Monday, October 10, 2011

Beautiful Bride: Jamie W.

This post is loooooooong overdue!!
My fellow teacher, office share-er, and good friend, Jamie was married to Gene-o in August... yes, I said August.  See what I mean by overdue?
Jamie and I had only been working together for a few months when Gene-o popped the question.  I was flattered when she asked me to do the makeup for the wedding.  Everything about the day was beautiful.... from the couple, to the bridesmaids, to the groomsmen, to the venue, to the flowers, to the dress(es), to the ceremony, to the reception... everything.  
















Sunday, October 9, 2011

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Make-up Time Lapse

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
As you know, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I just got a few M.A.C pigments in and was dying to try them.  I got this amazing hot pink... and I figured, why not dedicate this, my very first "tutorial" (which is more like a time lapse) to Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and really to Laura).  I am working on improving my lighting and equipment.  But this was fun anyway.  Enjoy!!  


Recent Photo Shoot. Photographer: Morten Smidt

Photographer:  Morten Smid  
Model: Britt
Dog: Sookie


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

August/September Birchbox!

AUGUST BIRCHBOX! 

Atelier Cologne: This is one of the most beautiful smelling citrus perfumes I've smelled in a while.  "Sweet blood orange, bitter orange, jasmine, and sandelwood."  The claim to fame is that because it is so concentrated (15%), it sticks around much longer than your average perfume.  I don't know about you, but its a rare occasion that I can actually smell myself past the 2nd hour into my day.  Highly recommend.  It's a bit pricy at $145 for 200ml.  I'll use my sample sparingly for now.  

blinc Mascara:  This stuff is AMAZING!!!!  Love new technology in the beauty world.  So, this macara forms little tubes around your lashes with a water resistant formula that won't smudge, smear, or run.  I've adopted this for my new waterproof mascara needs but I can never abandon my Benefit Bad Gal Lash or my Bobby Brown Extreme Party Mascara.  Sorry blinc. 

Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream:  Full disclosure, I gave this product away.  I'm not suffering from bags or dark circles... yet.  I can't comment on this product. 

Fix Malibu Wish Wash Exfoliating Powder Wash: Another innovative product!!  As stated in the name, this is a powder that when you add water it turns into a cleanser (perfect for the jetsetter a.k.a. business people that have to travel).  There is microcrystalline cellulose which is a natural exfoliant, salicylic acid which gets in there and cleans out and minimizes pores, and finally, citric and ferulic acid which brightens your complexion.  Who could ask for more from a cleanser?!?!  1.06oz- $40.



SEPTEMBER BIRCHBOX!!
(Not really sure what happened with the formatting below)

Truth Art Beauty Face Nourish--Birchbox Blend:  Birchbox went ahead and created a face oil that has organic argan, pumpkin seed, and geranium oils.  It smells ridiculously delicious.  Face oils are great.  Got acne? Use it.  Got Rosacea? Use it.  Got dry patches? Uuuuuuuuuuuse it!!  I know there are a lot of you out there who are really afraid of putting oil on your face... because that just sounds dirty right?  But face oil is the best thing for your skin and bonus... it won't clog your pores.  You must hustle when using this though because it expires in 6 months.  

Jouer Lip Enhancer:  While this is THE SMALLEST sample I've ever been given from Birchbox, I have to say, it is delightful.  Soft, the slightest hint of sheer pink, a natural plumper, and smells really, really good!!  Yes, you caught it, I said "plumper" but because this product uses an ingredient called Maxi-lip (which increases bloodflow to your lips) it doesn't sting or tingle.  

Jurlique Moisturing Hand Sanitizer:  I am a teacher in a middle school... hand sanitizer is on me at ALL times.  This one at least smells really good!!  5.9oz is $15... Totally worth it for us germaphobes. 

Incoco Nail Polic Applique:  I've struggled with the concept of these for a while.  Some of the patterns are just a little too wild.  I was given a glittery gold set of nail appliqués... I'm choosing to wait until the holidays to finally use them.  This is what I've heard about them though:  They are really easy to put on, there is zero drying time, and they last for about 10 days.  They cost around $10... Lets be honest... It costs the same as a manicure, takes less time, and the results are better.  Sold. 

I'm sorry this was really long.  I wanted to catch up on all of my missed Birchbox. For those of you who have read this far, thank you.   




Oh Birchbox... How I've Neglected You

Well, not really neglected... I've been using every product.... just neglected writing about it.  


So let me back up a bit.  I'll start with July to get us caught up.  


July Birchbox Contents:


Redken Shine Flash 02 glistening mist:  My thoughts: I don't recommend this.  It smells like garlic and oranges.  I used it on a photoshoot and didn't see much of a difference.  While I do like Redken products, I just used their straightening balm yesterday (divine and actually smells quite delicious)... this was a miss for me.  


philosophy purity made simple one-step facial cleanser: Like all things philosophy.... this product is amazing.  Smells fantastic and feels oh-so-nice.  


Zoya Touch Collection (neutral beige colors): I wasn't too keen on my particular color for me, but I can't say enough about Zoya.  Their nail polishes are amazing.  All natural, amazing colors, long lasting.  At $8 a bottle (you can find them at Ulta) you really can't go wrong.  


Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil:  I'm never one to put oil directly on to my body... simply because I don't like feeling greasy... but that, of course, is just me.  This product however is fantastic.  It is an oil that when rubbed in, dries to a luminous, deliciously fragranced finish.  Because I have the greasiest hair on the face of the planet, I would never, ever, consider putting this in my hair but on my body and face, yes... most definitely.  In the summer time... for those of us who tend to have dry legs, this is a beautiful product to try.  You can also mix this in to your foundation to leave you with a dewy finish.  







Friday, September 16, 2011

Labor Day Weekend Shoot.

Over Labor Day weekend, I worked with Monika (originally from the Czech Republic... I was in Prague this summer, so we had lots to talk about!!) and amazing photographer Blake Robinson.  Monika brought her guitar with her which made for such an awesome prop!!




    





Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Brooklyn Shoot with Alexandra Tremaine

A few weeks ago I hopped a train into the city to shoot with Alexandra Tremaine of Tremaine Photography.  The model is Lexie (who just happens to be Amsale's assistant).



Thursday, September 8, 2011

Meredith in Letarte Swimwear


I had the pleasure of working with Meredith Travers ( a Wilhelmina model) and the amazing, amazing, amazing, photographer Debra Somerville a few weeks ago.  Meredith is wearing all swimwear and coverups from Letarte.  We started with just a fresh bronzed beachy look and made the eyes slightly more dramatic as we went.  I worked out of the Urban Decay Naked pallet for this shoot.  Awesome pallet.  
Meredith has the most amazing back yard so we started shooting there and then moved ourselves to the local beach.  Thanks for looking!  Enjoy the pictures!
(Please excuse the weird formatting of the horizontal pictures... a smaller version just didn't do it any justice).






I LOVE this bathing suit!!  We decided to bump up the eyes a little for this one.  



I love this picture.  It was such a happy ending to our few hours of shooting.  

Thanks Meredith and Deb.  Such a fun day working with you two (and Twila :))



Monday, August 15, 2011

Jenn G's Wedding!

So, Jenn is beautiful (see below).  But... I was hapy to do her makeup for her wedding on July 2nd.  When we did her trial we went for a natural look but I was so excited when she asked to go for slightly smoked out eye.  Photos are by, photographer extrodinaire and long time friend, Alexandra Tremain of Tremaine Photography.
This is her before... See what I mean!?!?!  She Gorgeous!!! 




So Pretty!!  Jenn you looked absolutely beautiful.  I was so happy to be a part of  your big day.  Congratulations to you and Shawn!!!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Wedding with d.d. Nickel

I spent this Saturday at two wedding preps with d.d. NickelShe is an amazing makeup artist in New Haven, CT.  The first wedding had 6 girls and the second wedding had 8.  
Below is a before and after of one of the bridesmaids, Tina, that I did the makeup for.  The girls were wearing the most gorgeous black dresses with high black ruffle collars.  We went with a smoked out eye.  Because of her skin an lip tone, we went with a really pretty berry lip color. 


Friday, June 10, 2011

Birchbox...June installment!!!

It's Biiiiiirchbox tiiiiiimmmeeee!!!
This was an amazing month for Birchbox!!  All of the products were selected specifically for summer. 
Okay, I won't hold out any longer.  
Here is what came in the box this month.  

Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment (3.38 oz- $34): This is a delicious smelling oil that is great for calming summer frizz, helping out our dried out ends, and protects from UV rays (yay!).  I have very oily hair so I was really concerned that my hair would be an instant grease pad... but it really wasn't.  Love this product.

Kate Spade Twirl (Full size: $60-$80):  This smells good.  It has a floral spell with a little fruity undertone.  This is something that I'd throw in my travel bag to take with me on a trip.  Something easy to transport (obviously, as it is a little sample) and smells kind of good.  

Laura Geller Baked Blushed n' Brighten (Full size: $29.30):  I LOVE THIS!!  I was given this in the "Honey Dipped."  It's a pinky/gold shimmer with teeny tiny sparkles.  It is a beautiful product.  It's part bronzer, part blush, part highlighter.  Totally versatile. Such a great addition to my makeup case.

Pangea Organics Toner for Normal/Oily Skin (Full size: $26):  Pangea... what to say... such an awesome company.  I have the lip balm-Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom(which I blogged about a few months ago).  Not only does this lip balm smell fantastic but it is seriously long lasting.  The toner is the same.  It smells amazing and makes my face feel really nice.  It's just a little refresher before I put on my cream for the day. 

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad: (20 Applications: $32):  I was just talking with my friend Ashley the other day about how "boring" summer has become since it is extremely unfashionable now to catch some rays.  We commented on how we used to always just lay out for as long as we could to see how much color we could get.  That is no longer.  The sun, as beautiful as it is, is really not that great for you (in large doses).  But fear not!! We have options.  These little pads are mess-free towelettes that have exfoliating and anti-aging ingredients.  Have you ever put self tanning cream on and the next, in between your fingers is orange??  I have.  Won't happen again. 


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

BIRCHBOX! May Issue...

It's Biiiirchbooox tiiiime!!!

Love this time of the month!  There were some curve balls thrown into this months Birchbox... but nothing I'm about to complain about.  

Okay so this month, I was given:

  • A single note card from Tiny PrintsYou know the concept.  Go online and design your own cards, invitations, stationary etc. 
    • This was especially great because... I started reading a book this month called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  It has actually been inspiring me to get a hold of my life that has been wildly out of control and disorganized.  One of the things to focus on is friends.  So it's kismet that I was sent this box with a tiny card in it I suppose.  I possibly have a note to write that is long overdue.  
  • Archipelago Pomegranate Soap ($12.50/6.8 oz. bar): I like the smell even though it is a little intense just sitting in the box.  I have yet to use it so my feeling of it could change once it is diluted a bit.  
  • A Stilla Eye Shadow Pan ($18): in Wisteria (purple).  I appreciate this one.  My eyes are hazel so this works nicely when I am attempting to bring out the green.  I wore it the night I got my box and as far as I could tell... It didn't budge.  
  • A sample of Bvlgari Mon Jasmine Noir ($80): I LOVE Bvlgari perfume... I have never tried the Jasmine one but I have a feeling I will like it.  I have a Jasmine plant in my house that I also love.  Smells divine.  I will keep you posted. 

Finally, last month I said that I would keep you posted on the Zoya nail polish that I got in Dove (grey).  The statement about it not chipping isn't all that true.  It may not have chipped - chipped... but it faded.  What I mean by that is rather than chunks of polish coming off at one time, the polish started to turn light grey at the tips of my nails due to it rubbing off.   I'm not completely turned off though.  I'm going to try it again possibly with an extra coat of the grey and a top coat.  (What?! I was feeling lazy that day).

Until Next Month... 

Groom Those Eyebrows!!

Okay, grooming our eyebrows is something that we all do... or maybe should do.  Read below for some information, tips, and suggested tools...

Why to tweeze versus waxing or threading:
  • The skin around your eye is extremely thin and unfortunately, skin that is pulled on regularly is the first to start sagging with age.  So, for those of us that have been waxed before, we know that there is a lot of pulling that goes on.  And equally as important, there isn't any precision.  Has anyone ever had a bad eyebrow waxing job? 
  • Threading also loses all precision because it is pulling multiple hears out at one time.  While there isn't as much pulling on the skin,  there are hairs being pulled in all sorts of directions which can lead to breaking... which can lead to (it pains me to say...) ingrown hairs!!  
  • Not to mention... Someone else is doing all of this for you.  These are your eyebrows!!  You need to customize it to what you think looks best. 
Here are some tips to help you shape your eyebrows:
  • Ditch the magnifying mirror and bright lights!  The bright lights force you to see more hair and you will end up plucking them and will then have severely over plucked eyebrows.  Cute.  The magnifying mirror will focus too much on the eyebrow and not on your entire face... you will lose perspective. 
  • Switch the eyebrow that you are working on regularly.  This will give you new perspective of your eyebrow allowing you to appropriately assess whether or not you need to continue plucking and your eyebrows will be even.
  • Go with the natural shape of your eyebrow.  Don't try to insert and arch where there is, in fact, not a natural arch.
  • Get rid of the uni-brow.  Rule of thumb: Align the inside of your eyebrow with the inner corner of your eye. 
  • Try to stay away from plucking the top of your eyebrow.  More often than not, it ruins the beautiful arch you've just worked so hard to achieve. 
  • Don't pluck the outside edge of your eyebrow in too far.  Rule of thumb: If you are working on your right eyebrow.... take your thinnest make-up brush, stick the bottom of the handle to the outside your right nostril.  Lay the brush on your face so that you are making a diagonal line from your nostril to the outside corner of your right eye.  Where ever you brush lands on your eyebrow is usually where your eyebrow should stop. (Beware: If you make your eyebrows too short, you may lose the the arch and your eyebrows will look straight). 
  • Brush the eyebrow hairs upwards and trim any hairs that may be long.  
 VOILA!  Beautifully groomed eyebrows!

Tools to use:
  • Slanted tweezers.  Tweezerman is a great brand. 
  • Brow brush and Brow scissors
  • Brow pencil (customize it to your brow color)

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Jenn's Trial!

Okay, this has been long overdue!  It's been over a month since I've posed last.  Shameful. 
The month has been slightly busy... I've been away for a few weeks and trying to wrap up the school year as successfully as possible.  And as always, I've gotten my latest installment of Birchbox (stay tuned for blog post...coming soon).
 
BUT!  this past weekend I did a trial for Jenn!  Her wedding is in July.  She is a no makeup kind of girl... naturally beautiful.  Lucky her!  We went with a very fresh look.  Our inspiration was a combination of Kate Winslet in the Lancome ads in beauty magazines and a Ralph Lauren ad.  Products used: Laura Mercier, Bobby Brown, and Chanel.  
So excited for her wedding day!!  
ISN'T SHE SO PRETTY!

Before
After (excuse the quality of the picture)

Sunday, April 24, 2011

April Birchbox!

Okay... it's that time again!  While I prefer the Birchboxes with more cosmetics than skin care in them, I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this months box!  

First, Birchbox was going green this month which I completely appreciate.  I am a big proponent of saving the earth... minus the fact that I take too long of a piping hot shower and sometimes forget to turn the lights off... but that is neither here nor there.  But everyone makes mistakes... just as Birchbox did this month... keep reading for a the ridiculous element of the box this month. 

Second, all of this months products are all natural, organic, or biodegradable.  Great for the earth and great for your body!

Here is what came in the box this month.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength (Full size: $45):  I really like this product!!  As I've told you, I have really dry skin and I've tried many a product to try to remedy my situation.  I just rinsed it off (literally 5 minutes ago) and my face feels insanely smooth and my forehead is flake free!  I'll keep you posed on how this actually pans out tomorrow.  Enjoyable.  Recommend.

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion (Full size: $28): A nice cream.  Here is my opinion:  What I like about this is that it is really light, does not make my face feel oily, and is extremely hydrating.  The one downfall is that while it claims to have a very feminine and not overpowering smell... it in fact smells... just a bit.

LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection Earth Eau De Parfum
(Full size: $60): This smells DELICIOUS!  Perfume is a very personal thing... but for me... I love this scent.... fresh... and sweet!  The neat thing about this perfume is that it is made out of completely biodegradable ingredients and also is packaged in eco-friendly materials.  You are saving the planet and smelling oh-so-fine all at once!  This is a good thing. 

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Eye Treatment (Full size: $45): I'll be honest.  I haven't used this product yet.  But here is some information that I can share with you...

"Harnessing the rejuvenating power of plant stem cells, this eye cream combines the best of technology with the best of nature. Immediately you’ll feel the hydrating and cooling effects of this light formula; after a couple weeks, you’ll even see a noticeable softening in the fine lines around your eye area. Plus, all the ingredients are organic, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re applying to the most delicate skin on your face.
The two key components are a blend of fruit stem cells and a high concentration of fat-soluble Vitamin C, both of which help repair damaged skin cells, promote cell turnover, firm skin, and eliminate dark circles and fine lines. In addition to these star ingredients, the cream has antioxidant-rich fruit juices that improve the elasticity of your skin and plant oils that add hydration. "

Zoya Intimate Spring 2011 Nail Polish Collection (Full size: $8): I was given "Dove" (a light gray color).  I'll keep you posted on this as well.  The claim to fame here is that it is formulated without any harmful or toxic chemicals (so safe even pregnant ladies can wear them!!) but it's staying power is the serious factor.  No cracks or chips for a significantly longer amount of time when compared to your regular nail polish.  We'll see about that.

We also had the bonus of a little wild flower seed paper.  Just plant, watch grow, and enjoy!  

Here is a picture of this months box below. :)


Now... this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen.  No offense Birchbox.  So the whole idea this month is to go green but they send along this THICK PLASTIC marketing piece.  This actually has no practical use what-so-ever.  Not really sure why the contradiction.  
Let me explain the picture... This is a plastic square with little fingernails hanging off of it that Zoya has graciously used to paint some of their colors that way you can hold the piece up to your nail to see what it will really look like.  Not necessary... not necessary at all.  This should not surprise anyone... I threw it in the garbage.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Happy Birthday Alexis!!

Today is my good friend, Alexis', BIRTHDAY!!!  
We spent the afternoon together prepping her for her special night out.  
It's a little hard to see it in the picture, but the eye shadow is a mossy green/brown color... a blend of Urban Decay, Smashbox, and d.d.Nickel.  
Best wishes for a fantastic year Alexis!! :)



Monday, April 11, 2011

Carol Hannah Bridal Fashion Week Runway!

This past weekend, I had the greatest experience!! 
I was asked to assist the amazing d.d. Nickel  at Carol-Hannah's Bridal Fashion Week runway.  There were some absolutely amazing gowns and bridesmaids dresses. 
I was on lipstick duty right before the show started and I was so excited to find myself in some shots (even if I am a bit hidden) by photographer, Whitney DealLet me be clear... I was strictly the lipstick lady... aside from the pictures I'm in, I cannot take credit for the makeup in images below. 

Scroll for some behind the scenes shots!
                               

That right there... is my arm.

                                                 Also... my arm.. :)

                                   Lead make-up artist, the amazing d.d. Nickel ,
                                    in blue, perfecting the look that she created for
                                    the show.

                                    Gold leaving accents on the hair were an
                                      amazing addition to the look. 


                                Bridesmaids dresses by Carol-Hannah

                                Wedding dresses by Carol-Hannah


                                              Last minute alterations....        

End of Show