MOI XOXO

If only Hawaii were closer, Candice Morales just might be a commuter. “I’m a little island-obsessed” admits the peripatetic makeup artist and hair stylist. The words “bronzer” and “glow” comes out of her mouth 365 days out of the year so of course tropical resorts enter her mind quite often! Candice Morales knows a thing or two about make up and hair styling as this OC based celebrity racks up car and frequent flier miles jetting off to LA and NY for cosmetic and hair shoots. She even gets to act out her resort obsession by hopping off to her favorite island destination of Kauai and Honolulu complete with her own cabana, to relax after attending to demanding models! I got her to stop and answer a few questions for me on her beauty products of choice and what she likes to do to relax.

Moi:I think I know you pretty well to say to come between you and your makeup is like don’t touch a black man’s radio station! You probably love your makeup and hair products more than you like small children! Thanks to you I am in love with my Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing Powder compact. This amazing bi-colored bronzer combines the perfect blend of pearlescent gold and warm bronze to create a warm and vibrant bronzed complexion all year long without the harmful effects of the sun. How did you come across Physicians Formula makeup and the Summer Eclipse powder?
CM: Well I am always looking for products that have great STAYING POWER as well as good for your skin! I’ve used everything from MAC to Dior *word to the wise* MAC is a great powder for photo shoots but not for daily wear as it clogs the pores. I came across the Summer Eclipse Powder at Rite Aid and thought why not it looks nice and I have always been a big tester of brands. So in doing this, I found a great powder and bronzer combined. No matter what time of the year this powder gives the face a nice hint of color and staying power that I need. I especially love using it when I take pictures, it gives me the GLOW I need without looking caked on. Make up should enhance your beauty not cover it! I use this powder right after I apply my foundation and for those hot summer days when I don’t want to wear too much makeup. I apply a light moisturizer or a tinted one by either Neutrogena or MAC as both reflect light to give that dewy look. Then apply the powder to set the makeup. I also keep one in my purse for personal touchups

Enough make up, I want to be nosey:

Moi: What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
CM: My hammock and a good magazine! If you only knew how many I had! Moi understands!

Moi: Of course I understand, I have as many magazines! So what’s the last book you read?
CM: Skinny Bitch which is a great book on what to eat and what not. Also Face Forward from my favorite makeup artist of all time Kevyn Aucoin. I find his book is great to try out new and different looks

Moi: What’s in heavy rotation on your Ipod?
CM: Prince, JayZ, Jlo, AliciaKeys, Janet and Michael Jackson, Bob Marley - if you saw my ITouch I have over 4,000 songs, everything from - hiphop/r&b/reggea/jazz/classic rock/rap.. I got it all!

Moi: Favorite getaway spot?
CM: Fiji, Paris, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Brazil. For local travel I like to venture to AZ, Vegas, and NYC

Moi: What’s your favorite store in the world?

CM: Target - How addicting is this store!! For high fashion finds I do Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barney’s. For quality and budget friendly finds, I venture to H&M, Forever 21 and Asian boutiques found in the strip malls for those little select pieces.

Moi: What is your favorite work of art?
CM: I can’t say I have a favorite but I do favor Herb Ritts photography

Moi: What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
CM: Egg white and roma tomatoes omelet from Panini’s

Moi: What’s your dream job (other than your current occupation)?
CM: When I was younger a model but I am only 5′0!

Moi: Tea or coffee?

CM: I prefer tea to be exact, Starbucks black tea sweetened on ice otherwise known as honey ice tea mama drink! I’ve gotten everyone hooked! Depending on the occasion, I love a good Vanilla Latte or Cinnamon Chai!

Moi: When are you happiest?
CM: I would say NYC at Christmas shopping or with my loved ones in Puerto Rico and my new favorite is on Moi’s couch chit chatting and being gals!

Moi xoxo