This Just In... *** BIG NEWS ***

Mark E Walker with Freedom Williams of C+C Music Factory fame performing together onstage and live in concert along the beach at The Plaza Ocean Club on March 23, 2012. Free performance with exclusive guest DJ's, singers, dancers and awesome drink specials right at the beach. This will be "the" Spring Break party of the year not to miss. Concert starts at 3:00 pm. Party down with us as we take you INTO THE FUTURE Daytona Beach style!!! March 23rd is gonna be off the hook!

Makeup for the DIY (Do It Yourself) Bride

If you're a "Do It Yourself" kind of girl, I may venture to guess that your wedding is no exception. Whether for financial reasons or just the hesitation of letting go, you may decide to take wedding day beauty into your own hands. Here is where I can help. Let me give you a few insights into creating a picture perfect bridal photo.

There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself, if you're well-informed and excellent at applying your own makeup. I've been doing makeup for well over 20 years and even still I would never attempt to do my own makeup for my wedding day. But to those who are more adventurous, I will provide you with a few important tips.

Flawless makeup begins with flawless skin. Get routine facials, wear sunscreen, avoid harmful tanning, drink lots of water, watch what you eat and take care of your skin. We can always make our skin darker with bronzers and spray-on tans but once you damage your skin with UV rays, there's no way in reversing the negative effects.

Invest in quality, professional makeup products and tools. Using consumer geared products may have less than stellar results. Consumer makeup not designed for photography may present a problem with artificial flash of the camera washing out your skin tone on pictures. Most "over-the-counter" cosmetics lack beneficial pigments and will fade away long before the night is over. Just like quality cosmetics, a good set of brushes can make your application so much easier. Expect to pay a decent amount for quality products and tools. One professional brush can set you back between $35 and $75.

When working with clients, a makeup artist will take into account such things as; weather, heat, attire, skin tone, genetics, season, indoor/outdoor and many more variables. Understanding how all these things can affect the final photography outcome would take months, maybe years to master. But if you begin to make yourself aware of them, you can start to see how it all comes together to create the end result.

Cameras will be in abundance at your wedding and you're bound to have your picture taken more times in this one day than at any other time in your life. So, you definitely want your makeup to stand up through it all.

Be sure to practice with a full blown makeup application and take as many pictures in different lighting and locations as you possibly can. Apply your makeup early in the morning and note how well it lasts throughout the day. Do this for several days; wearing your makeup while you workout, clean the house, go shopping, etc. You want to see how well it holds up under the worst conditions. This way, you can rest assured knowing your makeup will still look fabulous from the moment you walk down the aisle until you make your final get away at the end of the night.  

Many area makeup artists will offer tips and technique training classes with either individual or group lessons. I highly recommend attending a class or private session to tweak your wedding day bridal look. It may be difficult to learn how to master the art of creating flawless skin but with practice, you should be able to create a picture perfect look.

Best wishes to all the happy and beautiful brides. Please feel free to contact me for more tips. 

www.stephaniejmazzeo.com

Wearing of the Green!

Break out the greens ladies! St Patrick's Day is heading this way.

Green can appear prominent, so limit the amount of additional color on your face. A tinted moisturizer will look better than a full face bronzer.  

Selecting a shadow on the bluer side of green will work great for brown eyes. Hazel colored eyes should choose a yellow-based green.

If you have green eyes, a contrasting green color will accent your eyes rather than camouflage them. Choose dark olive shadows for light green eyes and select something in the jade range for deeper green eyes.

 Make Up For Ever's Aqua Cream Eyeliner - Emerald Green

Deep blue eyes will work perfectly with a dark green shade while lighter blue eyes should focus on mossy green shadows.

Accent green eye shadows with creams and ivory or for a fun night on the town, blend in a touch of gold shimmer.

Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner (Shown here in Mullet)

 

Try using a gold liner smudged along the lash line, top and bottom, then topped off with the green eyeshadow, darker on the top lash line and a lighter shade on the bottom. This will make the eyes appear open and bright.

MAC Eyeshadow in Swimming

For best results, pair your green shadows with a nude lip or opt for a gold luster gloss, keeping the focus on your eyes.

Using a good, solid primer on the eyelid will keep creasing at a minimum and provide long-lasting staying power.

False lashes will heighten the drama of your eyes or just apply two coats of rich black mascara.

Gently sweep a soft blush on the apples of your cheeks for just a spot of color. Avoid blush that has a shimmer to it, otherwise it will compete with your eyes.

Wedding Day Timeline for Makeup

Scheduling the timeline for your wedding day can be a somewhat daunting task.  Trying to plan how it will all come together may drive a normally sane person to the point of insanity.  If you don't have a wedding planner or day of coordinator, you can certainly find lots of information online with sample schedules. 

Your makeup services will need to be worked into the day's activities and events.  Be sure to allow enough time to have everyone's makeup completed.  No one should be rushing around at the last minute trying to get ready.  

Allowing approximately 30 - 45 minutes per person will give you plenty of breathing room.  If you provide each lady with a scheduled time for her makeup, and advise them to be on time and ready, you will find everything flows smoothly.   I have no preference when it comes to applying makeup before or after the hair is styled.  Some makeup artists may feel otherwise so be sure to coordinate the times with the hair stylists as well.

Be sure to ask the girls who will be having their makeup done to wear an easy to remove shirt or robe so they won't risk the chance of smudging their makeup when they change into their dresses.  I always stress to make sure everyone has eaten and brushed their teeth prior to their makeup application so they won't ruin their lip color once it's been applied. 

Coordinate your timeline schedule with your photographer.  Many brides choose to have pre-ceremony photos done and you want to allow enough time before you need to be at the church or venue.  Some brides decide to have pictures taken while they are getting dressed and having their makeup applied.  You will need to work this in with the photographer's schedule so you are sure to have the desired photos you want.

Try to avoid any last minute errands or venue set up and assign these tasks to someone who will not be having her makeup done.  I spend wasted moments waiting for a bridesmaid or mother of the bride/groom to sit in my makeup chair because she is busy placing rose petals on the table. 

Being well prepared is a key to staying relaxed and stress free on your wedding day.  Sticking to your timeline schedule will keep everything flowing smoothly. 

Do not skimp.....

I'm sure you're imagining this blog post is going to be about makeup…..well, this time it’s about your wedding day photographer.   After 20 years working as a makeup artist, I have met the good, the bad and the ugly in the photography world.   Here is just one personal experience I had which leads me to the speech "I can’t stress enough why your photographer should be on the 'do not skimp' list."

I was contacted by a bride at the last minute to provide makeup services for her and her bridal party.   No worries, I could accommodate her.   I arrive at the hotel and begin my makeup services.   I’m about halfway through the bridal party when a guy arrives with a camera.   The camera looked something like this.

I presume it’s a friend of the family snapping some pre-wedding photos.   Wrong…..it was the wedding day photographer.........  So, now I am still assuming it’s a friend of the family.  Well, you know what they say about assuming things……It’s not a friend of the family.   It’s the hired photographer.  

I finish up my work and the photographer hands me a business card.   I take a quick glance at the card…..no website listed and the email isn’t even remotely related to the photographer’s name or business.   I understand not everyone is able to get their own domain email, but I would expect someone in business to at least get an email such as xyzphotography@email.com or something along those lines.   This “business card” was printed on photo paper and cut apart with scissors (not even or straight I might add)….I guess they never got the 500 business cards for only $10 email.

A month passes and I contact the photographer to see if I could perhaps get some wedding photos.   The first response from the photographer is addressed to the bride’s name, not mine, and states he will send photos tomorrow.   Tomorrow comes and goes, but still no email or pictures.  After a week I send another email asking if perhaps there is an online viewing gallery I could look at.   This time, I get an reply that states he will send some photos if he can remember how to send them in the email.   Seriously??   Well ,an email comes with photos not of the bride nor her bridal party, but of me!!   Not really what I was looking for.

Brides, the moral of the story here is that you can always go back and get photos reprinted and albums made, but you can’t fix bad photography or lousy service. Make sure your photographer is a top priority.

Wedding day at the Palm Coast Yacht Club

Photos copyright Heavenly Radiance Photography

Pretty bride Samantha !!

Samantha all glammed up for her wedding day at the Palm Coast Yacht Club, Saturday, February 18th.  Makeup by Stephanie Mazzeo / Hair by Destination Hair Stylist

I used OCC {Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics} primer and foundation plus blush in Vintage. Followed with Yaby Cosmetics powder blush. Anastasia of Beverly Hills brow powder ws used to define Samantha's eyebrows.

Her eye lids were primed with Too Face Shadow Insurance followed by MAC eye shadows in Electra, Chill and Digital. Samantha's eyes were lined with Make Up For Ever's Aqua Eyes in black. I topped the liner with a thin line of Yaby's black powder eyeshadow for staying power. The lashes were coated with a waterproof mascara.

I used Becca Cosmetics Beach Tint in Watermelon with Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Liner in 2C. A touch of gold shadow and a coat of clear gloss from Face Atelier topped off her lips.

Kohl, a Source of Lead Poisoning

Most people tend to be aware of the dangers of lead poisoning from sources such as lead paint and fumes from leaded gasoline. You may not know there is a risk associated with the common known eye cosmetic referred to as kohl {kajal, al-kahl or surma}.

Kohl is not permitted in the US. Kohl is a color additive and there is no regulation permitting its use in a cosmetic or in any other FDA-regulated product.

[NOTE: Some manufacturers may label eye cosmetics with the term "kohl" simply to indicate the shade, not because the product actually contains kohl. If the product is properly labeled, consumers can check the ingredient declaration to determine whether it contains only color additives that are approved for cosmetic use in the area of the eye. If no color additives are declared, it would be wise to stay on the safe side and assume that the product is, in fact, kohl.]

(Please refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for specifics)

Traditional Makeup vs. Airbrush Makeup

How to choose between airbrush makeup and traditional (hand-applied) makeup

There is a lot of hype about airbrush makeup. Having 20+ years of experience in applying makeup, and working with new and improved cosmetic products and the latest tools, let me provide you with my understanding of both airbrush and traditional makeup applications.

I do offer both airbrush and the traditional method of application and I do not charge more for either option. Why? Well, to begin with airbrushing is just another method or tool for applying makeup. I could use a sponge, a brush, my fingers or an airbrush machine. I don't consider it a special service, but rather a different technique.

With the airbrush method, small particles of the foundation are sprayed through an airbrush gun using air. These small particles are deposited on the skin and the amount of coverage is controlled by the individual applying the makeup. Airbrush offers the ability to apply a sheer layer and build up for full coverage as needed. Depending upon the makeup artist, you can have a good outcome or a bad one.

The same holds true for traditionally applied makeup. Using a brush, sponge or fingers, the artist will apply foundation (liquid, cream or powder) to the skin. The experience of the artist will reflect in the outcome of the application. Just as with the airbrush method, it can be very sheer if the artist has a light touch but may appear cakey if he/she is heavy-handed.

A big concern for those deciding between airbrush and traditional makeup is longevity. You may need it to hold up in high temperatures, last throughout the day, stay put while sweating and the biggest request is for the makeup to be waterproof.

Just because makeup is airbrushed is not a reason to title it waterproof. Any experienced artist using quality cosmetic products will be able to create a waterproof application to withstand any melting, sweating, tearing or shifting of makeup.

When considering the option of airbrush application with the traditional application, it's definitely a matter of personal choice. Based on your comfort level, one method may appear more pleasant than the other. I definitely recommend requesting a consultation to experience both the airbrush and the traditional method before making your decision.

The photos in this blog post represent both traditional and airbrush makeup applications. Can you tell the difference??

~Making the world beautiful one face at a time~



xo

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunday's Photoshoot

I had such a great time at the photoshoot with all the wonderful ladies. I can't wait to see all the photos.

Big hugs to Christy for helping Jennifer Ring Photography keep the ball rolling!

Wedding Day Beauty Tips

Keep some drinking straws handy. Using a drinking straw can help minimize any chance of potential spoiling of your makeup or lip color until your ceremony begins.

Be sure to eat and remember to brush your teeth prior to your time in the makeup chair. There's nothing worse than realizing you forgot to brush your teeth after being all glammed up and ready to go.

Use a pillow case to keep your makeup and hair safe while getting dressed. For gals who aren't able to step into their wedding day attire, place your arms in front of your face with your fingers stretching above your head. Keep your arms a few inches in front of your face and your hands a few inches above your head. Have your friends drop a large pillow case over both your arms and head.

Once the pillow case is situated and protecting your face and hair, your friends can begin to slide your wedding day dress over your head. By using your arms and hands to hold the pillow case away from your face and hair, there is no fear of messing your hairstyle or getting makeup on your clothing.

Wedding days are extremely hectic and rustling everyone up to sit down to be beautified can be challenging. Cell phones are ringing , bridesmaids are texting, the florist is knocking.......Always allow more than enough time for everyone to schedule their hair and makeup. Better yet, create a schedule for each lady with an assigned appointment time for makeup/hair.

Best of all, relax and enjoy being pampered!

xo

Covering Tattoos for Weddings & Special Events

Covering tattoos effectively for weddings can be time consuming.  It takes a lot of products, several hours and a ton of patience.  The first step is understanding that although  I will do my best to camouflage the tattoo, it will never look like you didn't get tattooed.  It will be undetectable in photos and, to those not looking for it, the tattoo will be unnoticeable in person with a professional cover application.  

Using proper, quality products is a necessary step in wedding day tattoo cover, as is having reasonable expectations.  It's not a quick or easy process and, brides wanting to cover their tattoo(s) should realize they will need to pay appropriately for quality tattoo cover services for their wedding day.  

before

As I briefly mentioned, tattoo cover is a lengthy, precise project.  I begin by correcting areas of the tattoo using lighter and complimentary colors. Once the colors have been muted, I lightly apply a special foundation product.  It may take several layers to completely hide the tattoo.  After the tattoo is minimized, I airbrush over the tattoo and finish off with a waterproof sealer.   

Although products to cover tattoos can be found on the internet and through bridal shops, and even though they may work to effectively cover your tattoo, these products are extremely temporary and will not last throughout the day's events.  In order to create a natural looking cover that won't run, sweat or smear off, you must invest in quality, professional grade products applied by an experienced artist. 


 after

Note: above photo has not been retouched or in anyway altered to adjust the tattoo cover. This is the exact tattoo cover as it appears on camera.

After many attempts at tattoo cover, I was able to narrow down the products which work from those that don't.  You will find many makeup artists offering to cover tattoos for minimal costs but with their lack of knowledge and quality products, your tattoo will soon be visible as the day wears on.  If you are only interested in a momentary cover fix, perhaps for a photo op, then any of those bridal shop products will work.  But if you want a long lasting tattoo cover that lasts from pre-ceremony to post-reception, then you definitely need to invest in having your tattoo covered by an experienced and knowledgeable professional makeup artist.

Also it is best to note that the consumption of alcohol in the days preceding the event will have a negative effect on the lasting ability of the cover up.  Your body releases alcohol through the skin which reacts with the products used and will cause the makeup to disappear sooner than anticipated.  Alcohol should be avoided if at all possible or at least limited as it will also cause issues with your beauty makeup as well. 

Note: above photo has not been retouched or in anyway altered to adjust the tattoo cover. This is the exact tattoo cover as it appears on camera.

Kissable Lips

What girl doesn't want irresistible, kissable lips?  Giving good lip begins with a proper base. Start by exfoliating your lips. I like Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub or make your own lip scrub with sugar and honey. Use a soft washcloth and gentle circular motions to flake away dead skin from your lips.

You'll want to add a touch of lip balm as a base. Try EMBRYOLISSE™ Stick Protecteur Reparateur (Lips Protection Stick)

Apply a lip liner to help color last longer. Line the entire lip and then fill in with color using your lip pencil. This will keep feathering to a minimum. Blot with a tissue. To acheive a sexy, pouty look, use a darker liner at the inner corners blending to a lighter color toward the center of your lips.

Next apply your lipstick color using a lip brush. You'll have more control with a lip brush rather than trying to apply color straight from the lipstick tube. For added WOW! place a touch of gold eye shadow at the center of your lips, blending it into your lipcolor.

Blot again and add on a clear or iridescent lip gloss for added shine. Then get ready to pucker up those kissers!!!

xo