When I opened an email that said I’ve been selected to join BirchBox at their office on September 27th for a #birchbloggers breakfast with celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Alison Raffaele I was beyond excited. The first thing I thought was I’m glad I don’t wear makeup because I want her to see the natural me and what my daily regimen is so I wore only lip gloss and a little mascara. I never knew how to apply blush and eye shadow and all the girly stuff so I never used any. Some women can pull it off and some go overboard. I on the other hand say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I’m fine with what I see in the mirror until I get a pimple or mosquito bite. I do complain about dark circles under the eyes and never knew what to use. I was excited because it knew after tweeting with Alison she knew what she was talking about and I wanted one on one lessons in person.
I arrived early, met Alison in person and she is a down to earth person, funny, and a mom to a cute 4 yr old daughter.
I asked Alison a few questions on Twitter and this is what she had to say:
1. How did you get your start as Bobbi Brown’s assistant? (Famous makeup artist)
Alison responded : She was just finishing college when a photographer she was testing with to build her book introduced her and she knew Bobbi Brown was pregnant and going to need help so she offered to be her assistant for no pay just the experience. Alison said she had to call several times before Bobbi finally called her back said “OK, if you want it that bad, I’ll help you!!”
2. Did you got to school for cosmetology?
Alison said: No, she was self taught.
3. Was being a makeup artist something you always wanted to do?
Alison replied: Yes! She fell in love with makeup at the age of 10, and by the time she was 16 there was no looking back.
4. What are the best fall colors for eyeshadows and lipstick?
Alison said: The best colors for any season are the ones that make you feel your most beautiful.
Alison was determined and dedicated to get what she wanted and become an entrepreneur, Founder, and CCO of her line Alison Raffaele Cosmetics.
I learned some more things I didn’t know about makeup that a lot of women in attendance didn’t know as well like the CORRECT order to applying makeup is FOUNDATION, CONCEALER, then POWDER. Everyone’s face dropped.
Alison also does not use parabens, talc, mineral oil, or fragrance in her products and they are gluten free as well. It doesn’t get any better than that!! Her makeup is also lightweight on the face and easy to use. I can agree to that. I forgot I had foundation and concealer on the whole day because it doesn’t feel cakey and heavy.
For dry skin mix skin oils into your primer. Use transparent powder after concealer.
Another tip was apply concealer at the bottom of your nose because everyone is red there. Her best beauty tip from Bobbi Brown is: “Keep it simple, don’t do too much.” Alison also said “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being the perfect you.”
I found out from the expert Alison Raffaele I am a 7 in foundation and a 6 in concealer and she sure knows what she’s talking about because I looked fabo!! Everyone including Alison said I have beautiful skin before the makeup and I appreciate it. My hubby tells me everyday too but it’s nice when others recognize it too even when you see some things you think aren’t wanted on your face like dark circles, or fine bumps.
All the bloggers in attendance were matched with the correct foundation and concealer and went home with the best tips and advice.
I would love to get some of Alison’s powders and more brushes. I know I will eventually run out of foundation and concealer so I will save my pennies for more. I advise everyone to check out her cosmetics, and once again a big thanks to BirchBox and Alison for giving me the opportunity to meet all of you in person and take home great tips and makeup. Everyone was very friendly and the breakfast was great!
Follow Alison on Twitter @Alisonraffaele or got her her website http://www.alisonraffaele.com
For all of my readers BirchBox is graciously offering 15% off everything in their shop when you spend $50. The readers code is BIRCHBLOGGERS15. It is valid through 10/15. Shop now at http://www.birchbox.com
These opinions are my own 100%, and I was not compensated. Bloggers were given gift bags with cosmetics for attending.
Enjoy the pictures!
Five Little Words 
This looks like a very exciting event!!
It was and I’m glad I was picked to attend and learn more about makeup and what’s right for my skin tone.
This looks like such an exciting event!
what a fun event i would love to attend something like this! looks like you had a good time 🙂
I did I had a great time!!
Such a neat time! I’ve had my makeup done a few times by professionals and I always love the way that they make me look!!
Yes and especially when the makeup artist love what they’re doing they want you to look good. She knew exactly how to make me glow!!