Kristen & Don Friday, Nov 6 2009

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 ~

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Easy Makeup Steps for Busy Mornings Thursday, Oct 29 2009

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!    

    

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Maureen & Jamie Monday, Oct 26 2009

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

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Angela & Josh Saturday, Oct 17 2009

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!

 

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Andrea Pritts Headshot Session Saturday, Oct 10 2009

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

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New Products to love! Thursday, Sep 17 2009

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!

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Headshot session with David Burke Thursday, Sep 10 2009

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!

 

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Michelle Brown’s Wedding Monday, Sep 7 2009

Hello again ~ I’d like to share with you a few pictures of a recent wedding that I did makeup for…Michelle Brown, now Michelle Singh!  The bride’s makeup was done at the Omni William Penn on the afternoon of August 9th, 2009.  I was thrilled to finially get the chance to meet Nick Bombich, a very talented photographer here in Pittsburgh!  View some of his work at www.photosbynick.com.  As always, thanks for looking!

 

Something I have each and every one of my brides do…curl those lashes for an instant open-eyed look!

 

LoVe this product…a little “Model in a Bottle” will waterproof the makeup so it will last!

A really beautiful picture of her…

Such a cute couple

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Megan & Josh Sunday, Aug 23 2009

Congratulations to Megan & Josh who were married on August 1st, 2009!  I did Megan’s makeup at the beautiful Greystone Fields in Gibsonia…where she had both her ceremony and reception.  I also had the pleasure of doing makeup for a couple of her bridesmaids and mom.  Thanks once again to Elliott Cramer (www.elliottcramer.com) for sharing these pictures with me.  I hope that you enjoy them!

  Finishing touches on Megan’s clean and natural look…

Finished look pre-wedding dress!

LoVe this picture of her, such a classic beauty she is…

Breathtaking!…

~The Happy Couple~

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Carrie & Steve Sunday, Aug 16 2009

I had the great pleasure of doing Carrie’s makeup and her entire bridal party on May 2nd of this year.  She welcomed me into her beautiful Greentree home that morning and I had such a great time with her friends & family.  Here are a few pictures that I think capture Carrie’s beauty and personality!  Thank you to Elliott Cramer for these images…his work and contact information can be found at www.elliottcramer.com.  Also, Brooke Rockwell did a fantastic job with all of the hair…check her website out at www.brookerockwell.com. 

Just getting started on the bride…

That’s always the look I’m lookin’ for

Brooke putting the finishing touches on Carrie’s hair

So cute, love the frames

Such an adorable couple…

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