Carolyn Evans. . .Forty Beads. . .Kiawah Legends Shoot

Girlfriends.  

We share most every great thing that comes our way: a recipe, clothes, a great hair stylist, a bottle of wine.  That was the back story when this amazing photo shoot landed in my lap courtesy of 

Kiawah Legends magazine.  

This photo shoot would encompass an evening fresh off an early-autumn beach stroll, cocktails-to-dinner, and languishing pool- and fire-side chats.   These girlfriends were celebrating the publication of Carolyn Evans' new book, Forty Beads.   The background was one lovely beachfront home on Kiawah Island, and the feel was that of an upscale GNI:  Girls' Night In.

What morphed out of this was my own friendship and easy communication with Carolyn Evans and this method of hers for "The Simple, Sexy Secret for Transforming Your Marriage."  It's a quick-read and a real fire-starter for those of us looking to keep the fires burning in our marriage.

Makeup details for Carolyn:

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish, Medium

MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

MAC Teddy Eye Kohl

MAC Springsheen Powder Blush

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Trish McEvoy Nude Lip Gloss

Forty Beads by Carolyn Evans can be found at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and a whole host of indie book stores.  Check it out!

A special thanks to the editor and staff of Kiawah Legends Magazine, and the spectacular photographic artistry of Ben Williams.  I'm so proud to have been a part of this project.

pl

Kelly & Steve + Red Shutter Studio = E-sesh Romance

I was awestruck when these proofs floated into my inbox.  They are some of the most romantic Charleston engagement session photos I've seen.

Kelly and Steve are planning their October wedding in Charleston via Washington, DC.  If these photos are any inclination of what they are in for. . . well, they're in for something spectacular!

This is my first time working with the amazing talent that is Red Shutter Studio: Rod and Tara Pasibe.  I'm looking forward to being a small part of making beautiful "eye candy" for these photographers.

Kelly's makeup details:
MAC Pro Airbrush Formula: NW15 + 2 drops NC10
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer #4
Eyes:  MAC's Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot, Copper Plate, Kid, and Black Tied e/s on lids; Buried Treasure liner + Black Tied e/s along lash lines; Andrea #108's + individual lash bundles on outer eye corners.
Cheeks:  MAC's Springsheen + Dollymix
Lips: MAC Boldly Bare liner + Trish McEvoy's "Sexy" gloss

De-Slick is Delightfully Mattifying

 

Got an oil slick on your face?  You're not alone. . .not by a long shot.

I see so many clients who constantly battle facial oiliness.  It's a curse in your youth, but a blessing in disguise.  More than likely if you suffer from facial oiliness, and you've no doubt heard it before, but it's a virtual insurance policy for anti-wrinkling in later years.

Combine oily skin with the impending summer humidity, and that's one recipe for a makeup meltdown.  

The current formulation I'm using comes in two tubes, prior to foundation:

A pea-size dab of Urban Decay's Pore Perfecting Primer +

one-half that amount of UD's De-Slick (gel) in a Tube.

Mix it on the back of your hand, use a foundation brush to tap it on and smooth it across your face, concentrating it on the oily t-zone areas.

Wait a minute, then apply foundation.  This time-released formulation helps absorb oil production throughout the day to keep your face at it's mattified best.

www.UrbanDecay.com

Scentsational! My newest fave, Tocca's Cleopatra

For me, it's the "dry down" of warm patchouli that attracted me to this scent.  I happen to love the soft, floral feminine overtones, especially in Charleston's warmer climate.  This is my go-to scent for this time of year.  Especially since it ensures a warm husband-nuzzle right in the soft of my neck (he loves it, too!).

I adore this beautiful, heavy bottle, but I also love that the to-go solid version is easily slipped into my touch-up cosmetic bag.  The solid is quite long-lasting, too.

Cleo was on to something. . .

Dior Vernis Nude Chic. . . and a Newsprint Twist

 Beautifully nude nails go with anything.   

And here's an easy-to-do twist:

1. Put on nail polish and let dry. 

2. Dip fingernail in alcohol. 

3. Press a strip of newspaper big enough to cover the whole nail on to your alcohol soaked nail. 

4. Pull off slowly and be really impressed with yourself. 

5. Apply clear top coat to keep newsprint in tact.