What Basic Skin Care Should I Be Using?

I know there are SO many products out there and I understand that although you may want to be proactive and take care of your skin, you also don't want to break the bank in developing your beauty regimen.
Let me inform you on the key products that should be the standard in your bathroom cabinet. Having these essentials will ensure you're delivering the adequate ingredients to your skin, without investing too much time or layering too much product.

Consider this your Skin Care Basics 101.

The top 5 products you should be investing in are…

How Do I Make Sleepy Eyes Wide With Makeup?

I have recently posted a bunch of beauty video tutorials on the Tyra Banks' website. I was so excited when they got approved and they're now edited and up for business. I will share them on the blog to give you some makeup tips you can use.

How to Make Sleepy Eyes Wide With Makeup -- powered by typef.com

What Is The Difference Between Skin Type and Skin Condition?

The skin is very complex and I find people are constantly misdiagnosing their skin type and skin condition. 

What is the difference?

Skin type is what you are genetically born with. If you have large pores in the T-zone portion of your face, you are most likely oily in that area, which gives you combination skin. If you have really small pores all over, you are probably dry.

Regardless of any claims made by cosmetic companies or professionals, you cannot change your pore size. As I said, it is genetic and embedded in your DNA. However, there are ingredients and products that can help minimize the appearance of your pores.

(Note: When examining your pores, never take into consideration the size of the pores on your nose. It is very rare when someone, regardless of skin type, does not complain of the pores in this area because they are typically larger here.) 

However, your skin condition or concern could influence your skin type. Your skin condition is susceptible to external influencers and changes in:

• your environment (including weather and pollution)
• diet
• stress
• medications
• hormones
• sun damage
• and age

Taking all of these aspects into consideration makes you and your skin type and condition unique. From here, it is a process of elimination. 

When everything is taken into account, you will be able to more accurately determine what product you need to use - or avoid. 

Stay posted on the next post further explaining this topic!

Marcella
Your Bridal Beauty Blogger

Do You Have Dirty Skin And Not Know It?

In today’s society we try to be as hygenic as possible. We shower, apply deodorant, carry breathmints and anti-bacterial gels…

But, can you tell me how long you spend cleansing your skin (especially at night when you’re tired from a long day of work)??

BEFORE you answer that, I want you to really think and calculate how long it takes you to apply your skin care products and makeup.

10–15 minutes?

Even if it’s five minutes, I guarantee you it’s a lot longer than what you spend cleansing your skin!

So again, let me ask you:

How long do you spend cleansing your face?

Here’s the dirt (punn somewhat intended):

WE ARE DIRTY!

According to research conducted by the International Dermal Institute, most women on average only spend 20 SECONDS on cleaning their face! (not usually including neck and chest area.)

Obviously, this is not enough time considering the layers of smog, grime and environmental pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day (on top of your skin care, SPF, makeup and natural sebum.)

(For men, or those of you who don’t wear makeup, this still applies.)
Not a pretty picture, wouldn’t you agree?

This is why it is SO important to cleanse your skin properly before going to bed.

If you find that you’re just too tired at night (and tend to fall asleep on the couch), just be sure to do your routine as soon as you walk in the door.

As you can now see, it will take more than some water and 20 seconds of rubbing to even begin penetrating the layer of oil-based grime that coats your skin’s surface.

Also think of this:
How can your skin care products even begin doing what they’re supposed to do without being able to get past this layer of “debris”?

Can you imagine now how this is contributing to dulling your skin’s appearance, as well as clogging and congestion?

But before you begin stripping your skin with harsh astringents, here are some words of advice:

• Be sure to double cleanse your skin (that’s right…wash it twice!)

• The first cleanser should be oil-based (oil attracts oil--basic chemistry facts!)

• If you have clogged or oily skin, contrary to popular belief, using an oil-based cleanser first will help break down the oil barrier on the surface of your skin.

• Consider this a cleanse-prep. For this step, look for products with light, plant-based oils such as: Olive, Rice Bran, Kukui Nut, and Apricot Kernel Oils.)

• Remember to cleanse the entire face (including hairline), neck, chest and even in the cleavage area between the breasts (oil and sweat accumulate here as well and can cause break-outs.)

• Your second cleansing should be done with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type or simply based on your texture preference (i.e. foaming cleanser vs. milky cleanser.)

• If you prefer foaming cleansers (to get that clean feeling), be sure to use one that does not leave your skin tight or taught-feeling (this indicates it is throwing off the pH balance of your skin, which is important for your skin’s health.)

• Use the Clarisonic brush with your second cleansing. The Clarisonic brush is an amazing tool that we have used and constantly recommend to all of our clients (regardless of skin concern.)

It’s even recommended for the most sensitive skins, even those with rosacea.
I would love to hear how these cleansing tips begin improving your skin care results!

To brighter and cleaner skin!

Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,
Marcella.

How To Apply Mascara...To Make The Most of Your Lashes!

I decided to create a little video tutorial to show you how I apply mascara to myself and my brides...for fuller, longer lashes.


People comment on my eyelashes, and the truth is, the way I apply my mascara is my secret...


Take a look!


P.S. I'm learning all the technological stuff, so bare with me! Future videos should be better!!


Thanks for watching!
Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,
Marcella.

Pictures, please!

I know I've been away for a bit, but it just seems like the paperwork never gets done. Regardless, that's not your concern so I won't bore you with details. What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry I haven't written in a little while...Alright, alright-more like four weeks. Oh-well, I'm here now!


Although today's post is not that long, I did want to give two words of advice to all brides about to get married who have hired a professional makeup aritst:


1- Schedule a trial run and
2- Bring pictures of makeup (and/or hair) you like.


This isn't because we don't know what we're doing, or because we need help with a "natural look" or "smokey eye". It's because the image that's in your head, may not translate to us and this may create frustration on your part. (I touched upon this in a previous post. Click here to read)


Having visual representation also helps YOU, as the bride, define what you want. I've noticed there are women that have this general notion of what they think will look beautiful (i.e. etherial, glowing, etc.), but if you ask any specific questions, they don't know how to explain it.


It's okay to have multiple pictures and mix what you like about one with that which you like about the other.


The more visual input we have, the better we can serve you, it's as simple as that!


And by all means, if there is something you don't like, speak up! We want to know. It's YOUR day and we'd like an opportunity to correct what you're displeased with. If you don't say anything, it's hard for us to correct it and make you happy.


Can I get a Hallelujah?


Your bridal beauty blogger,
Marcella.

Do You Love Makeovers?

Okay, I admit. It's almost a sickness. I LOVE giving people makeovers...not because I think that person needs improvement, but because I see the beauty they sometimes fail to see. 


I love opening someone's eyes to a new way of looking at things, or themselves. 


It's also because I'm an artist, and I'm always looking to aesthetically enhance anyone or anything (I fantasize about remodeling kitchens and bathrooms!!)


With this being said, a family friend of ours stopped by the other day to chit-chat and say good-bye before moving to a wonderful opportunity in Houston. While she was here, I couldn't help but ask her if she wanted a mini makeover session, and offered the pictures I took (not professional) to be used for LinkedIn or something of the sort. After all, this company she will be working with is very big and I want her to feel her best!


I wanted to share them with you as well:


                




Do you ever feel like maybe you're stuck in a rut with your make-up routine or products? 


Sometimes I get sick of how I do my own make-up and look for inspiration elsewhere. I look on other blogs, websites and You Tube to see what other artists are doing.


I love to see other people's vision and seeing their artistry flips a switch in my mind and makes everything fresh again. 


Take pictures from magazines of make-up you like and have a little fun experimenting. The new way of doing things will open your mind and you'll feel excited to get ready and try out your new look! 


That added 'umph' will translate into bigger areas of your life...you'll see.


You've gotta love the magic of make-up :)


Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,
Marcella.

How Can I Have More Luscious Lashes Naturally?

Throughout my makeup career, I have constantly heard women complaining about how they wished their eyelashes were longer and fuller.

I've even had clients complain to me how in their twenties their eyelashes seemed a lot thicker and longer (so much so, that their lashes touched their eyebrows when they had mascara on!), but began noticing a change once they were in their thirties.

It quickly became apparent that genetics was not the sole determining factor. As with most things, it's part of the aging process. However just as you need to take preventive measures to keep your skin young and healthy, the same applies to your eyelashes!

We realized all the small things that seemed to make a difference with me and so I defined our 7 Tips to Keeping Your Lashes Looking Lusciousnaturally, from the inside-out:

---

1. Keep a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It should be noted that women with a diet rich in these good fats during pregnancy, assures beautiful lashes for their children!

2. Remove your mascara thoroughly each night with a good makeup remover.

3. Avoid the overuse of mascara. In other words: the spider-eyes. All this extra weight is hard on these fine and delicate hairs, and can cause them to fall out before their time.

4. Replace your mascara EVERY MONTH! We know women that have actually continued using the same tube of mascara for over a year! A big no-no-no.

5. Avoid using waterproof mascaras (it's okay for your wedding day ;) Not only are they the toughest types of mascara to use, but they’re also very drying to the eyelashes. Unless you plan on bawling your eyes out watching ‘The Notebook’ in front of your new hubby, opt for a ‘smudge-proof’ mascara instead.

6. Do not perm your lashes or over-abuse the eyelash curler. I understand you want pretty eyelashes NOW, but you must consider that it’s actually working against you.

7. Keep up your health check-ups. It’s good to keep an eye on your thyroid, pituitary or any metabolic conditions, especially if you notice any sudden changes in the thickness or fullness of your eyelashes.

That saying, "You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone" is so true. We spend a large part of our lives thinking how we want more than what we have now, and when time moves forward, we realize that what we had then wasn’t that bad after all.

By applying these tips to your beauty regimen, you are taking a step to prevent and enhance the eyelashes you have today. Once you have this part down, there are a number of eyelash treatments to dramatically increase their growth. Be assured that these will work that much better if you have a solid foundation, much like how exercise will be more effective if you keep healthy eating habits.

Even though the results may not be immediate, they will be more permanent and lasting. Eyelash care is a lifestyle!

Your Bridal Beauty Blogger,

Marcella

Do You Want A Natural Look For Your Wedding Day Makeup?

In skin care the most common comment is: " I have sensitive skin". For wedding makeup it's: "I want to look natural". What I have learned is that it's all relative and subjective to that person's interpretation of what qualifies as 'natural' (or 'sensitive' for that matter!)

I learned this the hard way, with one wedding in particular.

I came prepared with all my goods and the bride uttered the magic words: "I want my makeup to look natural". I smiled in acknowlegement -since I was familiar with the term- and I confidently began applying her makeup.

Beaming, I handed her the mirror when I was done. I was completely caught off guard when she almost started weeping. "It looks like I don't have anything on!", she cried in disappointment (or horror, I'm not sure).

I was a little confused...perplexed, dumbfounded.

I didn't understand. As far as I was concerned, I had given her exactly what she had asked for. In an effort to please my client and to keep her from freaking out, I calmly asked her to tell me specifically what she thought was missing. "Well" she replied, "I was hoping for some gold eyeshadow or something".

Huh? Okay, I don't know about you, but gold doesn't necessarily come to mind in my interpretation of natural, unless you're talking about the mineral found in God's green earth. It's not to say the bride wasn't right, but what I'm trying to point out is that broad terminology serves no one in this scenario.

We all have our own interpretations on the definitions of things when it comes to makeup: natural, dramatic, and generally what qualifies as good or bad makeup.

My point is, communicate. Communicate with your makeup artist, communicate with your hair artist and be specific. Give examples such as: "these are the colors I typically wear" or "I like eyeliner on top but not the bottom", etc.

If you don't ever wear makeup during the day, but you doll it up for a night on the town with the gals, this is important information because it shows you're not afraid of turning up the volume from time to time. It's much different than if you NEVER wear makeup, period.

The best is to have magazine clippings or email the artist pictures of makeup (or hair) you like. This will eliminate a lot of guess work on the artist's behalf, and frustration on yours.

It's all about and always about communication. It's why technology has come so far!

I hope this helps,
your Bridal Beauty Blogger :) 

and P.S. The gold eyeshadow bride did end up very pleased with her makeup. Hurrah!

Should You Spend Money on A Professional Makeup Artist?

For some this may be a no-brainer. The answer is, "of course!!"

For others though, it may not be that easy, especially if you're dealing with a tight budget. It just depends on priorities and what you naturally feel is most important.

For example, if you're not the type of person to ever wear make-up, even when you go out at night, then chances are you may not see the value in spending the money.

You may even think to ask your best friend (who may sell Mary Kay or Avon, etc.) to do it. After all, they have access to many different types of makeup, right?

Well, not necessarily.

You see, I've come across many brides who want to save some money and cut some financial corners when it comes to their wedding- and I completely understand! Weddings can be serious dollars and I can see where things such as makeup and hair may seem like unnecessary luxury items that could allow some financial wiggle room in other areas (perhaps in catering, or flowers...)

However, I want you to close your eyes and think ten years down the line. Well, maybe keep your eyes open so you can finish reading this post :)  Perhaps you'll have a few children by then and how will you be able to show them what an amazing or magical day that was?

If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then you answered pictures. Am I right?

And what do pictures show other than what the flowers, linens or cake looked like?

They capture the excitement and love in people's eyes, and guess what else?

The way you looked!

Now you may think that is vain for me to say, but the truth is that your photo album and the pictures that accent your home are images from your personal story book....your fairy tale.

It's the beginning of your new life together and the beginning of your own family. It gives way for others (who may not have been there) to relive that day and celebrate in the union that is your marriage.

You will ultimately be the judge but I wanted to present another perspective that you may or may not have considered.

May you make the best choice for yourself!

Do You Have a Friend Who Wants To Do Your Makeup For Your Wedding?

I was that friend once. I have had many friends that have tied the knot and my gift to them was their makeup and hair. I was able to touch them up throughout the day and make sure they were picture perfect at every turn and that their nose was powdered in every necessary moment. 

Did they appreciate it? Of course.

Was it something of value to them? Most definitely.

You must know though that although I was the 'friend' that wanted to contribute by making the bride feel beautiful, I was also a professional make-up artist with many years of training under my belt.

That's the rub.

I've come across (and heard of) many brides that will allow that well-meaning friend or family member give them a makeover. Without professional products or training, the brides typically end up less than happy (unless she is extrememly laid back and in that case, kudos to her!)

Of course I'm a professional make-up artist, which goes along with being a perfectionist and very picky about my work. I would definitely not be that laid-back bride, that's for sure!

I also understand the compromise that this situation puts you in if it is a loved one that just wants to help.

What I suggest (whether with a professional or not), is to request a trial run. See how it goes and whether or not you'll feel comfortable with what they do.

If they have a natural talent and you're pleasantly surprised, then you're golden!

If they could use a little more practice, this will either give them time to brush up on their techniques or give you plenty of time to find a professional.

Just be prepared and whatever you do- do not assume they'll do a good job and do not wait until the day of the wedding!!

The worst time to be disappointed is moments before you're to be ready to walk down the aisle. A prepared bride is a happier and more relaxed bride...hopefully :)

Always making you unforgettable,
The Bridal Beauty Blogger