Skin Care: The Basics

When was the last time you updated your skin care routine? If you don't have a routine, it is time to get started. And if you have been using the same thing for 5 years . . . It's time for a change. I often advise my clients to choose skin care over makeup, "If you have to choose between investing in skin care or investing in makeup, choose skin care." Flawless makeup always requires beautiful skin.  

Our skin is the largest organ we have and most of us need to do a better job taking care of it. This doesn't mean you need to have 5 products you use in the morning and 8 you use at night. It simply means protect, nourish and pamper your skin. 

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their skin and this can be based on your location or climate, skin type and even your age. It's important to assess your skin (or speak to a professional) before choosing the right products.

Once you establish a skin care routine, you must be consistent. Only change things up when necessary; like when the seasons change or you notice a drastic difference in your skin type. 

The most common question I'm asked in regards to skin care, has to do with the order in which products are applied. Generally, serums are applied first, then gels, lotions, and creams. You want to start with the thinnest consistency. And if you have extremely dry skin, finish off with an oil.

What is your favorite skin care item that you own? And what would you like to add to your current routine? Comment below and feel free to ask any questions!

Stay beautiful! . . . Inside and out.

The Perfect Bridal Manicure

Your exquisite wedding gown, flawless face and beaming smile, along with your perfectly coiffed tresses all receive plenty of attention on your wedding day. But your hands should not be forgotten  – from the first flash of that glistening engagement ring to the joining of wedding bands.

For perfect bridal hands, it is critical that you focus on protecting your hands from the sun, while keeping them moisturized. A rich hand cream with SPF will do the trick. Keeping your hands moisturized ensures no rough, scaly looking skin, while helping you keep those cuticles in check. The sun protection will keep sun spots and premature wrinkles at bay. So as a part of your wedding planning, don't neglect your hands and make them a part of your "beauty" routine. Two of my favorite hand creams are below:

Deborah Lippmann's Rich Girl Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Hand Cream

La Prairie's White Caviar Illuminating Hand Cream 

As a bride, your bridal manicure will depend on your bridal style. For a slight twist on the traditional, try a pretty blue nail color, for your "Something Blue."

OPI's Eternally Turquoise 

Soft and neutral nail colors keep the overall bridal look sweet or even modest, if that is your preference.

OPI's Steady As a Rose

For those of you that love a french manicure, but desire something a bit different for such a special day . . . Try changing up the color options, like below. It's different without being to bold.

If you typically like designs on your nails but are a bit concerned about going overboard, you can always stick with a shade of pink or peach, and have a design added in white.

Be sure to check out my bridal nails Pinterest board for more amazing bridal mani options, because there is something for everyone, regardless of your bridal style! And Contact me to complete your bridal style with hair and makeup that perfectly suits you and your wedding!

Stay Beautiful! . . . Inside and out.

Bride Plus 3, 4, or MORE!

It's October ... I mean, I seriously cannot believe it is already October! I know people always say every year goes by so quickly, but THIS year is almost over!!! 

It has been a busy, hectic, and fun year. And I have had so many weddings these past few months! I don't know about other wedding vendors, but for me, between May and October go  by in a daze! Plus I was honored to be the hair and makeup artist for The 9th NotWedding Atlanta event last week (more on that soon)!

I honestly feel like I have the most amazing clients! Not only are my brides amazing, but their friends, bridesmaids, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers are also fabulous!

When a bride contacts me, very rarely is she interested in makeup just for herself. 95% of my brides want their entire bridal party to look their most beautiful ... I mean let's think about it, the investment that you make for the photographer and videographer ... Everyone needs to look fab!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of working with Ashlee who I has already gotten to know quite well. Her maid of honor, Nikkee, contacted me about a trial and we have had a great time ever since! It was a such a joy seeing all of them have such a great time enjoying the morning together and getting glammed up!

I did hair and makeup for the bride and mother of the bride (and even changed the brides hair up for her reception as well). I also got to do makeup for the 5 bridesmaids. Rachel, who was one of those bridesmaids was kind enough to send me a selfie a few days ago.

She wrote the sweetest note and gave me the best compliment ever! She is naturally quite gorgeous so glamming her up was a lot of fun! She seriously smokin' hot!

Thank you Rachel for this photo, your spirit, and kindness! I look forward to the day when I can work with you again. The entire bridal party was so attentive to Ashlee and you could feel the love. And I'm already excited to see some of the professional photos :-) The wedding took place at Primrose Cottage, which has a lovely bridal suite and is perfectly photogenic.

For me it's so much fun to create different looks for everyone, making sure everyone feels beautiful and is comfortable. It's important to make sure that "glam time" is stress free, full of laughter, beautiful memories, and flawless faces! 

Stay beautiful! ... Inside and out