I can't stress enough how important it is to book your makeup artist well in advance. I'm talking at least 6 months or more. I've had to turn away many disappointed brides who waited until only a few weeks or even a month before their big day. I do not have a "team" of artists, so I can only book a minimum number of clients in any given month. One thing to keep in mind is that since I am not a "team" of artists, you can rest assured knowing that the makeup work you see on my website is me and only me. I can imagine it might be confusing to look at a website wondering what artist did which makeup. But on my site, it's me, just me. Saturdays and Sundays are usually always booked well in advance, but I've recently noticed a trend toward Friday weddings. So, no matter what day your special event falls on, I would be sure to plan well ahead to be able to book the artist you want. I also seem to receive a lot of calls from br...

One word sums up the day...INSANE!  The line entering was around the block, thank goodness I was able to check in last night and walked right on past those waiting.  I looked at a lot of products today but only settled on a few items.  I picked up a couple of brushes, a few small fan brushes, some angled liners and some fine liners.  I also decided to shell out $50 for 5 Beauty Blenders.  It was such a great bargain, I couldn't resist. I did check out a few of the seminars. My favorites were Steve Johnson and Bill Corso and of course Ve Neill. I was excited to see many of my makeup friends and even chatted with the artists from SyFy's Face Off Series. All in all it was a good time!  Did someone say Las Vegas??

At IMATS (International Make-up Artist Trade Show) , I had the opportunity to attend the Pro-Card Event last night. I picked up a few items that have been on my wish list.    My first stop was at Senna Cosmetics . I purchased the Contouring Palette , complete with an adorable faux snakeskin case, these neutral colors look amazing on almost every skin tone; Crystal White, Buttercream, Nudist, Espresso, Lace, Mushroom and Mirage .  As well as contouring, these eye shadows are perfect for creating a classic, natural beauty look....I can't wait to use them!    I picked up 3 much needed Aqua Lip liners from the  MUFE (Make Up For Ever) booth.  Matte Raspberry, Rosewood and Pink .  Very long lasting and water-resistant, the liners stay put for hours even in extreme conditions.    I couldn't leave without nabbing Nurturing Force's Airbrush Cleaner . This stuff will clean anything out of your airbrush gun whether a...

Wearing a full face of makeup when you are at the beach or pool can look silly.  Opt for sheer, light products that bring out a warm sunny glow but still protect you from the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun.     Before you head out, apply a generous coat of sunscreen allowing at least 30 minutes for the lotion to dry.  While you are out at the beach/pool you can reapply sunscreen by using a Powder SPF.  Try Peter Thomas Roth's Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45.  The light, matte powder gives the complexion a smooth, radiant, youthful look. while blocking out harmful UVA, UVB and infrared rays to help prevent sunburn, skin damage, freckling and discoloration.    When the weather is hot and humid, it's a sure bet that your cream/liquid foundation is going to smear and slide immediately.  If you feel the need for coverage, mix a bit of your foundation with your sunscreen instead.  You may want...

Photos by Jennifer Ring Photography Makeup by Stephanie M. Hair by Ciara C.

Now that Summer is here and hot weather is setting in, (plus living in Florida), I tend to minimize my daily makeup application to something quick, light and oh so airy-feeling.  My absolute must-have Summertime product is a Lip & Cheek Stain.   Available in a multitude of colors, lip/cheek stains can be found in numerous cosmetic brands.  Some of my favorites:    Sephora's Lush Flush in Pinot , a ripe cherry color. It's fabulous gel-based formula is easy to apply and blend allowing buildable coverage to achieve a deeper level of intensity.  The stain mimics a flushed look on both lips and cheeks and really gives an all over glow to my face.  Sephora's Lush Flush comes in a tube complete with an applicator wand.  It's the perfect size to toss in a purse and fits easily into your pocket.   BECCA's Beach Tint is a beautifully blendable crème stain for cheeks and...

So many cosmetic brands are introducing HD makeup to their lines.  Creating a flawless finish whether for film or face-to-face is not going to be achieved by purchasing a bottle of foundation labeled HD.  Relate it to the idea of putting a chimp in a Chanel suit and expecting her to walk the red carpet like Nicole Kidman.  Really?  If you believe that, let me tell you about this ocean front property I have for sale in Nevada.... An experienced makeup artist will be able to create HD perfect skin with quality products IF their blending skills are developed.  Blending and color matching is going to separate the quality makeup artists from the hobbyists.  You can't buy flawless skin in a bottle.  It all comes down to technique, whether the technique is by fingers, brush, sponge or airbrush. If a makeup artist is unable to blend and create flawless skin using "old school" methods, there is no way he/she will be any better ...