Blog - September 2008

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21 September 2008 - The Secrets of Top Makeup Artists

We have praised its unbelievable potency for transforming our complexion, playing up our eyes and hiding some of our flaws and we have come as close to actually bowing to it. And if we have not done it already it is because we have left this for today: yes, do not act so amazed, today we should bow to the mighty makeup and the magicians that have mastered the art of making faces.

Let me just ask you one thing, what kind of makeup application are you getting for your wedding or any special occasion? Professional or mediocre? Because there is much to consider when it comes to choosing between the two. Both experienced makeup lovers and those who are not too experimented in applying or wearing makeup will be shocked to find out the truth.

Let me remove the smoke and mirrors for you...
Remember the old adage “You get what you pay for”. For quality work you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $120 and up to $150 for a Celebrity Makeup Artist, be weary of makeup artists who complete a face in under 30 minutes you may as well do it yourself. At Hollywood Brides our artist’s spend on average about 45mins per face.

Every face is unique that is why at Hollywood Brides it is our philosophy to tailor an individual look for each person. I am very suspicious of so called professional makeup artists who use the same colours and application style on everyone in the bridal party and so should you!
The very best celebrity makeup secret is how the celebrity makeup artist prepares the skin before makeup is even applied. Celebrity makeup artists have on hand an arsenal of prep work products including, anti-shine serum, toner, moisturiser, makeup primer, silicone based pore and line minimisers. A Hollywood Brides professional makeup artist’s kit is a treasure trove full of such magical products.

A true professional will use the art of highlighting and contouring (which is done on all celebrity and model faces), “Highlighting and contouring” is a very tricky thing. If done right it could make almost as dramatic a change in refining your facial features as cosmetic surgery. If done wrong highlighting and contouring can look obvious or make your face look dirty and or out of proportion.

For example, you may apply highlights to your brow bone to make your eyes stand out. You may apply shadows to a double chin to make it less noticeable. Or to slim your nose, you can apply highlights down the centre, in a thinner line than the actual width of your nose. When making an inquiry ask the makeup artist if they do highlighting and contouring, you will be surprised by how many that won’t have a clue what you are talking about or simply just don’t do it. At Hollywood Brides our magicians provide this as a standard service on all our brides, minimising flaws and accentuating your natural beauty creating a dramatic difference, making your facial features appear ”sculpted”. It’s like performing cosmetic surgery with makeup.

Through the course of an average day and evening you will have general wear and tear on your makeup. With no celebrity makeup artist waiting in the wings to touch it up it is important that your makeup artist uses a makeup setting spray which holds everything in place all day and night. One of the products we use is Model in a Bottle which was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Tyra Banks Show.
At Hollywood Brides each and every one of us is passionate about educating our clients about what level of service they should expect, and we are even more passionate about consistently delivering that level service.

Catch you next time!

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15 September - The Vintage Hairdo is all the Rage for 2008 Spring Brides

The beehive is back with a vengeance this spring and it has been present on many runways, therefore this hairdo has really started to grow on stylists and brides alike it would seem. The fact that this 50's big hairdo has made a comeback may be mainly due to the vintage-oriented beauty and fashion nowadays. We have to pay tribute to tradition and old times after all, right? What we are seeing is a return to the classics and a unification of the outdated with the new. And for all us lovers of old school cool making what used to be considered obsolete hot and fashionable again is all too exciting.

So with the beehive back let’s remember to keep it as simple as possible. Of course, you can always go for a sophisticated look with curls or plaits blended in it, but make sure you give it a sleek note, even when it is meant to be messy.
Just take a look at the pictures in this piece that illustrate a few beehive styles proposed to us by hairstyle artists combing the hair of models on the runways for this season.

This hairdo generally fits any type of face, as long as it is not too long, because the beehive is elongated not only will it add height but it is just the right thing for plumper faces, because it adds a few inches in length to them and thus makes them appear longer than they really are.
With their volume, beehives add elegance and distinction to any discerning bride; therefore we have all the reasons in the world to be happy that they are back and sizzling hot. Plus, this is a good thing from a practical point of view, because instead of wearing our locks loose this spring and summer and getting all hot and sweaty underneath this hairdo leaves our neck and shoulders space to breathe.

Catch you next time!