I recently had the opportunity to represent Cargo Cosmetics  in the Ulta Store at Oakleaf Town in Jacksonville, FL. As a smaller brand, it still packs a punch. I fell in love with the Beach Blush . It's the marriage of blush and bronzer that offers the radiance of a newly flushed face and the glow of a lasting summertime tan. Provides the benefits of blush and bronzer in one convenient product with four harmonious shades in one tin that work together to provide the perfect balance of color for all skin tones, avoiding the yellow look of many bronzers. Light reflective shimmer particles add a radiant glow to the skin and soften the appearance of fine lines. Generously packaged with in CARGO's signature tin this medley of four distinct, multi-tonal bronzing and blush shades gives a beautiful and distinctive look to the product . A key ingredient: Vitamin E: Soothes and conditions the delicate skin It's convenient to use. Looks fantastic on everyone. A ...

I'm all about makeup! I love it, I adore it and I wear it just about every day.  However, there are some days when I really want to just go bare faced into the world but I know I still need to even out my skin tone and most definitely protect it from pollution and skin damage.  This is when I sport the "No Makeup" Makeup Look.   To get the skin smooth and even in tone, I begin prepping with a quality moisturizer.  I adore Embryolisse and for oily skin like mine, I use Emulsion Hydra-Mat.  If your skin isn't all that oily, then I suggest Lait-Crème Concentrè.  Once I've got the moisturizer applied, I add a primer.  A primer is going to provide you with an even canvas for your foundation.  When I'm not using airbrush makeup, I swear by Peter Thomas Roth's Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel.  Another favorite is Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer.  Now onto the foundation....

Another Love Note from a gorgeous bride: " Hi Stephanie , Thank you,so much for making our wedding Make-up extra special ! It was flawless !" ~Renee Wedding Date: May 26th, 2013 Location: Paradise Cove, Orlando, FL

I am sure you realize your wedding isn't a dress rehearsal and there is no do-over, but take it from someone who has seen her fair share of weddings, there are just some things you want to be sure you've got down pat because you won't have a second chance to get it right. Consider your wedding to be comparable to the workings of a feature film. You've got the Leading Lady role and your groom is up for Best Supporting Actor. Your Cast of Characters encompasses your bridal party and immediate family members and don't forget the Background Actors, your guests. To create a blockbuster hit, you'll need a Full Crew; including but not limited to: Director and Assistant Director (wedding planner, banquet manager, officiant) Technical Crew (photographer, videographer) Production Support (accommodations, food) Location Selection (venue, church) Soundtrack (music selection, DJ, band) Hair and Makeup Team Special Effects (lighting, decor, details) Pr...

The "dirty" word: If you have ever planned a wedding or have been around someone planning a wedding, there is one single word that makes even the most level-headed bride cringe. Budget. There, I said it. Cut and dry. Now that it's out in the open, let's discuss exactly why that word brings out the inner bridezilla. To start off with, ask any number of brides what their budget is, and I guarantee you will get just as many answers. Budgets can range from under $2,000 on up and past $200,000. It doesn't mean that any amount is better than another. Every wedding has a budget because every couple draws the dollar line somewhere. A budget just defines what you have to spend. Period. Nothing more, nothing less. A bigger budget doesn't make any one bride better than another, nor any wedding less important. So in short, every bride is a budget bride no matter the dollar amount. When you think of it that way, it can wrangle in the green-eyed...

Destination weddings have become increasingly more common. With a touch of added romance, zesty adventure and of course the sultry GETAWAY, a destination wedding can be just that little special touch you're looking for. Planning and organizing a wedding in another city, state or country can be overwhelming and downright nerve-wracking. Trusting wedding professionals is scary enough, but depending on those not within reach can be quite intimidating.  As quoted from theKnot.com in their Destination Wedding Basics: Top 13 Destination Wedding Tips, the Knot highly suggests  to "Bring pros you trust from home to handle critical aspects such as the wedding photography, hair and makeup, and design (lighting, flowers)." There are so many things that can go wrong; no-show vendors, inferior skills, misunderstandings due to a language barrier, makeup artists not familiar with your skin type, strange and unregulated cosmetic products, and of course, fear of the unknown...

It's your wedding day, you wake up, grab a mimosa, sit back and relax...Wait, what? Relax... on your wedding day? Who ever heard of such a thing?   Imagine having your very own makeup artist on site to pamper you like a celebrity. That's right, no need to stress out as you drive in traffic to a noisy salon or crowded makeup counter, rushing to get back and put on your wedding dress before the big walk down the aisle. Your makeup artist is here with you, experienced and prepared to bring out your inner Diva! Complete with a full makeup kit, everything from lashes to sealer, I will be on hand to make you a blushing bride! Are you worried about successfully creating a flawless wedding day look by doing your own makeup? Whether you are not a typical makeup wearer or you feel you lack the required product knowledge to achieve the desired results, why not consider hiring a bridal makeup artist to offer expertise and reduce wedding day stress? Professionally trained in P...

As a makeup artist, it is truly an honor to be part of any wedding. When a bride places her face in my hands on the most important day of her life, it is a very special and trusting situation.  Last October, I had the pleasure of a beautiful, young lady by the name of Alexis trusting her wedding day look with me. She has since sent me a heartfelt and touching thank you note along with some beautiful images. I am sharing these with you, so you too can understand how important my brides are to me.  I adore all of my brides for without you, there would be no Stephanie Mazzeo - Makeup Artist. So, I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart.   

brandy + beau photography now that's a wedding!!!!

If you're a "Do It Yourself" kind of girl, I may venture to guess that your wedding is no exception. Whether for financial reasons or just the hesitation of letting go, you may decide to take wedding day beauty into your own hands. Here is where I can help. Let me give you a few insights into creating a picture perfect bridal photo. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself, if you're well-informed and excellent at applying your own makeup. I've been doing makeup for well over 20 years and even still I would never attempt to do my own makeup for my wedding day. But to those who are more adventurous, I will provide you with a few important tips. Flawless makeup begins with flawless skin. Get routine facials, wear sunscreen, avoid harmful tanning, drink lots of water, watch what you eat and take care of your skin. We can always make our skin darker with bronzers and spray-on tans but once you damage your skin with UV rays, there's no way in re...

Understanding the difference between a counter makeup artist and a freelance makeup artist.   There are advantages to both counter makeup artists and freelance makeup artists. When selecting makeup for every day wear, a counter makeup artist is an ideal choice. However, when you are considering makeup for your wedding day, you need to determine what is most important to you.   PRODUCTS: A freelance makeup artist works independently and does not represent any particular cosmetic company. She provides an unbiased approach when selecting makeup products based on individual performance and function. With access to thousands of cosmetic products, the freelance makeup artist will choose items from her professional experience. Since she is not required to carry any one brand, she can offer you the best products available that are ideal for you and your event.   A counter makeup artists typically represents a specific brand (or brands). Wo...

Last June, I had the pleasure of providing makeup services for eclectic bride, Marisa and her gorgeous bridal party. Her wedding was held at River House Events in St. Augustine and was featured in The Florida Times-Union!  Read the article by clicking HERE Photos courtesy LanierStar Photography

That's the way I roll... Makeup kit packed - check Car gassed up - check 7am call time - check The glamorous life of a makeup artist - priceless

Photos courtesy Portrayable Photography

Congratulations, you're engaged!!   Now that you have the bling, it's time to start planning your wedding.  Colors, gowns, food, music....I am sure you are thinking of all sorts of things for your ever-so-perfect day and your makeup is no exception.  But, before you head out and start panicking with sticker shock, let's go over a few important points so you aren't caught like a deer in headlights.    Is it really worth it?   Before you start to rule out hiring a professional makeup artist, consider the other vendors you'll be using that day.  Would you hand over a point and shoot camera to your favorite cousin and hope for the best?  This is the only chance to get your wedding day photos. There is no do-over and it's not a dress rehearsal, so be sure everything is lined up for you to be flawless and fabulous.  You are going to be the focus of the majority of wedding day photos and I would imagine you are going to want to put your face ...