Dr. Feelgood!

Nope, and I don't mean the song either-although that one is on my ipod!

We have been swamped! Shoots, weddings, and traveling-cannot believe it has been over a month since the last post. I really don't know where the time is going. I have to say, this has been the best season with the best Brides...ever! I am so happy that my girls are beautiful inside and out. I develop lasting relationships with most of my girls and often get holiday photos and pictures of their babies and growing families. I love it! They say, "If you enjoy what you 'do', you will never work a day in your life...". I truly believe that, and I am most grateful.

We are in the process of updating and freshening up our site and blog...so hang in there. We have a few weeks in August to get to some "biz"ness done and we are getting our pretty little ducks in a row to showcase some of these gorgeous people.

In the meantime, we are getting a lot of calls and email about what products work for this heat and humidity. I have found that proper skin prep, make up, and finishers are key...so is the actual application. In my search of alternative products, I found an oldie but goodie and reintroduced it to my kit.

It's Benefit's Dr Feelgood Balm...

This can be worn by itself, under make up, over make up, and even for touch ups. It's an alternative to powder and great if you have oily skin. I prefer to use this instead of powder. It closes pores, keeps shine at bay, and locks in the make up. For touch ups, I would blot first, then tap this product on gently with your favorite sponge applicator.

Next time you are in an Ulta or Sephora...give a try and see what you think!

Channel CHANEL

Does Chanel really make anything bad anyway?

Ummmm, that would be a NO!

I love everything Chanel to the point where I could give Rachel Zoe a run for her pink tweed money (happy for a sister now that she is a momma-she wins cutest bump award!).

Seriously, I really do love Chanel and of course that includes the make up line.

There is something special about opening anything with a double "C" on it, but my latest favorite is the lipstick line...

Rouge Allure-Luminous Satin Lip Color!

The texture is perfection and the shades are GORGEOUS! Like the brighest rainbow out of the brighest sky.

I know, I know...$32.00 might be a little much on the purse for a lip stick, but I promise...it will be worth have that little bit of luxury all summer long.

Favorite shade... Coquette!

Neutrogena Naturals...New Fav!

I am always looking for ways to go greener (by nature) and less green (by money!)...

I found this line at my local Target and LOVE it...once again Neutrogena did not let me down!

I can always count on them for an affordable option on skin care and make up.

This line is light in feel, but heavy on the delivery...it does the job and doesn't break the bank!

My top 2 picks...the cleanser and the scrub!

Gooooo Neutrogena Naturals!!

Turn Around Bright Eyes...

I may be showing my age (haha), but remember that song from Bonnie Tyler?

I loved that song and would stand on my "stage" aka bed with my "microphone" aka brush and sing my guts out to that song! I think I was 8 at the time.:)

Things have been hopping over here at the home office and even more so on location. For a month that was supposed to slow down a tad bit, I believe we ended up doing over 27 runthroughs and 2 weddings in January! It was a fun month and I have some amazing Brides this season...it's going to be a great year! We have a couple of weeks left before we hit the official "season" so we have been making our list, checking it twice, looking for new goodies, and replenishing our standbys.

In the midst of our search, I came across this kit by one of my favs-Laura Mercier!

It is her Eye Brightening Kit Vol. II and it's worth every pretty penny!

It has her fab concealer, 2 eye bases, a secret highlighting pen, a multi-purpose brush, a cute little pouch, and more importantly...one of my all time favorite products Secret Brightening Powder!!

I don't say this often, but I love this products, panic when I run out, and trust me when I have seen it change lives (chuckle). Really, I have used it on new Moms running on NO sleep, hung over models, and people that have tried everything for their dark circles! This works on most people and I use it about 90% of the time. From my Brides to HD shoots.

This little goody bag will not disappoint and they won't last forever.

Check on the Sephora site and get yours for an instant lift...just in time for your Spring Awakening!

2011, Up and Open

We hope everyone had a wonderful, warm, and safe Holiday and New Years Eve!

I can't believe it is 2011! We are so grateful and blessed to still be doing what we love...allowing people to see how beautiful they are and teaching them how they can achieve that on their own.

We have had many amazing events take place this year and we are extremely honored and blessed. I don't write about too many of the experiences because I would never want to sound self-indulgent. At the end of the day (in this case a year) we close the door to one fascinating year and open the door to a year that holds...change, transition (both in a good way), inspiration and creativity. 2011 marks our 10th year in the biz and we remain as grateful as we ever have.

Some of you know, but many of you do not know that June 1, 2009 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What started out as stage 2, taking the summer "off"...turned out to be stage 3 and a year and a half full of aggressive treatment. I am a warrior and survivor, and as tough as the fight was, I was tougher and today...all is well.Thank you Lord.

I want to pass along the biggest, most heart felt "thank you" you have ever received. Every single one of my clients and vendors were beyond amazing. The support system I had with my girls was unbelievable and simply put...couldn't have done it without ya!

Over that year in an half- I did not miss one appointment, not one shoot, not one wedding, not one commercial...my bookings were solid and they kept coming...two weeks ago was the first time I have ever had get a stand in and that was because my daughter and I had a virus. You can imagine, standing face to face with someone how that's not ideal.

My work was and continues to be my therapy. It relaxes me and the connection with the people I "work" with puts me in the best state of mind.

2011 is going to hold many things and I am excited about the future and what's in store.

I thank you again, for making a gal like me feel so blessed. I am happy, healthy....I love what I do and who I do it with.

Above is a photo of my girl, shot by one of my all time favorite Brides. She is now an amazingly talented photographer (CharlotteElizabethPhoto.com)

I am so proud and excited for her and am lucky to call her my friend.She captured this shot of Lexi and to me it illustrates what I believe this year can and will hold.

Looking up...arms, head, and heart wide open baby!!

Here is to 2011...may your year be a moving and magical one!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Love the holidays and what they bring in the cosmetic world!

Lots of great value, fun kits, multi-purposeful palettes....everything is colorful, everything shines!

It is a fab time to stock pile on limited editions, luxury size products, and sets-where you often get a group of products for the price of 1!

I love a good kit or mini set...especially when they are packaged right (meaning eye shadow powders don't fall into the glosses-you get my drift).

These are 2 of my favs right now by Smashbox ($59.00) and Laura Mercier ($98.00).

These brands never let me down and with these you get alot of bang for your buck.

They won't last long...hurry and "right click" on yours before they are gone baby gone.

Seeing RED!!

But in a good way!

I am always on the hunt for a gorgeous, sultry but classic red.

Not too orange, not too blue...but definitely traffic stopping!

Well, look no further-drum roll please.............

Bobbi Brown's new metallic lip color in Jewel Red. Love love love this shade.

It is the perfect what I call "middle" red.

It is a blue red, so it's a bit on the cool side but has gold fleck tones to warm the shade, making it the perfect holiday pout. Many reds are matte or creamy but in this jewel,the warm metallic tone also allows for it to shine like the prettiest star.

I also wanted to blog about the best lip conditioner ever!

It's a new product from one of my favorite companies-AQUAPHOR.

Everyone knows I use this product by the tub and have tubes of it everywhere.Now they have a product especially for the lips-whahooooo!

So here's the scoop...after you brush your snaggles (teeth), brush over your lips to exfoliate them, apply a coat of aquaphor. Blot the remaining aquaphor and then apply your new perfect, stunning, glamorous Jewel Red lip color!

Orglamic Indeed!

Yikes...has it really been a month since our last post?

Well, October has shown to be the busiest month of the year yet.

I can't believe we made it out of there alive...but we did!

It was an amazing month for many reasons, and my girls were just simply some of the best!

I am slowly but surely trying to make more switches to natural and organic make up, especially for everyday instructionals. I feel like it still doesn't photograph as well as I would like for shoots, but it has come a loooong way baby for everyday use. I am not just talking about mineral make up (which is not my fav) but true blue or "green" make up.

We have a baby Sephora here in Charleston, but they do not carry every brand that the major stores carry. I will be traveling to the ATL next week and cannot wait to get my hands on this little goodie package from Josie Maran...it has all the glam essentials and happens to be natural and organic or Orglamic...check it out for yourself and see how much your skin will be thanking you.

I am slowly understanding that if I wouldn't eat it, I shouldn't be willing to put it on my skin.

Now I am still preaching to the choir here because I am certainly not all the way there- with my clothes, my house, my cars, and definitely not my make up...personally or professionally. But I am trying and making more of an effort.

I do believe a little well know woman named Oprah said, "When you know better, you do better". That's all I am trying to do.

In the meantime, I will check it out and give you all the 411 on this kit, looks fab!!

PS-It's only $52.00....can we say perfect stockin' stuffer??

xo

Super Sonic

No, not the old skool song- but the new school product!

I was just preachin' to the choir about how everyone is a bit sun damaged from the summer

(yes, people still refuse to wear sunblock in some neck of the woods)...from the beach, the pool, the boats-you name it...we are coming off of a fun filled summer in the sun and I think it's time for a little extra TLC.

There are so many products like this out on the market, but I thought I would try something similar with a much lower price point (lower than I was seeing anyway) with a company that rarely lets me down (especially for the price point) and boy did they NOT disappoint!

Neutrogena has several versions of this, but I grabbed the Sonic Wave for under $15.00 and I am in love. It is gentle enough to use every day and I can see and feel a difference within the first week. This one is designed to spin a removable cleansing pad on your face to gently exfoliate the dry dead skin. They have other versions, some vibrate, some spin...whatever you prefer. The prices range from 7.99 to 24.99 and they sell multiple types of cleansing pods that fit each device...brilliant if you ask me. I am in buffer heaven.

Next time you are in your local drugstore, check it out and go ahead...pick one up, I know you won't regret it and your face will thank you!

New Look, New Sound...

Hooray for the new site update! Dan the Man, did his magic and added some great new goodies to the site! I LOVE the new song, Michael Buble' and the Dap Kings...

"You've Got...What it Takes"

and I had so many beautiful Brides for the cover home page, but I had to pick my Stunning Sierra! She was one of my favorite gals this past season. She was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the out! Their entire crew was from South Africa, which is one of my favorite places in the world. I almost moved to Port Elizabeth or Cape Town back in the early 90's...it's that amazing there. It actually reminds me of Charleston a bit...

Check her out on the video, linked on our facebook page...it will take your breath away and make you cry all in 3.5 minutes!

Thank you Sierra for sharing.

Hope you enjoy our newest update, we will keep plugging away on the blog and of course see you on good old Facebook-be sure to "like" us!

See you soon-xo!

110 in the Shade...

For all you Broadway "in- the- knows", that is an oldie but goodie broadway show. MAN is it ever hot here in the south and we are doing everything but putting our Brides in a deep floral walk in freezer before they walk down the aisle! It's amazing, many events are in fact scheduled indoors due to rain, hurricane season, or HEAT! But many are still scheduled outdoors, which puts an extra responsibility on us to try and do everything under the sun to make sure make up stays PUT! Still at the end of the day it's make up not a tattoo...

We have alot of tricks in our bag to help us out with this "situation", but one thing that is ever important would be the setter that I use. I have been using MAC's Fix It and I love it, it's a tried and true-and I have added Cosmedicine's Medi-Matte for extra insurance. However, lately-I have been using Make Up Forever's Mist and Fix!

Love love love, this product and it seems I am able to use less (the spray is more effective) and it seals the make up a bit better-insuring more endurance. They also make a little travel size bottle perfect for well...travel or a little purse for the actual wedding day (not that you will need it).

Getting the prep work ready for the next site update...CANNOT wait!! Be on the lookie lou!

Organic Glamazon!

Now, for many reasons I am on the hunt for more natural organic make up.

Margaret and I had a seminar- not too long ago, that was all about eco friendly, natural, and organic make up!

Margaret had more of a leg up on being gorgeous and green and took the wheel for this one, but we both did some digging on quality products that actually WORK! We have tried many many different brands only to be disappointed by the lack of pigment and it's staying power.

It usually wasn't enough for the average everyday gal, much less for a wedding or a photo shoot. This made me even more determined...now there are several mineral make up companies that I like and even some of the mainstream companies are carrying "mineral" make up, but to find a brand that is completely "organic" is actually pretty difficult, and especially one that is worth it's money (usually their products costs bit more and don't have the same "life shelf").

A few of our favs are Jose Moran, Eco Envy, and Korres...we likey!

However, there is a company in the UK that has it nailed down sister when it comes to cosmetics and color...all organic.

It is called Organic Glam and the site alone will blow you away.

It is a little difficult to find, so we will post the link and a few products we love!

Another good tip- if you are looking to go gorgeous and greener...go to sephora.com

and hit the "natural/organic" icon at the top right hand corner and it will list brands that carry nothing but certified natural and organic!

A little greener is always more gorgeous...xo

www.theorganicpharmacy.com/organicglam

Good Book, Great Tips!

I love books and I happen collect books put out by other make up artists (only the good ones of course!). I love all of my books by the late great Kevyn Aucoin, Bobbi Brown, Beauty Bible, and of course a few by one of my favorite gals...Carmindy. I bought this book off of Amazon a while back and found it funny that I have been too busy to sit down and "read" it...it's all about staying beautiful in a busy world...all on budget! I am a big fan of her work, but a bigger fan of her philosophy. I find a connection with her because I sense that she speaks from the heart and for her it's all about connection and relationships-which is my standard as well. It's the personal touch she has with people that makes it an experience with her, well...an experience, not just a makeover. Check out her latest book, it's cute(small and compact) and perfect for anyone of any age. Loaded with great tips on cutting corners and cutting down on the time it takes to get gorgeous! Here is my tip...SMILE! It's free, ti takes less than 2 seconds, and will make you look younger in a heartbeat!

Always a First for Everything...

Although our hair is now reversed-ha(her's long, mine short)... this weekend I had the honor and pleasure of working with my girl Margaret and oh boy, do we have a story to share. Now... trust me when I say- we have seen, heard, and experienced ALOT. I am kicking myself for not jotting down notes over the past 10 years. All of the funniest stories you can only imagine could make for a very funny book. I have been smacked on the rump by a MOB, chased high profile politicians down to have them camera ready in 10 seconds, and although it is a stunning location...can officially say I have been to "Meth" Mountain (long story there and NO there was absolutely NO drugs involved!)...

However, this story is for the "books" and I am so glad for 3 things...that the Soiree and their entire crew pulled this past Saturday off (they ROCK!), that my Bride was as calm and collected as it gets(AMEN), and that I had my partner in crime to witness and help come to the rescue!

Let me explain and you will forever have new appreciation for not only electricity, but air conditioning!

Somewhere, somebody apparently ran over or into 1 power line (yes, 1 line) and the entire John's Island was without power-yep, you heard me correctly. Kiawah, Seabrook, and beyond.

In July, during 115 degree weather...we were without power and AIR (while doing make up for 10 girls)!

We rallied and the Bride and her crew were fabulous! I would say they were calm, cool, and collected...but we will say calm and collected. They were sweet and looked so pretty. We kept things very natural and organic, which suited the Bride to a tee and of course used as many waterproof products as possible.

Kudos goes out to some hair artists who had to get real creative, real fast with bobbypins and hairspray.

A huge thank you goes out to all involved for pulling this one off! I am sure if we had a reality show, this one would have made the cut for sure!

Marg, all I can say is ROCK ON girlfriend!

Product of the Week!

Living in the South and all the heat and humidity that comes with it, I get asked this question alot..."I have oily skin, traditional sunblock breaks me out, what else can I use?" The truth is that you have options...you don't have to use typical sunblock, you don't even have to use the typical SPF via foundation or tinted moisturizer. Solution...POWDER SPF! Many of the mineral make up lines have powder foundations that naturally offer a built in sunscreen. One of my favorite lines for skincare is Peter Thomas Roth

and they have ROCKED OUT the world of powder spf!

Not only do they have a mattifying spf powder (perfect for super oily skin), they have a bronzing spf powder (perfect for those in need of a little faux glow), coming at ya double duty with a built in brush...perfect for travel, on the go, and for touch ups!

Straight Up Beauty

I love stories like this...Bride meets Make Up Artist (does her make up), Bride and MUA become friends and stay in touch throughout the years, Bride turns into aspiring (and fabulous) photographer, and here we are a few years later-working together, her shooting and me doing the make up!

One of my favorite Bride's of all time, moved to Charleston and she is quickly becoming a fantastic photographer. She is working hard on building her portfolio & site and I am impressed! I am the type of person who loves cheering people on, especially when they are first starting out and are crazy passionate about what they want to do. I believe that passion and hard work will get you very far in life and well, Char is on her way!

In the past month we have shot two "commercial" type shots, for professional web sites and projects. These looks needed to be fresh, clean, and modern. I loved what she captured...here are a few from the shoot. Be sure to check Charlotte out on her site (due out this fall) and you can also find her on facebook!

www.charlotteelizabethphoto.com

TANtastic!

If you are looking for the BEST body bronzer...look no more! I have tried it all and the products I love are few and far between. Coming in 1st place is a product by LORAC-TANtilizer..now I love many LORAC products, but this one is like liquid gold-really. It is sheer and nearly odor-less, perfect for hot and humid weather (aka-you won't be sweating self tanner down your legs, ruining not only your seat but your clothes!)...this one dries quickly and gives you a deeper tan with a touch of shimmer. I like it for my legs, shoulders, and my booty if I am going to the beach. My only word of caution...it's not exactly waterproof-so I wouldn't wear to da pool! Other than that, it is my go to for sexy summer legs! Go to Sephora.com or loraccosmetics.com to get your summer somethin' going on!

Got My Eye On You!

The high/low game...or in this case, the lowest to highest. With summer brings dips in the pool, trips to the beach, or just a plain humid day that's hotter than Haiti outside.

One thing that never goes out of style that always needs to be fool proof is (drum roll....) black eye liner!

Clean and classic cat eye, or smudged and sexy smokey eye, whatever your flavor, you want it to stay PUT. I am a HUGE fan of black eye liner in any form, gel, cream, liquid and of course our tried and true pencil liner. I have selected my top 3 WATERPROOF favs in 3 different price ranges...perfect for any sunny (or rainy for that matter)summer day.

Starting in at around $8.49 (Ulta) is Loreal's Infailable 16 Hour Wear...just bought this and love love it, has an angled smudger on the other end.Perfection at the price of a few pennies.

Moving along to the mid-class liners...these AQUA EYES from one of my favorite lines

MakeUp Forever,ringing in at $17.00 per liner...I have this in at least 10 shades. They don't BUDGE, in fact you will be cussing me out trying to get these off at the end of the day-but hey, a good problemo to have!

Right up to my Chanel liner. I always say, Chanel never makes a bad product. Try for yourself and see. It's worth every dollar of the $28.00 you will spend on this eye liner! Loco for CoCo!

For me black eye liner IS the LBD of make up...play it up or keep it simple, it is a staple in anyone's make up wardrobe winter, spring, summer, or fall!

Peace, Love, and Liner!

Product of the Week!

Soooo, my hubs and I are getting ready to cruise to celebrate kicking cancer's booty and I am packing! Technically packing 20 dresses, 6 swimsuits, 10 pairs of shoes, and 5 pairs of flipflops is probably considered OVERPACKING, but whatever-a girl has to have options riiiiight?

Anyway, packing sunscreen is a MUST of course-I have one for my face- spf 70, one for my chest and shoulders- spf 50, and one for my arms and legs- spf 30! I recall back in the day when you could get Australian Gold in 1 of 2 places...in a Tanning Salon or on an actual cruiseship...it so reminds me of cruising! Well, it is still a bit hard to find... usually Publix, Walgreens, and Ulta...but it is so worth the hunt to find it. The smell is delish AND this one has a built in bronzer WITH shimmer-whahooooo! So now you can be totally tan(faux) AND protected-double whahoooooo! Grab yours and get your GLOW ON!

PS...I have gotten some good feedback on what you guys are wanting on the bloggity blog and I thank you! I will be switching things up a bit, especially going into fall. People still want "Product of the Week", but you are also wanting stories and a behind the scenes approach. So, my plan is to mix it up and alternate weeks especially when things get very interesting or a super duper cool products comes out...I will be flip flopping. keep your ideas rolling and we will keep the scoop rolling....until then, peace, love, and MAKE UP!!!

Check yo SELF!

Yay...the June issue is out and we got a shout out! Courtney, who is a rockin' writer for several publications up in NYC called me a while back to talk shop about "Blemish Control".

We have collaborated over a few articles for several magazines and I warned her...you CANNOT get me to shut up about make up PERIOD!

It can be about a product, an artist, a book, tips, technique, what's new, what's tried and true...I warned her-I was truly a MAD Make Up Woman. We laugh about how I got into business saying I did it to justify my habit (only joking!), but seriously...I love being interviewed and I love to write.

It's funny how these things happen...I found it interesting

(the process) so I thought I would share...

They set up a phone interview (which for me lasts about 20-30 minutes-yes, I am a time hog)..so after we conference call, they then send a list of questions for their article. You answer to the best of your knowledge...then about a week goes by and one of the Editors (usually the ONE in chief) calls you to say she will be emailing you direct quotes to fact check. Then the fact checker confirms what you have said about the relevant topic. It is always a roll of the dice to see what actually makes it to print. You can chat for an hour, answer 50 questions, and have one blip on the page...it is a big deal to have anything quoted and a blessing to have your name and business plugged. I am a lucky gal, I get the fun part of running my mouth about what I love to do...they have the hard part of compiling all the information (which is why Courtney rocks...she has a huge spread in the middle of the mag)!

Soooo, check us out in this months issue of SELF.

I confirmed 4 fact checks, but have only found one...I feel like Where's Waldo, so if you can find more... holla back!

Last year about the time of my diagnoses Moore Make Up was in 3 magazines at the same time and I swear I don't even remember buying them. Not that I wasn't over the flippin' moon, but I was in a serious FOG! This year, I am in a place where I can be excited and celebrate!

Yay, for Courtney and for SELF...thank you for asking, writing, and putting OUT! We love your magazine and we love that you thought enough of us to get our 411!