Winter Beauty Secrets: How to Prep Your Skin and Rock Rich Makeup Colors

As winter settles in and the air turns a bit more crisp, it’s time to cozy up your skincare and makeup routine! Whether you’re a bride-to-be or just embracing the season, winter is the perfect time to experiment with rich, luxurious makeup hues and ensure your skin is glowing and hydrated despite the chill. Let’s dive into the ultimate winter beauty guide from my makeup chair to you. 💄❄️

Step 1: Skin Prep is EVERYTHING

Winter can be harsh on your skin, so prepping for makeup starts with extra TLC:

1️⃣ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Switch to a richer moisturizer and don’t skip the eye cream. Winter air loves to zap moisture, so your skin needs that extra boost. Weleda Rich Moisturizer is a great natural product for this time of year.

2️⃣ Prime for Perfection: Use a hydrating primer to create a smooth base for your makeup while keeping dryness at bay. Maybelline’s Glass Spray is great for this dewy hydrated look!

3️⃣ Exfoliate Gently: Say goodbye to dull, flaky skin with a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week. This ensures your makeup looks fresh, not cakey.This of course depends on your skin texture to begin with, you want to be mindful and not do this step too much.

Pro Tip: I always start my bridal applications with a hydrating sheet mask for a glowing, plump canvas. It’s a little luxury that makes a big difference!

Step 2: Embrace Rich Winter Makeup Colors

Winter is the season to turn up the drama with deeper, richer tones that pair perfectly with cozy knits and holiday vibes:

💋 Lips: Burgundy, deep plum, or classic crimson—bold lips are always a winter win. Not feeling a bold lip? Try a rich berry gloss for a softer vibe.Pictured above is Patrick Ta’s Berry Lip Color.

👁 Eyes: Smoky bronze, jewel tones, and shimmery golds create a luxe look that’s perfect for the season. Add a touch of sparkle for that frosty, winter-kissed effect.

🌸 Cheeks: Keep it rosy! A soft blush with a hint of shimmer gives you that “just came in from the cold” glow.

Why Winter Glam is Perfect for Brides (and Everyone Else!)

Winter weddings and events call for makeup that’s a little extra. Rich colors photograph beautifully against wintery backdrops, and hydrated, glowing skin is a must for those close-up moments. Bonus: Your makeup won’t melt off in cooler temps!

Ready to Create Your Winter Glam Look?

Whether you’re walking down the aisle, attending a winter soirée, or just want to feel fabulous, I’m here to help you embrace your seasonal glow. Let’s create a look that makes you feel radiant and confident—even in the cold!

📅 Book your winter glam session today! DM me to save your spot. ❄️💄

You’re Newly Engaged—Now What? The Ultimate Guide to Booking Your Bridal Makeup Artist

First of all, congratulations! 💍 You’re officially engaged, and this is such an exciting time. The ring, the love, the Pinterest boards—it’s all happening! But let’s talk about one very important detail that many brides overlook until it’s too late: booking your bridal makeup artist.

Why Book Your Makeup Artist Early?

The truth is, talented bridal makeup artists book up fast—sometimes a year or more in advance. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you deserve to feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. Soft glam, timeless elegance, or a bold bridal statement—whatever your dream look, finding the right artist who understands your vision is crucial.

Booking early also gives you the time to schedule a trial, where you can fine-tune your look and get to know your artist’s vibe. It’s not just about makeup; it’s about trust and feeling confident that your artist will make you look and feel flawless on your big day.

When Should You Book?

Once you have your wedding date and venue locked in, your makeup artist should be next on your list. Most brides book their makeup artist 9–12 months before their wedding day, especially for popular seasons like spring and fall. If your date falls on a holiday weekend or during wedding season, it’s even more important to act quickly.

Don’t Wait Too Long!

If you wait until the last minute, you risk having to settle for someone who might not specialize in bridal beauty—or worse, someone who doesn’t align with your style. The best artists are in high demand, and you don’t want to miss out.

So, Newly Engaged Bride, What’s Your Next Move?

Let’s make magic happen! ✨ Whether you’re envisioning a soft, romantic glow or something bold and modern, I’d love to bring your dream bridal look to life.

📅 Call today to check my availability and secure your date.

Makeup the Bride 818-384-7024cell Don’t wait—your perfect bridal glam is just a booking away!

My VoyageLA Interview

My interview for VoyageLA online publication. Get to know me!!

Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up I danced and did a bit of acting and always loved being around creative people. When I graduated from High School, I decided to major in Psychology which is a natural progession from being creative right?! HaHa! I did this to appease my parents but ultimately I did appreciate the process and worked hard to receive a BA degree in Psychology. I believe it made me a more well rounded person.

After college, I took some time off to figure out what I really wanted to do and going back to school for a Masters was definitely NOT what I envisioned myself doing. So I decided to go to Makeup School to tap more into my creative side to see where that would take me! I absolutely loved makeup school and immersing myself into the realm of all things ‘Makeup’. I learned beauty, some special effects, and bald cap application and honestly had the best time learning and creating. My teachers were awesome, engaging and professional makeup artists as well so they really helped and inspired me from the very beginning.

From getting certified in Makeup…I then went on to work in film, in the headshot space, on beauty campaigns and on branding shoots and naturally moved into the event and wedding niches. I have worked in all of these genres but Bridal is probably my fave. I just adore being apart of a Bride’s wedding day and bringing her vision to life while making her feel and look amazing. When all of the pieces are put together…the hair, the makeup and the dress, it’s magical!! I absolutely love what I do and understand that it’s a collaboration from who the client is and wants to a photographer and or agency that is behind a shoot to makeup , hair and wardrobe. I thrive in a collaborative environment and feel energized when I work with brides and any other artists who are passionate and talented at their craft. Most importantly, being around good people is what makes my world go around.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a freelance makeup artist doesn’t come without its struggles. The hussle is real and can get tiresome. It’s all about making connections and really being supported by those connections. Word of mouth is huge and of course the biggest compliment any small business like mine can receive. Also, if you freelance and are considered the boss, you are in charge of the business, the finances, social media, communications and the creative part so it’s not easy to be all things all the time. Balancing it all is very hard and there are times you are busier than others so it’s optimizing those highs and also making sure the not so busy times are met with proactiveness and insightful actions. When you are doing what you love to do, it’s worth it!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Bridal Makeup. My vibe is soft glam and making sure a BRIDE feels and looks like an enhanced version of herself on her wedding day. I believe in listening to what a client wants and creating a customized look that suits her to a ‘T’.

I am most proud of making my clients feel amazing, clients that repeatedly call me for makeup sessions for events or shoots, for clients that refer me, for clients giving me 5 star reviews and for being able to connect with clients from all walks of life and backgrounds.

What sets me apart from others is the fact that I absolutely LOVE what I do so I am motivated by giving that energy to everyone. I live to make the time I have with my clients fun and nurturing while customizing each and every experience with my expertise. I am extremely organized and try to take as much off of a Bride’s plate as possible and I give awesome touch up kits to my clients that always leave a sweet impression!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The characteristics that I feel are most important in my success is the ability to adapt and make every client feel special , look beautiful and feel confident. And of course to have fun and help bring that energy to any event or makeup gig that I do!

"Picture-Perfect Holiday Family Photos: Makeup Tips from a Pro Artist"

Introduction:
Holiday family photos are a cherished tradition, capturing special moments that last a lifetime. As a makeup artist, I know the secret to looking and feeling your best in front of the camera: flawless, festive makeup that enhances your natural beauty. Whether you're posing by the tree or at a winter wonderland location, here are my top makeup application tips to ensure you're photo-ready this holiday season.

1. Prep the Canvas: Skincare is Key

Healthy, glowing skin is the foundation of any great makeup look. Before your photo session:

• I hydrate with a lightweight moisturizer.

• I apply a smoothing primer to minimize pores and create a flawless base.

• I don’t forget SPF if you're shooting outdoors during the day!

Pro Tip: Use a hydrating lip mask the night before for soft, plump lips ready for any shade of lipstick.

2. Keep It Timeless with Neutral Tones

For holiday photos, timeless makeup is key. I opt for:

• Soft matte foundations to avoid shine under flash photography.

• Neutral eyeshadow shades like taupe, bronze, or champagne to complement any outfit.

• A soft blush to add a healthy glow without overpowering your look.

Pro Tip: Stick with soft glam—think enhanced, not overdone.

3. Add a Pop of Festive Flair

The holidays are the perfect time to add a little sparkle:

• A subtle shimmer on the eyelids.

• A bold red or berry lipstick for a festive vibe.

• Or, keep it playful with a glossy nude lip paired with winged eyeliner.

Pro Tip: Coordinate your lip and blush tones for a cohesive look.

4. Stay Camera-Ready All Day

Photoshoots can run long, so I keep your look fresh by:

• Using a setting spray to lock in your makeup.

• Giving you a touch up kit with blotting papers, lipstick or gloss and a powder puff filled with a translucent powder for quick touch-ups.

Pro Tip: Waterproof mascara is a must if the session gets emotional (or snowy!).

5. Makeup for the Whole Family

Yes, even dads and kids can benefit from a little makeup magic:

• Dab a bit of concealer on blemishes or under-eye circles for a polished look.

• Use a translucent powder to reduce shine on foreheads and noses.

Closing:
Holiday family photos should reflect the joy and love of the season—and your makeup should enhance that glow. By following these tips, I will help you feel confident and camera-ready. Remember, these photos are about celebrating your family’s unique beauty, so have fun and let your personalities shine through!

Looking for professional makeup services for your holiday photo session? I’d love to help! Reach out to book your personalized glam session.
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Top 8 Tips for Choosing the Perfect “Getting Ready” Location for You and Your Bridal Party: A Bridal Makeup Artist’s Guide

The morning of your wedding is full of excitement, joy, and, of course, a bit of pampering! Where you choose to get ready plays a huge role in setting the tone for your day and ensuring everything runs smoothly. As a bridal makeup artist, I've had the pleasure of working in a variety of "getting ready" locations and have learned what makes a spot truly ideal. Here are my top 8 tips for picking the best “getting ready” location for you and your bridal party:

1. Location, Location, Location!
Consider the distance between your getting ready spot and your ceremony or reception venue. A short drive (or even a walk if you’re lucky!) cuts down on travel time, keeps things low-stress, and allows you to maximize your pampering time. Aim for a location that’s close to your venue to avoid unnecessary delays or potential traffic surprises.

2. Size and Space Matter
Your “getting ready” space should comfortably fit you, your bridal party, family, and all the vendors you’ll need there — makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, etc. Make sure there’s enough seating, table space for makeup and hair products, and room for everyone to move around without feeling cramped. A spacious suite, large bridal suite, or even a private home with multiple rooms can be ideal.

3. Lighting is Key
Natural light is a makeup artist's best friend! Rooms with big windows provide ideal lighting, ensuring your makeup is beautifully blended and natural. Artificial lighting can sometimes cast unflattering shadows, so opt for spaces with ample natural light. If this isn’t possible, communicate with your makeup artist so they can bring additional lighting if necessary. Makeup the Bride always travels with a light because the lighting is always a question mark and usually we have to start early before the sun comes out!

4. Accessibility for Vendors and Guests
Make sure your “getting ready” location is easily accessible. Consider if there are elevators if you’re on a higher floor, especially for older family members, and close parking for vendors. Hauling makeup kits, lighting, and other equipment up flights of stairs can be challenging, so try to make it easy for everyone to access the space.

5. A Designated Space for the Bride
The morning of your wedding can get a bit chaotic with family, bridesmaids, vendors, and last-minute details swirling around. Having a smaller, quiet area within the larger space allows you a calm moment to breathe, enjoy the process, or even just step away for a little break. This helps keep you relaxed and lets you savor each moment.

6. The Beauty Setup Station
Consider where your makeup artist and hairstylist will set up. Ideally, there should be a table or vanity with good lighting and a mirror nearby, so the team has room for all their products and tools. Avoid locations with fragile or cluttered surfaces that might not be able to hold heavier makeup kits and hair tools safely. Makeup and hair will most likely need to rearrange furniture to make it work for them and their kits.

7. Comfort is a Must
Getting ready on your wedding day can take several hours, so make sure the space is comfortable. Air conditioning, possible fresh air access for those hair sprays if needed, cozy seating, and refreshments nearby can make the morning much more enjoyable for you and your bridal party. Consider having snacks and drinks available to keep everyone refreshed and energized as you get glam-ready.

8. Photography and Aesthetics
A beautiful, tidy space can enhance your photos and keep you in a good mood. Consider how the location will look in pictures — bright, neutral-colored walls and minimal clutter work well in photos and keep you and your bridal party looking fresh and radiant. Choosing a location with lovely furniture or decor also gives your “getting ready” photos an extra touch of elegance!

Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect getting ready location isn’t just about logistics — it’s about creating a beautiful, relaxing environment to enjoy one of the most memorable mornings of your life. With the right space, you’ll start your day calm, happy, and surrounded by loved ones, with every detail falling into place.