Brides and Dads

I have the privilege of being a part of the inner circle on a wedding day.  I see lots of dynamics that play out.  Brides and their best friends; brides and their siblings; and brides and their moms.  All of this is wonderful stuff.  But being the bona fide daddy's girl that I am, there's something very special about seeing a bride interact with her dad on her wedding day.  It's a heart-wrenching display of trust. . . that father is in essence handing over his treasure to another man.  

So this one is for all those dads.  The ones who wonder why I'm there to begin with, because their daughters couldn't be more beautiful (with or without my help).  

Just Havin' Fun!

Lovely Bride, Caroline.
Compliments of Shannon Michele Photography
Makeup by Pamela Lesch.

www.ShannonMichelePhotography.com

An Especially Happy Bride

"Hi Pamela!  Thank you so much for such a nice letter! You really made me feel like a princess that day, I have never felt so beautiful in my life!  I think it is the most beautiful picture I have ever had, and it's right after you did my makeup!  Bre" 


This was one of those special moments in what I do.  First, it was special because Bride Bre from Ohio was so happy to be in Charleston for her wedding.  She was in awe of the magnificent scenery and good manners that abound here.  Next, she was just so darn happy to be having her makeup done.  I knew this about her from all our correspondence leading up to her big day.  When I knocked on her door to meet her, this beautiful smile is what greeted me.  Finally, after her makeup had been applied (she didn't want to look at the process. . . she wanted the Big Reveal afterwards) she raised the hand mirror to look at herself.  The waterworks began: she started tearing up, then her best friends started tearing up, and I started misting up.  Just another reason why waterproof mascara is a must on a wedding day!


This photo was snapped by her best friend, who also officiated Bre's ceremony.  I think it perfectly captures not only the beauty that is Bre, but her inner beauty most of all.


Much love and happiness, indeed.


Photo taken at Charleston Harbor Marina Resort
Hair by Jen Grafeo of Save the Date Salon

Makeup On. . . Makeup OFF!!!

Surely I'm not the only gal who loves, Loves, LOVES lingering in the Wal-Mart beauty aisles.  Just the sheer volume of product choices can leave you overwhelmed.  Many times I've found myself hanging out and passing some time checking out name brands versus store brands.  Here's one of my favorite finds:  Equate Everyday Facial Hydrating Cloths.

Time and again I find these Wal-Mart brand facial cleansing towels work for me.  They do a great job at loosening makeup, lifting mascara, gently exfoliating, while leaving my face feeling soft and clean.  I still need to apply lots of moisturizer in the evening, but that's the nature of my skin.  Although these are marketed as a "Hydrating Cloths," I believe they'd work beautifully on someone with an oilier skin type than mine.

How to use: run one under lukewarm water and rub together until it foams up nicely.  Rub over face, and scrub lightly until the lather cleans all traces of makeup.  Don't be afraid to rub closely under closed eyes.  Rinse face with clear water.  These towelettes are not flush-friendly, so make sure to dispose of them in a waste basket.


That's it.  Easy.  Clean.  Inexpensive ($5.97 for 60 count).  And these are magnificent for travel. . . they are so compact and can be packed nicely in a plastic baggie for your on-the-go beauty routine.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Hydrating-Cloths-Everyday-Facial-60-CT/10322074?findingMethod=rr#ProductDetail

In The Groove!

I haven't been this excited for a new MAC launch in a very long time.

IN THE GROOVE is a collection of products that appeal to my Bohemia hippie side. Think tie-die kinds of colors, yet in matte/satin finishes. This is especially appealing to me because all the shiny things MAC comes out with don't bode well with any fine lines or crepiness that may be creeping in ;)

As with several MAC launches, there are some old favorites making a reappearance. "Stereo Rose" Mineralized Skin Finish is a stunning way to add a little shimmer to emulate that just-out-in-the-sun radiance. It's limited in quantity, so my guess is it'll be one of the first to sell out.

I love the Mineralized Eye Shadow trios in "Style Influencer" (satin silver, pearly deep blue, and satin mauve brown) and "In the Groove" (satin gold, pearly burgundy, and satin coral). These trios last forever and are a steal since you're getting 3 mineral shadows baked into one great compact.

The featured eyeliners with this collection are MAC's Power Point liners. They are waterproof and last all day. I use these quite often on brides, and the one I go to most often is a black/brown/flecks-of-gold shade called "Buried Treasure." A must for any makeup bag.

The "It" color this summer has been all shades of coral. My favorite lipsticks in this limited collection are "Jazzed" (a bright coral pink) and an all-time fave "Creme d'Nude" (a pale muted peach beige). Top either off with some magnificent shine. . . Cremesheen Glass in either "Fashion Whim" or "Goin Casual."

Hit your MAC counters ASAP or you can always visit www.maccosmetics.com and click on the "Launches" link.

It's been a long while since I've blogged, and I finally feel like I'm IN THE GROOVE again!