Wedding Series: Makeup

Next up-- the makeup! 

My fabulous photographer Rustin Michael took some great getting ready shots of me that I'll share below. For my own makeup, I used Dinair's airbrush foundation, blush and highlighter. I wish I could use airbrush foundation everyday, but I'm too lazy to clean out the gun every morning (you can't leave product in the airbrush gun because it will damage the whole machine- talk about high maintenance). Airbrush makeup is fantastic for brides because it stays on, and floats right about your skin, as opposed to sinking into your pores, giving you a smooth glow. There is a small amount of alcohol in the foundation, which helps to dry down very quickly and stay ON like nobody's business. 

Here I'm applying a small amount of MAC's Reflects Pearl glitter on the inner corners of my eyes, because let's face, everyone knew I would rock glitter on my wedding day.

Here is the finished product, complete with a combination of MAC and Urban Decay eyeshadows and Ardell lashes. I kept the lips neutral so poor Dylan wouldn't be smeared with bright lipstick all day. I'll have a video tutorial of this look as soon as the weather cools down and my studio isn't a hot box!

Here's the Mother of the Bride, in all her glory. I definitely get my makeup skills from my mom. She has always been skilled with the makeup brush. I remember watching her do her makeup as a kid in the 80's, I just couldn't wait to grow up and do winged out blue eye liner and hot pink angled blush like she did. Mom did her own makeup that day, I helped her a little with the eyeshadow and lash application.

Yep, that's the ring boy in the corner

Here is my bridesmaid Angelica representing all the girls' makeup. Allyson Stagg of The Las Vegas Style Sirens (and of being my best friend) did my girls' makeup. Knowing my love for dramatic eye makeup, she created this jaw-dropping teal and champagne smoky eye topped with MAC's Reflects Teal glitter and whipped them up for each girl within three hours. I couldn't believe how sexy and bold my bridesmaids looked! As if you guys don't know already, I'm not really a fan of the "natural look." I LIVE for jewel tones and sex-pot makeup, and that's exactly what Allyson delivered. All of my girls looked like Playboy models, and I'm pretty sure their boyfriends/husbands didn't mind at all. ;)

Cappy and his Godmother

I wish I had photos of all the girls, we are still in the process of editing. I'll go back and update this blog once the photos are ready :)

My Natural Beauty Bride

I'm here with my first bride of 2012, Mrs. Lisa Gonzalez. Lisa and her husband Dan tied the knot on April 14th and man, did Lisa looks stunning! Lisa has great skin and big beautiful hazel eyes so I was pretty excited to work with her- a makeup artist's dream! 

I love working with brides because each and every one has such different taste, and it gives me a chance to do all kinds of fun makeup. Lisa is pretty low maintenance on the daily with her makeup, and she wanted her natural beauty to shine on the big day. 

I did a light dusting of airbrush foundation and used soft shades of peach for her cheeks and lips. I kept the eye shadows to a minimum on the eyes and brought out those hazel ojos with a sweep of black eyeliner, mascara and some very natural false eye lashes. Even if you have long lashes, falsies really bring out your eyes, especially in photos. I recommend them for every bride! 

Here's Flower Girl Sam helping Lisa with her earrings. So cute!

What an angel

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Dan Gonzalez!

Guest Post Part II: Five Beauty Essentials for the Bride

Hi all! Yesterday I shared my guest blog post for Los Angeles-based event coordinating company, Purple Meadows Events and today I bring you Part II: 5 Beauty Must-Haves to Prepare For Your Wedding Day

Debra Meadows, owner of PM events has a fantastic wedding blog that covers everything from decorations to the dress. Part II of my guest post goes over the best products to have with you in preparation of your big day. Check it out by clicking the link below.

five beauty must-haves to prepare for your wedding day

Bride Makeup

Attention Bride-to-be's: this video was made especially for you! Click below to watch my all-skin-tone flattering, waterproof, HD photo-ready makeup tutorial for your big day.

As promised, here is a full list of the products I used:

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden
Inner corner, top and bottom: MAC eye pencil in Gilded White (any white/cream colored eye liner will do)
Eyelid/brow bone: Virgin eye shadow from the Naked Palette
Eyelid: layered with MAC Yogurt eye shadow and Vanilla pigment on top
Crease: MAC's lavender/pink Haux eye shadow, followed by grey Scene and dark grey Print.
Waterline: Urban Decay Perversion liner
Eyeliner: MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
Fake lashes: non-brand from Naimies, #10s from MAC are similar.
Blush: MAC Breath of Plum
Cheekbones: MAC's Trophy Bounce shadow with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (any) on top
Lips: MAC's Highstrung and Creme Cup lipsticks with MAC Plum liner and NYX Naked liner

My Diamonds & Pearls Bride

One of the most enthusiastic and genuinely happy brides I've ever had the pleasure of working on, Stephanie Nunez, married her long time love, Andy Faucett, last summer in Lodi, Calif. They had an outdoor wedding ceremony and held their reception in a winery barn. I was honored to be the makeup artist for her entire wedding party. I call this look, "Old Hollywood Latina Glam"!

June 2010

The funnest bridesmaids around!

Here's to forever lasting love



Njambi, Santa Barbara's Bridal Beauty

Last May, I had the pleasure of doing all the makeup for Njambi and Kevin's Santa Barbara wedding. Here are some of the professional photos taken from their special day.

Here is the Mrs. touching up in the mirror-- this is my favorite photo of her!

Njambi and Kevin with their lovely moms. All makeup used on these ladies was via MAC Cosmetics.

What a fun bunch these girls were! The Brunette Beauties. All of them had amazing skin. It was a makeup artist's dream.

Here are some shots of the speeches:

A guest shot of Lisa (I did her eyes)



Bridesmaid Beauties

This bridesmaid and Maid of Honor just needed their eyes done at a recent wedding. Their dresses were eggplant, so I did pinks and deep plums on Serena (L) and a smoky plum eye on Kat (R). Topped both off with lashes, of course. :)

Gorgeous Matte Skin in the Summer

Last weekend, I went to a fabulous vineyard wedding in Northern California and did the makeup for the bridal party. Here is the Mother of the Bride. She wore a navy blue long gown with crystal accessories. Her skin is on the oily side so I packed her down with MAC Matte Cream, Prep + Prime Skin and Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. The powder can be worn on top of or underneath foundation. It's such a shine-saver! 

I gave Becky's olive complexion coral cheeks and lips to make it pop and matched her eyes to her dress.

May Wedding in Santa Barbara

Happy Spring! The weather was beautiful this weekend in Santa Barbara, where I traveled to do fresh-faced Njambi's wedding. This was the most relaxed wedding party I have ever met. Everyone was on time and in a great mood. I always say that the "mood" of the party trickles down from the bride. So kudos to Njambi for keeping everyone cool as a cucumber :)

Here is the Matron of Honor, Rosemary's eyes.

Junior Bridesmaid

The groom's mother

The bride's mother, who was making me laugh and cracking jokes all day.

Here is more of a natural look on wedding guest Lisa's eyes:

Sweetest Bride

I did this lovely bride's makeup, Corine, for her July 4th wedding at the Beverly Hilton and Greystone Mansion. She already had smooth even skin, so it made my job easy. Her fiance's request was that she look like she does everyday (natural, obvs) so i kept her fresh and sweet appearance and enhanced with lashes (which she STILL had on the next day for the family breakfast and poolside event, haha!)

Peek A Boo!

Hi Makeup Lovers! I have been super busy with family and work events this fall, and completely forgot about this poor blog! My apologies, I promise I'll be more attentive in the future...

 Here is another LadyCArtistry bride named Monique. She's a shy one, but I was able to snag this pic of her on her most important day. I had the privelidge of doing her makeup back in Spring of 2009.

Bridal Makeup

Good morning dolls! Thought I'd finally post some photos of my work. This is the lovely Mrs. Angelica Rose McDonnell in November 2008. Got her ready for the best day of her life with the full Bridal treatment. She wanted a natural look (as most brides do), so i used some really classic lashes and of course waterproof eye makeup. Brides are my favorite clients, i love being there on their special day and making them feel beautiful.

Contact me on here for inquiries and appts. I would love to help you get ready for your special day! :)