It’s been wonderful to work with other creatives during my time in Taos!
I feel fortunate for the opportunities I’ve had. While here, I was thrilled to reconnect with an old friend, Marisa Garcia. We grew up together, first meeting in junior high and both dancing on drill team…we definitely had a few laughs while reminiscing! Marisa currently resides in Denver where she’s an esthetician and make-up artist at the Four Seasons. She has a YouTube channel coming soon, where she will feature looks and tutorials. Be on the lookout for that, and for now, follow her on instagram, @marisaluxmakeup.
When we discovered we’d be in Taos at the same time, we thought it would be a fun chance to collaborate…
Marisa was interested in working with natural makeup, so Vapour Organic Beauty, which also happens to be made in Taos, was the perfect fit! Vapour is made of natural ingredients, yet is high performance and luxurious. It’s actually good for your skin, and hydrating, which is great for dry climates, such as here in New Mexico. I wear it in Dallas as well, which can be both hot and humid. When in Dallas, I use a lighter application (of the primer and foundation) while still getting the same smoothing coverage.
Working with Marisa was such a pleasure!
She is extremely knowledgeable about skin/makeup products and application. I came away from our time together with helpful tips and tricks for a more flawless, yet natural makeup look. Scroll all the way down for a list of what she used to create these looks….
I’ve listed all of the products she used to create the two looks.
She started with a natural everyday look and then slightly intensified by adding a darker lip, a touch more blush in the perfect shade of pinky peach, and another light layer of cream shadow.
Working with Marisa, I saw how easy it was to transition the look using the colors she chose…
She used Vapour Beauty products with the exception of mascara, which Vapour does not carry…yet! NYX Doll Eye Long Lash is a favorite of Marisa’s and now one of mine, too. It’s a great find for under $10! For photo purposes, she used a light dusting of my ColorFlo mineral powder from Susan Posnick to minimize shine.
Face: Vapour Skin Perfectors and Foundations are versatile and easy to wear. They’re available in both stick and liquid formulations. You can even wear Stratus alone to even out skin for a workout, or on days you don’t want a full foundation look.
- Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector in s903
- Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation in s115
- Illusionist Concealer in 020
Cheeks: I’m a big fan of Aura Multi Use sticks! They come in the most gorgeous colors and can also be worn on lips. I like to top them off with a swipe of Elixir gloss.
Eyes: If your eyelids tend to be oily (like mine) use a primer for stronger staying power. Marisa used MAC Paint in Sublime Nature on my lids before applying the shadow sticks.
- Mesmerize Eye Shimmer in Cinder and Ember
- Mesmerize Eyeliner in Truffle
- She intensified the application of Ember when we switched looks.
Lips: With these two combos, it’s easy to transition from a natural to more intense look! Vapour lipsticks and glosses in multiple colors are mainstays in my makeup bag because of their luxurious texture, great colors, and natural formulations. And, they have a wonderful scent!
- Lux Organic Lip Conditioner / Siren Lipstick in Desire / Elixir Plumping Lipgloss in Trust
- Lux Organic Lip Conditioner / Siren Lipstick in Coquette / Elixir Plumping Lipgloss in Bitten
Local photographer, Megan Bowers-Avina, captured the looks for us. We chose the Overland Compound because of its stunning mountain views. Megan has photographed a few of my friends’ weddings, as well as our family photos in Taos. I’ve always been a fan of her work. It was fun to work with her in a different capacity for this shoot!
Find her @megblinked on instagram and Megan Blinked and Then on facebook.
Marisa also introduced me to Torchlight Jewelry, which I am wearing in the photos.
Come back tomorrow for details and my favorite pieces from this line. I’m kind of obsessed with the chic southwest vibe of these pieces!
Thanks for stopping by!
