Happy Anniversary Karlie and Dane!

Last year I did a wedding that was very memorable. Everything about this wedding was so unique and had so much style! The dress, the accessories and the overall style was fun and playful. Karlie moved to Los Angeles from Canada with her fiance to start a new life and a wedding to plan. I was so blown away that at the age 20, she was so courageous to move to a new country and to get married. However, when you meet Karlie her faith in God and her love for her husband Dane is really inspiring and gives assurance that she knows what's right for her. 

The wedding took place at one of my favorite venues in Los Angeles, Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Karlie and Dane got married on a Monday morning and the day could not have been more perfect. For Karlie's eyes, I chose to do some plums and golds to make her striking blue eyes pop. I used airbrush makeup over a cream pink blush still allowing for her cute freckles to show through. I just love the combination of Karlie's bright blue eyes with her red hair!  

I cannot believe it has already been a year! Congratulations and wishing you many more years together! 

xoxo,

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.

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

Your Wedding Hair Timeline

As you are counting down to the big day, don't forget to start taking care of your locks early so whatever style you end up choosing looks absolutely fabulous.


12 Weeks Before The Wedding
Start eating right and to increase your exercise. I'm not saying that you have to train like you’re running a marathon, but just a 20 minute walk is enough to get the blood pumping and oxygen flowing to the right places (including your scalp!). It's also a great way to decrease all the wedding stress.


8 Weeks Before The Wedding
Start seeing a professional: Visiting a professional hairdresser will keep your hair in top shape and give it the best chance of looking healthy and neat on your wedding day. Now is the time to start having regular deep conditioning salon treatments.

3 Weeks Before The Wedding
Have your last haircut 3 weeks before the big day so that your hair will settle.

2 Weeks Before The Wedding
Color your hair at least two weeks before the event so that it will look fresh, but not freshly done.


4 Days Before the Wedding
Have your last deep conditioning treatment.

1 Day Before The Wedding
Wash your hair with a mild and cleansing shampoo.

The Day Of The Wedding
Relax! All of your hard work and beauty treatments should have left you with fabulous hair which will now be teased, curled, pinned and sprayed – but it’ll all be worth it!