Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Video QuickTip #45 - December 22, 2009

Add a little ‘Flashdance’ to your New Year's makeup!

Brett gets together with Katerina Graham of The Vampire Diaries to show you a fun new trick
to add an 80’s edge to your party makeup.

Click below for the inside scoop!




COLOR
is back in makeup. Incorporate this little trick to make your eyes stand out from across the room when the ball drops. It’s so quick and simple, Katerina says it’s great for anytime, not just New Year's parties!

Take your blush brush and pick up a lot of color from your favorite shade of blush or bronzer. Brett loves peaches and pinks best, but taupes and bronze shades work well, too.

Pick up a post card, business card, or anything with a straight hard edge, and hold it up to the face diagonally from the nose to the corner of the eye to the temple. With your blush brush, start at the base of the lash line at the corner of the eye and brush up on the card and onto the skin, blending the color into your eye makeup.

And there it is – instant edge and 80’s glam! And as a bonus, it’s super easy!

PS – Katerina loves Dr. KISS! Check out the clip for her very own Quick Tip using the tinted lip balm and buy it online at vanitymark.com!

Enjoy pretty and Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Video QuickTip #44 - December 8, 2009

The holidays are here – time to break out your LBD, get decked out and celebrate!

Wondering how you can switch up your makeup routine to look a little more bright and festive without spending extra money? Brett shows us a simple and pretty eye makeup trick perfect for the season.




There’s no better feeling than discovering a new makeup trick with products you already own!

Grab your favorite pewter or colorful shimmer shadow (the shimmer is key! Think blues, greens, and violets...) and a tight little eyeshadow brush.

Dampen the brush and swirl the wet brush through the shimmer shadow (Brett used Scott Barnes Blue Angel). Make the mixture very watery and literally paint the eyelid, the tearduct and underneath. You want a good saturation of color on the lid. Wait 1 minute for it to dry and blend into the crease.

The finished lid has a bright wash of color and looks like a cream shadow. Bonus: this eye shadow method lasts way longer than a cream shadow….it’ll stay put no matter how long those parties last!

Happy Holidays to you and yours from Brett & Co.!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Video QuickTip #43 – November 24, 2009

For all you gals looking for a quick fix for fine lines who are tired of the hype of topical lotions and potions – Brett's found a great new product that you're sure to love!

Brett is a big fan of the beauty boutique Makeup Mandy on Melrose in W. Hollywood. He pops in for a visit with Mandy herself and gets a tutorial of the hottest new INSTANT anti-wrinkle serum (that actually works!).





Now you can look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed no matter how many hours you slave away in the kitchen this Thanksgiving!

Dubbed ‘botox in a swab,’ Hollywood Secrets uses the peptide Argireline to relax the muscles under skin and smooth fine lines instantly.

Post-cleanser and pre-moisturizer, snap the top and apply with the q-tip applicator as if you’re actually erasing any fine lines on your face. Wait 2 minutes and watch wrinkles tighten and fade away! The effect lasts 12 hours, so it’s perfect for special occasions. Plus, with prolonged daily use, there’s a 27% permanent reduction of lines - the most you can get without injections!

Brett, usually a skeptic, gives it his stamp of approval! Ready to try it out? You can order it online at MakeupMandyShop.com.

Happy Turkey Day from Brett & friends….Enjoy pretty!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Video QuickTip #42 - October 27, 2009

What’s the key to perfect, glowing skin? According to Brett, it’s exfoliating!




Increasing cell turnover is the secret to a fresh and glowing face. Here are 3 methods of exfoliation (at different levels of intensity) to buff your face into a clean sheen!

1. GO BUFF: Brett loves his Buf-Puf! You can do this safely everyday with your favorite cleanser. Simply lather up a second time and use the sponge to lightly scrub skin in a circular motion (like buffing a car). Don’t press too hard!

2. TRY ACID: Good for oily skin, look for topical creams, gels and lotions with 8% alpha hydroxy acid and only use 1-2 times per week at night. Dries the skin out and can leave an odd texture as it begins to work, so use sparingly!

3. GET A FACIAL: Head to the doc or a facialist for stronger treatments. Deeper acid peel treatments are like crash dieting – you get all the exfoliation at once, so there’s a long period of redness and peeling and then, voila – flawless skin! Microdermabrasion is another good option for women that don’t want to use acids (deeper skintones and sensitive skin).


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Video QuickTip #41 - September 29, 2009

Foundation is tricky - we want a smooth and even skintone, but we don't want to look like we're wearing a mask!

Brett gives us the secret behind the flawless faces on the red carpet with this foundation trick.



You need three things:

1. A good, graduated brush - Brett likes the MAC 107 graduated brush.
2. Misting water - try Paul Mitchell brand or Evian Misting Water from the drugstore.
3. LORAC Natural Performance Paraben-Free, Oil-Free Foundation - Brett loves the light and sheer vibe of this foundation. And as a bonus - it has a cool dispenser pump!

Pump a little foundation onto your hand. Lightly mist the top of the brush with the misting water and swirl into the foundation which thins it to the perfect consistency. Gently sweep the foundation all over the face with the brush - forehead, eyelids, under eyes, cheeks, chin, and down onto the neck to make sure everything is even.

This combo is the KEY to a polished finish!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Video QuickTip #40 – September 8, 2009

We all face tough times, but our face shouldn't show it. Special guest 'Jessica Simpson' joins Brett to talk about their best tips for "breakup makeup" in this funny and informative Quick Tip.



Even when you're in an emotional state of distress, remember to hold your head high. Don't let everything go! Just because you don't feel great doesn't mean you can't look great. Continue your regular beauty routine - put on makeup everyday, get your brows done, mani-pedis, facials, etc.

Look for makeup that's going to stay put through the tears - waterproof mascara is your friend! Also, try cheek and lip stains. Once dotted on and rubbed in, they literally stain the skin and won't budge no matter how many sobs and tissues you go through.

If 'Jessica Simpson' can do it, so can you!


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #39 – September 1, 2009

Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria and Rihanna-- all have rocked the little spider-like sprigs known as individual lashes on the red carpet. But how do they work? How do you apply them with ease? How do they not look silly?

There probably isn't another beauty product on the planet that has caused so many questions. Brett to the rescue!



  • Always buy the shortest length available. Brett loves Andrea Perma-Lash in short black.
  • Use tiny cuticle scissors to trim down the first row of lashes in the pack--these will be used on the inner corner of your eyes where the lashes are naturally shorter.
  • Pick up individual lashes close to the base with precise tweezers, lightly dot on lash glue, and blow on them before applying to lashes.
  • Apply the longer lashes to the outer edges of your lashline first and 'picket fence' them right in with your natural lashes heading inward and using the shorter falsies on the inner corners.
  • Brett recommends using Duo waterproof glue - the dark tone is perfect for evening. Try the clear or brown tones for day.

And there you have it. Red carpet lashes made easy!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tuesday QuickTIp #38 - August 25, 2009

She's got everything - fab clothes, great jobs, a hot guy, and the most enviable eye makeup on the planet.

Now you can be one step closer to Barbie status - Brett tells us how to get those glam eyes...for real!



To get a vivid, crisp lash line like Barbie, arm yourself with a silver shadow compact and liquid eyeliner.

First, give a silver dusting to the whole lid from lash line to brow line and into the tear duct. Add a sweep of a purple-gray hue to the crease of the eyelid to add depth.

To apply liquid liner like a pro, use one with a felt tip applicator - they're easier to control. Brett loves Sephora's version. Lightly dot on the liner and stay as close as possible to the lash line. Then, press the felt tip firmly into skin (press too lightly and it might bump along) and 'connect the dots' to smooth the line, fanning it up and out toward the temples on the ends.

Remember, liquid liner takes about a full minute to dry. When the liner stops glistening, it's dry.

Voila! You're a Barbie girl!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #37 – August 11, 2009

Have you seen those deep wine and plum lip colors on the shelves (think Megan Fox), but aren’t sure how to pull them off?

As fall approaches, these shades become more popular. Brett shares his advice for rocking a punky dark lip color with style and confidence.

Click below for the inside scoop!



1. To ease into deep shades, try a sheer gloss version. The shade in the tube will have a huge color impact, but it goes on sheer and lets your natural lip shine through. Kind of like the stain from a lollipop!

2. If you want more of a goth, matte look, try a lipstick form. Beware though, the deep, solid pigment in lipsticks can be a bit aging. Brett typically prefers a gloss format.

3. Go sparse on eye makeup – save the smoky eyes for another time. Only one feature on your face should pop, and with a dark pucker, you want all the attention on your lips. You still want lots o’ lash though… maybe try the silver liner trick (Quick Tip #29!).

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #36 - August 4, 2009

Are small dark patches and discolorations on your face ruining your look?

Lots of women suffer with bouts of hyperpigmentation or melasma. Brett Freedman shares his advice for safely lightening skin and keeping dark spots from coming back.

Click below for the inside scoop!


Tackling melasma and hyperpigmentation is a 3 step process – lighten the existing patches, prevent them from coming back, and disguise what’s still there.

1. Use a lightening cream or gel. Over the counter, you can buy 2% bleaching creams, but to truly see results, Brett recommends asking your derm for a prescription for a 4% facial bleach.

2. Stay out of the sun! Even when you aren’t basking by the pool, your skin is still exposed, and sun exposure makes melasma look more pronounced. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with physical blockers and wear it daily. Brett’s fave? Clinique City Block. It’s oil-free with SPF 40 and contains both titanium oxide and zinc oxide. It looks great under makeup and in photos; Brett uses it on all his girls!

3. Use makeup where needed to disguise patches. The object is to lightly veil dark spots, not to make them disappear under layers of foundation. Apply foundation as usual and then build more coverage in problem areas with a tiny brush dipped in liquid foundation. Brett loves LORAC Breakthrough Performance or Revlon ColorStay for this – both are sheer yet long-lasting.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #35 – July 28, 2009

"Crazy Bright" Blue Liquid Liner Makes Eyes Pop!

Ever wanted to try a bright color on your eyes, but too scared to go for it? Now’s your chance - Brett shows you how to add a pop of color to eyes with a vivid blue liquid liner!

Click below for the inside scoop!

Don’t shy away from bold colors, like the electric blue Brett has chosen. Bright colors can easily add oomph and interest to your eyes!

Brett’s tip – keep vivid liner close to the lash line and pair with lots of lash!!

Brett also recommends:

- Apply dots instead of worrying about getting a perfectly straight, solid line. Just apply little dots along the lash line, bringing them together to create a nice line.

- Big lashes will let the color just peek out. Curl and apply a lot of mascara to get full, lush lashes.

- If you do get a little liquid liner on your lashes, just pinch it off while it’s wet – it’s easier to fix then when dry.  If it does dry, just cover with more mascara.

- Keep lips subtle for a balanced look – let your eyes get the color!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #34 - July 21, 2009

Get tan like a Soap Star without the drama! Brett visits Tracey Bregman, better known as Lauren from The Young & the Restless, for a lesson in the art of sunless tanning!

Click below for the inside scoop!





Tracey truly is a self-tanning aficionado. Born with very pale skin and knowing the dangers of the sun, she’s become a pro over the years with sunless tanning techniques and products. Here are her top tips:
  • Spray tans are great for events, but upkeep can get expensive. Without products at home, you have to go back to the salon every time the tan fades!
  • Great sunless tanning products don’t have to be pricey. What’s her fave? L’Oreal Sublime Glow in Medium…only $10 at drugstores!
  • Apply self-tanner in your shower stall so there’s no mess left behind.
  • Spray the self-tanner on in a circular motion – you’ll avoid lines and streaks every time!
  • Stand on a washcloth so that your soles don’t get extra color. As a bonus, after you’re done applying, wipe off hands and rough spots with the same washcloth.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a glowing goddess, just like Tracey!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #33 - July 14, 2009

Want an easy way to amp up your eye makeup without buying new products?

Brett shows how to get a modern Barbarella look by extending your eyeliner beyond the lash line.

Click below for the inside scoop!


It might seem straight from the 70’s disco era, but if done right, extending you eyeliner the tiniest bit can make a great impact on your look and adds instant sex appeal.

Brett recommends using an eyeliner pencil with a smudging edge on one side (such as Benefit Bad Girl) and lining eyes as usual, sticking close to the lash line.  Instead of stopping at the end of the eye where lashes are the thickest, continue the line, bringing it out and up towards the temple.

Très simple!  Just remember, keep the line going out and up, not straight out or down.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #32 - July 7, 2009

Who DOESN’T want to get rid of their dark under-eye circles?

One of the most popular questions Brett gets asked is how to banish dark under-eye circles.  So what are these nuisances and how do we properly disguise them??

The area around the eyes has the highest concentration of blood vessels AND the thinnest skin on the whole body… not the best combo.  When you see dark circles, you’re seeing the blood vessels under the skin, normally more visible when we are irritated or fatigued.  Unfortunately, having prominent dark circles is hereditary, so thank mom and dad!

Relaxing and getting enough rest is key to downplaying dark circles, but makeup can work wonders if done right.  Brett recommends the following steps for a flawless face that doesn’t look concealer-heavy:

  • Lightly apply foundation all over the face - go into the eyelids and around the eyes.  This takes away the pinkish blood vessels on the lids and puts a nice veil over under-eye circles.
  • Next, mix a thick, waxy stick concealer with a little foundation on your hand.  Lighter gel concealers made with silicon also work but don’t cover quite as well.
  • With a brush, dab on concealer/foundation mix only where you really need it – on the inner eye area.  No ‘racoon sweep’ needed!  When you pull concealer all the way out to your laugh lines, you risk the concealer settling into creases and looking harsh.

Voila!  With this veil of foundation and light touch of concealer, your eyes will look well-rested, bright and open without being weighed down by makeup.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #31 - June 30, 2009

Style yourself younger with Brett’s special guest "Cher!"

Brett’s friend and fab actress/comedienne Nadya Ginsburg joins him doing her best Cher impression in this funny and informative Quick Tip on looking youthful.

Click below for the inside scoop (and the LOLs)!

Brett and "Cher" recommend:

1. FOUNDATION – Don’t go too alabaster. No matter what your natural skin tone is, mix in a bit of bronzer to your foundation for a nice lift of color.

2. LIPS – No browns or mauves allowed! Pick something juicy for your lips – like a watermelon or cherry gloss. Glosses aren’t heavy and really make your lips pop.

3. HAIR – As you get older, soften and lighten up your hair. If you’re chestnut brown, add some subtle dark and golden blond highlights. In Cher’s case, she wears a wig in the lightest shade of jet black!

4. HAIRDOS – You want touchable hair that you can run your fingers through, so stay away from helmet head styles!

5. PLASTIC SURGERY – Many women consider going under the knife as they get older, but remember to go easy! Your goal should be to look good for your age, not to look like you did in college.

With these tips, becoming an ageless beauty (just like Cher!) will be easy!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #30 - June 23, 2009

Calling all Boy Meets World fans!  Topanga, aka Danielle Fishel (now hosting The Dish on The Style Network) meets with Brett to get the real dish on brow grooming.

Danielle has big, thick eyebrows that she loves, but she occasionally has the habit of overplucking.  Brett gives her some expert tips to create the perfect shape that looks natural and is easy to maintain.

Click below for the inside scoop!

Q – What brow shape should you aim for when tweezing?

A - Eyebrows should have a nice swoop that gradually gets thinner towards the tail… don’t tweeze brows into a “sperm” shape!

- If you've overplucked, lightly fill in with a brow pencil to get the proper swoop shape until brows grow in. Use a brow pencil in a lighter shade than your natural brow so the pencil color doesn't compete with your real brows. Brett used Vanitymark's Ultra-Brow Pencil in Blondie on Danielle.

Q - Should you tweeze above the brow? 

A - Brett says yes!  If you have “cobwebbing” above your brows, tweeze those strays for a cleaner, tidier look.

Q – How bold should eyebrows be?

A – You want your arches to make an impact, but if the brow dips too low into the corner of the eye/top of the nose area, you can look stern.  Simply take off the bottom 1-2 rows of hair in that corner to lift the brow…instant brow Botox!

Q- Where’s the best place to tweeze?

A – Believe it or not, airplane bathrooms!  Quarters are tight in these bathrooms, which means your proximity to the mirror is perfect for up-close tweezing.  Plus, the bad lighting shows every detail.  Just don’t tweeze during turbulence!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #29 – June 16, 2009

Looking for a way to add oomph to your eyes without heavy, dark liner this summer?  Try silver liner!

Brett is joined by model Allee Sutton in Nashville to show you how to make your eyes pop with silver eyeliner and wow the crowd.

Click below for the inside scoop! 

To keep your eye makeup summer-appropriate use silver liner to amp up your look instead of darker shades.

Stay close to the lash line when lining your eyes and line right into the tear duct area.  Once you apply mascara, you’ll see the perfect hint of silver shining through!

Looks clean, modern and fresh - perfect for summer nights!

Want a way to make your lips summer-worthy, too?  Brett’s fave this summer is peach-gold lip-gloss!  Layer over your regular lipstick for glossy, summer-ized look.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #28 - June 9th, 2009

Summer is here - out with the turtlenecks, and in with the strapless shirts. What's a girl to do about back-ne?

In this week's Quick Tip, Brett suggests... dish detergent?!?

It may not be the most glamorous of subjects, but we all want to know how to conquer it, and Brett shares his favorite tool, cleanser and secret weapon (think sparkly clean dishes) to banish back-ne.

Click below for the inside scoop!




THE TOOL: Try a synthetic hair back brush. They tend to be cheaper and easier to find than their natural hair counterparts. Buy 2 or 3 because they don't last long, but they make up for it in softness! Wait until the end of your shower to wash your back. Let the brush absorb water and get nice n' soft while you suds up the rest of your body.

THE CLEANSER: Use a cleanser that isn't thick, creamy or in bar form on your back. These types are harder to rinse off than liquid cleansers and can clog pores. Neutrogena's liquid cleanser is a good bet.

THE SECRET WEAPON: And here's the kicker. The secret line of defense against back-ne is DISHWASHING DETERGENT!

Say what??

If you want to really kick back-ne to the curb, or if you have a big event coming up, dishwashing detergent will really do the trick. After cleansing with your liquid cleanser, put dishwashing detergent on the back brush and scrub every other day for about a week. It dries out your skin, and when your skin is dried out, there's less oil. And less oil means less back-ne.

And there you have it!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #27 - June 2nd, 2009


Do you love benetint? Well, have you tried posietint??

In today's Quick Tip, Erin Simpson from benefit visits with Brett to talk about posietint - the perfect poppy-pink summer cheek stain!

Click below for the inside scoop!



Looks can be deceiving! Both Brett and Erin agree -- posietint looks super bright (even a little like Pepto Bismol!) in the bottle, but the color is subtle, sheer and flattering on all skin tones once you put it on.

Brett recommends dotting it on each cheek in a circular pattern and then blotting up and back with your finger for the perfect light flush of pink. Everyone he tries it on falls in love and he's betting you will, too!

In other news, Erin dishes out the latest scoop from benefit. So what's next for the fun and flirty cosmetics line? A new line of lipglosses! benefit will be adding some new gorgeous colors to the fan favorites and introducing a new custom applicator that gives the perfect amount of color every time!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #26 - May 26th, 2009


Get some sleep!!

In this busy world, it can be hard to tune out and get some zzzs at night. Since beauty rest is important, Brett shares his top tips for getting a good night's sleep.

Click below for the inside scoop!



EARS - Try earplugs! The complete silence is relaxing, but don't try this if you need to wake up to an alarm in the morning! Try to buy earplugs in a bright color so if you happen to lose one in the middle of the night, it will be easy to find.

EYES - Try an eye mask! It's important to block out light, and the slight pressure it puts on lids will calm the eyes. The habit of putting an eye mask on every night before bed really helps to put the body in sleep mode. Look for eye masks at Bath & Body Works; they sell really soft and inexpensive versions.

MIND - Forgetting the worries of the day and turning off your brain for bed is the hardest part. If you wake up in the middle of the night, try not to get anxious. Instead of worrying about sleep lost, try distracting your mind. Think of a favorite movie and try to recall each scene, beginning with the opening credits. Bet you won't get very far! Brett's fave for this trick is Grease 2!

Now go on and get your beauty rest!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #25 - May 19th, 2009


Inspired by the LA summer weather, Brett gives us his first fragrance Quick Tip!

The summer is here, and everything should be light and breezy. But what do we do if our favorite fragrance is warm or heavy??

Just click below for the inside scoop!



For Brett, who loves vanilla, finding a summer scent can be quite the dilemma.

His solution: Mix your fave warm scent with a light, citrus-y fragrance to amp it up and give it a fab summer vibe! Just dab a little bit of your go-to winter scent on as a base and spritz a light, summery scent on top.

Here are some fresh and sunny fragrances he recommends to layer with your best winter scents:

* Calyx Sheer Exhilaration - Just relaunched! This one has a lemon-y fresh scent with a hint of flowers that screams summer.
* Demeter - An inexpensive line with fun scents such as Pomegranate and Pineapple that are easy to mix and match.
* Fresh - The Sugar scent is unique blend of orange and white lily - sweet and light and a perfect complement to your fave warm scent.

Now you'll never smell like November in June again!!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #24 - May 12th, 2009


Special guest celebrity makeup artist Steven Sollitto is back with Brett for a new Quick Tip - and this time, they're talking about a summertime necessity : MATTIFIERS!

Just click on the clip below for the inside scoop!



Both Steve and Brett agree - mattifiers are easy-to-use products that really work. A necessity for every makeup maven's tool kit, mattifiers take away shine and are perfect for summertime!

Be sure to use a mattifier before your next "red carpet" event - extra shine tends to show up in photographs. Steve likes Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti Shine Mattifying Gel.

How do you wear a mattifier?

- Put a tiny amount of mattifer in the palm of your hand and spread evenly over your whole face as a foundation prep, and then touch up the T-zone area after you apply make-up.

- OR Use mattifier as an alternative to foundation for an au naturel, polished look.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #23 - May 5th, 2009


Traveling never felt so good!

Brett shares his favorite TSA-friendly drugstore pick for locking in serious moisture -
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.

Just click below for the inside scoop!



Beauty products come in all price points and sizes, but Brett's hands-down favorite hand cream can be found at the drugsotre AND can make it through security with you.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, in a handy 2.0 oz tube, has a high concentration of glycerin to lock in moisture and give you a satin-y, not greasy, feel.

Brett especially loves the fragrance-free option, and even recommends using this intense hand cream on feet and elbows!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #22 - Apr 28th, 2009


Want your brows to look their best and most tailored between brow shaping? Brett visit's LA's hottest MedSpa, Kalologie, to chat with one of their lead estheticians on highlighting your arches for optimum crispness and "pop."

Just click below for the inside scoop and a close up demonstration!



* Take a champagne highlighter with a tight brush and brush right up under the brow into your arch. This makes your eyebrows look a little more tailored and cleaner while highlighting the eye.

* Make sure to choose a champagne shade. Too white or too silvery will give an unnatural look. Stick with warm shades. If you're uncertain, line the shades up next to each other and you'll be able to spot the difference.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Tuesday QuickTip #21 - Apr 21th, 2009


Returning favorite Frieda Lay lends her beautiful face (and lids) to this very insightful Quick-Tip. Want to know how to keep your powder eyeshadow stay-put through the steamy summer months? Brett suggests a product you might already have in your makeup bag: mattifying lotion!

Just click below for the inside scoop and Brett's suggestions.