New Beauty - Kiera Sutherland Models

Below are some new additions to my online portfolio's beauty tab! I've also outlined some product highlights below...Pls don't hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions ;) Makeup & Hair: Sherlyn Torres  |  Photos: Wade Hudson  |  Nails: Jennifer Solis

Skin is in:

Kiera's skin was in perfect condition which made my job so much easier :D Before applying any foundation, I prepped Kiera's skin with a hydrating moisturizer from Andalou in Perfecting Goji Complex with a hint of Bioderma's serum for sensitive skin on areas that needed more moisturizing.

About the Base:

I applied a very sheer combination of Stila's Perfect & Correct foundation in Tan and M.A.C. Cosmetics' Studiofix Fluid in NC44 using M.A.C. duo fibre face brush in #187

Eyes are the window:

Love this entire range of Anna Sui neutral eyeshadows! I applied the lightest shade (#500) in the inner corners of the eyes, the mid-range shades (#501 & #502 combined) on the centre of the lids for a pop of sheen and the darker shades (#503 & #504 combined) on the outer eye corners to create a soft ombre effect.

Rose Petal Finish Lips:

I hydrated Kiera's lips with John Master's Organic Lipbalm and painted a mixture of Hot Tahiti & Darkside lipsticks from M.A.C. I only added one layer to give a sheer natural effect.

Pop of colour:

For the following look, I really wanted Kiera's eyes to have a rich pop of colour. One that would compliment her skin tone with minimal contrast and Cranberry eyeshadow from M.A.C. was the perfect choice! I darkened -&- warmed it up a slight bit in the transition areas and of course added highlight shades throughout to add lots of dimension to the reddish pink smoke. The finishing touch was NARS's clear lipgloss in triple X.

Fshnunlimited Designer Feature - Sid Neigum

Below is another makeup & hair contribution I put forth for Fshnunlimited Magazine's Winter 2016 Issue. This was a spotlight feature on talented local designer, Sid Neigum, accompanied by Elite Model Alexa L. ~ She was lovely to work with and truly embodied the type of character & persona needed to bring Sid's designs to life.

Photography: Allysandra Cervantes

Makeup & Hair: Sherlyn Torres

Fashion direction: Dylan Dias assisted by Rebecca Wengle

Peep some of the behind the scenes photos I shot with my iPhone ;)

To get Alexa's look, here are some of my product highlights & suggestions: 

1. Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting Makeup Primer  $48 US ~ One of my all time faves! It's reliable & won't clog your pores

2. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in Vallauris  $48 US ~ Ultra lightweight & won't dry out your skin during the cold winter months (light to medium coverage)

3. Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer  $72 CA ~ Just the right amount of hydration without the sticky feeling. It's great for combination & sensitive skin. Drier skin types may want to try a slightly heavier alternative during the coldest parts of winter

4. Anna Sui Pressed Powder  $38 CA ~ I adore Anna Sui's packaging and her eco-friendly approach of selling refills for nearly all of her cosmetics which also saves us money :)

5. M.A.C. Coppering Eyeshadow  $19 CA each ~ A gorgeous shade of copper to shade the crease and lower lash line using the #217 blending brush above & #219 pencil brush below

6. Anna Sui Rose Lip Balm  $24 CA @ Hudson's Bay ~ Leaves your lips smooth and hydrated without a greasy feel. Opt for the rouge jar version for a hint of soft pink ;)

7. Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Bold Brunette & Brown Ebony  $21 CA ~ My current go-to product for filling in, grooming & setting brows all in one step!

8. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner  $22 US  /  $26 CA ~ Amazing for an intensely rich black line that glides on smoothly and lasts all day long.

9. Chanel Le Crayon Kohl in 69 Clair  $30 US ~ Perfect for brightening up the lower water line and inner eye corners for a bright-eyed look. Also comes w/ a cute Chanel sharpener!

10. M.A.C. Lipsticks in All I Want, Japanese Maple, Gossamer Wing  $20 CA ~ All equally gorgeous neutral & warm shades to partner up with copper, burgundy or bronze smokey eyes

11. M.A.C. Sculpting Power in Shadester  $26 CA ~ One of my fave contour products for lighter complexions. Won't oxidize or look orange and has a soft matte finish.

~ Click here to view another story I worked on with Fshnunlimited. To check out the full magazine, you can grab a hard copy at Indigo Chapters.

Garnet - Ellements Magazine

Very excited to have some new additions to the Fashion Editorial portion of my portfolio! The below images were recently published in Ellements Magazine's December 2015 issue. The photos were taken by Toronto fashion photographer Yugo Takahashi & Styled by Michelle Davis. The beauty department consisted of myself on makeup and Kevin N'toi on hair.

I wanted to keep the makeup clean & fresh with dewy elements and satin textures. I also wanted to incorporate complimentary colours to some of the cool toned wardrobe pieces like poppy red, warm tawny browns, peaches, oranges, brick red, mahogany and hints of pink.

We worked closely together & consulted one another to determine which makeup & hair looks would go well with each wardrobe selection. Not all of the makeup & hair looks I planned were set in stone, I always like to tweak on the spot according to the outfits.

Be sure to peep the products list page below to check out some of the product highlights ;)

Winter Woes ~ Skin Care Routine

Words by Cassandra Campbell / Edited by Sherlyn Torres / Photos: Elle & Allure Mags The cold beginning of winter is not just a sign that Christmas is fast approaching (just in case y’all forgot), it also means its time for a skin care routine change up!

The cold harsh weather tends to be even more demanding on our skin at this time of the year. The frigid weather leaves the skin dehydrated, chapped and highly irritated.

To help alleviate some of the havoc the winter is wreaking on your skin here are a few tips to get your routine up to par.

Before we get into actual product recommendations it’s important to remember that having a good basic skin care routine in place is still strongly advised. This means cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, spf (in the day), specialty mask (1-3x week) and, an exfoliator (1-3x a week) of your choosing.

The biggest emphasis for winter will definitely be your serum, moisturizer, eye cream and exfoliator.

Remember a serum has smaller molecules so it is able to bring the hydration further into the skin.

Your moisturizer helps to lock in the serum and gives surface hydration. Get a moisturizer that is ‘heavier’ than your summer moisturizer. When you apply it to the skin it should feel pretty hydrated.

Recommendation: Laneige hydration trial pack. It’s an amazing value for a skin care starter set. It's water based so it will help combat the appearance of dehydration.

As the eye is still the most delicate area on the face do not skip this step. Age shows here first. One word, actually two - crow's feet, yikes!!

Recommendation: Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream – great for hydration, dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles

Exfoliation can make or break your skin care routine. If you over exfoliate, the skin will become thin and dehydrated. If you don’t exfoliate the keratinized (dead) skin cells may not come off quickly enough to allow the products you apply on the skin to penetrate properly. Making most of your skin care routine not effective. Did I mention exfoliation brings you one step closer to radiant skin, who doesn’t love looking radiant?!

Recommendation: Peter Thomas Roth Peel Fx – Multiaction enzymes, glycolic & ahas that gently roll away dead skin cells when massaged into skin

A tip for multiple layer product application is to apply each layer sparingly as they will build on each other.

Below are a few more product recommendations that you may want to try during the cold winter months...

Finally, adding a facial into your routine every 4-6 weeks would really help to give you the results you are looking for. Not only are facials a great way to relax, they all have a purpose. It’s kinda like going to the mechanic they tune up your car but it’s the maintenance that you put in after your trip to the mechanic that determines how well your car continues to work. (*if you don’t like this one you can use this analogy*- It’s like going to the dentist for a clean and fill, after the appointment you still have to brush and floss to maintain good oral hygiene, its really the same concept.) Estheticians are there to get you started on the right track but if you skip home care you’re wasting your money.) In an effort to combat dry, dull skin try getting a customized facial from a professional. You will notice an instant difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

Last but not least, the temperature is just beginning to dip and will likely get worse in January so remember to bundle up & keep the skin on your body supple too! Chime in below to let us know some of your favourite facial & body moisturizers.

Makeup for Contessa Hair Awards Winner 2016

I had the pleasure of collaborating with uber talented hair stylist, Mandy MacFadden, photographer Allysa Cervantes & Wardrobe Stylist Vanessa Sanchez on the below images. They were submitted for the Contessa Hair Stylist Awards contest in Spring of this year. I had a really good feeling about the submission, so it was no surprise when I found out that Mandy took home the best hair stylist of the year award for 2016!! Always such an awesome feeling being involved with stylists who are recognized for their excellence by the beauty industry :D

Below are the final images as well as some behind the scenes photos I shot during the shoot:

Congratulations once again to Mandy for an awesome job with these hair creations!!! Kudos to our creative team and the beautiful models for pulling off these amazing looks :D

Click here to view the other Contessa 2016 Hair Awards Winners :)

Click here for another set of Contessa Hair Awards winning images I was involved in 2014.

Sassoon Salon Toronto - AW15 Radiant Collection

I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the Fall/Winter 2015 Hairstyle Previews by one of my absolute favourite salons ~ Sassoon Salon Toronto! The iconic brand never disappoints when it comes to providing modern & chic options to wear your locks. Loving the solid, rich colours with barely there highlights. The styles featured below are definitely enticing me to go short again :D Enjoy!

The talented team behind these gorgeous looks:

Lorraine McAndrew, Creative Director

Wesley Hanlon, Creative Director

John Beeson, Colour Director

Shawn Whitla, Salon Director

North American Colour Director Richie Rivera

North American Creative Director Traci Sakosits

Below are some images from the presentation/party in their newly renovated salon located in Yorkville...

More about Sassoon Salon:

For 60 years, Sassoon Salon has created and maintained a modern method of Hair Design that continues to evolve and inspire their clients worldwide. They achieve this through an unparalleled system of training and effective skills development that has become definitive – the Sassoon name evokes the best in hair. The Sassoon ethos of technical excellence, commitment to creativity and training are the core intrinsic values upheld by their team. The resulting Hair Design celebrates the inherent beauty of the individual and is expressed in the uncompromising creativity of their collections.

To learn more about Sassoon Salon, visit www.sassoon.com or follow the Salons on Facebook: @SassoonSalon, Twitter: @SassoonSalons and Instagram: @SassoonSalonOfficial.

Makeup & Hair for Minto Condo Commercial

Commercial Makeup & Hair Work for Minto Condominiums:

The building / structure style of the new Minto Condo is going to have an art deco flare.

What immediately came to mind in relevance to this era is the great gatsby style of clothing, makeup and hair that people wore during the late 20s & early 30s. As a key makeup and hair artist, it is my job to translate the directors vision but also keep the looks fresh, innovative and modern. I learned how to create period specific looks while in school but its still important to research, save references and tweak the looks to suit the atmosphere & wardrobe on the day of on set. The below video is the directors cut and I absolutely love how it turned out! Enjoy!

[embed]http://marcandredebruyne.com/movies/co_minto_york.mp4[/embed]

Key Makeup & Hair: Sherlyn Torres

Wardrobe Styling by: Hilary Jenset

Assistant M&H: Amanda Tacus

Directed by: Marc Andre Debruyne

Cast: Alyssa Veniece, Drue, Luke, Albert (Spot 6 Models), Megan Mane, Nikki Morrison, Tresor, Trevon Pfeiffer, Anastasia, Roxy

Makeup & Hair for Remark Magazine

  Some new makeup and hair work I did with talented duo: Photographer Yugo Takahashi & Wardrobe Stylist Michelle Davis currently featured in Remark Magazine ~ Also available on newstands across Canada.

Mid Summer Skin Care Tips

 

Words by Cassandra Campbell / Edited by Sherlyn Torres / Photos: Vogue & Allure Mags

Summer is finally in full swing, so here are a few essential skin care items & tips that will help keep your skin looking its best!

Step 1: Cleanse

Effective cleansing is important because it removes makeup, oils and other impurities. I recommend cleansing twice daily. However, some people prefer just a quick rinse in the morning and cleansing at night. Determine what works best for your skin type!

• Find a mild cleanser that does not strip your skin and works well with your skin type. Sulfate-free options are always a good bet!

Step 2: Exfoliate

Depending on your skin type and your age, exfoliating 1-3 times weekly will help give the skin a natural radiance.

• Exfoliators gently remove dead layers of skin that often make the skin’s tone and texture appear dull and lack luster. Use exfoliants with rounded beads to avoid scratching your skin!  A clarisonic exfoliating brush can also do wonders :)

Step 3: Tone

Toning is the underdog of a good skin care routine. It is a step that is often skipped simply because the importance of this step isn’t highlighted enough.

• Toner is applied after cleansing or rinsing the skin
• It rebalances the skins pH, essentially creating an even playing field for the rest of your products to be absorbed

Step 4: Serum

I can’t stress enough how fabulous and amazing serums are! A serum is lighter than a moisturizer and more potent.

• Penetrates the skin faster to deliver the benefits and nutrients almost immediately
• Super lightweight, the skin does not feel heavy with product
• Apply before a moisturizer

Step 5: Moisturize

Now that the weather is a lot warmer and there is more moisture in the air, using a lighter moisturizer will be better for your skin.

• Gel formulas are great because they are light weight and soothing to the skin
• Another option is a lotion, lotions are lighter than creams. They typically come in a more liquid form.

Check out my previous post on Spring & Summer Skin Care HERE for product suggestions

Step 6: Eye Cream

Eye cream is amazing because it helps to add moisture to the most delicate feature on your face. Why not take care of the one feature people look into on a regular basis?

• Choose an eye cream that is beneficial to your needs
• Apply a small amount using your ring finger (has the least amount of strength)
• Tap gently from the outer eye to the inner eye (this method helps to reduce premature crows feet)

Step 7: SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

This is the most important step of all. In the summer everyone loves enjoying the sun and working on their tans (at least I know I do). It is a common misconception that using sun protection will stop you from tanning, this is a myth. You will still get a tan; you are just practicing good sun exposure etiquette.

• Pick something with broad spectrum = UVA (Ultra-violet Aging) and UVB (Ultra-violet Burning)
• Sunblock reflects the rays off the skin
• Sunscreen absorbs the rays into the skin
• Apply at least 30 minutes before heading out into the sun
• It is strongly recommended to reapply every 2-3 hrs for maximum protection
• Try to avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10am – 3pm
• A higher SPF is not always better, try sticking to an SPF of 40 or lower, the added chemicals in the higher SPF’s create a sense of false protection
• Sun damage can take up to 10 years to appear on the skin (thank me later)

Check out my previous post specific to Sunscreen HERE for SPF suggestions ;)

I hope this article has been helpful and beneficial! Having a good skincare routine will benefit you in the long run. Tailor your routine to the season; ideally all of your products should be replenished every 3 months if you are using them twice daily. There is nothing wrong with having a few skincare favourites in rotation, just make sure you are giving your products a fair chance to work.

Project YOU - A New Makeover Series

Press Release (07/27/2015) Toronto, ON – What do you get when three Toronto based multi-passionate creatives come together to provide some much needed attention to those transitioning from a painful past? Project YOU - a makeover series like no other.

Project YOU is the brainchild of image consultant and personal stylist Josette Blackwood, makeup artist Sherlyn Torres, and photographer Samantha Clarke. The series will follow the trio as they provide professional makeovers and portrait sessions to candidates who have unique stories of triumph and overcoming difficult circumstances. The winners will also receive a full hair consultation and style by seasoned hair stylist Loretta Thomas.

Whether a person has just got out of a relationship, is looking for a new job, lost or gained some weight, or is struggling with their self-esteem – the team wants to give them a boost and share their stories to help encourage others. The experience will include a personalized styling consultation and shopping excursion, a beauty consultation for hair and makeup with the tools provided to maintain their look going forward. The final piece is a glamour photo shoot. The process is meant to be a memorable one that will get each chosen finalist feeling motivated. It will also provide the tools needed to maintain their look and new found confidence. All episodes with behind the scenes footage of the process will be featured on the Project You Makeover YouTube channel.

“Sometimes people forget that they need to take care of themselves”, says Blackwood of why the ladies are pursuing Project YOU. “Many also don’t feel as though they’re deserving of attention or a day of beauty or self-care. We just want to give something good to people who deserve it. Everyone deserves to feel and look their best”.

Project YOU is now looking for candidates for their first makeover story.

To self-nominate or to nominate someone who should be on Project YOU, all submissions must be made through this form: http://samanthaclarke.net/?p=9132 with a photo and short synopsis of why the nominee needs a makeover.

The deadline for nominations is July 31^st, 2015.

Follow Project YOU on social media!

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/L9RNfhSh4hw (Search: Project YOU)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-You-Makeover/100198850332549?ref=hl (Search: Project You Makeover)
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/projectyoumakeover

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact Josette Blackwood, Sherlyn Torres, or Samantha Clarke at ProjectYouMakeover@Gmail.com.

 About Josette Blackwood

Josette Blackwood has been involved with fashion and style for over 10 years. Before starting Image Consulting firm Elephant Personal Styling and Image Consultancy, she was the Lifestyle Editor for Toronto based fashion and culture blog Urbanebloc, and has written for Style at Home, FASHION, and Urbanology. She is also a facilitator of The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte workshops, and is the gallery liaison for The APT by 800 SQ FT, Canada's first shoppable apartment.

Josette can be reached at ElephantPSIC@Gmail.com

Social Media: • Instagram: @ElephantPSIC • Facebook: Elephant Personal Styling and Image Consultancy • Twitter: @ElephantPSIC

About Sherlyn Torres

Sherlyn Torres is a professional makeup artist and seasoned beauty expert. She is known for creating flawless looks that enhance an individual’s beauty without overpowering their features. Her ability to create timeless beauty and her contemporary style keeps her in demand with regular & new clients alike. Her television and on-air makeover credits in clued E! Entertainment and CityLine. Celebrity clients include Nina Dobrev, Dania Ramirez, Charlotte Sullivan, Keshia Chante, Trey Songz, amongst others.

Sherlyn’s Portfolio: www.sherlyntorres.com  | Contact: info@sherlyntorres.com

Social Media: • Instagram: @sher_beauty • Twitter: @sherlyntorres

About Samantha Clarke

Samantha Clarke is an international photographer based in Toronto specializing in weddings and women’s portraiture. Her work centers on positive images of diversity and aims to challenge mainstream reflections of beauty as portrayed in the media. She has been recognized in international publications both online and in print including EBONY, The Knot, and Munaluchi Bride Magazine. Recent commissions have brought Samantha to major cities in North America, as well as St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Jamaica.

Samantha’s portfolio: www.samanthaclarke.net | Contact: sam@samanthaclarke.net

A Beauty Feature: #MyMaskeraide with Sherlyn Torres

A recent interview by one of my go-to beauty brands ~ Maskeraide....Check it out below...

#MYMASKERAIDE WITH SHERLYN TORRES

We caught up with some of our MaskerAide customers and fans and asked them a few questions about MaskerAide and how it fits into their fabulous lifestyle. We'll be spotlighting great people around the globe, in different industries and with different lifestyles, in a new blog feature called #MyMaskerAide

MEET SHERLYN

Sherlyn Torres is a professional makeup artist and seasoned beauty expert. She is known for creating flawless looks that enhance an individual’s beauty without overpowering their features. Sher has a knack for forecasting trends and translating a client’s vision into reality. She also loves to teach her clients about proper skin care and how to beautify their face in a seamless and natural way. Sher’s ability to create timeless beauty and her contemporary style keeps her in demand with regular & new clients alike.

Insta: @sher_beauty Twitter: @sherlyntorres Site: www.sherlyntorres.com B: sherlyntorres.com/beautyblog Tumblr: sherlyntorres.tumblr.com

Above photo by: Wade Hudson

Initial thoughts on MaskerAide?

When I first saw MaskerAide’s packaging, my immediate thought was “this is really cute!” I love the convenience of having each sheet in a separate sachet which makes it very travel friendly and the fact that all of them are hydrating!  After trying the DETOX DIVA & BEAUTY REST'ORE, I was very pleased with how smooth my skin felt! Hydration is a must for my dry skin type and the added benefits the afore-mentioned sheets have are just icing on the cake.

Above photos by: Tavis Gordon

How does MaskerAide ‘fit’ into the ‘SHERLYN TORRES’ life + work life?

Being a makeup artist requires me to be organized and on-the-go on any given day of the week. Late nights on set & early call times the next day doesn’t leave much time for me to do multi step beauty routines. That being said, having MaskerAide sheet masks on while I prep my kit and wash my brushes the night before a shoot really helps to cut my beauty routine time in half.

Which of our 6 MaskerAide sheet masks is your fave + why? 

Living downtown means I’m constantly exposed to toxins and pollution in the air and both the DETOX DIVA & BEAUTY REST'OREsheet masks really come in handy when it comes to fighting free radicals while simultaneously keeping my skin hydrated and glowing at the end of a long day.

People of all professions, all over the world love MaskerAide. Have you or would you recommend MaskerAide to any of your clients? industry peers? If so, why?

I certainly have and will continue to recommend MaskerAide to my clients & friends. I usually recommend it to brides the night before their wedding day to ensure their skin is smooth & prepped for a long day of makeup the next day. I also suggest it to models and music industry pros who are constantly put through long days on set & on-stage performances  wearing all sorts of makeup. These sheet are heaven-sent for last minute calls to photoshoots & early morning press junkets to help restore their skin’s glow.

Last Question - What are you up too next? where are you travelling to?

I’m currently working on growing my side business called Beauty Inc which is an extension to my artistry but encompasses multiple artists providing makeup & hair services to larger groups of clients for special occasions / events, etc. I’ve also recently partnered up with a professional image consultant & portrait photographer on an upcoming independent makeover series called Project YOU where we will be selecting lucky individuals who may be in a rut with their beauty routines & wardrobe game and need a boost for a good cause. We want to feature individuals who truly deserve a makeover but also have an empowering story.

SHOP SHERLYN'S #MYMASKERAIDE FAVES HERE

Elite Model Lenna - Get Her Beauty Look

 

The above images are from a recent photoshoot I did with Elite Model Lenna, shot by photographer Yugo Takahashi, styled by wardrobe stylist Michelle Davis.

The first makeup look I did was a very minimal eye with a lot of glow & iridescence. I did an orangey-peach toned sheen on the eyes contrasted by royal blue mascara, framed with strong dark brows, a contoured glowing complexion and neutral, semi-glossy lips.

Get Lenna's First Look:

•  One Minute after moisturizing, apply one pump of Lancome Primer to your t-zone (1)

•  Next, apply NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Ceylan (2)

•  Dot & blend NARS' Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard (3) under the eyes

•  Dab a hint of Benefit's Moonbeam highlighter (4) on the brow bone & tops of the cheekbones for a soft glowing effect

•  Use Yves Saint Laurent Blush & Contour Brush (5) to set the concealer & foundation w/ a sheer translucent powder from NARS (6)

•  Fill in all the brow gaps with D&G Softbrown Eyebrow Pencil for strong defined arches and line the lower water-line with a cream pencil from Chanel (7)

•  Emphasize your cheek bones with NARS bronzer in Casino (9)

•  Using a dry or damp shadow brush, apply loose M.A.C. pigment in Melon (10) all over the upper eyelids just below the crease and beneath the lower lashes for a colour wash

•  Apply a generous amount of M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara in Blue (8)

•  Finish off the look w/ a small dab of Yves Saint Laurent Golden Sand Lipgloss (9) on lips

The second look is a bit more sultry, bronzy & glowy. I used a lot of long-wearing waterproof products so this look is perfect for a long summer night rendez-vouz from evening til dusk ;)

Get Lenna's Second Look:

•  Keeping the complexion and brows the same, you can take the first look to evening by first using a dry or damp shadow brush to apply the darkest shade in Tom Ford's Gold Mink Quad shadow (10) all over the upper eyelids just below the crease and beneath the lower lashes, use the lightest gold shade on the brow bones & inner corners of the eyes to add highlights

•  Apply a generous amount of M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara in Black (8)

• Replace the creamy nude lower water-line pencil w/ Stila's Stay All day Smudgestick Liner in Stingray (7) on the upper lash line + upper & lower water line for a smoldering effect

•  Finish off the look w/ a dab of Yves Saint Laurent Golden Sand Lipgloss (9) on lips

10 Bridal Makeup Tips from a Pro Makeup Artist

This is a go-to-guide for brides-to-be looking for tips on how to achieve the perfect makeup look for their wedding day. 1. Schedule your bridal makeup trial at least 3-4 weeks prior to your wedding day but no more than 5 weeks prior ~ The benefit of doing a trial closer to your wedding date is your skin tone & hair length will be closer to your actual appearance on the day of. If you plan on getting a tan for the big day, have a test run before your make-up trial or simply advise your artist that you expect to be a few shades darker on your wedding day.

2. Provide a few makeup references to your artist on your trial date. Select images of individuals who resemble you or have similar features as you. This includes skin tone & hair colour. Identify what it is you like about the make-up in the image and take into account that many images online have been professionally lit or retouched and won’t necessarily translate exactly how the photo looks in real life. If you go with a pro, rest assure that your artist will do his/her best to enhance your individual beauty customized to your specific features.

Above: Makeup by Sherlyn Torres

3. The best bridal make-up is simply the most exquisitely polished version of how you usually look. Discuss which features you’d prefer to enhance and show your artist a reference photo of yourself with your best personal makeup look so you’re both on the same page.

4. Optional: On your trial date, wear a white top so you can have a better idea of how your makeup will look against your wedding dress. After the trial, take a selfie in day light or in similar lighting situations you expect to have during the ceremony or reception. That way, you can see how the makeup will look in various lighting scenarios. Above: Makeup by Tisa Torres

5. Set aside at least 1hr for your trial and 45mins for your full makeup application on the day of. Also, try to add a 5 minute buffer between the bridesmaids & other bridal party members’ makeup applications to allow the artist to sanitize brushes & re-organize in between.

6. Opt for natural looking false lashes that have a subtle enhancing effect. Individual eyelashes are a great option or ask your artist for a variety of natural strip lashes to try on during the trial run. There are far more options now with varying lengths that create a really natural fluttery & romantic look.

7. Focus on the most important elements of your look, such as beautiful, natural-looking skin, softly groomed brows and feathery lashes. If you get these basic factors right the rest of your make-up will fall into place. Less is more! Especially since a god chunk of photos may be taken in natural light, you’ll want to make sure your skin looks glowy and not cakey. Photos left: Markus Staley • Makeup Sherlyn Torres  |  Photos right: Makeup by Tisa Torres

8. Go for long wearing makeup products. Weddings often run from morning until night and if you haven’t booked an artist for touch-ups throughout the day, request for your artist to use professional long-wearing products. Also inquire if they offer a product pick-up service for touch-up essentials for the day of.

9. Keep in mind that bridal make-up needs to have enough colour to compensate for flash photography. Although you may not be used to wearing a full face of makeup on a daily basis, you’ll want to look more a little more vibrant considering this is a special occasion. In terms of flash, ensure that your T Zone is matte - have your maid of honour or a designated bridesmaid carry a mini clutch containing a powder compact or blotting papers + a lipstick to go for touch ups throughout the day when necessary. Your wedding photographer will certainly appreciate it! And you won’t have to pay excessive amounts for photo retouching ;)

10. Lastly, It’s always better to choose a timeless, classically beautiful, non-trendy makeup look when deciding on a style. You’ll be looking back at photos from this special moment many years later so the makeup should transcend over decades.

Above Photos: Makeup by Sherlyn Torres  |  Featuring: Arisa Cox

Gigi Hadid in Toronto for #Maybelline100 Event

  Last night in Toronto, Maybelline New York Canada celebrated 100 years of beauty with brand Spokesmodel and #ItGirl Gigi Hadid. 

In a nod to the racing stripe on Hadid's white Smythe pantsuit, Maybelline New York Lead Makeup Artist Grace Lee penned a double-lined eye using new (July 2015) Maybelline Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil in Cashmere White and Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner in Black. Lashes were coated with Lash Sensational Mascara in Blackest Black and brows were combed through with Brow Drama in Blonde. Hadid's lips were topped with nude hue (Color Sensational The Buffs Lipstick in Truffle tease), keeping all focus on her gorgeous liner.

Photos of Gigi Hadid and other notables at the #Maybelline100 event:

+ More event photos:

CREDITS:

Who: Gigi Hadid (Model)

Event: Maybelline New York 100 Year Anniversary Event in Toronto

Date: Wednesday June 3, 2015

Location: The One Eighty

Makeup: Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline New York Canada

Hair: Matthew Collins

Nails: Wendy Rorong

Product Credit: Maybelline New York (www.Maybelline.ca)

Photo Credit (all photos from Toronto event): George Pimentel

Milk & Heels - Spring/Summer 2015 Editorial

Key Makeup & Hair Artist for the latest Issue of Milk & Heels Online Magazine - Spring/Summer 2015 Edition

Spring Summer Skincare Swap

Now that spring has finally sprung in Toronto and we've gotten a taste of what's to come this summer, it's time to re-think our skin care regimes!  Especially when it comes to moisturizing - Even though temperatures are rising, if you're at least 20 years of age & up, it's still important to keep skin well hydrated during the spring & summer. As we shed our winter garments, we should also switch up our skin hydrators to lighter-weight lotions, gels & whipped creams that absorb quickly & won't feel heavy on our skin during warmer weather. The products I've chosen to feature below are a great range of moisturizers that are ideal for warmer days ~ Some contain added benefits which also combat harsh elements our skin encounters during the summer, such as pollution. I'll be doing a separate post on Sunscreen infused hydrators next month or you can check out my previous post on UV friendly products HERE. Leave a comment below to let me know which brands *you prefer to use when warmer temps roll around ;)

Behind the Scenes of Garnet from Spot 6

A brief behind the scenes clip of me & Garnet from Spot 6 Models in our element ;) Video by: Tavis Gordon

Makeup & hair: Sherlyn Torres

Photographer: Allysa Cervantes

Model: Garnet @ Spot 6 Management

https://youtu.be/KpAJpE9hrjE

S/S 2015 Runway Makeup Trends

  Below are some of my favourite makeup trends off the runway from select top designers' Spring/Summer 2015 fashion shows...

I love the overall minimalistic approach the artists took with pops of colour and minor focal points. I've always been a fan of clean makeup with a slight bit of edge. Some looks were borderline bare which will be a definite relief in the hot summer months.

I'm personally looking forward to sunkissed skin and rocking minimal looks with just liner or bold lips. Share your thoughts below to let me know which ones you'd be willing to try ~ I'd be glad to suggest products that work best for your coveted look ;)

“Say goodbye to your little zit”

 

Date: The morning of your date with the cutie from work

Time: 7:00 a.m.

Setting: Your washroom

Scene: Your alarm goes off. You stumble towards the washroom with your eyes half closed... After washing your face, you squint into the mirror to find a bright red zit living on the tip of your nose!

The coward thing to do: Hide under the covers until the zit goes away.

The hero thing to do: Scour your beauty stash & treat it!

Step 1: Use a mild (sulfate-free) cleanser infused with an anti-bacterial agent, like tea tree oil.

Step 2: Run a q-tip under warm water and dab onto pimple to open up the pore.

Step 3: Use the other end of the q-tip to dip into your spot treatment* and apply onto zit.

• Go for a treatment with B vitamins, tea tree oil, salicylic acid or purifying clay. If you have none of the above, a dab of seabuckthorn oil can do wonders! (just keep it very minimal)

Next…Camouflage it! (if you opted for clay, be sure to rinse off first)

Step 1: Go for a lightweight moisturizer that is free of heavy oils - dermalogica's active moist is a great one to have on hand.

Step 2: Apply light layers of concealer with a small synthetic brush to cover up the imperfection. Be sure to use a patting motion and go for an acne treatment infused formula to continue the healing process.

Step 3: Set with a mineral-based loose powder so the concealer stays put. *Bonus: The zinc from the mineral powder is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient, which will keep redness at bay.

By end of day, hopefully the blemish would have shrunk significantly so you won't have to skip out on your date ;)

Comment below to share some of your tips for maintaining a clear complexion and which products you swear by...

Zaliris (Next Models) - Get Her Beauty Look

 

Photographer: Tavis Gordon  |  Model: Zaliris Next Models  |   Hair: Caffery Van Horne  |  Makeup: Sherlyn Torres  |  Wardrobe Stylist: Olivia

Shot on location: South Beach, Miami

Get the look:

• After moisturizer, I applied Lancome La Base Primer (1)   •   Then mixed Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks in Warm Honey & Golden (2)   •   A very small dab of M.A.C. Gloss Texture on the eyelids (3)   •   Set the foundation w/ a sheer translucent powder from M.A.C. then used Yves Saint Laurent Blush & Contour Brush (4) to emphasize Zal's cheek bones with NARS bronzer in Casino (8)   •   Applied Dolce & Gabbana Cream Eyeshadow in Cocoa (5) on outer v   •   Applied a generous amount of M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara (6)   •   Small strokes of D&G Softbrown Eyebrow Pencil for naturally defined brows (7)   •   Finished off the look w/ a small dab of Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush in Praline Soyeuse (9) on lips   •   On Body: Pacifica Island Vanilla Body Butter Mixed w/ Mambino body Oil & a pinch of M.A.C. Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze