Monday, January 14, 2013

hi :)

MY LOVES!

Long time, no blog?!  I have to feel inspired to write. I journal daily. Sadly enough, half the time that ends up being in the "notes" section of my iPhone.  And, unfortunately, those thoughts are kept to myself.  Every once in a while (not nearly enough because I am so private), I get inspired with thoughts and feelings that I'd like to share with all of you. 

I went to see the movie "Silver Linings Playbook" last night.  I mean this when I say that EVERYONE should see this movie.  Between the dark sense of humor and the harsh reality of life slapping you in the face, I loved it.  It depicted real, fucked up things our minds can do to us.  It makes us "different" people, feel semi normal and, like I have always believed, proves that there is a silver lining to any crappy situation.  My favorite quote from the movie is this "The world will break your heart 10 ways 'til Sunday, that's guaranteed. And I can't begin to explain that or the craziness inside myself and everybody else...but guess what...I think of everything everyone did for me and I feel like a very lucky guy". 

I have spent the past few months relishing in some alone time.  It's nice to be able to refocus on myself and my goals without having any other person to consider (selfish...ah...blasphemy!).  I have been practicing yoga for almost five years now.  It was in August of 2010 that I started to practice more frequently.  I used it as an emotional, and physical outlet.  After some deliberation and consulting with some of my yogi friends and mentors, I have decided to do an intensive training that will allow me to be a registered yoga teacher.  I will be finished at the end of April.  I am so excited to start this journey.  It was will be nice to have something to channel all of my energy into and to be able to see my mind and body gain from an experience I commit to whole-heartedly. 

 I am terrible at planning.  I like to go along with a plan, but the actual planning process is not in my genetic make-up.  I've found, when you are busy making plans, the Universe is making plans for you, so I usually relinquish all planning to the Universe (or my dear friends ;).  With this yoga training, everything aligned.  The timing was perfect.  It's a definitive point in my life.  Sometimes, I think we put too much stress on where we are in life, at least I do.  Like, I need to figure it out at this very moment.  But there is a natural process and progression to life; a series of steps we need to walk through in order to reach the prizes along the way.  There are ups, there are downs, and there are periods of lulls.  But it's through these moments that life is unfolding its' mysteries.  I think we just have to move forward with the faith that our stories are going to work out.  And not the way we expect it to...but better.  Much better.  There's a greater plan to it all.  So keep walking, keep living, and don't forget the direction of your dreams.  I know I'm not. 

Thank you to all of you who love and support me....I breathe because of you.

Xo

Sabe

Monday, September 10, 2012

How to: Eyebrows

In my opinion, the hardest part in doing makeup is the eyebrows.  I've encountered different kinds of eyebrows: over plucked, shaved in half, bushy, brows with patchy no hair areas, etc.  We read it all the time, that when we do our brows we should follow the natural shape. That works sometimes when your own brows have a nice shape.  But you sometimes have to go in and change the shape of the brows either by plucking/trimming or filling them in. 

The main point of the eyebrows are: the starting point, the arch, and the end point.  This one you see in all those magazine and books where you measure by aligning a straight object (a brush) along the side of your nose to the corners of your eye (end point), side of your nose along your eye (arch), side of the bridge of your nose towards you forehead (starting point).  I know, to some of you, this might sound like a foreign language, so here's an image for you.  You can use these lines as guidelines when shaping your brows or drawing them on.


There are a TON of eyebrow products in the market now.  There are brow powders, pencils, and creams.  I've tried all three.  Personally, I like a powder.  I like that it gives you more control and isn't too overpowering.  Often, I grab a brown matte eyeshadow and use this. Works just as good :)  My favorite eyebrow pencil is the Laura Mercier Eyebrow pencil because you can slowly build color and it doesn't cake.

I like to start filling in my brows in the middle and work my way down to the end point where it should be the darkest. My own brows don't have an arch from the several times I've over-plucked.  I make sure that the arch on both sides are the same before I move on to the starting point.  The starting point should be squar-ish in shape and a tad bit lighter than the middle and end point of brow.  If it gets too dark, I go back and lighten it with a Q-tip. 

One last point...in order to lighten/darken brows (to coincide with your current hair color)...you can do-so  using MAC's brow set.  This will both set the brows and tint the color accordingly. 




Now, go play!!!

Thanks for reading.  Until next time...

Xo



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Creepy

Yikes! Seeing this emphasizes the importance of eyebrows!! Get yours looking right!!!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Marilyn Monroe Makeup

Happy Monday!

I've always wanted to do an "icon" series with makeup.  I guess Marilyn Monroe is a pretty fine place to start :)  On June 1st, the bombshell would have been 86 years old.  In her honor, I watched "My Week with Marilyn".  After watching, I am still intrigued.  She is flawless yet ever so vulnerable, and what girl can't relate to that?  She has proven that sexiness doesn't mean you have to be a size 0 and that despite one's perception of her perfection, she was a wounded woman. 

Marilyn Monroe's make-up artist, Allan "Whitey" Snyder, did her make-up from her very first screen test at 20th Century Fox to doing her funeral make-up.

Here are some tips from the one and only...MM.

Highlighting Tips:

She used a powder to highlight certain spots on her face that she liked to accentuate.   

For clients that are being photographed, I use a matte highlight that comes in the smashbox contouring kit.

   
$45      
 Buy it here: Smashbox Contour Kit

Lip Tricks:

She used up to 5 different red lipsticks at once to get her perfect red mouth.  Her make-up artist would draw above the top lip curve with a white eyeliner (use a nude if you are a darker skinned gal) to make it look larger and more highlighted.
 
 
Also, she extended her top lip liner out at an angle above her lower lip (take a peek at the pic above!).

They would also dab a white eyeshadow in the center of her lips to make them look fuller and grab the light, as you can see in the photo above!
 
EyeBrow Tips:
 
 

Marilyn's eyebrows were drawn into very pointed eyebrows, which was because she thought she had a wide forehead (...women and their insecurities), and adding such sharp peaks makes it look like your forehead doesn't take up so much room.  

Eyeliner Tips:



This is my favorite. Her MA would draw in a white triangle on the outer corner of her eye with a white eyeliner, and blend it outwards to brighten the eye.  He also lined the waterline of her lower eye with white eyeliner, this was a very popular trick in that era (50's), to make the eyes look bigger and brighter on camera!
 
Next they usually used a brown eyeliner (contrary to all the popular Marilyn looks that use black), and drew the liner like I show in the red above, and slightly below the eye--LEAVING the white space on the corner UNTOUCHED. This trick makes the eye look wider, in combination with drawing the top eyeliner out longer. Gives it a doll-like feel. Obsessed.


Absolute perfection.  

I'll leave you with this MM quote...



Until next time...

Xo

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Holy Hotness

I love summer.  It's full of so much fun but...it's hot.as.bananas.  We all complain about it. Especially when you're getting ready for work, or a night out with friends, you get your makeup all finished, walk out the door and it's a matter of minutes before your makeup is melting and eyeliner is smudging.  In this summer heat, I keep my makeup applications as simple as possible. The heat and humidity are a challenge, so you have to make a few little changes to your routine.
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1. Moisturizer

Your skin changes with the seasons, so your "normal" moisturizer might be too heavy once the weather warms up.  Not only will you breakout with a heavy moisturizer but it can cause your foundation to slide right off.  I use CeraVe moisturizing lotion.

2.  Prime Time

Primers go on after moisturizer but before face makeup.  Only takes a few seconds and, like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. They're incredibly light--they don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer, and they really help hold makeup in place.  I literally have ten primers but I am currently loving Benefit's POREfressional primer.


3.  Lighten up your Foundation

First step: Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. Try Smashbox Sheer Light.

Tinted moisturizer not enough coverage for you? Brush a powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage. OR, for an inexpensive option and for more coverage, use your regular foundation and mix it with a light moisturizer. 

4.  Bronze Baby!

Bronzer makes eyes look brighter, teeth whiter--everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin.  But you have to keep it looking fresh and natural.  Do this by applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply.  I LOVE Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte.


Be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail.

5.  Stop Shine, Just GLOW

A slick T-zone instantly sends the message "I'm hot", and I don't mean sexy. To eliminate shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. They're cheap, easy, and amazing--you just press and go.  Try Clean&Clear oil absorbing sheets for an inexpensive option.


If you need to perk up your makeup too (I usually do), blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder.

6.  Lock down Eye Makeup

For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (at least in the morning) and smooth on an eye primer instead. It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer.  Currently, I am LOVING Bare Minerals Primetime Eyeshadow Primer.
There are a LOT of cream shadows being released at the moment.  In my opinion, powder shadows generally last longer than creams, however, for ultimate all-day wear, layer a powder over a cream (don't worry, it will still feel light on the lids). Same goes for liner, apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it.

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Doable?  I think so!  Hope you all enjoyed.

Xo

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Desiderata

Hellllllo all!
 How the heck are you guys?  I am doing pretty great!  My three year old nephew has been in town this week so I've been taking some time to spend with him.  He makes my heart happy :)  Boys at that age seem to love you so purely and candidly. I've never felt anything like it and I'm so thankful for him.

 
 
On another note, recently, a dear friend shared this poem with me.  I have read it every day since.  It has so many powerful sentiments that clicked with me.  Thought I was share and hope it gives some of you the comfort and hope that it has given me.  
 

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
---Max Ehrmann 1927                                                                                                                                                                                            


Okay, bottom line: look at the odds of being YOU in a world of over 7 billion people.  There's only one you. You have your ups and downs.  And when I'm down, I am so grateful to have friends that can pick up on it, and build me up. Again, there's only ONE you.  One person who walks like you, talks like you, looks like you...there's no reason why you should ever feel competitive or duplicated.  You have your own story, Lord knows, and therefore, TELL IT through your style.  DO YOU honey!  And with that cheesy, and uplifting "pep talk" (partially to myself)...here's a picture I bought to hang in my house.


Summer makeup trends and tips coming up on next blog.  Been working on some fun stuff :)  Stay tuned. 

Until next time...

Xo

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Excuses, Excuses

FRIENDS!

Okay, here's the deal--I am sick and tired of the "I've been busy" excuse.  Yes, I'm busy. But so is everyone else.  I have been hearing of my blog fans in other states (talking to you, Florida:)  and I am so thankful you guys are dedicated followers.  I am promising to blog more! 

As you can tell, that was quite a hiatus I took from the blog, and I’ve missed blogging dearly.

Unfortunately, missing blogging, and actually starting blogging again after such a long time away from the blog, isn’t easy. In fact, I even had trouble coming up with this post. How to get the words flowing after haven’t written anything in so long?  I journal but I usually end up just writing randoms in my "notes" on my trusty iPhone.  Speaking of the iPhone, I have hopped on the instagram bandwagon and will share a few pictures...

Evening on the beach listening to live music

Healthy Dinner

My dad's chiminea that I converted into planter

Heart shaped rock me and B found walking on the beach

Sunset over the connector

My absolute favorite place to be. Back porch, glass of wine
I am on the way out the door for a busy day of wedding makeup.  I will blog again soon.

Keep the questions and requests coming....

Xo...

Friday, March 9, 2012

Teeth Whitening

Hey guys!!

Happy Friday.  Just wanted to share a quick teeth whitening experience I just had.  My AMAZING dentist offered me an in-office teeth whitening system and I hopped on it!  Having a bright smile is definitely one of my essential beauty tips.  Your smile is SO important and if you've been wanting whiter teeth, then you HAVE to call Dr Costa.

As creepy as this picture is, I wanted you to get the gist of how white my teeth got.  Cra-zy! 
Dr. Costa and Dr. Williams were so informative and their staff is equally as knowledgeable.  What are you waiting for? CALL!!  843.737.4437   Costa and Williams Website

Cheers!

Xo

Monday, January 23, 2012

Braids Galore

I am so excited!!!

I have a weakness for braids. Loose braids, French braids, fish braids, sleek braids, braid buns....ok I'll stop; starting to sound like bubba gump.

How will you be wearing your hair in 2012?

The uneven cut is the first short hair trend for 2012, I've been rocking that for a while now and am craving something different. Experts are predicting more short hair trends to try in 2012 so I'll keep you posted on those.



 

Not since the 90s has short hair been such a mainstream trend, but what about those of you--that I envy--with long hair?

Here are some ways to update your hairstyle for 2012.




The 2011 trend for braids is really hitting its stride in 2012. There will be more variations than we’ve ever seen before.

You’ll want to grow your hair (or try clip in extensions) to achieve these beautiful braided 'dos.

I miss my long hair! In my best Snookie voice... "WAHHH"!!

SO, short hair or long hair, work with what you've got :)

Xo

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Golden Globes Favorite Look

HI there!!!! 

Wow, it's been a while.  No excuse other than Holidays, working, and social life but I'm happy to be back and writing.  Who watched the Golden Globes?  I have this sick obsession with watching award show red carpets.  I love seeing the hair and makeup trends on the carpet, I've loved it since I was a little girl. 

I j'adored Charlize Theron's Dior--makeup, dress, the whole nine. And even though that bejeweled headband was a little controversial, it worked for me in the end. Here is the beauty breakdown (hair and makeup).


 HAIR

Charlize's stunning hair look designed by her master hair stylist Enzo Angileri.

The head-turning look was the epitome of modern, romantic glamour. “I wanted her hair to have a casual feeling, very soft, almost as if she had pulled it together herself,” explained Enzo.

“I made the most of Charlize's natural waves, and created the style around her texture. The design itself is modern, asymmetrical, and just a little messy.Charlize wore a dramatic Cartier diamond headband and when you have such an important piece of jewelry, it can become too much, almost old-fashioned, if you have slick, over-styled hair. I wanted to create an updo that combined a bohemian, romantic, and casual mood, but was strong enough for the red carpet.”

How the Look Was Created

“I started with already dry, naturally waved hair, and curled small sections with a 2” curling iron to enhance the volume and texture. I used the larger iron because I didn't want to curl her hair, but to refine the natural wave. This helped create an effortless transition from her natural look to red carpet.”

“Once finished, I lightly misted the curled sections with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray. After a few minutes, I completely brushed through her hair with a Moroccanoil Ionic Ceramic Paddle brush to eliminate any trace of separation, for a natural, clean look with a romantic, soft texture.”

“Next, I swept the hair to the left and made three sections. I pulled and rolled the first two into a loose bun and pinned them, working with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray throughout the process to control and hold the hair in place. I released and wrapped the last section under and around the bun and pinned it. Finally, I adjusted and freed strands in the bun so it looked even more unstructured, messy, and a bit wispy.”

“I also sprayed the hair with Moroccanoil Frizz Control, the key product to making this look work and photograph well. Moroccanoil Frizz Control made any flyways disappear, gave me more control of the hair and the look of the bun, and kept everything frizz-free through the evening. I then placed the Cartier diamond headband into the style.”




Definitely using this look on one of my brides this year!  LOVE IT!

Have a wonderful week guys :)

Xo