What inspires me...PART 1

Here's a question that pops up often for me..."What inspires you?" I realize as I begin to talk about my inspirations that I am inspired by so much that I should probably break this down into segments!! Haha!  :)  The short story?...What inspires me TODAY??  Here's where I'll begin...

Marilyn Monroe applying her own makeup

Today I am inspired by...stories, music with good lyrics, photography, cool old things...and I do mean just about all cool old things - old jewelry, old fashions (not "old-fashioned! heehee...that's different!!), cool old pictures, cool old people, cool old music, cool old furniture, cool old buildings...WHOA...yep. Strong women, my mom, my daughter, my boyfriend, flowers, color, black and white prints...

No kidding, I could go on and on with this sometimes!  I do have days like everyone, where I just feel less than inspired.  BUT more often than not it's the other way around.  My mind has like a domino affect when it comes to the things that inspire me.  I love the days when my eyes are so wide open to the inspirations around me, that I have to make a list of the thoughts, ideas and "to-do's" so I don't lose them!!  Open your eyes up to those things around you and be inspired...everyday.   

Bridal Beauty DO's and DON'Ts for the Week leading up to the WEDDING

Here we go! One week until the big day!!  How should I make sure that my face is in it's best possible condition for my Wedding Day makeup!?!?! 

Here are my top Bridal Beauty DO's and DON'Ts for face... the week leading up to your wedding:

DO's-

1. DO take your makeup off and cleanse your face every night before bed!  Sleeping with your makeup on will only encourage that last-minute dreaded blemish to pop up!!  Follow with your nightly skincare routine!
2. DO get as much rest as possible...HAHAHAH!  I know.  But I have to say it!  Showing up on your wedding day COMPLETELY sleep deprived is the easiest way to make your skin appear stressed. EEK!
3. DO stay hydrated!!  Drink your 8 glasses of water a day!  Dehydration can cause your skin to react in an unpleasant way AND can cause puffiness under the eyes! 
4. DO have your brows shaped...**BUT**...USE caution!  see my DON'Ts on this below. This is touchy touchy.  Be sure to do this at the beginning of the week prior to the wedding.  You can always tweeze any last minute strays, but waxing or major shaping is BAD idea the day before or the day of the wedding!! 
5. DO exfoliate your skin...but not more than twice!! Again...make sure to use one you've used before!!  This is not the week for experimenting. 
6. DO use a lip conditioner daily or even TWICE daily!
7. DO arrive at your makeup appointment with a clean face! :)

 DON'Ts-

1. DON'T try new skincare the week of your wedding!!  AHHH!  Even if you've never been sensitive, this is not the week to try something new!  Want to treat yourself to some new fabulous skincare in preparation for your wedding???...AWESOME!  Just make sure to start it at LEAST a month prior to the big day! :)
2. DON'T GO TO SOMEONE NEW FOR BROW SHAPING the week of the wedding!!!  I can't stress this enough.  Look into this early if possible.  When all else fails and you realize you have an emergency facial hair situation...at least get a recommendation from someone you trust!  Too many things can go wrong!
3. DON'T do any facial waxing  or major facial hair removal within 36-48 hours before the wedding!  Even from someone you trust.  Anything can happen...it's just a bad idea. :)

In general, when we are stressed out, extra emotional or lacking sleep...our skin reacts.  So do NOT assume your skin will behave as usual during the final wedding countdown.  :)  Try to have all your major beauty decisions tried, tested and finalized prior to the week before the wedding.  Then...treat your skin with care as you plug your way through the final stretch leading up to your big day!!!  
Wondering about Bridal Beauty DO's and DON'Ts for hair, nails and body??  Look for those soon!!

A Bridal Beauty Emergency Kit! (What to take in your handbag!)

Brides OFTEN ask me..."What should I bring with me on my wedding day for touch ups??"  Whether you've hired a makeup artist or are doing your own makeup, you'll want to have a couple of things in your clutch or handbag that you carry with you for the rest of the day.  Not carrying a handbag?  Have a super duper "EMERGENCY KIT" for the whole wedding party!  Put one of your girls in charge of keeping it handy throughout the day! :)

No matter the quality of the long-wearing products either you or your makeup artist is using, there will be moments after tears or stress or eating and dancing when you want to take a minute or two to freshen up your beautiful face!!  Remember...even though you've gotten through your most formal and "important" pictures of the day, cameras will be flashing throughout the night!  You'll want to look and feel your best right up until the moment when you and your groom make your exit!! 

Here are my suggestions for must-haves in your handbag or emergency kit for easy touch-ups and makeup emergencies...after your makeup artist has left the building...:)

1. Concealer - one that matches your skin tone - use this to touch up under your eyes when  they begin to look tired as the day goes on...:)  Have it there to cover up any UN-invited guests on your skin like blemishes or redness that might pop up out of nowhere or fix your eyes if you get emotional!!!  If you have only ONE MAKEUP ITEM in your bag, this should be it!

2. LIP COLOR -  Whether it's the same lip product your makeup artist used at the beginning of the day or just your favorite lip gloss, have something to pop on quickly when you you run to the ladies room!! Even a gloss will help keep you looking fresh ALL night!

3. Powder - especially if you're really oily or it's summer!!!  *Important*- make sure it's photo-friendly!!  Not all powders are created equally!! 

4. Blotting Sheets - For those with extra oily skin or for summer months! Your face can only take so many layers of powder! :)

5. Mascara - just in case you think you'll shed a lot of tears! Good to have a little one on hand just in case! :)  Use a sample mascara or one that isn't super clumpy in case you have to use it more than once!

6. For your hair...bobby pins, travel sized hairspray, a comb or pick

7. Other "stuff" - safety pins, tissues, Q-tips
I could go on and on with suggestions for your all day/night emergency kit, but these are the must-haves for everyone!!  The ingredients for your "emergency kit" will depend on the hairstyle and makeup look you have!!  If you have a super dramatic eye or bold lip, you may need other products in your handbag...but this list should get you started! :)  Talk with your makeup artist or hairstylist about what products you'll need on hand in case of a makeup or hair emergency late in the day!! 
:) Happy planning and no matter what - ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Wow...Elizabeth Taylor Passes

So sad to hear of Elizabeth Taylor's passing today.  What an iconic figure in many ways.  Writers will be racing today to talk about the life of Dame Elizabeth.  Instead of another article about her life, I wanted only to share a few of my favorite pictures of Liz in her younger days.  What a beauty. 

Strangely, before today I had already begun a blog about inspirations..."What inspires you?"  One of my inspirations - Vintage, retro or classic anything.  Elizabeth Taylor's passing has catapulted my creative juices into finishing this piece about what inspires me!!!  Until then, I wanted to share a few of my favorite images of such an iconic beauty.  Notice a recurring them...strong brow, bold lip.  Beautiful.

Enjoy the pictures. Rest in peace Dame Elizabeth.

Which one is your favorite? I'd love to hear!! 

Crazy week ahead!

Wow! What a crazy couple of weeks it has been! I have 3 unfinished blogs waiting for me to finish as we speak.  I need to find a way to blog on the road a little more affectively! :) I've been traveling more than normal recently...and I LOVE it, but I'm BEHIND!!  AHHHH!!!  I've met some really wonderful people and worked with some awesome new makeup artists who are eager to learn learn learn!!! 

Ahead for this week - here's the must do list

• 2 trips out of town (Mon/Wed)
• Move my kit (makeup supplies) to new portable organizer!
• Blog and VLOG my behind off - (coming soon...Bridal Beauty Trends, What Inspires you??, What is your cleansing routine?...)
• 3 new clients at the end of the week - YAY!
• New pictures of work coming in on Tuesday from Ann Steward Photography!! YAY! (http://annstewardphotography.com/)

Have a great Sunday all!! :)

Prom Fashion Trends!!!

The snow is almost gone and Spring is coming FAST!  Thank GOODNESS!  I am just DYING to hear those birdies every morning and see the beautiful colorful grass start to grow!!  YAY!

It may seem early, but the buzz about Prom Fashion has already begun!!  Prom fashions are not how I remember them, that's for sure!  (and that's probably a good thing...haha)  Gone are the days of a single-color ball gown and princess up-do!  What will be the big trends this year?  Long dress?  Short dress?  Patterns and textures?  Hair up or hair down? Shew!  I'm exhausted!!  Haha!  Hmmmm... I have a feeling there will be a mixture!! 
So now I wonder...which of my young clients will go classic with their Prom makeup?  And which ones will be trend-setters at their prom by spicing up their simple dress with a leopard-print eye (yep!)...or a trendy hot-pink or bright coral lip and simple eye makeup!! 

So exciting to plan!!!  I want to hear from my younger clients!!  What kinds of fashions are you and your friends looking at??  Prom Makeup???  Talk to me! :)


Jessica

February Favorites! Nyx, Estee Lauder, Tarte, Urban Decay

Fun products I got to try in February!!  See the attached video where I talk about my favorites!  :)

Included in the video are NYX Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, Tarte and Urban Decay...some makeup brushes...lips...eyes!!

Take a look! Let me know what you'd like to hear about next!!  Thanks for watching...and SUBSCRIBE to support!