One for me...and one for my assistant!

Yay! Just amping up my on-location "studio".. The perfect lighting is so important when applying makeup, because changes in lighting (i.e. stepping outdoors) can change the look of foundation etc. The best makeup artists always travel with a light kit to ensure proper lighting..Of course, I went OVERBOARD and DOUBLED UP! I just wanted to make sure my assistant would be working in the same "light".. :)

Have a beautiful weekend.

-Nicole

 P.S. Review on a brand new, NOT YET IN STORE, Estee Lauder product coming next week!

It's Here!! It's Here!! Illamasqua Review..

   I've been waiting for a couple of weeks for these babies to show up after reading some rave reviews about these shades from some celebrity makeup artists based out of NY and Hollywood. I had to order them!  


   I am so excited about introducing these cream blushes to my Brides. They have the most amazing finish and give that "just kissed" glow. Loving these! The makeup also came with their new catalog, and some fun promos. 


   I love how highly pigmented all of their product is, and how just the smallest amount goes such a long way.


    Check out all of the pictures from their crazy creative collection! I think it would be such a blast to do this type of work for fun.. One day I might try my hand at it.. :) 


   Too bad they're based out of London, or I would LOVE to attend their school.. Their products are available through Sephora.com, but I suggest going to Illamasqua.com and ordering through them. 

Favorite Eye Pencils!..EVER :)

Tonight's Favorite...

   Double Wear - Stay in Place Eye Pencils by Estee Lauder. I have EVERY color! The reason I love them, is because they last 12 hours, you can line your waterline with them and they don't run, and they glide on so smoothly! My top 3 favorite colors are Black Plum, Graphite, and Midnight Blue.

• Black Plum looks amazing on Brown eyes. It's a rich purple shade that instantly brightens and adds a "sparkle".
• Graphite is a fantastic gray shade that works well on gray and blue eyes. To me, it's a magical shade, because it somehow changes depending on eye color! 
• Midnight Blue is a metallic navy that is one of my favorites to line the waterline with. It will make the whites of your eyes look whiter! Instant pick me up. 

    Another perk with all of them, is that they come with a smudger on the other end for a more intense eye. They have been Ophthalmologist-tested and are fragrance-free. 

  Don't forget about Onyx! I always assume a great black liner is just a given. This is the pencil that you want for an amazing smokey eye! 

 (Limited Edition - Untamed Violet..Still prefer Black Plum...)

Favorite Little Splurge...

  

Okay, so I know 4 for $15 hand soap from Bath and Body Works isn't really a big splurge, but I get excited EVERY time they put them on sale! 

   I'm the kind of girl that likes Brahmin Bags, BCBG Shoes, and Exclusive/LTD Makeup, but when it comes to things like anti-bacterial soap and bleach cleaner, I prefer to go generic. (Save in some places in order to spend in others ;p ) 

  To me, B&BW Soap is like a guilty pleasure, because this is an area where I might cut corners.. lol. 

What I'm loving right now?! Nectarine Mint Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap! It's got an awesome zingy scent, and has some great little scrubbing beads that get the foundation off of my hands when I'm in a big hurry and put my foundation on without a brush.. Don't tell! (Seriously.. Always use a brush when possible.. Better coverage, AND you can save an entire bottle of foundation a year!)  There's nothing worse than using soap, and not being able to get anything off of your hands!
 
   Definitely a favorite.. More to come!
  

Lips I'm Lovin'!

Today's Feature: Lips I'm Lovin'! There's something about a fuchsia lip with blue/gold tones that makes me want to rock a pink pout. :) I recently saw this ad for the new Revlon Colorburst Glosses, and I loved Jessica Alba's lip color! The gloss itself is a little too sheer, and I wanted the exact shade, so I browsed around Wags and here's what I came up with...(I did cheat a little with some Limited Edition M.A.C gloss)

Tiffany Reed Photography

Today I had the pleasure of having lunch with Tiffany Reed of Tiffany Reed Photography. It was so refreshing to meet someone who shares my faith and has an artsy side! Also, nice to make another friend in this new city. :)

   Tiffany had the coolest idea for a blog. The number 11 is special to her (I'll let you read why), and she decided to devote the year 2011 to a picture a day... This is one of the coolest things that I've ever seen from someone with such a talent for photography. It's not your average "30 day photo challenge", like I'm constantly seeing on Facebook from any and everyone. Check it out! I guarantee you will be glued to your computer monitor, and looking at every post since January! Blog -  http://www.tiffanyreed2011.com/

   You will be seeing some really neat work from us within the next month..."Trash the Dress" anyone? ;)

  (I just had to snatch the Dior picture! ;)

Airbrush Makeup

    I can't tell you how passionate I am about Airbrush Makeup.  I love how it has the power to change the way you feel about your skin when you are wearing it.  

  I've personally struggled with breakouts/acne since I was in High School,  and there are some days, I start feeling down about my skin. It starts to feel like no amount of makeup will cover it all up, and then I remember that I DO have something that works! Now I run straight to Airbrush Makeup! 

  The one I use is a mineral/water based foundation that doesn't set in to your pores or cause breakouts. It creates a flawless look, and lasts ALL day!

   By the time I'm done, my skin looks flawless, the makeup doesn't feel caked on, and I can walk out the door with confidence, knowing that the foundation that I'm wearing isn't going to add to my breakouts, and will come off easily with soap and water. 

   I love being able to give that look and confidence to the Brides and Clients that I work with as well.  Take a look at my portfolio at ArtistryHD.com, and contact me if you have a wedding or special event coming up, and you want to experience the amazing results that Airbrush Makeup has to offer.