told you so...

It's the best. Thanks Jessica!

Facial Paradise

Those of you that know me, may know I've been battling a bit of a skin problem the last few weeks. So when I was offered a facial by Kalli at Unruli, I was ready to try anything. She is a new esthetician at the salon in downtown Franklin and she is AMAZING. Kalli has this snuggly little room upstairs, with the dim lights and spa music playing. On Thursday I got cozy for 1 hr 45 mins of bliss. I don't usually keep quiet for anything, my mouth is constantly running, but after 5 mins I shut up for the entire experience because it was just that relaxing and wonderful. She starts out taking you on a "sensory journey" where you allow your nose to pick an essential oil for her to work with. Mine was cinnamon bark and clove. Warm, sweet, but invigorating. Then she massages your face with countless Aveda products, each one feels more awesome than the one before it. She rubs down your arms and feet and wraps them up in these warm little bundles. It really is the greatest thing ever. So now it's Saturday. And I woke up this morning to my sweet husband getting ready for work and he stops and looks at me and says "Wow...she did a great job. Your skin looks so smooth!" Best words I've heard since he said "I do". Kalli is a super nice lady and she is very knowledgeable about what your skin needs and what your body needs as well. I'm going back next week for a second treatment and anticipating the glory. But I know with everyone's pockets being pretty empty, these things are hard to indulge in. Thankfully, this full treatment is only $75!!!  So if you lay off the Starbucks and one restaurant dinner this month, you can use the extra cash to show yourself some Aveda love. Even if it's just once a month, this treatment makes you feel so awesome. And I know if I can see results after one treatment, within 2 days, and I have a major skin dilemma, then anyone can benefit from a visit. Tell her I sent you and I'll give you a free custom lip color and goodie bag!

airbrush: greatest application or just a trend?

I had a bride contact me a few weeks ago about being airbrushed for her wedding. She had heard about the technique and really wanted to have it for her big day. After much discussion and a few trials, we decided to airbrush her foundation using Makeup Forever's HD foundation. Now, this bride was adamant about using the airbrush because of the good things she had heard. There is a lot of talk about using airbrush, especially for HD film and TV. It provides a nice, solid coverage and works well for HD because of the way the product is misted onto the face, leaving no area uncovered. However, it has it's limitations. The airbrush is just a tool, like any other brush. If I put foundation on with a toothbrush, it's going to look different than if I use a sponge, blush brush, or foundation brush. The finished look of the makeup depends greatly upon the method of application. So the airbrush is just another alternative to traditional brushes. It is great for 2 purposes...1)textured skin (acne, scars, rough) benefits from using the gun because the mist gets into all angles of the face, leaving no space untouched. It ensures coverage of all these areas. 2)those with skin conditions are also good candidates because there is no physical touching involved. Certain skin issues are made worse by touch (ex: Rosacea) so we eliminate that problem because using the airbrush means we don't have to touch the skin at all. But a great looking foundation can be achieved even without the airbrush. As soon as her wedding pictures are available, I'll be sure to post them!

review me!

I need reviews! It is super helpful, when people are deciding on a makeup artist for their event, shoot, or wedding, to have testimony from other clients. So anyone who felt their experience with me was a positive one, it would be amazing if you could write a short bit on it.

Click my listing . Then add review. 

The most powerful way to gain business for me is word of mouth, so I can't tell you how much it does for me when you tell others about your experience. Thank you!

orange, green, blue, and embroidery

Sound like 1973 living room decor?

Well, it was Ashley Rowden (now Whiteside)'s wedding ambiance! When i met Ashley at Panera for the first time, I was so enamored with her soft demeanor and bright smile. We were there to discuss my potentially doing her wedding day makeup. She showed me a picture of a very delicate, peachy toned makeup she had pulled from a magazine. As with every bride, I asked about the details of her wedding, to get a feel for her style. She begins to show me images of green, earthy details with splashes of orange and blue. Words like "quilt" "birds" and "natural" are thrown around a lot. Now at first, I was a bit concerned for how all of this was going to come together. But Ashley's gentle and focused tone convinced me that this wedding was going to be unique and beautiful. S0 when I arrived on May 23rd to get Ashley's wedding day look pulled together, she remained the same; calm, easy, and glowing. You could tell she was very ready for this day and for all the right reasons. Standing there giving her the finishing touches, I knew she looked amazing. But now that I've seen the pictures, HOLY MOLY. She honestly, was radiant. I don't think I've ever seen a bride look as healthy and illuminating as she. Ashley's skin was a great match for the Smashbox Halo I rave about. We kept her look very warm and clean, using peaches and apricots. All the colors and natural elements she chose worked so well together for her wedding details, and the softness she evoked just wrapped it all up. Congrats Ashley and Brandon! And thank you April with Evoke Photography!