Vendor Conversation!

Hello cookies! I have been away for a pinch! Busy, busy, busy! I am so excited to update you all on what I have been up too however! I will start by by bring you a vendor conversation that I had with the fabulous Sumer Schmitt of Simply Perfect Weddings! If you are a Pittsburgh bride, this is the wedding planner for you! Visit her website at: www.simplyperfectwedding.net

Here is my vendor conversation:

Makeup Artist Spotlight :: MelissaRoshan

Our next makeup artist in our spotlight series is MelissaRoshan, the owner and creative force behind Makeup By MelissaRoshan. MelissaRoshan is based out of Columbus, Ohio, but also travels to Pittsburgh for on-location makeup clients. Not only is she an amazingly talented makeup artist, she is also one of the nicest and most genuine people I have come across! We hope you enjoy her Q + A session with us below:

1. First off, tell us a little about yourself:

Greetings, my name is MelissaRoshan, and I would like to think I’m about as unique as my name (my first name is actually MelissaRoshan). I am originally from Seattle, Washington.. Fate brought my family to the East Coast seven years ago. I have been a professional model, and make-up artist for a decade now, and I feel so very blessed!

2. How did you get started in makeup artistry?

I started out managing a cosmetics counter in Seattle, Washington. I always had a love for make-up artistry, and decided quickly once I graduated from school, that it was something I wanted to pursue. After growing tired of the demands of retails sales, and realizing there was a certain level of service I wanted to give to my clients, I knew I wanted to freelance on my own.

3. What is your #1 piece of makeup advice for brides on their wedding day?

Less is definitely more. Caking foundation, mascara, and lipliner on, can look un-natural, and ultimately unflattering. The look should be a soft, enhanced version of yourself. I also recommend wearing a perfume you have never worn before. That way, everytime you wear it after your wedding date, you will always be reminded of your special day!

4. What do you like best about your job?

I love the connection I make with the bride, and her bridal party. I am often told that I am more like a girlfriend, rather than a wedding vendor. This is such a honor to hear! I try to combine professionalism, with a down to earth approach for each client.

5. If you weren't a makeup artist, what would you be?

I would definitely say an astronomer. The Universe is unbelievably beautiful, and amazing. To be able to study it’s wonders, would be amazing! I do have to say however, if I were aboard any type of space craft, I would require/demand make-up!!!!

6. What is one thing you absolutely cannot live without?

I cannot live without my Blackberry, especially during wedding season!

7. If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

Sumer Schmitt from Simply Perfect Weddings! {Aww, thanks dear! I promise I did not pay her to say that!}

Please share a few of your favorite photos from your portfolio of work:



Shannon Williams Photography

Scott Cunningham Photography

Okay lovely chicas! I'll be back soon!

I'm okey dokey with the new line Tokidoki!

Hello Fabulous Ones!

I hope all of you have been well :) Things have been completely hectic lately with weddings, and my modeling projects have picked up as well :). I feel very blessed, and well, busy! If you're not already a "fan" on my Facebook Page, I would like to invite you to join. I update there quite often, and would love to hear from you! Simply go to: Facebook dot com, and search: 'Make-up By MelissaRoshan'. Thanks so much!

Wanted to share with you all a new ammmmazing line of make-up that I discovered at my candy store: Sephora :)

The line is a Japanese based line called: 'tokidoki' (no capital letters in the title). This line has long been popular for its terrific roller-skates, pillow cases, apparel, and much more. It just now made it's way over to the beauty industry, and I am so glad it did! The colors are incredibly vibrant, emollient, and totally inspires me as an artist.


From eyeshadows, to cremestick liners, this line is for the make-up diva that is not afraid of color.

I personally am LOVING their Perfetto Eyeliner pen. It provides optimal precision, and the colors are waterproof!!!!! Hooray! ;)


I also snagged a Punk Lash Mascara in Sabochan (purple)




I'll be doing a photo shoot in New York City in a couple of days and the editor requested very bright high pigmented colors. Tokidoki will most DEFINITELY be in my travel kit.

Check out the line makeupnistas! I promise you won't be let down! Hugs, and I'll be back soon!

Fashion Shoot with Stephanie Matthews Photography

I recently had the complete honor, and pleasure of working with the very talented team of: www.stephaniematthewsphotography.dphoto.com, www.artraedwards.dphoto.com (hair) www.brianchawkins.com (hair), Label Yourself fashion designer, and gorgeous models. The energy was great, and below you'll see that we created utter magic :) Our inspiration was very avant garde Spring...

Heyman Talent Model: Deja C. Hair, Artra Edwards


Model: Sonya B. Hair: Brian C. Hawkins
'

Heyman Talent Model: Amy C. Hair: Brian C. Hawkins


Heyman Talent Model: Tara B. Hair: Brian C. Hawkins


Behind the scenes: Brian fixing Sonya's do'.. Check out that gorgeous eye make-up! (Smile)


Artra fixing Brittany Schroeder


Brittany, and Deja


Docherty Model: Victoria


The photographer, and I :)


The fabulous model Tara B., and I

Docherty Model: Victoria




I had such a lovely time!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for passing by, I will be back shortly! Ciao!

Bride for the day!

Recently, I had the pleasure of being part of an amazing creative team: Lisa of www.redgalleryphoto.com, Kristin of www.bigrocklittlerooster.com, The Floral Design Studio, and Brandon Perrigo at www.studiofovero.com. I got the chance to tap into my old school roots in modeling, and be a bride for the day! Ohhhhh! The fun we had! Check out the pics! (Please note, all pictures are copy-righted, and are not to be re-used)


It was sooo hard to part with this Vera Wang!










If you are in need of photos for any purpose, you MUST call Red Gallery! LOVE them. Brandon over at Studio Fovero----AMAZING! Call him! Big Rock Little Rooster---THE BEST DRESSES IN TOWN!

Frame the windows to your soul..

I was inspired to put out this blog posting after a beautiful model inquired about brow shaping. I can't tell you how many times I see women with "bad brows", and how it takes away from their beauty.

Let's first talk about what a bad brow is, and then we will discuss how to get the perfect brow! Note: All photos were captured from online sources.


Overly tweezed brows, then re-drawn on poorly.


No, no, no!



Same thing here..


Love Madge, but her brows even in in the 80's were a no-no. Overly grown, un-kept, and penciled way too dark!

So how do you get the perfect brow shape?

Remember, everyone's (males too)brows should begin at the point shown above, and the arch should begin right above your pupil. The end of the brow should be a smidge thinner, and end at the outer corner of your eye.

People try to do all kinds of things with their brows, like forcing a high arch to lift the face. No, no! Your brows frame your features. If you over-tweeze, and show too much brow bone, all of your features will look out of proportion. Additionally, don't listen to anyone who says there's a trendy shape right now. ALWAYS follow your own brow bone, and shape. A perfect eyebrow can add a lot of impact to your eyes. They frame the shape of the eyes, and so can either make you look old, and harsh, or soft, and young.

I highly recommend growing your eyebrows out completely, and letting a professional shape them. After that point, you can simply maintain. If you should decide to do it on your own, here are the steps you will want to follow:

Purchase some high quality brow stencils. I prefer to use the celebrity artist Anastasia's: www.anastasia.net

These amazing stencils are fool-proof, and will allow you to get the perfect shape. If you're tweezing on freshly grown brows, they are perfect, or if you are filling in your brows (your own brows won't grow anymore) they are for you.

1. Brush brows upward. Carefully trim any excess hair above the top of your natural arch. Be careful not to take off too much at the ends or you'll have brow "bald" spots.
2. Look closely at the shape. Your brow should begin at your tear duct, peak at the outer edge of your iris and end at the outer corner of your eye.
3. Prep: Soaking a cotton ball in astringent and wipe the brow area.
4. Hold a pencil in line with the outer side of your iris and note where the peak of your arch naturally occurs. From the arch to the outer corner of the eye, your brow should fall in a straight or slightly curved line, depending on the look you're trying to achieve.
5. Hold your tweezers at a 45 degree angle and pluck the stray hairs below the brow line. Pull in the direction of the hair growth, or you may end up breaking the hair mid-shaft. Follow your natural brow shape, not the trends. It's very difficult to let your brows grow back into their natural shape after you've plucked them to death trying to achieve a particular look.
6. Fill in sparse areas with a freshly sharpened brow pencil ; use light, quick strokes to draw in hair. Brow powder will give thin brows overall definition, and is great for a more natural look. Using the brow brush, sweep powder up and outward over brows. If you're a brow novice, a tinted brow gel is a foolproof way to keep brows in place. Lightly coat brows using upward and outward strokes. Wipe off any excess and allow it to set.
Check out the below examples of before/afters. This isn't my work, but rather examples I found online.


Brows that are barely there, have been filled in, and look gorgeous. Opt for soft natural colors.

A great fill in. Her brows are measuring nicely.



Another nice example..


Not only are her brows shaped, but they were lightened too which softens her look. Lightening of the brows should always be done by a pro. You can blind yourself with the dye!


Uh-oh! Her brows were overly tweezed. A nice fill in took care of that.

She is covering her gray hairs. A great dye job, and soft brow powder does the trick :)

Source of before/after photos: http://www.eyebrowz.com/creating.htm

So to sum it up, here are the tools you will need:




A sharp, precise tweezer.

A great pair of brow scissors, and brow comb.

A great brow powder.. Visit Sephora to find the best on the market. The above shown is by Anastasia. You will also need an angled make-up brush. Don't spend an arm, and a leg please. Your local art supply store has just what you need.


I also looooooove Brow Duality. It is a nice high lighter for underneath the brow. Definitely a must have.


Lastly, you may use the brow stencils, and you're on your way! Any questions? You know what to do! I'm only an e-mail away!

XOXO