BEAUTY

YOU’RE MAKING ME BLUSH

CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST IN KC TALKS HOLIDAY BEAUTY FOR 40+

WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

Oh, social media. How we both love and loathe thee. Video clips this time of year feature women in sequined party dresses and flawless makeup carrying a gift with a bow that matches their bright red lips. They make it look so easy; a swoosh with a brush here, a light shimmer there, a gloss the finishing touch on an enviable look. We watch and rewatch the video and, after the third time, convince ourselves that we’re capable of pulling off such a look … until we remember how terrifying smoky eye execution can be. Professional makeup artist Stacy Vizcarra understands. Her social media is full of the photos that we envy, her clientele gorgeous, flawless and some years younger than those of us terrified of contouring. Vizcarra is one of us, however; she’s a forty-something who loves helping her clients create polished looks, but she wants to help those of us a bit older accomplish a similar result that’s perfect for our age, style, and lifestyle. In fact, Vizcarra is committed to being a resource for women of all ages to be their personal best.

Let’s talk lashes: “If you have lashes, you don’t need as much makeup,” Vizcarra says. “But, as we age we lose volume.” When evaluating your makeup routine, keep your lash options open. One of Vizcarra’s new favorite products is a two-week lash from Doll House Lashes that can be applied at home. “For lashes, less is more for our age group,” she says. “The easiest way to apply lashes yourself is to wear an end piece or to cut a lash in half and use a lash on the outer part.” She also suggests considering tints and lifts for lashes, which darkens and curls them for a fuller appearance.

Pass me the cranberry: Audrey

Hepburn. Grace Kelly. Marilyn Monroe. The red lip is one of the most timeless and iconic looks, albeit a bit intimidating to those who don’t wear it often. The holidays are a perfect opportunity for a festive pop of lip color and, despite what you may think, it’s not just for certain skin tones. It’s all about finding the right shade. “A red lip is a statement,” Vizcarra says. “So, again, less is more. A sheer red lip is the best way to start with a little red liner to define the lip.”

Don’t forget the brows: “Brows

are the new lashes,” Vizcarra says. “They’re taking center stage.” So, what does that mean, exactly? “Brows should frame the face,” she explains. As with lashes, brows tend to thin and require more maintenance as we age, but there are great options that go beyond a simple brow pencil. For those who don’t want to deal with their brows daily, there are henna tints, microblading, and lamination (softens brow hairs so you can manipulate their direction). Although finding the perfect technique can take some time, the result is worth it.

Snow, sleigh bells, and a little

shimmer: Many of Vizcarra’s clients want a particular look—dewy, perfected, glassy skin. Since weekly facials aren’t feasible for most people, Vizcarra identifies the key to perfecting “a more youthful glow without looking like a glitter bomb.” First, she suggests dermaplane. “Yes,” she says. “That means shaving your face.” Dermaplaning can be done at a medical spa, but many have perfected the process at home. The second step is to add a few drops of an illuminator to your foundation. “It’s not a glitter,” she explains. “You want to look like you’re glowing from with-

Pictured:

Tiffany before (below) and after (right) in. Dewy, but not oily. It’s like lingerie for your skin.”

Look book: Since the holidays are a time to dress up and enjoy events special to this time of year, we asked Vizcarra to tell us three things she would focus on if attending the following events: Nutcracker performance at the Kauffman Center: Bold lip, winged lash, pulled back hair Neighborhood holiday get-together: Berry blush, soft eye shimmer, lip gel in berry wine color Office party: Bronzy smoky eye, nude lip, and some fun earrings Girls’ night out at Miracle Popup Bar: “Go big or go home!” she says. Bold eye, flirty lashes, and long-lasting lip color. “Beauty is more about how I feel than what everyone else wants me in,” Vizcarra says. We couldn’t agree more. So, grab that sequined handbag, wear the dress that puts a spring in your holiday step, and try some of the above tips to shine like the season itself.

About Stacy Vizcarra: Before relocating to Kansas City, Stacy Vizcarra was a professional makeup artist in California. She has worked for some of the top names in fashion and media, including: Sony, Mercedes Benz, LA Fashion Week, Beyoncé, Missy Elliot & Alicia Keys First

Ladies First Tour, as well as on the E! Network Show Total Bellas. She has been featured in Kansas City lifestyle magazines for her work and is now a sought-after makeup artist for weddings and other local events. Visit her IG page @stacyvmua to see samples from her portfolio.

Holiday Gift Idea: Is there someone on your list who would love a private makeup tutorial? Vizcarra offers gift certificates for private or

group sessions—perfect stocking stuffers

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