makeupdesignbymichaela

A Doll.

2012-02-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

A well defined eye. There's no look I get requests for more than the smokey eye. But there's something to be said about a very well defined eyeliner that can bring the same attention to your peepers and in my opinion keeps the eye looking fresher and prettier. I've been looking to songstress Adele a lot lately and have been coveting her well defined makeup style. Part pin-up, part glamour, there's no denying that this classic look has a punch to it that smokey eye shadow just can't do.

Try pairing the thick eyeliner with a nude eye shadow and two layers of lashes carefully blended with mascara. Even out your skin tone to a flawless, matte finish. Groom your brows and accent your cheeks with a soft but fresh pink blush. Throw on a bright lip, or softly hued gloss and you have an instant polished look. I'll certainly be trying this look out soon!

Spotlight on Burkart Studios

2012-02-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

I have a new addiction... wedding films! I can't get enough of watching these mini movies that magically encapsulate an entire momentous day. Tear to the eye, every single time.

I had the pleasure of meeting James Burkart of Burkart Studios this past weekend. If I could describe James in a few words they would be - honest, friendly, open and wedding geek! My kind of dude. James offered wonderful insight to the wedding business. I'm sure we could have talked for hours more. His take on wedding films is unique, modern, yet timeless. Definitely not the jittery three hour plus marathons of yesteryear!

Not many Bay Area videographers do same day edits (a short film to show at your reception). James does them, and well! You may be asking how someone can edit so quickly and still maintain the integrity of the ceremony. Take a peek... and keep an eye on the groom. That's one happy guy. I love it!

Tom + Angie: Wedding Highlight from James Burkart on Vimeo.

He also offers Super 8 film for those brides who want just a touch of vintage. Here's one of my favorites...

Jason and Wendy: A Mendocino Wedding from James Burkart on Vimeo.

So much style, captured in a way that photos can't do alone. I love the bride's vintage inspired lip color and the bold jewel-toned bolero. Imagine in 20 years... you can hear the vows you exchanges, watch the emotion of your guests, even see the wind blow through the trees. So not only do you see the day, but you feel it too. I'm sure it will all bring back some nostalgic sensations. Interested in a videographer but not sure what to look for? Check out these super helpful tips. And don't hesitate to contact Burkart Studios if you get bit by the wedding film bug, like me!

Paula and Friends

2012-02-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

There's something about the ritual of getting ready. It's such a beautiful part of an important day, like the calm before the storm of a busy but memorable moment.

First time using an eyelash curler... Don't blink!

A really, really fun trio. Congratulations Paula!

Sun-drenched Goodness

2012-01-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Starting the year off with this beautiful session from Duy Ho Photography.

It was Alex's first time wearing lashes, but I think she's now a fan. We applied her makeup outdoors just to make sure it was the right amount of coverage and color. Looking forward to working with this fun bride in September.

Sandra and Tomas

2011-12-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Highlight film. Great to see my work translating into a moving image. I still can't get over how flawless Sandra's skin was that morning! This was one of my favorite weddings from 2011 as the morning went so smoothly with generous help from good friends and lots of tasty dim sum treats! That's me at 30 seconds!

Sandra + Tomas from simon wong on Vimeo.

Great job by Simon of Blissful Pixel. Thanks for sharing Sandra! And another big thank you to my partner in crime Brittany who assisted with this rather large (11 ladies!) bridal party. More images from Sandra and Tomas coming soon!

All I need in this life of sin...

2011-12-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

is me and my girlfriends! Here's a preview of the fun times that were had over the weekend. If you haven't had a sleepover with your ladies in a while, I highly recommend it! Special thanks to Sylvia's hubby Mike who cooked us dinner after a long glamour filled day. Modeling is so hard!

Super friend Rachel Detra, whose work you can see here, and I collaborated to capture the amazingness that is our group of girls. This week, we are getting together for a gift exchange (because we are all ballers on a budget!) of nail polish and accessories and I could not be more excited. These stylish ladies and I swap fashion tips over dinner almost every week and I am so lucky to have this creative crew as my friends. Everyone was wearing lashes, custom chosen by me, to enhance our pretty peepers. It was Rachel's first time! I'm pretty sure she loved them. Look at her with the red belt!

That's right. Katie is so gorgeous, we can't even stand to be in the same picture as her. Those eyes! Those lips. Oh my. (I am stealing that necklace next opportunity I get!)

Stay tuned for even more fun from Rachel Detra Photography!

Preservation Park

2011-12-04T19:32:00.001-08:00

Fall. I had the pleasure of working with Mae, (first seen here) and meeting her mom and mother-in-law on a hot September day. Mae was so sweet and calm, despite having been stressed from her hairstylist showing up almost an hour late! No worries, I quickly changed directions and drove to meet her at the salon instead of her home so that we could speed things along.

The result was a soft, clean look for an all day outdoor wedding. And what sweet photos taken by the talented Tom Penpark. Tom captured the quiet setting of Preservation Park in Oakland, making it look like Mae and Ben's own private wedding town. The photos below show the party's sense of style with outfits inspired by traditional Thai elements, where Mae's family is from. There's Mae, flanked by mom in soft green and Ben's mom Anna in purple.

I loved the bright flowers and dresses juxtaposed with the neutrals of Prospect Park. If you want to remember yourself as a star on your wedding day, I highly encourage you work with Tom Penpark. He has a way with color and framing that makes everything look like a movie still. Beautiful work Tom!

Shout out to Auntie Connie who introduced me to Miss Anna, allowing me to meet this sweet couple. Congrats to Mae and Ben! Still a fan of both of your great cheekbones. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day.

Hark! A Harpist!

2011-11-14T00:42:00.001-08:00

It's been a busy couple of months, but I finally had a chance to sit down and reflect on one of my most recent projects. Constance approached me about working together on head shots for her soon to be website. Sculptural harp? Sunset drenched hillsides? Tombs and trees? Yes to all. And the chance to work with the visionary Rachel Detra Photography who believed in the beauty of this haunting cemetery, on Halloween weekend no less! Constance even graced us with some warm-ups which reverberated out of one of the tombs. So amazing.

See more of Rachel's work at her newly launched blog. Here are some of my favorites- which were hard to choose with such a gorgeous model and amazing photographer!

So pretty, right? If you are planning a sophisticated soiree, be sure to inquire with Constance about playing some soft mood music at your event... she's really great! Let me know and I'll put you in touch!

7. 1. 2011

2011-09-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

An unfolding.... the wedding story of the "chef and the risk taker".

A gorgeous day filled with thoughtful details. Here's to a lifetime of happiness and many more delicious treats!

All images courtesy of Mike Arick Photography.

Photobooth.

2011-08-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Phew! By now you must think I do nothing but photobooth and that is why I haven't updated in a while. Well, part of that is true. Actually, I would do photobooths all of the time if I could because they are just so darn fun. July was CRAZY busy for me with a wedding every single weekend and this past, two! And, a brand new full time job which I am beyond in love with. I get to buy toys and books all day and make things look good for a museum- pretty much my second dream come true (the first is getting to do makeup for weddings all of the time!).

....which means I will be taking on less weddings this coming year and concentrating on my new career. But don't fret! I am still freelancing, touching faces, doing photo shoots, engagements, weddings and special events as often as I can. That being said, book early for 2012 and I am all yours!

Magnolia Photobooth Co. has some of the best props I've seen at any wedding. The best part? Your photo gets printed out right then and there for you to take home and is also online just a few days later! Here are a few of my favorites from Jason and Tarrin's, the last of my five summer weddings.

Seriously, Kevin's white wig kills me. The above image sits atop the bookshelf in our living room where I laugh at it every morning.

The lady of this sweet couple is one of my favorite friends and I cannot wait to share her tchotchke filled wedding with you, captured by the friendly Tea of Dreambox Photography. I know that Tarrin married her dream guy, maybe even the dream guy of most girls I know. A caring teacher, tech guy, and comedian, Jason took care of all the set up while Tarrin and I sat in the chapel and did her makeup. I have never seen a groom take as much care into the preparation and take on the stress so that his bride could relax and have a moment to herself. So, so sweet.

Best wishes on your new life together in your new home. Stay tuned for more follow up to this fun celebration with tips for the minimal bride!

***Thanks to my sister Taryn who was there to lend a helping hand on one of the busiest wedding days I've ever experienced. Muyzie, you are the best!***

Photowall.

2011-07-17T02:28:00.000-07:00

FUN! So much of it in fact. For all of you brides out there, I suggest you get one. It's a cost effective way to ensure that every single person attending your wedding is documented. The cousins and I pooled together to gift this to our cutie bride and it couldn't have been better. Silly props, great lighting, and room to fit in all of your favorite people! (here I am, with one of my favorite people.) The Crew.

Bubbles!

These were the best of the best. Even our 87 year old grandma got in on the fun.

It's a great way to make a fun situation even funner, incorporate your wedding theme, and a super way to create memories that will last well beyond the last dance. Thanks to Mike Arick Photography and crew for setting this up for us. Cheers to Jessica and Jason, our favorite SoCal-ers!
********************************************************************************************************************

This is photo of Jess with my mom, who will be turning 60 this week. People, this is what 60 looks like! She doesn't dye her hair, drink, or smoke and stays skinny by snacking and drinking water all day, everyday. I can only hope to look this good when I am eligible for my senior citizen discount. Happy Birthday Mom! Love you!

A Wine Country Romance

2011-07-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Ah-mazing cheekbones! That's really all I see when I look at Mae and her beau. You know I had to put some pretty pink blush on those cheeks! She sent these beautiful images from her engagement shoot taken in Napa. Cool venue, looks like the castle grounds in Ireland! The talented "Photocrafter" Tom Penpark captured the lovebirds on a bright and sunny Saturday.

I love her costume changes and her adoring gaze at her soon to be husband. Can't wait to work with Mae again in September! See more of their shoot here!

Lost at Sea

2011-07-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

For those of you who live locally, you've probably heard of the "Missing 7" from the San Felipe boat that capsized last weekend in Mexico. For my family in particular, this story hits home because my parents are good friends with one of the missing, Don Lee. My dad is a fishing buddy of Don's and he has been losing sleep thinking about Don every day. His daughter is one of my favorite people and she has been working endlessly to work with the government and any other avenues to help find her dad and bring him home. Funding is needed to continue the search and we all hold hope in our hearts that everyone can return home safely.

For my followers, here's a beauty related way you can get involved.
Cookie Lee jewelry - ALL profits will go to the fund for the missing!!!!
Go to http://www.cookielee.biz/esuite/home/donnachamblee to shop and have it sent right to you!

For more information, visit http://www.findourfathers.blogspot.com

"The family and friends of the 7 missing men from the "Erik" are working endlessly to spread the word of the incident; get support from all local, state and federal government representatives...to bring our loved ones home. Please help us accomplish this goal."

Please continue to think positive thoughts and support any efforts to keep the search for Don and the rest of the missing men. Join their facebook group to get up to the minute updates on the situation at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Find-our-Fathers/237248496303346

Thank you!

Sneak Peek: Crystal Cove

2011-07-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2011. Jessica & Jason tie the knot!

Storytelling.

2011-06-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, Matt! I usually have a lot to write when posting about a wedding. Upon request, Matt of Matthew May Photography sent over these wonderful shots from the October 2010 wedding. I left after touching up Rose post ceremony, but looking at these pictures, I feel like I was there the whole night. You can see more from Matt's point of view here. There's not much for me to say, so I'll just let his amazing images tell you the story of Rose and Chris and how their day transpired.

Love the photo of her dancing with her dad. So sweet and timeless. Thanks for sharing, Matt! If you're looking for the magical Matt to tell the story of your day, learn more at Matthew May Photography.

Married!

2011-06-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

Down on the Fajen Farm.... two little love birds tied the knot! Kim, Anne, Katie and I bonded over bouquets, boutonnieres, burgers, and makeup. Here are a few moments from the rehearsal and yesterday's party celebrating my wonderful friends, Sylvia and Mike.

Yes, Mike's dad planted flowers in the shape of a heart with their initials in the center. So awesome.

Big thank you to my beau who drove for two hours after work to join the party. The little details were amazing and the carnitas bar was one of the highlights of the night... along with this little dancing machine.

Congratulations Sylvia and Mike! Cheers for years!

Wedding Survival Guide

2011-06-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

How to avoid the meltdown. Heading off to the very warm town of Wilton today to assist my mega friend Sylvia with various wedding projects. After thinking about how hot it's going to be for their fabulous farm wedding tomorrow, I thought I should jot down a few things to pack in your bridal kit to get you through the heat, smudges, and inevitable tears. Here are some things I consider must haves after years of wedding prep:

1) Cotton swabs for touching up around the eyes. Bring a gentle makeup remover for buffing out smudges after the ceremony.

2) Your lipstick or gloss you will be wearing throughout the day. Consider a color change for night when the lighting is softer. Go for something bold perhaps?

3) A hand cream to help your ring glide on smoothly during your ceremony.

4) Lip balm! You will likely be chatting a lot and sipping on some champagne which can dry out your lips. Keep it on handy for your hubby too!

5) Blotting papers if you are an over oil producer like me.

6) A translucent touch-up powder to tone down the shine.

Since this wedding has me thinking back to when we first became friends, here are a few images of me and the ladies from our college years. Here we are at a house party where the theme was "High School Reunion" and we came dressed as our future selves. My favorite is Kim (in the pink) dressed as Mrs. Right, obviously married to Mr. Right.

Here we are after drunken haircuts. Obviously not the best idea. I rocked a mullet for about three months.

Here we are with our lovely Katie, Sylvia's MoH. We love us some Katie!

Can't wait to party with all of you and the soon to be Mrs. You are a great friend and I am so happy be a part of your special day. Off to pack up my beauty arsenal to glam up the bride and her entourage. Michael Fajen- you are a lucky, lucky man. Cheers to Sylvia for finding your very own Mr. Right! Hope you detox major in the mud springs of Iceland during your honeymoon Sylvia!

Models at the Mandarin

2011-06-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

On the 46th Floor... of the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco. So high up and so amazing! I was invited to partner with Studio Six Boudoir for this inspiring session. Boudoir sessions are an awesome way to celebrate you! Cute little moms and their amazing lingerie collections= sexy stuff. Here's a snapshot of a little prep work sent over just this morning from the talented Kristy.

Thanks Kristy! Can't wait to see the rest!

Cheers!

2011-06-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

Wine Lovers Engagement Session. Here are a few images from Chris and Rose's engagement shoot with the talented Matt of Matthew May Photography. We worked out a really natural look that was outdoor friendly. Rose had told me she was really nervous during the shoot- can't tell with these pretty pictures!

Stay tuned for more images of their beautiful wine country wedding. Shout out to Matt for sharing his inspiring work. Thanks Matt! Visit his site here for more wonderful images.

I ♥ the 80s

2011-06-12T14:02:00.001-07:00

Birthday extravaganza! On Friday, I celebrated with some of my nearest and dearest. I was SO happy that all of these people came out to party with me! Since last year's kid friendly birthday party at the Mirror Maze was such a success, I decided that I will always throw a birthday party that is nostalgic for all who participate!

Cousin Mel made these awesome cupcakes to help me celebrate and sent them with her hubby B. Thanks guys! For those of you who know "Sixteen Candles" those two actually named their oldest Jake Ryan. Really. These mocha flavored cuties included my very own fondant mix tapes. You all remember casette tapes right?

I had never tried rollerskating before, only ice skating and rollerblading in the 90s, so I decided my birthday was as good a chance as any! I also have lots of great little ones in my life, so I thought it would be fun to include them too. And since I was born in the 80s, why not make everyone dress up accordingly? I, of course, proudly wore bright blue eyeshadow. Here are some of my favorite images (and outfits) from the evening.

But first- Jamie and her famous lunge.

80s fashion show: Lindsay in a side pony tail, frosted eyeshadow, sweatband and NKOTB tee. Brittany wins for best 80s eyeshadow and blush contour. Kevin, and his Captain E-0 shirt, and Vincent rocking a Member's Only jacket over a Cosby sweater (I will miss you when you move to Chicago! As the NKOTB would say, "Please dont' go girl!").

Cutie Colin in RayBans, Kristina looking to get physical, physical and Soren in a sweet, sweet tie-dyed tank.

We ended the evening on a "high note" with an impromptu karaoke session at a random hole in the wall place found by my bestie Alex. Thank AcKLEX!

Hazelle came all the way up from the OC and brought cousin Anne Marie from Canada (who is an AMAZING singer). In a rare performance, Kevin graced everyone with TLC's "No Scrubs".

Thanks to everyone who came out, old friends and new! I hope you all had as much fun as I did- I felt so loved... which is the best gift ever.

Follow the White Rabbit...

2011-05-29T15:31:00.001-07:00

to the best Mad Hatter tea party ever! Here are a few details from yesterday's amazing bridal shower. All cookies were handmade by the very best baking duo- Svet and Mel! These ladies were MAD to say the least. They hand stamped each guest's name onto personalized cookies and created the beautiful teapot cookie favors as well. Crazy, but yum! Anna Leah created the fancy floral centerpieces that were the finishing touch on each long table. Svet's backyard was transformed into a mini Wonderland, complete with mismatched teapots and saucers, paper pom-poms and delicious bite sized treats.

The shower was the perfect chance to try out Jessica's bridal look- why not look absolutely fabulous for another special day? It's a good way to test out the wearability of your products and look extra amazing in photos. I loved her teacup print dress! Many guests made their very own silly hats for the party- little sister's was a nod to the royal wedding, and I crafted a bright lily pad with a jumping origami frog and a funny button and pin cushion hat for my mama, seamstress extraordinaire!

We then moved indoors for everyone's favorite classic shower game, the toilet paper dress. Then, fun undies were hung on a clothing line and the bride-to-be had to guess who brought what.

After the gifts were opened, it was off to the city for a fun-filled night of yummy eats, cocktails and dancing. What a day, what a day! Cheers to celebrating the special lady that Jessica is.

Looking forward to the wedding, which is less than a month away!

Premier: Chnam Oun 16

2011-05-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

Bochan's hair and makeup by me! I love all of the historical and cultural references in this video which plays like a mini movie. Behind the scenes secrets... I still can't believe they transformed Bo's Oakland backyard into a smokey jungle. Bochan's hair in the rally scene, filmed in a multi-level parking lot, was inspired by the look she sported at her own wedding. I think it would make a great style for a vintage wedding, don't you? The studded jacket was made by her talented sister Pina. Friends and family made stunning cameos throughout the video, including the tiny curly-headed cutie running through the jungle!

Bo was smart and had lash extensions put on for the three day shoot. For the "apsara" look, I applied gold and bronze eyeshadows with a damp brush to create a foil texture on the lid. Applying the shadow wet also helped it to stay on all day in the hot sun. Next, a strong black liner was applied with a thick wing on the end.

The jungle scene was a smokey purple eye with soft curled hair and the rally scene included an intense, black liquid eyeliner. I set her hair with heat rollers for the rally style since it was expected to rain that day. Setting hair before working it into an updo really tames fly-aways and shapes the hair into behaving, especially if it's humid outside.

Quick tip: Unfortunately, Bo had a little (actually quite BIG!) blemish on her cheek that just wouldn't go away. A couple of layers of Dermablend Cover Cream and a loose setting powder did the trick. Can't see any texture or darkness in the video, can you? Dermablend is also great for covering tattoos you're trying to hide from grandma during your wedding.

Bo worked really, really hard on this project and it shows. Head on over to Vevo and show Bo some love! Stay tuned for her full album, coming soon!

Photoshoot Phun

2011-05-15T22:39:00.001-07:00

Pretty in pajamas. Bochan wanted to create a smoldering look for her album cover, which will be printed in black in white. I can't wait to see her vision come to life! Here is the inspiration for her hair and makeup.

Here's the gorgeous look we designed together- we call it Diana Ross Diva Bo Glam! Consider it her alter ego. This woman is a powerhouse! It was refreshing to talk to her about following our dreams, staying focused and most of all, being happy! After feeding me a tasty breakfast, she breezed out the door just in time for her San Francisco photo shoot. Just a few more days until the release of her new video... exciting stuff! Great working with you again Bo!

The Cypress Hotel, mid morning

2011-05-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Freckle face. Jennifer made me promise not to conceal any of her freckles. Why would I, when they are obviously so very cute and make her who she is?

Here are a few snapshots of Jennifer getting ready in her hotel room. I love the graphic wallpaper at the Cypress in Cupertino. I can't wait to see the professional photos!

I got some serious love from Jennifer, who just sent me this sweet note with the nicest subject heading: THANK YOU for making my wedding PERFECT!

Hi Michaela,

THANK YOU so much for making me (and my maid of honor, Leslie) look our PRETTIEST on my wedding day this past Saturday. My makeup stayed fresh all day! I hardly had to do touch ups except for reapplying lip color. Most importantly, all of my friends commented on how BEAUTIFUL my makeup looked! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Best,
Jennifer

I gushed, really I did. The reason I enjoy what I do so much is the gratitude I receive and the memories I help to make. I love the shot of Jennifer and her ring bearer Derek. He was so ADORABLE and excited to be in the wedding.

Quick tip: while prepping Jennifer's skin, I noticed a unique softness and smoothness. Thinking she had just gotten a facial, I tried to pinpoint what it was she had done differently since our trial together. Surprise! She had been taking prenatal vitamins leading up to the wedding- a totally safe supplement that really boosts skin, hair and nails due to the additional folic acid and biotin. Something to consider in your pre-wedding routine?

Congratulations to Jennifer! I was so happy to have met such a cute, positive and sweet person. Thanks for the warm fuzzies and for choosing me to enhance your big day!

Castle Worthy Cheeks

2011-05-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yes to the dress. While everyone was waiting for the dress (which was beautiful), I was waiting for the makeup! Kate Middleton supposedly did her own makeup for her big day. She looked comfortable, poised and elegant. I think it was perfect!

The soft lip, defined eyes and fresh cheeks were camera ready. I really liked her strong brows and her happy smile! Can't really go wrong with looking like an enhanced version of yourself on your wedding day.

Princess Countdown!

2011-04-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite royal faces...

Princess Grace of Monaco

Princess Masako of Japan

Princess Victoria of Sweden

Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco

Princess Peach of Mario World (love those lashes and glossy pink lips!)

Are you staying up for the royal wedding?

Why Prom Makes Me Smile

2011-04-18T17:29:00.001-07:00

Memories...misty water colored memores...Call me sentimental, but I will always have a soft spot for proms. Working with Crystal and Mandi was like taking a trip down memory lane- the excitement and anticipation for the night ahead, the rushing around to coordinate friends, and jumping into that special dress.

Crystal and Mandi have been friends since the sixth grade and had loads of questions about college life ("Do boys get cooler as they get older? Is college more fun than high school? Is it hard to stay in contact with old friends?"). I don't think these two will ever grow apart- they valued each other's opinions on the looks we created and finished each other's sentences.

These two found me on yelp! and requested some fun colors for their special night. Together, we had so much fun designing their looks. Mandi wanted something soft and pretty with a focus on the eyes. We popped the eyes with a plum shadow and feathery lashes. Crystal, the bolder of the two, requested a deep smokey eye and over the top lashes.

Praise from Crystal: "Thank you so much for last night! Our skin looked great and glowing!" Hot tip: nude platform shoes look fierce with a red dress!

Best of luck in college ladies! You two are going to have so much fun making more memories, even if you are apart. You'll always have your senior prom together to look back on. Thanks for including me in such a memorable day!

Keeping It Real.

2011-04-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

From my favorite sister. Another reason why skincare is so important... [via StumbleUpon]

Flowers, Friends & Fun!

2011-04-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Three Cheers for Katie! Hip, hip, hurray! My favorite redhead sure knows how to throw a swell party! We all gathered on Sunday at Sylvia's newly renovated castle for a "sweet" themed shower. Here are a few snapshots of Sylvia's bridal shower hosted by the fabulous Katie. With beautiful flowers from Trader Joe's, homemade felt magnets, bright paper pennants, and delicious treats- homemade scones, Sweet Tea and Vodka... mmMmm!

Highlights included the gifted Topsy Turvy Tomato grower from the creative Kim, multiple Home Depot gift cards to help spruce up the backyard, and a bedroom book that made everyone blush. And for me, meeting the other half of my beauty team, the talented Corrina of Bumble & Bubble and reconnecting with the insightful Nnekay. Hi Nnekay!

Check out our beautiful Bride to "Bee"! I fancied Sylvia up for her company with a smooth black eyeliner, loads of volumizing mascara and BRIGHT pink lips. Sooo looking forward to doing her wedding face at her farm wedding. Fun party ladies, see you all in June!

Beach Beauty

2011-04-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Special request from Hazelle! My SoCal sister is heading to the beautiful Philippine islands for a little r&r and family time at the end of this month. Lucky! The beaches in the PI are some of the most beautiful in the world- quiet, serene and warm. So, Hazelle has asked me to post a little info about my favorite products that can withstand the tropical humidity. Perfect, considering I just arrived back from a nice vacation in sunny Oahu! Here are a few fun photos of our trip!

I don't know about you all, but there are a few things I consider when packing my makeup:
1) I like my makeup to be with me in my carry on. You can never tell how roughly your check-ins will be handled, would hate to open up some shattered eyeshadows! Which means...
2) All liquids must follow the 3.4 ounces rule.
3) Products are best when they serve dual purposes.

My must haves include:
* tinted moisturizer, like Laura Mercier's Oil-free Tinted Moisturizer with spf 20. Can never have too much spf!
*A concealer stick for under the eyes and any little "friends" that decide to pop up
* cream shimmer eyeshadows swept across the lid
* waterproof gel eyeliner. You can define skinny and close to the lash or you can use it to create a fun smokey look for going out at night. And it won't go anywhere. Anywhere.
* waterproof mascara. My latest favorite has been The Falsies by Maybeline in Blackest Black.
* Coppertone Water Babies Sunsceen. The smell reminds me of my lifeguarding days!

My go to product for travel is Bobbi's Shimmer Brick. So many choices, but my current favorites are pink quartz and bronze. Use them on cheeks and as eyeshadow and you can create multiple looks with just one square. It gives the prettiest glow when dusted on the apples of the cheeks. If I've ever done your makeup for your wedding, you'll recognize the copper diamond- the perfect highlight for Asian skin tones!I usually pack makeup remover wipes instead of liquid face wash, sample size face cream for night, a handful of cotton swabs for melty touch ups, and travel size brushes. You really only need one for cheeks and one for eyeliner. Everything else you can apply with your fingers! Beach towns tend to be more laid back anyway, so don't worry about your makeup looking too perfect. Just a little glow and you'll be good to go!

I'm going to the OC next week and will likely be packing similar products that I brought to Hawaii. Warm(er) weather, here I come! Hope this helps Hazelle. Looking forward to visiting you next week and who knows? Maybe I'll bring you some beach friendly goodies. Thanks for inspiring this post! p.s. You're taking me with you next time!

Junior Prom is the Bomb!

2011-04-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

News flash: jewel tones are all the rage! As are plunging backs and embellished straps. This was quite the departure from the soft watercolors my sister and her friends wore a couple of years ago, pictured here. While I didn't do any of the hair and makeup pictured below, I was inspired by the fun colors and patterns found among this group of friends. My beau's baby brother allowed me and big sis Denise to attend his pre-prom photoshoot (though it took a lot of arm twisting. Sisters can be embarrassing after all.). Aww, feel the sibling love.

I couldn't believe the rainbow before me! The boys looked quite dapper as well. Thanks Nick, for letting us bug you. Hope you had fun and made responsible decisions (ahem, ahem). I still can't believe that when we first met he only came up to my shoulder. Now I barely come up to his!Not sure if the girls coordinated their gem toned looks, but nevertheless, this group was fun, fresh and fabulous! And tall! I felt very, very tiny. As one prom mom said, "Wow! They don't make Asians like they used to!"

Voluminous bouncy curls, big lashes, pops of bright lipstick and color coordinating eyeshadow were the big trend among these friends. Ahhh, brought me back to my high school days! Looking forward to doing some fun prom looks this season!

Tarrin & Jason Part Deux

2011-03-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

More reasons to love these two. And probably why they love each other so much. Enjoy!
Great work Tea! Find out more about Tea at Dreambox Photography.

Sweethearts at Savers

2011-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Tarrin & Jason. Here are some awesome photos of one of my favorite couples taken by the talented Tea of Dreambox Photography. A few weeks ago Tarrin and I worked together to create this fresh, red lip look. I'm happy with the way her makeup translated for the camera. And I love Tea's nostalgic style. The first time I saw Tea's work I said "Wow!" and I think she is the perfect fit for a silly (and very tall) couple like Tarrin and Jason. Don't believe me? Check out the snapshot of them with these awesome t-shirts. To see the rest of their fantastic photoshoot at Savers, check out Tea's blog. Breaking news: Tarrin has launched her etsy site! Check out her page at Palimpsette for vintage goodies hand selected by Tarrin. Perfect for fun details in your home or even for wedding decor! All items are reasonably priced and chosen with love. I am so looking forward to their July wedding and the rest of the engagement photos from Tea!

Build Your Beauty Wardrobe

2011-03-17T21:53:00.001-07:00

Bobbi Brown for Dress for SuccessI love Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and all of the things the brand stands for. It's empowering and basic, and shows the power of makeup to transform lives. This is a great value and 100% of the proceeds go to a wonderful cause. Plus, it's easy for you to create multiple looks just with this simple set.

"For over 10 years, I’ve been involved with Dress for Success, an incredible not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women re-enter the workforce. This spring I partnered with them to create an exclusive collection, from which all of the proceeds from every sale will go directly to the organization. The collection will be available for $60 exclusively at Macy’s counters in March." xo Bobbi

For $60, you get all five of the products listed:
- Petal lip gloss (a soft, pretty pink)
- Basic palette including user friendly colors and double ended brush
- Extreme Party Mascara (an easy way to achieve the look of false lashes without the glue!)
- Mini Crystal lip gloss
- Brownie Lip Color (a professional, everyday lipstick)

Let me know if you'd like to pre-order a set for yourself and all the empowering women in your lives! And head over to Dress for Success to learn ways you can volunteer at your local chapter.

p.s. Thanks to Miss Kari, a talented designer over at ModCloth and my sweet friend from undergrad, who gave makeupdesignbymichaela a little makeover. Kari, I owe you cocktails! Hope you are all loving the fresh new header as much as I am!

Sneak Peek!

2011-03-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Keep in mind, this is Bochan's backyard... jealous?

Kickoff to Wedding Season

2011-02-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Tarrin. One of my very closest friends. Aside from being a great pal, she has a talented eye for snagging goods at estate sales. Keep an eye out for her upcoming etsy page- there are sure to be treasures you can use as wedding decor! She's helped me through a lot and always lends a patient ear. The least I could do was doll her up for her engagement photos. Here is a snapshot of Tarrin after our session together. Love the red lip! We used "Leading Lady" lipstick by Lorac, "Demure" Ardell lashes for a soft and romantic eye, and "Caviar" gel eyeliner, blended into the lashes with Extreme Party mascara- both by Bobbi Brown. Looking forward to her July wedding with the always hilarious Professor Jason. Can't wait to see her pro photos!

The Blogosphere!

2011-02-16T17:45:00.001-08:00

I've been meeting with a lot of brides lately who have asked me questions about wedding ideas. It can get overwhelming with all of the sites out there. Here is a list of my very favorite blogs where I find design inspiration and stay on top of bridal trends:

Invitation and paper design
parcelpost.wordpress.com
www.papertastebuds.com

Lifestyle design
www.designspongeonline.com

Decor and element design
www.inspiredbride.net
bklynbrideonline.com
www.100layercake.com/blog

Bridal style
www.thecherryblossomgirl.com
www.happenstancedesigns.blogspot.com

Inspirational photographers
www.maxwangerblog.com
www.carolinetran.net/blog
www.lydiachenphotography.com/wordpress

As wedding season draws near, I hope all you busy brides are staying organized and booking vendors early. It's competitive out there and I've unfortunately had to turn a few brides away due to already claimed dates. Get your bookings early, particularly if you are a summer bride. Hope this list helps!

A Familiar Face

2011-02-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

I opened my favorite fashion magazine this week and was surprised yet delighted to see this ad for Maybelline Color Sensation Lipstick.

Aside from the beautiful pink shades offered, what really grabbed my attention was the face of this Asian beauty, model Shu Pei, as the face of a major mainstream brand. How refreshing to see someone with similar features and coloring to my own! I loved the use of soft pastel colors and the artful application of the eyeshadow- perfect for a spring bridal look! I just had to share this inspirational image with you.

A Golf Course Gala

2011-01-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

Lisa sent over these great photos of her summer nuptial celebration to handsome hubby Mark. Lisa held her wedding is sunny Gilroy on a Friday afternoon- a great tip for you budget friendly brides. To see what colors Lisa used, peek over here.
She requested a soft purple shade on the eyes and very natural looking skin. Her mom, who doesn't wear much makeup every day, wanted a look that made her feel like herself but just a bit more formal. And cousin Shannon wanted a smokey eye to compliment her rich chocolate bridesmaid dress. Keep scrolling to see why waterproof EVERYTHING is just so important!
More great praise from Lisa: "Here are my favorite photos that really highlight how great the make-up was and held up ... even through the crying that happened prior to me exchanging my vows :) Thanks again for doing such a great job ... I really felt special and felt natural on my wedding day with my make-up which isn't always the case with other some of my other friends who have had make-up done previously."

Thanks Lisa, for sharing these great images taken by the talented team from A Perfect Impression! The day looked beautiful and bright, just like you!

Girl in her Garden

2011-01-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

More great photos taken by Mecky Creus & Yvan Iturriaga. Can you believe this "jungle scene" was shot in Bo's own backyard? And the one below in an abandoned parking lot? After three days of hair and makeup and awesome edgy styling by Bo's sister Pina (woohoo for leather shorts!), I am eagerly awaiting the release of Bochan's video for "Chnam Oun 16".

Sharing is (Skin) Caring.

2011-01-04T01:54:00.001-08:00

Clean face, fresh start. Happy Eleven everyone! Hope you all survived the holidays and are currently detoxing from sweets and other fatty foods by drinking lots of tea and eating fresh veggies.

My new year's resolution is to bring you some of my favorite things from time to time, with a focus on fabulous beauty products. This week I'm featuring my face washing routine which is thorough and well worth it. You all know what a stickler I am about my skincare!

As cousin Om came to discover while staying over at my apartment, there are new things the skin needs when the weather changes. Om was visiting from San Diego and his skin did not like our frosty weather. Here is the routine I showcased to him:1) Start with a cleanser that is oil based. I've been enthusiastically obsessed with Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse ($55) and have been recommending it to everyone. Apply to dry face with dry hands and voila! It removes makeup and the day's grime all in one step. Plus, it warms up when activated!2) Next, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38) is used with my trusty Clarisonic (about $120) to get the skin clean and refreshed.
3) I follow up with a a thin veil of Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Treatment ($48), let it dry and reactivate it with Fresh Rose Face Mask ($55). The combination balances out my oils but never lets me feel stripped or dry. The scent of roses reminds me of spa and it's the step I look forward to the most.3) I spritz on a bit of Kiehl's Acai Damage Protecting Toning Mist ($26) to prep the skin for moisture. Delicious, fresh pomegranate scent. And alcohol free so as not to dry out the skin.4) Next, a serum will help to repair any surface damage. I prefer Bobbi's Intensive Skin Supplement ($65). I started using it about three years ago and it got rid of all of my acne scars. All of them. Serum=magic.5) Bobbi's Extra Eye Repair ($65) around the eyelids. I noticed my lashes getting longer since implementing this into my routine. Tap, tap, tap away those crows feet!6) Shu Uemura red:juvenus Vitalizing Retexturizing Emulsion ($85) has a fresh juicy scent. Call me crazy but it reminds me of the way a Sanrio store smells, you know, with the candy, gum and erasers? Whatever it smells like, it keeps me firm and refreshed.

Though Om was shocked at how many steps I did, he took a modified route and woke up with his face as soft as a baby's you-know-what. You can see what my favorite brands are. I simply chose these over years of understanding what would and would not make me break out. Skincare is an investment, but a very important one so that in time, your makeup will look more flawless and you'll need even less and less coverage. Figure out a routine for yourself by sampling products you are interested in and you'll be on your way to a squeaky clean 2011 too!

Thankful for Tradition

2010-12-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

The Holidays. With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas right around the corner, I'm thinking a lot about family, tradition and culture. Here are a few images from behind the scenes of Bochan's video shoot, made special by the rich Cambodian culture that inspires her music. All the colors, costumes and community that came together to make this music video happen reminds me just how important culture, friends and family are. Look at the wonderful costumes and headpieces, there are only a few women who specialize in dressing in the traditional Cambodian manner here in the Bay Area- these ladies came down from Stockton and up from San Jose!

Here is one look we designed for day two of the shoot: a golden accented eye to match the metallic headpieces. Doesn't Bochan have amazing hair? Read more about what inspires Bochan in her interview with Cambodian Alliance for the Arts. Can't wait to see the final edit of the video!

Shout out to my family who I love celebrating every aspect of life with. Here are a few snapshots of our annual Thanksgiving gathering. Look at all the beautiful ladies that surround me!

(Yes, we play the occasional game of Dreamphone to strengthen our bond. Call me if you want to find out who your crush is!) Check out my cutie pie grandma in the middle. At 86, her beauty secrets include Ponds cold cream every night, Vasaline on the lips and drinking lots of hot water. Thanks Grandma for giving us all great skin and baby faces. Hope you are enjoying this festive season and are thinking about your loved ones as much as I am.

Cambodian Couture.

2010-11-30T00:18:00.000-08:00

Bochan is a local indie artist who I met through family friend Ruthie (Hi Ruthie!). I've been working with her the past few weekends on three different looks for her soon to be released music video. Bochan has a really cool vintage style that I caught onto while we prepped at her house. Her home is filled with beautiful Buddhist and Cambodian decor and her music and lyrics are inspired by her Cambodian culture. Check out her last video "Desires" to hear her beautiful voice!

Here are a couple of still images from the new video with Bochan and entourage in full Apsara costume. We used golden eyeshadows, applied with a wet brush, and defined black eyeliner to really make the eyes pop. An Apsara is a female spirit of water, fitting as the video shoot was postponed twice due to rain! Stay tuned for more behind the scenes shots of the video for Chnam Oun 16!

Make Up Lesson for Wedding Photos

2010-11-19T20:33:00.001-08:00

Melinda. My good buddy from grad school. We share many a fun memory eating snacks together during museum happy hours and taking notes in Professor Luby's intense classes. I was flattered when Melinda asked me for lessons as her wedding was being held out of state. We spent an hour or so going over the pros and cons of certain products and what she would need to enhance her cuteness for her big day.

Might I add that she is a super woman, planning her wedding while writing her thesis. Wow! Here is a cute before photo of Melinda with Bitty, Munchy and new hubby Justin. As you can see, Melinda is naturally adorable and didn't need much advice. I just gave her some pointers to take it to the next level. Since we are museum loving dorks, it's no surprise that Melinda hosted her wedding at the Glover Mansion on the South Hill in Spokane, WA (built around 1880, designed by Kirtland Cutter). Yes, fun history facts are the things we museum people love to throw around. Can you blame us with beautiful architecture like this? Aww, such light-hearted fun! What did Melinda learn? Here's what she had to say:

"I tried to find a makeup artist back home, but after exhausting all my sources I decided that I could either go to makeup counter on my big day or do it myself. I knew that if I was going to do wedding makeup myself I needed better products and some great advice. I went to Michaela and she immediately understood what I needed. She showed me how to brighten up under my eyes with concealer and advised that I go heavier on eyeliner because it looks better in photos. I had plenty of time to practice my makeup ahead of time so I could perfect the look. Her advice and product recommendations helped give me a flawless look on my wedding day.

I did end up putting on some fake eyelashes for the wedding. My hair stylist actually put them on for me, but I'm really glad I did! Our photographer was amazing and I'm sure he touched up our photos a bit, but the recommended foundation stick has amazing coverage! And the cream eyeshadow hardly creased all night."Sigh, so pretty. She did a super amazing job on her makeup and I'm so pleased I could help. Her wedding looked like so much fun and I know she and Justin will also have a fun life together with their adorable dogs. Melinda, snacks again soon?

Photography by Eugene Michel Photography
Hair by Jenn Pauls

Makeup Lesson for Engagement Photos

2010-11-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

Jessica. One of my very best friends in the whole wide world and also my cousin. She now lives in Southern California but came home to the Bay Area for Halloween weekend. She wanted to get some tips for natural makeup for beachy photos for engagement photos. I would do anything for this adventurous pastry chef who lived alone for a summer in Italy and brought home a delicious tiramisu recipe to me. Yum! Here is her before photo, taken with our favorite lil guy Hudson. Here she is after our lesson, with beautiful glowing skin and perfect eyebrows. What did Jess learn from our lesson? I offered up tips on my favorite photo friendly products and. Here's what she had to say:"When I found out that my photographer wanted to take our engagement photos at 9 am, I was nervous because that meant I had to do my hair and make up by myself! I usually like to leave that to the professionals, but since that was not an option, I called the best make up artist I know for tips, Michaela. She may be my family, but I asked her for help because she knows what she is doing and makes you look amazing! She was able to evaluate the make up that I already owned, and made additional product suggestions and more affordable options from Target or the drug store. She showed me how to properly apply each product and and how each product works to enhance your features.

To ease my nerves before the photo shoot, we went over step by step how to apply my make up and I followed that guide the next day. I was really happy with the results; my make up stayed in place and looked great! I am also more confident when doing my day to day make up, now that I know what to do and have the right products. Michaela is an artist by trade and that reflects in her flawless execution and knowledge in make up. She wants you to look your very best and feel confident and comfortable in your skin."

I've included a few photos from her session taken by Mike Arick Photography (with a great close-up of Jessie's perfectly applied eyeliner). He really captured the L-O-V-E between this cutey pie couple along with Jessie's natural beauty. Contact Mike for all of your Southern California photography needs!I can't wait to welcome Jason to our extremely loud family of eaters and am looking forward to their beach wedding in July which is sure to have delicious desserts. Thanks Jess! Super awesome review (I didn't pay her to say any of it, I swear!). For those of you looking for tips of lessons, just holler. I'd be happy to help!

A Custom Made Wedding.

2010-11-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

March 6, 2010. Kristin just sent over these great snapshots from her spring wedding at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland with a sweet note, "thanks again for making me look amazing." You may remember me mentioning all the great details from a previous post. Her wedding was perfection featuring peacock blues and custom dresses for both her and her bridesmaids. I took great notes of the colors used on Kristin in my favorite notebook too!
Hope you enjoyed these great shots!

The Meritage Resort

2010-11-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Napa, California. Being in the wedding biz can take away from the magic of what the day really means. This wedding was truly a modern day fairytale and really brought back the enchantment for me.

Rose and Chris pulled out all the stops for this beautiful autumn wedding complete with an homage to football, their favorite sport. They met through mutual friends but Rose won Chris over by showing him how much she really knew about football. Sporty yet elegant, this wine country wedding was the stuff of jock dreams. I got to try out my new camera (thanks Papa Ted!) and captured some truly unique details.

What you need to know about Rose- the lady has perfect skin. Flawless. She is also a minimal makeup wearer and wanted something natural and pretty. Not hard since she's so naturally gorgeous. What else is amazing about Rose? She's the mother of the sweetest tweenager you've ever met, which is crazy since Rose looks like she's fresh out of high school. Here's Alina, pictured below with the skilled Miss Michelle fixing up her locks.

The Meritage Resort is a seriously grown-up venue, perfect for a sophisticated event.

Chris was a tough critic throughout the trial process, not quite loving Rose in a smokey eye. But his personal thanks to me after the ceremony was all I needed to know that I had hit the nail on the head with soft lashes and blush pinks. Thanks Rose and Chris for bringing the magic back for me! And a huge thanks goes out to beautiful Brittany and her talented momma Michelle who knocked out the bridesmaids' hairstyles in record time. I couldn't have done it without you both!

A Delicious Duo.

2010-10-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

Who ya callin' shrimp? Nigiri sushi comes in pairs and I was thrilled when my beau agreed to join me in a matching costume for a Halloween birthday party. Happy birthday to B, Melissa and Mikey! We were throwing ideas back and forth one night and this is what we came up with. Inspired by a baby costume found on etsy.com, I sewed for a few hours and this was the result! Of course I had to match my eyeshadow to my wasabi and pickled ginger headband. What will you be for Halloween?

The Wind and the Windmills.

2010-10-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

S&M. Not as dirty as it sounds. Sylvia and Mike are super awesome friends from my undergrad years in lovely Santa Cruz. Sylvia, recently back from tour as drummer for the Hot Toddies, sent over these great shots today. Here are some beautiful photos of S&M taken by the talented Heath Orchard (who is newly engaged himself!).Since Sylvia is besties with my good friend Katie, the best friend title was already taken, and so Sylvia became my mega friend. We had mega fun cutting and coloring each others’ hair, shopping for shoes, creating fabulous art pieces and sipping on delicious wine (sometimes, not so wisely, the wine came first. oops). Some of my best memories of college were spent with this fellow lil’ lady and I’m so happy that she is finally tying the knot with her love Mike, who makes a mean meatball and plays many an instrument.

You may have seen these distinctive windmills while driving through the Altamont Pass. These grassy hills are such a graphic backdrop, perfect for this artistic couple. I'm told it was quite windy that day, but it certainly made for some nice movement. Who doesn't love how they look with the wind blowing through their hair?

I ditched the heavy foundation for this outdoor shoot and kept the look natural and simple. A thin layer of foundation, powder in the t-zone, lots of mascara, a pop of pink blush and she was ready to go! Plus, Sylvia’s great tattoos lend enough color for the photos.

This weekend we are dress shopping and scouting out their wedding venue. With all the creativity between this mega-in-love couple, their wedding is sure to be one of a kind. I wish you mega luck planning your wedding and know that I will be by your side, helping out any way I can!

Bridal Style

2010-10-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I do hair. But please don't tell anyone. If I ever have to do Denise's hair again my hands will cramp from the shear memory of curling, twisting and pinning it all! So much hair. Good thing I kinda love Denise (she does make yummy cheesecake and she now owes me a lifetime supply). 50 bobby pins and half a can of hairspray later, the results were well worth it (heads up! Long post with lots of photos). Here are more great beauty and style shots fresh from Lydia Chen Photography. If you haven't caught on yet, I'm kinda in love with Lydia. She really captured all of the handmade details and the essence of the day. The photo of flowergirl Miya kills me. Look at the awesome wedding party! And the large group photo? That's only Denise's mom's (who is one of six!) side of the family.
Can't forget about the fellas. Remember my tie tutorial, first mentioned here? Check out cutie Colin walking down the aisle in his tiny tie! And my handsome beau. I kinda love him too. He was the culprit that suggested I try out wedding planning. Phew! What work (and I secretly love it)!The photo above is of Matt's nephews dancing their tushes off. I didn't hire them but they really entertained the crowd with backbends, flips and "the worm"! Best money never spent. And this next photo pretty much sums up the whole day. High five Denise! We did it! And survived to tell about it. Hope you all enjoyed the photos. I designed my little heart out and big thanks to Lydia and Cheryll for capturing it all. Another post with who made what and how we did it soon. Thanks Michelle for the beautiful flowers, Tiphani for the invite design, Erica for pitching in her helping hands. And Matt for building the sweet backdrops. More images to come with Fall bridal makeup tutorials too!

D&M Decor Preview

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

A Pretty Purple Party.

2010-09-20T22:07:00.001-07:00

Phew! I survived the weekend and lived to tell about it. Funny thing about planning weddings is the build up and then... it's over. I'll post more soon when I get a chance to breathe and upload photos. Fortunately I am not going through wedding withdrawals quite yet as the lovely Candice, whose marriage to my college roommate was first seen here, sent over photos of their beautiful June wedding in Sacramento. Candice's cousin Chase and his wife Sam of Chase Millhollen Photography were in town all the way from San Luis Obispo to capture all of the wonderful details. Here are some great shots of me primping with Candice. With such a strong bang, it was important for us to make sure Candice's gorgeous green eyes didn't get lost in photos. Black liner and a subtle use of purple, a contrast to green, really made her eyes pop. What I liked best about working with Candice is that she made sure I wouldn't cover up her freckles. I love this moment after their reveal. Snuggle!The use of bookmarks as escort cards and books as favors are so generous and inspirational. The graphic quality of the pages would make a great piece of art for your home, don't you think? And of course, the post would not be complete without a photo of my handsome roomie. Love you Morgan! It takes a real man to wear purple on his wedding day. The wedding was even more beautiful than I remembered and the photos of this fun couple makes me miss board game night at our old apartment. Let's get together soon, ay Tigermans?

Denise in the Afternoon.

2010-09-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

The Gilroy Hilton Garden Inn, Early Afternoon.

2010-09-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

A Fun-Filled Friday. I could not have asked to work with a more excited bride. Lisa sent me over these wonderful photos and was kind enough to allow me to post her before and afters (thanks Lisa!). On Lisa (all Bobbi Brown, as Lisa is a HUGE fan):
- Navajo Cream Shadow as an all over base (use fingers to spread evenly)
- White Eyeshadow on brow bone (use Eye Shader brush for highlight)
- Heather and Fawn Eyeshadow (use Eye Sweep brush to blend)
- Black Gel Eyeliner (use Ultra Fine Liner brush)
- Ardell lashes #128 (from your favorite drug store!) and Shu Uemura lash glue
- Grey Eyeshadow as a brow powder (Eyebrow brush)
- Bisque Corrector
- Natural Concealer
- Foundation Stick in Natural #4 (apply with fingers and blend with a clean foundation brush)
- Sunny Beige Loose Powder
- Nectar Blush
- Rose Brown Creamy Lip Color
- Rose Lip Pencil
- Buff Lip Gloss

She was so calm and collected through the process, though she told me she knew she would be emotional during the ceremony. Naturally, I gave her some extra powder under the eyes to prevent smudging. Surrounded by warm friends and family, Lisa and her ladies snacked on sandwiches and sang some Katy Perry tunes. Below is a photo of Lisa with her friend Sandra (with the pretty dangling earrings) who is a makeup pro herself. Look at that perfectly applied blush and flattering lipstick shade! Cousin Shannon is on Lisa's left and we had fun designing her smokey eyed look together. Here's a shot of Lisa in full bridal garb with her super sweet mom, Joyce. Joyce has me considering offering personal tutorials about how to do every day makeup with what you have at home. I'm seriously thinking about it! From Lisa: "Thanks again for your wonderful work on Friday! I LOVED my makeup and got a ton of compliments!! Everyone also loved my mom's make-up and I appreciate your eye for not going overboard!! Thank you so much for helping make me a beautiful bride for my wedding!"

Thanks Lisa for the great photos and even greater compliments. I was happy to be a part of your day! I hope you had a wonderful wedding surrounded by all the people who love you, including your new hubby! Can't wait to see more photos. Congratulations!

9.18.2010

2010-09-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

One week. In one week I will birth a bridal baby. The last year of work culminates into one fun-filled, guinea feathered, pearl-encrusted, birdcage-veiled, polka-dotted wedding. Here are a few images that inspired the look for the bride-to-be. Also, stay tuned for the bridal before and afters of Miss Lisa H. It was so fun meeting her family today and hanging out in Gilroy, the garlic capital! I'm sure her wedding was wonderful and I can't wait to post pictures!

Lashes and Lovely Photos

2010-08-27T00:55:00.001-07:00

Eyeliner and lashes are the key to beautiful portraits taken in bright outdoor lighting. Though it's pretty easy to enhance the natural beauty of someone like Denise. This mom of two can do it all! She was concerned about looking sleepy in pictures, and with energetic boys, who can blame her? A bold swipe of black was just the thing to get her eyes to pop as it adds just the right amount of lift and definition. From a distance, and also outdoors, putting on tons of eyeshadow won't give you the same results as some strategically placed eyeliner. Accompanied by a generous amount of under eye concealer, a natural layer of foundation and a loose setting powder to prevent shine, her skin looked picture perfect. And the photogenic Matt (who ironically hates having his pictures taken) didn't look to shabby himself! Another key factor is lashes. Look at how great they look in profile!For natural looking lashes:
- attach lashes with adhesive. Duo adhesive is a very reliable glue. You can find it at Walgreens and it's what the pros at MAC use.
- allow glue to dry and adhere to the lid
- camouflage the lash line with either liquid liner for a dramatic look or a dark powder eyeshadow for a softer look
- curl the lashes with a curler to get your real ones to blend in
- apply a few coats of your favorite mascara. Waterproof formulas are great for outdoor shoots. It helps when the weather is hot and makeup tends to melt a bit.

And when all else fail, pop on some great sunglasses like Colin did! Lydia Chen Photography did a great job of capturing the lighthearted spirit of this family. I am looking so forward to their wedding coming up in a few short weeks. Hope you're all enjoying the great weather we're having!

Home Sweet Home.

2010-08-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

Charlene & Howard engagement shoot. While most people go out of their way searching for a photo-friendly location either in the city or on the beach, beautiful bride-to-be Charlene and hunky groom Howard took their lovely afternoon photos right in their own backyard. What could be more meaningful than taking photos near your home? Surprisingly, Foster City has beautiful parks tucked away throughout the town. Here are a few photos from their neighborhood stroll. These sweet moments captured by Ganz Images.

While we got ready, Howard did a power workout to get buff for pictures. Always a good idea guys! Meanwhile, Charlene warned me that her skin was pretty sensitive, so I was happy to see that the Bobbi Brown foundation stick was a gentle enough formula for her skin. I topped it off with some pretty shimmer dusted onto the cheeks. I think it really enhanced her inner glow. This couple was so fun and friendly. Looking forward to working on their wedding in December!

Family Photoshoot.

2010-08-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

Three men and a little lady. Here are a few images from Matt and Denise's family photoshoot. I'm really happy with how the makeup and styling turned out. The little ones looked great in their coordinating shirts and were quite excited to model! All photos by the lovely Lydia Chen and her awesome assistant Cheryll were taken at Middle Harbor Park in Oakland, CA. See more fun photos at Lydia's blog. More close-ups of Denise, along with outdoor photo friendly makeup tips, coming soon!

A Big Boy Birthday.

2010-08-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

Colin's turning 5! I've known this tiny tyke since the tender age of two, when he could barely say my whole name ("Kay"= Michaela). Freckle Face used to be a chubby baby in diapers and soon he'll be a big boy with a backpack. Sigh. Now that he's going into kindergarten (eeep!) his mom wanted to throw him a great birthday party. I wanted to help out and offered my services. Not makeup application. Instead, I offered to provide everyone's favorite festive activity- Face painting! Today my set of Snazaroo face paints came in the mail and I couldn't be more excited. Kevin has agreed, although reluctantly, to let me practice on his precious face but "only really masculine stuff." Guess I'll have to hold off on using the metallic pink. Regardless, I can't wait to try the paints out. With my sister making awesome balloon animals and me painting tiny faces, we'll be one fabulous birthday party powerhouse! Off to find some great brushes...

Tiny Ties...

2010-08-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

...for little guys. Among the many engaged brides-to-be and summer weddings I've been doing makeup for, I've also been crafting like a madwoman. I am making this upcoming September wedding as DIY as possible. That includes places cards, guest book and fabric pennants (my next project). Pretty sure my fingers are going to fall off. Today I went to Ross, the mecca of cheap finds, and picked up these two ties for $7.99 each. It's been too difficult finding children's ties in a non-bright color and I love how neutral yet whimsical these polka dot ties are. I used this great tutorial I found on Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! I made these two ties for my beau's nephews who will likely steal the spotlight in their parents' wedding (coming up in five weeks!). These little men are going to look great in their seersucker suits and tiny ties. I highly recommend this tutorial as it was simple to follow. Make sure to measure your little one from the neck to the top of their would-be belt buckle to make sure the tiny tie is not too tiny. The brothers are pretty cute as is and these ties will be the icing on the cupcakes! I'll be sure to post photos of the mini men all suited up!

Craft Crazy.

2010-07-27T00:49:00.001-07:00

The things I do for love. First, a bit about this past Saturday. A beautiful backyard engagement party (first mentioned here) came together with the help of good friends. The M&S extravaganza was cuter than expected with tasty barbecue, photobooth and pretty paper flowers, handmade by Katie, Kim and posse. My world is surrounded by all things wedding and wonderful friends and I couldn't be happier.Ladies, the makeup all looks amazing and the dresses could not be more fantastic.

Today I spent the day with my good friend Clarice (who is moving this Friday to Philly. Sad face.) scouring the racks at TJ Maxx for some super wedding finds and traipsing about the craft store for ribbon and trim. Clarice, I don't know what I'm going to do without you here to tell me when things are too ugly to buy, when shoes are too fabulous to pass up or when I'm wearing too many articles of clothing in mauve (my favorite color). You are an inspiration to me and I hope you are happy in your new home! I came home and immediately started crafting. Needless to say I'm exhausted!

Here are some snapshots of work from my crafting studio, all for the wedding coming up in September. Below is a mock-up of a tree I painted for the guestbook, some empty jars I've been collecting for the past year and party favors for the bridal shower happening this Saturday. It may not look like much now, but it's all coming together!

The wedding is coming up quick and it seems that I have a million things to do and remember. Being a planner is hard work, but when I sit back each day and look and what I've made, it all seems worthwhile. This Sunday I'll be making the lovely Florence look fabulous for her big day, followed immediately by styling for an engagement shoot. I barely have time to post anything! The fun never ends!

An invitation to love.

2010-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been obsessed with penmanship. Thank you notes, proper etiquette and RSVPs have been on my radar, especially with all the wedding planning I've been doing. For the past few weeks my life has been full of bachelorette parties, bridal shower invites, weddings, receptions, addressing envelopes and stuffing them. Here are a few snapshots of the fun projects I've been working on lately. Nothing new on makeup, but still wedding related. No worries, makeup posts coming very soon!

Here are some fun invites for good friends Sylvia and Mike. They are to be wed in May 2011. Happy yellow envelopes with hand painted invitations. The groom even lent a hand and was quite good at staying within the lines. Hand made paper flowers to be scattered about the engagement party. Here are some snapshots of us working on invites for an upcoming wedding in September. Look at my little helper in blue. We are hard at work in our wedding invite factory, aka the dining table. There's nothing like a well organized assembly line! In love with these "Love" stamps. All of this practice is just making my calligraphy better and better! Hope you are enjoying wedding season as much as I am!

The Tigermans are fierce!

2010-06-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Fair Oaks, CA. What a day! On Saturday, I was the guest at two weddings, the first for my college roommate Morgan and his beautiful bride Candice and the second at Blackhawk Country Club in Danville for high school friends of my beau's, Ramon and Jaryce. Needless to say I am still recovering from all the fun and love vibes and am gearing myself up for another this coming Saturday. Phew! First, a post about the newly married Tigermans...The two began dating while Morgan and I were roommates so I am happy to say I was there from the start! I arrived early for makeup application and was excited to witness the behind the scenes setup as everything came together under the summer sun.

A beautiful backyard wedding on a beautiful estate. With canopy trees, fountains and an outdoor bar, the Ruderman home was a perfect setting to unite two "bibliophiles" (as their officient called them). These literature obsessed high school teachers gave books as their favors and used the same titles for their table names in lieu of numbers, including The Little Prince. The place cards were even bookmarks!Though it was the hottest day of the year, nothing could stop this cool couple from glowing at each other as Candice walked down the aisle. Fair skinned and freckled, Candice wanted a very natural look, but a fun color on the eyes. Her eyes are a crazy bright green/hazel color and she has a deep red hair color. Since her wedding colors were peacock inspired, I used a brightening purple on the lids, a grey heather purple in the crease and a matte white shadow for pop on the brow bone. With a clean black eyeliner, a good amount of undereye concealer, a framing brow and a natural gloss, Candice was ready to walk down the aisle! Above is a family wedding tradition from Morgan's family- a group hug! Awww.

A few standout products included DiorShow mascara in waterproof (of course) and Navajo cream shadow as an eyeshadow base to insure that all the colors stayed in place. Because the day was so hot, the mascara smudged a bit. We touched up under and around the eyes after photos with BareMinerals Mineral Veil powder. I was sad to leave the wedding and miss out on Morgan's epic playlist (he used to fill our apartment with the sound of the very best mixes), but happy to have witnessed some of the sweetest (and most grammatically correct) wedding vows I've ever heard. Thank you Tigermans for including me in your special day! I hope you don't find too many errors in this post and have a wonderful honeymoon in Greece and Turkey. Eat lots of falafels for me! Next it was off to Danville for a fancy reception even Kimora would have envied. A glass of champagne and raspberries and I was able to unwind after my long drive. I'm happy to see that my own makeup held up well in spite of the heat (stay tuned for a post on pretty wedding guest makeup). It was wonderful to hang out with friends and a few faces I haven't seen in almost ten years! Ramon and Jaryce's cake was delicious and it was the perfect ending to a love filled day. The best to both couples and cheers to your new lives together!

Oakland Mormon Temple.

2010-06-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

No matter your faith, there's no denying that the Oakland Mormon Temple is a beautiful site. If you're from the Bay Area, you may have seen it glowing on the hillsides late at night. Here is a shot of Luz and her groom in front of the temple. "Luz" means "light" in Spanish and I'm happy to see that the makeup complimented her inner glow. Glowing is easy when you're in love!

Because Luz's skin is so naturally flawless, I used a tinted moisturizer giving just enough coverage and to even out the skin. A soft mauve eyeshadow all over the lid, a deeper heather purple in the crease, subtle eyeliner and defined brows were all she needed to make her look picture perfect. Congrats you two!

Happy Birthday...

2010-06-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

to me! Today is the big Two Six (which means that much closer to the big Three Oh... eek!) The one gift I can give to myself (and all of you) is to remember to use eye cream every day and night. All around the eyelids at night and on the under eye only during the day.

My favorites I've tried include: -Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair
-La Prairie Anti Aging Eye Cream SPF 15 - A Cellular Intervention Complex (for daytime only)
-Shu Uemura Beta-G Reinforcing Eye Cream
-Lancôme 'Absolue Eye Precious Cells' Advanced Regenerating & Reconstructing Eye Cream
-La Mer the Eye Concentrate
-and my tried and true Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream (it has built in primers to keep that under-eye concealer on, which I find myself using more and more these days)
I am a slave to my eye cream. Because the one thing I never want to give myself is premature crow's feet. Off to enjoy this sunny day (slathered in sunscreen, of course)!

Update: I had a wonderful day full of surprises that included a mirror maze, pinball, carousel ride and dinner at my favorite restaurant Roy's (Dear misoyaki butterfish, I love you so much. Love, Michaela). And of course I couldn't resist wearing extra lashes on my special day, because well, why not? Thanks to my family and friend Lindsay who made my birthday so memorable, and especially to my El-Oh-Vee-Ee who put the whole day together!

Next to Godliness.

2010-06-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

Baby shampoo. Perhaps a more versatile product than you would imagine. In fact there are many baby products that work for grown-up ladies as well. Here are a few of my favorite baby products (most by Johnson and Johnson) you can use to maintain your tools and keep your skin as soft as a baby's bottom, all for a great low price. Baby wipes are always great to have on hand for wiping off makeup when you're just too tired to wash your whole face. They're also great for cleaning brushes daily. Just swipe the brush over a sheet a few times to loosen up the residue and ensure that there is no leftover color for the next day. Unscented ones are safest to use on sensitive skin. Not only is it great for refreshing your hair, baby shampoo is a gentle way to clean your brushes and is far less expensive than brush cleaner. Simply squeeze a small amount onto your dry hand, swirl the brush in the shampoo until colors begins to fall out of the brush and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Reshape the bristles and squeeze out excess water. Lay brushes flat to dry overnight.Baby oil is nice to use on dry patches of skin, like elbows and knees. You can also use it on a cotton ball to gently remove eye makeup in a pinch.Lately my favorite lotion has been Johnson's Bedtime in this pretty lavender bottle. It's a great scent that always allows me to drift off into dreamland. Use it during the day to smell sweet as a baby!

This post is inspired by a conversation I had with a co-worker about the importance of keeping your brushes clean. Too often I've been over to friends' homes and am appalled by the dirty makeup sponges, caked brushes and old mascara. Here are some helpful tips for keeping things clean and fresh:
- Throw out sponges once a week. At about 10 cents a piece you can afford to replace them often. Otherwise you are just pressing bacteria and rancid oils back onto your face. Eew!
- Tissue off residue on brushes and eyelash curlers after use if you don't have time to wash them. These tools can harbor a lot of bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
- Wash brushes once a week too. A gentle lather of baby shampoo does just the trick without loosening the glue that keeps the bristles together. Just don't soak the brush or you could end up compromising the quality and tapered ends.
- Ever catch a whiff of that fishy smell when you open your mascara? It's a telltale sign that it should be thrown out! Purchase a new mascara every 3 months, foundation and other liquid products every 6. You'd be surprised at how much better fresh make up can wear and how much better it is for your skin and eyes.
- Avoid sharing products such as lip gloss, mascara or other eye products. Though risk of infection is minimal, you never can be too careful!
- Quick industry tip: When trying on lipstick at the makeup counter, be sure to ask consultants to disinfect the lipstick bullet. All it takes is a quick spray of alcohol and a few swipes on clean tissue. Alcohol doesn't affect the color or quality of the product and you never know who tried the lipstick on before you.

I hope this is helpful! Please remember to clean and replace often. Your face will thank you for it!

Mascara Advice.

2010-05-27T00:20:00.000-07:00

This isn't really good advice. But I thought it was too funny not to share.

Like the star of the video below, I also use two mascaras every day.
1) Shu Uemura waterproof Precise Volume mascara is a great smudge-proof base that fans the lashes out and really lifts them like a good push up bra (it may soon be hard to find as the company is leaving the US!) and
2) Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined mascara separates and thickens and is a tubing mascara that scrubs off in threads without remover. For Asian eyes that always smudge, these are my fool-proof favorites.

I've never tried the vibrating mascara wands discussed in the video, but I'm willing to try out her suggestion. Does save on batteries, don't you think?

Life's Big Moments

2010-05-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday. Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but I've been working a lot and finishing up my thesis and grad school. SO close to being finished!

Just wanted to make a quick note on yesterday, a day that reminded me of all the fun things in a lady's life. While working Saturday I had the pleasure on designing looks for a variety of ladies and usually I help people who want something for the every day.

Not yesterday. I could not believe that each one was attending a special event: a bride to be, two girls attending their senior prom, a young lady going to take her engagement photos, a woman attending her very own baby shower, and a birthday girl. I was so excited! The day went by quickly and did not feel like work at all. Every single person was excited and happy and literally on the verge of a new moment in life.

Yesterday made me happy. I hope I helped make those ladies happy too!

Adventures in Makeup Land.

2010-03-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Say WHAT?! While cleaning brushes at Un-Named Overpriced Department Store in San Francisco this past weekend I felt a tap on my shoulder and I hear, "Bobbi Brown! I need some help with Bobbi Brown!" Well, that would be me now, wouldn't it? So I turn to face this hyperactive sounding voice and see a middle-aged gentleman who reminds me of the UPS guy from MadTV and begin a strange conversation that involves way too many playful punches on the shoulder... my shoulder.

"Hi, hi. I was wondering if you could help me. I just started dating this woman. Well, I shouldn't call her just "this woman" should I? *punch* She really is a lady! *punch* The problem is I'm a political consultant and I am very concerned about image. Now I have this plan and I need your help with it."

Uh oh.

"My plan is to bring her here to the makeup counter to get her makeup done. See, she does this thing where she makes her eyes look like a raccoon! *punch* I just need her to bring it down a notch because she could really look so much better." Say WHAT?! Uhh, great plan buddy. This is totally what I imagine "this woman" to look like.Ha. I dare you UPS guy, to say raccoon to HER FACE. Long story short, and after a few more punches, he said he would come by next week where he is going to say he has a friend who does makeup and he would really like to buy "this woman" some new things. How is it going to make "this woman" feel? I think he's cowardly and going about it all wrong. But really, how would you go about something like this? We've all seen that one lady who needs a push in the right direction, but if that direction is to tell her to wash her face off and start over, I most certainly am not the person who is going to do it. And somehow I am now part of some sneaky plan. I'm not a fan of making people feel badly about themselves, raccoon eyes or not.

After UPS guy left, with a warning that we did not think this was a good idea, the girls and I chatted about what an a$$ you have to be to tell a woman you've just started dating that you do not like her face. Maybe she'll lose him instead of the eyeliner? If they do come in, I'll be sure to update you on how it all goes!

Have fun wedding like this you will?

2010-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yoda. What does the ancient one know about weddings? Well he sure is great at making them cute! You'll be surprised to know you can make outer space sophisticated. Wouldn't you have liked to sit at Cloud City? What do you get when you mix theatrics, geeky galactic details and two life-loving people? A fun-filled wedding at Berkeley's Brazilian room! The reason I loved this wedding is that Amanda and G didn't take themselves or their wedding too seriously. Below you'll find more wonderful photos taken by the talented Davis Lee. Check out his portfolio! It's quite impressive.
We started the morning at the Shattuck Plaza, with Hazelle and I standing patiently outside the hotel room while Amanda and G practiced the steps to their first dance. I then got to setting Amanda's hair into a low, curled up-do while bridemaids noshed on tasty pizza from Berkeley's Cheese Board. They were a fun group; very enthusiastic, laid back and happy! And they wore quite possibly the cutest bridesmaids dresses I've ever seen. Golden brocaded frocks found on etsy.com where you can find anything vintage inspired! And yes, totally re-wearable. We kept the makeup simple with deeper lip tones, appropriate for a December wedding. Eyes were highlighted with smokey metallic shadows, a sweep of white matte shadow on the brow bone for lift, clean black eyeliner and flirty lashes. A pop of blush was all that was needed to tie their looks together.

The standout of the day was Amanda's mom, my friend Nick's Auntie Sandy, a former makeup artist herself. Nick and his girlfriend Hazelle (who was my brush cleaning assistant that day!) tease me for constantly calling Auntie Sandy "fabulous" but there really is no other way to describe her. She rolled into the hotel room with a leopard print fur coat and sunglasses on. More ladies should put the time and effort into their looks that Auntie Sandy does. She was the one who inspired Amanda to wear red lipstick. I couldn't have thought of a better shade myself! Clearly Auntie Sandy's sophistication has rubbed off on Amanda. Look at that cute stole! Here are my tips for a clean red lip:
- Start by pressing your foundation into your lip (no need to buy an extra lip primer). It will act as a primer but will also neutralize your natural color to allow for a clean application.
- Next, fill in with your choice of red lipstick. My favorite shades are any of the reds by MAC (like Amanda is wearing) or Bobbi Brown's Burnt Red which has just enough brown in it so it's not too obnoxiously bright.
- Lip liner is key. Trace the outline of your lips with a lip pencil (like Sangria by Bobbi Brown) and color inwards to blend. Lining after applying lipstick will create a heavier wax barrier that will prevent feathering or bleeding.
-Touch up often for optimal photos as red lipstick is a bit high maintenance.
-Lastly, apologize to your groom because he's definitely going to get a red stain for your first kiss! Keep a hanky on hand to touch him up too.

Another fun tip? Amanda borrowed some free weights from the hotel gym and did a few reps to get those arms and chest toned for photos! Not a bad idea if you're wearing a strapless dress. No weights available? Just hit the floor for a few sets of push-ups!
Amanda and her mom even invited me and the bf to fill in empty seats for the reception. Totally wish I had gone. Nick and Hazelle said they had a blast in Amanda's photobooth, complete with silly props. Thanks Nick (pictured below), for introducing me to this "fabulous" family. Definitely one of the more memorable weddings I've worked on!

Save the Dates

2010-03-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Postcards. Some of you know I've been helping my beau's sister plan her wedding for September 2010. The bride and groom to be have been together for about ten years so this wedding was a long time coming! I was happy to help the mom of two with the wedding plans since I know what a handful the little ones can be. And since I have a thing for weddings I'll be posting some inspiration and final looks here from time to time. I just met with my friend Clarice, designer of Happenstance Designs. She's agreed to make a birdcage veil for the bride, a ring pillow and fabric flower accessories for the bridesmaids to compliment the rustic look of the venue. I'm so excited!

Thought I would share the Save the Date I designed. The postcards will be sent out next week with handwritten messages (there is a smaller guest list, we thought this would be pretty manageable). The postcards, ordered from costco.com were a bargain and I thought the lower price of postcard stamps would be a good way to save a little green (both money and paper envelopes). I couldn't think of a more fun way to incorporate the kids into the wedding decor. Here's the original photo taken by the talented Paul Bothwell at a Berkeley Park. Aren't they cute? I can't wait to see them in their little suits!
And here is the Save the Date, inspired by their fall wedding's color pallete, which includes granite, smokey purples and fawn browns. The venue, caterer and dj are all booked and invites are done. Now comes the fun part... thinking of decor and designing hair and makeup looks! I can't wait for everything to come together! Stay tuned for my inspiration board.

Pretty, Pretty Peacock Feathers

2010-03-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

Marriott City Center, Oakland. Wanted to share some snapshots from Kristin's wedding prep. Talk about wedding workshop! There was a floral station, food station, hair station and my very own makeup station! Kristin, her mom, future mother-in-law and bridesmaids were chatting, snacking and accessorizing themselves with pretty peacock feathers. Check out the very blue center pieces with accents! It was really fun getting to know the bridesmaids. Fellow Clarisonic lover Amy (pictured below) is a chef for a non-profit in San Francisco, another Kari (pictured with Amy) is a construction project manager and another bridesmaid Christine from Las Vegas was even a professional synchronized swimmer (that was once my dream job too!)! It was fun hanging out with all the ladies and snacking on tasty veggie quiche. Hope to see more pictures from Kristin soon!

Old Hollywood Glamour.

2010-03-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

My first white girl wedding. A lot of my friends have jokingly told me that I need to expand my portfolio by seeking out some white girl brides. Luckily, Kristin found me via Denielle (thanks Denielle!)! I have many Caucasian clients at work but in my bridal business, they have been scarce as most clients find me through word of mouth where one Asian girl leads to another. On Saturday I will be using Carrie and Christina as my inspirations for bride to be, Kristin and her friends.
I am SO excited to see the bridal party. Kristin has been telling me about the details of her wedding, including a fabulous peacock head piece to go with her custom made dress and bridesmaid dresses designed by a former costumer for Teatro Zinzanni in San Francisco. Sounds amazing! The wedding will take place at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland as per the request of Kristin's Star Trek loving fiance. Surrounded by stars, telescopes, friends and family, Kristin's wedding is sure to be out of this world!

Brows and Bobbi Bliss

2010-02-26T19:41:00.001-08:00

Woohoo! I met Bobbi Brown today at the Palo Alto Nordstom! She stepped in during one of my appointments and introduced herself to me, asked me my name and asked for my ethnicity. She was really enthusiastic because she's visiting China in a few weeks and said she thinks Asian women are some of the more beautiful women in the world. I like Bobbi so I'm glad she likes me and my peeps! Gawk! (a photo of Bobbi taken in January at the San Francisco Master class.) She gave me a few tips and points on the eyebrows of the client I was working on (also Asian and in pure shock that Bobbi touched her face). It was a really neat experience... plus, Bobbi is short like me!

My new obsession has been eyebrows since mine are very sparse. Eyebrows are a very personal feature and I'm one of the first to run away from another artist who wants to darken mine! It's alright to be particular because it's your face! You too can be your very own brow expert...a few brow pointers I've picked up throughout the years:
- brush brow hair downward with a clean mascara wand to see the top of your brow line
- fill in with an eye shadow that is lighter than your hair color for a soft defined look
- avoid any shades that have too much orange or red. These tend to turn bricky throughout the day.
- use pencil if you feel you need more definition
- define more precisely right on the arch and along the top of the brow line
- extend your powder or pencil just past your natural brow "tail" for more frame (a tip from Bobbi!)
- brush brows upward again with mascara wand
- set with a clear brow gel or clear mascara
- don't use a heavy hand or too dark of a shadow when filling in the fullest parts of your brow. You may end up looking like this...
Brows are one of the key things that can pull your whole look together, lift your eyes, and define your features. Master your brows and you'll find yourself using less makeup because you'll already look polished! Cheers to all my Asian ladies I've worked with, all with fabulous eyebrows! I think you gals are real purty too.

The Skin You're In.

2010-02-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

Naked Face. What? Two blog posts in one week you say? I just had to write a little something about my Christmas present I just started using (thanks bf!). My skin is radiant, clear, fresh, hydrated and firm. I have been indoors for the past two weeks working on my Master's thesis and haven't seen the sunshine. What is this miracle product I've been using?

Not makeup or skin care at all! It's actually the Clarisonic. Basically what it does is exfoliate the top layer of your skin, most of which is dead or flaky anyway. By removing this yucky layer of skin, which can create a weblike barrier, you allow your skincare to penetrate the top layers of skin and act more effectively. It also removes oils (and my Asian skin is O-I-L-Y), dirt and makeup which get caught in fine lines. Traditional scrubs (like that awful apricot scrub) won't get deep down in your fine lines and often it leaves little scratches on the surface of your skin.
When I got the thumbs up from four co-workers, all who are estheticians, and my cousin who works at Sephora corporate who has been a long time user, I had to get my hands on one. My goal is to get my skin so flawless that I don't need foundation or even tinted moisturizer for every day. I'm hoping my Clarisonic will help me get there. It's been about a week and I noticed a huge difference in my skin in the morning. When I put makeup on, it goes on so smooth and I need even less concealer and foundation than before. Here's my face so far (don't judge me, I'm in study mode)...Here's how it works: imagine an electric toothbrush, but for your face. An electric facial you can use at home every day. At first I thought it was a bit pricey but when I did the math on the money I would be saving from frequently getting facials I figured it was at least worth a try. I am usually sensitive to cleansers and skin care products but the Clarisonic allows you to use your own products (like toothpaste on a toothbrush!).Simple skin tips:
- Treat your skin well by upping your water intake. You want to be hydrated inside and out.
- Make time to wash your makeup off at night, no matter how sleepy you are! Oils from makeup become rancid when they sit on warm skin or get rubbed in by your pillow case. Eew. Remember, not washing your face one night ages your skin two weeks!
- Avoid harsh scrubs or anything new leading up to your wedding.
- Use sunscreen.

The reason I write about this is because so many brides ask me how close to the wedding they can get facials (about a week before is good). Facials are great, but if you only get them once in a while and don't maintain the look of your skin, your skin is not going to look the best it can on the day of your wedding. And you also run the risk of breaking out from any irritating products. I think the Clarisonic is the perfect tool to invest in for the months leading up to your big day. I'll keep you updated on my skin progress!

Tips and Tricks?

2010-02-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

Fresh from Spring Training! And back with new tricks, tips and fun things to play with. I'm so glad I was able to "brush" up on my skills and even learn some new ones. I was able to preview the new collections and get some inspiration for wedding makeup. I'd be happy to share new colors, thoughts or ideas for fresh Springtime makeup with you. Just ask! Here is the face chart I made yesterday in class. You all know how much I love black eyeliner and peony pink blush! I am in L-O-V-E with Bobbi Brown's spring campaign. I think her message speaks to the every day woman and the realities of a busy lifestyle. The campaign is so awesome because it includes multicultural women of all different sizes and ages. Finally, somebody got it right! By giving a few simple tweaks here and there she created looks for each model to make them feel "Pretty Powerful", the theme of the campaign (booklet pictured here, along with some of my new pink goodies!). It was also neat for me to see campaign material as I recognized some of the models as Bobbi staff members and even a Beauty Team artist I've worked with in the past! So, I can attest that these are real women, just like you and me, who would like to look pulled together in a pinch. So great, as my style is very practical, realistic and fresh. My everyday can't live withouts include sunscreen, black eyeliner, black mascara and a pop of pink blush. What are yours?

Flowers, Feathers & a Fuzzy Puppy.

2010-01-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

happenstance designs Photoshoot, January. What a great way to start the year! I'm lucky to have talented friends. There is so much fun to be had when the right people come together. With a cute bungalow house as our set, unlimited handmade accessories to choose from, and a curious puppy sniffing the photo equipment, this shoot was bright and fun. You can't even tell it was pouring rain outside! First, a couple of behind the scenes shots: the designer Clarice and I prepping our model Alison.

Kona (the cutest Labradoodle!) likes to lick furniture. I guess he has a thing for texture.

Alison was an easy going model with amazing features- perfect eyebrows, full lips and fun freckles! And of course, the best hair ever. Look at the great feather headband and how it just pops against her dark hair. I don't know how she sat still for so long and kept that sweet smile. Yay for Alison!

I kept the look soft and natural. We tried to imagine the type of clients that would wear Clarice's accessories. Happenstance customers are easy-going, fun, pretty, and are able to throw on anything to give their look just a little extra pizazz. These looks were designed with a girl on the go in mind. After we polished Alison's skin with just a little foundation (really her skin was already flawless!), added a pop of pink blush and a natural soft pink gloss all we did between looks it change up the eyeshadow.

I love the flushed bridal face below. It was definitely my favorite look. If you're wondering, that's a Melissa Sweet bridesmaid dress Clarice wore for her sister's wedding. Isn't it cute?

And the easiest way to change your look from day to evening (perhaps you want a little more drama for your reception?) is to use a darker eyeshadow and thicken up the lash line with a heavier eyeliner. Be sure to blend and smudge your liner just a bit. Top it off with an extra coat of black gel based mascara to keep your lashes from flaking, then swap out for some sexy accessories and you're ready for fancy time!

The necklace is my favorite piece from Clarice's new collection. Imagine it with simple tee and a blazer for a night out. Or with a jewel toned cocktail dress as a guest to an evening wedding? So versatile!

Our photographer Paul Bothwell editted these next photos with a Poloroid finish in Photoshop. Try toning your own photos for that vintage finish! I thought the antiqued look perfectly complimented the fun feathery hairpiece and our cottage porch setting. The fabulous fabric flower belt made from ribbon, that is beautifully hand-beaded, can also double as a headband. A great gift for your bridesmaids- something they really can wear again!

All these beautiful accessories can be found at Lilac Boutique or Modern Mouse, both great little shops in our hometown of Alameda! Visit happenstancedesigns.blogspot.com to contact Clarice. Maybe she can help you design your dream accessory for your big day?