Good Lighting for Makeup at Home or When Doing a Virtual Beauty Class!

Let’t talk about good lighting which can make or break a good makeup application at home or when doing one of my virtual beauty classes! I understand that not everyone has a ring light or proper makeup lighting in the bathroom or a makeup mirror to help in this process. If you can’t see what you are doing, then how will you learn the ways of makeup? Show me someone who can apply makeup blindly?!

One of the harshest light situations that is NOT your friend when applying makeup is Fluorescent lighting. This most unflattering light is in bathrooms and office buildings! This lighting creates harsh shadows on your face and doesn’t give you a true visual of what is in front of you.

The best lighting in your bathroom is a warm and natural light source. Natural sunlight gives the most accurate visual of your face and on those days that are cloudy, warm LED lights are just as helpful in getting a true sense. This mimics natural light and evenly distributes the light as well. If you are lighting your bathroom then you need light on all four sides to create an even diffusion of light.

You can also purchase a makeup mirror that has a magnifying side to it and has LED lights around it to help you really see what it is that you are doing. This is a great idea if lighting your entire bathroom is not available to you.

When you are Zooming and you do not own a Ring Light, a Makeup Light or a Glamcor light then the natural light will always be your friend! Do not have your back to the natural light source as it will cause you to be back lit and dark! Always face the light, hopefully the light will be diffused a bit and not too bright! This will be to your advantage when you are trying to learn or trying to apply makeup.

As a professional makeup artist, I always have lighting on my brain. I travel with a Glamcor light that is an LED light and has two arms of lights that are moveable so I can create light around me so I don’t block my subject when I am working on them. When I am doing my Zoom beauty classes, I use the Glamcor light on a table which is facing me , the natural light and use my Riki mirror with LED lighting to help me also apply makeup while I am teaching but to also add fill light when I am working with a client on this virtual platform. With all of this lighting help, I will always opt to use any and all natural light no matter what for best practice.

Hope this was helpful to you! Let me know in the comments!

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!