Tag Archives: airbrush makeup

Rancho Valencia wedding

When best friends fall in love – magic happens.

airbrush makeup and hairstyling

This was one of the most relaxed and truly happy couples I have ever worked with at their Rancho Valencia wedding last October. I believe it stems from their love and understanding of each other and the adoration they were surrounded by from family and friends that day.

airbrush makeup and hairstyling

The day began with beauty and that’s where me and my makeup and hair team came in. Bridal beauty services on location. Beginning about 4 hours before the first photos took place and following a detailed timeline for each girl’s appointment we were able to efficiently have everyone glowing and happy before the celebration began.

airbrush makeup and hairstyling
airbrush makeup and hairstyling

The setting for the wedding couldn’t have been more beautiful and it all took place at the intimate
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa.
@ranchovalencia

airbrush makeup and hairstyling

The San Diego weather was perfect for this New York couple and all their guests with soft cloud cover blanketing the sky like a translucent sheath diffusing the sun lightly.

airbrush makeup and hairstyling

Tiffany and Kamron chose an understated color palette of grays and blues with green and white florals beautifully designed by Jennifer Cole florals
@jennifercoleflorals

airbrush makeup and hairstyling
airbrush makeup and hairstyling

Their talented photographer Carmen Santorelli Studio
@carmensantorelliphoto
captured all the details artistically and this post wouldn’t have been possible without her gorgeous images.

The entire event was well organized and orchestrated by Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings and Events.
@crown_weddings.

Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged , , , , , , , |

Hidden Castle wedding

The wedding dreams are made of…

As a makeup artist and hairstylist of nearly 30 years I’ve had the opportunity to work in some amazing places and this castle nestled in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe certainly tops my list of favorites!  Besides being jaw-dropping gorgeous throughout, there was plenty of space with  good light for makeup application and hairstyling in the bridal suite!  A must for getting all the nuances of beauty just-so.

airbrush makeup artistmakeup artist

Love this first shot by The Youngrens capturing Jenny of Quixotic in action.  So cool how they did that!

Incredible photography by The Youngrens and video by Quixotic grab every memorable moment.

bridal beautymakeup artist

The dress by Ines Di Santo from M Bride is sheer perfection!
wedding beautyGorgeous florals by Blush Botanicals adorned every imaginable space.

hairstyling    hair and makeup

Creative touches at every glance thanks to the event coordination of Victoria Weddings and Events!

makeup and hair for weddings    bridal beauty

and they lived happily ever after

bridal makeup  airbrush makeup and hair

Venue: Hidden Castle

Posted in Weddings Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Facial Sculpting with Airbrush Makeup

The art of facial sculpting with airbrush makeup

airpro airbrush contour

Full Facial Sculpting with darker shade indicating contour and medium shade emphasizing areas to highlight.

Facial sculpting can bring the face from flat to fabulous; completely transforming features or softly emphasizing key elements.  If you will be photographed proper contouring is especially flattering as photos are one dimensional and by emphasizing your features with contour and highlight you’ll appear more three dimensional.  Think Kim Kardashian selfie.  She is the queen of contour and while she may have made it trendy, makeup artist’s have used this skill forever.  The operative word when contouring is “proper”.  We’ve all seen the obvious, poorly blended contour that is flat and chalky.  Subtlety is key and the easiest way to achieve a subtle sculpt -especially important for daytime- is with an airbrush.  You’ll not only save valuable time, you’ll avoid the embarrassment of poorly blended edges since the airbrush edge fades off seamlessly.

The skill of proper facial sculpting comes with years of practice –or just minutes with an airbrush

You can either spend loads of time learning how to sculpt your features and then even more time applying, blending …blending some more, or you can airbrush your features to perfection and definition in a matter of minutes.  Yes, it’s true.  After just a few sessions you’ll be applying your foundation, contour and highlight in less than five minutes.  You’ll appear glowing and defined, ready to face the world, or the camera, in all your sculpted glory!  You’ll soon realize you actually are photogenic, all you needed was the right tool. Learn more about how to airbrush makeup here.

Basic contouring

airpro airbrush contour

Contouring 101

This drawing illustrates the basics of contouring and highlighting.  Because everyone’s bone structure is unique you’ll want to modify based on your face.  As a general rule you’ll add contour in the form of foundation two shades darker than your skin tone in areas you want recessed.  For most people these areas include, but not limited to: under the cheekbones, unless you have a thin face and ultra-high cheekbones, (in which case you’re likely not searching the web for sculpting tutorials).  Too much and you risk looking gaunt so this is for anyone looking to pump up those cheekbones.  Other flattering areas include along the jawline, temples and sides of nose.  If you want to go full-sculpt refer to the illustration at the top of this post.  But these basics are a good start and will add tons of dimension to your face.

Highlighting draws on the opposite effect which utilizes a foundation two shades lighter than your skin tone to bring forward these areas.  Obvious choices are the tops of cheekbones, brow bones above and below brows and cupid’s bow just above lip.  If you have an evening event or you’re just feeling a bit glam, add shimmer to really set off a glow.  AirPro highlighter in Champagne Shimmer is perfect for this.

Contouring like a pro in three easy steps

  1. Create a flawless finish by applying airbrush foundation over entire face.
  2. Contour with airbrush foundation two shades darker than skin tone in the areas illustrated above.
  3. Highlight with airbrush foundation or shimmer two shades lighter than skin tone.

Working those curves has never been easier than with airbrush makeup!

 

Posted in Face Talk Beauty Tips Also tagged , , , , , , , , |

Featured on Carats and Cake

Featured on Carats and Cake

One of my favorite weddings last summer was with a beautiful Alabama bride and her family for their destination San Diego wedding. Carats and Cake chose to feature the spectacular event which took place at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, recently awarded Trip Advisors #1 luxury hotel in the United States.  It is all that and the reason so many brides choose this romantic wedding venue.

You can see the full Carats and Cake post here

I was thrilled to be chosen for makeup and hair services!  My team and I beautified the bride, bridal party and moms within a 4 hour window of time insuring the girls didn’t have to start too early so they would be well-rested and full of energy for the long day.  The well-seasoned professionals selected by the bride and her family pulled the event together and seamlessly executed the day so that Heather, Wes and guests could celebrate one of the most memorable days of their lives.

makeup hair artistSan Diego makeup and hair artist

San Diego makeup_hair team

The bridesmaid’s wore goddess-inspired dresses created by the bride herself who just so happens to be a fashion designer.  Heather purchased her exquisite gown from Kleinfeld Bridal.

San Diego makeup and hair artistSan Diego makeup hair

Putting together the final touches before saying “I do”.              …and they lived happily ever after!!!

San Diego makeup and hair artist Grand Del Mar

See entire Carats and Cake feature here

Coordinator: Victoria Weddings and Events

Venue: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Photographer: Paul Barnett

Videographer: Taylor Films

Florist: Blush Botanicals

Beauty: Paula Mayer

Posted in Weddings Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , |

Webcast shoot

webcast shoot makeup hair

Makeup and hair for San Diego webcast shoot

Twenty five years in the beauty industry with lots of hard work and dedication to the craft has been both exciting and rewarding.  I’m fortunate to have worked on a wide array of jobs.  In a weeks time my career may take me from a Halloween catalog shoot one day, creating a gunshot wound for the real NCIS the next to a special event at The Grand Del Mar on the weekend.  I have earned many long-term, loyal clients in the process.  Projects include makeup and hair for photo shoots, press events, special occasions and anniversary celebrations.  And then there’s class reunions when making my client look fabulously years younger than everyone else is key!  Boudoir shoots allow me to create sultry lashes and bombshell hair; family photos, holiday parties, video shoots, webcasts and more.

This is a business where you never know where or who you’ll be working with from week to week so flexibility and preparedness is imperative.

Recent shoot

One of my talented and beautiful clients’, Sonia Stringer of Savvy Network Marketing Women, recently called on me to get her camera ready for a webcast video shoot.  I have been working with Sonia for four years and feel fortunate to have her call on my beauty services.  She is very successful and active in her industry which requires her to be on camera and stage frequently.  She is naturally gorgeous and fit but with hot lights that add glare and camera’s that add pounds it never hurts to have a professional makeup and hair artist on call.

I met Sonia at the Brandetize Studio in uptown to work with her in preparation for her webcast video shoot.  We met early for the initial makeup and hair.   The process typically takes about one to one and a half hours and I stayed with her throughout the half day shoot for touchups and wardrobe changes.  The shoot was productive and due in part to her foresight to include makeup and hair, the outcome was polished and professional looking.

Webcast shoot makeup hairWebcast shoot makeup hairWebcast shoot makeup hair

Professional makeup and hair is a key component to a great outcome

Which brings me to my next point… Many people think they can “get by” with their standard run-of-the-mill makeup for camera.  The reality is that “day” makeup will not hold up under intense lights without looking washed out.  High definition cameras are used on most sets today which is why good quality makeup is key.   The overall production value will be lost otherwise so if you’re going to do it -you might as well do it right!  I have been an airbrush makeup artist for over 20 years which is why airbrush is my go-to for a flawless, non made-up finish and looks great under the scrutiny of high-def.  My preference is, of course, AirPro Makeup which, as some of you may know, is my own line featuring airbrush systems and cosmetics.

Added value to your webcast shoot

Most professionals carry items that may otherwise be overlooked by a first-timer that can be real shoot savers.  Some items may include wardrobe tape for a gaping button, lint roller because the dog decided to curl up on your blouse the night before, even shoe polish or the like that will substitute in a pinch.

Professional makeup and hair is really affordable and can make or break the outcome of your project.  I highly recommend considering it for your next shoot.  And if you’re a man, this includes you too!  The tan lines giving away last weekend’s golf game or the razor burn on your neck could use a little attention.  And for those of you sporting heavy beards, it need not be unruly.  With a little grooming and some trusty beard wax you too can be camera worthy!  So while makeup and hair may be the least expensive portion of your overall bill, it is certainly one of the most important!

Stellar results

Professional makeup and hair will bring life to the final product.  Your end result can go from mediocre to outstanding with just a touch of aptly applied concealer here and a dab of hair gel there. Add to that a great conversation during the process to ease any pre-performance nerves and you could create an award-winner.  So I hope you’ll consider me as your beautifier and confidence builder the next time you will be camera front and center.

See you at your next shoot!

Posted in Recent Works, Uncategorized Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Torrey Pines Lodge wedding ceremony

Torrey Pines Lodge wedding featured in Ceremony Magazine

Torrey Pines Lodge is one of my favorite venues known for it’s historical craftsman style and green setting positioned amongst the Torrey Pines golf course and Pacific ocean coastline.  I’m fortunate to be referred to work at this venue several times a year.  Upon arriving at the beautiful hotel I’m immediately warmed by the aroma of the outdoor wood-burning fireplace.  What a great way to start my day before beautifying a bride for her much anticipated wedding.  Photography by Patty Brutlag of Petula Pea Photography

makeup and hair for wedding at Torrey Pines Lodge Torrey Pines wedding Torrey Pines wedding
Tatum and Bryan united as a couple in the spring of 2015 on a gorgeous sunny San Diego afternoon.  I met with Tatum prior to the wedding to test out her bridal look saving time and worries on the wedding day.   She was one of the most unconcerned brides I’ve ever worked with giving me only general direction and then letting me take it from there.  As you can tell by the photos she was a natural beauty not requiring my full set of skills.

makeup and hair for Torrey Pines Lodge weddingmakeup and hair for Torrey Pines Lodge weddingmakeup and hair for Torrey Pines Lodge wedding

I feel the most focused and artistic when I know my clients trust my 24+ years of experience knowing the makeup and hair will look great for the cameras as well as in person.   This was the freedom I was allowed when I worked with Tatum, her mom, mother-in-law and bridal party.   One of those jobs I enjoyed so much I almost felt guilty getting paid for.  And because the makeup was airbrushed using my own formula called AirPro Makeup it was able to withstanding the 14 hour activity filled day.

airbrush makeup for torrey pines lodge weddingairbrush makeup for torrey pines lodge weddingairbrush makeup for torrey pines lodge wedding

hair and makeup for torrey pines lodge wedding hair and makeup for torrey pines lodge wedding

Team extroidinare

Coordinated by Keli Christenson of Monarch Weddings

Photographed by Patty Brutlag of Petula Pea Photography

Keli was so wonderful to refer this special client to me and Patty was very generous with sharing these images for use on my blog.

Posted in Weddings Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Makeup & hair for good cause

Makeup & hair for philanthropic article

A long time client and someone I greatly admire recently asked me to do her makeup and hair for a photo shoot for Modern Luxury Magazine featuring her and two adorable baby goats all in the name of a good cause.  Michelle Lerach who is a lawyer by training, and while she doesn’t do it full time anymore, helps out on causes she deems worthy.  She also gives of her time and money for environmental and agricultural causes giving back to her community in a way that is very important to her.  She believes access to good food should be available to all and has started a foundation with the help of others in the farming community called Berry Good Food Foundation. The Berry Good Food Foundation educates, connects and supports food producers and consumers integrating a healthy food system.

Modern Luxury Magazine

Fun was had by everyone involved in the shoot which took place at Michelle and her husband Bill’s sprawling estate in LaJolla, California complete with aviary, thick foliage and sprawling cliffside garden.  She hosts many events and fundraisers on site giving freely of her time for worthy causes.  I had the pleasure of working with the photographer Jennifer Siegwart from Jen and Bec for the first time. She was amazingly undemanding and a real doll.

The goats, who were barely a week old, were oh so tiny and playful and completely adorable -no makeup required.   But for such small critters they have very loud bleats!

If you would like to learn more about the Berry Good Food Foundation or find out how you can make a contribution please visit their website http://berrygoodfood.org/

Posted in Recent Works Also tagged , , , |

Featured on Ceremony Magazine’s Blog

Ceremony Magazine’s Blog

Ceremony Magazine’s blog recently featured a wedding at the newly remodeled Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in which me and my team were hired as the beauty crew working behind the scenes to get everyone ready for the big day.  The bride and her family were so warm and welcoming, making it a relaxed and festive event for everyone.

The couple celebrated and honored both of their heritages by having an Indian ceremony on Friday evening and a Western ceremony on Saturday.

The couple’s wedding coordinator, a veteran of the industry, Susanne Duffy of Crown Weddings was able to pull together the bride’s vision and orchestrate all the details effortlessly making it a stress-free day for the couple and their families.  Flowers were artfully arranged by Jennifer Cole Florals.

Photographer, Paul Barnett of Barnett Photography is a natural at putting couples at ease with his warmth and sense of humor.  Not to mention, he’s got a great eye.

Thank you to Ceremony Magazine’s Blog for featuring this wonderful couple and all of the vendors who pulled the event together for them.

Posted in Weddings Also tagged , , , , , |

Makeup for musicians

Makeup and hair for beautiful music

I recently was hired to do makeup and hair for a talented singer/songwriter named Lena Belle.  She would be photographed by Darin Fong  for her new CD cover titled “My Own Way”.  When she arrived for her session I was delighted by her warm personality and down to earth attitude; yet she was somehow worldly for such a young person. Unfamiliar with her music at the time I asked her when the CD would be available.  I offered to pay her in advance if she would mail me a CD when they became available.  Much to my surprise, in the hustle-bustle busy world we live in where much is forgotten and promises are left unfulfilled, she followed through by mailing me her CD accompanied with a super sweet handwritten thank you note  …I’m a huge fan! (both of her and her music)

You can check out her work here

You can purchase her latest EP here

makeup for musiciansMakeup for musicians combined with hairstyling and wardrobe design play an integral role in achieving the image and persona the artist wishes to portray to the public much as an actor would do to get into character for a major role.  So whether the artists’ style is Lady Gage-dramatic or Taylor Swift-soft, makeup and hair play a big part in achieving that image.

Posted in Recent Works Also tagged , |

Scripps Seaside Forum wedding

Airbrush makeup and hairstyling for Scripps Seaside Forum wedding party

Alex and her bridesmaids chose a polished yet relaxed beauty style for the seaside event.  Everyone gathered early at the brides parent’s lovely home in LaJolla for a relaxing morning of pampering while enjoying overnight oats and coffee prepared by the bride’s brother’s girlfriend (soon be to sister-in-law  -wink, wink).  Their day started with lots of laughs and reminiscencing of pre-engagement days and then led into fun pre-ceremony photos by the wonderful team at True Photography.

airbrush makeup and hair

beauty servicesmakeup for Scripps Seaside Forum wedding

Alex chose a lovely brooch passed down to her by her grandmother to finish off her hairstyle so I made sure the treasure was well secured to withstand a night of dancing and living it up.  Alex has perfect hair for the style she chose -no extensions necessary- to create this bouncy mass of golden curls which tied in beautifully to their seaside wedding at the Scripps Forum.  The event was put together by long time family friend and professional coordinator Anseth Richards of Creative Occasions.

 

Her gown was simple and understated, a perfect tie in to a seaside event.

Posted in Weddings Also tagged , , , , , |