A Bride's Bestie!

A Bride's Bestie! 💄✨

Hey lovelies! Today, let's talk about the secret weapon that every bride needs on her big day: the customized touch-up kit! 💋✨ Trust me, it's a game-changer!

Picture this: you're floating down the aisle, surrounded by love and happiness, but uh-oh, your lipstick starts to fade! 😱 That's where this magic kit comes in clutch, like a knight in shining armor! ✨💄

First off, this kit is like Mary Poppins' bag of tricks! It's filled with everything you need to keep that bridal glow going strong all day long. From lipstick, tissue to a straw on standby, a Bride will always feel taken care of if need be. Other items included are your customized lipstick and liner, mint, Q-tips, a mirror, sponge, powder puff and gifted beauty goodies from me!!

It’s a personal glam squad at your fingertips and I always ask who you would like the kit management to be delegated to. I go over all the products inside and how to use them if the Bride should need.

So, brides-to-be, don't forget to add this essential beauty sidekick to your wedding day glam. It's your secret weapon for flawless touch-ups and that extra boost of confidence. You've got this, gorgeous! 💃💖

The Veil Dilemma

The Veil Dilemma: Unveiling the Importance of Asking Brides

Hey there, beauties! 💄✨ As makeup artists, we're all about creating the perfect bridal look that leaves our brides feeling like the queens they are on their big day. But here's a tiny detail that often goes unnoticed—veils! Today, we're going to talk about why it's crucial to ask the question, "Do you plan on wearing a veil?" It may seem like a small consideration, but trust me, it can make a huge difference in the final look and ensure a flawless, windproof, and lipstick-friendly wedding experience. So, let's dive in and get veil-savvy! 💍❤️

Picture this: a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony, a gentle breeze blowing through the air, and a bride gracefully walking down the aisle... until the wind decides to play mischievously with her veil! 🌬️💨 As makeup artists, we know that wind and veils don't always go hand in hand. By asking about the veil, we can take preemptive measures to secure it properly, ensuring our bride's makeup remains flawless throughout the celebration.

Every bride dreams of that picture-perfect "you may now kiss the bride" moment, and we're here to make it a reality! 💋💞 Choosing the right lipstick is essential, especially when a veil is involved. Dark, bold shades or long-lasting formulas might be ideal for everyday wear, but they can transfer onto the veil fabric or fade over time. By discussing lipstick choices, we can guide our brides toward smudge-proof, long-lasting formulas that will withstand the veil's touch and create stunning, kissable moments.

Veils come in various styles and lengths, ranging from ethereal, cascading veils to chic birdcage options. Each style complements different bridal looks, and as makeup artists, we should consider how the chosen veil interacts with the makeup. For example, a long, flowing veil may require adjusting the eye makeup to maintain a harmonious balance, while a birdcage veil might call for a more dramatic lip color. By knowing the veil style, we can tailor the makeup to create a cohesive, breathtaking bridal appearance.

The way a veil is positioned can greatly impact both the overall look and the makeup application. Veils can be attached at various points on the head, such as above an updo or at the crown, and each placement requires a different approach. Understanding the bride's intended hairstyle and veil placement allows us to plan the makeup accordingly, ensuring that no details clash and the bride's vision comes to life flawlessly.

In the world of bridal makeup, it's the little things that make a big difference. By asking the seemingly small question, "Do you plan on wearing a veil?" we demonstrate our attention to detail and dedication to creating the perfect bridal look. Consider the wind factor, guide lipstick choices, harmonize makeup with different veil styles, and align the veil placement with the hairstyle. Together, let's make every bride feel like a true vision on her special day! 👰✨💕

Makeup for Small Eyes!

Small eyes can be a challenge to apply makeup to and for someone to do on themselves. I am going to drop a few tips and tricks on how to accommodate for this. Now, remember, give yourself some grace and practice to make the process your own.

My first tip is to get yourself a double sided flesh colored pencil. One side can be a highlighter with a shimmer and the other side can be a matte finish. You may also find ones that have a concealer on one side…whichever the case, these type of pencils will suit you. The matte color is going to be placed on the lower water line of your eye which is right above your bottom lashes. I know this may sound weird to you but trust me, it works! After applying, blink a couple of times for the color warm up. This acts as a highlight against the whites of your eyes and inherently makes them look bigger and brighter. An old Hollywood trick. With the shimmery side, place that highlight on your brow bone under the mid point or highest point of your brow and blend. You want to give the illusion that there is as much space as possible from brow to eye. If you do not have an arch to your brow then get one ;))) !

Next, if you do not have a half size eyelash curler, then you may want to purchase. I have one from MAC that I use. Just think of a full lash curler but half the size, Sometimes those that have smaller eyes, can’t fit their full set of lashes into a curler so that can be frustrating. This smaller lash curler enables you to curl your lashes section by section. Then in this same category….mascara. For the best results, I think a mascara that has a smaller thinner, more detailed wand is best for smaller eyes and lashes. You will be able to coat your lashes from root to tip much easier because you will be able to control the wand much easier in comparison to a much thicker or larger wand. Try out SENNA Cosmetics Lash Detail Mascara! It’s only $5!! If you are so inclined, you can always layer another mascara type on top for volume and length added.

My final makeup tips for smaller eyes is to not to use darker shadows like black around your eye area as this can close up the eye even more. Try using shimmery shadows or lighter matte colors depending on your skin texture. Also, try and highlight the inner corners of your eyes as this also gives the impression that your eyes are farther apart and more wide and awake. If you have hooded eyes as well…try using a neutral shade on your crease like in the picture above to give the illusion that it’s pushed back and not coming forward.

Check out my Instagram to see this post come to life!

The Reverse Cat Eye Trend!

The reverse cat eye makeup trend was created by @paintedbyspencer on Social! It has become a fun trend to try and it flips the script on the traditional winged liner look! Let’s talk about what exactly this look is and then break down how to achieve it.

A reverse cat eye starts underneath your lower lash line and wings out at the outer and inner corners which still lifts and shapes. Here are the steps to creating this look. Products that you will need is a black or brown kohl eyeliner, matching eyeshadows to smudge it out and a couple of makeup brushes.

1. First use a neutral shade of eyeshadow(I used the NAKED Smoky Urban Decay shadow palette color Whiskey for my lids)… brush this onto your eyelids and bring into your crease and blend just to create some depth. You can also add a bit onto the lower lash line. I used a flat rounded shadow brush and a dome blending brush for this.

2. Take your fave kohl black or brown liner and line your lower water line( I used Loreal’s Black Kohl pencil) and then smudge or gently buff it under your lash line and into the lower inner corner (the brush I used to smudge was MAC 144).

3. Then take another brush…(I used an angled liner brush-you can use any brush that has more of a pointier tip to it but not too hard of bristles to gently work the liner from the outer corner up to a wing ) for this signature look. You then do the same thing on the inner corner of your eye.

4. Take the original neutral shade of shadow you used on your eyelids and soften the edges of your black liner just on the bottom, not the corners. You can use your MAC 144 brush again for this.

5. Tight line your upper water line with the same Kohl liner.

6. Optional: You may take a black shadow or whatever color you have chosen to be the tightlined color and layer the powder over the liner for a more satiated shadow look and for longevity.

7. Add Mascara and Lashes for a more dramatic feel only if you are feelin’ it! This is pretty much it!

8. If you are also wanting to be adventurous …feel free to use this method with different colors as well!

   Have fun and let me know if you tried it and your thoughts! This trend is HOT and super easy to accomplish. This look and the products I used is featured on my Instagram page if you would like to see more @makeupthebride .

Vitamin C benefits for your SKIN!

Who doesn’t like Vitamin C? It’s one of nature’s most effective nutrients for our bodies in helping get over a cold, protecting our immune systems and necessary for growth and development. So, how does Vitamin C get an ‘A’ for being an amazing skincare product, let’s take a look!

Vitamin C in an antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure and air pollution. It helps lighten hyperpigmentation while evening out skin tone and enhancing radiance. It helps your skin repair damaged skin cells naturally. Everyone over 40 should be integrating a Vitamin C product into their skincare routine STAT!

When used topically, due to it’s highly acidic properties, the skin responds in the active reproduction of collagen and elastin that help to keep the skin plump and firm. So, Vitamin C can actually help in the premature aging process. As mentioned earlier, it also helps to inhibit melanin production which causes hyperpigmentation with it’s brightening ability.

When looking into the most effective Vitamin C products to integrate into your skincare routine, look for the term L-ascorbic acid which is the most effective form of it out there and to use it in a serum form. When combined with Vitamin E the effectiveness doubles. Use these serums under your moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin…start out with around a 5% and you can work your way up to 20%.

Vitamin C gets an ‘A’ for being apart of your skincare routine. If you are over 40, bring the C factor into your routine! The benefits are exponential! Here are a few examples of products on the market to choose from!

1. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

2. OLEHENRIKSENBanana Bright™ Vitamin C Serum

3. SkinCeuticals C E FERULIC® WITH 15% L-ASCORBIC ACID