sneak peek

here's some quick images of a shoot I did last week. Details to come...

Nashville...in August

Today's high is in the low 90s. Needless to say, it's hot. So when planning one's makeup for the day, certain products get better results. One of the worst things ever is to get your face totally done, and after 15 minutes outside, your pretty baby pink blush is streaking down your cheeks and onto your neck. Or even worse, to have it caking with foundation and sweat to form a nice layer on top your dimpled apples. Ugh. So how to you get a blushing cheek without being streaky or cakey? Cream blush. Cream blushes are the perfect way to get just a dab of color in your face, as if you've already been outside, without being heavy. You only need a small dab of a light pink or peachy color to smooth in circles onto the apples of your cheeks and lightly blend up towards your temple. You can apply it alone, or under a tinted moitsurizer for a sunshiny cheek that will stay on your skin, not run down. Since it blends into the skin and doesn't sit on top of a foundation, it will stay put much better than a powder blush. Avoid products with sparkles or a ton of shimmer, as they can appear too shiny and make you look sweaty. Try Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Blush. Or Smashbox has one called O-Glow that works with your skin to create a custom color that matches your natural blush. makeup above by Yumi at Frank Reps

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!