Vows and the Vanity

Wedding Makeup 2011

2011-02-10T23:37:00.001-07:00

The phone is starting to ring with inquiries for the upcoming season. My best advice for brides-to-be is to book early so you can secure your date. I cannot confirm your date without a makeup trial and signed contract. If you wait too long you run the risk of your date being taken.

In other news, I am currently training to become a certified semi-permanent lash extension technician. WOW, that is a mouthful :). I have taken my class and am in the midst of completing my “practical” requirements. So look forward to Makeup Matters offering another service in tandem with makeup application.

Went to Sephora this week to replenish some products for the kit. I picked up some Laura Mercier concealer and shadows from NARS and Dior. Galapagos from NARS is a beautiful dark chocolate shadow with gold flecks. I also grabbed the Pandora duo which contains white shimmer and black matte shadows. Like all NARS shadows they are richly pigmented and blend incredibly well. Gris Gris from Dior is an eyeshadow quint that contains a pale blue silver shimmer, grey, shimmery black, silver shimmer and pearl white shimmer. Great colours to help blue eyes “pop” as well as for creating a smoky eye look.

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Boudoir with Blackbird

2010-09-27T23:28:00.001-06:00

Hey Ladies, are you looking for a gift that your fiancé/ husband will love? Consider booking a boudoir session with Blackbird Photography. The Fall Boudoir Sessions are available for October 24th and November 14th, 2010. You will have the services of a professional photographer, hairstylist and makeup artist to get camera-ready. The image above is an example of the sexy yet tasteful work of Blackbird Photography’s team of artists.

Photography: Reanna of Blackbird Photography

Hair: Stacie from The Hair House

Makeup: Melissa of Makeup Matters

Please follow the link provided to enquire about booking a time.

Splurge versus Steal

2010-08-12T14:30:00.001-06:00

I often get asked what products are worth spending extra money on. My number one answer without fail is- FOUNDATION! It evens out the skin tone as well as setting the base for the products to be applied over top of it. I would suggest that you spend most of your beauty bucks for a great foundation that suits your skin tone and type. My picks would be Make Up For Ever (MUFE) in the Face and Body(sheer coverage) or HD (medium to full coverage) formulations. For oil-free foundation, I would have to choose Laura Mercier which is medium to full coverage. This foundation is heavier consistency wise than the MUFE so you don’t need to use as much but work fast as it seems to set quickly. When working with mature skin, my go-to product is Chanel Vitalumiere. It is a medium coverage foundation with light reflecting properties that gives aging skin a more youthful glow without reading as too shiny for photographs. I also recommend spending money on high quality eyeshadows and blush. For each of these products you are looking for a balance between enough pigment and superior blendability. The majority of my eyeshadows are from Dior, NARS, Laura Mercier and MUFE. My favourite blush of all time is Vincent Longo’s Day/Play blush in Cheeky Cherub. One side is pink and the other a darker rose which matches a natural blush for most skin tones. NARS and Stila both rank high on my list as well.

You can definitely save money where eyeliners, mascara, lipstick and gloss are concerned. GOSH (found at Shopper’s Drug Mart) has a huge range of liners-waterproof, kohl and glitter. Revlon has nice lipsticks and glosses. The mascara I carry in my kit is Carbon Black Voluminous by L’Oreal.

What do you prefer to spend your makeup money on?

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Best Sephora Visit Yet

2010-08-09T16:08:00.001-06:00

It takes quite a bit to get me really excited about makeup shopping. The reason being is that you tend to see the same colours and textures over and over and over with a slight variation here and there. Don’t get me wrong, I like to look and have to update/replenish my kit but I don’t normally leave with a feeling of “Wow! That was great.” Until this past Thursday. I had the pleasure of talking to the lovely Heather, who is the Western Rep for Make Up For Ever. I have met her previously and she is very approachable and knows that brand inside and out. She was just finishing up but took time before she left to discuss some of the newer products from MUFE and application techniques. I am not a big fan of being able to see texture of makeup on the skin and she was able to show me how to “play” with some of the products to achieve a more natural finish. This may literally change the way I do makeup in regards to blush and cream shadows. I had been shying away from purchasing any of the new MUFE HD Microfinish blushes as they are EXTREMELY pigmented but with Heather’s advice I will definitely be incorporating some into my kit. I also picked up a travel set of the HD Complexion Kit which includes a serum, primer and powder designed to work with the HD range of products which are spectacular themselves. They had a gift with purchase happening and I was able to score a trial size of the HD Microfinish blush in Smooth Talker (pale pink).

As I continued to look around some products on the Tarte display caught my attention. Most of my brides have grown up wearing gloss and really do not like the feel of lipstick on their lips. Most agree to wear lipstick the day of their weddings as it tends to last longer than gloss but for those who wouldn’t the best I could offer was a lipstain with gloss over top. What caught my attention at Tarte are the new Natural Lipstains with Lipsurgence Technology. Wow, that is a mouthful, lol. What they basically are is a glossy lipcreme in the form of a chubby pencil that stains the lip. The texture is very glossy but with the pigment of a sheer lipstick. When that fades away you are left with a subtle stained lip. Which is unlike either gloss or lipstick as when they are gone, they’re gone. They also offer a matte formulation. I picked up Charmed (light pink) and Enchanted (rose). I will probably pick up Amused (bright pink) as well.

Thursday also happened to be Sephora’s birthday and I received a free dual ended gloss by Benefit. It was a great visit all around and it was wonderful to see some really innovative products on the shelves.

Girl Talk

2010-07-22T23:52:00.001-06:00

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One of the benefits of being a makeup artist is that I get to “talk” makeup with women on a regular basis which is just as enjoyable as applying makeup. The bonus is that I get product recommendations of things I may not have tried otherwise from my awesome clients.

I am very loyal to many of the brands I carry in my kit. I’m talking about you-Makeup For Ever, Dior, Nars and Laura Mercier. These brands comprise a large chunk of my stash. Makeup For Ever foundations rock and they are a very innovative company. Dior for their amazingly silky smooth eye shadows. Nars for luscious lipstick and blush. Laura Mercier for her “flawless face” must-haves (primer, concealer etc.)

Two products that I have been recently introduced to by clients are Clinique gel liner and L’Oreal True Match liquid foundation in N1. I have tried many black gel liners-MAC, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown. I swear Clinique’s gel liner in True Black is the blackest of the black. Some black gel liners turn sort of charcoal-y when applied. So if you are looking for an uber-black liner go check it out at your nearest Clinique counter.

L’Oreal True match foundation in N1 was quite a surprise to me. I carry many foundations in my kit and can always mix a perfect match. Or so I thought until I met a client who had very pale skin to the point of almost seeming translucent. The lightest foundation in my kit was still too dark. She brought her foundation out and sure enough it was almost a perfect match to her skin tone. She told me that she had tried many brands of foundation in all price ranges but that True Match was the best match. I am strongly considering adding this colour to my kit, I just have to determine whether it has the lasting power I demand.

Edmonton Makeup Artist-Sarah’s Wedding

2010-04-22T15:40:00.001-06:00

A great big thank you goes out to Nikole of Nikole Bordato Photography for allowing me to feature her work on my blog. She is an incredible photographer and was kind enough to offer advice on how to improve my own photography skills and an easier way to blog. I love how she is able to capture an emotion with her images. Please check out her link for your wedding photography needs and you’ll see exactly what I am talking about.

Sarah is one of the most calm brides I have had the pleasure to work with. It was such a pleasure to apply the makeup for her and her bridesmaids. She has the most incredible smile. She wanted a very natural look for her wedding, so I chose a palette of colours close to her skin tone that would enhance her own natural beauty.

How to Curl Stubborn Straight Lashes

2010-04-15T23:35:00.001-06:00

This post may be of particular interest to those of Asian descent or anyone who has particularly straight lashes. It is a three step process but not a very difficult technique. I have had quite good success with it and hope you find it useful too. Work on one eye at a time.

The first step is to curl your lashes with a standard eyelash curler such as the one by Shu Uemura. Be sure to get as close to the base of the lash as possible and squeeze the curler a few times. If your lashes are long enough, curl at the mid-length of the lash as well using the same technique.

The second step is to apply ONE coat of mascara. Working quickly, move onto the third step.

The third step (ensuring the mascara is still wet, very important) is to use a heated eyelash curler (Japonesque) and to “"lift” the base of the lashes. Pause. Then slide the curler along the length of the lash. Follow-up with as many additional coats of mascara as needed.

*Important note: I do not suggest using the Shu type curler after mascara has been applied as you run the risk of the mascara and lashes sticking to the pad and you may inadvertently pull your eyelashes out. The heated eyelash curler has a completely different design making the pulling out of lashes less likely.

I purchased my Shu Uemura curler at Sephora and the Japonesque heated lash curler at Beauty Express (Southgate Mall).

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What is Airbrush Makeup?

2010-04-12T22:42:00.001-06:00

When I talk about airbrush makeup, I specifically mean airbrush foundation. Blush and eye shadow can be airbrushed but I prefer to apply those in the traditional manner.

Airbrush foundation is applied by means of an airbrush and air compressor. The airbrush looks similar to a pen. The foundation is dropped into a little bowl on top the airbrush. The compressor blows a stream of air through the airbrush thus dispersing the foundation into tiny droplets towards the face. Foundation applied via airbrush will be lighter than can be applied by hand.

I currently use OCC for my airbrush foundations. They are water based and oil-free as well as being resistant to sweat and tears. They offer matte coverage without looking dry. Exactly what I need for my brides.

Lise Watier Go Discovery Set

2010-04-05T21:57:00.001-06:00

London Drugs currently has a great deal on some Lise Watier trial size goodies. The Go Discovery Set contains trial sizes of their professional corrector, primer, black mascara, bronzer and waterproof brown eyeliner. For only $29 your are well on your way to having your makeup “needs” met for your wedding day. Pick up some eyeshadow, blush, lip colour and a set of brushes and you are pretty well set to start creating your perfect wedding day look.

I have personally used both the Portfolio professional corrector and the Base Miracle primer. They are excellent products. The corrector has ivory and tan cream colours that could be mixed together to give you a custom under eye concealer . They would work well on fair to medium skin tones. The primer not only fills in pores but will help your makeup last through the big day.

Search for the Perfect Powder

2010-03-31T13:08:00.001-06:00

Over the years I have carried many different powders in my kit. Brands ranging from MAC, Cinema Secrets and Prescriptives. The MAC powder was my least favourite as it “flashed back” at the camera. Cinema Secrets was great but I can’t buy it locally so I decided to switch to something else. The Prescriptives brand is no longer in existence, the powder was just ok in my opinion. I currently carry Makeup Forever HD Microfinish powder in my kit. I prefer to use colourless powder as it can be used on all skintones thus cutting down on the amount of products I have to pack. I am quite happy with it the majority of the time but I am always on the look out for something better.

I’ve been eyeing the loose powders from BY TERRY for quite some time. I was able to obtain a sample of Vanilla Banane from the Sephora at West Ed. I like to be able to “play” with the product before committing to purchase. The finish is absolutely gorgeous. It mattifies yet also has a luminosity that is no where near shiny. Shine is the enemy in bridal photography, lol. It is very pricey - $72 at Sephora but I am strongly considering adding it to my kit.

Makeup Trial: What To Expect

2010-03-28T23:37:00.001-06:00

If you’ve never experienced a makeup trial, you may wonder what it is all about and why you need one. Hopefully this post will give you an idea of what to expect with a makeup trial done by yours truly.

Reserve two hours of your time. I arrive at your location with my makeup case and chair in hand. It will take me approximately 5- 10 minutes to set up. I will apply a full makeup (primer, foundation, eye shadow, blush, lipstick etc) including individual false lashes. All along the way, asking your input on colour preference. After the initial makeup application, I will have you view the finished “look” and ask your opinions and if you care to make any changes. We will continue to tweak the look as necessary to ensure your complete satisfaction. I like to conduct my trials as a collaboration. After we have decided on the final look, I will have you sign a contract and pay a deposit to reserve your service for the day of the wedding.

Things you can do to prepare for the trial:

Cleanse and moisturize your face

Compile pictures of makeup looks you like (magazines or online)

Picture of/or the actual wedding dress and flowers

Swatch of bridesmaids dress colours if they are having makeup applied

Ensure I have a place to set up that has a lot of natural light and a flat surface for the makeup products

If possible wear a shirt in a similar colour to your wedding dress

The trial is necessary to determine the look we will create for the day of the wedding. As well, it gives us an opportunity to establish a level of trust. Personally, I would not feel comfortable having a complete stranger apply my makeup for such an important event as a wedding without having met them prior. It also saves time on the day of the wedding (schedule 1 hour for the bride and 45 minutes each for any additional person requiring service).

Bathing Beauty-Kikko Soapworks

2010-03-19T14:35:00.001-06:00

I think oftentimes that body care takes a backseat in bridal beauty preparations. Skin care? Check! Teeth whitening? Check! Diet/workout? Check! Hair? Check! Tan (sunless)? Check! Body care? Ummmm…….

Obviously you cleanse your body regularly, right? Heck, you may even slather some moisturizer on. You’ll probably be hugged, kissed and touched more on your wedding day than any other day in your adult life. Most wedding dresses expose more skin than your average daily outfit, right? What better way to pamper yourself than investing in some fabulous bath and body care products!

I have a strong preference for handcrafted artisan bath and body products. I also prefer that the scent be derived from essential oils. I really appreciate the artistry involved in creating such products. Not to mention the luxurious ingredients! To get your skin “wedding ready” I would suggest bar soap, body scrub and body butter.

I intend to do an ongoing feature of Canadian based small businesses that create luxurious bath and body products. The first company that I would like to introduce is Kikko Soapworks. Though I have not yet had the pleasure of using their products, they have been on my “must try” list for some time. Firstly, their presentation really caught my eye. I love the simplicity of their design. Their soaps contain some of the best oils utilized for making cold process soap. And I have no doubt that the soaps would be a treat for your skin. Solace –a blend of May Chang, Clary Sage, Himalayan Cedarwood and Benzoin sounds amazing.

For a gentle body exfoliant you can’t go wrong with a creamy sugar scrub. The type of scrub offered by Kikko Soapworks washes away nicely without leaving a grease slick behind. Just soft hydrated skin. My pick would be the exotic sounding Kashmira scent-amber, patchouli, blood orange, ylang ylang and black pepper.

If you are new to using a body butter, remember a little goes a loooonnngg way! They are not the type of body butter you find at mass retailers. The butters I am referring to are a mixture of skin care oils and exotic butters (ie. shea butter). They may take a little getting used to if you are a lotion user. They take longer to sink into the skin and can be quite oily if too much is applied. Kikko’s Shea Therapy in the Enfleurage scent sounds delightfully floral and citrusy-lavender, petitgrain, ylang ylang, rosewood, sweet orange, may chang and patchouli.

I will definitely post a review when I purchase these products.

Best Makeup for Destination Brides

2010-03-18T21:53:00.001-06:00

In case you weren’t aware, I offer makeup lessons for destination brides. The time commitment is approximately 2 hours. We discuss skin care, suitable products and technique. I will apply the makeup to one side of your face and teach you how to apply on the other half. Check out my website (link in sidebar) for more information.

When considering makeup needs for destination brides you really must take into account the setting. If you are getting married on the beach I would suggest a more “relaxed” makeup look. I think an overly made-up look would seem out of place for the ceremony. Go a bit more glamorous for the reception if it is being held indoors.

A decent foundation primer is a must to help your makeup stay in place throughout the ceremony. A good choice for foundation would be a tinted moisturizer. They are almost undetectable on the skin and great if you don’t require mucho coverage. Don’t forget concealer if you have under eye circles. Laura Mercier would be my top picks for any of these products.

For eyeshadow you can’t go wrong with creaseless cream shadows. Though I would suggest using an eyelid primer such as Urban Decay’s Primer Potion under them for longevity. My top picks for shadows would be Benefit and Shiseido. Makeup Forever makes a great waterproof eyeliner called Aqua Eyes in a myriad of colours. Finish off with a few clumps of individual lashes and a couple of swipes of waterproof mascara (L’Oreal Voluminous, perhaps). Don’t forget to fill in your brows, it really does make a difference to the whole look.

For blush I have two words for you—Beach Tint. This wonderful product is from Becca Cosmetics. It is a cheek stain in a creme format. It absolutely rocks and smells fantastic. The “watermelon” colour would suit almost anyone. You could also highlight with NARS multiple in Copacabana.

Lipstains would be an excellent choice for lip colour. Beaute Cosmetics has some unique colours (Harlot, Flouron or Fever). You could also try Benetint or Posie Tint from Benefit Cosmetics. Follow up with a dab of lipgloss for shine.

Set your makeup with a colourless powder such as Makeup Forever’s HD microfinish powder. And that is it. Easy Peasy!

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Edmonton Makeup Artist- Melissa's Wedding

2010-03-17T21:56:00.003-06:00

I am beyond thrilled to be able to share these images with you. A big thank you to Jackie Hutchinson for allowing me to share them with you. She is a supremely talented photographer and creates the most beautiful images. Do yourself a favour and click the link to view her website.

I had the pleasure of applying Melissa's makeup for her wedding at the end of August last year. She was referred to me from Amy, one of my previous brides. I love when that happens! She has such beautiful eyes and we chose to play those up the most.

Hey Edmonton Brides to Be

2010-03-17T00:04:00.002-06:00

Ladies, just a quick post to let you know that I would be more than happy to answer any of your makeup questions. Feel free to ask me about products or technique. Just post a comment to this topic and I will do my best to answer you.

Benefit Cosmetics Shadow Rave!

2010-03-16T23:23:00.003-06:00

As I stated in my previous post I have added some of Benefit's creaseless cream shadows to my kit. I had the opportunity to use them this past weekend at a wedding makeup trial. They are PHENOMENAL! They blend incredibly well, look great sheer or layered and the finish is amazing. The pigment is great and I love how they look on the skin. Often times to get the depth of colour I want with powder shadow, the lid can look somewhat "dry". These shadows eliminate that look alltogether.

RUN to your nearest Sephora or Shopper's and drop the $24 for any one of the colours. You will not be disappointed, they are worth every penny.

So It Begins!

2010-03-12T14:16:00.003-07:00

The emails have started to roll in within the last month which means the start of my wedding season for 2010 has officially begun. I look forward to meeting many new faces and getting to "play" with new products for my kit.

I currently have a few brands of foundation in my kit. I like each of them for different reasons. I've just recently added Laura Mercier Oil-free to the line up and I couldn't be happier. It offers medium coverage yet doesn't feel heavy and looks quite natural. I detest heavy looking, mask-like foundation. I want to see some SKIN!

Another new addition is Benefit Cosmetics creaseless cream shadows. I have other cream shadows in my kit but Benefit has some really unique and beautiful colours. Picked up Skinny Jeans (lovely pewter) and Busy Signal (golden brown). I may go to either Sephora or Shopper's today and pick up Stilleto (aubergine) which would be fantastic for those green-eyed girls or stunning on darker skinned ladies.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

2009-11-15T09:20:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all the beautiful brides who enlisted me for their makeup needs this year. I really enjoy my job and working with such wonderful women makes it all the better. Looking forward to next season!

Why hire a makeup artist?

2009-02-22T00:02:00.002-07:00

You may have asked yourself this very question. With all the expense surrounding weddings in general is it really necessary to pay for someone to apply your makeup? In my opinion-yes! Ok, ok what would you expect me to say, lol. All joking aside, it is a wise investment to have a professional makeup artist by your side. As a bride you will want to look your best as all eyes will be on you and your future husband.

Generally, makeup artists are one of the least expensive vendors involved in the wedding industry. Wedding photography is not inexpensive. The photographs are a tangible reminder of that special day. Why leave it to chance? A professional makeup artist can help you design a look that emphasizes your true beauty yet is "camera ready". They understand lighting and its affect on makeup. They utilize products and techniques to increase the longevity of the makeup. They understand colour and will create a harmonious makeup palette with consideration given to your flowers and wedding decor.

If you choose to go it alone you will probably need to invest hundreds of dollars in product and tools. Mass market (ie. drugstore) brand cosmetics really won't suffice. They do not contain enough pigment for the camera lens and all day wear. You would want to find products that have depth of colour yet do not look heavy on the skin. These are usually found at higher end retailers. Just for starters, to create a long lasting makeup you would need:

primer (face)
foundation
concealer
highlighting pen
eyeshadow primer
eyeshadow (at least 3 different colours)
eyeliner
mascara
brow powder or liner
blush (2 colours)
loose powder
highlighting powder
bronzer
lip liner
lipstick
lip gloss
setting spray

Hope I did not forget anything. This list does not take into account the brushes, sponges etc. needed to apply said makeup. Any makeup artist that takes their business seriously will have all these products in their kit. Plus more. In a nutshell this is why I suggest hiring a professional, plus it feels nice to be pampered.

Wink, Wink

2009-01-06T12:42:00.006-07:00

Fabulous flirty lashes can be yours for the cost of a set of fake lashes and glue. False lashes do take some practice to apply so start well ahead of your wedding so you will have ample time. You can find fake lashes sold in clumps (individuals) or strip lashes at practically any drugstore. Predominantly, I use the individual lashes. Unless, I have a client with extremely sparse lashes then I will use a 3/4 strip of lashes.

When choosing individual lashes I go with Ardell in the brown short and medium lengths. The shorts are still plenty long for many clients and the mediums even moreso. I usually have to cut them down regardless. I find the brown colour suitable for most most people, even those with lashes on the light side. My preferred glue is Duo which is a surgical adhesive and can be found at London Drugs or MAC stores.

Three-quarter length lashes aren't as easy to come by and you may have to search them out. I prefer the i Nouvi brand in Prolash 3 or 4. Here in Edmonton they can be found at Lux Beauty Boutique.

I figure it would be best to share a link to a video tutorial that shows how to apply lashes then to try and explain it here in detail. Tricia Sawyer is a celebrity makeup artist and has many great tutorials on her website. She is an expert in her field. She clearly and concisely demonstrates the techniques used by makeup artists. Besides having your own personal makeup artist, this is the next best thing. Check out her videos here and click the tutorial link.

Reflection

2008-12-31T08:10:00.003-07:00

Since my last post I have given considerable thought to what I want to accomplish with this blog. Obviously, I've been very spotty with my posts. I'm looking to fix that. Foremost, I want it to be a resource for brides who are looking for tips, products, or hiring a makeup artist for doing their makeup for the wedding. I want to broaden the scope a little to include Edmonton "finds" be it shops or services. There are so many reasons to shop locally. Lastly, I plan to share a little about myself. So there we have it.

I think that if I set aside a scheduled time to post that it will work in my favour. Normally, I live life by "going with the flow". Time tends to slip away. I do get a lot accomplished during the day, just not anything associated with the blog. So I may have to do a little less housework (awww) and set aside a block of time to post. I also have to work on my proficiency with the computer itself. It takes me 10x longer to do things related to the blog than it probably should because I'm not technology savvy.

Until next time,

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Tools of the Trade

2008-10-25T00:18:00.007-06:00

Makeup brushes are an integral part of the bride's beauty arsenal. They can be bought as a set though I prefer to pick my brushes individually. A good basic set should have at least five brushes. If you want them to travel with you, it's best to buy short handled ones. Ensure that your set contains at the very least a flat eyeshadow, eyeshadow blender, blush, lip and powder brush.

The Kirkland brush set from Costco is a good buy. It is inexpensive ($19.99) yet contains a great assortment of brushes. I do find that the blush and powder brushes are not very soft so I chose not to use them, your results may vary. The eyebrushes seem to be more gentle on the skin.

How pretty is the BCA set from Sephora !!!!!!!!! This darling set contains five mini brushes (powder, eyshadow, lip, eyeliner and concealer). The perfect size to use for touch ups prior to pictures and at the reception. You would also be supporting a great cause. $1 from the sale of each set will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Now for those who want all out luxury, take a look at these. They were designed by Beau Nelson, a very talented makeup artist who also happens to be Canadian. You may have seen his work on a famous celebrity, perhaps on Canada's Next Top Model or in a magazine spread. Though I have never had the pleasure of using his brushes, I am sure that they are amazing. Take a little extra time and browse his online tutorials. The brushes are sold at both Holt Renfrew and the Beaute website.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-10-12T22:40:00.002-06:00

Wowzers! It didn't seem like I was away from the blog for that long. Things have been hectic around here with the start of school, hockey, Taekwondo. I promise I will be back with beauty related updates this week. Until then.................

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Perfect Palettes

2008-09-12T09:26:00.006-06:00

Nars has taken all the guesswork out for brides by compiling a fabulous "Bridal" palette. It contains four powder eyeshadows (cream shimmer, rose shimmer, plum with gold shimmer, black with pearlescent red) , three variations of sheer pink lipstick, a pink gloss, beige highlighter and the ever popular Orgasm blush.

The diy bride can create many looks from subtle to dramatic with this palette. Not to mention the ease and practicality of having it all at your finger tips in this slim-line case.

http://www.narscosmetics.com/

Though not marketed specifically as a bridal palettes, I think you cannot go wrong with any of the Hourglass Cosmetics palettes. Each luxurious palette contains six flattering shades of eyeshadow along with two blushes. The texture of the powders is phenomenal. Silky and richly pigmented. Available at Sephora.

Makeup Clients

2008-09-06T14:01:00.002-06:00

Above is a collage of some of the beautiful ladies with whom I have worked.

I have worked as a makeup artist for approximately seven years. I've trained both locally (in Edmonton) and in New York City. My services consist of both traditional and airbrush makeup. I would define my "style" as natural, refined beauty. My focus is to create a timeless, radiant look that is camera ready. For your convenience all makeup applications are done on-site, this includes the makeup trial.

Please feel free to contact me through this blog with any inquiries.

Etsy Goodness

2008-09-04T14:23:00.004-06:00

I love Etsy. I could seriously spend hours there browsing. Whilst performing a search today I googled Etsy and weddings and lo and behold I came across etsywedding. What a beautiful blog! Created by Jen while she helped plan her sister's wedding, it showcases all that is great about Etsy and truly unique finds that will add beauty and originality to your event.

Lovely Lips

2008-09-01T20:44:00.002-06:00

Great lipsticks can be found at any price point. I use high priced brands as well as drugstore finds. The lipstick I reach for the most is Dolce Vita from Nars, a sheer dusty rose shade. It photographs beautifully and looks quite natural on many women. I tend to go for a more subdued lip, as I normally put the emphasis on the eyes. Other colours I like are Midimauve and Captive from MAC and Sandalwood Beige from Revlon.

A Touch of Blush

2008-08-29T13:55:00.003-06:00

Blush can look very overdone (read clownish) if not applied correctly. The correct placement for blush is the "apple" of the cheek. To locate your "apple", look into a mirror and smile. The part that protrudes is considered the apple. It is approximately two fingertips away from your nose. For the most natural looking blush, you have to blend, blend, blend. Preferably with a blush brush for powder or fingertips/sponge for creme.

Another point of consideration for brides is the finish of the blush (matte, satin, creme). I prefer to use matte blush for weddings. The reasoning is shimmery blush can look somewhat "greasy" in photographs. The mica particles reflect light back to the camera and create unwanted shine. There are matte powders and matte creme blushes. My fave colours are light pink, peach and rose. My favourite powder blush is from Vincent Longo. The Day/Play Duo blush compact in Cheeky Cherub. The powder blends extremely well and the pink and rose colours complement a variety of skin tones. Mr. Longo's products can be found at Vincent Longo or Sephora.

My choices for creme blushes are Becca and Stila. I tend to use these on mature/dry skin types. Powder on those skin types looks really dry. There is also the option of using creme on normal skin then using powder blush over top to increase staying power. I would avoid using it on oily skin because the oil in the blush combined with the oils on the skin would require constant touch ups throughout the day. Not what you want on your wedding day. From Becca I like Turkish Rose and Byzantine. From Stila-Lilium, Petunia and Poppy.

I Adore Dior

2008-08-26T21:48:00.006-06:00

If I was limited to one brand of eyeshadow in my kit ( oh the horror!!!), I would have to go with Dior. My favourite thing about these shadows are that they go on like silk and blend like a dream. Take my word for it, it is much easier to build intensity than it is to blend eyeshadow that is overly pigmented with no slip.The colour selection is vast and decently pigmented. Dior sells both single shadows as well as a quint palette (5 shadows). The last time I checked the singles retailed for $28 and the 5 shadows for $55 CAD.

My most used Dior quints are Night Dust (top), Incognito (middle) and Beige Massai (bottom). These are all neutrals. The colours flatter a variety of skin tones and eye colours.

The shadows can be purchased at Sephora.

Foundation Fave

2008-08-21T11:23:00.002-06:00

Foundation helps to give the face an even tone. Any sort of redness (ruddy cheeks) or blueness (under eye circles) can be exagerated in photographs. This is why I spend most of my time "perfecting" the complection with foundation. It has to look flawless, yet natural. This does not mean a heavy mask-like application. It is best to choose a foundation that has a good amount of pigment that can be sheered down. This is why I use Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation.

It is a professional quality cream foundation. The coverage is semi-matte. It is water and sweat resistant, which is a serious consideration for weddings. My method of using this is to make it sheer by adding moisturizer. I have to customize the ratio of foundation to moisturizer for each client, based on coverage requirements. It can also be used straight. Cinema Secrets also sells "Moisture Spray" which can be sprayed on a sponge to help dilute the product when applying. As you can see, this product is very versatile.

The colour range is outstanding. I think one would have a hard time not finding a colour to match their skin tone. I custom match skin tones by blending colours. The foundation palettes are great space savers for my kit. I just have to buy the full size product to refill the palette when needed. For those that are not professional makeup artists, it may take some time getting a "feel" for the product. Take the time to experiment, you'll be very happy with the results.

Cinema Secrets can be found here. If you live in Canada try here

Primer Primer

2008-08-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

One of the keys to longer lasting makeup is to use a primer. These silicone based products help provide a layer between the oils from your skin and your makeup. This layer helps to extend the wear of the rest of your cosmetics ( foundation, blush, etc).

My "go to" product is Makeup Forever's All Mat. This primer is oil-free and also contains mattifying powder ingredients to help combat shine. As with most silicone primers it has a soft , cushiony though slick texture. The consistency of the product allows for smooth application while filling in enlarged pores. To apply, I wait until the moisturizer has had some time to sink in. I prefer to use my finger tips to apply this product. I apply as I would moisturizer, yet concentrating the application in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). A pea-sized drop should be sufficient for the entire face. This product is recommended for normal to oily skin. I would say that I use this 90% of the time.

The second primer I carry in my kit is the Lisse Minute Perfecting Touch primer from Clarins. It is a silicone based primer, as well. So the application is the same as above. I like to use this on mature or drier skin types. It contains micro pearls which reflect light, I find helps give a "glow" to skin that may need a little boost.

Both primers can be found here. Tomorrows topic is foundation.

Start to Finish

2008-08-19T23:18:00.000-06:00

For those that wish to do your own makeup for your wedding, I thought I would share what products I use to achieve a long lasting makeup. I will tackle one segment per day.

The key to great looking makeup is great looking skin. If you don't have one already, start a skin care regime as soon as possible. The basic skin care steps are cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize. Choose a product based on your skin type. I really like the Dermalogica line of products. They offer a trial/travel size package which I think is well worth the investment. It allows you to test the product to see how well it works for you, without the commitment of buying full-size. Each kit contains products designed to work together based on your skin care needs. I personally use the Normal/Dry products.

The Special Cleansing Gel is a very gentle cleanser. My skin feels cleansed but not at all tight, as has been my experience with other brands. Rather than using the Cream Exfoliant, I purchase the Daily Microfoliant. It is a powder that you sprinkle in your hand then add water to make a paste. You gently massage it all over your face in circular motions then rinse with water. Initially, you may not see the same results as with grittier scrubs but give it a week or more and you should see and feel a difference in skin texture. I prefer this exfoliant for its gentleness as my skin tends to get irritated easily if I use a stronger exfoliant. The Multi-Active toner is really soothing due to the aloe it contains. I spray this liberally (it feels sooo good) then follow immediately with the Skin Smoothing Cream. It is a medium weight moisturizer that leaves my skin feeling hydrated yet not greasy. I have never had an issue with it clogging my pores.

I really appreciate that Dermalogica's products are jam packed with beneficial ingredients for my skin and do not contain unnecessary fragrances or colours.

Drop by tomorrow. I will be discussing primers.

Lush Lashes

2008-08-17T18:37:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not one of the most common questions I get from brides is, "What is your favourite mascara?" I assume that is because it is one of the most commonly used beauty products, yet people are always looking for something a bit better. For weddings in particular, you need something that is waterproof and resists flaking. The best mascara that I have encountered is Diorshow Black Out Waterproof mascara. What makes it so great is that it does not budge. Plus the applicator brush is so plush that you only need a coat or two for lush looking lashes. Of course, in my line of work I use disposable applicators. How I wish I could find applicators that measure up to this. It is a bit on the pricey side, I think I paid $28 the last time but it is well worth the money.

For a bride looking to do her own makeup I highly recommend this product. It is the only mascara I carry in my kit.

You can find it at [url] http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P212928&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=1073 [/url]

Welcome

2008-08-17T12:49:00.000-06:00

Thanks for dropping in. The idea behind this blog is to share inspiration, recommend beauty products and techniques as they relate to preparing for "the big day". My work as a bridal makeup artist is very fulfilling. I am honoured each time I am chosen by a bride. It is such an important day to each woman and I consider myself fortunate to be part of it.

BTW, the vanity I refer to in my url is of the mirror/table/chair type and not the narcissistic, self-adoration type (wink,wink).