LATINA MAKEUP AND BEAUTY

My favorite beauty products of 2011

2011-12-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Working with Kristen Bell 2011. Makeup by Luis Casco

Since it’s the end of the year I just had to go back and share with you about some of my favorite products that I used this year. Some of them are classics that you might already know but 2011 was definitely a year of new-great discoveries.

First are my favorite skin care products, I am listing them in no order of preference- I like them all!

1- Clarisonic brush- I use this on myself every day now. Not only does it really cleanse well but it It really preps your skin for moisturizers, just remember you don’t have to apply too much pressure when you are using it. The bonus is the fact that I can keep it in the shower and just take it out when I need to re-charge it.

2- Neutrogena’s Microdermabresion kit. You can be your own facialist at home and on the road. They recommend you using it everyday for the first week, not use it week two and then every other day for weeks 3 and 4. I say use it a little less if you have sensitive skin and still get great results. A great and affordable alternative to expensive facialist treatments

3- Amway’s Artistry Creme Luxury Eye Cream. This stuff works! I must say I am a sucker for packaging and at first I fell in love with the cool silver bottle that comes in a box worthy of fine jewelry, but after I used it I fell in love with the product itself. At first, I was a little surprised that it was an eye cream that you applied all over the eyes (lid and all) and not just under the eyes as most other eye creams. I was worried that it would get in my eyes, I would wake up with red eyes, it would make my eyelids look oily etc,etc. Instead it really has “brightened” up my eyes and I certainly see a difference from using it. A little bit goes a long way too. I can tell you that you will see a difference after using it- I skipped a few days due to traveling and could see a HUGE change when I went back to using it.

4- Mary Kay’s Night Solution. I dare anyone I know to try this stuff for just a couple of nights and tell me they don’t see a difference! Wow!! Your skin will look fresh and almost like you’ve been airbrushed! I tell everyone about this product. This is a new product for Mary Kay and I actually met one of the scientists that worked (for a few years) on developing it and who told me all about it. I’m definitely a believer and use this every night myself. Get it!

5- Embryolisse moisturizing cream. This has become a makeup artist staple and a lot of us are carrying it in our kits. Why? because It leaves skin with a beautiful texture but not too oily for under the cameras. You used to could only get it overseas but it is now available in the US. Anyone you are doing makeup on will thank you for the luxurious finish it will leave on their skin.

And now my list of makeup products:

1- Tom Ford cheek color in Frantic Pink- This is the most amazing cheek color, lovely texture and a great tone that works on most people.

2- MakeUpForever’s HD powder. I use this on most of my clients, it has the lightest feel and it takes away shine giving the skin a matte luxurious feel. I wish they would make a version for darker skin, even though they say it works in every skin tone I have found that it makes dark skin ashy. Otherwise I love it!

3- COVERGIRL’S lip perfection lip color. Hands down my favorite lipsticks right now! They have the same payoff as some of the more expensive versions and the colors –all designed by the guru Pat McGrath are g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!

4- YSL’s Touche Eclat. A “classic” when it comes to makeup and worth the price! It conceals but it also brightens the eyes. Kristen Bell told me that is all she uses on her face (no foundation-nothing else!) and I believe it.

5- Mary Kay’s “Lash Love” mascara. There are many great mascaras out there but Mary Kay’s newest has the perfect brush to reach in hard to get to lashes. It doesn’t give you “vavoom” lashes but a really wearable, beautiful look that a woman can wear anytime. For a great dramatic look- layer with their “Ultimate Mascara” – I love the result!!

My December beauty column in Cosmopolitan!

2011-12-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

Check it out-you can click on it to make it bigger!! Thank you for your questions y Gracias Cosmo!!!

Luis Casco beauty column in Cosmopolitan en Español

happy holidays from Eva Mendes and Pantene!

2011-12-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Eva Mendes shares with you her favorite party look.

Take a cue from Eva Mendes who shares her favorite party look and must-have beauty products to ensure you turn heads this Holiday season. Love these!
*click on them to make them bigger...

y aqui lo puedes leer en Español:

My makeup on Cosmo's Holiday editorial!

2011-12-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

"Queen of the night" is the name of my editorial in the December issue of Cosmopolitan en Español. It was all about a glam look but with very wearable makeup. The look was about perfect skin, defined eyes and lips without one feature standing out too much. I rimmed the eyes with Mary Kay's black pencil eyeliner (it's waterproof so it works great!) On the lids I used a Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Shadow Pencil in "Delinquent" to get the sparkly purple tone I was after. Then I got a chance to sample a brand new Covergirl mascara- it's amazing! It's called LashBlast 24 hr Mascara. No fake lashes needed!

Here's a close up of the look:


Cosmopolitan en Español, Dec 2011 Ph. Zoey Grossman Makeup: Luis Casco And here are a few other shots from the story:


Cosmopolitan en Español, Dec 2011 Ph. Zoey Grossman Makeup: Luis Casco


Cosmopolitan en Español, Dec 2011 Ph. Zoey Grossman Makeup: Luis Casco

Cosmopolitan en Español, Dec 2011 Ph. Zoey Grossman Makeup: Luis Casco

Your "tias" play punk too: "Girl in a coma"

2011-12-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

I Like this girls and what they stand for! Check out their story on CNN and support!

Mexican-American band "Girl in a Coma"

My work on Carina Round's music video!

2011-11-08T19:52:00.000-08:00


Makeup for singer Carina Round's single "The Last Time" Makeup by Luis Casco, Directed by Scott Rhea

It's out! The video I did for Carina Round has just been released. It was a lot of fun to be able to design all the makeup looks for the video and to have such an open minded subject!! The song "The Last Time" is from her upcoming album to be released in the Spring of 2012. She was just performing on David Letterman last week with her band "Puscifer"!

The video was directed by my old friend Scott Rhea who has an amazing eye and vision. Check out his work here-:
http://www.scottrhea.com

In the shot above, I used MakeUpForever's "thick artificial blood" It has the perfect texture for that slow drip!

MakeUpForever Pro Thick Artificial Blood.

The other product that was really crucial was a camera-friendly white foundation and again MakeUpForever's Pro line "Clown white makeup"


MakeUpForever's Clown white makeup

All the looks came together with the help of two AMAZING assistants- thanks Fanny and Vero!! Look forward to doing it again.
Check out the video here:

Here's the amazing crew that pulled it all together:
Directed by: Scott Rhea
Director of Photography: Christopher Pearson
Produced by : Scott Rhea JSR Productions and Pollution studio
Make up : Luis Casco Assisted by: Fanny Herrera and Veronica Soto
Hair: Stella Kae / Noogie Thai
Stylist : Brett McCall / Kiyomi Hara
Production Design: Shane Richardson
All paintings - Gary Baseman
www.garybaseman.com/

Mi entrevista con "Life&Beauty Weekly"

2011-10-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ser hermosa

Cómo evitar errores de belleza

Por Karyn D. Collins

Cuando se trata de maquillaje y del cuidado de la piel, definitivamente no existe una solución que sirva para todas... y las mujeres latinas con frecuencia no se dan cuenta que tienen necesidades de belleza especiales. Muchas latinas cometen los mismos errores comunes, como nos dice el asesor de maquillaje Luis Casco, invitado frecuente en programas como Good Morning America y Despierta America. Te presentamos los errores más comunes y consejos para asegurar ese aspecto hermoso y limpio.
Alocarse con el color
En otras palabras, de lo bueno, poco: aunque a las latinas se les conoce por sus gustos coloridos, cuando se trata de maquillaje lo mejor es moderarse.
“Por consenso general, a las latinas se les permite un cierto aspecto insolente”, dice Casco, que ha trabajado con Lauren Velez, Cameron Diaz, Zoe Saldaña y Dayanara Torres. “He visto a mujeres latinas que tratan de igualar los colores de su maquillaje con los de sus ropas, o toman esos maquillajes teatrales que salen en las revistas, como una sombra azul brillante con un rímel azul, e intentan usarlos. Pero no por el hecho de que algo se vea bien en una foto significa que uno deba usarlo de esa manera”.
Para evitar un maquillaje sobrecargado hay que seguir la regla de que “entre menos, mejor”. “Tal vez lo mejor que se puede hacer es concentrar el color en una parte de la cara”, explica Casco. “Pone un poco de color en los ojos o en las mejillas o en los labios, pero no en los tres lugares. Usen el color para acentuar rasgos”.
No usar bloqueador solar
Muchas mujeres latinas asumen que no necesitan proteger del sol su piel más oscura, nos comenta Casco. ¡No es verdad!
El cáncer de piel es la forma más común de cáncer en Estados Unidos y afecta a mujeres y a hombres de todas las razas. La Skin Cancer Foundation recomienda usar un protector solar de amplio espectro, de por lo menos factor 15 todos los días, en cualquier parte de la piel que se exponga al sol.
Elegir los productos equivocados para el cuidado de la piel
Es importante elegir los productos correctos para la piel. “Las latinas tienden a hacer a un lado el humectante porque creen que su piel es grasosa y, por lo tanto, no lo necesitan”, dice Casco. “Eso es un mito. Aunque la piel sea grasosa, pueden usar una crema humectante sin grasas”. También pueden elegir un limpiador formulado para pieles sensibles. Y si con frecuencia sufren de acné, deben evitar los tónicos con alcohol, porque pueden hacer que los granitos empeoren.
No aceptar el color de su piel
“He visto a muchas latinas tratando de hacer que sus rostros se vean más morenos o más blancos”, dice Casco. Las mujeres que buscan un tono de piel más claro con frecuencia utilizan con este propósito cremas que son muy agresivas y pueden dañar la piel. Las que quisieran tener una piel más morena con frecuencia usan bronceador demasiado oscuro o una base que aplican sólo en la cara, dejando que el cuello, el pecho y los brazos contrasten por su palidez. De cualquier forma, el resultado es desastroso.
La solución: Eviten las cremas blanqueadoras y las bases demasiado oscuras. Busquen mejor maquillajes que vayan con el tono natural de su piel. “Muchos tenemos un tono de piel oliva o amarillo, pero debemos usar una base que no sea ni demasiado rosa ni demasiado anaranjada”, indica Casco.
Aunque ahora hay una gran variedad de colores en bases para mujeres latinas, no asuman que lo que se le ve bien a Sofia Vergara o Eva Longoria será lo adecuado para ustedes. Encuentren productos que puedan probar en su mandíbula antes de comprarlos, incluso si eso significa pagar un poco más por una marca específica. “Invertir un poco para lograr el color correcto en la base del maquillaje es un gasto que vale la pena”, asegura Casco.

Mary Kay Inspiring Stories- Red Carpet/Q&A

2011-09-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the premiere for three films that Mary Kay made to bring awareness to Women's violence issues. I was clearly struck by the severity of the issue and met with some of the women featured in the video. One of them who had been a model, was actually locked up by her boyfriend in her apartment and not allowed to go anywhere without him.

Maria Menounos (“Extra”), JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“Better with You”), Alexa Vega (“Spy Kids”) joined forces through the Mary Kay Inspiring Stories program to unite their voices to make a difference. Mary Kay^® encourages millions to join in the fight against domestic violence from September 28^th through October 31^st at MaryKayInspiringStories.com. With each view we can change the future of domestic violence today.

Through Mary Kay Inspiring Stories the company will support donations to domestic violence shelters nationwide. America can join the cause in three ways: viewing and sharing the films at marykayinspiringstories.com, purchasing a Mary Kay Beauty that Counts™ Creme lipstick, or becoming a fan of Mary Kay at facebook.com/marykay. Mary Kay will be making over $80,000 in donations with a special $20,000 donation in the name of the crew behind the most viewed film. Additionally, from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1 to the Mary Kay Foundation for every new Facebook fan – up to $1 million. And, consumers can join Mary Kay in its effort to change the lives of women and children around the world through the purchase of a limited-edition* Beauty that Counts™ Mary Kay^®Creme Lipstick. In the U.S., from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15, 2011, $1 will be donated to the Mary Kay Foundation from each purchase of “Give Hope,” “Give Joy” and “Give Dreams,” lipstick shades to assist the Foundation’s efforts to end domestic violence.

En honor al Mes de Concientización Sobre La Violencia Doméstica, Mary Kay® anuncia el debut de una serie de documentales para resplandecer una luz sobre esta importante causa a nivel nacional. Mujeres de todo del país junto a las celebridades Maria Menounos (“Extra”), JoAnna Garcia-Swisher (“Better with You”) y Alexa Vega (“Spy Kids”), unieron sus voces y esfuerzos a través del programa Mary Kay Historias de Inspiración para efectuar un cambio positivo. Mary Kay® invita a millones de personas a unirse a la lucha en contra de la violencia doméstica del 28 de septiembre al 31 de octubre a través del sitio web: MaryKayHistoriasdeInspiracion.com. Con cada visita a este sitio podemos cambiar el futuro de la violencia doméstica, ahora.

Por su parte, los consumidores también podrán unirse a Mary Kay® en su esfuerzo por cambiar la vida de mujeres y niños alrededor del mundo a través de la compra los lápices labiales cremosos de edición limitada de Mary Kay® de Belleza que si cuenta™. En EUA, del 15 de Sept. al 15 de Dic. de 2011, Mary Kay Inc. donará un dólar de la compra de cada lápiz labial en los tonos - Give Hope, Give Joy y Give Dreams - a la Fundación Mary Kay en sus esfuerzos por acabar con la violencia doméstica.

The red carpet:

The Q&A session:

Mexico lindo! @ Mara Hoffman Spring 2012

2011-09-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Frida Kahlo (top left) was the inspiration for Mara Hoffman's Spring 2012 hair & makeup look

For Spring 2012, Hoffman turned to Mexico for inspiration even bringing out a mariachi band at the beginning of the presentation. Incorporating folkloric prints and embroideries into her rompers, dresses, shorts, and blouses, then adding her own modern, urban touch through sheer fabrics, exaggerated silhouettes, asymmetrical hemlines, and technicolor accents. As an ode to the late Frida Kahlo, TIGI hairstylist Nick Irwin created massive braids and twisted them atop models' heads. But, instead of creating the crown-like form associated with Kahlo's signature updo, which involves a single thick braid running from the back of one ear to the back of the other ear in an arc-like shape along the top and center of the head, Irwin took the braided strands and twisted them in pretzel-like formations for more exaggerated, spiraling 'dos — some of which could've rivaled Carmen Miranda's headdresses in height. To add even more Kahlo charm, colorful printed ribbon strips were woven into models' strands, rosette accents were tucked inside their updos, and tall blades grass were occasionally tucked along the back of models' heads.

The MakeUpForEver team, meanwhile, conjured up Kahlo's spirit by giving the
models' skin a golden bronzed glow, particularly along the top of the cheeks, and darkening their brows for a stronger overall look (thankfully, they circumvented the temptation to give them faux unibrows). To complete the Coyoacán-ready accouterments, Hoffman enlisted Holst and Lee to create threaded rope and seed bead necklaces in vibrant colors and to produce custom wedge sandals featuring wooden soles and woven straps incorporating her new Spring 2012 prints (tying the footwear back to the apparel).

Check out the presentation here:

Work backstage @ NY Fashion week next year!!

2011-09-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sebastian Professional is calling hairstylists of all kinds to submit their most creative work in the What's Next Sebastian Challenge.

Submit a photo of your best beauty creations to the Challenge website and you could win a trip to attend New York Fall '12 Fashion Week (February 2012)! Fans can vote on their favorite looks and a panel of Sebastian gurus will judge the top ten finalists at a live event in Berlin, Germany!

The theme is "Cosmic Infinity"- and remember the hair they want has no limitations so let your imagination go!!!

Submissions are accepted through the end of November, and you can get online and vote for your favorite ones now!!

And if you are a makeup artist, you can also enter for a chance to win a trip to the judging in Berlin. All the info is here:

https://www.whatsnextchallenge.com/en-EN/get_started

Nuevo segmento en Despierta America para Mary Kay

2011-09-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ese dia trabaje con las bellas chicas Venezolana Chiqui Delgado (conductora de Despierta America) Ella no es solamente una de las mujeres mas bellas que he maquillado pero tambien una LINDA persona!

Chiqui Delgado maquillada por Luis Casco. Miami 2011

y de Argentina Rossina Grosso.


Rossina Grosso- modelo de Sabado Gigante para Mary Kay

El punto de el segmento fue como yo le explique a Rossina que no tiene que usar muchos productos sino que pocos que de verdad le funcionen. Aqui esta el video

Lights-Camera-Action! Mary Kay is on the screen!

2011-09-22T10:55:00.000-07:00


From L-R Joanna Garcia Swisher, Alexa Vega, Maria Menonous all participate in Mary Kay Inspiring Stories

I'm very excited to see the finished product at the premier of the short films Mary Kay's Inspiring Stories teams created earlier this year!!!
Here are some details if you didn't know about it:
The Mary Kay^® Inspiring Stories program hopes to inspire, educate, and create a conversation on the issue of Domestic Violence through the creation of three empowering documentaries.

Three all-female crews each had the chance to create, produce, and direct a documentary that will share inspiring stories of women — young and old — who have been affected by domestic violence. In the past 3 years 80% of shelters report an increase in women seeking assistance for domestic violence. Creating these documentaries allowed participants to offer support and inspiration to women to help end the cycle of violence. The films will be viewed online and at a Premiere Event to spread a powerful message of hope and prevention, on September 27th 2011.

The filmmakers worked with inspiring female celebrities who narrated the films and put their voices behind this cause, including our female celebrity narrators JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Alexa Vega and Maria Menounos! All they had was their passion for the cause and our professional crew taught them the rest.

Y en Español:
El programa Mary Kay^® Historias de Inspiración fue creado para inspirar, educar e iniciar un diálogo sobre el tema de la violencia doméstica a través de la creación de tres poderosos documentales.

Cada uno de los tres equipos de producción, integrado por mujeres solamente, tuvo la oportunidad de crear, producir y dirigir un documental que relata las historias de inspiración de mujeres - jóvenes y maduras - que han sido afectadas por la violencia doméstica. En los últimos tres años, el 80% de albergues han reportado un incremento en el número de mujeres en busca de ayuda por causas de violencia doméstica. La creación de estos documentales les permitió a las participantes la posibilidad de brindarles apoyo e inspiración a otras mujeres con el fin de ayudar a erradicar el ciclo de violencia. Los documentales se podrán ver a través de internet y en una Premier para difundir un mensaje poderoso de esperanza y prevención el 27 de septiembre del 2011.

Las cineastas trabajaron junto a celebridades como las actrices y filántropas de descendencia Latina, JoAnna Garcia Swisher y Alexa Vega y la famosa conductora, escritora y actriz Maria Menounos, quienes participarán como narradoras de los documentales, demostrando su fuerte apoyo a esta causa al aportar sus voces famosas. Solamente contaban con su pasión por la causa y nuestro equipo de profesionales les enseñó el resto.

Want to do your part? Purchase one of Mary Kay's "Beauty that Counts" lipsticks- Great way to help women by supporting The Mary Kay Foundation in its efforts to end domestic violence.

And the colors and formulas are great:

Mary Kay Limited Edition Beauty that Counts lipsticks. http://www.marykay.com/color/lips/limitededitionbeautythatcounts/default.aspx?ab=lghp_beautythatcounts

Individual lash fun!

2011-09-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Individual lashes-makeup by luis casco

After watching all the "barely there" makeup looks that we are seeing on the runways for Spring 2012 I remembered one of my favorite looks to do, it's quick, easy and for sure a crow pleaser! In the picture above all I used was a white pencil in the water line and then smudged a light shadow on the lid. Afterwards I started applying Ardell indiviual lashes in medium and short flare. Mind you this shot was taken in the makeup room before I was finished and with my phone- it is by no means the final look (I will post when I get it) The point is that this is a look any makeup artist can do to create impact but in very little time.

The trick is that for individual lashes you should use the individual lash glue (the one that goes on clear) It is a little tackier feeling and it doesn't move as much. Also, I'd recommend you curling and doing one coat of mascara on the natural lashes before you apply the individuals-trust me it will make your job a lot easier!

Here's the glue I use for individual lashes: http://www.ardelllashes.com/product/?id=105

Great inexpensive lashes: http://www.ardelllashes.com/product/?id=91

And here's their video on how to apply them properly:

best makeup looks from NYFW spring 2012- MONIQUE LHUILLIER

2011-09-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hands down one of my favorite looks has been Val Garland's cobalt blue graphic eyeliner for Monique Lhullier for MAC:


Spring 2012 makeup trends- Monique Lhullier by Val Garland

Check out the backstage instructions for her assistants (click on the picture to see every product) Face and Body foundation over moisturizer for that natural glow!:

Spring 2012 makeup trends- Monique Lhuillier by Val Garland for MAC.

And face chart:

Spring 2012 makeup trends- Monique Lhuillier by Val Garland for MAC

Working the look on the runway:

Spring 2012 makeup trends- cobalt blue eyeliner at Monique Lhullier

Afro-Latinas in Hollywood! My new work in "Essence"

2011-09-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

L-R Tatyana Ali,Lauren Velez, Melissa De Souza, Judy Reyes. Essence Magazine Oct. 2011 Photo by Derek Blanks, Makeup Luis Casco

Out in October's "Essence" magazine is a story I worked on. It is all about being Black and Latina in Hollywood. These ladies were SO much fun to work with, the photographer was the super talented Derek Blanks and to top it all off, we listened to salsa all day! It is really wonderful to see them recognized for their amazing body of work but it is also commendable for Essence to feature Latinas who are also of African descent.

I think most people forget that Latinas come in every shade (yes blondes and even black!) but that overall we are all united by an amazing sense of pride in our cultures. These ladies all talked to me about how they are finding it easier for Hollywood to identify them as "Latinas" while they used to assume they were black. If you hear Lauren or Judy speak Spanish- you would never doubt it!

As far as beauty routine goes, these ladies stayed true to the Latina spirit of loving makeup! They loved me using MAC's bright pigments on their eyes, asked for lipstick changes after they changed outfits (usually asking for a little more color!) and LOVED their false lashes and TONS of mascara!!!

I applaud them for their spirit and know that they had maybe a little something to do with the success of their contemporaries like Rosario Dawson and Zoe Saldaña!!!

I leave you here with a song we heard that day a couple of times! Lauren Velez' performing as "La Lupe":

My new beauty story in September's "Vanidades"!

2011-08-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

This beauty story is all about the big metallic trend on the eyes happening right now. It was literally shot at night inside a fountain, and I had to keep changing the models' makeup as she lay down in the water- with my assistant holding a flash light so that I could see what I was doing! Glamorous uh?

Makeup by Luis Casco "Vanidades" September 2011

This first shot was all about the eyeliner,the model had hazel eyes and I wanted to show how beautiful light blue can layer over a black eyeliner to make the eye color "POP"!. As a base, I started with Mary Kay's Cream eye color in Apricot Twist (a pretty gold shade):

http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/creameyecolor/10025874/default.aspx

I used a black cream eyeliner.

This one was Urban Decay's Ink for eyes:

http://www.urbandecay.com/ink-for-eyes/207,default,pd.html

Then right on top of the black one I used MakeUpForever's Aqua Cream in Turquoise:

http://www.makeupforever.com/products/eyes/aqua-cream.html

Makeup by Luis Casco "Vanidades" September 2011

In this shot I wanted to give the eyes a bronze look. All I did was apply a CoverGirl's Intense Shadow Blast in Brown Bling on top of the gold:
http://www.covergirl.com/intenseshadowblast
Under the eyes, I wanted an eyeshadow that was a darker bronze with gold specks in it to accent her eye color. I used Mary Kay's Mineral Eye Color in Amber Blaze:
http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/metallics/10013008/default.aspx

And here are two more shots from the magazine, full of their product recommendations. On the newsstands now!

Makeup by Luis Casco "Vanidades" September 2011

Salma Hayek's new beauty line is out!

2011-08-11T22:21:00.000-07:00


"Nuance" Cosmetics by Salma Hayek

Nuance Salma Hayek was inspired by Hayek's grandmother, a cosmetologist who developed her own homemade beauty remedies in Mexico. An embodiment of her rich family heritage, the products in the Nuance Salma Hayek line represent the fusion of advanced, proprietary formulations and personal beauty rituals passed down from generations. Each product in the line was inspired by Hayek's own beauty rituals as well as her extensive global travels. Many ingredients, such as tepezcohuite, blue agave, prickly pear and lime enzyme, are being used in exclusive beauty formulas available to the mass market for the first time. Hayek rigorously tested every product in the line, partnering with formulators to ensure the highest standards and results.
"I wanted to create a line of premium beauty products that were both effective and affordable using the ingredients and knowledge passed down to me from my grandmother," said Hayek. "My partnership with CVS/pharmacy allowed me to be truly involved in every aspect of product development, bringing my vision to life in making a line that is available to all women, who are entitled to preserve their youth no matter what."
Here's a great video of Salma discussing the line-I love the fact that she says she wanted to create something affordable to every woman yet with similar results as the more expensive products:

Premium, yet approachable, the Nuance Salma Hayek line combines exotic, natural ingredients and ancient beauty secrets with science to create efficacious products that enhance the nuances that define every woman's individual beauty. Prices range between $2.99 and $19.99, and the line includes:

Nuance Salma Hayek Skincare: Nuance Salma Hayek Skincare products are specially formulated with natural fruit extracts and essential oils to address multiple skincare concerns like aging, loss of hydration, and uneven tone and texture.
Nuance Salma Hayek Cosmetics: Nuance Salma Hayek Cosmetics include a full line of products for face, eyes and lips in a palette of stunning shades. Advanced technology and fine ingredients create beautiful, endless, customized looks.
Nuance Salma Hayek Haircare: Nuance Salma Hayek Haircare products address the needs of all hair types with formulations for fine hair, dry hair and chemically treated hair. The line includes treatments that nourish, style and help protect for all-day, healthy-looking hair.
Nuance Salma Hayek Body: Nuance Salma Hayek Body treatments combine nourishing botanicals and natural fruit extracts to help create more youthful, hydrated and radiant-looking skin.

For more information on Nuance Salma Hayek and to purchase the products, go to: cvs.com/nuancesalmahayek
Here's a great review of the eyeshadows:
http://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-nuance-salma-hayek-beauty-blends.html

You asked- My favorite Mary Kay products...

2011-07-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

Certificate of completion for my Mary Kay workshops at Seminar 2011

In the past few weeks I've been flying back and forth to Dallas as a guest speaker at the Mary Kay yearly Seminar. It's a 1 1/2 hour presentation to thousands of women from all over the US in which I really speak my mind about makeup and their products. I should point out that everything that I say in these presentations is truly my opinion and the folks at Mary Kay really wanted it that way- no script but really what I honestly feel about their products and how to use them.

I've been getting a lot of your questions asking me to tell you about my favorite Mary Kay products. There are many for different reasons but I'll give you my top 5 choices right now that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone.

1-Mary Kay® Foundation Primer http://www.marykay.com/color/foundations/foundationprimer/10039851/default.aspx

This oil free, gel formula really does wonders on the skin. It takes away shine, evens out your complexion and really helps the foundation to stay on. Great on men too- I use it for pictures or whenever I'm on TV or stage. It's colorless so anyone can use it. If you've never used a primer before- try it and you'll love the difference.

2-Mary Kay® Sheer Mineral Pressed Powder http://www.marykay.com/color/powde/marykaysheermineralpressedpowder/default.aspx

Not as matte as MAC'S blot powder, Mary Kay's pressed powder leaves the skin looking like it's still breathing but with a very soft, pretty texture. The colors are not heavily pigmented which helps me as a makeup artist to be able to use them on different skin tones. Depending on the skin type, it can get a little heavy if applied with a sponge so I like to apply it with a brush.

3- Mary Kay® Mineral Eye Color in Black Pearl http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/viewall/10028589/default.aspx

I love this color. It's the perfect gray/neutral tone that you can wear as a wash or build up to a smoky eye. Apply over an eye primer or cream eyeshadow and the texture really shows up. Again, this is not too heavily pigmented but a very wearable perfect color that really- honestly- works on everyone's skin tone.

4- Mary Kay® Liquid Lip Color, Malted http://www.marykay.com/color/lips/marykayliquidlipcolor/10030422/default.aspx

The texture is the key with this lip product that is not as shiny as a gloss but not as matte as a lipstick can be. It really is the perfect texture and the color- I LOVE it. It really is great to pair it with a smoky eye but really even if you wear it on its own- it's really gorgeous- not too brown but just a nice flesh tone color.

5-Mary Kay® Mineral Cheek Color, Strawberry Cream. http://www.marykay.com/color/cheeks/marykaymineralcheekcolor/10012980/default.aspx

I like to think of this lovely cheek color as Mary Kay's version of NARS' best selling Orgasm blush. The difference here is that Mary Kay's is not as pigmented so it gives a very pretty, wearable flush to the cheeks with just a slight, and not overpowering shimmer. Apply it with a sponge and blend out with a brush for a stronger look but applied with a brush it gives just the right modern touch that a woman can actually wear.

Check out my new beauty column in Cosmopolitan en Español!!

2011-07-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Luis Casco's beauty column in "Cosmopolitan en Español"

Starting in the August 2011 issue, I answer your beauty questions in my own column in Cosmo magazine! Besides the US Hispanic market, Cosmopolitan en Español reaches audiences in all Latin America and the Caribbean and I just LOVE the "chicas Cosmo"!

Espero que te guste mi columna en Cosmopolitan y mandame preguntas que con gusto te las contesto!

Gracias a todos!!! Luis

Luis Casco's beauty column in "Cosmopolitan en Español" August 2011

Casting Latino makeup/hair stylists for new TV show!

2011-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Casting Hair Stylists & Salons in the Los Angeles
Hispanic/Latina Communities for new cable TV
docu-series project!

I recieved a release from BigFish Casting in LA about a new cable TV docu-series project is casting Latino hair stylists, makeup artists and Salons in the Los Angeles area.

They are looking for hair stylists and makeup arists of all ages and levels- men and women. If you think you have "sass and style" and should be on TV, send your pic and contact info to:
bigfishcasting@mac.com
Subject: STYLIST CASTING & your name.

Salon Owners: If you would like your salon to be featured on TV, send pictures of your salon, your pic and contact info to:
bigfishcasting@mac.com
Subject: SALON CASTING & salon name.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 8/14/11

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!

Products used on Sofia Vergara for "The Smurfs" premiere

2011-07-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

Here are all the products that Makeup Artist Kayleen McAdams (yes, Rachel McAdams sister!) used on Sofia all by Covergirl. • Sofia had the most beautiful purple dress so I wanted to do a shimmery bronze eye so the makeup would be more subtle and the dress could take full focus. Because of the heat we layered bronzers on both the cheeks and eyes with other products so it would have staying power all night. • On her face I used COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Chestnut, COVERGIRL TruConceal #4 and COVERGIRL Clean oil-control Pressed Power in Soft Honey to eliminate any shine.• To highlight her cheeks and give a touch of color, I used COVERGIRL TruBlend Minerals Bronzer in Natural Bronze and COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink• To get her shimmery bronze eye, I applied COVERGIRL Intense ShadowBlast in Brown Bling (I used this first on the lid with the shadow on top to give it staying power in this heat) followed by Queen Collection Eye Shadow in Fire it up all over the lid and along the bottom lash line and COVERIGIRL Queen Collection Eye Shadow in Copper Penny on the outer corners. I lined her eyes with COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast eyeliner in Black Fire and finished the eyes with multiple coats of COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara in Very Black.• To create Sofia’s soft, shiny pink lip, I applied COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipliner in Splendid followed by COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor in Entwined.Sofía Vergara en el estreno de la película “Los Pitufos” por la maquilladora de las estrellas, Kayleen McAdams• Sofía tenía un vestido color púrpura espectacular por lo que opté por crear un efecto bronce reluciente en los ojos para que el maquillaje luciera más sutil y lograr que el vestido fuera el foco de atención. Debido al calor, colocamos bronceadores en capas en ambas mejillas y en los ojos además de otros productos para que el polvo se mantuviera en su piel durante toda la noche y evitar el brillo.• En su rostro apliqué una base de COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation en tono “Chestnut”, un corrector #4, COVERGIRL TruConceal #4 y el polvo compacto, COVERGIRL Clean oil-control Pressed Power en un tono miel “Soft Honey” para eliminar cualquier brillo.• Para resaltar las mejillas y darle un toque de color, utilicé COVERGIRL TruBlend Minerals Bronzer en un tono de bronceado “Natural Bronze” y un rubor COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush en rosado clásico “Classic Pink”. • Para obtener un bronce reluciente en sus ojos, apliqué COVERGIRL Intense ShadowBlast en color marrón “Brown Bling” (colocándolo primero en el pliegue de sus párpados cubriéndolos con una capa de la sombra para que permanezca en su sitio y no se corra con el calor), seguido por la sombra de ojos Queen Collection Eye Shadow en tono fuego “Fire ” desde el pliegue del párpado hasta la línea de las pestañas superiores y también en la línea de las pestañas inferiores y COVERIGIRL Queen Collection Eye Shadow en color cobre “Copper Penny” en las esquinas exteriores de sus ojos. Delineé sus ojos con delineador de ojos COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast eyeliner en color negro “Fire Black” y terminé con varias capas de rímel COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara en negro “Very Black” cubriendo todas sus pestañas.• Para crear el efecto sutil y lograr el color rosa brillante de los labios de Sofía, apliqué el delineador de labios COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipliner en rosa “Splendid” seguido del lápiz labial COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor en Entwined.


Sofia Vergara's makeup look at "The Smurfs" premiere

Ricky Martin and Nicky Minaj are the new VIVA GLAM team!!

2011-07-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ricky Martin and Nicky Minaj for MAC's Viva Glam campaign 2012

Seen in Miami shooting with the amazing David La Chapelle for the new campaign, it was just announced that Ricky Martin and Nicky Minaj will be heading the Viva Glam campaign!!!!! Ricky follows on the footsteps of fellow male ambassadors Elton John and RuPaul. Felicidades Ricky!!! 100% of the proceeds of the lipstick benefits the MAC AIDS fund which has raised $224 million so far.

Nicky is the perfect counterpart- how can we forget her famous pink lipstick that kept selling out every time they released it. Should we maybe expect a colorful viva glam this time around.

Can't wait to see the campaign shots and the products- as soon as I see them I'll post them for you.

For more information go to:
http://www.macaidsfund.org

"Gun Hill Road's" Judy Reyes- "Essence" 8/11

2011-07-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

"Gun Hill Road's" Judy Reyes, Essence 8/11 makeup by Luis Casco Photo: Derek Blanks

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Dominican/American actress Judy Reyes (of "Scrubs" fame) for Essence magazine. We had a great time and actually shot for a couple of issues that will be coming up. Judy was so much fun to work with, we spoke lots of Spanish and she got down to salsa all day long!
We did different makeup looks but this shot was the first of the day-smoky eyes to go with her sexy dress shot at a rooftop of a photo studio in Hollywood.

This shot promotes her amazing new movie "Gun Hill Road" which made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Judy plays the mother of Vanessa (a transgedered teenager) and Esai Morales plays her husband who after three years in prison returns to home to find all this out. The twists and turns of this Latino family in the Bronx make this movie a must see this Summer.

Director Rashaad Ernesto Green searched for months at different clubs and organizations to try to find the right Latina transgendered woman. He finally found "Vanessa" who is played by the talented and beautiful Harmony Santana.

Check out the trailer and support the film!

Want to go see Selena Gomez new movie this Thursday?

2011-06-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have advance screening passes for the new 20 Century Fox film, MONTE CARLO, starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) and Cory Monteith (Glee).

The film follows Grace (Selena), her step sister (Leighton) and her best friend (Katie Cassidy) as they take the trip of a lifetime to Paris. However, shortly after arriving, Grace is mistaken for a wealthy European Heiress and is wisked away to Monte Carlo to live a life of luxury. Through this case of mistaken identity, Grace finally figures out who she really is.

Please leave a post and tell me what city you'd like to attend to win advance screening passes in LA, NY and Miami for this Thursday, June 30. (7pm) *I can pick 10 winners (plus a guest) per market.

Please leave a post with an e-mail address for us to contact you (passes will be e-mailed)! I appreciate any follows :)

My new cover with Chiqui Delgado is out!

2011-06-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Check out my new Cosmo cover with the gorgeous, sweet, lovely (did I say how much I like her?:)
Chiquinquira Delgado from Univision and Despierta America. It is the July 2011 issue that is out in the newstands now. She is wearing an Herve Leger dress that fits her like a glove!


Chiquinquira Delgado July 2011 Cosmopolitan En Español Cover Makeup by Luis Casco, Hair by Luis Beltran, Styling by Brett McCall. Photo: Beth Studenberg

I will be posting some other shots along with some of the makeup products I used on her very soon.

New editorial in "Siempre Mujer" magazine

2011-06-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a new story that's out in the newstands now in "Siempre Mujer" magazine's June/July 2011 issue. I love these shots that we did in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. I wanted the model's skin (Isabel C. from Spain) to look bronzed and used a gold pigment on her eyes and a pink eyeshadow mixed with lip balm on her lips.
And yes, that beautiful blue water and sky really looked like that!!!

Siempre Mujer magazine June 2011 makeup by Luis Casco

Luis' new makeup video

2011-06-13T00:43:00.000-07:00

Selena Gomez at the MTV movie awards

2011-06-06T11:46:00.000-07:00


Selena's makeup at the MTV movie awards 2011

Here are all the products by Covergirl used on Selena Gomez last night at the MTV movie awards- makeup by Karan Mitchell. Pretty!!!

(ENGLISH) Selena Gomez at the MTV Movie Awards by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Karan Mitchell

•    For the MTV Movie Awards, Selena wanted her makeup look to be fresh and flawless. We went with a look that had a soft focus and pretty pink lips.

•    I started with Selena's eyes. I selected the COVERGIRL Shimmering Sands Eye Enhancer 3-Kits Shadows for her shadow. I used the medium shade of the palette as all over the eye area. I then used the lightest shade on the inside corners and as a highlight under her brow bone.

•    I then lined her upper and lower lashline with COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner in Basic Black. To line the upper lashes I used COVERGiRL LineExact Liquid liner in Very Black and drew a slight wing on the outer corners. I added a few individual lashes and used three coats of new COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Water Resistant Mousse Mascara in Black. This mascara will be available in-store nationwide in July.

•    For her flawless skin, I used NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Oak. On her cheeks I applied COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Lush Berry under the cheekbone and blended upward.

•    I then finished the look with COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor in the soft shimmering pink shade Sweetheart and COVERGIRL ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Dazzle.

(SPANISH) Selena Gómez en los MTV Movie Awards por famosa artista de maquillaje, Karan Mitchell

•    Para los premios, MTV Movie Awards, Selena quería que su maquillaje luciera fresco y sin defectos. Para ello, nos enfocamos en un look suave con lindos labios de color rosa.

•    Comencé con los ojos de Selena, seleccioné el juego de sombras COVERGIRL Shimmering Sands Eye Enhancer 3-Kits Shadows. Utilicé la sombra con el tono medio de la paleta de colores para todo el contorno de los ojos. Luego utilicé la sombra más clara en las esquinas interiores de los ojos y como un resaltador, la apliqué también en el hueso debajo de las cejas.

•    Entonces, le coloqué el delineador COVERGIRL Perfect Blend Eyeliner en negro básico (Basic Black) sobre línea superiores e inferiores de sus pestañas.Para la línea de sus pestañas superiores le apliqué COVERGiRL LineExact Liquid liner en el color negro intenso (Very Black) y dibujé una línea más acentuada para lograr como vértices en las esquinas exteriores, añadiendo unas pocas pestañas individuales y utilizando tres capas del nuevo rímel de COVERGIRL resistente al agua, NatureLuxe Water Resistant Mousse Mascara en Negro que estará disponible en tiendas a nivel nacional en julio.

•    Para su tipo de piel casi perfecta, le coloqué la base de CoverGirl NatureLuxe Silk Foundation en color roble (Oak). En sus mejillas apliqué el rubor COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush en color cereza (Lush Berry) comenzando en el pómulo y difuminándola hacia arriba.

•    Finalmente terminé el look con el lápiz de labios COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor en un color rosa suave (Sweetheart) y luego para deslumbrar apliqué el brillo de labios COVERGIRL ShineBlast Lip Gloss en el tono llamado (Dazzle).

My makeup on new cover with Gaby Espino

2011-06-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

The June issue of Cosmopolitan en Español has my new cover with actress Gaby Espino and is out on the newstands now! We shot in Miami a couple of months ago at The Tides hotel in South Beach.
Here's the cover:

Gaby Espino- Cosmopolitan June 2011 Makeup by Luis Casco Styled by Brett McCall Hair Luis Beltran

This was one of the few times that the magazine has done a swimsuit cover so we really wanted her skin and body to look luminous. On her face I used the new Mary Kay Foundation Primer, I applied this all over the face (I like to press it on the skin with a brush or my fingers) It's great if you concentrate it in the middle of the face. We were going to be a outside and at the beach so I didn't want to keep re-applying the makeup and I didn't have to!!
http://www.marykay.com/color/foundations/default.aspx


Mary Kay Foundation Primer

Next, I used Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer. On the cheeks Mary Kay cream blush in Cranberry. This color looks strong when you first apply it but it looks beautiful after is blended well. Try applying the cream blush with a makeup sponge over the foundation and it will give you just the right amount of color. Besides, Gaby really loves blush and it looks great on her!
On the eyes I used a great neutral duo eyeshadow palette from Nars called Dogon. It has the most perfect charcoal black that worked well with her eyes followed by DIORLINER precision eyeliner in black and Ardell lashes #105 finished off with DIORSHOW mascara.

I've been asked what I used on her body to make it look so glossy. It was actually a product that Gaby kept going on and on about and that she introduced me to that day.


LORAC TANtalizer

It was LORAC'S TANtalizer Body Bronzer Luminizer available at: http://www.loraccosmetics.com/p-21-font-colorcb0000-size1best-seller-fonttantalizerbrfont-size1body-bronzing-luminizerfont.aspx
I loved the way it looked on her skin- it literally made it look like the color on the tube. Golden and bronze. I was also amazed at the fact that after it dried in about 10 minutes it didn't come off on any of the swimsuits (we even shot a white one) and that's a true test for a product like this. I think it will look great on medium to darker skin tones but I've yet to try it on someone with fair skin-- Let me know if you have!!

Here are some of the other shots we did that day:

Gaby Espino- Cosmopolitan June 2011 Makeup by Luis Casco


Gaby Espino- Cosmopolitan June 2011 Makeup by Luis Casco


Backstage of Gaby Espino shoot on Telemundo. Luis Casco makeup

Thalia y su mama que en paz descanse...sorry for your loss!

2011-05-28T00:06:00.000-07:00


Thalia and Yolanda her mother who passed away yesterday

My work on the new Cosmopolitan en Español!

2011-05-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Cosmopolitan en Esapñol May 2011 Makeup Luis Casco, Styling Brett McCall, Photos by Beth Studenberg

Cosmopolitan en Español May 2011 Makeup Luis Casco, Styling Brett McCall, Photos by Beth Studenberg

Makeup by Luis Casco Stylist Brett McCall Photos by Beth Studenberg

Just a couple of months ago I had the opportunity to work in Isla Mujeres, Mexico for a series of editorials. This is the first one that's come out for Cosmo en Español/Mexico and on beautiful Colombian model Karen Carreño ( you might have seen her as a GUESS girl before). I've already been asked what I used on her skin for the cover, she wasn't as tanned as she looks so here it is. On her body I used MakeUpForever Pro tan gel. It is quite dark at first but once you blend it (I used a body makeup sponge) gives a beautiful, natural tan look to the skin (not as glistening or sparkly as others)

On her face I used the new Mary Kay TimeWise Luminous-Wear™ Liquid Foundation in Beige 4 followed with Mary Kay® Mineral Bronzing Powder in Canyon gold.

Cosmopolitan usually requests that the focus of the makeup is always on the eyes so I achieved this by using lots of fluttery individual lashes. I used Ardell's individual lashes in short and medium flare. The key here is to alternate between both sizes for a more natural look.
On the lips I wanted a slight frost texture so I alternated different eyeshadows applied over lip balm (a pink shimmer and a light pearl one mostly) Then a touch of clear lip gloss on the top gave it the desired look.
I'll post some other shoots soon.

Makeup on Chiquinquira Delgado

2011-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a backstage shot from a photo shoot that will be published soon. Chiqui is GORGEOUS and all we had to do was emphazise her eyes (they're hazel and change from a beautiful light brown to a yellow chestnutt like color) Makeupforever HD foundation and the new Mary kay Lovelash mascara.


Makeup on Chiquinquira Delgado by Luis Casco

Feliz dia de las madres---Happy mother's day!!!

2011-05-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Big kiss and hugs to all the moms out there who put up with all of us :)!!!!
Here's my mami last December: Besos mami!!!


Daisy Casco/ Palms Springs, Dec 2010

Makeup looks on Sofia and Salma at the Met Ball

2011-05-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Two days ago at the 2011 Costume Institute Ball in NY Latinas were represented amongst all of the Fashion and Entertainment world's elite. Check out the makeup looks on Sofia Vergara (who wore Carolina Herrera) and Salma Hayek (in Alexander McQueen).

Makeup look on Sofia Vergara at the 2011 Met ball

Sofia Vergara at the Met Ball by Celebrity Makeup Artist Kayleen McAdams
Sofia Vergara wore a Carolina Herrera and it was all in the eyes for this beauty look!
•    For skin I wanted her to have a silky, light look; I used COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg and set that with COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder in Warm Beige and used COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Plumberry Glow. This gave her a warm look with soft cheeks.
•    We wanted to make the focus of this look the eye so we went with a strong black liner but as a subtle cat eye rather than a harsh line. In order to give the liner staying power, I like to layer different products. I started by lining the eye with into a cat eye shape with COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast Eyeliner in Black Fire and then went over that same line with COVERGIRL LineExact Liquid Liner in Very Black.
•    I then blended dark chocolate brown eyeshadow starting from the outer corners and blending in towards the center. Along the bottom lash line I used the COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast Eyeliner in Brown Blaze and blended the liner with a black shadow to set it.I then used two coats of the COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Mascara in Very Black to thicken the lashes and finish her look.

Makeup on Salma Hayek at the 2011 Met Ball

Salma Hayek at the Met Ball by Celebrity Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle
Salma was wearing the last gown Alexander McQueen made! I used peach and gold to add heat to the neutral browns in the smoke around Salma’s gorgeous brown eyes.
•    First, I blended in COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg to accentuate her golden complexion.
•    I used COVERGIRL ExactEyelights Eye-Brightening Eyeshadow in Vibrant Brown to add drama to the upper lashline using a soft brush. Then with a flat lining brush used a metallic black closer to the lash line. Then, I added two coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Mascara in Black for extra pop! On her cheeks I used a peachy pink color, COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach.
•    Lastly, I used a gold eye shadow on her cheek bones to give her an ethereal glow. To finish her look, I used COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor in Sultry.

Goth makeup? Are you feeling it?

2011-04-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Whatever happened to the old rule of focusing on one feature on the face and accentuating it only? Most makeup people will tell you that smoky eyes look best with light lips and the other way around. This year though there's a trend I've been seeing that really focuses on a very "Goth" looking face- on the runway it didn't mean that the girl was wearing leather clothes and safety pins but really the makeup was just an accessory that was shown with even very sophisticated clothing.

I love doing those racoon like eyes as there's something about them that look beautiful on girls with light eyes but on darker eyes they tend to close the eyes too much for me. Pairing it with a dark matte mouth? Maybe a little too Elvira but the trick here is to make it wearable by still only accentuating one thing.

My favorite way to do eyes like these is to start with a black or charcoal gel eyeliner on the lid and then patting the desired color onto that. I think it always looks better if you stay away from too much sparkle and keep things a little matte (especially at the brow bone) Then it's very important that you line all around the eye and inside the waterline. I would recommend doing your foundation after you do the eyes and have cleaned up underneath them. Also, keep the blush light and the lips? well it's your call but honestly I think light lips are still my favorite for this look.

Goth makeup at Z spoke by Zac Pozen

Givenchy beauty Fall 2011 campaign

Love this palette- Dior 065

Bobby brown long wear eyeliner

"From Prada to nada" DVD giveaway!!

2011-04-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

From PRADA to nada DVDs giveaway at latinamakeup.blogspot

FROM PRADA TO NADA, is out on DVD/Blu-Ray on May 3 and TWO of my readers will receive their own dvd as a gift!

This will run through May 4th so please post your information and let me know what you'd like to see more on Latinamakeup.blogspot. (ie, more makeup tutorials, makeup review or more Latina focused beauty news,etc,etc.) I 'd love ot hear your opinion and of course know that you are a follower.
I'll get back to you with the winners on May 4th and will need to get your address for the studios to send your DVD directly to you.

The fun comedy stars Alexa Vega, Camilla Belle, Wilmer Valderrama, Kuno Becker and Adriana Barraza. The film is a re-telling of Jane Austen’s novel, “Sense and Sensability” with a Latin spin. Two wealthy sisters (Camilla and Alexa) lose their father and their estate in Beverly Hills and suddenly their lives are turned upside down. They move to East LA to live with their estranged aunt Aurelia (Adriana) and struggle to adjust to a modest lifestyle. Hilarity ensues as they welcome this new life and as they do they find not only true family, but romance.

Below is some more information, including a link to the trailer:

Film: FROM PRADA TO NADA

Studio: Pantelion

Starring: Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama, Camilla Belle, Adriana Barraza

Directed By: Angel Gracia

Genre: Comedy / Romance / Drama

Rating: PG-13

Trailer: http://www.facebook.com/FromPradatoNada

Synopsis: From Prada to Nada is a new romantic comedy starring Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama, Kuno Becker and Academy Award nominee Adriana Barraza. It’s a whimsical fish-out-of-water story of two spoiled sisters: Nora (Camilla Belle), a law student, and Mary (Alexa Vega), an undergrad party girl, living with their father in a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills. Mary has become so “90210” she refuses to admit she is of Mexican decent. When dad suddenly passes away, their posh lives are turned upside down. They discover they have been left penniless and are forced to move into their estranged aunt Aurelia’s (Adriana Barraza) modest but lively home in the Latino-centric Boyle Heights neighborhood of East LA. They are terrified to leave their world of privilege; neither Nora nor Mary speak Spanish or have ever had to take on actual responsibility. The girls gradually adapt to their new environment; their BMW and Prius are traded for the public bus and a used car. As they embrace the culture that for so long they refused to accept, they both discover romance, the true meaning of family, and they learn that the life of PRADA actually means NADA without love, family and community.

Have you seen Jessica Alba in April's Italian Vogue?

2011-04-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Shot by Michelangelo di Battista Jessica looks like high couture with dark makeup a dark bob wig and wearing Lanvin, Prada and Dolce... Love the lace eye mask and those reddish brown lips! Tres Chic!

The power of makeup!

2011-04-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Lately Jennifer Lopez has been a lot in my mind- and not just mine as she seems to be the hottest thing around right now! It seems that at every job I've been doing lately everyone speaks about how beautiful she looks in American Idol, how she's made a "comeback", etc,etc.. Funny since just a couple of years ago people were thinking of her as somewhat "washed up." Well now People Magazine has just named her "The Most Beautiful Woman" and her new hit "On the floor" was #5 in the Billboard 100 chart.

I must confess that this season I haven't really watched Idol but the few times I've seen her on there I love the fact that she is always changing her hair and makeup looks and so far everything I see looks flawless. I remember Paula's look which seemed to be the same every show (smoky eyes, light lips) but Jennifer wears red lips, glitter eyes, slicked back hair, blue eyeshadow, wow! I love it and I love the fact that she is a Latina!

I have met Jennifer before and have seen her up close- but never worked with her yet... so I wanted to go back and take a look at some of the looks that have been created on her face. I also found some pictures of her without makeup which I think are so important for all you guys to see- hey she's really another "Jenny from the block" until her face gets beat. And that's what I call "the power of makeup!"


The "real" Jennifer. Her nose is a little wide, upper lip is small, has a lot of skin discolorations- sound familiar?

Jennifer Lopez in TOUS jewelry campaign, shot by Ellen Von Unwerth 3/2011

Pink and blue eye shadows on Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez- red carpet makeup


Purple and red lip looks on Jennifer Lopez

New editorial in April/May's Siempre Mujer Magazine

2011-04-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots from April/May's "Siempre Mujer" magazine. I had a great time working with the team from the magazine who came down from NY to enjoy some warm, sunny desert weather. The title of the story says it all "Musa del Desierto" or "The Desert Muse". The eyes were smoky but I wanted to bring the model's hazel/brown eyes and used a green eyeliner in the waterline. This trick is great to bring any green and even golden tones in brown and hazel eyes. Here I used Urban Decay's Glide-on eye pencil in "Covet".

And check out the magazine's website at www.siempremujer.com and also follow on facebook and twitter. Their executive editor, Ursula Carranza is also an accomplished Peruvian beauty editor and she writes some of the best beauty "chismes"out there. Check out her tips-you'll love them as much as I do!

Here are some of shots from the story:

Siempre Mujer Magazine, April/May 2010 ph: Joseph Montezinos Hair: Will Carrillo/Celestine Makeup: Luis Casco/Celestine Fashion Styling: Brett McCall

Music video makeup mayhem

2011-04-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy month with lots of shoots and work that I will be sharing with you soon. A few days ago I had the opportunity to work on a music video for an amazing british singer, Carina Round. The director called on me to create almost 30 different makeup looks as the video features Carina's character morphing into different "alter egos." So quick changes called for planning and the help of two wonderful assistants- Fanny and Veronica both former students of Angie at "The Downey Makeup Academy"
Here are some looks that I was able to photograph with my I-phone behind the scenes.


Carina Round-bald cap look by Luis Casco

Here's Carina with a bald cap (I used spirit gum to hold it in place, then wax to blend the edges) Makeup ForEver's Pro line clown makeup all over the face and applied over the bald cap (thanks Vero!) I also used a makeup forever aqua eyeshadow all around the eyes.

Carina Round- Modern queen Elizabeth makeup look by Luis Casco

Here I waxed out her eyebrows (again, spirit gum, wax and sealer) Then I used Cinema Secrets concealer palette to blend them in. MakeUpForEver's HD foundation with HD powder and Mary Kay's sweet plum eyeshadow over MAC's paint pot primer.

Carina Round- bloody mouth makeup look by Luis Casco

This look called for Carina's lips to look like they were bleeding. I used Ben Nye's liquid blood for that effect. this shot was taken at the makeup chair but I had to do it a few times over while on set until the director got his shot ("blood" dripping off of her mouth)


Carina Round music video- Screen captions

my beauty tips are featured in a new latina book!

2011-03-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

I wrote a great piece on Latinas and beauty that was just featured on "The new Latina guide to a fabulouis 2011 year!" Please visit http://newlatina.net/ Angélica Pérez-‐Litwin, PhD is the Founding Editor and proud Latina who created the e-book which features articles from 17 Latinas and 1 Latino (yours truly!)


The New Latina Guide to a Fabulous 2011! Featuring makeup tips by Luis Casco

The e-book features "words of inspiration on motherhood, career, beauty, lifestyle and work!"

Thanks for all your hard work Angelica and keep up your awesome work!!!

want Sofia Vergara's makeup? It's a give away!

2011-03-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

Sofia Vergara attended the Vanity Fair/Elton John OSCAR After-party this weekend and she wore Covergirl. As the winner, you'll get to pick one of the products that makeup artist Beau Nelson used on her that night and we'll send it to you! Just make sure you are a "follower" and please leave a comment with the item you'd like to receive and a way to contact you. You can also leave us all a link to your blog so that we can follow you! I'll pick using Random.org this Friday.

left- Sofia's look at the 2011 Vanity Fair/Elton John Party. Right- Sofia Loren- the looks' inspiration

Here is the look as explained by Beau:
I wanted to create an old-Hollywood glamour look inspired by Sophia Loren and Sofia's gorgeous black dress. For her eyes I applied a beige shadow on the lid and brown shadow in the crease then lined the top with COVERGIRL Line Exact in Black for added drama. On the bottom I lined her eyes with COVERGIRL LiquiLineBlast in Brown Blaze and finished the eyes with multiple coats of LashBlast Mascara in Black.

We wanted to keep Sofia's skin fresh and dewy so I applied COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg for a flawless finish and added COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach to give her a natural glow.

I finished her look with a pink/beige lip using COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor in Rush.

Y en español:
Quise crear un look glamoroso al estilo del antiguo Hollywood, inspirado en Sofía Loren y en el precioso vestido negro que lució Sofía.

En el maquillaje de los ojos apliqué una sombra color crema en los párpados y otra sombra café en la curvatura y a continuación, delinee la línea de las pestañas superiores con el delineador COVERGIRL Line Exact en Black para añadir un toque dramático. En la línea de las pestañas inferiores, utilicé el delineador COVERGIRL LiquiLineBlast en la tonalidad Brown Blaze y puse punto final a los ojos con múltiples capas de LashBlast Mascara, en Black.

Quise también mantener el cutis de Sofía fresco y humectado, por lo que apliqué la base COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation en la tonalidad Nutmeg para lograr un terminado bien pulido. Luego apliqué el rubor con el COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush en Plush Peach para darle a las mejillas un brillo muy natural.

Completé su look con un lápiz labial en rosa/crema usando el creyón COVERGIRL LipPerfection en la tonalidad Rush.

NY Hispanic Designers- makeup trends fall 2011

2011-02-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

I wanted to focus on the Hispanic designers who showed at NY Fashion week for Fall 2011. Overall, Latino designers delivered on beautiful and extremely elegant clothes. Nothing too trendy but still with an edge! As far as the makeup, there were a few repetitive trends. Stained lips and cheeks were the it thing for sure but always paired with an unexpected pop of interest. We are seeing more and more brows these days even though some model's bleached out brows were left alone but overall a more defined arch seemed to be in vogue for Fall.

Eyes were not a big focus on any of these looks, the strongest look was Oscar de La Renta's Brigitte Bardot kohl rimmed eyes but the cheeks and lips were stained and looked like the girl had just come in from running out in the cold snow.

There were a few shows that featured the strongest lips trend for the season. Deep purple lips and the guys at Custo Barcelona delivered with perfectly "icy" skin and matte merlot lips.

One thing that did stick out was Juan Carlos Obando's look. The girls had their hair slicked back with what seemed to be globs of gold paint. Quite a contrast to their makeup which was all natural except for the heavy brows.

Top trends in NY in my opinion;

1- Purple lipstick
2- Berry stain lips
3- Flushed cheeks
4- Smoky but very well blended eyes
5- Gold eye shadow
6- Heavier brows

Here are some shots of what the Latin designers sent down the runway. What are your thoughts?

Oscar De la Renta- Fall 2011 makeup look

Christian Cota- Fall 2011 makeup look

Juan Carlos Obando- Fall 2011 makeup look

Custo Barcelona- Fall 2011 Makeup look

Carolina Herrera- Fall 2011 makeup look

Narciso Rodriguez- Fall 2011 Makeup look

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Check out the article I wrote for Glamour en Español!

2011-02-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Glamour En Español Jan 2011 article by Luis Casco

In this article I talk about my 3 favorite Foundation tips
They are:
1- Identify the color by looking for the one that disappears into your neck area (don't want your face and neck to be a different color!)
2-Apply your base with a brush- you don't waste any product and it gives you a flawless finish
3-Don't use the same foundation tone throughout the year- your skin changes so have at least two different ones or mix them together.

NEW Gaga "VIVA Glam" is out

2011-02-16T21:49:00.000-08:00

Gaga returns as the face of Viva Glam. These products are for such a great cause and this collection of lipstick/lipglass is beautiful. It will work great on people with smaller lips who want them to look full. Also on anyone who wants to rock that Brigitte Bardot dark eyeliner and fleshy tone lip.
Established in 1994 to support men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS globally, VIVA GLAM I, II, III, IV, V and VI, were launched as continuous shades that have achieved remarkable success. For Spring 2011 they’ve captured the essence of Gaga with a delicious new shade of nude Lipstick and Lipglass inspired by The Lady and her passions. Little Monsters of the world, unite!

Lady Gaga's Spring 2011 Viva Glam collection (lipstick and lipgl

Liked Selena's makeup at the grammy's? Here's every product used..

2011-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

Selena Gomez' look at the 53rd annual Grammy awards

COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipstick - Siren

Selena Gomez at the Grammy Awards by Celebrity Makeup Artist Karan Mitchell

Selena Gomez
The inspiration for Selena's makeup was to compliment the sensual champagne shade of her J.Mendel dress with a soft focus. I started with Selena's eyes. I first lined her upper and lower lashline with COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast eyeliner in Brown Blaze. I love how the liquid-like pencil blends so easily and that you can easily control its intensity. Using a medium eyeshadow brush I blended the light shade from the COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Bronze Fire on the entire eyelid up to the eyebrow. I then took Step two, the darker shade, and with a smaller eyeshadow brush, I blended the color above and below the eye as well as into the crease of the eyelid. I then used the COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow in Brown Smolder on the outside corners of her upper eyelids to create more dimension and drew a thin line with a slight wing to the outer edges on the upper lash line using COVERGIRL LineExact Liquid liner in Very Black. I finished her eyes with two coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black.
For her skin, I used COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation to give her a flawless finish. To highlight the t-zone and highlight under the eyes I used the COVERGIRL CG Smoothers Concealer in medium. To set the base I used COVERGIRL TruBlend Pressed Powder in #2 Translucent Light with a soft brush. I then applied to the apples of the cheeks COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Pretty Peach.
I finished her look with COVERGIRL LipPerfection lipcolor in the bright gorgeous shade of Siren.

Las instrucciones en Español:

Al maquillar a Selena, quise complementar el sensual vestido color champagne de J. Mendel, con un suave enfoque. Comencé con los ojos de Selena. Primero tracé la línea de los bordes superior e inferior de sus pestañas con el lápiz COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast Eyeliner en el color #420 - Brown Blaze. Me encanta cómo este lápiz que parece líquido se mezcla tan fácilmente y la forma en que uno puede controlar su intensidad. Después, utilizando una brocha mediana para sombras, mezclé el tono suave de COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast en sus tonalidades Bronze Fire en todo el párpado hasta la ceja. Entonces seguí con el segundo paso: la tonalidad más oscura y, con una brocha más pequeña para sombras, mezclé el color en la parte superior e inferior del ojo así como entre el pliegue del párpado. A continuación, en las esquinas de los párpados superiores, utilicé la sombra COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow en Brown Smolder, para crear más dimensión, y tracé una línea fina con una pequeña curvatura o “colita” en los bordes en la línea de las pestañas superiores usando el delineador COVERGIRL LineExact Liquid Liner en Very Black. Para terminar de maquillar los ojos, apliqué dos capas del rimel COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume en Black.

Para la piel usé la base COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation para darle un acabado nítido. Para destacar la zona T y debajo de los ojos, apliqué el COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer en mediano. Para fijar la base, usé los polvos COVERGIRL TruBlend Pressed Powder en #2 el tono Translucent Light con una brocha suave. Después apliqué el rubor COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush en la tonalidad Pretty Peach, sobre la parte más protuberante de las mejillas.

Rematé su look con el lápiz labial COVERGIRL LipPerfection en el fabuloso y radiante color Siren.

Fall 2011 NY Fashion week-makeup first 3 days

2011-02-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

So far, no big surprises with the Makeup during Fashion week but here are some noteworthy looks. The beautiful gold/navy combination at Jason Wu that coordinated with the nails and the swipe of gold on the hair looked great on the runway.
Also, after a few seasons of browns and golds there's been a lot a lot of pink on the eyes at shows like Charlotte Ronson and combined with deep berries at Ruffian.
Lip looks have gone from deep reds to even the purples that are maybe inspired by the latest couture shows in Paris.
As far as retro makeup, the campy side of 70's disco (a la Bianca Jagger) was made wearable and chic at Rebecca Taylor with lots of glossy red lips and smoky eyes.
Eyeliner? haven't seen much except inside the waterline. Glitter? well, I would have hated to have been backstage at Vena Cava- Silver was everywhere!
This is it so far- I'm ready for MORE!

Swipe of bright gold on blue lids at Jason Wu

Pinks and berries on the lids at Ruffian

70's vamps at Rebecca Taylor

Deep red matte lips at Luca Luca

MAC Pro Glitters in Silver, 3-D Silver and Reflects Purple Duo, all stuck to the lids with MAC Pro Shine Mixing Medium at VENA CAVA

Frosty lips at Peter Som

Kudos to Latina magazine!

2011-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

So happy to see the March issue of Latina magazine which features Gray's Anatomy's Sara Ramirez. Just love the way that they are embracing her latina beauty and curves!
The hair and makeup is a mix of Hollywood vintage and modern vixen. Que bella!

Are you a beauty blogger in Houston?

2011-02-01T15:15:00.001-08:00

Please post your info... I have a great opportunity for you!

Loving purple lipstick right now!!!

2011-02-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.smashbox.com/O-GLOSS-NOIRLinda Cantello for Giorgio Armani cosmetics was the lead makeup artist at the Armani Prive Spring 2011 show in Paris last week. The look was all about lips with a beautiful purple shade adorned with a small jewel rhinestone on the bottom lip. Cool! This is a great, edgy Fall look but for those of you who think you might end up looking like a "bruja" you can always try a sheer purple gloss or even a stain. Skip the liner for a less formal look.

Try Smashbox's O-Gloss-Noir (it goes on black but it lightens up as soon as you put it on. It's beautiful: http://www.smashbox.com/O-GLOSS-NOIR
Or Covergirl's Lipslicks lipgloss in Edgy. This is very wearable and not too strong:
http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/lip-makeup/lipgloss/lipslicks-lipgloss


Spring 2011 Armani Prive Couture makeup look

The look was started by applying a perfect and strong burgundy lipliner, notice the eyes are left almost bare with just a bit of contour, eyebrows are filled in to match the strong lines:

Then the lips are filled in with a lip brush and a strong pigmented purple lipstick.

The nails were painted a beautiful deep blue color (don't want to be too matchy now!):

Here the face chart that was placed for all the makeup artists to follow Linda's lead- simple but strong!

Add caption

My new Cosmo Cover and story with Roselyn Sanchez!

2011-01-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

Roselyn Sanchez Cosmopolitan en Español Feb 2011/ Makeup by Luis Casco

Here's my new cover and story in February's Cosmo. It is also out in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Roselyn and her husband Eric were great to work with, on time and very professional. Roselyn has the most amazing skin, gorgeous shiny hair and a great personality to match. I've been asked by a lot of you what products I used on her so here is the list:

I started with two new awesome products from Mary Kay on her face:

First, Mary Kay Foundation primer which I applied with my hands then Mary Kay Timewise Luminous-wear liquid foundation in Beige 6. This primer and foundation are brand new for Mary Kay the primer preps the face for the foundation and helps it to stay-I applied her foundation at 8 am and we shot until 4pm outside in Malibu. Didn't even need powder on her face!! I then used Mary Kay Facial highlighting Pen in Shade 2 to highlight under her eyes, bridge of her nose and the cupid's bow.

On her eyes I used:

Milani Eye compact in Ready to wear (great wearable colors, great price!)

Chanel "Stylo yeaux" waterproof eyeliner in Gris (stays on)

Chanel "Sculpte Cils" in Nuit Noire (wonderful)

MakeUpForever Eyelashes #156 (love these!)

Cheeks:

Nars Orgasm blush-(you can never go wrong with it)

Lips:

Benefit's Posie Tint lip and cheek stain

And here are some of the shots of the two of them together. Happy Valentine's Day!!

Roselyn Sanchez and husband Eric Winter. Cosmopolitan en Español Feb 2011/Makeup by Luis Casco

Taped faces at Dior's Couture show? Yes!

2011-01-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Paris, Jan 24 2011. Celebrating the 1940's John Galliano for Dior Haute Couture showed a well-received collection yesterday in Paris and the images of the hair and makeup are just has over the top as Couture is supposed to be.
The influence was clearly a Hollywood Siren and they even used an old Hollywood trick. Facelift tape! Yes- it's used to lift eyes or even a sagging neck but here it's used to really create those cat eyes that were so of that period. It was used to make the eyebrows go way up and to slant the eyes dramatically.
This was the first show of the Haute Couture season- let's hope that the rest will be just as cool!!

One of the final makeup looks at Dior's 2011 haute couture

Here are great shots of the Face lift tape and dramatic eye makeup- Dior Couture 2011

Let the drama begin!

The "It" nails for Spring 2011

2011-01-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's still a gray but it's a bit darker and taken into another dimension with holographic nail polishes. The one that everyone is raving about is Chanel's Le Vernish Nail lacquer in Black Pearl it's a limited edition from their Spring 2011 colletction. This is a very cool color you have to see in person!

The nail color for Spring 2011: Chanel's Black Pearl

Model Lindsey Wixson wearing Chanel's Spring makeup collection

"From Prada To Nada" advance screening passes giveaway!!

2011-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a great promotion that the studios have offered to my followers!

FROM PRADA TO NADA will hit theaters January 28, 2011. The fun comedy stars Alexa Vega, Camilla Belle, Wilmer Valderrama, Kuno Becker and Adriana Barraza. The film is a re-telling of Jane Austen’s novel, “Sense and Sensability” with a Latin spin. Two wealthy sisters (Camilla and Alexa) lose their father and their estate in Beverly Hills and suddenly their lives are turned upside down. They move to East LA to live with their estranged aunt Aurelia (Adriana) and struggle to adjust to a modest lifestyle.

This film is flirty and fun, but also embraces Hispanic culture. With an all-star Hispanic cast, the film follows the journey of these two sisters who learn that going “from prada to nada” might not be such a bad thing.

Here's the promotion! Please enter by posting to this e-mail if you are interested in passes for the following markets.   Please post your name, email and I would appreciate your "following" my blog and would love a link to yours so that I can do the same. The screenings will take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 7:30pm. This give away would run starting January 7 – January 21.
Winners will be sent a PDF with their passes.

I will award passes to the first TEN entries in each of these markets (each pass admits two!):
Chicago
Dallas
Houston
Miami
New York
Norwalk
Phoenix
Sacramento
San Diego
Santa Clara

who was your favorite Latina at tonight's Golden Globes?

2011-01-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

Was it Christina's pinup? Sofia's natural, Jennifer's retro or Eva's glamour look your fav?
I vote for Jennifer. That makeup looks amazing on her eyes and it was the perfect complement to her dress. Just risky enough to be interesting but not too overdone- Pretty!
What are your thoughts?

Check out my new "You tube channel"

2011-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

Would appreciate any of your comments or suggestions and of course "likes" :)
A lot more to come!
http://www.youtube.com/user/luiscascomakeup

2011 "Nuestra Belleza Latina's" Virtual Casting info

2011-01-12T08:05:00.000-08:00


At work with Melissa Marty, Nuestra Belleza 2009

Starting January 8th through February 20th Univision is allowing you to enter your own "virtual casting" on their website.
Here are the requirements:
1-You must be between 18-27 years old and a citien or legal US resident with a current passport.
2- Record a 3 minute video where you give your name, state your talent and show your body in a swimsuit for the judges to deliverate.
Once you are ready to upload go here:
Univision-nuestrabelleza-casting

My beauty story in Vanidades

2011-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

Here's some new work from "Vanidades" Same girl with four Winter looks. Check it out:

Ph. Steve Erle Hair: Carlos Ortiz Makeup: Luis Casco Styling: Brett McCall

This is a monocramatic look. It's all about shading and highlighting. The look of the skin was achieved by using Benefit "High Beam" after applying foundation. Just a touch here and there will give you that overall glow that unifies these beauty shots.

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/

Ph. Steve Erle Hair: Carlos Ortiz Makeup: Luis Casco Styling: Brett McCall

Look two was all about lips and lately there's nothing prettier than an orange based matte red- skip the liner if you can and apply with your fingers for a less formal look. A beautiful option is Armanisilk Lipstick in red-orange- the texture is perfect.

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/armanisilk-lipstick/A127,default,pd.html

Ph. Steve Erle Hair: Carlos Ortiz Makeup: Luis Casco Styling: Brett McCall

I had 5 minutes to change the model to this look. Purple is huge this Fall so I added a great eyeshadowby Mary Kay. (Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Plum) I added that over what she had on for the first look. On the lips? My favorite Mary Kay color product right now Liquid Lip Color in Malted- perfect texture- not quite a gloss but not a lipstick- Awesome!!!

http://www.marykay.com/default.aspx

Ph. Steve Erle Hair: Carlos Ortiz Makeup: Luis Casco Styling: Brett McCall

This last look was as simple as adding clear ligloss to the lips and creating a cat eye. My favorite way to do it is to first start with a pencil and then go over the line with MAC's Blacktrack fluid line.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/898/Fluidline/index.tmpl

and the winner is....

2011-01-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

Some of MissK's awesome looks, check out her blog at http://misskaddiction.blogspot.com

The winning entry is #3

MissK!!
Congratulations on winning the giveaway!!! Love your blog!
http://misskaddiction.blogspot.com/

Latinas honored in new 2011 postage stamps- Let's support!

2011-01-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

Tito Puente, Carmen Miranda, Selena, Carlos Gardel and Celia Cruz will be featured in the new stamps

These are cool news!

The Post Office is issuing 2011 Latin Music Legends Stamps featuring just a few of our favorites. Five legendary musicians and performers of the Latin sound whose contributions have had a lasting impact on American music —Selena, Carlos Gardel, Carmen Miranda, Tito Puente, and Celia Cruz – will be honored on stamps. Among the distinctive musical genres and styles represented are Tejano, tango, samba, Latin jazz, and salsa. The stamps go on sale in March.

For these stamps, artist Rafael Lopez, of San Diego, CA, painted semi-realistic portraits of each musical artist designed to evoke their personality, vitality, and even their sound. He used a warm palette of colors—from brilliant yellows, pinks, and lime green to rich shades of purple and blue—to suggest the flavor and energy these artists brought to their work. Each musician is depicted in mid-performance. One can almost hear Celia Cruz shout her trademark rallying cry ¡Azucar! (Sugar!) or sense Tito Puente’s rhythmic intensity as he performed one of his progressive arrangements on the timbales. Art director Ethel Kessler, of Bethesda, Maryland, says, “My goal was that when you see the stamp, you hear the music.”
Lopez’s first project for the U.S. Postal Service was the Merengue design for the 2005 Let’s Dance/Bailemos stamp pane, followed in 2007 with the Mendez v. Westminster stamp.

Selena US postage stamp

Texas-born Selena Quintanilla-Perez (1971-1995)—known to fans simply as Selena—helped transform and popularize Tejano music by integrating techno-hip-hop beats and disco-influenced dance movements with a captivating stage presence. A Grammy recipient, the “Queen of Tejano” broke gender barriers with record sales and awards. Even after her tragic death, Selena remains an important representative of Latino culture.

Carlos Gardel US postage stamp

A superb and evocative singer, Carlos Gardel (1890?-1935) was one of the most celebrated tango artists of all time. Raised in Argentina, Gardel helped popularize the tango in the United States, Europe, and throughout Latin America through his performances and recordings. “The man with the tear in his voice” also achieved fame as one of the stars of the Spanish-language cinema

Carmen Miranda US postage stamp

Born in Portugal and raised in Brazil, Carmen Miranda (1909-1955) achieved fame as a samba singer before moving to New York City, where she gained instant celebrity in theater, film, and radio. The “Brazilian Bombshell” appeared in 14 Hollywood musicals and recorded more than 300 songs. Her exotic signature outfit and persona are an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

Tito Puente- Us postage stamp

Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Tito Puente (1923-2000) was a musical virtuoso popularly known as El Rey, “The King”. With dynamic solos on the timbales and orchestral arrangements that have become classics in Latin music, Puente helped bring Afro-Cuban and Caribbean sounds to mainstream audiences. He performed for more than 60 years, and his legacy includes more than 140 albums.

Celia Cruz - US postage stamp

A dazzling performer of many genres of Afro-Caribbean music, Celia Cruz (1925-2003) had a powerful contralto voice and a joyful, charismatic personality that endeared her to fans from different nationalities and across generations. Settling in the United States following the Cuban revolution, the “Queen of Salsa” performed for more than five decades and recorded more than 50 albums.

Jennifer Lopez is new Loreal Global Brand Ambassador

2011-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Not only we'll be seeing her a lot of TV in the near future (American Idol) but she'll also be gracing magazines and billboards worldwide advertising Loreal products- but hey what's going to happen to Eva Longoria? Two latinas? Great!!!!

Here's a behind the scenes look at her shoot last month for Loreal

Jose Cuervo "unleashes" the traditional-by Illamasqua's Alex Box

2011-01-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Photographer Dimitri Daniloff collaborated with the creative team at CPB Miami and makeup artist Alex Box to create this campaign for Jose Cuervo. You know I LOVE Alex's work at Illamasqua but I just couldn't help myself but to post her version of "day of the dead" makeup. Cool!

Happy holidays! It's give away time!!!

2010-12-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays To Everyone!!!

Ph. Larry Bartholomew, Hair: Bernhard Tamme, Makeup: Luis Casco, Styling: Brett McCall

As a token of my appreciation for all your follows, questions and comments this past year, I want to do a makeup giveaway of some very cool products.

The gift is valued at over $400 and includes:

From "Urban Decay:"
1 Luminous Loose Eyeshadow in Gypsy
1 Urban Decay Rocks in gold, green, and iridescent  -
2 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Grafitti and Oil Slick
2 Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliners in Mullet and Spandex
1 Sin Primer Potion  

From Sephora:
1- Color slim eyeshadow palette (8 eyeshadows)

From Stila:
2 Lip glaze shades

Now... the boring part
(RULES)

- You must be or become a public follower of this blog.

- Leave a comment containing the following:
"MAKEUP GIVEAWAY" along with
your e-mail address and if you'd like, a link to your blog.

This giveaway is open to all followers including followers outside of the USA!

The deadline for entry is December 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM Pacific time and to guarantee fairness I will be using random.org to select the winner. The winner will be announced the first week of January, 2011.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

My work in Dec/Jan "Siempre Mujer"

2010-12-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a new editorial that features the beautiful work of Fashion photographer Steve Erle. I wanted to do a Holiday makeup look that could be worn by any woman and what better than choosing metallic shades to accent features like the browbone and lips. I kept the skin's natural glow and used neutral colors that accentuate the eyes.
Here are some of the shots:

ph: Steve Erle, Hair: Carlos Ortiz for Cloutier, Makeup: Luis Casco for Celestine, Styling: Brett McCall for Seaminx, Manicure: Fanny Herrera


ph: Steve Erle, Hair: Carlos Ortiz for Cloutier, Makeup: Luis Casco for Celestine, Styling: Brett McCall for Seaminx, Manicure: Fanny Herrera

Salma Hayek's new cover of "V" Spain

2010-12-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

She looks absolutely gorgeous! Wearing Alexander McQueen and shot by Karl Lagerfeld!!!!
Love the contoured cheeks and those eyes!!! cool..

Salma Hayek "V" España. Invierno 2010/2011

From YouTube to Pharrell- Is Alyssa Bernal the new Selena?

2010-11-25T08:02:00.000-08:00


Latina singer Alyssa Bernal

Corinne Bailey Rae, Angel Taylor, Colbie Caillat, John Mayer & Joss Stone are some of her influences but this Latina from San Antonio, Texas has a cool sound that's all her own. After being a sesantion on YouTube since May 2006, 21 year old Alyssa was discovered by Pharrell Williams and is now signed to Interscope Records. She's got her first single out called "Cali, cali, cali" Watch it here:

Alyssa just recently finished recording her debut album in London with Producer Martin Terefe and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot about her!

My Holidays looks/tips in December's Cosmopolitan

2010-11-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

lThe December issue of Cosmo en Español is out and features my tips for some very wearable makeup looks. Here's the first one I will share with you, I'll post some more soon:

Ph. Steve Erle, Hair: Carlos Ortiz for Cloutierremix.com, Makeup: Luis Casco for Celestine, Styling: Brett McCall for Seaminx

En Español:
"Un labial vibrante con un toque de brillo logran la armonia perfecta con unos elegantes aretes de noche"
Luis Casco
Casco prefiere que el enfoque de este look este en los labios y que el resto del maquillaje se mantenga neutro. "Comence aplicando un lip primer", explica. "Luego, un delineador rosa y, como tercera capa, un lapiz labial cremoso en un cereza suave".
Su truco para sellar el color y hacerlo durar toda la noche? "Puse un pañuelo de papel directamente en los labios, para eliminar el exceso de productos, y repeti todos los pasos por segunda vez. Finalmente aplique una sombra de ojos dorada con mucho brillo encima del labial, usando los dedos y partiendo del centro de los labios hacia afuera, para hacerlos lucir mas carnosos".

In English:
"Bright glossy lips are the perfect harmony to pair with elegant night time earrings"
Luis Casco
Casco prefers the lips to be the focus of this look leaving the face more neutral. "I begin by applying a lip primer", he explains. "Then, a pink lipliner all over the lip and finally a soft pink lip gloss".
His trick for lips that stay on all night? " I used a tissue directly on the lips to take away any excess product and repeated all the steps one more time. Finally, I applied a gold eyeshadow on top of the lipstick, using the fingers giving them a highlight to make them look fuller and very festive".

Here are the steps:

Step 1:
Mary Kay TimeWise Age-Fighting Lip Primer- this will help your lipstick stay and prevent the gloss from running!
http://www.marykay.com/color/lips/10029743/10029743/default.aspx

Step 2:
Milani Lip Flash lipliner. This lipliner has a lot of beautiful rich pigment and a little goes a long way:
http://www.milanicosmetics.com/p-82-lip-flash.aspx

Step 3:

Beauty for real's "See the Light!" illuminating lip gloss in Dlight. I know women who LOVE this gloss. It also has a built-in mirror and LED light- what's more perfect to pull out at your Holiday parties?

http://beautyforreal.com/index.php?main_page=light_up_lip_gloss

Step 4: (last one, I promise it's worth it!)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in SWF. Described as a light cotton candy pink w/ silver microglitter, it's just the perfect finishing touch for this lip look. Your lips will sparkle with a subtle sheen. Apply it with your fingers starting at the middle of the lips- smack them together and you are ready!

http://www.urbandecay.com/products/SWFEyeShadow.cfm

Evita excesos al maquillarte - Vida y estilo, belleza, familia, mujeres - impre.com

2010-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

Lee mis consejos en "El Reforma" de Mexico:

Evita excesos al maquillarte - Vida y estilo, belleza, familia, mujeres - impre.com

Make Up For Ever Rock For Ever Aqua Eyes review

2010-11-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ph: Larry Bartholomew; Hair: B. Tamme; Makeup: Luis Casco; Styling: Brett McCall;Manicure: Carla Kay

It's the season for makeup kits again and some of them are really quite good this year. I'm still loving the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes eyeliners. Their set is awesome because it actually has very wearable colors that you can use. I used the silver one under an eyeshadow on the shot above and the texture was just right and lasted under the camera lights.
There's a gold, silver and black that are beautiful and have great pay off and can be worn as eye shadows (they might crease slightly unless you set them with a powder eyeshadow.) But still give you that amazing texture. These are perfect for Holiday looks!!! At $36, they're a great value too.
Get them here:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Rock For Ever Aqua Eyes

Who looked hot (and not) at the 2010's Latin Grammys

2010-11-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

This years' green carpet was filled with gorgeous Latinas- some that rocked their hair and makeup and some who should have gotten a second opinion. Here are my favorites in each category.

1- Looking the HOTTEST:

Ximena Navarrete, Giselle Blondet, Jennifer Lopez, Lilia Calderon

These ladies looked the best to me as they really enhanced their natural beauty as opposed to adapting their look to fit a makeup or hair style. Love how they all had beautiful complexion and used bronzers and highlighters to make their best features stand out. Bellas!!
Reigning Miss Universe, Ximena rocked smoky eyes and the perfect contoured cheek and pale pink lips. Giselle glows with perfect skin and a natural but glamorous hairstyle. Jennifer does her signature "glowy" look that always works so well and Lilia looks gorgeous with her bronzed, fresh skin and beautiful eyebrows.

2- These ladies almost got it right:

Lucero, Lili Estefan, Aida Cuevas, Gabi Spanic

This group could have been knock-outs if they would have made a couple of changes.

Lucero- the makeup was pretty but the hair is better left in a Fashion editorial for a magazine and not too red carpet friendly. Lili- yes you have gorgeous blue eyes but too much blue over does it. You don't need a blue dress, blue eyeshadow and blue eyeliner all at once to make them stand out. Señora Cuevas looked very elegant but over doing the lips and the eyes make her look a little harsh- emphasizing just one would have worked a lot better. And Gabi- I know you are gorgeous but the hair would have been so much nicer down and the long red nails are a bit much with that beautiful gown.

3- Ay- dios mio!!:

Shaila Durcal,Dmanti, Lucrecia, Rakel

These ladies are sporting their own individual styles but sometimes that doesn't translate so well on the "green" carpet.

Shaila- She is so pretty but that hair is fit for a quinceñera. It lifts the face in a way that makes her forehead look big. Dmanti- She needed help all around. Fire the stylist and hire a makeup artist. Lucrecia- I'm a fan of her music but the mixture of colorful braids, makeup and dress looks more piñata than awards show. And finally, Rakel- wow the hair is just wrong- that shape is odd and it's just not flattering at all.

So here's to a great and better 2011 green carpet!

Besos!!

Eva Mendes December "Latina" cover girl

2010-11-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

Eva Mendes December 2010 Latina cover

I like the design of this "Latina" cover and hey Eva can wear that blue/green eye shadow! This issue has a great feature with her and also their 138 reasons to LOVE being Latina! Great issue to get.

Here's a great video from Eva taken during the shoot:

video platform video management video solutions video player

Besame Cosmetics. Vintage inspired makeup line by a Latina!

2010-11-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

Glamorous Latinas: Elsa Aguirre, Libertad Lamarque, Burlesque performer "La Cholita" & Jennifer Lopez

What do these ladies have in common? They are Latinas who are embracing their Glamorous side and that's what this makeup line is all about! The glam "old Hollywood" look never goes out of style and whether you accent your eyes/eyebrows or lips it will never fail to turn heads. This is by far one of my favorite makeup looks and we see a version of it popping up every runway season and on most celebrities.

I've been meaning to write about "Besame" for quite some time. I love what the line stands for and its founder Gabriela Hernandez who has brought artistry and romance back to the cosmetics industry. She has created a line infused with a romantic sensibility that is rich in historical details. Her inspiration for it all was sparked by a combination of her background in art and design, a love for feminine detail, and fond memories of her glamorous abuela.

Immigrating to the United States from Buenos Aires, Argentina at the age of 12, she taught herself English and attended school in New York. Gabriela's professional career includes photography, art direction, fine art painting and design commissions. Also an accomplished make-up artist and cosmetic historian, Gabriela's perspective is truly unique.

Launched in September 2004, Bésame Cosmetics was a culmination of Gabriela's passion for design and her desire to create an original cosmetic with details and formulas that make women feel glamorous and unique. Gabriela created Bésame to become a company that reaches beyond the product, one with solid morals, which acts as a strong role model for young women. "I want to make a mark of what I am and who I was in the world" Hernandez explains, "I want to contribute something worthwhile through this line and inspire young women to follow their dreams."

The packaging is GORGEOUS and so unique. I love the look of the bullet lipsticks and if you are looking for the perfect red for you, Besame is for sure to have it.

Besame Voluptuous Lip Colour kit

And did I mention the compacts and the eyeshadows? They come in beautiful pouches and in beautiful colors!:

Besame Cosmetics

Get it all at http://www.besamecosmetics.com/index.cfm

And a great review from LisaFreemontStreet !

Latino Fashion Week starts today!

2010-11-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

For any of you who are in the Chicago area or could attend please support our one and only week-long " Latino Fashion week." You can get your tickets at http://www.latinofashionwk.com

Some of the celebrities who will be performing and/or walking the catwalk include:

Jaslene Gonzales- the first Latina winner of "America's Next Top Model"

Latina singer Cece Segarra


Panamanian actress Patricia de Leon

Here's a list of the events wich start tomorrow.

Moda in the City, Media Red Carpet Reception

Monday, November 08, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CT)

Chicago, IL | Hotel Sax, Crimson Loun

Fashion! Music! Cinema!

Tuesday, November 09, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (CT)

Chicago, IL | Pipers Alley

Fashion Forward to 2060- Student Designers Competition

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (CT)

Chicago, IL | Chicago Center - Performing Arts

Latino Teen Day

Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CT)

Burbank, IL | Ford City Mall

Structure

Friday, November 12, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (CT)

Chicago, IL | Circut Night Club

Fashion Sense, Pop-up Store & Fashion Crawl

Daily Event: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CT)

Chicago, IL | TRATTORIA ROMA Restaurant

A Passport to Design- Fashion Ball

Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 6:00 PM - Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 12:00 AM (CT)

Chicago, IL | Mercedes Benz of Chicago

And check out this video from the Co-executive producer:

Belanova! Is Denisse the latina "lady gaga"?

2010-11-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

"Belanova" is made up of Denisse Guerrero Flores, Ricardo Arreola & Edgar Albino Huerta. If you don't know them, they're a band from Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico and they've been around since the early 2000's and have had a very successful career in Latin America.
Denisse-who has a cool look that's all her own, has been accussed as copying her style from everyone from Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and even The Yeah Yeah Yeahs... I say work that cool style chica and keep up representing for those Latinas who like Electronic music. I love the sound of her voice and her individualistic look! Now onto some of her hair and makeup transformations:

Denisse Guerrero of Belanova- cool orange eyeliner and blush!

The Latina Karen O? Cool hair-love the red lips!


Denisse Guerrero at "Los Premios MTV Latin America 2008"


"Belanova"

Catch them in California:

November 18, 2010

House of Blues

Anaheim, CA, US

November 19, 2010

Ventura Theater

Ventura, CA, US

Check out two of their videos:

Answering your Latina makeup questions

2010-11-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Lana Ogilvie shot by Rico Schwartzberg. Makeup by Luis Casco
Lana is Canadian born but of Caribbean, Scottish, Maltese and African descent.

I frequently receive e-mails from readers asking me questions about makeup, application tips and tricks, how to get a job in the industry, etc. As many of these questions and answers may be of interest to you, I thought it would be great to share them with my readers. Maybe you have your own suggestions and if so, I would love to hear them and share them as well.

A lot of your questions are about the same subject. Finding makeup for the woman of color, wether she is Latina, Indian, African or all the shades in between. That is why I chose the above picture of Lana, she's a gorgeous girl but finding the right foundation for her can be a problem. Her under eyes have a slightly bluish tint and her skin is a mixture of many undertones. If you have been there or know someone struggling with their makeup read some of the tips below:

Here's a question I just received:

I am a 40 year old woman of Dominican descent. I have olive color skin with darkerunder eye circles and am a complete mess when it comes to makeup, specially how toapply it. I was lucky to come across Zalia Cosmetics for Latinas in Jersey Garden

Mall in New Jersey approximately 4 years ago. It seemed that the creator of this

makeup line was finally onto something.

However, after about a year or so they have since vanished and now I am back to struggling with the usual american products that are very hard to match your skin tone to. I came across your Bio while googling hispanic makeup,etc and am very

impressed and excited for you. It's wonderful to see a fellow hispanic being featured and recognized all over the world!

I was wondering if perhaps you could briefly tell me what products would
work well for my skin tone or what products work well for Latinas.

And here's my answer:

Thank you so much for reaching out to me.  I know and feel your frustration and I think that many companies are starting to address women with your same issues but it still seems to be something hard to find.  As far as some brands go, I think

that you should look at Bobbi Brown for their foundations, powder and concealer.  Without seeing you it's hard to tell but Make Up Forever's HD foundation is great If you are on the darker side some of Iman's foundations also work really well (a bit heavy but you can dilute them with a wet sponge).  As far as drug store brandsL'Oreal has a nice selection of colors.  And of course, MAC has a wide array of

colors- if you are in a city that has a "Pro" store I recommend you to go there and have them match you a foundation.


If you have dark under eye issues you could always try a salmon concealer applied very lightly and try doing it AFTER you've applied your foundation (Eve Pearl's isa great one) Another thing about concealers is that the creamier they are the moresheer their coverage will be, which simply means that if you really need coverage you should try to use a stick or one that comes in a pot as opposed to a tube.

* Don't forget to test the foundation in natural light- try it at the jawline and
take a mirror by a window and make sure that the color disappears. Invisibility
is what you are striving for!
Wish you the best of luck and keep me updated on your progress. 
 
Gracias!

Luis

Alessandra Ambrosio's beauty story in Vogue Japan

2010-10-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Alessandra Ambrosio- metallic gold lips!

Alessandra Ambrosio- Modern Cleopatra makeup

Gorgeous shots of Alessandra, the colors on her eyes are amazing!! I love green and blue on brunettes as long as it is mixed with a golden bronze tone....
Blue lips on the cover:

Alessandra Ambrosio Vogue Japan