Bridal Beauté: Before and After

I really enjoy doing bridal makeup and can’t wait until the wedding season kicks into high gear. Last month I was busy, busy, busy with bridal trials for clients who will be tying the knot in the upcoming months. Here’s a before-and-after and the products I used. Hope you enjoy!

My client has oily skin and has had recent breakouts and irritation. The after….

To PREP her skin I used ARTISTRY Balancing toner and moisturizer; Replenishing eye creme and Steelo primer. For the FACE: ARTISTRY Absolute Oil Control foundation in Hazelnut (I love this foundation because it dries down to a matte finish—perfect for those with oily skin), and a translucent powder in Dark to set. I defined her BROWS with ARTISTRY Deep Brown eye brow pencil (love the fine point tip on this self-sharpening pencil) and a brow powder. On her EYES: Neutral eye colors from one of my palettes with MAC Embark in the crease. I lined the eyes with Auraline Black Gel Liner (has great staying power), and used a half lash on the outer half of her eyes. For CHEEKS, MAC Ambering Rose Blush, Refined Deeper Bronzer to contour and ARTISTRY Aglow to highlight. For LIPS, used a deep brown and plum lip liner, a beiged pink lustre lipstick and a pinkish pearl LORAC Crock Mocktail gloss for added shine.

My client was pleased in the end and can’t wait for her wedding day!

**ARTISTRY products are available for purchase here in my online store.

TREND Beauté: MAC Spring Colour Forecast

Although we’re snowed in in the nation’s capital, my thoughts are on warmer days ahead thanks to MAC’s Spring Colour Forecast collection. With four vivid, sensual color palettes designed to capture the essence of the season, there’s something for every mood, every demeanor, every emotion.

“If it giggles, tickles, pleases, it’s PINK” Some of my favorites from Spring Colour Forecast 1:

• Rose Outlook Eye shadow
• Cultureclash Lipglass
• Galore Nail Lacquer
• Pink Burst Lipstick

“If it’s a tawny, sensuous, glowing, it’s CORAL” Spring Colour Forecast 2 features this must-have color for the season. I’m loving:

• Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach
• Kumquat Lipglass
• Hot Hot Hot Eye shadow
• Crush Metal Pigments (copper gold, yellow gold, green gold)

“If it’s wicked, noble, naughty, it’s PLUM” Express yourself with these plum good items from Spring Colour Forecast 3 that caught my eye:

• Bruised Plum Eye Shadow
• Lavender Wind Lipglass
• Hang-up Lipstick
• Imperial Splendor Nail Lacquer

“Dare to be as bold as gold with AMBER” Warm it up with Spring Colour Forecast 4. I’m eyeing:

• Abalone Shell Nail Lacquer
• Beigeland Lipstick
• Limited edition eye shadows Manila Paper, Flip, Aztec Brick and Creole Beauty
• Almondine Lipglass

View the entire collection online at maccosmetics.com or visit your local MAC store or counter.

TREND Beauté: Celebrity Fragrances

I don’t usually get caught up in the celebrity perfume hype, but I have to admit I’m curious about “Heat” by Beyoncé which arrived on the market this month and “Kim Kardashian” which is available at Sephora.

Top notes of Heat are decorated with red vanilla-orchid, magnolia, neroli and peach. The heart of the scent offers a combination of honeysuckle, almond and musky cream, while the base finishes with sequoia wood, tonka and amber. Heat includes 30, 50 and 100ml sizes, along with a 200 ml golden lotion. Prices vary.

Kim Kardashian reportedly has crisp top notes, lush mid tones and a warm sensual base thanks to the following notes: mandarin, honey suckle, orange blossom, pink jasmine, tuberose, sensual spice, gardenia, jacaranda wood, tonka bean, vanilla orchid, musk and creamy sandalwood. Kim Kardashian is available in a 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz sizes and a 0.33 oz rollerball parfum and prices range from $16 to $65.

I doubt if I buy either, but when I get a chance, I will sniff and tell. Has anyone else tried them? If so, what did you think?

Winner of Bride’s Choice Award

One of the things I love about being a makeup artist is working with brides. It truly is a privilege having a hand in their wedding day look and enhancing their natural beauty. So allow me to smile wide with satisfaction at having received WeddingWire’s 2010 Bride’s Choice Award for Beauty & Health for the 2nd year. Following is the official press release:

Washington, DC – February 3, 2010 – WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Shades of Shauné Makeup Artistry has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Beauty & Health!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Shades of Shauné Makeup Artistry is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

I’m excited that Shades of Shauné Makeup Artistry is among the very best in Beauty & Health within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. I also want to thank my past newlyweds for nominating me for this award.

For more information, please visit my WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/shadesofshaunemakeupartistry.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Great Grammy Makeup

There were plenty of pretty faces and great makeup at the 2010 Grammy Awards. From fun and modest makeup to classy and dramatic, some stars didn’t disappoint. Here are a few of my favorites.

JENNIFER HUDSON Loved her glowing skin, gold eye shadow, pretty pink lips and blunt bangs.

JENNIFER LOPEZ  Loved her dramatic eyes. They weren’t overdone and very sexy. And her soft blush and lips were the perfect complement.

LADY GAGA wasn’t afraid to have fun with her makeup. Then again, I don’t think she’s afraid of anything! She constantly pushes the envelope and takes “it” there. Her lemon yellow hair extensions, dark brows and candy pink lips worked with her futuristic ensemble. Kinda Marilyn Monroe meets the Jetsons to me.

RIHANNA Her red carpet look was lovely with her couture Elie Saab gown. The shimmer eye shadow, spidery-spiky false lashes, her glowing skin and perfectly illuminated cheekbones were gorgeous and glam.

CIARA had a flawless golden finish to her overall look. Her lashes were flirty; her cheeks nicely sculpted and highlighted.  And I’m loving the creamy nude lips with a touch of shimmery gloss right in the center for added pop.

Other celebs’ makeup I also liked: Mary J and Keri Hilson’s dramatic eyes; Miley Cyrus’ young, fresh, modern makeup and Leah Michelle’s (of “Glee”) glowy yet understated look.

Photos: www.justjared.com

Beauté Spotlight: ARTISTRY Partners with Miss America

ARTISTRY skin care and cosmetics is one of my favorite brands. I have been using it personally and professionally for three years and have blogged about many of the products. In fact, Blended Beauté’s “New You for the New Year” giveaway featured ARTISTRY Essentials customized makeup kits. Many people are surprised to learn that ARTISTRY is among the top five largest-selling prestige brands of facial skin care and color cosmetics along with Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Clinique and Shiseido. ARTISTRY is the beauty power brand of Amway Global and is sold exclusively through independent business owners (IBOs) such as myself. I love this brand, stand behind the products and am excited that Artistry is the official skin care and cosmetics provider for the Miss America pageant which airs TONIGHT (Jan. 30th) on TLC at 8 p.m. EST. The Miss America Organization, the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women, and Amway—through the ARTISTRY Scholarship—are working to empower women to follow their dreams and achieve their goals. To learn more about ARTISTRY skin care and cosmetics visit my online store here.

Take advantage of ARTISTRY’S 180-day money back guarantee. Try any product and if you’re not 100% satisfied, return it free of charge for a full refund up to 180 days—that’s 6 months!! So you have nothing to lose. And enjoy free shipping on purchases of $75 or more.

Want to sample ARTISTRY? Email blendedbeaute@gmail.com or complete the contact form below. Samples available while supplies last. U.S. residents only.

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Beauté Spotlight: Ms. Manicure

What’s the best accessory to any fabulous outfit? Is it shoes? Jewelry? How about perfectly polished nails. That’s what Ms. Manicure thinks and I totally agree. I tried two kits that PR sent and my nails are thanking me for it.

HANDY DANDY MANI ($9.99) is an all-inclusive kit that is perfect for the beauty buff  who doesn’t have time to go to the salon or for the budget-conscious fashionista who doesn’t want to spend moolah every week. It’s filled with all the essentials to keep your nails looking their best such as cuticle nippers, nail clippers, nail scissors, wood cuticle sticks, nail brush, washable salon board, 4-way nail buffer and slant-tip tweezers. I was impressed that the cuticle nippers, nail clippers and scissors worked and were not cheap-looking and dull like other mani kits I’ve tried. And the pink-and-white striped packaging is too cute. Very girlie.

CALL YOUR BUFF ($2.99) This tool is definitely a favorite. It’s a 6-way buffer that’s light and portable. It’s numbered also so you won’t miss a step from start to beautiful finish. I especially like that it smoothes away cracks and crevices and it worked wonders smoothing the ridges in my nail beds. It’s fast and easy to use, and it left my nails perfectly polished, without polish! Not sure if you can do this alone? No worries. All Ms. Manicure products have a “how-to” on the back of the packaging, so they’re super easy to use. If perfectly groomed nails are your priority, then check out Ms. Manicure’s other girlie goodies at www.msmanicure.com. Ms. Manicure can also be purchased at Ulta, Target, Walmart, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and numerous other places and sites.

It’s time to put your best nail forward!

Show and Tell: Skin MD Shielding Lotion

PR sent. Blended Beauté tried and the verdict is in: This is some good stuff! According to the company, Skin MD Shielding Lotion + Sunscreen SPF 15 is a lotion that combines the best features of shielding and sunscreen lotions. It helps prevent loss of natural oils and moisture, doesn’t allow irritating substances to penetrate the skin and absorbs the part of the UV spectrum that contributes to premature skin ageing and development of skin cancers.

I have been using this lotion for the past three weeks, and I had a friend try it too. Her face had been dry and irritated thanks to Old Man Winter, but since using the Shielding Lotion, she has seen considerable changes in her skin. For starters, she applied it as often as needed, whenever her face felt dry or taut. This is a necessary step until your skin gets used to the product. After a week or so, she only applied it twice a day and has raved about how her skin looks and feels. I’ll let her tell you more:

“I love that this lotion is light and keeps my skin moisturized. I even like the sunscreen. Other products I’ve tried with sunscreen felt goopy; but not this moisturizer. Nor does it leave my skin feeling oily or shiny.”

I tried it as a moisturizer, but I also tested it as a primer on myself and clients before applying their makeup. As a moisturizer it absorbed quickly; there was no greasy residue or oily feeling. And it’s odorless, so no strong sunscreen smell. As a primer, it really left my skin feeling silky smooth and my foundation glided on as if I had used my regular go-to primer.

And the price is right for such a highly potent moisturizing lotion. Only $18 for a 4-oz bottle that will last because a little truly goes a loooong way.

I want you to experience this lotion for yourself, so enter our giveaway for a chance to win a bottle of Skin MD’s Shielding Lotion. Complete the form below or send an email to blendedbeaute@gmail.com. Your skin will love you for it!

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Kiss and Makeup for Valentine’s

Cupid’s arrow is in the air as the holiday of love nears. If you plan to lock lips with a special someone, here are some lip products to put you in the mood for love. Or maybe not. Either way, your pout will be pretty and poppin’.

THE ROMANTIC Your lips won’t go unnoticed with Estee Lauder’s Love Your Lips. The limited-edition collection features 12 Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick shades ($19.50) and 4 NEW Kissable Lip Glosses ($18.00). Each lipstick features a special “L♥VE” logo on the bullet and the glosses are packaged in uniquely designed vials with the same logo. This collection is too cute and the colors range from Pink to Berry, Mauve to Plum or Coral to Red.

LOVE AFFAIR MAC has put together some great colors in this Valentine’s promotion. Or as they describe it:

“…heart-racing lip colours plucked from Cupid’s palette. Be devilish, sweet or divine!”

Whatever your mood, these colors won’t disappoint. Lipstick colors are Violetta, Snob, Lovelorn (my fave), Lady Danger and Lickable; Dazzleglass Creme colors are Totally Fab, My Favorite Pink (my fave for real) and Creme Allure; and Lip liner colors Beet, Red and Dervish.

PASSIONATE FLING These Lorac mini lip glosses from their Croc Mocktail collection are perfect for those who prefer small clutches or purses. If you plan to be out on the town for Valentine’s, just pop your color of choice in the bag for quick touch-ups. I bought this special edition set recently and I’m loving every color. They’re yummy-smelling and the colors will look good on any skin tone. Wear them alone or over your favorite lipstick for added shine. And for only $7.50, that’s a Valentine’s steal.

Kiss Kiss!

Makeup at the Golden Globes

Halle Berry, Monique, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Julie Benz and Nicole Kidman were some of the faces at the Golden Globes with one thing in common: Flawless and beautiful red carpet makeup! From natural, radiant skin and sexy defined eyes to soft cheeks and lips, these ladies got it right. Flawless makeup is not only for celebrities, so here are a few tips to get you red-carpet ready too!

RADIANT SKIN Great makeup starts with great skin and flawless skin is always in. Cleanse, tone, moisturize and exfoliate your skin regularly. Consider using a primer before applying your foundation. Then select a liquid or cream foundation to get Halle’s glowing skin. Liquid foundations give a more natural dewy finish; cream foundations allow for fuller coverage. Set your foundation with a translucent powder to remove excess shine.

Products I like: ARTISTRY liquid foundations (available in three formulations — Self-Defining Sheer, Absolute Oil Control and Time Defiance — based on your skin type). Cream Foundation: Black Opal Creme Stick foundations and Graftobian HD Super Palettes. Translucent Powder: Ben Nye.

SEXY DEFINED EYES I loved Christina Aguilera’s eye makeup. She played them up without over doing it. Get her look with neutral shimmery eyeshadows, pencil eyeliner, and a voluminizing mascara. Use a shimmery eyeshadow all over your eyelid and blend into the crease. Apply eyeliner to the top and bottom of your eyes, smudging to give a soft smokey effect. With a dark shimmery eyeshadow, go over the eyeliner, blending it out even more. Finish with several  coats of black mascara.

Products I like: Eyeshadow: Senna Double Effect Creamline Palette, ARTISTRY Polished and Copper Beach; Steelo Expresso Trio Eye Shadows; Eyeliner: MAC Smolder, MUFE Aqua Eyes and Loreal Hip Color Chrome Eyeliner; Mascara: Loreal Voluminous and DiorShow

BLUSH BABY Blush brightens your face and adds color back after evening out your foundation. Pinky-peach blush like the one Mariah Carey wore was big at the Golden Globes and will be popular for spring too. To apply your blush, start at the apples of your cheeks and blend in an upward motion toward the top of your ears. A blush with a soft shimmer will further help you achieve skin with that glow.

Products I like: NARS Blush Orgasm and Taj Mahal (for darker skin tones).