December 2: Santa Loves NAKED

Urban Decay's NAKED series of eyeshadow are some of the most versatile palettes I've ever come across.  The first colors I reach for with a blue or green-eyed client.  My one criticism of these palettes, the abundance of shimmer, has been addressed with the recent release of the third palette, 

NAKED Basics (all matte, neutral shades).  

These are HOT. . . not only shade-wise, but hard-to-keep-in-the-stores HOT.  That's why I'm posting early so you can get your hands on them soon.  If you have a makeup-lover on your list, or if you simply want to gift yourself an amazing eyeshadow wardrobe, this is a treat.  NAKED & NAKED 2 retail for approximately $50 each and NAKED Basics is $27.  

Bonus: NAKED comes with an eyeshadow primer and both 1&2 include phenomenal brushes.

Available at Sephora, Ulta, or online at www.UrbanDecay.com

(NAKED Basics especially recommended for my 35+ clients. . . this was made for you; the matte finish  minimizes showing up any texture on your eyelid!)

24 Days of Holiday Makeup: December 1

Lip Love: moisturize, moisurize, moisturize!!!  My favorite lip balms; necessary under lipsticks or all alone.  Great stocking stuffers, but worth their own gift wrap under the tree!

MAC's Lip Conditioner (shea butter-based), available at any MAC counter or maccosmetics.com ($14)

DermStore's Lip Quench.  Thick, buttery, slightly iridescent.  This stuff stays put.  Available at www.dermstore.com ($12)

Rosebud Salve.  Old school.  Lots of slip and gloss.  Available online or any variety store. ($6)

Natalie: Sassy, Lash-y, Beautiful, Classy

Photo courtesy of CarmenAsh Photography

Hair courtesy of Tanesha Dupree

Makeup by Yours Truly :)

Hot Rockin' Maternity Session!

Meet Jennings.  Does she rock this baby bump, or what?  Jennings is a talented photographer in her own right, so I was especially flattered when she asked me to make her up for her maternity session.  This was the day that downtown Charleston flooded. . . have you seen the photos of the kayakers in the middle of the Market?  That day. But look what happened indoors at the glorious Rice Mill.  Jennings' good taste extends beyond the clothes, accessories, and venue: she had the fabulous Juliet Jones behind the camera.  When I first saw these photos, I was awestruck.  True to her form, Juliet always sees the light in and around her subjects.  Well, this maternity session was no different.  Juliet caught Jennings' light; her baby-glow.  Thank you, ladies, for allowing me to be a part of this special day.  Hair shout-out to my friend, Carrie Algeo of Paper Dolls who designed a coiffure to endure a really rainy day.  Accessories courtesy of Colleton's East (thank you Ansley!).   

Photos by Juliet Elizabeth Photography.

Pin Much???

Just getting on a roll with my Pinterest pins.

I thought some of you might find this entertaining. . .

. . .in a "stroll down memory lane" kind of way.

Follow this link to peek into some

"Products from my formative years"

Passing Along Some Great Info: "10 Secrets I Learned at Makeup Artist School"

This article is from a website called Total Beauty.com.  The author, Sharon Yi, was sent to makeup school for this assignment.  She has gleaned 10 important tips from her experience at three L.A.-area makeup schools.  This is so worth passing along. . .  Happy reading!

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/makeup-school

Dr. Brandt's Flexitone BB Cream

Newest (personal) foundation obsession:  Dr. Brandt's "Flexitone" BB Cream

Why I Love:

Phenomenally light coverage. . . yet covers and evens skin.

Self-adjusts to your skin type:

This leaves me dewy and hydrated, yet I've seen it mattify on oilier skin types.

Contains a 30 SPF

Buildable. . . yet a small dab goes a long way

You can apply with finger tips, BUT. . . this Sephora Foundation Airbrush #55 is the perfect fluffy, synthetic-bristle applicator.  .  . dab brush in the BB cream and swirl over entire face. . . voila!  

 Ready to face the day!

Both available at Sephora