Happy Holidays from Moore Make Up!

Have a wonderful and blessed New Year...see you all in 2009!

Fabulous and over 45!

I am always on the lookout for a great book or magazine, that is not only fun to read-but that will also break down the 411 on anything beauty related. My Grandmother said,"Knowledge is power" and I believe her. I also believe that feeling good about yourself is empowering and if you are feeling good-you will DO good. I have been researching for some of our upcoming seminars and one of the topics I am looking forward to most is our Fabulous Over 50 workshop! I came across this book (and web site) and really like what this artist is doing! I was in Target when I saw this and they only had 2 copies on the shelves...the little elf in me is telling me to hop on Amazon.com and order a copy for each fabulous lady over 50 I know! I only hope that they would know I am only trying to "pay it forward" a bit, not trying to drop a hint (heehee).

Take a peak and let me know what you think!

www.makeupguy.com

Love love these products!

You've heard us chatting it up about the weather changing and with that skin care needs changing along with it. We always like to say to do a gentle exfoliation at least twice a week (gentle being the key word). You can use the best of the best or even make one from scratch with store bought goodies (say using sugar and a bit of olive oil). There is alot to pick from, but even with that being said-we rarely find that special product that blows us away (and makes us by it again and again). This past week I tried 2 products I kept reading about, and now understand why they are getting rave reviews...

Aveeno Cleansing Pads are awesome! They come ready to use right out of the package, one side is for gentle exfoliation for sloughing off dry dead skin, the other side gentle enough to use around more tender places, like the eye area! Perfection, and these smell delicious! Then I tried the more advanced Oil of Olay Micro-Sculpting Creme...really love this product! I have used alot of higher end products such as La Mer, La Praire, and Chanel...and this product can give them a run for their money ( while you spend less money). With the economy the way it is, everyone is watching their spending-so this is the perfect way to treat and take care of yourself-without breaking the bank! Try these for yourself and let us know what you think! See you next week!

Brrrrrr!

With it getting colder and the wind really kickin' things up, things are getting drier! I don't know if it's all that kissing under the mistletoe, but everyone has chapped lips right now. Some people even have Santa Cheeks, they are so dry! I would definitely step up your moisturizer to something more dense, say from a lotion to a creme...I would also invest in a good Hydrating Balm! I love this simple little stick from Johnson & Johnson. I use it on everything and everyone. My son has really bad eczema, and we don't leave the house without his cute little face coated with this product. It is perfect to toss in any bag or even pocket...and it was $2.99! At that price, you might even want to grab one for Santa!

Also, if you are on the go this holiday...these cleansing clothes are perfect for travel. They work just like the "Big Girl" facial clothes at a fraction of the price. Plus, it makes more sense if you are dry& chapped to be cleaning your face with something more gentle...if it's good enough for my baby, it's good enough for me!

So Thankful!

I like to think I am a pretty grateful person throughout the entire year...but considering the economy, the time of year, plus throw in the kind of week I had last week-I am extremely grateful. I have my health, my family, a roof over my head, a nice/safe car, food in my pantry, and a job I love! As crazy as it can be, I'm just as crazy about what I do. I feel blessed to make a living doing what I love most -helping people feel better about themselves! October marked our 7th year in business and I am looking forward to at least the next 7! To those of you who know us, have worked with us, and supported us...we Thank you, Thank you, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts (and make up bags!) We send you warm wishes and hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Perfecto'

Okay, so I am coming at ya a whole day early with this week's update. Usually I try and take Monday's off, but tomorrow I am slammed, so I thought I would try and get a bit ahead.

I was thinking about what I wanted to write about this week and a few things dawned on me...With the holidays around the corner, we will have people coming to visit and lots of parties to attend-mostly home soirees.What are the things I like to leave for my guests when they overnight with us and what is a little something I can surprise the hostess of our seasonal shindigs with....

Hmmm, although I've never seen anyone turn up their nose at a bottle of vino, I feel it's a tired gift. While candles are lovely, do I risk imposing the taste of my sniffer to theirs? Anywho- I got sucked into QVC the other day, learning more about a company I was already impressed with...

Korres!

This company's roots hail from Greece and they do natural like nobody's business. While shopping their products I came across this lovely set of mini products...perfect for anyone, anytime of the year. And for $25.00, I can order plenty- picking up the perfect gift for little elves to leave guests and hostess!

Red Hot Baby!

Not saying you can't wear a red lip year round, but nothing spices up a holiday look like a hot red lip! It's classy, sexy, and can wake up any outfit you are wearing. With budgets being a bit tighter for everyone this year...skip the new party outfit and reinvent your look with a new lip. People will be so busy staring at your beautiful new pout, they won't glance past your shoulders. I love this new Stila lip combo! It has perfect shades of red to mix or use alone. Pucker up and give it a go...See you next week-Muwahhhhhh!

Lux lashes!

I have often said...Chanel does not make a bad product! They are the epitome of class and when you buy anything Chanel, you know what you will be getting. This goes for their famous quilt bags, their ballet flats, and even their lipsticks! Several of my mascara favorites have been Chanel and this new one Exceptionnel is no exception! It gives major volume and enough curl so that you can skip your curler! It also comes in several colors to pick from, so don't be afraid to try something new!

I also had a recent purchase of their cologne Egoiste Platinum, while marketed for men, I have loved this fragrance for years. So much that I bought it as my winter "smell good". It's clean, perfect for day and night...and I honestly can't stop smelling myself! If you are searching for a new fragrance, don't ignore the "men's world" of things...you might be surprised in what tickles your nose!

Trick or Treat...definetly TREAT!

I can't resist a yummy smelling shower wash! I love all the amazing "flavors" Philosophy makes, but had never seen their licorice flavor! I thought how perfect for Halloween this week! I have not tried it and honestly don't know if I plan on it, but it looked and sounded pretty cool. I HAVE tried the Pumpkin Spice 3 in 1 wash and it is delicious! Hop on their site (www.philosophy.com) and see their fabulous product line up...they all look so good! WARNING... it will definetly make you hungry!

Happy Haunting!

Marvelous "Minis"

This makes me soooo HAPPY! I am a self professed mascara junkie, so when I saw this I immediately placed my order. This is the perfect way to try out your favorites without breaking the bank and they are great for travel! My one suggestion would be to open and use one at a time, once air hits these minis-they tend to dry out fast. Have fun and let me know which ones you love!

Lash on ladies!

Reminder!

Hope everyone had a fabulous week! We wanted to remind everyone about the

Mommy Make Up Seminar

this coming Wednesday! We are expecting a great group, but still have room if you want to join us! We will be covering:

Fab in 15-How to get gorgeous in less than 15 minutes...

"Baby Momma" products-great baby products get put to great use...

Multi-Purpose Mommy Must Haves...

Top 10 Tips...

"Carpool Cosmetics"

Wednesday October 15th 6-8pm Seminar starting at 6:30pm

1354 Chrismill Lane Brickyard Plantation

Light refreshments~casual dress

RSVP 843.708.1918 or 843.709.2144

Treat yourself and serve others!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

So many companies have jumped on board to create special limited products with proceeds going to fight Breast Cancer-YEAH! We LOVE that! From drugstore companies like Revlon and Sonia Kashuk, to higher end companies like Bobbi Brown and Smashbox. They make it so easy to give back. No matter what your budget is- the next time you go to buy a new product, look for the pink ribbon! "Pretty is as pretty does"-not only will you look great, you will feel great! One of our favs...this awesome kit from Smashbox! Check out sites like www.Sephora.com to see what other companies are giving back!

GO PINK!

Sea Island!

Wow-what a beautiful weekend! This past weekend Margaret and I went to Sea Island, Georgia for a wedding. After we took a slight detour through St. Simons (which is also amazingly beautiful)...we finally got to Sea Island. We worked at one of the most stunning spots ever, and frankly we just saw the locker room! We are fortunate enough to see alot of 5 star hotels, resorts, bed & breakfasts that are all highly acclaimed. Our location was at the Ocean Forest Club at Sea Island...not only was it the best space we have ever worked in (light, room, etc.)-the staff was impeccable. Friendly, warm, and gracious.

My Bride Meg (who could double for Reese Witherspoon) was wonderfully laid back and was breathtaking. She would make any other Bride want to be her. Her girls were all so different and fabulous! Marg and I had a ball with them.

All in all it was a long day, we drove longer than we worked and were exhausted by the time we got back to Charleston...but the day couldn't have been better!

So Excited!

I am so excited, I can barely stand it. Let me start off by explaining that of course I am a huge advocate of investing in top of the line make up brushes. If you take care of them properly they will last you for years and years. While I have added and replaced a few brushes here and there-I have basically had the same "working" brush set since I started this business over 7 years ago. I have custom cut them, glued them back onto their handles, and given them more baths than my two babies have had put together. I know them like the back of my hand and can use them with my eyes closed. You can't even find brushes like this anymore.I know this will sound SO cheesey, but when I think about how many faces these brushes have touched-I get a bit emotional. (Forget cheesey, that sounds flat out crazy!).To the handsome John Edwards... to the sassy Dorthea Benton Frank....to the countless beautiful Brides. If these brushes could talk, oh boy-would they have some stories. With that being said, it is time-time to retire this set that has served me so well. I bought a new brush set (27 NARS brushes) and I couldn't be more excited. For me it's like getting a new car, you know how to drive- but it feels different and you have to learn the new features. You even have that amazing new leather smell from the brush wrap! Anyway...I hope there is someone out there who can share in my (over) enthusiasm for my new found friends. Even if it's just you Margaret! See you all next week!

Mommy Make Up Seminar!

Your wish is our command! We have set a time and date for all you Yummy Mummies out there...we are in the process of sending evites and invitations, but even if you don't get one personally...Come Join Us!

Mommy Make Up Seminar

"Gorgeous on the Go...Fabulous in 15 minutes!"

We have had major request from chic, sassy, on- the-go Moms on how they can spend minimal time to maximize their look. Whether you are a Cooperate Cutie or a Stay at Home Superstar, if you have young children (or just not alot of time)...this is for YOU!

This is an educational seminar, NO products will be sold!

At the seminar we will:

*Share "short cut" secrets

* Demonstrate the top 5 Essentials

* Help you organize and streamline your own products

* Give you news on the latest and greatest Mommy Must-haves

No longer do you have to leave the house praying you don't run into anyone. If you have at least 15 minutes, you can polish up that pretty face, make the most of what you have, and head out the door feeling GREAT!

Date: October 15th

Time: 6-8pm Seminar starts at 6:30pm

Location: 1354 Chrismill Lane 29466 -Brickyard Subdivision

Casual Dress ~Light refreshments will be served

No charge, but please RSVP to reserve your seat!

843.708.1918

We hope to see you there!

Products of the Week!

First off, if you don't like Target then somethings is wrong! I personally can't go in there without somehow spending at least $100 bucks or so on....STUFF! They have really good quality products and while you find many places to shop that carry things from lawn furniture to lipstick-NOBODY does it like Target!

Their latest and greatest additions are 3 super make up lines and we are stoked!

Jemma Kidd, PIXIE, and NP Set are fun and fabulous. These companies have been in the market for a while,, but now that Target has picked them up-you can probably go just around the block and see for yourself. Look for the displays in your aread Target, they don't have the word "play" in it for nothing...have fun! This is one of my favs!

Smile of the Week!

Happy Labor Day, Long Weekend to ya! We hope you had a wonderful and restful weekend! We had a nice balance of work and time off (we worked hard and played harder)...it was a great weekend! I am currently working on updating the Moore Make Up site and while combing through new images, came across this one...my talented friend Corrie (MCG Photography) shot this image of one of my favorite Brides! Her name is Laurie and although our meeting was short, it was sweet! She was simply beautiful, but what made her such a knockout (was not just her amazing smile)- was her heart! She was lovely, kind, and gracious. All Brides should take lessons from her, because she was a true gem! Her happiness was contagious and who couldn't smile just by looking at this photo!

Product of the Week!

Can you feel it? There is a hint of fall in the air and I couldn't be happier! Fall is my favorite season. I love fall clothes, love the weather, love the whole romance that comes with having duskier days and longer nights (Oh, and I love college football-GO TIGERS!).

Anyway- as new fall products are dropping like leaves, I have found what I think will be the one must have for fall and winter...(drum roll)-

Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer has been top rated since it's conception, but I have found another winner...her Illuminizing Tinted Moisturizer- it's flawless. With drier weather comes drier skin and this product will allow for that touch of coverage plus the radiant glow-which trust me everybody needs in the fall and winter. A little goes a long way and is perfect for those who just don't want alot of make up, even in coor climate. Trust me, it will be the best $42.00 you spend all season!

Product of the Week!

This time a year we use every trick in the book to make sure make up will endure for hours! With this heat and humidity, we will do whatever it takes.This past weekend I had a wonderful family on the books for a wedding! I got to spend the morning getting everyone ready-then got to return between the ceremony and reception for touch ups. I was thrilled to see that through 95 degree heat, 100% humidity, and an afternoon of pouring rain...their make up stayed put! They looked gorgeous! As an artist, I take many steps to insure that make up will be as long wearing as possible, which is why I LOVE this product...MAC FIX+

You can use it several ways, but it's main purpose is to help "set" the make up. After you are done with your make up, spray this 2 or 3 times directly over the face (not too close)...and it will not only set your makeup (think a refreshing hairspray for the face)-it will leave you with the most radiant glow. You can also spray this product on before applying your make up for added moisturizer, and it's perfect for touch ups. Just lay a tissue over your face, spray FIX+, gently blot tissue, then lift off... then you are ready to touch up your make up.

At $16.00 a bottle...grab yours and get your glow on girls.

Have a great week!

Fall Into Fall!

With Summer coming to a close...it's back to school, back to shorter days, back to basics! I LOVE fall make up probably more than any other season! I love the richer textures, the creamier lip colors, and basically being able to wear a little bit more makeup (b/c who wants to wear alot of make up in 100 degree summer weather?)...the look is not as sheer and carefree, but a bit more polished and pulled together-who wouldn't love that?

As companies are starting to drop their new Fall products , I am on the lookout for a few goodies to grab along the way. So far, I have found the Nars Fall 2008 collection- great for warmer tones, and a Bobbi Brown Mauve Pallette (www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com) perfect for cooler tones. Check them out and see for yourself! Call and make sure these products have landed in store before you make the trip out, they are seasonal and are selling out as fast as they arrive. Or better yet, go online and save yourself the GAS! (I think I just heard a AMEN in the office!).

If you have a must have, LOVE IT goodie product-give us a shout, let us know, and we can share the love. We would love to hear from you!

Until next week...take care and take it easy!

News of the Week!

We're back! Family vacation went well followed by a fabulous Girl's Weekend in Myrtle Beach...I'm still recovering in many ways from that one-HA!

Wanted to give you the latest update on our new sister company

Moore Make Up Experience...we are coming closer to launch! The marketing is getting closer to going to press, then it's on to completing the new web site. We are excited to be growing and to be able to offer more diverse services. In a nutshell, Moore Make Up is about artistry and application-Moore Make Up Experience is more about instruction and education. We will have a new management division- where we will contract out other artist, as well as offer private and group consultation, post-operative (cosmetic) consultation, cooperate imaging,as well as training and seminars for new and experienced artists. It will be a big step running two businesses, but the rewards will far out weigh the challenges. Margaret and I are excited and ready to rock! Be on the lookout for the new Moore Make Up Experience blog...coming soon!

See you next week...

Time for our annual Family Beach Week at Folly! We will be checking in while we are enjoying a little family down time, take care and we will catch up with ya in a few!

Product of the Week!

With summer in full swing, we are all looking for short cuts to get our glow on! I love this fun pick from Philosophy. It fast, easy, and it WORKS! A little exfoiliator, a little SPF moisturizer, and a lip conditioner with just a hint of color. I have always loved Philosophy's simple packaging,easy application, and excellant results...however the best thing about this company is how much they give back! Check out their home web site at www.philosophy.com to see how you can do something good for your skin and for a good cause!

Product of the Week!

Tis the season of heat and humidity-ugh! Working in beautiful Charleston has it's ups and downs and I would always prefer to work in moist heat than dry heat, anyday.It does however propose issues with keeping make up in place and fresh. That's when I turn to this awesome product from Smashbox, one of my favorite companies. There are a few good "anti-shine" products out there, but I love this one! Here are a few tips for keeping your make up not only ON, but looking fly!

1.Always clean your face before applying any product.

2.Use a good primer, this will prepare the skin like a canvas, allowing the make up to last longer- in turn allowing you to use less. Less is more in the summertime!

3. Use as many oil free products as you can and try using them with a foundation brush or better a sponge or wedge. This is for 2 reasons: it allows you to use less product and keeps your fingers off your face, preventing the oils on our fingertips from transferring.

4.Dust the lightest amount of translucent powder only on the spots you tend to be oily, not the entire face.

5. Once you are done, spray a setting product like MAC's FixIt or Make Up For Ever's Face Setter (Evian also works)...this will set the make up keeping it in place. You can also tap a bit of an anti-shine gel on your T-zone at this time ( I like using this product after the application).

6. For touch ups, use blotting papers to absorbed excessive oils, then if you really need powder- I like to use a sheer pressed powder with a cotton ball to pick up the least amount of product.

It seems like alot of steps, but totally worth the extra minute or two when you need to look fab through an entire evening!

We want to know what you are using! Feel free to email us with any "shout outs" you may have on the products you love!

Have a wonderful, colorful week!

Beach Babe!

Although I am knee deep getting caught up in the office and going on location to work (can you say vacation from your vacation?)-I couldn't help but to share this.

This would be the cutest, sweetest, most adorable baby girl in the entire world...of course my daughter Alexis (Lexi or just plain Lou). I had taken her to the beach not long ago and let her turn it loose. She LOVES everything thing about the beach (don't know where she gets that from)-she chased the birds,dug in the sand, splashed in the water, and of course said "Hello" to every person and pet out there! But her favorite thing to do was to just run...I mean- full throttle, not looking back R-U-N...

I love this photo so much because she is simply truckin' along, enjoying being free, and so happy her tongue just has to hang out! God bless a happy and healthy child!

See you next week...

Ciao, Adios, Au revoir,Cheerio, Bon Voyage...no matter how you say it-We're outa here!! (Well, almost-in 2 days anyway!)

Weddings all day today and tomorrow, but boy am I on the count down for Sunday morning. After what took a small Act of Congress to get 2 kids, 2 dogs, a husband, and a business ready for departure-I'm excited to say, Rhett and I are going on a much needed all adult vacation! Whahooooo!

It was tricky finding this cruise because I have weddings this Saturday and next Saturday,but we found one and frankly didn't even look to see where we were going until this past week. We just knew we were going away, and that's all that mattered! Jules and I happen to be breaking away at the same time, not together (darn)...but same day, same direction! Funny, how great minds either think alike or we both realized we needed a breather for the same reasons-ha!

Anyway, I couldn't decide what picture to post-I found the first image to be so relaxing and the second image to be more true to form for the kind of travelers we are...

One last thing, say little prayers that we travel safely, the kids stay happy and healthy with all 3 Grandmas, and that our house/dog sitter Ryan puts up with our two diva dogs...Zoe & Ellie.

Take care everyone and see you when we get back...(I can hear the steel drums and maracas already...)!

Product of the Week!

Okay, we are back to make up this week! I had something unfortunate happen to me over the weekend. I went out early Saturday morning to reload my car for my work day and noticed that my car had been broken onto (gasp)! After I realized how lucky I was that I didn't load my car up the night before, I started thinking...what would I do and what would be in my "back up" bag in the event my kits got lifted.

One of the first things packed would be these amazing pencils from Make Up Forever...I got these about a month ago and LOVE them. Use them as liner, use them as shadow-and they also make the perfect waterproof smokey eye. Although they can be a bit metalic, the colors are gorgeous and can be easily toned down by tapping a bit of shadow over them. They lock in and look fantastic-especially in 100 degree/100% humidity!! Bravo MU4Ever!

One last note- I have a strong feeling of who busted into my car...given the fact that the little grubbers took my pink cel phone, Chanel perfume, and personal make up case and NOT my Sirius Radio,or my Ipod...it is probably a couple of sad teenage girls who are out for the summer and already bored. Who knows, with my "moore make up" decal on the back of my car, maybe that flagged them that I would have "fun" stuff in my car-who knows really. As Justin Timberlake would say..."What Goes Around Comes Back Around". Karma girls...karma!

(Little) Man of the Week!

I can't believe it, but my little guy turned 4 this past week! How the time flies...

I have come to find that Cameron and I are more alike than we are different (which sometimes creates very interesting moments in our house), but he is my joy! He is smart, funny,sweet, thoughtful, and caring. He stays up as late as a rock star and wakes up chatting my head off. He loves to tell me when my coffee is ready in the morning and loves to get in the middle when his Daddy and I are hugging. He enjoys reading and we both can be found with book in hand. We can't go a week without watching our favorite show-American Gladiators together!

I always ask- how much does Mommy love you and I always get the same answer..."This much Mommy..." (arms stretched out as far as they can go) and then with fingers to the sky..."To the moon and back..." Sometimes, I think he might even love me more than he loves Thomas the Train...(and trust me, that is ALOT).

One thing he doesn't like is having his picture taken. It was hard for me to even find one of him for this posting. But here he is...in all his cuteness.

Happy Birthday to my special favorite boy-I love you so!

Couple of the Week!

I came across this photo of my grandparents and thought I would do couple of the week instead of product of the week! This was taken by my brother Ryan during a holiday dinner. My MeMe is as sweet as my Granddaddy is cute. They are like night and day those two and to watch them, keeps me in awe thinking you can spend more than 55 years married to the same person. They don't always see eye to eye, but hey-that's what keeps them spunky! What they do have is alot of love for each other and the most respect I have ever seen for 2 people. They also love the Lord and have always kept Him first in their marriage. They appreciate the good times, and never question the hard times. They are a true blessing to me and my family. I watch, listen, and learn as much as I can from them...in hopes that one day my husband Rhett and I can inspire our children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to live a life of gratitude, love, and respect.

MeMe and Granddaddy, you are not only one of a kind-you are truly two of a kind!

We love you so much...

Product of the Week!

If you are looking for some Las Vegas ready legs...well, here you go! This product from Tarte is perfect for getting your faux glow on. I like to swipe it over any place you want highlighted...down the calf, across the shoulder and even a brush of it on the collar bone. Make sure you are freshly hydrated already and don't overdo it, or you may end up looking like an Oscar statue. Perfect for a day at the beach or an evening out on the town...either way, channel your inner showgirl-and tip it out!

Product of the Week!

Okay, I was doing my weekly web check on my fav product sites and found this...

Kat Von D Cosmetics!!!

My fingers came to a screeching halt and I think I might have screamed (a little).

Now, I have a self admitted girl crush on Miss LA Ink...the "shyness" on her brief Miami Ink stint didn't have me fooled one bit. It has been no surprise to me to see her career path take the fast and furious lane...however, I was surprised (but thrilled) to see a KVD make up line. I mean-it makes sense given that she is an amazing artist and her make up always looks flawless. She is punk meets pin up, which I think is totally fabulous! I ordered her products so fast, I had to go back twice to "re"-input my info! Anyway-I at least refrained from the overnight delivery...SO, that means I will have to wait a couple of days to get it in the mail. I will give a "shout out" as soon as I bust open the package!

A Family Affair!

I know...no"Product of the Week" again this week. There have been so many more meaningful things going on this spring I figured I would share those moments with everyone. When I come across an amazing, must have product-I will certainly feature it faster than you can say Sephora!

However, since I have gotten such great feedback from people wanting a glimpse into our everyday lives...it means alot that people care, and it is my pleasure to share. So here's the latest...



This past weekend was a special one-my Dad's retirement (33 years) from the Air Force Reserves! I had no idea what an emotional weekend it was going to be. We had so many special family members in town, including my sweet Granddaddy who was still recovering from a surgery he had less than 2 weeks ago. Friends that knew my parents from before I was even born came, it was fun seeing them after all these years- introducing them to my own family.



My Dad and I have been pretty close through the years, and while no relationship is perfect-we have developed a sense of healing through mistakes we have both made. As I was sitting through the ceremony on Base yesterday, I was thinking what a milestone it was. 33 years...what would I think if someone made me retire from doing make up for 33 years? My Dad loved his job like I love my job (I know, most people can't wait to retire). I developed a new respect for my Dad, just as honorably as he served his country, he also graciously stepped down .It was a humbling, but beautiful thing to witness.



Above is a photo of our immediate family: brothers, sisters, aunts,uncles, and grandparents. There are a few important people missing, but most are there.



Although, I don't feel like I grew up a Military Brat-it was enlightening for me to spend the day like so many Americans spend their entire lives in the arms of the "Air Force Way"...God bless the men and women who serve our country.

I am my own product...With life as hectic as it is, it's when we find our breath in between the moments of our day that we learn valuable lessons. While I believe there can be an addrenaline rush to living a "crazy busy" lifestyle, I also believe that living life constantly in the mental fast lane is cheating...cheating yourself out of precious moments that happen in the blink of an eye. It also cheats the people around you...

I noticed this week just how busy the people around me were: phone tag, the "I'm sorry I never called you back email", the multi-tasking conversation (where you are chatting with someone and still doing 10 other things at the same time), or the flat out NO RETURN CALL. All in which I am totally guilty of. I decided I needed to treat others how I would like to be treated (duh)...with a little more attentiveness and alot more focus. I would rather give someone a dedicated 5 minutes than a distracted 15 minutes. Offering your true "self" is the greatest gift you can give everyone.

Product of the Week!

Okay, so I guess he can be "product" of the week! More like talent of a lifetime...I have always enjoyed Keith Urban's music and heard he was an amazing muscian, but last night was almost life changing! My brother and sister-in-law asked us to join them for the Carrie Underwood/Keith Urban concert last night and it was hands down one of the best shows. I have seen Tim & Faith, Kenny-they are all incredible entertainers, however this was some of the best musicianship I have ever witnessed (I know I sound like a crazed fan). But seriously...Miss Underwood sounded as good as she looked, nailing every note on every fabulous song she has ever recorded (including her Guns & Roses rendition of "Take Me Down to Paradise City" no, seriously she rocked it out)...but Mr. Urban-he blew the roof off the place! He sucked us all in with his charming personality, but at one point in the show-I seriously thought his guitar was going to catch fire because he was playing the **LL out of it! I love when you go see someone you like in concert and you leave their biggest fan...multiply it by 1 million and you get the picture. Pick up his latest Greatest Hits CD/DVD, you will be in for a treat! Keith Urban keep coming back to Charleston-YOU ROCK!

Product of the Week!

With longer days and warmer temps...I feel like summer is right around the corner. I found this wonderful, inexpensive product that smells like a tropical heaven! I have tried several products from the TreeHut collection including the Coconut Shaving Cream, but my latest favorite is the Coconut Lime Body Wash. I LOVE the smell of this wash...it reminds me of my travels to exotic locations and makes me want to fast forward to my upcoming cruise...11 weeks,6 days,21 hours, and 47 minutes!! I found my stash at a local Wal-Mart for $4.97! Get your own and ENJOY!

Product of the Week!

Happy Thursday! Yes, I am almost a week late with posting...we have been meeting with 2 and 3 Brides a day all week. This is the time a year, I wish I had a trusty assistant-they would be worth their weight in gold!

I am a subscriber to Allure Magazine and of course value this publication to the point where I don't let anyone breath on it until I can sit down in solitude to slowly devour the pages.

On their web site, there is a feature where you can go directly behind the scenes of runway shows. Editors, models, and make up artists will demo the hottest and latest products and"how to" techniques! Check it out on allure.com, it will make any product junkies day!

Happy Spring!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! My family and I had a fabulous couple of days. We had a busy week with many awesome Brides (I am looking forward to this season), and then took the weekend OFF, to celebrate Easter with the kids. Spring is in the air...get out and enjoy the longer days. Take care and we will see you next week.!

Product of the Week!

With Springtime here and Summer around the corner-this product package is perfect. Ideal for many things, these waterproof products will take you from tearful weddings, to summer beach bashes.

Make Up Forever is the line creation from master mind artist Dany Sanz. Backstage at the shows, artist used to guard these "bootleg" products with their lives-but thanks to high demand and companies like Sephora, the secret is out! Check out the entire line on sephora.com

Like Mother,Like Son!

Instead of "Product of the Week"...I thought I would share a funny little story. I work out of my home office a good bit and the kids are always welcome to come in and out as they please (as a matter of fact I have Matchbox cars racing up and down my leg as I write this and can here Alexis behind me pulling paper out of the printer piece by piece)-you get the picture. The other day my soon to be 4 year old son was within earshot reading one of his favorite books, I called out to him to check in and noticed he was a bit quiet. A few seconds later he came into the office, walked up to me with a chapstick and said,"Mommy, do fish lips so I can put this on you-I want to make you look so pretty. Look Mommy, I working like you!" Now- I have to be honest that I teared up at this sweet moment. We have come a long way from swirling Mommy's brushes in the toilette (don't worry, not brushes from my kit)...as crazy as they sometimes drive me, my children are my life-here's to another patch on the quilt of my life!

Product of the Week!

With the busiest bridal season now in full gear, finding multi-purpose products for my kit are a must. Where I love trying the latest and greatest-it never takes away from the fact that bridal make up should remain classic, beautiful-with just the right amount of modern freshness. The products of the late, great Kevyn Aucoin are masterpieces in their own right. While most of his foundations, concealers, & powders are ideal for serious photoshoots, some of his color line has enough pigment to pop, but can be made delicate enough for "real life". My favorite is his #1 Eye Palette...these shades are perfect for a more demure look and can also be revved up for something more glamorous and sexy!

Product of the Week!

With 2 young children, 2 dogs, a husband, and a crazy busy business...I am always looking for short cuts! I am just as quilty as the next person when it comes to the end of the day-I am so ready to fall into bed, the last thing I want to do is go through more than 2 steps to take my make up off! I tried these wonderful remover pads, and loved them! They were strong enough to be affective, but gentle enough to not burn my eyes (as many of them do). They were super soft and stayed moist after opening the container. On a side note, never tugg too hard around the eye area, take extra care and be gentle...let the product work itself-no force required! Now go have a good night's rest...quilt free!!

Product of the Week!

While I am known to mix and custom blend products, I am always on the hunt for fool proof lip colors. You know...the ones you get right the first time-from ONE tube? Believe it or not, with all the colors and choices out there, sometimes it is hard to find one that can stand on it's own. I stopped to dabble at the Merceir Counter the other day and fell in love with the Laura Merceir Lip Creme in Cinnamon! It is the loveliest shade of pink, not too bright-not too brown! Great for many skin tones! It is my current favorite! Forget about the cold weather-go flirt with a spring color and warm up!!

Product of the Week!

Mi Amore! With Valentine's Day around the corner...love is in the air! We LOVE these glosses from Philosophy. They smell great, taste great, and will have your lips ready for kissin'. Go to Sephora.com to get yours in time for Valentine's Day. Moooowahhhhh!!

Winter Wonderland!

I didn't forget...I realize last week has come and gone, with no Product of the Week! We were traveling with our family on a much needed vacation. There are certain things that I "know" in life, and where I have admiration and respect for this particular lifestyle...I am NOT a mountain girl. My family and I had a beautiful time in the snow- and we hope to make it an annual tradition. However the good Lord knew what he was doing when he landed me here in my beautiful hometown of Charleston...BEACH included! See you at the next post! XO, Leslie

Unbelievable!

I work in the field of beauty and fashion, and feel like most times I am living in the land of luxury with high end desingers. Now don't get me wrong, this is not a bad thing-however, it is so refreshing when I see a pretty quality piece at an even prettier price. I was surfing the Target web site the other day, and saw that they do in fact sell everything...including a WEDDING line! You can buy everything from dresses, to shoes...veils to headpieces! Really great quality at an amazing price, and with designers like Isaac Mazrahi-you get the best of both worlds!