Spring Beauty Trends 2021

Spring has SPRUNG! The weather is beautiful and it’s staying light outside longer, the flowers are blooming and maybe something called Spring cleaning is on your agenda! How is Spring being represented in your Beauty routine? If you are in need of some inspiration on what is happening in the Spring beauty scene, this post if definately for YOU.

Hold onto your Bonnets because Faux freckles are back! Get yourself a fine tipped liner or a soft brownish pencil and create this effect easily. Just add dots to anywhere you would like and then pat with your fingertip or a Q-tip to mute it then use a translucent powder to set on top or leave as is.

Colorful elements in a beauty routine are on trend but I feel like every Springtime, color is in fashion. Create mood elevating looks with high pigmented blushes, eyeliners, shadows or lips! And add a juicy gloss topper to any and all of these makeup products.

Skin is always in. Get that dewy yummy skin texture with serums. Use Vitamin C, hyaluronic acids or any other added healthy skincare serums into your moisturizers or by themselves to get that glow from within effect. Always remember to add in a sunscreen for protection! Your foundation should be minimal as well. Less is more with that. Brows are filled in and seem to be fuller this season.

Of course, these looks are trending but at the end of the day…you do you! Whatever your beauty instincts are, go with it. Trends are just that….looks that last for a short time. Take what you want and make it your own. Makeup should always be your own expression!

If you would like some seasonal makeup help, check out my Virtual Makeup Classes and Book with me! Learning and having fun is what my classes are all about!

Some of my FAVE Los Angeles Wedding Venues!!

I know Covid has turned the wedding industry upside down. Huge gatherings are not really allowed at this point but with the Vaccine roll out and Los Angeles moving down into the RED tier…slowly but surely Weddings will come back to life as we once knew. I wanted to highlight some of the wedding venues that have stood out to me over the years for many different reasons. Location is always important, for me a great area for makeup and hair is great, and overall vibe is what at the end of the day stands out to me! Just remember this is from a makeup artist’s opinion.

The first venue I would like to highlight is the Bel Air Bay Club which is featured above. As you can see the elements are exquisite. It’s by the beach but not on the beach, it overlooks the beach and sunset views are spectacular. That Golden Hour is magical. There is a makeup and hair room downstairs that is a great size for a bridal party and also leads out onto a terrace that is a beautiful spot for photos and for getting ready fun! The outdoor ceremony area is just lovely as you can see with greenery all around. The indoor space for the reception is also pretty amazing because it feels intimate as well. A stunning beachy vibe location.

Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo is so gorgeous! It is a hidden gem that is peaceful, serene and has a charm that is undeniable! It has an intimate ceremony location, a barn, and a large green area of the grounds for the reception-it’s just perfection! There is also a 2 story house on the property that you can rent for the Getting Ready process. It’s absolutely perfect for makeup and hair for the day. The flowers, the backdrop of the trees and of the ranch landscape make each and every corner of this property spectacular! Highly recommend this scenic property! Like a fairytale.

The Westlake Four Seasons is also one of my faves as well. I have done so many weddings at his venue. Of course it’s a Four Seasons so luxury is definitely associated with this location. Usually makeup and hair is done within a hotel room but because the hotel has a valet and elevators, it’s pretty easy to load in and out. There is a majestic waterfall area outside for ceremonies and the ball rooms are equally as beautiful. There are gardens as well with paths lined with tall green trees and gorgeous flowers all around. Photo ops are at every turn. A very modern vibe.

The last venue I would like to write about is Hummingbird Nest Ranch for weddings! This location is in Simi Valley and is beyond stunning. Several different locations on the property to get married at. There is a cottage to get makeup and hair ready at or little bungalows to sprinkled throughout to rent. It’s like a resort almost. It has gardens, a ranch vibe and palm trees everywhere. Just so beautiful and very romantic.

If anything, I hope you have been introduced to some unique and special venues to research if you are getting married! Remember if you would like to talk about your beauty wishes on your wedding day, please don’t hesitate to schedule a chat with me! Calendly Link!

Getting the most out of your Engagement Makeup!

You’re engaged, so now what?! Once you have your venue, dress and most likely photographer booked, you are going to want to reach out to your makeup and hair team for your wedding day. But,  even before you ‘BOOK’ your talented artists for your special day…an engagement photoshoot may be on the near horizon. Take this opportunity to make Makeup and Hair trial appointments to see how it translates on camera. You can always modify your look so it still can be a surprise for your fiance’ and your guests on the day of but book ending these services for an engagement shoot is a great idea!! I have been glamming Brides for over 2 decades, I will always recommend doing a run through for an engagement photoshoot or if this isn’t possible then doing it for a Bridal Shower is a great option.

Here are some tips for choosing an artist for your engagement makeup.  Always ask your friends and family for makeup referrals. This by far is the best way to start your search. If this isn’t available to you then so some research with the venue and photographer or hair person you have chosen if applicable. Going to Instagram to do this research is a great way to see who has worked with these venues, photographers and hair artists before. It’s a great resource to visually get an idea of who would be a good fit for you on your special day. 

Once you book your engagement makeup session, bring makeup looks that you would like to possibly try. Make sure you choose someone that really wants your voice to be heard and that doesn’t make you feel nervous about speaking up. The ‘Bridal’ beauty process is a collaboration and you should feel like you have a say in what your wedding day beauty should be. If you have any special concerns like skin sensitivities or tattoo coverage concerns, make sure your artist knows about this ahead of time so they are aware and can accommodate accordingly. 

Make sure you vibe with your makeup artist. Make sure that they are personable and professional. Make sure their tools are clean and they are on time. Also, it’s important that they will help set the tone for the day as this makeup artist will most likely be the first person you see on your wedding day. 

To recap…try and reach out at least 6-9 months ahead of time to start looking for your bridal makeup artist…make sure your artist is a good fit with the vibe you are going for….make sure you have seen their work and you like it…make sure they are willing to modify your makeup if you would like without getting offended…and make sure after you see your engagement photos that you look how you want to look with the makeup applied. You can always change it up a bit for your wedding day but see how it photographs and how it held up throughout the day. When booking your makeup artist…make sure if you give a deposit or retainer for your day that if for some reason you change your mind then you have an option to do just that. 

I hope this helped you. Due to Covid, if you feel more comfortable doing the makeup yourself and would like help in achieving your engagement makeup and/or wedding day makeup look…I offer that option too! Set up a Discovery Call with me and we can speak to how my DIY Virtual Bridal class can work for you!! 

Makeup for MEN!

When I speak to male grooming…I understand that it can be a touchy subject depending on who the audience may be. I would love to debunk any myth that says it’s emasculating for men to even think about wearing a little makeup every now and again, especially for special occasions like getting married or being on camera!

Think of all the times men have gone and treated themselves to a professional shave or a spa day before an event. Men get their nails and toes done, get messages, get facials and sometimes get waxed and get hair cuts. These all fall under the self care rituals that women do, just add a makeup application and men and women are basically the same….haha, NOT!! But, when you look at it from this perspective…makeup can be just another layer of the ‘FEEL GOOD’ process! 

When grooming is done right on men…it’s like a wake up call! Men look fresh and polished. A little touch up even can go a long way. Like I always say, skincare is paramount. Hydrating the skin, applying an eye cream, grooming the brows(a big one in my opinion) and keeping your beard or mustache in check really can make a 7, a 10!! Evening out the skin tone, applying concealer and possibly taking some shine down can really make a difference in photographs or on film. If a man is bald…sometimes it creates a glare or bounce of light when photographed or filmed so taking that sheen down is welcomed. 

Now a days if I talk to a groom before a wedding…we talk about shaving and if they have sensitive skin. There are so many products out now that can really help with any issues. Even if a groom doesn’t wish to see me on the big day…I am always happy to give advice if they get a blemish, cut themselves shaving or get red bumps afterwards. But, it’s also a nice luxury to have a makeup artist take away any of these worries literally and figuratively on a special day. 5 o’clock shadows are a thing as well and some men just don’t wish to have this when being photographed. It would be my job to come in and use color correcting to help cancel this out. When all of these grooming elements come into play, I come in to save the day! 

I try to make the time in the makeup chair, short and sweet and fun of course! It really is amazing what a little male grooming can do. So, yes makeup for men is a thing and a thing that’s here to stay! 

If you are a groom or know someone who you might think could benefit from this post, please share. If you are in need of a male groomer for any on camera professional events like a self taping or interview, please schedule a Discovery Call with me and we can discuss how I may be of service to you! 

How to choose your Wedding Makeup Look!

I have been a makeup artist doing weddings for over 20 years and choosing your makeup look for your wedding is a very personal experience. After all, all eyes will be on the bride, right?!! Some brides want to go all GLAM and some want a natural look. Both can be very beautiful. In this blog post, I will discuss which ‘Bridal Beauty’ look could be right for YOU!!

The Au Natural Bridal Makeup Look…this ‘bride to be’ doesn’t wear alot of makeup on a daily basis and wants to look like an enhanced version of themselves walking down the aisle. This is my most requested LOOK as a bridal makeup artist. This makeup application would always start out with a great skincare routine that is nourishing and hydrating. The makeup will enhance eye color and shape with the addition of lashes (most likely). Brows are subtle and not over done. Foundation is a tinted moisturizer or is lightweight to medium coverage. Cheeks are subtle and lip color is similar to the natural lip tint. Not alot of highlight and soft contour on the face. This overall take on a natural makeup application can be altered depending on the person and what they may want more or less of. Every look is customized for each BRIDE always. 

The all GLAM Bridal Makeup Look…this ‘bride to be’ wears makeup on a daily basis and isn’t shy about it. She most likely wears lashes especially if she is going out for a special occasion. This makeup application would always start out with a great skincare routine that is very hydrating. This makeup will have a medium to opaque base coverage on the face, highlight, liner, lashes, contour, bolder brows along with a bolder lip. She wants to be seen, if you will. Of course, this look is customizable to every Bride as well. Some may want the GLAMMED out eyes but would like everything else softer and more natural. Bold and beautiful!

The Bronzed Bridal Look…this ‘bride to be’ is on the more natural side I would say. Loves a bohemian vibe, the beach and being outdoors. This makeup look starts out with a serum enriched skincare routine. Then we add bronzed shadows to the eyes, bronzed warmth to the face with a beautiful dewy foundation, gilded or matte bronzer and either a bold lip or lipgloss that balances out the overall look. Brows are manicured but maybe not overdone and lashes are most likely added. Once again, this look can be customized to fit the beauty look that is desired. 

A Romantic Bridal Look…this is a classic ‘bride to be’. She likes makeup and wears it often but would like to feel and look her most beautiful as every bride does. This makeup application would start with a very good skincare routine as with every look. I would concentrate on using a softer eyeshadow palette that compliments the eye color and shape, a softer eyeliner look, the foundation would be a natural finish, a soft highlight and not alot of contour, a pink pout and wispy lashes with a soft filled in brow. Of course, this look can be customized too! 

Every BRIDE and every wedding is different. The wedding dress style may often dictate the BEAUTY vibe one would like to achieve. There is no right or wrong. There is only YOUR Beauty, YOUR Way, YOUR wedding day!!

Other makeup looks that may interest you are :

An overall DEWY Makeup Look

A Shimmery Bridal Makeup Look

A Bold Lip Makeup Look

An Earthy Toned Makeup Look

A Monochromatic Makeup Look

A Smokey Eye Makeup Look 

A Soft Glam Makeup Look -Similar to the ‘Au Natural’ Bride/also my most requested look.

A Vintage Makeup Look 

A Lashes and Lips Makeup Look 

If you are getting married or know someone that is, please forward this to them! Set up a Discovery Call with me to speak to your beauty wishes on your wedding day at my CALENDLY LINK here. Thank YOU!!