A Stylish SLS Wedding

I just received some photos that were taken by the amazing Ala Cortez from Ala Photography of one of my gorgeous brides. I did her hair and makeup and I was so happy with the look! Actually, she was featured on one of my favorite bridal blog Style Me Pretty. You can read the full article here

Why Get a Hotel? Get Ready at our Beautiful Studio!

Usually brides book hotel rooms to get ready for their big day and even though it can be convenient, some hotels don't always make for nice 'getting ready' shots. Of course, I understand if you don't feel like driving around town and be in your robe all day... However, if you don't mind the drive and want to save some $$ you can come to us and we promise to make it fun!
This bride chose to do just that and got ready at our gorgeous studio in Tarzana. Check it out:

Don't Do Anything Drastic To Your Hair Before Your Wedding!

Have you ever dreamed of sporting an electric blue Mohawk, or trading your flowing tresses for a cute pixie haircut? That's fine, but trying to live out your follicular fantasies a month before your wedding is a recipe for disaster. Ideally you'll plan your wedding 'do the minute you get engaged. If you have a blond bob and you long for a vibrant red up do for the special day, you'll need to start growing your hair out and shopping that perfect shade of ginger. Or if you want to walk down the aisle wearing a short look, you should get it cut immediately to allow yourself time to restore your locks should you end up regretting your new style.

Hopefully by the time you find your dress and headpiece, should you choose to wear one, get yourself to your stylist to experiment and find the perfect coif to complete your look. Make sure this is the same person who will design your hair the day you actually get hitched. Once you discover the magic look, snap a photo or two so your stylist can remember exactly what you both came up with. Make your appointment for your wedding day hair as far in advance as possible. Don't forget that you'll need an additional appointment to have your color done one week before you get married so you'll have time to get it corrected if needed and also so the skin around your hairline is no longer stained from the dye.

Once you're married you can finally get that bleached-out mullet you've been longing for, but until then, it's better to play it safe!

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!

Hair Extensions for the Big Day

Do you wish you had longer fuller hair to complete the fairy tale look that you're trying to achieve on your wedding day? Have you considered clip-in hair extensions? These beauties, made of real human hair, can make your locks look lush and natural for your nuptials. They come in a wide range of colors and the perfect shade exists to blend in with your own hair. Hot styling tools can be used on these extensions and they can even be dyed. Temporary clip-in hair extensions can make a world of difference in your appearance and I highly recommend them. I offer them for sale for $95 and can show you during your wedding hair practice session how to apply them. You'll be amazed at how much they can enhance your hair's overall appearance!

Proper care of your extensions is crucial in prolonging their life and looks. Treating them gently is key. You must remember that any hair lost from your extensions will not regrow as it would from your own scalp. Remove them daily and use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner every second or third day. Lightly trimming the split ends caused by wear and tear is also paramount. If you choose to use any hot styling tools on your extensions, utilize a heat protectant beforehand. With proper care, your extensions, and the gorgeous head of hair they give you, can last for years!

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!

Watch us on 'Wedding Day Makeover'

We are so excited to announce that after long days of filming 'Wedding Day Makeover' is finally here! Now you can go behind the scenes with us to see how we transform brides and get them prepped for their big day! Please watch us work our magic on this new reality show every day on TLC at 2:30 PST (on HD) and 5:30 PST (regular)

About The Show
Wedding Day Makeover shows how naturally beautiful brides-to-be leap out of their everyday looks and into something extraordinary for their most special day. Each bride with their closest confidants and personal hair and make-up stylists will devise a plan to "wow!" the man of their dreams on their wedding day with a look that is beautiful, elegant, and exceptionally out of the ordinary.

Some brides have a look that they have dreamed of since they were children, some brides' family has an idea that they think is right for her, and others are looking for creative inspiration from the stylists, but they all put their thinking caps on to tackle the task of a lifetime.

With just a few sweeps of a blush brush and curling iron, these brides are able to see themselves in a different light and get the confidence to feel like the most beautiful woman in the room at their wedding.

Every bride has chaotic wedding-day events, and Wedding Day Makeover helps them to have one less stress, because with the stylist teams pre-wedding consultation, each bride knows what she will be transformed into on the big day.

Shimmer and Glow

Maybe you're not a shiny, sparkly person by nature. That's fine. But this is your wedding we're talking about! The one day of your life when you can, and should, use every trick in the book to look like the pretty princess you get to be for your nuptials. So why not treat your skin to a little shimmer and glow? We're not talking about encrusting yourself with glitter, but a little incandescence never hurt anyone. Not only that, you'll look radiant in the hundreds of photographs that will be taken of you as a bride.

What's the best way to achieve the look of luminosity? First, you need to make sure to keep your skin exfoliated and moisturized. This alone can make it appear more radiant. Next, you need to decide whether you want to have a fake tan or not. Not the kind that makes you look like you should be dangling from a citrus tree, but rather one that gives you that sun-kissed appearance. You can have this sprayed on at a salon or use a tanner purchased from the store. The most natural look can be achieved by using a product that builds color gradually over time. Also, bronzing powder can be lightly and strategically swept over your skin. Consult your make-up artist for his or her expertise on how and what to use to get your glow.

Now that your glow has been established, it's time for the shimmer! You can purchase luminescent lotions or powders to give you a subtle sheen. These come in a variety of colors, but it's best to choose one that closely matches your skin tone. Some are even scented for extra appeal. Apply this to any skin your wedding dress doesn't obscure, but don't overdo it! You don't want to end up transferring your shimmer to everyone and everything around you.

A little extra effort and you can be radiant on this most special occasion!

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 :)

Choosing a Veil

Matching your veil to your desired wedding-day hairstyle isn't difficult; there's a beautiful look for every style.

All Swept Up

The formal updo, with its clean lines and timeless elegance, is a favorite wedding day look and works well with a variety of veils. If you've got your heart set on an updo, remember:

• When choosing a hairstyle and veil, take your face shape into account. If you have a rounder face, sleeker styles with longer veils will look best on you. Fuller styles and veils flatter narrow faces. Talented stylists can adapt most styles to suit the shape of your face.
• Veils that hang longer than your waist, like the fingertip, chapel and ballet styles, are heavy. Tighter styles hold up better under all that tulle, so if you are wearing a long veil, choose a coif with less volume up top. A chignon, where the hair is gathered into a roll at the nape of the neck, is a good bet. Another option is the Juliet topknot, where the hair is twisted into a tight coil at the top of the head.
• Do you love the drama of intricate updos, with lengths of hair woven into an elaborate creation on the crown of your head? This style CAN work with a longer, heavier veil -- instead of covering your hair with the veil, consider piling your hair on TOP of your veil. The veil will cascade down your back, adding romance and sweetness to your style.
• The French twist, where the hair is gathered into a low pony tail and then swept into a roll along the back of the head, is a classic and versatile look. Bride s who choose the French twist are in luck -- this style looks gorgeous both with long veils and with shorter styles, from the floor length veils to the wispy flyaways, which are only about a foot long.

Letting Loose

If you've decided to leave your long locks down for that romantic look, remember that tousled shouldn't mean tangled. Be sure to set your hair and use either hairspray or gel to give it structure and prevent flyaways. Hair left down can work with most any length of veil, but the rule of thumb is that your veil should always be longer than your hair so you don't look messy.

Also remember that the longest veils may be too heavy for hairstyles with lots of body, so try a sleek look if you're wearing a long veil.

Updo or Up Don't?

A good compromise between the sweetness of hair left down and the elegance of updos is any of several in-between styles, where the hair from your crown is swept back and the rest of your

hair is left down. Whether you gather the hair from your crown into a bun, or pull the top layer back with twinkling combs, an in-between style is a lovely compromise in the great debate between up and down. And if you are still undecided, remember that more and more brides are
wearing an updo to their ceremony and taking their hair down for the reception.

Chic Short Cuts

Styling is key for brides with short hair. Shorter styles have a tendency to look messy, so whether you iron it, dress it, or slick it back, make sure that you win the fight against bed head. One look we love for cropped cuts: Tiny crystal-tipped hairpins strategically placed throughout the hair to add sparkle.

Brides with short hair look especially lovely with short veils. Picture a tuft of snowy white tulle fluttering from the crown of your head. But don't think a smaller veil is your only option -- cascading veils can look fabulous, too. Dress your hair up with a tiara or halo of flowers, and you'll be gorgeous in a veil of any length.

Topping It Off

Tiaras are still the hottest accessory for bridal hairstyles, but combs, clips, barrettes, jeweled hair sticks, and hairpins are popular as well. All accessories can look great with a variety of hairstyles and veils, but remember to use them sparingly. Too many twinkles can distract from your most beautiful feature -- your face!