Bridal Suggestions

Wedding Day Suggestions 

This is just a few things that I tell brides who are getting ready for their upcoming weddings.  We get a lot of questions from our brides during their trial run for makeup or tanning...and I thought it might be helpful to share it with everyone.

1. Don't try anything too crazy with your skin routine the month before your wedding date.  If you don't already do things like microderm, peels, waxing, or product routines...then don't start that month or your skin might get worse before it gets better.  Just stick with what you normally do and if you do want to try something new do it well before the wedding date.
2. Don't put on too much sunscreen on your face that day.  Sunscreen can contain zinc oxide which is great for protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays, but can show up in photos looking kind of white.  If you are going to be outside for long periods of time in the sun taking pictures then you should think about an umbrella.  There are several stores that make really cute umbrellas that will go with just about any color or theme.  After photos are done and you are still going to be outside, then I would recommend SPF 30 in a spray form.
3. Make-up or Hair first?  In my opinion it doesn't matter if I do your make-up before or after your hair, however if you do plan on having your bangs side swept over your forehead then you should have your make-up done first so your hair doesn't have to be pinned back.
4. Blot paper is better then powder to get rid of shine during the night.  You don't want to have to deal with a brush or possible powder spilling on your dress.
5. Stick with makeup that YOU are comfortable with...not something too different then what you normally wear.  You do need to have a touch more blush and a bit brighter lipstick (brighter lipstick will make your teeth look whiter in photos).  Get the lipstick that you plan to wear that day so that you have something to touch up with...and make sure you take the time to touch up.  Your photos will look better if you touch up your lipstick all night, and you will be happy you took the time to do it.
6. Try your spray tan before the wedding and pay attention to how it looks the next day as well as day 2 & 3.  It might be that you like the look of it on day 3 and you should book your tan three days before your wedding date.  Also look to see if there is anything that turned out less then flawless.  If there are areas that need extra care or attention...then you will know that and we wont be guessing for your actual wedding date.

• It is always better to go too light then too dark for your wedding day.  A light glow photographs so much better then a tan!  Plus you dont want to be to dark next to your fiance or your bridesmaids.  It will look fake in photos.

The Favorite Smokey Eye - most popular request

Why I Love This Smokey Eye 

The most common request when someone comes in for makeup application or a makeup lesson with me is for a more dramatic smokey eye.

I love doing this look, it is probably my favorite.  I think it looks good on just about everyone and it is dramatic and pretty without being too trendy or harsh.

Although there are several 'interpretations' of a smokey eye, this is by far the most popular look that people want to try to achieve.




The elements that make it great...

• a matte color under the brow to highlight the brow bone, it doesn't shine too much or catch the light when photographed
• a matte color in the crease, soft brown in this look is warm and doesn't shimmer so it keeps the look fresh and youthful
• a slight sheen to the lid so there is a little pop of goldish pink that fades into a light inner corner
• a dark matte color in the corner that blends really nicely into the eye liner
• black eye liner that lines both the waterline and the outside of the eye without smudging it too much so it wont fall below and make you look like you have a black eye
• lots and lots of lashes and mascara

Always make sure that you apply your false eye lashes last so that the makeup doesn't fall onto the top of the lashes.  Apply mascara on the bottom first and then then top.  The bottom of the eye is easier to clean then the top if you accidentally transfer your mascara.

Cant wait to see all of your favorite smokey eye looks.  You can do so much with them without making them too harsh or dramatic.

Smashbox Rocks

Recently doing make-up for a photo shoot at a local Kirkland Boutique, Chez Chic. I realized I was just not satisfied with the prime and prep products in my make-up kit. This began the journey...

This is for those of you who get sucked in by the cosmetic counters at the department stores. I can be talked into buying just about a beauty product there is...expensive habit. (Part of the reason I had to make Make-up it a job)
I have never subscribed to the idea that just one cosmetic line can do everything, I think they all have a unique strength, and one of my favorites is Smashbox. They have many fantastic products, but a few very important ones.

Although I have been a life-long MAC fan, I have not been impressed with their primers for eyes or face...so I went on the hunt for a better one. However I have to brag up a particular product from MAC... Strobe Cream is designed for us thirty-somethings...giving a little hint of glow without shimmer or shine.
I tried Nars...a little too light and just felt like more moisturizer.

Then onto Benefit...not impressed with the quality and it didn't last very long after I opened it.

Moving right along to Temptu...the makers of my favorite airbrush foundation, but again it didn't really prime my skin other than adding a little moisture to it.

I finally found The Promise Land at the Smashbox counter! Their Photo Finish Foundation Primer is a fabulous. It is just thick enough to even out my skin (after years of acne), but not so thick that it feels icky all day. You can apply any brand of foundation over the top of it, although I do prefer Smashbox foundation mixed with Studio Fix NC35 by MAC.

The price point for Smashbox is a little high at $36, however it lasts a long time and if you only need it once in a while they sell it in a travel size.

Final recommendations...Smashbox Foundation Primer, MAC Studio Fix mixed with a little Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation, contour with Smashbox Bronzer, and finish it off with Nars blush in Orgasm. Enjoy your springtime long lasting face make over!