I had a very interesting phone call a few weeks ago to say the least. A woman had called me, having found my number through my website, and in a panic, gave me her horror story of how her wedding was a week away, and she had yet to find a suitable makeup artist. She had a trial with a makeup artist she had originally hired, and hated the way it came out and said the products were cheap, and wasn’t what she was expecting. She begged and pleaded with me to be available for her wedding that next Saturday that would be held inLaguna Beach. After checking my calendar for my availability, I told her I was open for that day. She seemed relieved, and then asked me to email her my pricing list. When I told her I would, I also told her that I contract my brides, and would send her my contract agreement for her to look over as well. As I said that, she seemed a little put off but said she would take a look at the email. About a half hour later, I get a phone call and the woman on the other end was off her rocker. She began to insult me by telling me how dare I charge what I do for something so frivolous and menial. Not only did she have the nerve to tell me what I SHOULD be charging, but told me it was stupid that I charged for travel. She said that as the client it wasn’t her responsibility to pay for my gas to come to -her-, as she is the BRIDE. THEN, she had the audacity to tell me it is completely ridiculous that I contract my brides. That what I do isn’t that serious, and is something that doesn’t need a binding contract. As much as I wanted to go off on this woman, I knew that the majority of her anger, frustration, and craziness was coming from the wedding being a week away. I very calmly told her I was very sorry she felt that way, but this is how I run my business, and she could take it or leave it, and either way, I would be fine with her decision. And then she hung up on me. I’m going to address something’s that she pointed out on the phone that not many brides realize when they’re pricing makeup artists. I’m going to be extremely blunt and honest, so please try not to be offended when you read this. My goal in writing this, is to help you as a future bride, better understand where professionals like me are coming from.

 

#1: If makeup is really that frivolous and menial to you- don’t hire a makeup artist. Either do it yourself, have a friend do it, or someone else do it for you. This is YOUR wedding after all, as much as brides like to believe there are rules- The tuth is, there are NO rules to having a wedding, you can do whatever you want. YOU ARE the bride after all. 

#2: I charge what I charge because the products I use aren’t cheap; by ANY means. I use high quality products, because aside from loving to make my clients feel gorgeous on the most important day of their lives, I want my clients makeup to last and look flawless in pictures and in person throughout the day. This is why I posted different pictures of products I have purchased throughout my career. Usually, just for purchasing at least 4 products, which most of the time include an eye shadow palette, face powder, and 2 foundations, cost me $180 with a discount- JUST for those 4 products alone. As much as people would like to believe that because I am a professional, I get some, if not most of my products for free- the reality is I DON’T. Every time I work a shoot or wedding I HAVE to replenish my kit. It’s not cheap, and I have to make up for that money that is spent replenishing my kit, as well as make a little money myself so I can eat, pay my bills, and live just like everyone else is trying to do. The fact of the matter is, being that I work for myself, I don’t have the luxury of “time off,” “paid vacations,” or can afford to be “sick.” If I’m not working, I’m not making money to pay for my basic living expenses. And just like with anything else, if you want something that’s important to you, to look professional both in person and in pictures, that is exactly why you hire a professional.

#3: Along with my products being high quality and not cheap- if that’s a really big problem for you, by all means go get your makeup done at a department store, or go to a drug store and buy cheap drug store makeup. Again, it’s your wedding, it’s your choice how you want to look. When it comes to things like this, the saying couldn’t be more true, “You get what you pay for.”

#4: When I say I am willing to travel anywhere and everywhere for the connivance of YOU, I mean it. As a former bride myself, it makes your wedding day go way smoother having people come to you. It’s so much more easier having someone come to you and pamper you, then having to take time out of your wedding day schedule to drive somewhere and get ready, and then go back to where ever you’re venue is, get in your gown, and be ready for the ceremony. That being said, just like any other professional would charge for travel, I also have every right to do so. Because again, I am spending my money to put gas in my car and am putting miles on my car to come to you, which I absolutely should have some sort of reimbursement for.

#5: Contracting my brides, is for my own protection, as well as yours. No matter what professional you’re working with, having a contract helps protect you- the client, as well as prevent the vendors from bailing on you last minute. It helps to keep everyone on the same page in terms of expectations and helps to provide ways of resolving conflicts or unexpected events that may occur. I have no one looking out for me or holding my hand, other than myself. And as a business owner I-again- have every right to do so. Your time is precious, and so is mine. So if you agree to the terms and conditions of the contact which is in the best interest of both parties (myself, and potential client) then sign it, return it with the deposit, and everything will be set up for you and your specific date. If you’re not 100% on hiring me, then don’t! It’s that simple.

When I was first starting out, I had a bride/friend who had hired me to do her wedding under a verbal agreement (big mistake) that she loved her engagement makeup. She did, so I was hired for the wedding. Her wedding was 3 weeks before my own, and I had told her from the beginning that I needed her to read and sign the contract, as I was not only doing her makeup but her entire wedding party (6 brides maids) as well as her mother, and was giving her a HUGE discount. I wasn’t charging her for her bridal makeup (that was part of my wedding gift to her), I wasn’t charging her for travel, or for her touch up basket that I was making her. After letting it slide and trusted that she was going to do what I had asked, I had gone out to purchase her makeup and products to make for her touch up basket (that I -again-  wasn’t charging her for). Leading up to the wedding I had gotten many inquiries from other brides for the specific day THIS bride was getting married, and I turned them down. A month before her wedding day I get a text from the bride telling me she was no longer going to use my services and was going to just have a friend do her makeup. Not only had I wasted my time and money getting expensive products for her, but I had also turned down other prospective clients that I could have taken on, had she told me from the beginning that she wasn’t going to use me. This is EXACTLY why I contract my brides. Just the same as any photographer or wedding planner would do. So that my money and time isn’t wasted should something like this happen.

My job isn’t a joke, it’s not frivolous, and I take what I do very seriously. I’m sorry if that doesn’t resonate with you as a bride but again, like I said you have every right to take your business else where. This is how I make my living, and frankly I LOVE what I do. The brides and vendors who have worked with me can vouch for that. I really do cherish every moment that I can get my hands on someone and make them feel beautiful and glamorous. I live, eat, sleep, and breath what I do. I am not out to nickel and dime anyone, and I most certainly am not out to cheat you out of your money. I am simply an artist, trying to keep my head above water like anyone else, doing something that not only makes me happy, but above all else, makes my clients happy. My clients happiness is the most important thing to me, and I strive to always put 110% of my energy into giving you exactly what you want. I hope this brings more clarity to anyone who is in the process of looking for a makeup artist for their wedding day. Thank you for understanding, and taking the time to read this.

We’ve all seen the pictures right ladies? Facebook photo’s going viral comparing one body type to another? Depicting the famous: “When did this become hotter than this?” Or “I think this is hotter than this.” As I’ve viewed the comments from these photos I’ve been seeing a disturbing trend; people saying such mean, hurtful, and hateful things about the women in the pictures, and about the way women are “supposed” to look in general. What’s even more bothersome, is that the majority of the comments aren’t even coming from men. They’re coming from women, and I feel a strong urge to say something about this.

I’m sorry, but when did our minds become so warped into thinking that it’s okay to judge others bodies and beauty? Skinny, heavy, gorgeous, homely looking, wafer thin, luscious curves…..who is to judge? We have completely let the entertainment industry and society, dictate to all of us their idea of what beauty is, and have beat ourselves up over feeling like we have to fit this cookie cutter mold of what that idea is. With the media being at an all time high, it’s no wonder why so many of us women are loosing our minds and forgetting who and what we truly are.

We’re WOMEN. We’re ALL beautiful. We’re ALL strong. We’re ALL powerful. We come in all different colors, shapes, and backgrounds. We are the essence of LIFE. I mean, we give birth to life for Pete’s sake! So why is it that we are constantly allowing this impossible image of “what we’re supposed to be” and what we’re “supposed to look like” effect us on such a grand scale? Why are we punishing ourselves for not fitting the mold, when in reality, there is no mold to fit?

 Every one of us is beautiful. Inside and out. Not one of us isn’t. And yet, we continue to blindly accept what is constantly being projected on to us. Why ladies? Why do we need to believe what a magazine is telling us to do, or what the television is telling us what to wear, or how to look? Why do we let physical looks affect our self-esteem so immensely? When did we stop learning to think for ourselves, and love ourselves and each other?

I say it’s high time we throw out the magazines. Trash the Cosmopolitans, the gossip magazines, and turn off the Televisions. We need to start loving ourselves AND each other again. If you want to be healthy and live a healthy life style, then LOVE yourself and others and live a healthy life style. If you love your curves and want to keep them, then LOVE yourself and others, and keep your curves! It’s that simple. It seems absurd that we would even need permission to love ourselves and each other. We’re all different. That’s what’s so spectacularly magnificent about being a woman. We should be embracing this, not putting each other down for it. There’s no need to feel guilty or ashamed about ourselves, our bodies, or our beauty. The more we start to love ourselves and each other, the faster we’ll come out of this delusional nightmare. A very wise Taoist leader once said “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize nothing is lacking the whole world belongs to you.”

And it does ladies. The world does belong to us. We’ve got the entire world in our hands. Our true nature isn’t to be nasty, bitchy, conniving, or calculating. We’re healers. We’re lovers. We’re mothers. We’re daughters. We’re sisters. We’re empathetic and compassionate beings. And, we are all connected believe it or not. We are all one. I am you and you are me. So the next time you start to feel bad or insecure about yourself, your body, or your looks, just remember who and what you are. Happiness, love, and wellness affects us all. So let’s take back our power of what being beautiful truly is, and start loving ourselves again, and each other, unconditionally, without judgments.

Namaste <3

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard my clients, and girlfriends say to me, “I can’t wear MAC anymore it’s making my skin go crazy!” or “I never like the way the girls at MAC or department store counters do my makeup.” There’s two very specific things about those statements that I am going to address, so please- stay tuned.

As a makeup artist who has been doing makeup for five years, I have never once used MAC on my clients, and I have never recommended it to them- for good reason. Unless you plan on wearing their makeup for a special occasion, or for a photo shoot, DON’T WEAR IT! Their makeup is awful for your skin. The truth is, MAC was NOT originally made for every day use. I know MAC is advertised as makeup that is great and beautiful to wear all the time, but in reality, it was specifically made for theatrical and studio use. Meaning, it was made to look thick and heavy in person, so that it would look flawless and natural on stage or behind a camera. Their makeup is one of the most unhealthy to wear for your skin. Which is exactly why everyone’s skin breaks out so horribly when using their products 24/7.

If you’re looking for something better for your skin, something that’s a little more “breakout friendly” and great for every day use, try Clinique. I’m not just saying that because I used to work for their line, but I’m saying it because their products really do what they say. Why do you think they never use celebrities in their advertising? Because their products speak for themselves. They don’t need to shell out millions to have a celeb endorse their line or pose behind a camera with their product. Seriously though. Go to their counter in any department store and get skin typed. It doesn’t cost you anything. Getting skin typed will help with the process of getting you the exact type of makeup you’re looking for. Be it full or minimal coverage. Prescriptives is another great line to try. They’re a sister company to Clinique, and have a really great option of having your foundation custom made. How cool is that? If you don’t find anything that fits you in their lines of foundation, you can custom make your OWN foundation whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin.

 BB creams are another huge thing that the Western part of the world is just beginning to pick up on. BB creams are probably one of the healthiest foundations for your skin, and are a 5 in 1 product. Who wouldn’t want something that benefits their skin? It helps to brighten, has SPF, moisturizes, primes, and controls the oils in your skin. Smash Box has a really great line called “Camera Ready BB cream.” When it comes to all natural products being used for makeup, and skin care, Skin food is probably one of the coolest lines that are just coming out to the West that I’ve seen. Everything that is put in their products, is made from food, hence the same “Skin Food.” They’re a Korean based company but are making their way into the states. Their products are amazing. There’s no harmful chemicals that are added to their products, which would make anyone’s skin want to jump for joy.

Now, when it comes to going to a department store, or even a MAC store to get your makeup done, please keep this in mind. And, I say this with the most respect to anyone who is working for either MAC or a makeup counter in a department store- The majority of the people working there, are NOT professionally trained in applying makeup to various skin types, face shapes, and eyes. It may sound stupid, but there really is a method when it comes to proper makeup application, especially on people faces. When I initially applied to work for Prescriptives and Clinique, they weren’t willing to hire me because I had “too much experience.” Because I had love both lines so much, I was willing to take a pay cut, just to be able to say I worked for those brands, so I could learn more about them and skin care. After a while, I began to realize that I was literally the only girl working in the makeup department who had actually gone to school and had the skills to back my work as an artist. Not only that, but the “schools” they were sending us to, weren’t actually schools, it was more like a conference where we went to learn about new products that were coming out. It became more and more apparent to me that places like MAC and makeup counters in department stores don’t really care about the quality of makeup that was being applied to their customers so much as the quantity that was being sold. None the less after about a year I decided to venture out on my own. I completely understand if you’re on a tight budget, and a makeup counter is your best option for getting your makeup done for your wedding or special event, but just keep this in mind the next time you go get your makeup done at one. I’m not saying that every single person working at MAC or a makeup counter has never gone to a reputable school, just saying make sure you talk with your makeup person. Ask if  he/she went to school to be professionally trained? Ask when he/she graduated? Ask how long they’ve been doing makeup? There’s nothing wrong with asking questions to help you come to the best conclusion for you!

In my conclusion. I’d say, if you have MAC, stop wearing it every day if not throw it out completely. Venture out into other brands, do your research on the products, and ask questions

So the big proposal has happened. And you’re on cloud nine. Then reality hits. Having to plan your wedding. Maybe you’re having a wedding planner, or maybe your family members are helping you with the details of planning your wedding. Either way, you start to question: “When is the best time to book a makeup artist or hair stylist for my wedding?” “When Should I be looking?” “Where do I even start looking for ideas for my wedding?” Here are some great tips for brides to think about…

 8-6 months before the big day, is a good time to really do your research to find a makeup artist or stylist who’s work you not only love, but also allows you to have your consults with the pros. Having consults helps you narrow down your decision on who you’d like to hire. This will also give the stylist or artist enough time to seek out assistants, especially if you plan on having a big wedding party who plan on having their hair and makeup done as well.

3-4 months before the wedding is a good time to have your “Trial Run-Through” with hair and makeup. This will be a preview of what you will look like on the day of your wedding. A good makeup artist or stylist will be taking down continuity notes, so that everything they used and did for your trial, will be exactly what will be used for the day of your wedding. It will also help them with timing themselves, so that it will keep you, and your schedule running smooth and on time.

 On the off chance that you end up hating your trial run-though, it still gives you enough time to hire someone else. That way you’re not scrambling around looking for someone to do your hair or makeup three weeks before the big day. That’s added stress that no bride wants to worry about!

If you’re planning your own wedding, and are having trouble on where to get some inspiration for your big day, wedding blogs are a GREAT tool to use in helping you put together ideas. Aside from Pinterest, they have everything from DIY ideas, to beautifully styled wedding shoots, to real weddings, for anyone and everyone who loves the essence of weddings. Whether your wedding is going to be classic and elegant, or rustic and chic; you’re sure to find what you’re looking for through these amazing blogs. Some of my favorites that I love to look at (and have been featured on) are Oh Lovely Day, Love & Lavender, Wedding Chicks, Something old Something New, Smitten Soiree,Fabulously Wed, The Frosted Petticoat, Paper Moon Weddings, Wed Over Heels, Hostess With The Mostess,Trendy Bride, Urban Style, and Wed Savvy. Some bigger blogs are Green Wedding Shoes, Utterly Engaged,Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, The Knotty Bride, BoHo Weddings, and for those beautifully unique brides who like a little bit of edge with their wedding; Rock N Roll Bride.

And lastly, on the day of your wedding, try extra hard not to sweat the small stuff; acne, mother nature, breakouts, your dress, guests, decorations. The truth is, your fiancé would marry you in a potato sack dress, in the middle of a rain storm, if it meant being able to call you his wife for the rest of your lives. The only thing that should truly matter that day, is you two, and the love you have for each other.

So have fun, try not to get too stressed, and enjoy every moment, because it flies by in an instant <3

If you are a fan of makeup or are just looking for a great go to shadow palette look no further than Urban Decay. They are famous for their brand of “Naked“ shadow palettes. Their shadows are not only highly pigmented, but for the girl that is on the go- the shadows last all day.

Urban’s first Naked palette was a big hit and its no mystery why. The colors were practical, great for everyday use, as well as glamming it up for the night.

Another great feature of the palette was that it had a wonderful mixture of frosty and matte colors. This palette is heaven to work with, and wear!

When word hit that Urban Decay was going go be coming out with a “Naked 2″ palette, makeup artists and makeup lovers alike were waiting with baited breath to see what could possibly trump the first. Well, in my opinion, the second Naked palette did.

The palette is filled with 12 richly pigminted shadows (Taupes, Neutrals, and Smokies- all my favorites!). The packaging was much more practical as well. I like the old school “tin pencil” case, it looks much cleaner than the velvet case of the first.

The one thing I was not a fan of however, was that they swapped out the eye shadow primer for the lip gloss. Personally, I think the primer was brilliant. It added to the shadow, giving it that extra kick it needed to make it last and not crease.

Once again, Urban Decay made the thrilling announcement that they would be coming out with yet another Naked palette. This time it would be a matte palette they call “Naked Basics.” A staple for anyone who wears makeup to have in their kit! Lets face it ladies, not all of us want to walk around with frosty eye lids 24/7.  The new palatte only comes with 6 neutral shadows, but all the colors are just as beautiful as the first two palettes!

Matte shadows are perfect for days when you want to look subtle, and effortlessly fresh. They make great winter colors as well. Another fun thing about this palette is that you can wear these neutral colors with anything. Day or night they make your eyes look gorgeous!

What are some of your favorite brands of shadows to wear?

Here’s to all of you beautiful faces out there getting naked