Timing your makeup: tips on how to schedule a stress-free wedding day

There is so much to do when planning your wedding.  Finding a venue (the place you will have the ceremony and sometimes a separate one to have the reception), finding a dress, picking a DJ and a caterer: these are all things that brides think of first when planning the wedding.  Hair and makeup are sometimes an after thought, but they are essential.  It is important to know that while there are many things that need to be planned, you don't have to plan them all in order.  Here is a quick checklist for the new bride, and afterward, I will talk more specifically about fitting in the makeup:

• Location for ceremony
• Location for reception
• Bride's gown
• Bride's maids' dresses
• Food (remember to ask for dietary restrictions; special diets may be needed for diabetics, vegetarians, the lactose-intolerant, etc.)
• Music
• Transportation (I recommend that the bride and the bride's maids use several vehicles.  Traveling in a single limousine is fun, but the schedule becomes cramped when everyone must be finished before the limousine can move to the next location.  If the bridal party is split into several cars, then the party can move in smaller groups.  As one group is finished with hair, they can leave immediately to meet the makeup artist at the preparation room.)
• Photography
• Hair
• Makeup
• Party favors for guests
• Negotiating a group rate at local hotels for your guests
• Choosing a cake!

There is so much to consider!  Don't worry though.  Your friends and family will be willing to help you get through this busy period.  Planning weddings takes time, and when it comes to the final day, there is still so much involved in coordinating the schedule.

Because you have so much to do on that wonderful but stress-filled day, I encourage my brides to have a staging area near the ceremony hall where the party can stay to have work done.  Let us (the vendors) come to you.  Hair stylists and makeup artists should be able to come to your location so that more can be done in a short span of time.  By having both the hair stylist and the makeup artist in the same location, you free yourself of so much stress and are able to enjoy the day more easily.

If you don't have a staging area, there are some important things to consider.  As a makeup artist, I always ask when the bride needs to leave for the church; it is essential that she be at the church on time.  Makeup is the last step before you walk down the isle, so the time you leave for the church is the time I need to be finished.

Each face in the bridal party will generally take about 20 minutes.  So if you are having four brides mades and your face done, plan on spending 2 hours with the makeup artist ( 5 x 20 minutes = 120 minutes ).  If your mother-in-law and mother are also having makeup done, you must include them in the time estimate as well.

Remember, if this sounds like a lot of time, there are ways that you can save time.  Having the hair stylist and makeup artist come to you allows us to overlap our work schedules.  Instead of spending 3 hours at the hair stylist and then another 2 hours at the makeup artist, have them both work on the party at the same location in a single 3 hour period.  If the hair stylist doesn't want to come to you, use several vehicles.  As each bride's maid finishes her hair, she can head straight to the staging area where the makeup artist is waiting and get started right away.  These are two great tips for saving time and getting everyone ready fast.

Another important thing to remember is that the bride usually gets the work done last.  The bride's maids should all have hair done before the bride has her hair done, and the bride's maids should have makeup done before the bride has makeup done.  The reason for this is photographs.  By doing the bride last,the photographer is more easily able to take pictures of the bride as she gets ready.  Most photographers will come 1 to 2 hours before the wedding; having the bride done last ensures that she is having hair and makeup done during this period.

The key thing to having a stress free day is that the Bride has to trust all the professionals she hired to know that they are used to doing weddings.  They will do a great job for her. After all, it is her day!

Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!

Wedding Makeup Secrets by Darlene

On that special wedding day, every bride wants to look her very best and be at her most beautiful, but presenting your best face can be a little daunting. How do you make sure your wedding makeup stays on all day, looking flawless in your wedding photos, and manage to make you feel like a model, but still look like you?

I spent years doing wedding and photo shoot makeup, and I realized that the best wedding makeup was actually the same makeup tips and tricks that I used on top models for their photo shoot. The dynamics are the same, whether it be a wedding, or a top photo shoot. Pictures are being taken. It must stay on all day. The model/ bride wants to look beautiful, yet real.

Are you having a makeup artist do your makeup? Here are some tips that will help you make sure that you get the look you want:

1. A lot of time and detail went into choosing your dress, ring, flowers, and even your hairstyle. Don't let your makeup take a backseat. Take the time to go through magazines and pull out makeup styles that you really like, even tear out the ones you really hate. It could be how a certain feature is played up, or that great lipstick color, or how the skin glows, or even how they used way too much eyeliner. All this is easy to say and show to a makeup artist, like me, with pictures. It helps tremendously to show your desires by pictures rather than endlessly describing it. This helps me immensely in seeing what you like and don't like. "A picture is worth a thousand words". It really gives a lot more information with a visual sense.
2. By all means, schedule a consultation, or even better, a complete makeup application before the big day with your makeup artist. Plan it as a get together with all the bridesmaids. Don't overlook this very important step because this way you can see if you like your makeup artist's style.

Things to bring to your consultation appointment:

• Tear sheets from magazines, of makeup you like and don't like.
• A picture of your wedding dress (a Polaroid will do). This gives the artist a great idea of the style of the dress and the wedding. Is it romantic? Dramatic? Elegant? This gives an idea of your style.
• The shade of lipstick that you1d like to wear. If I don't have it, using yours is no problem. This is also a great test to see how long your lipstick will last during the evening.
• Your favorite waterproof mascara. I highly recommend using waterproof. You just might be shedding tears of joy.

Remember, your makeup run-through is the time to play, try different ideas, colors, etc. Don't be afraid to say you don't like something. Makeup is easy to take off and reapply. Once you have your look down, make sure the makeup artist writes everything out, and notes makeup items you may not have that you'll needing for that day.

Are you planning on doing your makeup yourself? Here are some great tips and tricks that I use in photo shoots that you can easily incorporate into your look to make it last all day.

1. Make sure your foundation is an absolute perfect match. Color blend along the side of the jaw and blend in 2-3 strokes. Is it gone? It should be. If not, or you find yourself blending forever, you have the wrong shade. Do not use a shade darker than your natural skin. If you want to looks tanner, use a bronzing powder that blends in over the foundation like the sun kissed your face.
2. For under eye circles, the easiest way to lighten them is with an opposite color applied on top first. The trick is to use the opposite of the color wheel. Generally, a nice yellow concealer covers red, purple, and blue tones in the skin. You'll find yourself using much less concealer and foundation.
3. Using concealer is easier when you have the perfect shade. Don't go 1-2 shades lighter than your skin, as this actually makes the darkness appear more gray and muddy. Mix your concealer shade with a drop of your foundation and then apply. You want your skin tone to appear one even shade.
4. To keep foundation and concealer on all day, Use blotting papers or take a Kleenex folded into squares, and lightly press into the foundation before you've powdered. This removes excess oils from the foundation and leaves pure pigment on the skin. If you find this removes too much foundation, then apply a little more than you think you need, and then press. You'll find that foundation stays on hours longer.
5. Apply your blush next. Find a blush brush that is the size of the apple of your cheek for a perfect application. Pick up your color and tap onto the apex of the bone back by the temple and move it in a half moon curve over the cheek. slowly blending. Intensity goes from the back forward. You will then follow step 5 to set the makeup and bevel and blend it. This one step makes your blush look real and finished, rather than just sitting on the surface of your skin. Also, by applying blush first, if you look great with just your blush on, you have the right amount. If it looks too bright or harsh, lighten it up.
6. Lightly brush on loose powder with a large brush to set. Press the powder all over the face and blend and bevel the cheeks first, then finish with the last stroke down ward. This is very important for photography to get the facial hairs to lay down.
7. Do your lips next. To last all day, powder lips first, then apply your lip pencil filling in the entire lip. Don't worry too much about the outline of the mouth. Then, apply your lipstick shade, blot, powder, and apply again. (I like to do this 3 times) By blotting and powdering, you are actually removing the excess wax in the lipstick that causes it to bleed. Once finished, then apply a light coat of lip gloss if desired in the middle of the bottom lip.
8. Do your eyebrows - Brush and fill in eyebrows if needed with a shade that's 1-2 shades lighter than your eyebrow hairs. Brush through with a small brow brush (or toothbrush) afterwards for a more natural look.
9. Last but not least, Do your your eyes. A soft shimmering cream or white is beautiful on the brow bone as a highlighter, and the inner corners of the eyes, both above and below the lashes. This wakes up the eyes and creates a beautiful highlight. To make eyes appear larger, apply a sand or taupe in the crease of the eye. Blend so that the shadow fades well. Keep the eyes looking neutral, while the colors emphasize the cheeks and lips. Make the most dramatic part of the eye your out “v” of the lid, lashes, and eyeliner as this looks the best in pictures. Take a black or brown pencil and line the lashes on the outer 1/2 or 1/4 of the eye. Blend with a Q-tip. Then, take your mascara and eyeliner brush, and lightly line the eye with your mascara. Once it's dried, smudge again, and you1ll find that your eyeliner will stay on forever. If your mascara is waterproof, that's even better. And remember to curl your lashes before, not after mascara. (Note: Do not apply liner on the inside of the eye ledge-dangerous and can cause a severe eye infection. Instead apply just under the lash line.)
10. If you're applying false eyelashes, single eyelashes are the most natural looking. An easy way to apply them is to apply one coat of mascara, let dry. Apply a dot of glue on the tip of the lash and along the length. This is actually the part that anchors to your lashes. Then, take your tweezers, looking down, and place 2-3 single lashes on the outer 1/4 of the eye. Let the glue dry, and then another coat of mascara to seal the lashes together. False eyelashes go a long way in making your eyes dramatic and the focus of the face.
11. Finishing Touches: When you're done with your look, you may want to apply a little more blush, and then finish with a final brush of loose powder. Make sure everything is blended well. If you feel like you have a lot of makeup on, lightly mist with a soft spray of water to set. This will take away the feeling of makeup on your skin and also helps to set the makeup. If you want your skin to glow, lightly brush on a soft shimmering eye shadow or the new shimmer loose powders. To avoid over doing it, just dust across the tops of the cheekbones and collar bones. For a more over-all glow, you can even go across the forehead and chin.

You want to look beautiful, glowing, soft and romantic. Remember, this moment only happens once in a lifetime. Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!

Top 10 Tips from a Professional: Putting your makeup on right!

1. Make time for primer. You won't regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. "Primers are definitely the way to go in summer,"  You can use eye primers, lip primers, face primers too! "They're incredibly light — they don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer — and they really help hold makeup in place."

2. Lighten your face makeup. "Just as you switch to breezy skirts and linen blouses, dress your face with lighter makeup,". First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. The Skincare Tinted Moisture Protection SPF 20 ($36, department stores) or Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($18, marykay.com). Feeling a little too exposed? I also recommend brushing powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage — say, on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose. The mineral powder should be buildable and non transferable as in Mary Kay anti age mineral powder ($18 jar) or Jane Iredale Amazing Base ($42, janeiredaledirect.com).

3. Bronze believably. "Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin,". To keep the results looking fresh and natural, I recommend applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they'll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results.  And be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail. A tan face that's framed by pale ears will out you fast. DO NOT use any glitter or shiny bronzers on the face...does not photograph well.

4. Try out vibrant color. Just as you're probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now's the perfect time to play up your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, "livelier colors brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin,". If you tend to stick with neutrals, experiment with just one area of your face. 

5. Stop shine, add glow. A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message "I'm hot" — and we don't mean sexy. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. "They're cheap, easy, and amazing — you just press and go,". Try Beauty Blotters from Mary Kay ($5.00 for 75 Pure Linen sheets) or Too Faced Re-Fresh Oil Blotting Papers ($12, Sephora). If you need to perk up your makeup too, blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder. "You want to eliminate shine,".

6. Switch out thick lipsticks. Since heavy lip colors often feel like overkill once the weather warms up, many women opt for clear balm or skip their lips altogether. But just because you're feeling low-maintenance doesn't mean you have to look it. A simple swipe-and-go choice: tinted lip balms. "They give you whisper-light color, and many have SPF to protect you from the sun,".

7. Stay-proof your eye makeup. For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. "It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer,". Mineral based eye shadows generally last longer than creams, for the ultimate in all-day wearability, layer a powder over a waterproof cream (don't worry — this makeup artist's trick still feels light on the lids). Doubling up works for liner, too. "Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it for longer wear," .

8. Wade into waterproof. Water­proof mascaras have really improved. "They used to be brittle, crumbly, and flaky, but today's formulas are much better — and they really last,". Apply on the tips of your lashes over regular mascara to boost its staying power.

9. Go sheer. "Rich, deep colors have their place, but they can look heavy in summer,". To lighten up, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye hues. Use a lip liner pre-application if you need extra definition, but go for a nude shade to keep that carefree feeling, or try "invisible" lip liner, which deposits a clear, waxy film to stop color from bleeding.

Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!

Skin care counts! Here's why...

Makeup does not apply over unprepaired, unhydrated skin. Just like an artist has to properly prepare the canvas BEFORE the painter can begin to paint beautiful works of art...same applies with cosmetics. It is exactly the same! Even if you have healthy beautiful skin, it is essential to start with a good skin care regimen to prepare your canvas for the amazing work that we create together.

Whether you have severe dry skin, or blemish prone and oily, I want to help you have more radiant complexion with a healthy glow. This is within everyone's reach. We all have issues we deal with and I help heal the skin, make it smoother and younger looking. Plus if you have issues like rosacea (redness on the cheeks and nose), uneven skin tone (appear blotchy), scars, mask of pregnancy, birthmarks, whatever the problem is, together we will get you ready for a beautiful wedding day, prom date or other special occasion.

Makeup is the medium of an artist, and your face is the delicate canvas on which I paint my masterpiece. Proper skin care is essential for the makeup to sit correctly. I look forward to demonstrating this with you soon. Call me so we can get together!

Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!

The first consultation

The most important part of this whole process is building a relationship and trust with the Bride. We spend time getting to know each other and discussing how you envision yourself to look on your wedding day. I then will show you some of my work and you will realize that it is all about YOU!

My service is teaching based and I feel that it enhances the initial experience because I also pride myself on helping you to learn why makeup for your special day is different from your everyday makeup application.
We will select trial colors for you and also give you skin care appropriate for your complexion type: dry, normal, combination, or oily. It is not uncommon for me to meet the bride several times if need be before her special day!

I will answer any questions you may have and also take before and after digital pictures. As we preview the photos together, I can then show you how the camera likes what we did on your face and you will see for yourself the importance of applying makeup so that the light can reflect your face and you will see for yourself the importance of applying makeup so that the light can reflect off your face to make you look your absolute best. These are the true tricks of a professional makeup artist.

Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!

Making makeup last through hot weather

With the excessive heat temperatures, the main concern is "HOW DO I KEEP MY MAKEUP ON!?"

First it is essential for you to control the oil on the skin, because oil breaks down the makeup. Even if you have dry skin, you still need proper hydration without adding anything that would increase your oil secretion. If you have severely oily skin, there are skin care products and supplements designed to help remove and keep oil off the skin for up an additional 8-12 hrs and still allow your skin to feel hydrated. Naturally, keeping control of your skin is made more easy by using a properly designed skin care plan daily over time.

Once steps have been taken to control the oil, it is imperative to set "The Look" with a finishing powder to not only blend but to allow it to help set. Without a finishing powder, "The Look" does not appear polished or blended and will not photograph well - but most importantly, a lot of finish powders are designed to help absorb the oil, so this brings us back to the first point which is: On hot days, you must take steps to control oil on your skin. By properly controling the oil and using a good finishing powder, you will ensure that your look will last throughout the day.

Brides and prom goers, I always suggest a pre-consult so we can show you the products and it feels and looks after applied. Experiencing the products against your skin is always best. Plus who wants to feel like they are wearing a lot...NOT ME! But if you choose the right combination of products, your skin will look and feel refreshed and the glamor will be gorgeous!

Please see my website for photos or to Register for a free consultation!