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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!

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20 August 2008 - What to look for when choosing a wedding photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is not something most of us do every day.  Let’s face it, it’s usually something we have never done before and for most of us that usually means relying on the recommendations of family and friends or searching the web looking for a style that catches your eye.  Even then, what do you ask and what should you expect from the photographer?  It can be a difficult choice not to mention a big gamble.  That’s a lot of money you’re investing in a service that you cannot afford to get wrong. 

Remember unlike a portrait where you cannot go back and re-shoot, there are no re-shoots for a wedding.  But what if you got the inside edge on what to ask and look for in a wedding photographer from an actual wedding photographer?  So we asked a highly respected wedding photographer with over 10 years experience in the business and an active member of some of Australia’s leading wedding photographic associations, Helen McConnell of Helen McConnell Photography to give us some tips.  Here are some of Helen’s suggestions to ask your Photographer before you book them.
 
“Always ask the studio to see sample albums of the actual photographer who will be photographing your wedding.  It is not uncommon for some studios to call in casual contract photographers during busy periods.  Their work may be very different to the sample studio albums shown to you initially.  Always ask to meet the person photographing your wedding.  Remember you will be working with the photographer for most of the day so a good relationship and friendly personality is vital”

“Be clear on what is included in the various photographic packages on offer.  Always get the contents of the selected package clearly detailed in your contract with the studio and have all optional extras clearly listed and priced.  Ask how many photographs will be taken on the Wedding Day and how many of those you will get to choose from.  Ask the studio what are the most common extra costs that are likely to be incurred in their final packages.  Probably two of the most common extra costs couples encounter is extra pages in the album and digital enhancements.  A reasonable amount of digital enhancement should be included as this is what makes a great album a magical one.  Also ask if GST is included in the prices.”

“To photograph a wedding properly you need at least one photographer and an assistant.  Of course to photograph a truly magical day and really capture the different perspectives and angles of your wedding day you need two photographers.  Most good studios will include in their packages two people to photograph your wedding.

“The studio should work out a timeline with you well in advance of the wedding day.  This should include locations, travel times and any special considerations such as access to restricted locations, permits and parking arrangements.  When working out the timelines ensure that adequate time for hair and makeup has been allowed for.    Also make sure you hire a reputable make-up artist who uses high quality products and who also keeps to the arranged time schedule.

Never hire a friend of the family to photograph your Wedding unless they’re a professional wedding photographer.  A friend of yours may take a “great shot” here and there, but you really need a professional photographer who has the experience of shooting weddings and knows what can happen and how to deal with it.  I have heard so many stories over the years from disappointed couples who thought they’d save some money by hiring a friend.  It’s a regret they carry for the rest of their lives. 

And last but not least, RELAX on the day. It will make the world of difference to your photographs.

Catch you next time!

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15 August 2008 - It not just about your makeup on your big day

Choosing the perfect perfume for your wedding day is great fun and there is such a wonderful array of lovely scents to select from. Floral perfumes are a great favourite with brides who love an innocent and romantic feel. A perfume with top notes of rose would be perfect for the bride with a bouquet of roses. For that little extra extravagance, you might like to layer your scent. By using a shower gel, moisturiser, body powder and eau de toilette in your favourite scent, you can be sure you will smell divine all day long!

Catch you next time!

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9 August 2008 - The key to a flawless look on your wedding day is good planning

Stake out the bathrooms or changing facility at your wedding reception venue. Stash an emergency kit including powder to beat down shiny noses, clear nail polish to repair stocking runs, a hairbrush, hairspray, lipstick, and a sewing kit, along with anything else you think you or your bridesmaids might need.

Catch you next time!

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3 August 2008 - How to aviod puffy eyes on your big day

The last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is waking up to puffy eyes. The great news is, there a number of simple solutions that can refresh and sooth your eyes, ensuring you look absolutely stunning on your wedding day. Here are some of my favourite cures:

• For extremely puffy eyes, simply put some ice cubes into a sink of cold water and then make a cold compress with a face cloth. It will work every time
• Another popular option is cucumber slices or cold, green tea or empty teabags. Apply on your eyes for 10 minutes in the evening or in the morning for the best results.
• Place a gel eye mask in the fridge and use when required.
• Try soaking two cotton pads in ice cold water.
• Use a soothing eye cream everyday to help reduce any eye puffiness and to energise your eye area.
• Place two teaspoons in the freezer and apply directly on your closed eyes.
• If none of these options are working, you can always try applying a Haemorrhoid cream to the puffy area around the eye. You need to be extremely careful not to get any in your eye.

Catch you next time!

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27 July 2008 - Importance of well manicured hands

Your official wedding photographer is bound to take lots of pictures of the happy couple holding hands and showing off their new wedding rings so chipped nails and chapped hands are obviously not an option. To ensure your hands are smooth and your nails look strong and healthy use a good hand cream every day and treat yourself to a regular manicure so unruly cuticles and soft/brittle nails can be sorted out in time.

Catch you next time!

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19 July 2008 - Hair trends for Spring 2008

The hot trend in woman’s hair for Spring 2008 is to go with a natural colour and natural looking finish. Bobs, pobs or crops are out while flowing locks is what the stars are going for this upcoming season. With long hair being all the rage, you have two main options about how to wear it. Choose from the hippie chic style, by letting your tresses hang loose in relaxed waves down your shoulders. Ideally you should go with a centre part.

Alternatively if the loose and free look isn’t your thing, you can always go with a soft do that is equally en vogue. In this case you are better going with a side part. You can match flawlessly a side part with a casual updo, just like the hippies used to do, or you can adopt the messy, laisez-faire style with a very loose hairdo, with strands left hanging around your face. If you want to avoid the side part, then here are a couple of other suggestions.

Long ponytails are very chic at the moment, and require little time to be fixed, allowing you to wear for as long as you like. Undone buns and generally tousled-up strands leaving the face clean in order to bring luminosity to it or matched with side-swept bangs are also a great and trendy pick.

Catch you next time!

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10 July 2008 - How to ensure you don't have a bad hair day on your wedding day

Don't wash your hair on the day of your wedding or the night before. Your hair is better when it's settled down, so try and wash it at least 24 hours before the time of your wedding, to achieve the perfect result.

Catch you next time!

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30 June 2008 - A simple way to achieve that glowing bride look!

Visit a beauty therapist at least one month prior to your wedding day, to start working on your beauty and facial treatment program. The sooner you start, the better the result you will achieve.

Catch you next time!

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11 June 2008 - Simple Steps to Thicker Lashes

Thick long lashes are seriously sexy. This three-step technique will make your mascara work like a magic wand!

Wiggle - Wipe excess mascara off the brush head, then place it under the very base of your lashes so it's gently touching your eyelid. Now wiggle the bristles back and forth a few times. The wiggle motion thoroughly coats and separates your lash roots, making them look as thick as possible.

Swoop - Slowly stroke the mascara from roots to ends. Let dry for   a few seconds, then apply a second coat.

Top Off - Lightly swipe the very tips of your lashes a third time to maximize their length.

Catch you next time!

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30 May 2008 - How to Achieve that Salon Look Everyday

We all love the feeling and confidence you get when you have just walked out of the salon with your hair styled to perfection. Unfortunately the same can’t be said the next day, when you try to replicate the look and feel, without the assistance of a professional stylist.

Here are some tips to help you achieve that salon  look in the comfort of your own home:

Massaging shampoo – Start your day off with a thorough massaging shampoo. This will help to release oils from your scalp, ensuring your hair stays clean and fresh as long as possible. It will also help to get the blood flowing, energising you for the day.

Blow Drying – Always point the blow dryer down onto your hair to help the cuticle stay flat. This will make it easier to smooth you hair into a polished look.

Focus on your bottom layers. Your bottom layers are the base of your hairstyle and whether your hair is straight or curly, the top sections of your hair need to lay on the bottom sections and need just as much attention as the top layers. Use hair clips to separate your hair when blow drying and styling, giving you easy access to the bottom layers of your hair.

Ask for advice. The next time you are at the salon, ask your hairdresser for recommendations on everything, including shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes and styling tools. A good hairdresser will want you to be able to achieve your desired look at home without breaking the bank.

Take Your Time. Make sure you allow enough time to get the look you are after. Set out your beauty products the night before and get up a little earlier, it will be well worth the extra effort.

Follow these simple tips and you will be able to achieve that salon look each and every day!

Catch you next time!

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15 May 2008 - The secret to achieving a flawless look on your wedding day

At Hollywood Brides we are always on the look out for the latest hair, makeup and beauty techniques from Australia and abroad, ensuring all our brides achieve a look worthy of the red carpet on their wedding day.

That is why I am so excited to inform you about a new service we are now offering.

No longer just the realm of the rich and famous, you too can now achieve the flawless look of a Hollywood star with our new Hollywood Brides flawless airbrushed makeup application.

Originally developed by Hollywood’s leading motion picture and television makeup artists, airbrushed makeup uses a specialised applicator which produces a fine light mist, creating the ultimate glowing bride look. The airflow application is able to cover any slight imperfections, giving you a truly natural, flawless looking finish, ensuring you look absolutely stunning on your special day.

Benefits of using an airbrush makeup application over traditional applications...

- Your make-up foundation can be custom blended to achieve a perfect colour match.
- The make-up is so light you won’t even feel like you are wearing any make-up at all.
- Your make-up will last all morning and night without re-application or touch-ups (18hrs).
- Any skin tone variations will be evened out, giving you a natural, flawless complexion.
- You won’t have to worry about your make-up streaking, fading or wearing off.
- Special water resistant spray can be used over your makeup, ensuring it won’t rub off.
- Your make-up will set on contact without any powder application.
- You will look absolutely stunning in all your photos (No photo touch ups required - As preferred by Australia’s leading photographers)

To find out more please give me a call.

Catch you next time!

© Hollywood Brides 2008