Laverne Cox Reveals New Wax Figure

Last weekend Laverne Cox started Gay Pride Weekend in San Francisco by having her new wax figure unveiled at Madame Tussaud's in Fisherman's Wharf. She is honored as the first ever transgender star to be immortalized in the exhibit. I had a great time getting to know her while getting her ready for the press conference! She is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. :)

Me with Laverne after finishing her hair and makeup!

Some of the products I used: Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner 2L to line her lips, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat #2 to highlight the center of her lip, NARS Blush in Taj Mahal

Photo: Noah Berger

Laverne with her mother who she honored in her speech.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Highlights from Oscars Weekend 2015

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working a Pre-Party for the Academy Awards.  The event started with a gifting suite showcasing products from different vendors, followed by a party at the Beverly Hilton.  My hairstylist friend Stacy (OC Hair and Makeup) and I shared a booth, doing hair and makeup for celebrity and press photos.  

This event was hosted by Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi and Chris Booke.  

Gift bags my assistant Jessica and I put together.  Each bag contained some of my favorite products to use in my studio!  I selected an assortment of lip liners, cream blushes and lipsticks in various colors.

We also made photo props for the attendees to hold up.  

Me with Adina Porter from True Blood.

Makeup application for Ben Wilkins, Academy Award winner in Best Sound Mixing for Birdman.

Maria Lee Makeup and Hair with OC Hair and Makeup

Before and after makeup application on actress Jillian Murray.

Makeup by me and hair by Stacy on a family of attendees.

Hostess and Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi.

Lines forming for the Oscar's Party at the Beverly Hilton.

It was an eventful weekend to remember!

~ Maria

Get Ready for Valentine's Day: How to Wear A Beautiful Bold Lip

Channel your inner pin-up girl, or be a vampy temptress for that special someone with a sultry, bold lip. Here are some tips and tricks to feeling comfortable and confident on a special night - or any night of the year!

1. Exfoliate

• Use a lip scrub or make one using a mixture of sugar with extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil to polish dry, flaky skin off your lips. This will keep your lips looking smooth for even application of lip products, especially matte colors which can cling on to cracks and dry patches.
• You can use a thick and emollient moisturizer such as Vaseline or Aquaphor with your toothbrush or facial cleansing brush.

2. Moisturize

Be sure to wear a moisturizing, thick lip balm especially at night time while sleeping to keep your lips from chapping from cold weather, dry air and dehydration.

Ex: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, Juice Beauty Organic Lip Moisturizer

3. Prime your lips

Use a clear lip liner or a lip primer over clean, moisturized lips. A clear lip liner can also be used after lipstick application to prevent the color from feathering or moving on the face during wear.

Ex: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Ozone

4. Use a lip liner or a lip brush for precision and accuracy.

A colored lip liner will add dimension to your lipstick color and can be used to outline the lips. It can also be used to exaggerate and define the shape of the lips, adding fullness and a sharp crisp line. Use the side of the pencil to fill in the lips after lining them to provide a colored base. 

A lip brush will also help create a sharp edge for bright and bold colors and better accuracy with application compared to traditionally using the lipstick bullet directly on the face. It will sheer our the color though, so you may want to apply with the bullet after first using a lip brush for a more intense lip, or apply several coats with the brush.

5. Clean up any mistakes or frays with concealer.

Ex: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflauge

~Maria