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:

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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