Thursday, January 7, 2010

Fabulous Venue!

Hi everyone! I hope you all are warm, and well! I had an amazing meeting today at Crowne Plaza North in Columbus, Ohio.

The amazing event planners Sandy Muncy, and Krystin Diebold were very gracious. I was impressed by their genuine warmth, and professionalism. I like to think of myself as a, "Bridal Advocate", and so any time I discover great resources for brides, I am excited to share.

Whether you have fifty guests you would like to accommodate, or two hundred-fifty, Crowne Plaza North can cover you. Special Events

BallroomHotel Lobby

Suite
Swimming Pool


http://www.choiceentertainmentgroup.com/images/Catering%20Server.jpg

All catering is done in house, and the staff is absolutely amaaaaaaaaaazing! So, if you need the perfect place for your wedding reception, corporate meeting, a mini vacation, give them a call. Like there motto says, this is, "the place to meet".

www.crowneplaza.com




Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Gorgeous Gal Alert!

I had the wonderful pleasure of working with stunning Brittany S. of Heyman Talent Agency. Brittany is one of those women who have a classic beauty.. Beautiful bone structure, flawless skin, and lustrous locks. Did I mention she is also a doll on the inside? Photographer Shannon Williams Photography (www.shannonwilliamsphotography.com), and I had a great time working with her! She even serenaded us, and asked us to do the same. :) Her voice is reminiscent of Olivia Newton John, and Carrie Underwood.. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the shoot.



I love doing a classic beauty shot. It showcases flawless skin, fresh clean make-up, and beautiful hair.


Ladies, please do try a beautiful part down the middle of your hair. The look is very, "classic french", and gives you a whole different vibe. Smoky eyes, and a berry lip says, "seduction".. LOVES IT!


What a major transformation eh? I wanted to give Brittany an ultra vixen type look. I flat ironed her hair, and gave a smoky eye, nude lip combo. I would say she nailed this look :)

Want to achieve this look? Call me! No, really, some of must-have tools for this shoot were:

http://styletips101.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/smashbox-photo-finish-foundation-primer.jpg
Perfect for foundation that won't stay put, filling in fine lines, or when you photos will be taken.. Smashbox Photo Finish makes the skin feel like satin, but in a non-greasy way.. A must have on all of my clients.

http://www.perfumezilla.com/images_product/mac-studio-stick-foundation-spf5925.jpg

I loves Mac's stick foundation. Great for women, and men.. If you have skin that is normal to dry, and skin that does not have an exorbitant amount of blemishes, this foundation is for you. You just dot where you need it, and blend. You can also use it as a concealer if you're short on time. I also like this product, because you can build the coverage level.
http://wholesaleinhongkong.com/MAC%20PHOTO/Select%20Sheer%20Loose%20Powder%20NC40%208g%200.28oz.jpg
I love Mac Select Sheer powders.. They go on as smooth as satin, and they keep shine at bay. This product is fragrance free, and will not clog your pores. It helps to achieve that flawless look that you see on my models...

http://beautymarked.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/eyelureindiv.jpg

Individual lashes were applied throughout the base of her natural lash line. Individual lashes are natural, gorgeous, and fairly easy to to apply on your own.





http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/c/0/0/6/d/AAAADP-rYlMAAAAAAAbctg.jpg
I am a huge fan of celebrity make-up artist Jemma Kidd lip glosses. From the shape of the application wands, to the array of colors, they are one of my favorite lip glosses. You can find her brand exclusively at Target. They are about $20.00 a pop, but will last you three-six months depending on how often you wear them ;)
http://susupopblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/christian-dior-diorshow-mascara-090-black-11-5ml-0-38oz.jpg

Dior Show mascara.. AMAZING! This mascara gives you that thick, and luscious look..

http://www.amberdesire.com/blog/image.axd?picture=2009%2F8%2Fhotrollers.jpg

Love Brittany's hair in the first two looks? I used steam rollers, and then simply finger combed her curls.


http://www.fashion-res.com/EX/10-08-11/fekGlossCreamL.jpg
Frederick Fekkai glossing cream kept those fly-aways at bay..
http://cultureofcute.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/sedu-pro-ionic-ceramic-tourmaline-flat-iron.jpg

The last look was achieved by the use of a great ceramic flat iron.. Magnifique!

Wishing you all the best! XOXO

Friday, January 1, 2010

Quick Fix Skin RX

So, you certainly weren't "tardy for the party" during your holiday celebrations.. In other words, you partied too hard, and now, it is visible on your skin. Below are skin, "damage controls" to undo the effects of late nights, rich foods, bubbly, and stress!


Problem: You piled your plate high, and now your face is puffier than a blow fish :'(
http://s3.amazonaws.com/baby-uploads-production/photos/1402/thanksgiving.jpg

Sodium-filled holiday foods (hello mash potatoes, candies yams, and holiday bread!) cause fluid retention.


SKIN FIX!!!!!!!!
To reduce swelling, wrap a cloth around a frozen bag of peas, and hold it against your face for ten minutes. Do not forgo the cloth, as you can get freezer burn.


http://www.thedailygreen.com/media/cm/thedailygreen/images/frozen-peas-vegetables-lg.jpg

By doing this, the cold temperatures constrict blood vessels and alleviate puffiness. Next, follow up with a great firming cream. My winter face cream personal fav is, by Shiseido, Benefiance.

http://www.beautysteals.com/images/products/04091081401-shiseido-benefiance-intensive-nourishing-recovery-cream.jpg

Problem: You had a few too many cocktails, and now your skin is super-dry :'(

http://media.canada.com/gallery/hg2006_cocktailrecip/hg_cocktail_2.jpg

Drinking alcohol depletes skin's moisture and lead to a tight dry texture the morning after imbibing.


SKIN FIX!!!!!!!!
To restore radiance, reach for products that contain humectants, such as hyaluronic acid which draws in moisture. After washing your face, apply a serum with hyaluronic acid under moisturizer. My current personal fav is by Clarins.. The Hydra-Quench Serum. After cleansing, I apply much less than a dime size, under my moisturizer.

http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/2/optimized/394372_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

Problem: You scrimped on sleep, and the bags under your eyes are massive.


http://www.corbisimages.com/images/42-16477570.jpg?size=572&uid=CB742B69-CC29-4A98-8530-C38A0AD9885B

Sleep deprivation hinders the normal flow of oxygen to your skin, especially under the eyes. To fake the look of a full night's rest, apply an eye mask for ten minutes. Next, dab on eye cream in a "circular, gentle motion" from the outer corner inward, to rev up blood flow. This is a technique I learned when training in the Clarins Skin Clinic.. Follow up with a great concealer.

http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/8/optimized/264518_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg
I heart these eye masks from Shiseido. They have aloe vera in them, and are to be worn once a week for thirty minutes. Amaaaazing!

http://www.womensonlinespa.com/Images/EYEproducts/skinCARE/Clarins-EyeContourGel.jpg
Please do try the Clarins Eye Contour Gel.. It has a caffeine agent in it, that flushes out the tear ducts---this dramatically reduces puffiness! No, your eyes won't water :), so no worries in that respect.

http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/20652/25_2008/BobbiBrownConcealerKit.jpg
If you have been one of my clients, then you know I love the Bobbi Brown corrector, and concealer system. It is absolutely wonderful! Rich, and emollient, it does not magnify fine lines, and conceals any dark circles one may have COMPLETELY! LOVES IT! ;)


Problem: You haven't quit smoking--yet, and your fine lines/wrinkles are getting deeper.


http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00145/smokingTomKellyGett_145204s.jpg

Another reason to errr, um, kick butts: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which mean less blood flow to the skin. The result? A dull, ashy complexion, and premature wrinkling (especially around the upper-lip area). While you work on quitting the habit, use an exfoliating cream that has radiant-boosting vitamin C. Please try, The Body Shop Vitamin C Micro Refiner, about 2-3 times a week.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wHv19mY5L._SL500_AA280_.jpg


Problem: You hit the sack without washing up, and now your face is zit city :'(


http://www.beautyblog.ru/uploads/posts/1210896298_pimple415.jpg

Leaving make-up on overnight can clog pores, and irritate skin. To calm eruptions, smooth on a a lavender based toner which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Spot-treat zits with a gel containing benzoyl peroxide.

http://mili.gouwu.vip.xunlei.com/images/upload/Image/07908526501.jpg
I loooooooove Bobbi Brown's soothing face tonic. I use it on all of my brides, and self. It is amazing, and safe for all skin types. Did I mention it also smells so refreshing, and clean?

http://www.moafashionsense.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/drying_lotion_Mario_Badescu.gif

Mario Badescu products have been used for years by celebs, and brides because of it's fast acting approach to the skin. As a professional model, I find I tend to break out right before a shoot! It is almost as if my little pimples wants to make their own debut. I've sent many of these unwanted visitors packing with this lotion.
http://www.livingwell.ca/english/products/1802/library/Products/P238x230_Neu_Acne.Bili.jpg
Neutrogena's line of: 'Rapid Clear' products are amazing as well. I have them, use them, and love them. They work!

Hope you all have found this post helpful! Is there a, "Quick Fix Skin Rx" you would like to see for the next time? E-mail me! I love hearing from you!


Happy New Year!




Tuesday, December 8, 2009

My Product Favs

I just can't live without my:

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English Ideas Lip Enhance. If you have small lips, just draw a line a pinch outside your lip line. I have a full lip, so I just fill in my lips with it. Don't worry, it looks very natural. If you fill in your lips with this, it will give your lipstick color, or gloss something to adhere to. You can find the English Ideas line at Sephora.
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Victorias Secret Beauty Rush Gloss. Not only do these glosses taste yummy, but they smell great too. For me, I love to wear "Piece of Cake" by itself. For a summer day, I love wearing "Apricot", or "Chocolate". These are also great over lipcolors.
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I just love Vera Bradley purses/luggage. The bags are high end purses for the "down to earth" kind of girl.
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After photoshoots, or about twice a month, I steam my face with tea tree oil in a pot. Once my pores are open, I exfoliate, and apply this Clarins purifying plant mask. This stuff works! It pulls out blackheads, and it contains plant extracts---so even the most sensitive skin would be fine to use this. It keeps my skin squeaky clean, and healthy.
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ION gloss drops. This is great on thick hair, curly hair, long hair, coarse hair, or perfect for a flat iron, or blow out. You just use a dime size of the product, at it goes a long way. It makes my hair so soft, shiny, and moisturized without a greasy feeling of course. You can find this product at Sally Beauty Supply stores.
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I can't say enough about the ION Effective Care Deep Conditioning mask. With all the harmful agents in the environment, it can be so harsh on your hair. I leave this on overnight. It removes all the "gook" from your hair, and helps to repair split ends, dryness, etc. I use this once a month.
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Shiseido Benefiance Eye Mask. Heck, I'm not on commission. This product is a pinch expensive, but it is amazing. They are little eye mask that you wear after cleansing your skin. Wear them for about one hour, once a week. It removes dark circles, puffiness, and leaves the delicate eye area intensley moisturized. Even the oiliest of skins can benefit from this product. You can find this product at your higher end department stores.
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My skin gets drier in the winter. I love my Shiseido Benefiance moisturizing cream. I use it after cleansing, and under my makeup.
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When the weather is not freezing, I love to use my Clarins Mult-Active Day Cream. You definatley should have a mosturizer specifically for cold weather, and for warm weather. Don't forget your sunblock!
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Smiths Rosebud Salve has been around since the early 1900's. There's a reason. This is an amazing salve for dry areas. Many celeb's use this as a lip moisturizer. I love it!
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Fekkai products are amazing. I keep this glossing cream for hair on hand in my makeup case, and also at home. Great for fly away pieces.
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My secret is out now. This Sparkle eyedust by N.Y.C. cosmetics, is affordable (3.99) and available at most local drugstores. It comes in many different shades, and is a gorgeous subtle shimmer for the eyes. I wear this with two coats of mascara for a quick, clean look.
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Aveeno Cleansing Pads have cucumber base, and really get's down to the nitty, gritty for my skin.
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I love this Clarins Tinted Moisturizer. It's a lightweigt moisturizer, that is the same color as my skin. So, not only is it hydrating, protecting (because of the SPF), but it gives me great coverage.
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I love this mascara by Maybelline. It separates my lashes, without making them look like spider legs (ick). This affordable mascara lengthens, thickens, and gives me gorgeous natural eyelashes.
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Your brows frame your face. So having an impeccable brow, for me is a must. I love my Shiseido brow pencil. I use it for a more dramatic brow, or just to enhance my look. It will not rub off, and it conditions your brow .


http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/7/optimized/162407_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=327&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg
When I am not using Vaseline on my legs, I will indulge in Benefits Bathina product for the legs. It lightly fragrances your legs, while adding a gorgeous sheen.



http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=6011392
Want your eyes to reallllly pop? Apply celebrity eyebrow artist, Anastasia's, 'Brow Duality', just under the brow bone. This fabulous product enhances the arch of your brows, and gives your eyes a youthful glow!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Let's give her a hand!

Hands tell you a number of things about yourself. Hands tell you how you lead your life and how you take care of your body and skin. It is said that the hands tell you how old a woman is. No matter how old you are, your hands tell an observer a lot about yourself as a person.

You can be dressed to the nines, but if your hands are dry, cracked, have visible hang nails, this can be your biggest fashion faux pas !!!!
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_01/handsCAMERAPRESS_228x364.jpg

Hands play an important role in communication. Imagine what life would be like without your hands. It is a part of the body that you use the most, you cook with them, get dressed with them, write with them, empathize with them and shake others hands when you meet them. Take good care of your hands and treat them well as they are essential for your existence, and they make great accessories!

Here are few hand care tips:
  • The skin on your hand is thin and delicate; therefore take special care of them.
  • Moisturize your hands at least four times a day.
  • For dry hands after washing your hands with soap, wet them again. Pour salt on your hands and then scrub them under water. Dry hands and apply moisturizer on them.
  • Wear rubber gloves while working at home and in the garden.
  • Protect and prevent your hands from aging and abuse.
  • Protect your hands from the ravages of changing weather.
  • Protect your hands while working in the sun.
  • The best way to take care of your hands is to protect them on a daily basis.
I love to use Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream
:
https://www.beautive.com/images/prod/l/01313880303.jpg
It really does protect, moisturize, and promote strong nails.

About once a week, I slough my hands with an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. This is so important for brides-to-be, as you will be wearing that ring soon!!!!!!
http://www.diamondsnews.com/images/Eva_Longoria_Engagement_Ring.jpg

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)






Stay tune gorgeous gals! I will be sharing great tips on how to achieve the perfect manicure at home soon! Ciao bellas!


Gorgeous Bride!

I recently was blessed to work on a shoot with the ultra amazing www.amandajulca.com Amanda is one of those rare photographers that captures the very core, and essence of you/your event. I love her work, and am so honored to know her.

My fabulous bride Liz is a beautiful diamond. Such a driven, sweet, stunningly beautiful woman----Love her! Check out images from her special day!
Isn't she divine? Location: Little Bear Golf Club



Liz wanted a glamorous, beauty look. What that called for was beautiful hues of warm mauve colors, with a touch of pink. Fabulous individual lashes topped off her look!


http://www.makeupbymoji.com/cart/images/FLARE.jpg



You all know I love my Bobbi Brown shimmer brick. Every woman in America must have one! ;)

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/5e/5/AAAAAn8YGW4AAAAAAF5Wxw.jpg


Beautiful couple!




Sassafras Bakery! Delightful!






In honor of Halloween, Liz had the fabulous idea of bringing props, and a polaroid into the mix. LOVE!

Such a fun wedding! God bless your marriage Liz!!!!!!!!!





Play time!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xXXRYKHGx6c/SII30lg2hSI/AAAAAAAAANI/2BgkDwFc2fs/s320/88+Palette.jpg
I loooooooooooooooooooooooooove eyeshadows, and literally could spend all day scouring stores for fabulous shades! I have included some of the best palettes on the market for you all!
This puppy above is found at: www.coastalscents.com The shadows are about the size of a dime, and can be applied wet, or dry. $24.99!!!!!!!!!

kvdpalettes.jpg image by jennthestrange

The fabulous tattoo artist Kat Von D has her own line of make-up now. LOVE. You can find all of her collection at my favorite place, Sephora. $48.00 per palette.

http://www.talkingmakeup.com/pics/news/forever600n.jpg

Look at these vibrant, delicious puppies by Make-up Forever! Sephora as well! $38.00


eyecouture1.jpg image by cemikese

If you are a client of moi, you know I love my organic make-up by Tarte Cosmetics. I own every palette. Love the packaging, array of colors, and the it is eco friendly! How sexy! $48.00

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41d7LNZd4kL._SS500_.jpg
This little hot number is called a eyeshadow quad. The colors are so electric, my mouth is watering! Cover Girl Dolls! $4.99!!!!!!

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/birmmail/jul2009/6/8/bobbi-brown-natural-collection-eye-shadow-palette-401412849.jpg

You know I can't leave out my beloved Bobbi Brown! Her palettes are equipped with an applicator brush. LOVE! $60.00

http://images.smarter.com/blogs/stila%20summer%20makeup.jpg

Want a sunkissed re-freshed look? This Stila Cosmetic palette is divine! $28.99



http://www.product-girl.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/trish-mcevoy-simplicity-power-of-makeup-planner-collection.jpg

Love me some Trish dahhhhhlings. How brilliant it is that she actually formulates her products to fit in a planner! Each page is customized with your own color. Now is that fabulous, or what?????
Can you tell me what are some of your favorite palette finds?
http://popartmachine.com/machine/daily/090308/fashion-illustration/Portrait-of-a-Woman-Applying-her-Make-Up-in-Front-of-a-Cafe-pop-art_wallpaper.jpg