penny because they will last you for years to come (with proper care)! Your makeup application is only as good as the tools you use to apply your makeup with so why not “go for the gold” and invest in yourself for a change?

billybBEAUTY Lash/Brow: this Pro can’t help myself…look at how great this new gadget is from Billy B. – perfect for quick eyebrow and lash grooming! You can stuff my holiday stocking with several of these! A “must have” on my wish list for sure!

EnKore Makeup’s Brush Roll: do you know Koren? Well, you should because he is a big YouTube star! He is also a pro makeup artist who partnered with another pro artist, Eve Pearl, and created the online webisode series called Be-You-Tified which brings easy, how-to makeup application instructions directly to you in the comfort of your own home! Also, Koren has an online store and makes the cutest brush rolls! Perfect for protecting those precious makeup brushes!

Z Palette: this Pro is a palette junkie because I can’t stand individual product rolling around in my kit or in my cosmetics drawer at home! I found the perfect solution to solve my organizing dilemma at this year’s IMATS convention called the Z Palette and right now they are having a great Holiday Sale! I love the new color collection and will be asking Santa to bring me that zebra palette for sure!

Books: every Pro artist and extreme beauty girl loves to look at gorgeous pictures of makeup and models! I have so many amazing coffee table beauty books that I turn to over and over when I am researching or need a good how-to tip! Here are a few books that this Pro recommends and you can get them through the online store at Makeup Artist Magazine! While you are at it, renew or get a new subscription to the best resource for makeup in the industry – Makeup Artist Magazine is a Pro Must Have!

If you want to give the gift of skincare or cosmetics this holiday season, check out the following Pro recommendations:

SAMPAR: the geniuses at SAMPAR designed the SAMPAR Line Up Box Coffret Anti-Rides ($59), which contains everything that you will need to repair the damage caused by extreme weather conditions. Their Nocturnal Line Mask and Hydrating Fluid will drown your skin in hydration and help restore elasticity! This kit also contains the SAMPAR Skin Quenching Mist that this Pro loves to tuck into her purse and kit when I am on the go. One spritz of this mist and I am able to revitalize my skin and refresh my makeup instantly!

NARS: Francois Nars is one of the best makeup artists in the business so I trust that his product line will deliver high quality products! I rely on NARS cosmetics and carry a plethora of these products in my professional kit and personal makeup bag. Check out the newest Holiday Gift Sets from the Red Hot Holiday Collection:

Bobbi Brown: classy, beautiful, affordable and on the cutting edge, Bobbi Brown always delivers the “goods!” This Pro loves Bobbi Brown’s Pro palettes and carries several in my kit! Great eye, lip and cheek palettes are perfect for anytime! Can’t get enough of this Goldstone Long-Wear Eye Palette, which I use to create an updated smoky eye! Gorgeous cream eye shadows that will last from dusk to dawn!

Eve Pearl Cosmetics: this Pro is always impressed with anything Eve Pearl puts out on the market! I am a lover of her Salmon Concealer, HD Dual Foundations and my newest obsession is with her new line of Dual Performance Lip Colors! They are long-lasting color that stay true and will moisturize your lips all day! Eve Pearl’s 4 piece Lip Color Set #4 City Lights are great colors that will take you right through to New Year’s Eve and beyond!

PRO TIP AND TRICKS:

Start off 2010 with a resolution to take better care of yourself! Invest in a good skincare, sunscreen and cosmetic line that will make you look and feel your best everyday! The Pros at In My Professional Opinion would like to take this opportunity to thank all our readers and to wish each of you a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!