Two Innovative, Lovely Spring Faves

Call me a traditionalist but I want my spring makeup to be fresh and pretty - even if the runways are trending otherwise.  I mean petals are blooming about and my skin looks so GOOD (not dried out like in winter or summertime greasy).  There are two major standout discoveries on the product front this spring that I'm pretty much dying over.  First was Make Up For Ever's High Definition Blush, a highly pigmented cream that comes in a pump. Cream blushes are an obsession of mine and I don't think there's anything on the market that's quite like this.  Once applied it doesn't feel like cream.  It kind of bonds to the skin (longer lasting than any I've tried) and feels smooth and weightless.  Cream-to-powder blushes come close but end up feeling and looking powdery.  This one does not- it gives off a very subtle light.  There are no shimmery particles at all so that is the mystery.  How does it subtly glow like that?  I am already using these on my brides and they love it.  The most used and universally flattering color is #3, a rose with a touch of brown  (their site calls this fuschia but it is not even close to being that bright).  A similar color for warmer complexions is # 7, a  light warm pink  described on their site as light peach.  I personally enjoy wearing the bright  peach #14.  A little goes a long way so you'll want to barely touch it and apply in a series of rapid pats and sweeps with your finger. You cannot really judge the colors by looking at them in the bottles or the site swatches so it's best to try them in person.  

I struggle with lip stains because I LOVE the look of them but I don't like the weightless feel ones.  It feels like I'm drawing on my lips with a magic marker. Others feel and smell like lipstick, which I don't wear much.  I really want to reward the people who came up with Tarte's Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence Technology.  This solid gel (just like their amazing cheek stain) feels like a minty moist lip balm but leaves a stain behind when it wears off.  The closes thing I've tried is a tinted lip balm, but those don't come in a gel form and don't leave behind a stain.  It feels GREAT on the lips and looks so fresh!  As an added bonus, I have finally found a gorgeous SHEER tomato red lip product that can be worn in spring . Although the color is called Lust, I don't think it's too overtly sexy.  I hope they come up with more colors.  I feel like their future cult favorite color that everyone will love is just around the corner.

My Very Own Freida Pinto

Anjali is not a model but she is one of those "regular people" that is quite a head turner!  When I first met her it was during Slumdog Millionaire mania.  Like everyone who watched the movie, I was enthralled with Freida Pinto's beauty.  Then she was featured in that pinup style photo for Vanity Fair and I totally wanted to re-create it.  I asked Anjali to be my Freida and was so glad she was into it.  As the  planning progressed, we began to lose sight of the retro theme and it took a new direction,  She wanted big hair and I wanted to use my Liquid Metal greenish gold cream shadow from Illmasqua.  What a fun night vamping it up for the camera!

 

Bowled Over

Nicole is from a family of hard core bowlers so it was no surprise to learn that she met her man (where else?!)...bowling!  And while the girls spent the morning of the wedding primping, he was (what else?!)...getting in a few frames before the ceremony.  I loved this family so much and really enjoyed spending time with them.  Nicole wanted a very classic look for herself and the wedding details so she chose a classic updo for her hairstyle.  She had been using black eyeliner with white shimmery shadow but I thought it was a bit too stark of a look for her.  We softened it with an espresso brown liner with taupe and shimmery champagne shadow accents.  She loved it and agreed that it suited her skin tone and style perfectly. Like many people, Nicole's eyelids tend to get oily so we primed them with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion and used Tarte's waterproof creaseproof Lock and Roll Eyeshadow Duo in rose gold on the lids.  Nicole's sister (who was more nervous than her!) opted for a "french twist with a twist" hairstyle.  Nicole surprised her with a beautiful gift of custom made jeweled hair pins - perfect for an updo.  Mom went for a nice blowout to give her bob a little shape and movement and very natural makeup to show off her beautiful skin.  I heard the groomsmen were blown away when they saw the ladies.  That's what I like to hear!  Good luck Nicole!  I wish you and Frankie the very best.  These lovely images were taken by Zaven's Photography for Bella Pictures.