Inner Chemist

To pick up where we left off on the last posting, you are fully capable of creating fabulous spa like products at home! I wanted to share a recipe I have for a fabulous mask that is detoxifying, and decadent.

For an amazing mask at home, try this wonderful Strawberry Mask! What you will need:

• 1 very ripe strawberry


• 1 teaspoon of yogurt


• 1 teaspoon of honey


• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch


• oatmeal

Mash the strawberry until it's pulpy. Add the yoghurt and honey and stir to combine. Add the cornstarch and thicken the mask with the oatmeal. You may want to lay your head on a pillow covered with a towel after applying the mask. Wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.



Strawberries are wonderful for softening skin and contain AHAs. It's great for oily and acne prone skin. The mild enzymes and acids in yogurt is another skin softening agent. You will love this mask dolls! Don't forget to apply the mixture to your declotee area. Enjoy!

How fun!

While stocking up on much needed supplies at Sephora, I came across a really cute eye shadow palette from Stila Cosmetics. It's called, Stila Barbie Loves Stila Talking Palette ($72 Value)




I remember spending hours as a little girl playing with Barbie, and admiring her vibrant out to there makeup. I still to this day, stop and gaze at the dolls in their boxes thinking, "Gosh, I would love to find that candy pink color you have near your brow bone, Miss Princess Barbie"....

Of course, I was absolutely thrilled when I saw this sitting on the shelf! I immediately picked this product up, and began to play. The colors go on wet, or dry, and have a hint of sparkle in each one. I recommend this product for all the makeup lovers out there. Have fun with it!

Here is a Mac Cosmetics Ad. Their artists created this amazing look!


My gracious model Sarah, before. And after. We had so much fun!

How to achieve the perfect manicure at home!

Does the economy have you cutting back on trips to the nail salon? Or do you just prefer to do your nails on your own comfy couch?

Make your manicure your designated “me time” and enjoy the quiet time alone; or grab your favorite DVDs and invite your girlfriends over for a manicure party at your place.

Prep Yourself:

There’s nothing like digging through your bathroom drawers to ruin your manicure. Make sure all your tools are lined up before you begin. Protect your workspace from any spills with towels. Most important: Make sure your polish is in good shape. I know it seems old fashioned, but refrigerating your polish will keep it fresh, and gorgeous.

• 100% cotton balls
• Nail polish remover
• Nail files
• Cuticle pusher
• Towels
• One small bowl of warm water
• Good lighting

Go Bare:

Use 100% cotton balls and acetone-free nail polish remover to slip back into your natural shade. Synthetic cotton balls and wadded-up toilet paper need not apply. Quality cotton balls will remove your polish more efficiently. For the best results, soak the cotton ball with remover, then gently remove all layers of color or treatment with a gentle back and forth motion.

Soften Up:

Even if your cuticles aren’t dry and cracking, they still need a little TLC. Massage hands with Sally Hands Cuticle Remover:

After soaking for five minutes, take your cuticle stick, and dip one end of the stick in water, then wrap the end with cotton. Gently push back your cuticles using the cotton-wrapped cuticle stick.

Rank and File:

Next, use a nail buffer. Most nail buffers have numbers on each side, so you know what to start, and end with.

This will give you a smooth, shiny, even finish. It also promotes nail growth!Follow up with your hand scrub, to slough away dead skin cells. Your regular body scrub will do just fine, or I love the Crab Tree Evelyn scrub.

Dry your hands completely, and now file. I prefer a square shape, you may prefer oval. Give both a try!

Get Polished:

Before you start painting, you’ll need a blank canvas. Make sure your nails are free from excess oils and creams to ensure that your polish stays put. I use a ridge filler so that the polish goes on smoother. It acts as a primer.

You don’t have to be Picasso to turn your nails into a masterpiece. Don’t over-apply. Three strokes is all it takes! One in the middle and one on each side ensures a perfect application. Polish that is too thick is likely to smudge when wet, or peel, once dry.

I personally love, and have used for years, Essie Nail Polish
polishes. My favorite is, 'Ballet Slippers' for a classy clean look.

Extra Credit:

Maintenance is a must for making your manicures last, so nourish and protect them! The Burts Bee's cuticle cream is amazing, and don't forget your Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream

Enjoy gorgeous gals!

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!