Because I'm All About Them Brows !

Brows & a bright, even-toned complexion can make all the difference when it comes to natural makeup.  I did a wedding party last weekend and wanted to share these photos with you to demonstrate what a difference fuller brows & color-corrected skin can make.  These ladies look fresher, less harsh, and younger - they all expressed the same concerns: discoloration of the skin, and wanting to look natural & not overdone. 

Entourage Wedding Makeup at The Langham, Pasadena

Today was a busy day at the Langham - call time was 5am and Thy & I worked through 2pm to stay for touch-ups!  We successfully completed the entire entourage's makeup in time for the church ceremony.  The Langham is undoubtedly my favorite venue of all time, and I never get tired of being there.  I wish I had more photos to share with you guys, but it was so hectic (not to mention lighting was so terrible!) that I was not able to take photos of everyone - Here's a teaser - with finished photos to follow :)

Glam Session with a Focus on a Glowing Complexion

I had a glam session with Joanna a few weeks back - she had questions regarding makeup application since her daily routine consists of only mascara - and we had a great time going over product suggestions as well as technique tips.  

I gave Joanna a bronzy smokey eye that did not overpower the rest of her face & focused on contouring & giving her a glowing complexion + a fuller brow- honestly, how great does her skin look?!  

Joanna loved her makeup so much that she left me a glowing review ! Thanks, Joanna!  I'll be waiting for your call once your boyfriend proposes! ;)

Contour Game on Point with Senna Cosmetics' Face Sculpting Kit

I will rarely post selfies on this blog, but I just had to share my latest obsession with you guys:  the Face Sculpting Kit from Senna Cosmetics.  Let me tell you - ever since I discovered this amazing product, I have definitely stepped up my contour game.  My hairstylist will gladly tell you (and believe me, he does remind me every time I sit in his chair) that I have an abnormally large head - and, naturally, a large (and flat) face that goes with it.  As a result, I am constantly finding new ways to shape & contour my face with products to give myself the illusion of cheekbones & a higher nose.

The Face Sculpting Kit from Senna is so easy to use that I literally use my fingers to apply & I blend with the brush that is included.  It comes at a hefty price of $48 but I can vouch for this product & its value - it is a perfect blend of shadow & highlight and isn't overly warm like other so-called "contour" products out in the market nowadays.  It was originally developed for use on Desperate Housewives & is now available to the public.  If you're on the fence about trying this product, I say, GO FOR IT!

Tis the Season .... to be Shopping ;-)

Hello my dears!  

I haven't been updating for the past couple weeks because it has been a crazy month filled with weddings, private makeup workshops, and bridal previews, not to mention lots of shopping.  I'll admit it - I'm one of those people who have awesome self control when it comes to money & I am a self-acclaimed savvy shopper ... - BUT - I tend to go crazy once in a blue moon (insert innocent face here).  In my defense, all the money that I'm saving has to go somewhere, right? (I'm sure my boyfriend would beg to differ .... ). 

Anyway, I've been on a crazy rampage lately buying new products for my makeup kit and organizational items to keep my kit streamlined.  I've been getting a lot of bookings lately that require me to do makeup for 7+ clients in a very tight amount of time, so being organized and having everything in its place is very important to stay on schedule & really, just for my sanity.  I'm excited to share some of the items I've purchased in the past 2 weeks with you guys: 

How adorable are these clear pouches with polka dots on them?! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am obsessed with patterns & especially polka dots - so it was a no-brainer for me when I saw these PERFECT zipped transparent pouches to organize my kit.  The best part? They were only $8 for all three! 

Can you say, organized much?  Ever since I got this little magical box, my makeup game has completely changed - I could not believe what a difference this made.  I was always scrambling to find these little essentials in my kit, so having them all in one organized & neat place has made a world of difference.  

Okay, okay ... not makeup-related but who can say no to candles, especially for the holidays?! I scored 4 candles from Bath & Body Works for $8.50 each, which originally retail for $22.50 each.  I told you I was a savvy shopper ;) 

A huge, huge haul from Naimes & Nigel's Emporium!  I stocked up on lashes, a brand new brush funnel & HD Powder from Make Up For Ever, Skindinavia's Setting Spray, some MAC essentials, a powder foundation palette from Graftobian for my male clients, some sponges, a Kryolan mattifying primer, and some skincare from Peter Thomas Roth.  A hefty dent in my wallet but well worth it!  

What have you guys purchased lately? Does the holiday season bring out the shopper in you? 

Bridal Makeup Preview in Whittier, CA

Last weekend, I met with Maggie, my bridal client, for her bridal makeup preview.  She was anxious and concerned about covering up her dark circles and dark spots/skin discolorations, but I quickly eased her nerves after she saw the end result of her trial.  She was super happy with the look we ended up with - natural, glowy & radiant with an emphasis on her beautiful eyes!  What do you guys think? 

Wedding Beauty Checklist

I have noticed a lot of last-minute brides trying to book services a week or two before their weddings, so I wanted to post this Wedding Beauty Checklist for all brides-to-be for reference.  Please book ahead! Remember, your hair and makeup should NOT be at the bottom of your to-do list or your budget - you will be looking at those wedding photos & video(s) for years to come!

Download & print the wedding beauty checklist here.

Makeup Lesson: Everyday, Simple Yet Put-Together Look

My beautiful client Lina wanted to learn how to achieve the perfect simple, everyday polished makeup look.  The only makeup item she owned was an Almay eyeshadow palette, so we started off with the basics of the importance of using primers & product suggestions/basic makeup application techniques.   I can't wait to see how her makeup application techniques improve with practice over time!