Feature: Delaware Bride

I spy one of our brides running on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach! Thrilled to see our work grace another magazine page especially one that involves salt water taffy! Happy Thursday!

Product of the Week: Keep Your Lipstick Sticky!

How do you keep your lipstick, sticky?

Take a look at these tips from Evangeline Sarney to keep your lip color on all evening! 

Lip colors are one of the key products to creating a stellar makeup look. Whether they are an accessory to your sultry eyes or a statement on their own, no one wants their lipstick disappearing by lunch time. Using these tips you are sure to maintain a longer lasting lip color.

Exfoliate:

Some people prefer to exfoliate their lips prior to lip-color application, but if you have sensitive lips try to stay clear of this or do it the evening before. Exfoliating will remove flaky skin from the lips and ensure a smoother application of lip color. You can either use a specialized lip scrub or use a wash cloth soaked in warm water. Remember to always rub in small, circular motions for the best results. Try using Kiss Me by Philosophy.

Hydrate:

Using lip balm is essential before applying lip products as it provides hydration to your lips and has a waxy texture which prevents the lip color from absorbing into your lips. Be sure to apply your lip balm at least 10 minutes before your lip color to ensure it has the opportunity to soak in and allow you to really experience the full benefits of the product. (Short for time? Apply your lip balm first thing and do your eye makeup and face makeup while it's absorbing!) Try Sugar Honey at Sephora.

 

Blotting:

Blotting is one of the most important steps in ensuring that your lip color lasts, but there is a key to doing it. Rather then biting the tissue or sticking it half way inside your mouth, kiss the tissue gently or rub the tissue over your lips. Doing it any other way can cause your lip color to fade unevenly and look patchy. You should blot after each step you do in the preparation and application of your lip products. (Try using an oil-blotting sheet instead of a tissue. It will work much better and won't leave lint on your lips!)

 Color:

Now it's time for the fun part -- color! Whether you choose a fire engine red, a ladylike pink or a winter plum, remember it is your choice.

Line:

This is one of the key steps to getting your lipstick to last. Lip liners are very waxy in texture so they help your lipstick to adhere better and prevent feathering and bleeding. You should fill in your entire lips with a lip liner (rather then just the outside, otherwise once your lip color fades you will end up with an outline around your lips) that matches your lipstick shade exactly. Otherwise, you can use a clear lip liner which is specifically designed for anti-feathering.

Apply:

The final step is to apply your lipstick. It's best to use a brush to apply, rather then directly from the bullet, as this will give you the longest lasting effect. For even longer staying power, it's also a good idea to use long-wearing lipstick formula and be sure to apply a few layers for intense color and staying power.

Teeth:

One of the most embarrassing things, as a women, is finding out that you have lipstick on your teeth. This is where the old Hollywood tip comes into play. After you've applied your lip color, take your index finger and place it in your mouth and pull it out slowly. Any lipstick that would have ended up on your teeth will be on your finger instead.

                                       Big Thank you to Evangeline Sarney for these great tips!

xoxo, Lindsay

photo credit: Google.com

Tuesday Tip: Do you have clean skin?

Is your skin really clean?

I've had troubled skin since I can remember. I've had it all, dry, pimples, oily, sensitive. Hormones really stink sometimes. But, I've learned sticking to a skin regimen and finding one that works for your skin is best. I use two cleansers. One is just a makeup remover and the other is a super mild, daily exfoliator. This works for me. It took me a very long time to realize, the "one step" cleanser doesn't really work if you have a full face of makeup on. If you put on foundation everyday, eyeliner, mascara you should definitely be doing a makeup remover then a daily cleanser. Always give a new skin treatment a full four weeks before you really decide whether it's working for you or not. Cleaner, healthier skin will always help you feel your best!

Always wash your makeup off at night.

Good Luck :)

Sara

Image provided by Simply Bridal

Get the WINNING look: Miss Maryland at Miss America

If you missed our first day at the Miss America pageant, you can view it here! 

Our second night in Las Vegas was a BIG one! Joanna ran in after rehearsals and plopped down in the hard metal chair and said she was singing later that evening and needed her hair up! Got it! I went to work and gave her a soft, romantic, low up-do. We kept a soft side part and decided to keep it all of her hair off her face.  For her makeup, we continued with a natural palette that brought out her best features! 

While prepping Joanna, I surprised her by letting her know I'd be in the audience that night. I wouldn't miss attending her talent preliminaries at Planet Hollywood. Her reaction was priceless and meant the world to me. I am beyond thrilled that I was there to witness her amazing talent and to see her big WIN! Congrats Joanna! I am so incredibly honored that I was there with you! 

 We started her look with Temptu's Professional Airbrush. Following the airbrush foundation, we used Sonia Kashuk's Bronzer all over and NARS Blush on her cheekbones. Using the less is more motto, we kept the eyelids simple with MAC Cosmetic's Woodwinked, Mulch and Trax shadows. A little Teddy Eyeliner and a basic Ardell Strip Lash completed the eye. To pull the look together, we used MAC Cosmetic's Whirl Lipliner and our very own Up-Do's For I Do's Lipgloss.

With her big win, the exciting news was plastered all over newspapers and the internet early Thursday morning. You can see our gorgeous work and read the great article here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here! 

Interested in seeing how she won the award? Here is the official video from Miss America (aired on ABC). You'll notice her hair and makeup are different. The big win was from Preliminary Night #2. This also added to her total score which helped her advance in the competition. Congrats Joanna!

Leave us a comment! What did you think of her performance? We truly were blown away and her magical voice carried across the stage effortlessly! 

Product Wars!!! Wedge vs. Beauty Blender?

It's a war to see which cosmetic tool is the best!!! I will let you know the pros and cons, and YOU tell me which you would prefer!!

The BeautyBlender:

Pros-

-Beautyblender was created without edges in order to eliminate visible lines and streaks
-The Beautyblender's pointed side is good for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose and mouth, and under the eyes. 
-If you have problem skin Beautyblender works to cover blemishes better then a wedge.
-Re-usable after washing 

Less Expensive Version at Ulta

-Easy to sheer out foundation when needed
-Easy to hold
- You can use the beautyblender for foundation, concealer and powder

Cons-
- It can cost up to $20.00 (although there are versions of the beauty blender that are less expensive. )
- Takes practice to get that flawless look
- Until you get used to application, you might need multiple beautyblenders for contouring

How to use:

1. Dampen the beautyblender
2. Use the round bottom to "stipple" or bounce foundation on your face.
3. Use the pointed side for under eyes and around the nose
4. For problem skin, use the point of the beauty blender and twist the beauty blender until you get desired coverage
5. If you want to sheer out coverage, take the beauty blender and roll it, or stipple on the skin.

The Cosmetic Wedge: 

Pros-
- Easy and quick way to apply foundation and concealer
- Disposable
- More Sanitary. You don't have to wash and maintain after each use
- Possibly less break-outs
- Cost around $2-$3 for around 32 wedges
- Easy to sheer out makeup
- Cost effective to contour your face


Cons-
- Not as much surface area
- Not as easy to hold
- Disposable
- Some makeup artists will apply foundation with a brush then touch up with a sponge, which is double the work!
- some sponges are too porous and absorb too much product

How to use a Cosmetic Sponge:

1. Dampen the sponge
2. apply product to sponge, and apply to face
3. Keep going over the areas that need to be evened out
4. For problem skin, pat the sponge to affected area. If sponge does not cover affected area, use finger.


So which one do you prefer???


xoxo, Lindsay

Feature: What's Up? Weddings

 It is always a pleasure to see our couples featured on the pages of print. We especially loved this couple. You can see more photos from Olga's wedding here and she also was a guest model for us here! Thanks to Kyle Bergner for the amazing photos and to What's Up? Weddings for the feature!

Mondays with Mindy: Why we love Winter Weddings

Even though most bride and grooms-to-be plan their weddings in the warmer months, here are just a few reasons why we love winter weddings.

1. Winter accessories such as icy brooches, leg warmers, fuzzy hand muffs, and lace or fur jackets and shawls are beautiful ways to not only show off your style, but the time of year as well.

2. Save BIG on the venue. Because it is the off season for most wedding venues, winter is the perfect time to get a great deal on the ceremony and/or reception site.    

3. Because the weather can take a toll on flowers during the winter months, it leaves plenty of room to be creative with non floral items such as pine cones, crystal beads, or fruit like these simple yet elegant cranberry centerpieces.

4. Two words: Photo Ops! I personally can't stand how breathtakingly beautiful winter wedding photos can be. Right out of The Sound of Music, "Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes", the outdoor photo opportunities can have such a romantic feel to them. 

No matter how simple or intricate the details of any wedding, nothing can beat rosy checks, barren landscapes, cozy venues, and the sparkly accessories of a winter wedding.

XOXO Mindy

Real Wedding: Brianna

The process of working with Up Do's For I Do's was wonderful! From the trial, through the wedding day, the process was painless. Belen and Sara are both great at what they do, and made my wedding day hair/make-up process so easy! They arrived early, and got to work right away! They made the process of doing hair and make-up on 5+ girls seem so easy. I did not have to think about a thing. Belen and Sara got along great with my bridesmaids and I, and kept the conversation rolling all morning (while Belen spent what seemed to be hours, putting a million bobby pins in my bridesmaids THICK hair, to make sure their up-do's would last all night). The make-up Sara did on me, lasted all night and I received many compliments on how well it held up (even after crying the whole ceremony)!

I truly enjoyed working with Belen and Sara, and will definitely recommend your company to all my friends!

I am including a few pictures from my wedding, that I thought best showed off the hair and make-up skills of Belen and Sara!

Photographs were taken by Rob Korb

Feature: Pretty Pear Bride Fall Issue

 This past fall we had the pleasure of being featured in Pretty Pear Bride's Fall Issue. It is one of the only magazines for plus size brides. The features, photos and magazine is gorgeous and we were thrilled to have our work splashed across the pages. The entire magazine can be viewed online here.

We really enjoyed working with the fab team at Balance Photography and Sweet Baker. Who knew body artwork could be so sweet?  

 

 

Product of the Week: Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel can be used topically on sores, bruises, and swelling. Witch hazel hydrosol is often used in daily skin care routines. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne. It is often used as a natural remedy for psoriasis, eczema, aftershave applications, ingrown nails, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites, poison ivy, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It also can be used to prevent sweating on the face. It is found in numerous over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparations. It is recommended to women to reduce swelling and soothe wounds resulting from childbirth.  

  There is nothing like waking up the Monday before your wedding and having a blemish. If you do a quick Google search you will see that witch hazel is the reason for many success stories of women who need a quick spot treatment.  Purchasing witch hazel from Target will only set you back about a $1.  Using a Qtip or a cotton ball, soak them in the witch hazel liquid and apply generously to affected areas. After washing your face at night and before you put makeup on in the morning, using witch hazel will help reduce blemishes on the skin. We suggest you incorporate this little trick into your daily routine!

target.com

xoxo, Lindsay

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

Miss America: Day 1

"THEY ARE COMING!!!" is what I heard as I see 53 gorgeous beauties running towards the double doors. They were 45 minutes late and we had 20 minutes to make them stage ready and looking like they haven't spent 8 hours at rehearsals which honestly was a little too easy since my particular client was naturally stunning. Each night started similar and I found myself thanking God for such an unforgettable experience with some of the most amazing human beings on Earth.  Recap of Day 1 of Miss America 2013! I hope you enjoy :)  

Many thanks to Southwest for the great service, wi-fi and hot coffee! 

 Upon arriving to Las Vegas, we headed straight to find FOOD! Stumbling upon Gordon Ramsay's new place, BurGR we dove into our 5 inch high hamburgers. Yum! Would definitely recommend!

After dropping off our luggage and checking into Planet Hollywood, we enjoyed the sights, lost some money and took in the hustle and bustle known as Sin City. 

Preliminary Night 1 arrived and the backstage hair and makeup room was ready to go! The contestants were not allowed interactions with friends, family or coaches so Joanna immediately told me how happy she was to see me and how my familiar face calmed her. I was happy she finally got to sit down, relax and let me do her hair and makeup. Because I have worked with Joanna before I wasn't stressed, nervous or anxious even knowing she would be on a National stage within 20 minutes. We quickly hugged said our hellos and I asked her what she was wearing. She let me do my thing and within minutes was out the door to start her quest to compete. 

Introducing herself and her state, Joanna Guy Miss Maryland 2012 looked flawless on the huge stage!

Preliminary Night 1 - Lifestyle and Fitness 

Continue to check back to our blog for more updates from our trip to Miss America 2013.

Photos taken by Ashley's trusty iPhone and Miss America Organization.