Giorgio Armani: Eyes To Kill Mascara

Quite simply, this may be the best mascara I have ever used.  And I want to publicly acknowledge my sis-in-law, Amy Lesch, for her vigilant look-out of new products for me to try.  She was right on the money on this one.   So Amy, thank you!

Blog-o-sphere, if you were ever going to splurge on a mascara (and at $30, it is a treat), this is The One.  The first sign of its lovability is the fact that holding the tube is like holding a piece of wrought iron: it is heavy.  Only something substantial could be that heavy, right?  Then when you pull out the brush from the tube that first time, you realize the bristles on the brush are going to treat you right.  Tapered at the tip-end so you can reach those delicate inner-corner lashes, and fat and full on the handle-end, really help to fan out those corner lashes.

I simply cannot go on about this one mascara enough.  It is my new fave, and it is worth every cent.  It comes in a waterproof formula, as well, but I like the convenience of the regular version.  I have had no problems with it budging at all.  As a matter of fact, it takes a small splash of water at the end of the day, plus a little eye makeup remover to gently coax it off.  It stays put until you are ready to remove it.

I purchased mine at Nordstroms, but you can find it at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, or through the Giorgio Armani Beauty website.

If Loreal says you're worth it, Giorgio Armani says you're worth it all.  Happy Mascara-ing!

Will Work for (Really Great) Jeans: Beija-Flor!

I had one of the most amazing all-female-crew experiences one overcast afternoon last December on Seabrook Island.  When I hung up the phone after speaking with Emilie Moca Whitaker, principal of Beija-Flor Jeans, I knew I wanted a piece of this action.  I am a bit of a denim-snob to begin with (the designer jeans simply fit me better, is what I tell myself), and I was harboring the thought that maybe I would work for jeans.  After hearing the history of this phenomenal family-run company (a mother-and-daughters team) based out of Greenville, SC, I was sold on their integrity, spirit, pride in their heritage (Brazil!), and work ethic.  Then I met them.  Then I worked with them.  Then I wore their jeans.  I am now proud to call myself a Beija-Believer.  (Please be sure to click on the link above and read about their journey, the story behind the Beija-Flor fit, and browse all the amazing jeans!)

The literal translation of the Portuguese phrase beija-flor means kiss-the-flower.  Which is what a hummingbird appears to be doing while feeding. . . hence, their designer logo which is embroidered on the hip of their jeans.  (Isn't it grand when symbolism and wording come together like that to represent so many things?  I love the cleverness of it!)

Emilie and her mom, Kathy, along with Amanda-the-Super-Intern, had a look book assembled and knew the shots they wanted.  Nicole, the model, was on board and had worked with these ladies for other studio shoots.  As a matter of fact, its this Nicole for whom the B-F Nicole jean is named after.  This is a mainstay of their jeans line that is somehow flattering on every body type.  Check out the photos for the strategically-placed darts and seams that miraculously make every be-hind look booty-licious.  I am now the proud owner of a pair of Nicole jeans, and they have trumped my True Religions, Joes, and Rock & Republics.  The B-Fs fit me divinely.

By the way, model Nicole is more than a beautiful face.  She's a Doctoral candidate at Clemson who can talk shop or product functionality with the best of them.  She is the face of Beija-Flor: classic, boho-chic, timeless, and can cross the line to rock-glam if need be.  It was a pleasure to work with her, as well.

And then there was the photographer.  Jennings King.  Jennings is making the transition to full-time lifestyle-editorial-wedding photographer, and has just the flair, style, and technique necessary to embark on this switch.  She has an eye for beautiful scenery, amazing props, and a way of communicating clear direction.  I am so pleased and honored to work with her during her ascension.  She hasn't even made the leap yet from her day-job to full-time photog, and she has already booked her first wedding abroad!  Congrats, Jennings. . . I know big things are in store for you.

It was Girl Power for sure that weekend.  I am ready for another dose!  Many thanks to Kathy Moca, Emilie Moca Whitaker, and Intern Amanda (wise beyond her young years, and task-master extraordinaire!)  Also to Antiques of South Windemere, for the use of the lovely brass and velvet chair.  Here are a few shots from the day:

Welcome to my kit, Dior!

Dior Makeup has been around for ages.  You can find it at most any upscale department store.

Today, it joins the Pamela Lesch Makeup kit of tried-and-true tricks of the trade;)

So welcome to the fold, Dior.

I think I love you; I anticipate an 'Addict'ion.

Dior 'Addict' Lipstick, Nude.   

Absolutely fabulous. . .creamy, glossy, great color pay-off.

A true nude lip.

Dior 'Addict' Ultra Gloss in Apricot Cloche
This will be a Spring '12 hit with my brides!

Dior Lip Glow Reviver Balm
This divine balm changes shades based on your chemistry!
Starts off super-soft pink; adjusts to your lip pigment.
Amazing lip gloss technology!

Liquid Eyeliner Looks

When I saw this photo, it was a reaffirmation of one of my makeup artistry goals: use more liquid liner!  I love the look that a great liquid eyeliner can give.  It's bold and quite the statement-maker.  This is a printable, great guideline for different shapes to draw on the liner. What I've found about liquid eyeliner is that you simply have to make yourself do it. . .practice truly makes perfection!

These liner looks run the gamut from demure to Gaga-ish.  Personally, I like a small, hug-the-lashline line, with a "baby-wingout".  Choose the look you're going for, and get creative and do some kind of a variation on one of these.  Send me a pic if you do one. . . I'd love to see what you're doing!

p.s.  Currently, I'm loving MAC's Superslick Eyeliner (On the Hunt is a shiny black).

My 2012 Professional Goals

I am a blessed person, and I've always known it.  My grounding force is a small voice that tells me that no matter what, I'm going to be okay.  As I ruminate on this knowing, especially here at the beginning of a new year, I find it a great jumping-off point for putting together my professional goals list for 2012.  But I'm also a realist; I know that if these things don't come to pass, they'll simply carry over to a following year.  Some of these goals are lofty and some are super-attainable.  What I know is that I need to put this out there. . . to the Universe. . . to You.  In my life I've learned that's how things manifest for me: if I don't ask, the answer is always, "no."  To that end, here's what I'm asking:

1.  I'd like to do makeup for an Asheville, NC wedding.  I'm talking Biltmore or Grove Park Inn.  Or even a wedding in a barn in a field of glorious Western North Carolina.  I want to take a little piece of Charleston up I-26 to one of my favorite spots in the world.  I want to be part of a team of professionals who helps make an Appalachian wedding into a dreamscape.  I want those photos to be part of my portfolio of interesting places and beautiful faces.

2.  I want to do more publication work.  I love my brides, and my weekends are dedicated to them.  However, it's the spice of my work-life to pepper my weekdays with photo shoots, lifestyle shoots, and commercial work.  This is where I have the opportunity to mingle with other creatives and they FEED me.  They make me want to grow, think around the box, and be the best makeup artist I can be.  I crave this.

3.  I'd like to continue my education as a MUA.  Specifically The Makeup Show in London this September.  All the most brilliant minds of makeup artistry are represented, along with the most cutting-edge brands and tools.  Staying on top of trends, tools, and techniques is paramount to any MUA's career.

4.  I'd like to make makeup application videos.  I know YouTube is brimming with them, but I feel I have a circle of clients and friends who would love to see them and could benefit from me putting them out there.  Nothing long and drawn out. . . I'll try to keep it under 3 minutes.  

5.  I want to deepen my current professional relationships.  I've been so fortunate to surround myself with quality folk. . .people who trust me but also know they can rely on me.  It is such a HUGE compliment to know that someone has referred me and my services.  What they are really saying is, "I trust Pamela."  That means the world to me.  There are a couple of pro-relationships who are on the periphery of my world. . . we've dabbled in the past and maybe we don't work together very often.  But to them I say, "Let's dance!  Let's take a chance and get to know one another."  I got some goods and I'll bring them to the party :)

6.  I'd like to be a mentor to the right person. . . someone who is serious about a career in makeup, is at least as reliable and professional as I am (if not more).  This last one is a big one for me.  It may take the longest to accomplish because it means relinquishing a little control.  I get asked fairly often if I would "train" someone to be a MUA which is very appealing to the teacher-side of me.  It's a compliment I know, but up until now, I have felt so protective over what I've built with my business.  Starting from scratch and  learning every little step of the way.  But I also know that part of my evolution in this role, and as a good steward in this karmic world, is to pass along what may be useful and helpful to someone else.  After all, makeup is just part of this. . . it's so psychological and the business is really about making connections to other human beings.  For me, once the trust is established, the artistry flows.

So, there it is.  My hopes, dreams, wishes, and goals for 2012.  Whatcha gonna do with it, Universe?

Heart open,

Pamela

Let it Glow, Let it Glow, Let it GLOW!

My most recent Make Up For Ever haul from its NYC Boutique

"I love makeup!  It's great when you ID new or innovative products on your blog.

Kelly"  (a Fall 2011 bridal client)

Thank you Kelly, for giving me the kickstart I needed to discuss some great products that I've been trying for a couple of months now!

Today's feature is on a Make Up For Ever product called Uplight.  This is a tremendous product that I've been using on clients in these drier autumn months to help create the illusion of luminosity (in the absence of the Charleston humidity that gives us that all-too-natural glow:)

I LOVE this and many other MUFE products.  It's a face luminizer gel that can be worn under foundation (I apply prior to airbrushing), over foundation (as on my own face over MUFE's High Def liquid foundation), or all alone (with a hint of concealer to even out any dark areas).

Although there are a dozen or more shades, I'm currently working with 3 shades in my kit:

#11 is a dewy, pink beige (great for pinky or red-undertone skin)

#12 is a dewy, golden beige (lovely on skin with golden undertones)

and #22, a pearly, pink flesh. . . pretty on most every skin tone.

Apply with fingers or a flat foundation or concealer brush: tap over the highest point of your cheekbones; circle around the outside of the orbital bone (near outer edges of eyes).  I also like to dab a bit at the height of my eyebrow, closest to the arch.

This product can be found at Sephora, Ulta, and Make Up For Ever boutiques.

Happy Glowing!

I Wore Red Lipstick

Under blue lights on the Ryman stage

Glen signs Robert's photo; His wife Kim looks on.

Me, Glen & Jenny

Me, Glen & Robert

Robert holding his freshly-autographed poster

I feel the urge to write about one of the most amazing things that's ever happened to me, but I also feel torn about the medium I'm using: my makeup blog.  How do I relate this to MAKEUP???  Here goes:

I had one of the most full-circle experiences of my life two days ago: I had the amazing good fortune to be able to meet my all-time favorite music icon, Glen Campbell.

Glen Campbell is my first musical memory.  In 1969 my dad put me on his shoulders at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville so I could see over the heads of all the other people to get a look at my early childhood idol.  I remember looking over the crowd and seeing a redheaded flop-top bound on to the stage with an acoustic guitar.  I don't remember what he sang; I mainly remember the utter joy that I felt then, at age 3, seeing this man who until that point, I had only seen on his Good Time Hour tv show.  That same exact feeling washed over me two nights ago at the Ryman Auditorium when I got to stand next to him and meet him.

I'll be the first to admit. . . this is a Daddy-thing.  Gordon McCully's love of Glen Campbell's musicianship (in his opinion, the best guitarist ever), his collaborations with Jimmy Webb (songwriter extraordinaire), and his down-home good-mannered way. . . all trickled down to me.  I loved Glen as much, if not more than my dad.  Compound all this with the fact that my dad was a redhead as well, both men took/take great pride in our Scottish heritage, and both Daddy and Glen were born in the same year, 1936.  I feel like I have all kinds of karma with Mr. Campbell.

Toward the end of my dad's life, he had become something of a homebody.  He didn't care to wander too far away; he preferred the creature comforts of his own surroundings.  But in 2006 we both celebrated milestone birthdays: his 70th and my 40th.  It was a momentous occasion that called for a big celebration, just the two of us.  So he agreed to go on a road trip with me to Nashville and the Ryman Auditorium to see our all-time fave, Glen Campbell.  It was to be the last trip my dad and I would spend together, and it was the best quality time I've spent with him as an adult.  He bragged about that trip to anyone who would listen.

Since then, Glen Campbell has publicly announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.  He and his beautiful wife have spoken candidly about it, and he has embarked on this Goodbye Tour that's scheduled far into spring, 2012.  This diagnosis strikes home as well, because of my mother's recent diagnosis.  Again, worlds collide, and I just sit and wonder at the workings of it all.  When I heard about his Goodbye Tour, I knew I'd make plans to go see him, and this time my sister Jenny would come along.

Jenny and I met up with my dear friend Robert Kearns, who is a touring musician and also a Glen Campbell fan.  Robert has a distinguished musical resume, and although he is never quick to drop a name or the fact that he's the bass guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, well. . .it has its perks.  He has always made fast friends, and it should have come as no surprise that Glen Campbell's road manager would be  one, but I honestly had no idea that would actually get us some place on November 30.

Robert came prepared with an old photo he'd had made with Glen, while he was touring with the Brad Paisley camp.  Glen remembered him and was especially pleased after learning of Robert's current gig.  I was standing there, just drinking in the fact that I was merely inches away from my icon.  Introductions were made and there I was shaking hands and smiling face-to-face with Glen Campbell.  Still the most gracious, sweet-natured man I imagined him to be.  Only now I was aware that there was a camera man standing nearby filming this.  I remembered my sister standing next to me, so I grabbed her wrist and pulled her in close to me so I could introduce her and here's what happened:

Me:  "Glen, I'm just a lifelong fan, and I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to meet you.  This is my sister, Jenny."
Glen:  "What's her name?  Jenny??"  Then he started singing a song that jumped out of the recesses of my mind. . . "Jenny, Jenny, won't you come along with me. . . Jenny, Jenny, woooooooh, Jenny, Jenny..."

It was a Little Richard song that we had on an album in my home growing up, called "The Georgia Peach."  I KNEW THAT SONG and before I realized it, I was joining in and singing with him, hitting that high note "woooooooh. . ."  Glen looked at me and smiled.  Jenny and Robert looked at me as if to say, "Really???"  And I just laughed.   As we walked away from our meeting Robert said, ". . .you do realize you just sang with Glen Campbell?"

Well, the guy with the camera approached us as we walked back across that famous old Ryman Auditorium stage.  He told us that they were filming a documentary about Glen's life.  He asked Robert to say his name and contact info so he could get permission from us if they use it in the finished project.  And before I knew it, I asked if I could tell him about my Glen Campbell back story, and he said of course.  So I did, starting with my 3-year old memory, and my voice broke and I kept talking nearing the verge of tears.  And he looked at me from behind his camera, and said, "Wow.  How did tonight's experience match up to your memory of 1969?"  And I told him exactly what I felt: it was simply the same JOY I felt then.  The exact same, only it had come full circle.

Flash back to a few hours prior: as Jenny and I were getting ready in our hotel room for the show that night, I made a very conscious decision to wear red lipstick, which I rarely do.  I wanted "a look."  So I opted for my NARS "Cruella" Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.  I felt sassy, and look what it got me :)

Love and Light to my father (who I know was there with me); my sister Jenny; Robert "don't-ever-doubt-the-Kearns" Kearns; and Glen Campbell. . .who has brought me and my McCully family more joy in our lives than he'll ever know.

Thank You and Good Night.