My Favorite Skincare Products

As a bridal makeup artist, my philosophy is that if your skin looks flawless, then your makeup will look flawless as well. When your skin is smooth and hydrated the makeup goes on better and looks a lot smoother. I have been kind of obsessed with my skin since I was 14 years old and I really believe that because of using good skincare products and making sure I use sunblock every day my skin has kept its tone and elasticity. My clients always ask me what I use on my skin and how I take care of it,and here are some of my secrets: Exfoliate regularly and use SPF everyday. Why and how to exfoliate you ask? Well, when I talk about exfoliating, I'm not talking about scrubbing your skin with a harsh scrub. You can use cleansers, creams and moisturizers that have exfoliating ingredients in them that do an excellent job without being harsh on your skin. There are secret ingredients that do the exfoliation for you on a deeper level and make your skin glow. Here are some of my favorite products out on the market that do an excellent job of exfoliating your skin.

Cleanser

Murad exfoliating cleanser: this cleanser has very fine particles that exfoliate your skin, but it's still very creamy and gentle. I like using this cleanser 3-4 times a week to keep my skin glowing. Whenever I use it, I swear I feel like my skin looks so much brighter!

Sophyto Cleanser: I like this foaming glycolic cleanser because it is gentle but it still exfoliates your skin. I also love this line because it is a natural and organic. 

Toner: 

Murad Hydrating Toner: This toner is great for refreshing your skin throughout the day or before applying moisturizer. I love it because it doesn't feel sticky and it smells very fresh. It is perfect for this dry weather as a pick-me uppper.

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Face Mist: This stuff is so great! It feels calming on the skin and has tons of antioxidants. It's good for all skin types and smells delicious.  

Moisturizer

Olay Day Cream: a basic day lotion that I have been using for years. It gets the job done of moisturizing and protecting your skin without leaving it greasy or oily. I like it for all skin types, but if you have dry skin you might want to use something a bit heavier.

Ole Henriksen Pure Perfection Night Cream: I use this cream every night before bedtime and when I wake up, my skin feels so supple and smooth. It has glycolic acid in it, so it exfoliates your skin while you sleep. I love it and highly recommend it!

Murad Perfecting Day Cream: I love this lotion for many reasons. The consistency is thin, but it moisturizes the skin really nicely. It has SPF 30, which is sometimes hard to find in a lotion. And the good thing is that it doesn't have the strong smell of sunscreen. 

Mask

Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask: I LOOOVE this mask! It gently dissolves the dead skin, while revealing brighter, younger looking skin. It's ideal to use on normal/combination skin on a weekly basis. I love that it comes in small packets so you don't have to stick your fingers into a jar. 

Serum

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: This is the only serum I use every day before makeup application. It's like a daily vitamin for your skin. It has tons of antioxidants and is very moisturizing. My makeup goes on so nicely after I use this stuff. I'm kinda addicted. 

Well, I hope this was a helpful guide for your skincare. As you can tell, I love Murad and Ole Henriksen lines.. and trust me I have tried MANY skin care lines through out the years. Please post your comments and questions below and link to my Facebook page for more info and updates.

xoxo,
Yana

The Highlight of Your Wedding Day

Have you ever noticed how some celebrities positively glow in photographs? That's because their makeup artists know a little trick many folks are not privy to. Highlighter! No, not the fluorescent felt-tip pen you used to mark up your college textbooks. The highlighter in question is a light-reflecting powder, cream, or liquid utilized towards the end of your makeup routine to enhance certain areas of your face. Mind you I did not say glitter! Unless you're a fairy, you have no business putting glitter on your face. Illumination is the look you want to achieve.

Highlighters come in a variety of colors, but it's best to choose one that's neutral and close to your skin tone. You don't want to look like a clown for your nuptials, unless of course you're having a circus-themed wedding! To brighten up your peepers, sweep the highlighter over your brow bone and inner corners of your eyes. Next, apply it from the bridge to the tip of your nose, and at the top of your cheekbones above your blush. Blend with a brush. For luscious lips, apply the highlighter to the Cupid's bow before you sweep on your lipstick. You'll be amazed at how gorgeous and ravishing this will make your mouth look!

As with any hair or makeup routine pertaining to your wedding day, do a trial run with the highlighter several weeks before the big event to ensure you like the color and application, and don't have a reaction to the newest cosmetic in your beauty arsenal. Get illuminated!

Falsies

...as in false eyelashes! What better time to glam up your eyes than on your wedding day? Very few women sport false eyelashes on a regular basis, which makes wearing them to get hitched just that more special. If you've been blessed with naturally long lush lashes, then congratulations, you can skip this step. But for most of us, the daily abuse of mascara, and mascara removal, can leave our lashes looking a little less than lovely. Pumping up your peepers with falsies will cause your man to swoon at the altar. And who doesn't want to make her guy breathless on the big day?

There are several types of lashes at your disposal. Some are applied to the lash line in clusters for maximum control of placement and effect. Others are strips that create a more uniform appearance. To see if you like the way you look in these lash enhancers, test drive a variety of them several weeks before your nuptials. Follow the packages' instructions for gluing your lashes on, then once the glue has dried, curl your natural lashes and the new additions together to blend them. Save mascara and eyeliner application until after you have your falsies right where you want them. Once you single out a favorite brand, length, and style of lashes, bring a package of them with you when you go for the pre-wedding trial run with your makeup artist. This will allow your pro to know exactly how you want your lashes to look when having your face made up on your wedding day.

It's the truth! Falsies can make you look fabulous!

Pearly Whites

One thing many brides neglect to consider is the health and appearance of their teeth. And why not? When your busy dreaming about wedding gowns and honeymoon destinations, who wants to think about dental hygiene? Having bright clean teeth for your wedding day is crucial for several reasons. One, you're going to be forever immortalized in hundreds of photos. Also, you'll likely be wearing white or a variation thereof, and the bright fabric can make your teeth appear yellow by contrast. Keep in mind that the color of lipstick you choose to wear can also make your teeth look less-than-pearly. Consult with your professional make-up artist who can recommend the best shade for a bright smile.

So, what should you do to achieve those pearly whites for your wedding day? Several months before the big event, go to your dentist for a full check-up. She'll perform x-rays to see if you need any major dental work, which should be performed sooner rather than later. You don't want to neglect a cavity and end up needing an emergency root canal several days before you get married! While you're there, ask the doctor about whitening your ivories. This can be performed in a single treatment at the dental office or at home over several weeks with over-the-counter preparations. Also, start flossing now. Don't wait to establish this healthy habit a week before you tie the knot. For those unused to flossing, it can cause your gums to swell and bleed until they become accustomed to the stimulation.

On your actual wedding day, brush and floss your teeth several times before having your make-up applied. After that perfect shade of lipstick has been swept over your lips, use this simple trick to prevent it from ending up on your teeth. Place your clean finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and remove. Any color on your finger probably would have ended up on your teeth. Don't be afraid to discreetly consult a mirror or ask your betrothed to check your teeth every now and then throughout the day to make sure they are immaculate. After all, you won't be able to wipe the smile off of your face on this, the happiest day of your life!

Attend to your Decolletage

Every bride wants to look as gorgeous as possible for the special event. You'll practically spend days choosing your dress, shoes, and jewelry. For hours before you walk down the aisle, your face will be made up and your hair perfectly coiffed. You'll stare at your exquisitely manicured hands in anticipation of your future husband slipping that sacred ring on your finger. From head to toe you'll be the picture of beauty and the personification of love. But did you remember your decolletage? This is one of the most neglected parts of a woman's body. Do you realize that the skin on your chest and neck receives as much sun exposure as your face? This means it can age just as quickly. However, very few women bother to exfoliate, apply sunscreen, or moisturize this very vulnerable area.

Unless you're tying the knot in a gown with a high neck, your decolletage is going to be exposed. Why have a flawless face and leave your chest covered in blemishes, wrinkles, and sunspots? To prevent these skin issues from occurring in the first place, exfoliate, use sunscreen, and moisturize daily as previously mentioned. Take the same degree of care of your decolletage as you do your face. Don't be afraid to ask your professional make-up artist to apply concealer and foundation to this area if it has been ravaged by the sun. Preparing your appearance for your wedding day should literally be a head to toe endeavor. Don't forget to attend to your decolletage!

Treat Yourself To High-End Cosmetics For Your Wedding Make-Up

Very few women can afford to buy high-end skin care and cosmetics for their day-to-day routine, but we're talking about your wedding day! What better excuse to splurge and indulge yourself with some expensive goodies than the fact that you're getting married? If you're really clever, you can register for these luxuries for your shower gifts, or ask your future husband to treat you!


So, how do you know which skin care and cosmetic lines are right for you? Take yourself to the nearest posh department store where the cosmetic and fragrance department is a virtual wonderland of beauty and pampering! Experts at each counter are there to serve you and find the perfect products for your coloring and complexion. Each line usually has hundreds of samples and the salesperson will choose the right skin care for your needs. It's a good idea to take these home and use them to see how your skin reacts before committing to the big buy. Also, virtually every cosmetic line offers complimentary makeovers allowing you to pick and choose which products you love, and which you'd prefer to leave behind.
Once you've purchased your fabulous selections, bring them to your professional make-up artist when you go for your trial wedding make-up consultation. Not only will he or she give you a glimpse of how you'll look as a blushing bride, but will also offer tips for the proper
application of your new indulgences. Enjoy!

Lipstick With Staying Power

If there's any occasion when you should get your lipstick just right, it's on your wedding day. Not only should you have the perfect shade for your complexion and gown, but your lipstick needs to have staying power. Consult your professional make-up artist to choose the perfect shade when you go for your trial session. Make sure you carefully hold your dress up to your face once it's made up to be sure you're happy with the lipstick color against the fabric of your gown. Now that you've narrowed down the ideal shade, simply follow a few simple instructions for maintaining a perfect pout through a day full of having your picture taken, eating wedding cake, and of course, all that kissing you'll be doing with your new Mister!

Before you get your make-up done on the big day, gently exfoliate your lips with a mixture of olive oil and sugar. Rinse thoroughly. Your pro will line your lips and fill them in with a neutral liner, or one that closely matches your chosen lipstick shade. Next, your lipstick will be applied with a brush. Blot your lips on a tissue and have a second coat reapplied. If you wish, have some gold or transparent gloss applied over your lipstick. Place your clean finger in your mouth, close, and remove finger to eliminate any lipstick that may have otherwise ended up on your teeth. Voila! Those lips are going nowhere. Of course, it's still wise to keep your lipstick and a mirror at hand throughout the day for touch-ups. Smile!

Waxing Before the Wedding

Men are supposed to be hairy beasts. Women? Not so much! Unfortunately, women do have plenty of unwanted facial hair to contend with and waxing is a great way to remove it. However, it's wise to be strategic when scheduling your pre-wedding appointment to get waxed. Schedule it way before you get hitched and you'll be sprouting fuzz left and right as you walk down the aisle. Schedule it too close to your nuptuals, and you may have to deal with some rather unpleasant side effects. These side effects can be so brutal, they'll make you wish you kept your mustache!

There really is only one positive result of waxing...clean, hairless skin. The negative results can include bumps, bruising, skin removal, blemishes, unsightly ingrown hairs, redness, and swelling. It's crucial to gently exfoliate the skin the day before you get waxed and only allow wax to be applied to clean skin. For best results, have several waxing appointments long before your wedding date to see how your skin reacts to this method of facial hair removal. If your skin is too sensitive for waxing, there are plenty of other options, including bleaching and depilatories. These procedures can have their own bothersome side effects, so test out several methods of hair removal before settling on one that works for you.

Schedule Your Pre-Wedding Facial Wisely

Everyone loves and deserves some pampering, especially brides-to-be! Whether you treat yourself to a new haircut, a massage, or a mani/pedi, you'll (hopefully) leave your appointment looking and feeling like a million bucks. One service you might consider bypassing prior to tying the knot is a facial. Yes, a facial may feel wonderful while you're having it done, and yes, they're great for your skin in the long run, but they can also result in some unwanted side effects that can prove disastrous for a bride. So, what are these side effects and how can you avoid them if you really want to have a pre-wedding facial?

If your skin's not accustomed to the stimulation and deep-pore cleansing of a facial, your face can break out. Badly. This happens because during a facial, toxins and impurities are released and oil production in your skin is stimulated. The result can be a face full of unsightly blemishes. Not ideal for wedding photos! Another unpleasant outcome that can result is an allergic reaction to one or more of the products used during the facial. This is especially common for those with sensitive skin. A good esthetician will take every possible precaution to prevent either of these results from occurring. If you absolutely long to have a pre-wedding facial, do so at least two weeks prior to the big day.

There is a Universal Blush Color

Did you know there's a universally flattering shade of blush? Is it possible that just one particular color can look great on any woman despite her skin tone? The answer is yes! So, what is this magical hue? Rosey pink. The reason this color can make any blushing bride beautiful is because, more than any other color, it mimics the natural glow your cheeks display when blushing due to embarrassment, or flattery, or being in love! But don't count on the natural flush you'll get on your face when you first spot your waiting groom; sweep some rosey pink blush across your cheeks for a pretty, finished look.

One big mistake many women are guilty of is buying a color of blush they think is pretty, regardless of how it'll look against their skin tone. Sure, sparkly peach is lovely, and who doesn't love a vibrant purple? But putting either of these shades on the wrong face is a faux pas. If you tend to reach for your favorite color of blush at the store, and then regret it once you see in on your face, play it safe and go for rosey pink. Maybe you hate pink as a color, but you don't hate looking gorgeous, right? Forget about your palette preference and be pretty in pink!

Mia

I have been meaning to post these photos for while now..but only got to it now when the wedding craziness has slowed down.
Meet Mia. She got married on August 1st, 2009. She came to meet with me in March and we instantly connected.
On the wedding day, I did Mia's hair and makeup and had a few assistants help me with the rest of the bridal party. Everyone looked stunning! Mia's hairstyle was very modern, yet classy. It was great for dancing and the heat. We decorated with fresh orchids to make it look feminine.
For Mia's makeup, she wanted a natural look. Since she doesn't wear makeup on a regular basis, I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable and like herself...just prettier! So, I used light and medium brown tones on her eyes with a winged eyeliner. Then I used individual lashes to open up the eyes and give a more dramatic effect. Of course, I airbrushed the foundation and blush. For the lips, I went with a soft peachy-pink tone that really complimented her beautiful complexion.
Mia was so easy to work with and was so great that I felt re-energized for the whole day (even after working for since 5 am until 3pm without a break!)
Thank you for that, Mia :)

All About Airbrush

What do celebrities use to have a flawless complexion? The magic of airbrush makeup. This makeup is long lasting, smudge and cry proof, and looks amazing on pictures. Celebrities and brides seek out professionals that are masters in airbrushing and if you are wondering what the big hype about airbrush is....read on!

What is airbrush anyway?

Airbrush Makeup is a liquified form of makeup that is applied with an airbrush very similar to those used by car makers. Although it sounds daunting, Airbrush Makeup looks fantastic and lasts for hours with absolutely no risk of caking or streaking.

Why Airbrush?

• Flawless Coverage, Yet Natural Looking
• Water Resistant & Smudge Proof
  
• Long Lasting (up to 15 hours!)
• Custom Blended Foundation Colors
• Hypoallergenic
• Looks AMAZING on Photos and in Videos

• So, if you are saying to yourself "WOW! This sounds great, I want to try it!" (I don't blame you!)
  

If you are having a makeup trial for your event, I always try the airbrush at no extra charge so you can see how you like it. And of course, if you want your makeup done for any special occasion or for your wedding...airbrush makeup is just an additional $25.

If you have any questions, please post them here!