New Years Eve Makeup Look #4

The Look: Aubergine Eyes
I love these plum eyes on Rachel Evan Wood! If you have green eyes, the purple shadow is a must. It will make your eyes pop and look more greener than EVER!
Get the Look: 
FACE: Apply your favorite tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation all over the face to ensure an even coverage. Use concealer for extra coverage under the eyes and if you have any blemishes or discoloration.
EYES: Apply a primer all over the lid and then follow it up with using a light pink from lash line to brow bone. Then, use a shimmery cranberry or plum color all over your lid (don't go above your brow bone). Then, with a dark purple or black contour the crease and on the bottom lash line. Last, use a black or a plum eyeliner (pencil or gel) inside the waterline and apply mascara.
CHEEKS: Use a very soft pink blush on the apples of the cheeks
LIPS: Use a neutral pink gloss

New Years Eve Makeup Look #3

The Look: Peachy Glow and Lush Lashes

You Don't Need a lot of makeup to look glamorous! Using soft pastels like peaches and pinks creates a soft, romantic look that still looks beautiful and fresh. 

Get the Look: 

FACE: Use a tinted moisturizer or a liquid foundation all over the face. Then, dab concealer under eyes and if you have blemishes or discoloration. 

EYES: Use a primer on the eyes and then a soft peach or pink eyeshadow all over the lid. Then, use a black gel eyeliner with a really pointy brush to create a line along the top lash line. Use strip lashes for this look. I always cut strip lashes in 2 parts before applying them to ensure them to last longer. I like to use DUO glue. Then apply mascara to top lashes.
CHEEKS: Use a soft peach blush (cream if you are dry and powder if you are oily).
FINISHING TOUCH: Add a soft peach lipgloss for extra some shine!

New Years Eve Makeup Look #2

Dark Neutrals

If you are going to wear a metallic dress, I would recommend going for similar, but warmer tones. You definitely don't want to match your dress exactly, but adding a warm bronzy palette can compliment your outfit nicely. On this picture, Kerry Washington's eyes are played up with dark browns and bronzes, while the cheeks and lips are light peach. I love this look! It works really nicely on all skintones. 

New Years Eve Makeup Look #1

I am so excited about New Years Eve! As my day is totally booked with makeup applications, I am looking and searching for some new inspirations for beautiful makeup looks. Here is the first one for the countdown!

Shiny Red Lips
I love the look of shiny red lips. It's very glamorous and bold. Make sure if you use red lipstick you choose a blue tone red if you are blonde and orange tone red if you are a brunette. Also, make sure to keep it light on the eyes. Just some black eyeliner will do!

My Favorite Beauty Products of 2011

I always get asked by clients and other artists what my favorite beauty products are. Well, this is a hard question to answer in a just a few sentences because there are way too many to answer in a few sentences. So, here it is... my favorite stuff that I have tried and tested and obviously love!



                                                     Moisturizer: Jan Marini

Primer: Laura Mercier and Smashbox

Foundation: Lorac Oil-Free; Giorgio Armani, Makeup Forever HD and of course airbrush makeup!

Under eye Concealer: Makeup Forever Full cover; MAC pro-longwear

Blemish coverup: Laura Mercier

Powder: T. LeClerk and MAC mineralize powder

Eyeshadows: MAC and Makeup Forever

Eyeshadow primer: MAC paints

Eyeliners: Gel: Bobbi Brown; Pencil: Makeup Forever Aqua;

Mascara: Lorac; L'Oreal Voluminous; Lancome

Blush: Creme- Stila; Powder- Nars (especially Orgasm)

Lipstick: Stila, MAC

Lipgloss: MAC Lipglass, Lorac, Lancome Juicy tubes

Lipliner: Lise Watier Waterproof liners, Makeup Forever

How to Enhance Your Eyes if You Wear Glasses

When you have lenses that cover up your eyes, you want to intensify their definition. I recommend swiping a black or dark brown eyeliner along the upper lashes to make them pop. You can use a pencil or my favorite is gel eyeliner. Then use a beige pencil inside your bottom, inner rims to brighten and conceal any redness. A dab of pale, shimmery highlighter on brow bones and inner eye corners will make your eyes pop even more! If your frames are a bright, vibrant color I would suggest sticking with neutral tones of shadows. 

Winter Skincare Habits to Rethink

1. Taking Hot Long Baths
Taking a hot bath on a cold winter day might feel good, but it's actually making your skin drier. Steam from the hot water opens up your pores which allows the moisture and natural oils to escape. To prevent this, I recommend showering in lukewarm water and apply lotion to damp skin right after you get out of the shower. If you must take a bath, stay in the water only for 10 minutes and use bath oil instead of bubble bath.
2. You Moisturize Your Face and Body but Not Your Cuticles and Nails
You might not realize, but in the winter your cuticles and nails loose moisture just like your skin. If you don't hydrate them daily, nails can split and crack becoming more vulnerable to bacteria and fungus. Try to remember to apply lotion to your hands after you wash them and stay away from alcohol-heavy hand sanitizers. At bedtime, rub a thick cream on cuticles and feet.
3. Your Skin Looks Rough and Flaky so you Exfoliate
If your skin is dry and flaky, exfoliating it will actually irritate it more. Instead, use a creamy cleanser and body wash to gently dissolve dirt. If you have rough patches on your face, avoid lotions that contain fragrances (they can irritate skin) and chemical exfoliants (like glycolics and retinols). Choose creams that have gentle ingredients like chamomile. For your body, use lotions that contain humectants (like hyaluronic acid) and emollients (I love shea butter) draws moisture to your skin and locks it.

Holiday Makeup Tips and Tricks

It seems like every week there's a holiday party I hear about and I know this is the time we want to look our best. So, to help you look your absolute best I am writing about some holiday tips and tricks that I think might help.


First of all, let's start with the hottest holiday trends this holiday season:
Two looks are classic and hot right now: The smokey, shimmery eye paired with light lips and the deep red lips balanced with a light eye. Shimmer is in this year, as it was last year, and it's the perfect festive look as long as you don't overload on the shimmer.


Here's a few tips:


Primers are a must this season for both face and eye makeup. Primers go on before foundation or eye shadow and keep makeup in place for hours. They also fill in fine lines and skin imperfections so your tinted moisturizer goes on smoothly. Also this year, skip the foundation and try a tinted moisturizer which is much more light and gives a dewy finish, which is very sexy. Laura Mercier makes a near perfect primer and tinted moisturizer, though I've found the color tone I bought in summer is already too dark for winter!


Going from day to evening:
Transitioning from work to evening is actually pretty easy if you prep yourself. Apply tinted moisturizer (or foundation), mascara and gloss or lipstick before work. After work, cover any blemishes by patting in a concealer (never rub). Then follow these steps for either the smokey eye look or the deep red look:


For the Smokey Eye
1. Apply your eye makeup: Eyeliner on both top and bottom lashes (be sure to 'smudge it,' dark eyeliner will age you), a eye shadow primer (I like MAC Paints), and a shimmery shadow on the lid. Don't apply any more mascara unless your earlier application has rubbed completely off, otherwise you risk getting clumpy lashes.
2. Dab a shimmery blush to cheeks (I love Bobbi Brown's or Stila creamy blushes which also works as lipstick).
3. Powder your face lightly.

4. Apply a light lipstick or gloss.

For Deep Red Lips
1. Cover unsightly veins on eyelids with a matte eyeshadow in a color that's as close as your skin tone as possible (such as beige).
2. Apply a very light shimmery blush on cheeks.
3. Line lips and fill in with your favorite red color.
4. Powder face.

What different kinds of makeup should a woman wear to a chatty cocktail party, as opposed to a high-class late-night party? 
For the high-class party: Apply more shimmer or go deeper with the red lipstick.


Remember this rule:
The number 1 rule of thumb: Never play up BOTH the eyes and the mouth.


To make your makeup last:
Primer is key here. Women should prime their skin before applying foundation or tinted moisturizer (again, Laura Mercier has a great primer) and they should prime their eyes before applying shadow. Also, carry oil-blotting papers if you tend to get greasy, holiday food can be very rich. MAC has some great ones. It's better to blot the oil than to keep applying powder, which can give you a cake-y appearance.


And if you want to transform your hairstyle from office conservative to party glam, here are some suggestions:


1. For straight, medium-length hair, I suggest washing hair and blowing it 2/3rds dry in the morning, then twisting it into a low bun (a few unkept strands are very sexy). Undo hair before the party -- you'll have gorgeous waves. Spray with a purse-size hair spray. You could also do the opposite: Blow hair dry and wear it down during the day, then twist it into a sophisticated bun for the evening. A few ends popping out is very in right now.


2. For curly, long-ish hair, an 'unkept updo' is very sexy for parties. Let hair airdry in the morning, twisting ringlets in place with fingers. After work, pull hair up in a modern version of a French twist or messy bun. Another option is to pull hair on the sides back and clip in place with a fancy clip. This gives shows off your long curly locks, but accentuates the face as well.


3. For short hair, curl hair in the morning then freshen curls before the evening with a curling iron. Spray hair before you go out. You can do this in your office bathroom. Don't have access to a curling iron? Add body by back combing and hold it in place with a bit of hairspray. You can also accessorize with a headband. 


Stay Beautiful and Happy Holidays!


Love, Yana

Getting the Perfect Eyebrows

Eyebrows are to the face what a frame is to a picture. If your brows are shaped correctly, they can really transform your whole face, so make sure that you take care of them right. Here are some steps to ensure you find and maintain the perfect shape for you!

1. Get Waxed
Have your eyebrows professionally waxed before going it alone with tweezers so you'll have the right shape from the start. Plus, waxing is a good way to get a very clean look since it takes away even the peach fuzz. Remember not to remove hairs from the ends, you want length. Keep your eyebrows full overall, it gives you a more youthful look.

2. Fill In
Once the hairs have regrown in 3 or 4 weeks, you can maintain the shape yourself. First, fill them in to accentuate the shape and then tweeze around. Comb upward with a spoolie brush (mascara wand) and cut any hairs that are extra on top. If you have any holes in your brows, use a pencil to stroke in any hairs and if they are just not dense, color them in with powder so the brows look thicker.




3. Tweeze Carefully
Starting at the bottom inner corner, remove hairs one hair at a time, pulling in the direction of the hair growth. Move across the brow, following the shape of the line. Never pull out clumps or clusters (that's how you make holes).

                                                                                                          


4. Groom

Brush on a brow gel or a clear mascara to finish. This is like putting on hairspray; it keeps the strands in place. You can add some highlighter under the arch of the brow to accentuate the shape. However, if you get your eyebrows waxed, do not put makeup on the area for at least a few       hours - you don't want to clog that area.

Fresh Ways to Style Short Hair

I love Keira's messy do

Halle Berry rocks this pixie cut

You just got a new edgy look, now what? How do you style it and still look glam? Here are some styling techniques. On damp hair spritz the roots lightly with a volumizing spray. Then, use a round brush to blow-dry hair up and away from the face. As a finishing touch, use a styling wax by warming it in your palms and applying it over the tips of the hair for definition and hold. Make sure you don't use too much product or it will weigh down the hair. Spray some hairspray if you choose and voila!!!

Some of my favorite products for short hair:

Phytovolume Actif Volumizer

Magic Move Hard Pomade

Julianne Gets Married!

Julianne was one of my favorite brides! She got married at Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes and her wedding was absolutely beautiful. We decided to put half of her hair up with very natural waves so it would fit the beach setting. For her makeup, I was determined to bring out her gorgeous eyes. So, I used lots of soft shimmers and 'smoked them out at the crease. I used a soft pink lipcolor that ended up matching her bouquet! How pretty. She shared some photos with me that I just had to share with all of you! Enjoy :)

My Wedding!!!

Hello all of my lovely ladies. I have been MIA for a while now. And as you might know (or not) I got married myself! So, if you are a bride to be or have been a bride you know how much time it takes to plan a wedding. So, I wish I had more time to blog but honestly between my wedding and all of the weddings I have the opportunity to be a part of... there was not much time to write.
I got married on September 24th, 2011 at Malibou Lake in Agoura Hills. It was truly the BEST day of my life. It was absolutely perfect. Since I get to be a part of so many weddings I have always thought about and imagined what my wedding will be like. I thought about all of the details and about how I am going to feel on the day. Well, I am so glad to say that not only every details turned out beautiful, I was so happy and excited and actually very calm. After talking to my friends and family, everyone said a different version of the same thing, 'There was so much love and joy'. I feel so blessed that all of our closest family and friends were a part of this day.
I was a bit nervous about my hair and makeup, since I am a perfectionist myself... but I can say with confidence that I had the absolute perfect look I could have imagined. On of our very own Yana Beauty Studio Artists, Davee did my hair and the makeup artist that trained me, Vera did my makeup. I was very pleased with the outcome and
best of all, everything stayed on ALL NIGHT (thank God for airbrush!)

So, here are some photos of our beautiful wedding (wish I could re-live it all over again).

We were running a bit late, so Davee and Vera were both in action

My clip was my 'something borrowed' from a dear friend

I had to put on my own lipstick

The final look

Our first look... 

With my beautiful girls

Some posed

Beautiful flowers were done by Butterfly Floral 

Our yummy dessert bar

First Kiss as husband and wife!

With the bridal party

I made these cute signs myself

Dancing the night away

There were a lot of people that helped me put this event together and I would love to give them all of the credit... so here we go:

Venue & Catering: Malibou Lake Mountain Club

Floral Design: Butterfly Floral Design

Event Coordination: Rita from Events Boutique

Photographer: David Crane

Video: Andreas Wood and Raphael Del Toro

Invitations: Kot Design

Photo Booth: Mojo Photobooth

Cake and Desserts: Designer Cake Gallery

Hair and Makeup: Yana Beauty Studio (but of course :) )

My Bride's Wedding Was Published!!

I was just notified that one of my brides, Sara was published on a lifestyle blog called 'Fab You Bliss'.  After seeing the photos, I can see why! Their wedding looks so beautiful! Here are just some pictures I put together for you to see. Please check out the whole blog post here:  http://bit.ly/oUehk1 

Bridal Beauty: 18 Beauty Bummers (and How To Fix Them)

Working on hundreds of weddings, I've seen it all kinds of beauty bummers that happen. Whether it's chipped nail polish or bad tan lines, it might happen to YOU! So, read on and make sure you are prepared for any beauty mishaps and you stay looking picture perfect on your wedding day.

1. While perusing the pictures from the wedding shower, you noticed your makeup had faded before dessert was served! You didn't break a sweat at the shower, so how is your makeup going to last through the reception?

Fix it: When you're primping before your ceremony, choose a makeup primer that doesn't contain any oil or silicone. It'll act as a sponge for your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing it from seeping into or slipping off of your skin all day long.
Try: LORAC aquaPRIME Oil-Free Makeup Primer, $30, Beauty.com 

2. Running from appointment to appointment has made you realize that your current deodorant isn't cutting it.

Fix it: Clinical strength deodorant actually plugs your sweat ducts. Apply it at night on your underarms (or wherever you're sweat-prone) so it has more time to sink in.
Try: Secret Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, $8.50, AmericaRx.com

3. You've spent so much time with your elbows on the table poring over your budget that now they're all dry and scaly.

Fix it: Okay, I know you know all about exfoliating your face (and even sloughing dry skin off your lips), so how'd you miss this biggie? No worries -- a salt scrub in the shower will get rid of dead skin, making it easier for your lotion to soak in when you apply it.
Try: The Sanctuary Salt Scrub, $18, Target.com

4. Trying to get your mane into shape -- hair trials, heat styling, testing new products -- has left it totally shapeless.

Fix it: Mist a salt spray over damp hair, from root to tip, and style as usual or let it air-dry. It'll give you volume and movement.
Try
KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray, $13, SleekHair.com

5. You can't resist changing out of your ball gown and into a party dress for your reception, but you're worried that your makeup will rub off on your stark white gown.

Fix it: Make sure you use either a long-lasting foundation (airbrush is my favorite) and you ask your makeup artist to use a sealer on you. Of course, when putting on and taking off your white dress be very careful!
Try: Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel, $57.50, Sephora.com

6. You held off on retouching your own roots (bad highlights would be the lowlight of your beauty prep), but now your color has that just-got-out-of-the-pool faded look. Not pretty.

Fix it: Don't head out to the salon for a touch-up just yet. Grab a color glaze product closest to your natural shade, and use it once or twice before the wedding. It'll spruce up your color to new levels and add eye-catching shine.
Try: John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze, $10, Walgreens.com

7. The extra cups of coffee you've needed to get you through the planning phase haven't been so kind to your pearly whites.

Fix it: An at-home tooth-whitening kit can get you similar results to a pro session for a fraction of the cost. The newest whiteners even let you drink water while wearing them.
Try: Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal, $45, Drugstore.com

8. You've avoided a haircut because you're growing out your hair for the big day, but now you've got some serious split ends.

Fix it: A lightweight, silicone-based formula won't leave your hair looking greasy and will keep pesky ends from flipping up.
Try: TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Creme, $5, Drugstore.com

9. Pilates has done wonders for your figure, but the extra sweat has caused some unsightly breakouts to form on your back and chest -- areas that will be exposed in your (slightly revealing) wedding gown.

Fix it: Unless your skin is dry, use an antibacterial soap and keep an oil-free acne spray on hand. Used together, they'll clear up breakouts and prevent future ones.
Try: Acne Solutions Body Treatment Spray, $19.50, Clinique.com

10. You purposely scheduled a trim two weeks before your wedding day so your hair would have time to regrow in case the "trim" turned into a "hack." Now there's no way you'll have enough hair for that romantic updo you picked out months ago!

Fix it: Forget what you've heard about extensions. There are tons of natural-looking ones out there. Go to the pros or try a DIY style. Search local beauty supply stores to find the right color and length for you.
Try: Checking out the selection of hair extensions we carry for $95.

11. All of those salsa lessons you've had for your upbeat first dance have taken their toll on your feet. With all those calluses your tootsies aren't at all in shape for open-toe shoes.

Fix it: Before you get out of the shower, rub a coarse exfoliant onto your feet to remove dead skin; then rinse it off. After showering, apply a heavy lotion. Slip on thick cotton socks so you can walk around instead of staying off your feet while the moisturizer soaks in.
Try: Exfoliating Foot Scrub, $33, Essie.com

12. You've finally talked yourself into a Brazilian bikini wax (how brave!), but the thought of ingrown hairs is almost scarier than the wax being ripped off.

Fix it: Right after waxing, soften and straighten hair follicles with a product that will also control excess oil to eliminate clogged pores. Bonus: This will lighten any dark spots you had from past ingrowns.
Try: Premium Ingrown Hair Serum, $25, PrinceReigns.com

13. Three days out in the sun during your bachelorette party in Puerto Rico has left a sunburn outline of your suit straps, and your gown is (of course, sigh) strapless.

Fix it: Take ibuprofen to minimize the inflammation. Your skin won't look as puffy. Then, pick up a light green-tinted moisturizer. The color will neutralize the redness. On wedding day, ask your makeup artist to use a some smudge proof makeup to cover it.
Try: Avène Redness Relief Soothing Cream, $30, DermStore.com; Sally Hansens Airbrush makeup $12

14. You didn't get enough water or sleep during your weekend favor-assembling session, and your skin is beyond washed-out.

Fix it: Mix in a few drops of brightening gel with your foundation for a subtle glow.
Try: Color Wash, $15, LauraGeller.com

15. One glass of red wine too many during your rehearsal dinner has left your eyes looking tired, red and puffy.

Fix it: Line your inner lower lash line in navy blue to brighten the whites of your eyes. Cover dark circles with a cream concealer with multiple shades in one to get the right color.
Try: Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Victoria Falls, $22, Beauty.com, and Magic Salmon Concealer $50, EvePearl.com

16. You're supposed to wear more makeup than usual on your wedding day, but judging from the doll-like blush circles and chinstrap of foundation, you went overboard.

Fix it: Round makeup sponges get into tough-to-reach areas, like the corners of your eyes, and ensure no lines are left behind.
Try: Beautyblender, $20, Beautyblender.net 

17. It happened: A big ol' zit on your wedding day, and you couldn't resist picking it.

Fix it: Dab antibiotic cream on it to stop oil from seeping into your pores. Avoid acne creams: They'll dry out your skin and make the blemish harder to cover up. When you're ready for makeup, use a creamy, oil-free concealer.
Try: Skin Clearing Concealer, $8, Ulta.com

18. Your manicure was flawless, but prewedding nibbling chipped the polish. And you have to get to the ceremony!

Fix it: Have a bridesmaid bring your polish to do a touch-up when you arrive. Don't even consider opening the bottle in the limo -- a bumpy ride could leave a stain on your dress.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Passion, $8.50, CosmeticMall.com