My New Favorite Concealer

Tarte's Shape Tape Contour Concealer, $27, comes in 30 colors. 

Being part Italian, I've tried every concealer known to man, to cover my dark bluish purple circles. When I had my makeup done by Mandy O'Hanlon for my new pictures, she used this and well, it changed my life! It not only covers but it turns matte so that you don't have to use powder to cut down on shine. The biggest surprise is that it doesn't crease- no getting into the fine lines! You can also use it to hi-light and contour! It comes in 30 colors so, there's a color for everyone. You can get it at Ulta or at the Tarte website. Sephora carries the Tarte line, however not the Shape Tape.

My New Studio!

At the end of 2016, my husband and I decided to convert our garage into a makeup studio for me, a media center for us, and a loft bedroom for overnight guests. It took all of 2017 but it was totally worth it! Our contractor, Edward Ferguson and his structural engineer, Walter Reyes, were so amazing. It came out exactly like we wanted it!

What I've Been Up To This Year

When I'm not doing weddings, head shots, infomercials, or taking care of private clients going to award shows, I like to do "styled shoots" or  basically getting photos for my portfolios on my website. It also gets me acquainted with vendors that I haven't worked with before. It's the most comfortable
way for me to network- a sort of win-win situation. Here are a few examples of the shoots that I've worked on:

Photo: Meghan Christine Lubeck , Jenni MacLeod of the Blushing Bird , day of Gal, Revel Petals, 204 Events, Dish Wish, Frost It Cakery, La Tavola Fine Linen, Betsy Di Francesca, Hair & Makeup, and our model, Crystal van Commenee

Photo: J Wiley Photography, Event and Floral Design and Styling, Winston & Main, Planning and Styling, Moxie Bright Events, the venue, The Modern, Long Beach, Wedding Dress, &For Love, Bridal store, Bride L.A., Hair & Makeup, Betsy diFrancesca, Wedding Cakes and Desserts, Mwokaji Cakery, Rentals and Linens, Classic Party Rentals, Invitations and Chair Signs, Happily Ever Etched, Calligraphy, Chasing Linen, 

Videography,,Press Films. , Press Films

Jenn Spain Photography, Dress by Deborah Lindquist, Hair & Makeup, me, Model, Sam Bianchini

A Hygge Styled Shoot I did with @deborahlindquist, @altarimagephotoand@nutelluv

An elopement styled shoot I worked on in Bronson Canyon, Hollywood with these fabulous vendors: @allinlovedesign, @kaalonweddings, @lovenoteevents, @partpleasers, @carole.lola, @thebookcookie, @lovelybride, @friartux, @singlestonela

Valentine’s Day styled shoot with these fabulous vendors: @mister_pretty_pictures, @alexievents_u.s.a., @lexie_david, @amberhukari, @fdphotostudio, @ohsopretty-Events, shop archipelago, @katsflorals1, @ladureeus, @@ghiradelli, @lipglamartistry, @betsybmu, @beautybybettymua, @fleurishla, @victoiasecret, @sandrachallal, @ninaseul_, @tsavagetate1, @bryanmichaelking

Styled shoot in H&H Weddings with these wonderful vendors: @maderakitchenla, @jenne_chathaboury, @sarahmackphoto, @sirenandco, @monamiebridalsalon, @stitchantie, @betsybmu, @provencerentals, @bakerparty,  @thetangledvine, @papermintpress, @nicolebakescakes

Sneak peak of a styled shoot I did this week with these fabulous vendors:

@auraelizabethphoto @plumeandfete@handcraftedhair @betsybmu@urbanmarigold@sweetasbliss @blushbyhayleypaige@marrymebridal the_mrs_box  @smartpartyrents @jcav1017@shealynsailorsofficial

Sneak peek of a boho styled shoot with these fabulous vendors: @eventsbyemilykay, @jennspainphotography,@chuyphoto,@vavestudios,@samallencreates,@deborahlindquist, @friartux, @princessjewelersla, @betsybmu, @thriftedsisterevents, @dreamhalos, @thereeljferrero, @jackie_nicole11, @calicraftcocktails

• Holly Gray for the re-branding of her company,@anythingbutgrayevents, @julieshufordphotography.

• Here is a shoot I did with Kim Agnew and Jillian Hanson for their website Blue Sky/Black Sheep shot by www.greyandelle.com.
  
• Another shot of the styled shoot I did with these amazing vendors: @GoldenStareEvents, @CocoeVoci, @Sugar_kiss_baking_co, @Dawn_Naomi, @Mallorywiththeflowers, @BenShaniProductions, @ChrissyGilmartinPhotography, @LizLeGrande and @BrooksideGCEvents

New Beauty Products

 Derma Flash. On this cyber Monday  you can purchase the DermaFlash kit for $139 at Ulta. •
It really does all of these things:
 Exfoliates and Polishes to Restore Radiance
• Sweeps Away Dead, Dull Cells from Skin’s Surface
• Temporarily Removes Peach Fuzz
• Enhances Radiance, Texture and Tone
• Skin Care and Makeup Go On More Smoothly and Evenly
• Skin Looks and Feels Healthier Instantly
• Gentle and Safe For All Skin Types
• Safe and Hygienic, Single-Use Edge

Kevyn Aucoin's The Gossamer in Diaphonus. $72 You only have to use a tiny bit of this powder. It's especially perfect to tap on a little of this with a Beauty Blender, over you concealer to set it. 

This ultra silky, micro-fine loose powder brightens and evens skin for a flawless finish.

Formulated with patented blend of Japanese ingredients that leave skin with a thin, lightweight veil. Special coated pigments create a soft focus effect that leaves skin looking flawless. Spherical silica and polymers deliver the ultimate in blend-ability and softness. First-to-market, unique silicone sifter provides an ultra soft texture that creates sheer coverage.

Paraben free. Dermatologist tested.

Summer Beauty Products Part II

Another reason that I love summer are the new products that are out there. And me, being

tan-or-exic, love trying the latest in Self Tanners! I swear that my skin  becomes

used to one tanner so that I HAVE to try something new ( that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

 My latest favorite is by, Tanceuticals in ultra dark.

 It looks so natural and I find I get the best looking color when I apply it with a mit made just for that

purpose. You can Google it and the cost is $26.95. LOVE it!


The next is a satin lipstick by Nars in their best selling Orgasm shade.  They have it in lip gloss,

liquid blush, regular blush, a multiple.....it's one of those shades that looks great on everyone. The

lipstick is $28.

Some new Summer Photos, Part I

I am SO much happier when summer arrives, even here in Southern California. We were lucky to get

enough rain this winter  to end the drought and to make everything grow like crazy! Not good for the

allergies but the flowers are amazing! Here's a couple of photos from my yard:

Part 2 of A Styled Bridal Shoot I'd Like To Do

This is a manicure that I love....NOT a French manicure but a softened more feminine look.

The shoes would be something like these  gold Manolo Blahnik pumps that would almost blend in with the tones of the bride's skin.

The overall look of the wedding would be something like John and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's- very simple and a little rustic.

I think the look of this cake would suit this type of wedding well.