New Hampshire Beauty Haul

I'm just back from a GLORIOUS vacay in New Hampshire where I enjoyed a refreshing trip to the beach and loaded up on some new beauty goodies.  The source of my treats was none other than New Hampshire goddess Joanne McDonough of Joya Beauty.  Joanne is my "it girl" and I want to be her someday when I grow up!  Not only is she super talented and generous with all of her knowledge but she has this amazing studio where she does all kinds of things like makeup lessons and spa treatments.  One of the things that sets her apart is her custom makeup blending.  Knowing that I have a product that's made especially for me that no one else has gives me such a little thrill.  Ok, I am really LOVING the souffle' she whipped up.  They are little frosted glass pots of whipped jelly cheek color that give off this gorgeous luster.  Such a nice way to freshen the face and offset the powdered down t-zone.  I'm also trying her shimmery eye creams that dab on ever so lightly with a wand to wake up tired eyes.  Joya Beauty also carries other hard-to-find lines like Three Custom Color and I scored two of their Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes. I am totally obsessed with the paler color Afterglow, although the golden On Fire color is great for the times when I'm more tan or for those with medium to dark skin tones.  The problem with highlighter creams is that they tend to be overly frosty or shimmery.   The pale ones  often have a pinkish tone that I'm not a big fan of. You want one that just blends into the skin and makes it look glowy without anyone detecting a streak of frost.  The cream-to-powder feel of it is exquisite and these are sheer enough for anyone to use with ease.   I think I like how light it feels and how it really isn't too powdery after it sets.  Thanks Joanne!  You never steer me wrong :)  People, if you are in New Hampshire or even passing through, you need to set aside a little time to visit Joya Beauty!

 My favorite vacation photo of the kiddos...

Polish Beauty

We may have been in Brooklyn, but getting ready for Edyta's wedding was like a mini trip to Poland.  Polish parents and relatives, polish language (which sounds really hard to understand by the way), Polish breakfast, and even Polish water (fizzy and refreshing).  I loved this family so much and Edyta was one of the most relaxed and down to earth brides that I'm sure I will ever meet.  When I saw a photo of her drinking a can of Miller Lite in the limo on the way to the wedding I just smiled and thought "That's my girl!".  Edyta's face has a kind of beautifully intriguing and mysterious quality about it that I can't really describe.  I really enjoyed studying it and collaborating with her on the look for the wedding. 

She wanted her eyes fully lined in grey but we did it in a light and shimmery way that would look fresh for a daytime ceremony and pictures.  Her skin and lips were softly flushed and just happened to match one of my favorite bridal bouquets of all time.

 

She wanted a nice voluminous updo with movement and texture- something that looked like she had a lot of hair - with intricate curls in the back.  The relatives loved it and said it looked very "aristocratic", which made us chuckle.

 

Another beauty I got to work with was Edyta's mother. She wanted to keep hair and makeup simple and natural which I thought was a great choice.  I mean look at that amazing skin - why cover it up?!

I got such a kick out of her Maid of Honor who happened to live in Japan during the same years that I did.  We spent time during the trial and the wedding day reminiscing and trading wacky tales from our unforgettable time there. She is also getting married this year so it is wedding mania for these two friends.

I heard everyone had a wonderful time at the wedding and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the photos.

Thank you very much to Kimberly Salem for sharing them with me. You can see a few more details from this wedding such as the yummy Polish cookie favors and the gorgeous flowers on her blog.  Good luck to you Edyta! And you too, Misato! I wish you both all the best in your marriages and in life.