May 11, Charity Engagement Shootout, Sunset Restaurant in Malibu

Wow! What an amazing day this was....50 photographers, 50 engaged couples, 8 makeup artists, cake vendors, invitation designers, wedding gown designers...all there to try each other out and to benefit the charity, LetMeSail, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the disabled through social and educational events. The positive energy was so wonderful! These are some of the couples I worked on. It was a picture perfect California day and I felt honored to take part in it!

This is Shannon Lee, one of the photographers, who, at the end of the day, sat in my chair for makeup, put on one of the wedding gowns and posed for this very cute shot by Santiago Valencia.

Poranee and Will, May 1, La Venta Inn

Photography by Chenin Boutwell

Poranee and Will came to me in April for Poranee's trial run for their May 1 wedding.

They live in Cleveland, Ohio but Will is from Corona and Poranee is from Georgia so they decided to get married in Palos Verdes Estates at La Venta Inn. They were the sweetest couple and they never stopped smiling! Love that! The day of the wedding, their friends,from all over the country , rented a gorgeous condo a block from the beach- the perfect place to get everyone ready. The view was spectacular, great music was playing,beautiful platters of fruit and vegetables for everyone- it was the

perfect setting for the perfect couple!

Summer Makeup

After reading an article this past Sunday in the L.A. Times about summer makeup, I decided to add a few of my own favorites. I mean, it's still really pleasant out right now. But I'm talking about when it gets REALLY hot...you know the kind of heat I'm talking about: muggy, pore-expanding, feels like a hot- flash that's on a continuous loop-hot.

1. Skip Foundation. Giorgio Armani has a foundation ( more like a tinted moisturizer) called Face Fabric. It really gives you beautifully sheer coverage. ( $48)

3. Cream Blush. Stila Convertible Color for cheeks AND lips is a non greasy, sheer tint ($25)

2. Concealer. Lancome's Effacernes ( $28.50) is not only waterproof but is also crease-resistant and has a soft, matte finish.

4. Cream Eyeshadow. Laura Mercier's Eye Basics ($24) are water resistant and crease proof in 10 lovely neutral shades.

5. Waterproof Mascara. Lancome's most popular formulations, Defencils, Le Extreme, Hypnose and Flex ($22) all come in waterproof.

6. Brows. Smashbox Brow Tech To Go ($26) has a double ended applicator that has a long wearing

waterproof pencil on one side and a soft hold gel brush on the other.

7. Lips. Viva Glam Lip Glass ( $14) is a shimmery soft pink that just adds a hint of color without being over the top.

Finish with a light dusting of translucent powder and carry some blotting papers for the road.