“Babyface, Babyface

Cover girl with natural grace
How could beauty be so kind”

When I am working with brides on their wedding day, my number one goal is to make them look and feel like their most beautiful, radiant self.  And the first step in achieving that is by creating flawless, yet natural-looking skin.

In the winter months this can become increasingly difficult, as colder temperatures and drier air zaps moisture from our skin.  Even a grease monkey such as myself can find dry patches where once there were none!

There are some simple tips that we can all easily incorporate into our winter makeup routine to keep the doldrums away and give us that glowing babyface:

1. Consider switching foundation formulas for the winter.  For instance, for most of the year I use a loose powder foundation.  When I start feeling dry, I switch to a tinted moisturizer with a bit of translucent powder on top.  It’s nice to have a couple different formulas in your foundation “wardrobe” for situations such as this!

2.  If you absolutely lovelovelove your current foundation, try mixing a pea-size amount of tinted moisturized into your liquid foundation.  It will give you the same finish, but with the added boost of additional emollients to smooth the skin.

3.  Cream blush!!!  There are many formulas out that are suitable for all skin types, and give a natural glow without feeling heavy on the skin.  My favorites are from Stila and Laura Mercier.  Use the pad of your index finger and warm a small amount on the back of your hand.  Then blend lightly onto the apples of the cheeks, adding more for greater intensity.

4.  Lip balm is your new best friend.  Really, this should be year round, but during these cold months especially.  There’s nothing more unpleasant than trying to apply that brand new red lipstick over dry, flaky lips!  I keep one by my bed, one in my purse, and probably several places in between!

Are you a bride?  Use some of these tips to have dewy winter skin on your wedding day.  Not a bride?  Try them anyway and enjoy the glow!

photos by our friends at Liquid Shutter

“…you want to be the song, the song that you hear in your head, love…”

There’s just something about the beat that beckons you to move, to listen to the rhythm thumping deep in your chest.  Swirling colors on all sides, the twinkling glitter lights your face and you smile knowingly.  All is well in the world, at least for tonight.

I say go for the glamour– if you can pull off strong lips and dramatic eyes together, do it!  And don’t be afraid of color; we’re not talking about a mid-afternoon tea party, after all…

But if you do decide to go for a neutral palette, try adding just one item that shimmers– a golden shadow, cheek highlight or radiant lip gloss should do the trick.  Keep the rest soft and subtle.

And for goodness sakes, don’t be afraid of false lashes!  They can be as natural or as outrageous as you please, and they are the perfect addition to any evening look.   At the disco, everyone will say…”Who is that lady in the corner with the sultry eyes?”

Any you’ll know that it’s you.  So own it, and enjoy the night.

photos courtesy of marie claire

Now wouldn’t a conservatory be a lovely place for a wedding?  The candlestick, or course, is just for ambiance.

Mrs. Peacock, however, is a completely different story.  She’s glamorous, complicated and a bit daring.  She adores champagne cocktails and all things sparkly.  And her eyes most definitely tell a story.

I have had a life-long adoration of the colour teal.  As a child, I happily donned my brightly colored teal and pink jacket (it was the 80′s, after all).  As a teenager, it was shocking  teal-y blue eyeliner.  And now, as an adult, I have revisited this modern, elegantly daring hue in my home with throw pillows and picture frames.  And someday, there WILL be an accent wall!

But, when it comes to eye makeup, adding colour can most definitely be intimidating.  Not everyone can wear the full-impact Mrs. Peacock look pictured above.  But, with these simple tips and a little courage, I dare you to show off a little bit of your Mrs. Peacock personality!

An easy, extremely wearable look is a colored smoky eye.  Sound complicated?  No way!  Let’s start by utilizing items we all have; brown or charcoal eyeliner and shadow.  By combining these more muted tones with your pop of color on the lid, that bright parrot green suddenly becomes soft and subtle.  Swipe your COLOR of choice near your lashline towards the crease.  Add your neutral eyeliner and smudge liberally with your charcoal/brown/grey shadow.  Place a highlight under your brow if you wish.

Voila- you have just released your inner Mrs. Peacock!  Now, go order that champagne cocktail and flirt a little!

photo credits: NARS cosmetics, MAC cosmetics

Well, when the topic “For Your Eyes Only” was handed to me, I thought to myself, “do we really need another post about eye makeup?”  While there truly are a million and one things to expound on–smoky eyes, mascara, how to create perfect brows, the best waterproof eyeliners– I chose, instead, to pick something a little more original.  GLASSES.  Yes, gorgeous, be-spectacled brides who wear their eyewear proudly on their wedding day.  Here are a few of my recent faves…

Aren’t they lovely?  Honestly, if glasses are a part of your persona (as they are mine!), then why not be yourself on your wedding day and show them off?

I do have a couple quick tips…

** If you are having you makeup professionally done, make sure to tell your artist that you will be wearing your glasses on your wedding day.  A little thicker eyeliner or stronger cheek can really help balance your features.

** If you are doing your own makeup, I suggest applying a bit more eyeliner than you typically would.  Liquid liner is stunning!  You don’t want your eyes to be too dark, but you definitely want them to sparkle!  Just make sure you do a thorough final look in the mirror with your specs on to make sure that everything is in place.

Here’s one more cute couple to inspire you!

photo sources: offbeat bride, bridewiz, rocknroll bride and manolo brides

“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The famous last line of Casablanca. As we progress with our blog we think that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship as well.  We appreciate all of the comments, responses, requests,  following and emails we receive-please keep them coming!

I wanted to give a more proper introduction to our True Blind Faith family member Heather Rene.  Heather is a beautiful friend to us and we always look forward to her posts. She’s a super creative gal with lots of style and sass. Heather always has something nice to say and always a smile on her pretty face; and she somehow manages to always keep her lipstick in place. Read our little Q&A below and perhaps she’ll even reveal some of  her magical beauty secrets!

How did your love for makeup begin?

I was a painter/drawer/scribbler from the time I was a small child, and the need to express myself creatively with color continued as I grew up and took numerous art classes.  As a young teenager, I was the one who taught my girlfriends how to apply makeup (I was the first one to “blossom”, therefore the first to experience makeup).  The colors, the textures and the ability to transform oneself (with a swoosh of bright blue 80′s eyeshadow!) was always so intriguing.

Were you one of those little girls always digging into her mother’s make up bag?

Not so much…but I have several really great memories of having slumber parties as a girl, and my mom would paint all our nails and let us wear lipgloss.  That was the most fun!

Where do you find your inspiration? What inspires you on a day to day basis?

Vintage-inspired imagery…

Frida Kahlo…

Simple beauty…

Do you have a muse?

Elsie of Red Velvet Art,

my daughter,

…and the letter Q.

Do you have a signature style/look?

Nothing makes me happier than rosy cheeks and a nice red lip!

What one beauty product could you not live without?

Translucent powder!  I am a grease monkey, for sure, and the Arizona desert heat is not very forgiving, I’m afraid.

Is there a trick to ..applying such and such etc…

Get a flesh tone eyeshadow base and get in the habit of using it!  You will be amazed how it adds to the longevity of your eye-makeup.  Foundation or concealer will not cut it- they can irritate the delicate eyelid area, and often crease after a few hours.

My favorites are MAC’s Eyepaints and Benefit’s f.y.eye primer

What kind of training have you received?

I was lucky enough to start my professional journey with Laura Mercier Cosmetics. Artist Levi Rollins (now Vice President of Global Accounts) saw my artistic potential and took me under his wing.  I began to see the human face as a living canvas and learned to hone my skills, creating naturally flawless looks that enhance women’s features without drawing attention to the makeup itself.  It was there that I also received extensive training on skincare and treatment.

After four amazing years with Laura Mercier, I took an artistry position with MAC Cosmetics.  The little girl in me squealed with glee at the veritable crayon box of colours that were at my fingertips!  I continued to stretch my creative boundaries by learning from my fellow artists and experimenting with new techniques.  I found that I loved empowering women to feel good about themselves, inside and out.  I began doing freelance work regularly–bridal makeup, newscasters, photo shoots and fashion shows, which is where my true passion lies today.

Any recent work you’d like to share?

I used to wear blue eyeliner. Do you hate me?

No way!  I went through a cobalt blue MASCARA phase sometime in the 80′s, and I choose to think of it as an early experiment in self-expression! haha!

PS: Please visit my other business that I co-own with Amy Wing–Gauche Alchemy!  My love of all things vintage extends to paper and mixed media art, so GO CHECK IT OUT!

photos via rocknrollbride, sfgirlbybay, artofthestate, jennifer jones photography

We all want to look perfect–all day–on our wedding day. But with all the kissing, and hugging, and dancing, AND eating, you just never know what might happen.

Of course, the key to avoiding any last minute bridal beauty emergencies is planning ahead.  So, about a week before the wedding, go on a little shopping adventure and make sure you have the essentials:

**a travel pack of tissues

**cotton swabs and perhaps a makeup sponge to erase any smudges before you walk down the aisle

**pressed powder and your favorite lipstick for touch-ups (your makeup artist probably won’t be there to touch you up all day, so keep these with you)

**eye drops

**deodorant

**hairspray and brush/comb

**a few hairpins

**toothbrush/toothpaste

**concealer (let’s hope you don’t need it, but just in case…)

Give your beauty bag to one of your bridesmaids for safe keeping — and safe arrival — at the reception. Ask her to keep it with her purse should you need anything; reception sites often have a room set aside for the bridal party’s personal things.

Now, go enjoy your day knowing that if there’s a last minute mishap (at least with your makeup or hair), you are prepared!

picture courtesy of junebugweddings.com

Well, dear readers, if you’ve been tuning in all week, you might recall that we have something a little bit different to share with you today.  And by share, I mean GIVEAWAY!  Today at True Blind Faith, we are giving away this limited edition Laura Mercier face palette (valued at $45):

The picture of this really doesn’t do it justice– there are three lip colours, three eye colours, two cheek colours and a cake eye liner.  Trust me, it’s gorgeous!Aaaaaand this little beauty (valued at $29):

To get these in your trick or treat bag, all you have to do is this….

*Leave a comment on this blog post- that gives you one chance.

*Write about it on your blog and link back to us- this gives you another chance.  Just make sure you send us a link to your post!

We will put all the names into ye ol’ random number generator and announce our winner on TUESDAY!

Ready—set—GO!!!

Well, dear readers, stay tuned for the surprise ending of our Trick or Treat Week here at True Blind Faith! I promise you won’t be dissappointed, and you definitely won’t want to hide behind a mask after you see what we have in store.

…a glamorous treat, indeed.

Gals, I don’t know about you, but I have a special fondness for a rosy cheek.  When my coffee cup runs dry, I can always count on a pop of colour on my cheeks to bring life to my face.  And, darn it, I just love pink…or peach…or fuchsia.  One of my favorite ways to get that “freshly snogged” glow is with a cheek stain.  Great for all skin types (especially us grease monkeys); they blend nicely, look natural and last all day.  Here are a couple of my favorites:

Don’t let that bright color scare you- Stila convertible colors go on sheer and blend beautifully!  Great for lips as well as cheeks…try lillium for a subtle hint of colour, or try my fave, poppy, if you’re feeling especially sassy.

Tarte Cosmetics offers a fabulous get cheek stain which is quickly becoming my fave!  They even make a shade called “Blushing Bride” which truly is a fantastic colour for most skin tones.

For those of you who love the classics, you can’t go wrong with a powder blush.  The trick to a perfect rosy cheek is to steer clear of colours that look too “dirty”; a pure pink, rose or even red will give you the desired effect.

I personally can’t live without Laura Mercier’s Orange Blossom cheek colour or MAC’s dollymix, which they describe as a pure candy pink- YUM!

So, even if  we haven’t just taken a brisk walk by the seashore, or kissed our sweetheart, at least we can look like it!

You have been shown some beautiful examples of masks this week.  But when it comes to your skin on your wedding day, the last thing you want is to feel like you’re wearing a mask.  You want glowing, natural-looking skin;  your best (flawless) self.

Here are a couple tips:

1.  Use a foundation primer.  This creates a smooth and even canvas for your foundation to sit upon.  Primer also helps your makeup to last all day.  My all-time favorite primer is by Laura Mercier; they offer several formulas to suit various skin types.

2.  Always use transluscent powder for touch-ups.  This will elimate shine without adding an extra layer of colour to your face.  MAC Cosmetics blot powder is the perfect compact for the job!  The only cake we want to see on your face is the kind that comes with frosting!

3.  Don’t go crazy with the SPF!  This is the one day that you are allowed to forgo the sunscreen (unless it’s a beach wedding , I suppose).  SPF tends to have a reflective quality, so unless you want a white mask in your wedding photos do not use sunscreen.  A light SPF in your moisturizer should be sufficient.

I could go on and on with tips and tricks for creating flawless skin (it’s one of my favorite things!) for your special day.  Please comment if you have a specific question, or if you are one of our Arizona readers, let me create your bridal look for you!  **wink wink**

photo from martha stewart weddings