Friday I hosted my very first Junior Makeup Party…a new service at my studio! I had entirely way too much fun with this sweet group of young teenagers. I absolutely love educating young girls about makeup…and this gives me the perfect opportunity to do that, while they have fun! Each Junior Makeup Party includes: complimentary snacks and beverages for the girls, a one-on-one makeup application suitable and appropriate for their age, and a complimentary lip gloss per girl. Here are a few pictures…
Thank you 2009 brides! Tuesday, Dec 1 2009
Uncategorized 4:45 pm
Only three more weddings left for 2009 and I must say it’s been quite a ride! With doing makeup for almost 60 weddings this year, I’ve met so many wonderful brides along with their friends & families. I can’t thank you enough for inviting me into your lives and entrusting me with the makeup for your big day. I really can’t imagine ever doing anything else, and I hope my passion shined thru in my work! Also, a huge thanks to all of the amazing and talented photographers and hair-stylists that I’ve met over the last year. I really appreciate all of the kind words and referrals that you’ve sent my way.
I am looking forward to a busy and beautiful 2010…I have lots of exciting things I am working on at Pittsburgh Makeup! I will be offering Airbrushing by Temptu Pro starting in January. I’ve taken a lot of time researching different airbrushing systems and I feel that Temptu Pro will be a perfect fit for those brides that are interested in airbrushing. Also, I will be doing Tattoo Concealment…since I have many requests to cover tattoos, I have found the perfect product that will do so flawlessly.
Thanks again for a great 2009 and I wish everyone a happy and healthy NEW YEAR 
Julie & Dan Jenny Wedding Tuesday, Nov 17 2009
Uncategorized 9:18 pm
Congratulations to Julie and Dan Jenny who were recently married on September 4th, 2009! I arrived early in Julie’s Gibsonia home and did makeup for her and the entire bridal party. They were all so welcoming and fun to be around and it was a picture perfect day for a wedding. Special thanks to JK Photography for sharing some of the photos with me…I truly apprecite it. Check out some of their additional work at http://jkphotographyonline.net. My friend Susan Grover did the hair and as always did an amazing job. Hope you enjoy the pictures!!
Taking a sneak peek…
A couple of Julie’s BM’s!
Love this one! Best wishes to you guys
Kristen & Don Friday, Nov 6 2009
Uncategorized 1:48 pm
Congratulations to Kristen and Don Rega who were recently married on July 25th, 2009. I absolutely love the fact that Kristen wanted to glam it up with rich purple shadows & false lashes! She was so much fun to work with and I even walked away with some great work-out tips ~ Kristen has amazing arms! Thanks again to their Photographer, Michael Purvis, for the really stunning pictures. Please check out his website: www.purvisphoto.com or contact him directly at 412-956-6589. And a little shout-out to Monica Kitta who did a wonderful job with the hair so if you are looking for a great on-location hairstylist contact me for her information.
A really cool picture of my kit in action…
Getting some final touches on Kristen’s makeup…
Before the dress…
This is my favorite one, love it!…
~ Thanks Kristen & Don, I loved being a part of your big day ~
Easy Makeup Steps for Busy Mornings Thursday, Oct 29 2009
Uncategorized 6:18 pm
If I had a nickel for every time I heard that there just isn’t enough time in the morning to do makeup, I’d be a rather rich girl! I know even being a Makeup Artist and a busy mom with 2 young kids, it can be challenging. I feel like it’s 5 minutes of your day, and if it makes you feel better then it’s worth the little extra time. Below are just a few steps that even on my busiest mornings I try to do. I think when you take a little time for yourself…you’ll walk a little taller and smile a little brighter. I know it sounds cheesey but it’s true . I included a picture just to show how a couple little steps make all the difference!
BEFORE: already gorgeous of course!!
STEP 1: Curl those lashes!! I instantly go from looking sleepy to looking awake once I curl my lashes. Revlon makes a great one (I like the gold curler)…or for a little splurge go for the best out there which is Shu Uemura’s for $19. Purchase at www.shuuemura-usa.com or at Ulta.
STEP 2/3: Conceal the undereye area and even out the skin with a tinted moisturizer. Pick a concealer about one shade lighter than your skin…the idea is to brighten the area! Gently pat under the eye and don’t forget the inner corner area. Even out the rest of your skin with a lightweight tinted moisturizer if you just want a little coverage. I love Stila’s tinted moisturizer w/ SPF 15 (www.ulta.com) or Youngblood’s Mineral Liquid Foundation which is really a soft beautiful coverage (www.ybskin.com).
STEP 4: Apply a little white eyeshadow under the eyebrow and on the inner corners of the eyes. I do this on all my brides and clients because it’s such a pretty bright-eyed look. You can either use a flat white or a shimmery white, either will give the same effect. Currently I’m using Youngblood’s Moonstone loose eyeshadow.
STEP 5/6: Eyeliner and a coat of mascara ~ I am in love with long-wearing Gel Eyeliners. I have both Bobbi Brown and Mac in my kit. They last all day, and are super easy to apply. I like softer shades like brown or navy for during the day. As far as mascara, there are so many brands right now and I feel that drug store brands have come such a long way. The hot one right now is from Christian Dior, but I have to admit I’m a Maybelline Great Lash girl.
STEP 7: Blush! Just smile and pop a little color in the apples of your cheeks. Try NARS in Orgasm for a little splurge of $25 (www.narscosmetics.com), or try E.L.F’s bronzer/blush combo…I’ve seen the color in person and it’s really, really close and only $1!! (www.eyeslipsface.com)
STEP 8: A pretty lipgloss and you are done! I LOVE Youngblood’s Lipgloss and Bobbi Brown makes a great one too. I like to choose a gloss that is a little thicker so it’s almost like a lipstick and gloss combined.
AFTER: VIOLA!
Maureen & Jamie Monday, Oct 26 2009
Uncategorized 9:23 am
Congratulations to Maureen and Jamie DeFrank who were married on August 15th, 2009! I had so much fun that morning doing the makeup for the Maureen and her bridesmaids! Playing on the ipod cradle in the background was Depeche Mode and the Beastie boys, ha…two of my all-time favorites ~ I love some upbeat music to get me in the groove! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Pamela Marie Photography… http://www.pamelamarie.net/ -it was so hard to narrow them down, awesome job Pamela. Best Wishes Maureen & Jamie, I was completely honored to be a part of your big day!!!
I love when Photographers do this little trick…
Working on the bride… 
Sooo pretty… Love the hair too!!
The Couple
Angela & Josh Saturday, Oct 17 2009
Uncategorized 1:28 pm
Congratulations to Angela and Josh Shrum who were recently married in Greensburg, PA on September 26th, 2009! I kept Angela’s makeup look very clean and natural since she typically doesn’t wear much makeup. I think it’s important to feel like yourself on your wedding day, since all eyes are on you! Thanks so much to Angela and her family for making me a part of this very special day. Here are a few pictures from D & B Photography, www.dnbphotography.com.
Doin’ my thing…
Getting on those last finishing touches before the big dress!!
I LoVe this picture! Jennie (Angela’s MOH), and Bridesmaids: Catherine, Laura & Cara…so cute
Best Wishes Angela & Josh!
Andrea Pritts Headshot Session Saturday, Oct 10 2009
Uncategorized 4:59 pm
I absolutely love getting calls for headshot sessions ~ especially when the model is as fun and vibrant as Andrea Pritts! Andrea needed some professional headshots for the Miss East Coast Pageant, in hopes to win a scholarship for Esthetics School. I wish her the best of luck and know she’ll do great at whatever she decides to pursue. I’m so happy to share some of the pictures with you! Kathy Wolfe (www.kathywolfephotography.com) created some really beautiful images of Andrea…even though the day was gloomy and rainy, Kathy definitely made Andrea shine bright!
Kathy let Andrea borrow her hat…good call, it turned out so cute ~ this is my favorite
New Products to love! Thursday, Sep 17 2009
Uncategorized 9:22 am
As a Makeup Artist, I’m constantly trying out new beauty products to bring with me on-location that ideally will make my life a little easier. Not everything that I try is a keeper, but when I find something fabulous I always want to share it with you. I especially love products that work “over-time”, or have more than one benefit. Below are a few of my new favorites. If you have tried any of these before, please feel free to leave a comment…I’d love to hear from you!
Youngblood’s new HI-DEF Hydrating Mineral Perfect ~ This new product from Youngblood Cosmetics (www.ybskin.com) is a multi-tasking powder that will hydrate and refresh the skin, while also locking in moisture, absorbing oil and matifying shine. The sheer powder will expertly diffuse any imperfection for a flawless, camera ready finish. ($36)
Du-Wop Payoff ~ This product is super unique. Payoff is a water-based 
solution that will transform your favorite powder eye shadow into a creamy liquid shadow. How? The solution extracts the pigmented particles of powdered eye shadow and bonds with them…which turns any ordinary shadow into a rich, vibrant, intense creamy shadow that will really last. The really cool thing is, once the product dries in your shadow, it will return to its natural state…so you’re not ruining your shadows. Really cool, takes a little finesse to use the first few times, but worth the practice. Visit www.sephora.com for more information. ($17)
Rodan + Fields Lip Micro-Dermabrasion ~ One thing I hate is dry, flaking lips…not a pretty look. This convenient product from the R+F Enhancements Collection will remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the lips in a few easy swipes. It comes in a lipstick tube, so it’s easy to throw in your bag too. Contains a conditioning treatment as well, so your lips won’t feel dry after. I use this every other day and notice quite a difference. To order go to www.juliem.myrandf.com ($16)
Benefit Some Kind-A-Gorgeous ~ Recently I did makeup for a wedding party, and one of
the girls had her personal collection of makeup that she wanted to share with me. She swore by this product because it’s made to be goof-proof and will match everyone’s skintone. It comes in two shades, Translucent and Deep (shown). The Translucent goes with almost all skintones. It’s a cream to powder formula that delivers a truly even application. It looks absolutely flawless on the skin. I use it as a layering tool under a light application of mineral powder for an all day, but natural look. Not only is it a great product to try, the packaging is super retro and cute! Visit www.ulta.com ($28)
That’s it for now! Stay tuned for more product recommendations in the near future!
Headshot session with David Burke Thursday, Sep 10 2009
Uncategorized 4:13 pm
I had a blast this Spring creating a soft and natural makeup look for Laura Smith, who is an aspiring actress in Pittsburgh. She typically doesn’t wear a lot of makeup on daily basis, but wanted to look polished and professional in her headshot photos while still looking like herself. I think they turned out beautifully and David really created some killer images for her to choose from! If you’re looking to have any photos done…weddings, headshots, lifestyle photography…I highly recommend him. I should know, he did my headshots and I love them!! To view some of his work visit or for more information visit www.davidburkephoto.com. Good luck on your new career Laura!
