The Importance of a Beauty Contract for your Wedding Day
You're getting married, planning and decisions galore! Not to mention the countless options that are out there for every vendor you could ever want or need. Selecting the perfect professional takes research, due diligence and time. When you find that person or company that you click with, and you feel confident in them, is important to solidify the relationship with a legal agreement or contract. It is equally important as a professional to secure a client relationship through a contract.
Do I need a contract for my makeup or hair artist?
You might not have thought of this, but all too often brides-to-be have their wedding day turned upside down into a ball of stress due to makeup artists or hair stylists not showing up or cancelling the night before - never to be heard from again. So you may have already guessed the answer, but I'll do my best to paint this picture for you below.
You're getting married, planning and decisions galore! Not to mention the countless options that are out there for every vendor you could ever want or need. Selecting the perfect professional takes research, due diligence and time. When you find that person or company that you click with, and you feel confident in them, is important to solidify the relationship with a legal agreement or contract. It is equally important as a professional to secure a client relationship through a contract.
I've been in the business of weddings for years now, and unfortunately, my company has become an expert in crisis management. I know what you're probably thinking... "Crisis management? For makeup and hair?" Oh yes. More often than I like to admit (for the sake of the reputation of my industry) we have clients that come to us that have had their beauty team bail on them last minute OR worst yet...not show up at all! When I ask if they had a contract with them most of the time they say no. I am here to tell you, a contract is a non-negotiable item when it comes to a vendor-client relationship and you should never operate without one.
I could go on for days on this topic and bore you to tears with all the reasons why you need to have a contract in place with every professional you hire. I promise, though, I won't do that here. I've highlighted below three of the most important reasons for having a contract in place.
It keeps everyone honest.
Transparency is key. A good contract should list out all of the company's/vendor's policies on payment, deposit, cancellation, prices, additional fees etc. There should be absolutely no room for error when it comes to additional fees that you, the client, would incur if "X" happens. If down the road something gets called into question, you and your hired professional will have the contract agreement to fall back on. With the craze of planning your wedding, it's easy to forget some of the details you agreed to early on in the planning process. Your contract is a record of those items and keeps you and your professional honest and on the same page. Likewise, as a professional your contract is a tool to hold your clients accountable to what you've agreed to.
If something goes wrong you have a leg to stand on.
Heaven forbid your hired professional doesn't show up on the day of your wedding! What happens? If you have a contract in place, is this covered? Do you get a refund...what action can you take? If you don't have a contract in place and legal action is necessary it will be very difficult and a major stress on you to pursue. This goes for both the client and the professional. If your client's payment fails to process; what action are you able to take to ensure you get paid? Are you obligated to complete the service(s) without payment?
A professional standard.
A true professional will require a contract in order to secure their services and your wedding date. If the person/company you're looking to work with doesn't require a contract...run do not walk. You might get lucky and all will go well, but you might not. Do you really want to risk it on one of the most important days of your life? Industry pros, if a prospective client doesn't want to sign your contract and pushes to hire you without one...run do not walk. Signing a contract in order to secure you should not be up for negotiation.
Here's a snippet from an actual bride's comment on Wedding Wire's client forum.
“This past weekend I went with my mother to get my hair done for the first time with her hair stylist. We were thinking of hiring her to do our hair for my wedding but I wanted to see her work first. After meeting her (and she did a wonderful job with my highlights) I feel confident in hiring her. The only problem is that she does not use contracts nor does she require a deposit and I don’t think I feel comfortable taking her on her word that she’ll be there when the time comes. The same goes for the makeup artist who works at the same salon. My mom just trusts her because she’s been to her a bunch of times but I don’t feel comfortable not having it in writing. Especially being that my wedding is on a holiday weekend. Does anyone have an example of a contract they’ve signed with hair/makeup artist for their wedding? Maybe I can present it to her myself and simply explain that it’s not that I don’t trust her, but it’s common practice to protect both of us?”
The final word on wedding day contracts
The last piece of advice I'll give here is, make sure the contract, is an actual contract. Email and text message conversations do not count. Pros, invest the money and time into hiring an attorney to draft your contract(s) for you. Clients, trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right ask the pro to explain or consult your own attorney. A good contract should protect BOTH the professional and the client.
Does this seem like a lot of hassle? Well... it is your wedding day. Ensuring that things are done right and that your day is filled with a stress-free, luxurious experience is a top priority for every bride-to-be. It's just about doing your diligence (or maybe you plan to hire a wedding planner to do it for you). Here are some top points to consider when hiring a glam squad to perfect your wedding day beauty looks.
- Ensure that communication is clear, open and professional.
- Ensure that a trial run/consultation is as important to the artists as it is to you.
- Ensure they have some processes in place, like contracts and billing schedules.
- Ask about reviews, techniques, specialties and client work.
- Have a budget already in mind. Good Artist have horrendous costs - they charge accordingly and they are specialists in their craft.
- Find an artist or agency whose work you love.
- Expect a contract.
I hope this has helped shed some light on how important contracts are. Please keep all of these things in mind when planning your dream wedding! For more information hiring beauty professionals for your wedding day, read our blog on "Should I Hire A Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist For My Wedding Day?"
Tanille & Jason’s Beautifully Rustic Beachside Wedding
From the flowers to the full table setting arrangements, Tanille took on the role of the bride and D.I.Y stylist for her own wedding celebration on Torquay Beach!
Real Wedding Submissions
Tanille & Jason's Beautifully Rustic Beachside Wedding.
We're a sucker for a beach wedding! That's why Tanille and Jason's beachside wedding submission has us giddy. The couple met on the beach when Tanille was just the sweet age of seventeen and happened to meet years later, by chance, during a night out in Melbourne.
For them both, it only made sense to celebrate their everlasting love in the same setting as where they first crossed paths. Tanille was dressed in a gorgeous lace number from Fifi & Edga Bridal in Geelong, which fit in perfectly with the rustic and bohemian theme she envisioned for her special day.
From the flowers to the full table setting arrangements, Tanille took on the role of the bride and D.I.Y stylist for her own wedding celebration!
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
Jason and I met along the beach when I was only 17, which is why it made perfect sense for us to celebrate our everlasting love in the same setting. Then we met again, later in life when we unexpectedly crossed paths on a night out in Melbourne.
How did he propose?
The proposal was romantic and intimate. He proposed in the comfort of our home, traditionally getting down on one knee.
Not a moment missed for those that are in love.
How did you choose your wedding gown?
A good friend of mine owns Fifi & Edga Bridal. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the lucky one. My wedding dress was the first one I tried on and I fell in love the moment I looked in the mirror! I love that the dress is two piece and lace, and that it’s traditional but still showed off my figure. I had no idea what I was looking for when I walked into the store, the dress was the first one I laid my eyes on, the first I tried on and I purchased it right there and then.
Wedding Style
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
The style I envisioned for my day was rustic and bohemian. We picked the beach for the wedding location as the beach is where we first met. We both love the beach. We went with rustic and boho as I think it complements the beach and is nice and natural. We wanted to have a really romantic feel with all the candles; we chose whites roses and baby's breath as we felt that matched the theme really nice. Our colour palette was just nice natural colours.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
My favorite moment from my wedding day was the one where I saw my husband waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
Any DIY décor elements?
I did a lot myself, from my flowers to the full table setting.
Any Regrets?
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
I would probably hire someone to set everything up. We did it ourselves and it was very busy and stressful, but worth it in the end, as it looked amazing.
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
My advice for future brides is to try (key word, try) not to stress out as I promise you that everything works out in the end and all the little pieces will come together just perfectly.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love my husband. My favorite thing about my partner is the way he makes me laugh, he has the best sense of humor and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. He is the best person I have ever met, he makes me feel like I am complete. He is there for me no matter what. I fell in love with him because he is who he is and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s amazing and I am so lucky to have him.
Star-crossed lovers starring at the sea.
Vendors & Credits
- The Dress: FiFi & Edga Bridal
- Shoes: Ted Baker
- Grooms Suit: Menzclub
- Photographer: Trevor Cooke
- Stationery: Adorn Invitations
- Cake: Ferguson Plarre
- Food: Thirteen Hats
- Flowers: Tanille organized these herself!
- Ceremony Venue: Torquay Beach
- Bridal Jewellery: LOVEON
- Reception Venue: Whitesbeach Guesthouse
- Makeup & Hair: Blush Bar
See More of Tanille & Jason
The WarPaint International Difference
Have you ever called, emailed or sent a text message to a business or professional and they either didn't reply at all or took an inappropriate amount of time to get back to you? At WPI our top priority is our clients, which means responding to you as soon as we are able.
Why WarPaint International?
It's 2017 and the industry of beauty is ever-growing. Beauty services that come to your home are becoming more popular and the options for your makeup artist and hair stylists are endless. Beauty on demand is well on it's way to becoming a household term. So, with that in mind, Why WarPaint International Beauty Agency? I wanted to share a few key points on why you would choose to hire WarPaint International Beauty Agency for your wedding day, your editorial shoots, your nights on the town, your home parties, life events, and commercial events.
Real customers for WarPaint International Beauty Agency
The WPI Difference
RESPONSIVENESS
Have you ever called, emailed or sent a text message to a business or professional and they either didn't reply at all or took an inappropriate amount of time to get back to you? At WPI our top priority is our clients, which means responding to you as soon as we are able. We have an amazing team of professional administrative staff and wedding consultants that work with us behind the scenes to ensure each and every inquiry and question is addressed in a timely fashion. We get better every day because of you.
PROFESSIONALISM
I hold myself, as the Founder and Creative Director, and everyone at the company to the highest standards when it comes to professionalism. Professionalism in the beauty industry is one of the top qualities we look for when we hire. We ensure that no matter the situation, all of our clients and team members are treated with the utmost respect and handled professionally.
I spent the first 5 years of my beauty career working in salons. It was in those experiences that I quickly learned what type of culture I want to build inside my own company. At WarPaint International, we do not tolerate drama and negatively. By setting this bar as the standard from WPI's inception, we have created an amazing culture of empowerment, positivity and genuine people.
TALENT & MORE TALENT
Myself, along with our leadership team, do our due diligence when it comes to hiring talent to work with our company. The interview process at WarPaint International includes a phone interview, technical interview, and a thorough screening/background check. It is of the utmost importance that we hire professional artists that share our same values and are equally talented. We offer ongoing training and master class education to our team as well to ensure that their skills are always sharp, that they are up on trends and can deliver you any look that you desire.
PASSION & MORE PASSION
Starting my own beauty agency has been a dream come true and a lifelong one at that. I LOVE what I do both as a Makeup Artist and a business owner. I truly believe that like attracts like. My passion and love for this industry and for our clients have resonated throughout WPI.
Our people, our process, our reviews and our continued growth speak to our passion.
DEEP ROOTED INTEGRITY
Unfortunately, WarPaint International has become a specialist in disaster recovery. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I've had a client call me in tears the night before their wedding, photo shoot, or event exclaiming that the freelance artist they've hired (outside of WPI) has bailed on them. Or even worst yet, the artist didn't show up to the appointment!
“I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had a client call me in tears the night before their wedding, photo shoot, or event exclaiming that the freelance artist they’ve hired has bailed on them. Or even worst yet, the artist didn’t show up to the appointment! ”
This is something that is all too common in the beauty industry and quite frankly, something I'll never understand. At WPI we guarantee an artisan from our company will be there to make you look and feel beautiful, especially if we are facilitating your wedding day beauty services. This is one of the top advantages to working with us.
The proverbial bus happens to all of us, and because we're human Artisans get sick, have family emergencies and life happens in general. We have a large team so you can be rest-assured that no matter what circumstances crop up - we'll take care of you.
THE PROCESS
Early on in my career a business woman that I look up to told me, "If you don't have a process you have a problem." Today, I could not agree more. We have an organized process and procedure for everything we do at WPI. Trust in the process! One of the most important parts of our process is client contracts for weddings and large events. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a contract.
Often times this detail gets overlooked, I think because we're talking about makeup and hair services... What could go wrong, right? Contracts are a crucial part of a professional relationship between the client and the company. It keeps us all honest and the expectations are clear from the beginning. I'll talk more about this in another blog soon.
Getting Married?
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
The proof is in the pudding, as they say... Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that what you've created enriches other people's lives. I can't help but share what our clients have to say.
"I had a family photo shoot at 8am and wanted to look my best. WarPaint had no problem meeting for a 6am appointment. It was incredibly convenient to wake up, shower, and then have them come to me for the styling and makeup. No salon would accommodate those hours, let alone that kind of convenience. I loved my hair and makeup (both done by Mariah). Thanks WarPaint!"
"Wow, I can't say enough about my experience with WarPaint! They came highly recommended from my wedding planner and she definitely didn't steer me wrong. Mariah was friendly and on top of things to book the hair and make-up artists for my wedding, and Laura (make-up) and Jennifer (hair) were both phenomenal and fun to work with too! I loved that the trial could be done at my house, that was super convenient and they re-created my look perfectly on the day of the wedding. I booked them for my Mom, sister and daughter too and we were all really happy, all around a great experience."
"I've been a beauty member for over a year and I've been extremely impressed with the level of customer service I've reviewed over the past year. The owner, Jessica, always ensures me that my business is valued by quick follow-ups to my emails, taking to the time to address any concerns and suggestions, as well as hiring the top beauty experts in the hair and makeup industry! Even though Jessica is the owner, her make up services are an option for everyone to book her - I've seen studios charge extra because they are the owner or a master stylist/artist. I think this really speaks to Jessica's character and how invested she is in WarPaint.
Here is an example of the topic quality of artisans that WarPaint employs: I recently had an appt for hair and make up for a night out on the town with a new artisan, Aspen. Apsen arrived on time with no issues finding my location. She was very in tune to my mood cause I wasn't in a talking mood (too excited about the show later that evening!) - she made me feel really comfortable in my own home. She shared with me her experience and asked questions on where I was going and what look I was trying to achieve. I felt she took her time with my make up and hair and asked me several times if there was anything I wanted to change and that she'd be happy to accommodated. Aspen's look is one of my favorites and I feel her customer service was through the roof as she didn't leave until I was satisfied with my services.
I would highly recommend WarPaint International for all your hair and make up needs for those special occasions."
"HIGHLY recommended! I used WarPaint for my wedding this summer and absolutely loved the experience. Jessica was so easy to work with- timely in communication, organized in all the schedules for hair and makeup for 10 women on the day of my wedding (with help from additional hair/makeup artists who were each equally phenomenal), and was completely reassuring and accommodating throughout the process. She and Kristina came to my house for a trial a few weeks before the wedding which helped me feel MUCH more confident as we approached the wedding date. Then, when I panicked a few days before the wedding and asked to make a few changes to the look, she was completely reassuring and on the wedding day, achieved the PERFECT look. I was beyond thrilled. I also had a few challenging family/friends on the wedding day and she was incredibly patient. THANK YOU! I really wanted to look natural on the day of the wedding and my husband was worried that with additional makeup and hair extensions, I wouldn't look like myself. Jessica knew exactly how to accentuate my own features without looking "overdone." My husband LOVED the work they did as well! Great experience, fantastic girls to work with- highly recommended!!"
Real Beauty. Every Day.
Book WarPaint International Artisans for your wedding, event, meeting, date or editorial shoot.
Stay Beautiful. Subscribe to the Beauty Membership.
Anjie and Angelo’s Elegantly Timeless Melbourne Wedding
Read Wedding Submission! This beautiful couple tied the knot on September 30th of 2016 at the stunning All Saints Anglican Church in St. Kilda and finished the evening at the sophisticated and stylish International of Brighton. Read their story and inspiration!
Real Wedding Submissions
Anjie & Angelo's Elegantly Timeless Melbourne Wedding.
Anjie and Angelo met online in 2011. To celebrate their marriage in the elegant manner they always envisioned, this couple shows us that your wedding day doesn’t always have to be elaborate to be meaningful and to truly showcase your love.
This beautiful couple tied the knot on September 30th of 2016. The couple wed at the stunning All Saints Anglican Church in St. Kilda and finished the evening at the sophisticated and stylish International of Brighton. Read their story and inspiration!
All Saints Anglican Church, East St Kilda
The Story
How did you and your partner meet?
Believe it or not, we met online in 2011! At the time, online dating wasn’t as common as it is now. I honestly wasn’t expecting to meet anyone, but it just happened. Angelo and I completely hit it off and when the connection is just there, it doesn’t really matter where it is you happen to meet.
How did he propose?
To celebrate our one year anniversary, he surprised me with a stay at Crown Metropol. One night, he simply got down on one knee and proposed in the hotel room. I can say it’s one of the most precious moments of my life. Some people want a rather overdone public proposal, but this was ours – it was intimate, real and magical.
“Some people want a rather overdone public proposal, but this was ours – it was intimate, real and magical.”
How did you choose your wedding gown?
I wanted something traditional and timeless for my wedding dress. I tried on a few and chose the one that I believed looked most beautiful on me and of course embodied that air of elegance every bride seeks. When you try on the right dress, you just know that you have to make it yours.
The Wedding
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
When it came to the style that I was looking for my wedding, I wasn’t too fussy. I just knew I wanted something that was elegant and graceful. It would come to me when I found it.
How did you know that your reception venue was the one?
We picked the venue we did for our special day because it was everything I imagined and more for my sophisticated wedding with my nearest and dearest. As soon as we saw it, we knew it was the perfect fit and it was actually the first place we visited! We couldn’t look past it – the service was second to none and we felt relaxed throughout the entire process.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
My favorite moment from the day would most definitely have to be the speeches given at the reception; for they were so meaningful and touching. In that moment, I felt so emotional and happy all at once.
Any Regrets?
If you could do it all over again... what would you change?
The one thing I would have changed on the day would have been to be more prepared in what shots I wanted the photographer to capture as the family photos didn’t go as I had planned in my mind.
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
My advice to future brides is to try and not worry so much about the finer details during the year of planning. For it simply won’t matter as much on the day of your wedding. Embrace and enjoy it all the while, and as much as you can. It goes by in a blur!
Vendors & Credits
- The Dress: Eternal Weddings Camberwell
- Makeup: Magical Makeovers
- Hair: Magical Makeovers
- Stationery: Adorn Invitations
- Shoes: Jeanette Maree Jewellery
- Accessories: Eternal Weddings Camberwell
- Jewelry: LoveOn Jewelry
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Daniela’s
- Groom's Suit: RDX Chadstone
- Photographer: On Three Photography
- Cake: Purity Cakes
- Flowers: Kellee Flowers
- Ceremony Venue: All Saints Anglican Church St Kilda
- Reception Venue: The International of Brighton – Georgian Room
See more of Anjie & Angelo
Top Things to Know Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer
We wanted to answer your qestions about hiring a photographer, so we interviewed the Executive Director of Amore Lux Studios, Kelly Barry-Miller - one of the top teams in the Twin Cities when it comes to wedding day photography and videography.
Top Tips For Hiring a Wedding Photographer For Your Big Day
Like any of the checklist items in your wedding day, there are a growing number of "need-to-knows" about almost every service vendor you might hire. Our specialty, hair, and makeup, ranks top of the list when it comes to doing your diligence. But photography and videography is also an area where you want to really know what you're looking for and how far in advance you need to begin thinking about it in order to secure the people that are not fly-by-night freelancers - but here for your lasting memories and the long haul.
So we interviewed the Executive Director of Amore Lux Studios, Kelly Barry-Miller - one of the top teams in the Twin Cities when it comes to photo and video all under one roof.
How far in advance should you book your photographer and/or cinematographer?
As seasoned professional and award-winning photographers in the Twin Cities, we receive bookings six months to one year in advance. So it is imperative to book with us as soon as you get engaged or you have set a date for your big day. For wedding cinematography, expect to book three to six months in advance. At Amore Lux Studios we have three truly talented cinematographers, so we have more options for our Brides and Grooms when it comes to booking their wedding dates. When planning your wedding, you should know in January of 2017, we are already receiving wedding contracts for 2018. The industry, in general, has expanded its vendor commitment times.
When looking at pricing; what can a couple expect to spend on photography when they want to book their engagement session and their wedding day with the same photographer?
You will find that the pricing structure for each photographer will be different based on the experience and education they have, as well as the quality of their work, their portfolio, camera gear, knowledge, experience, and training. Our Associate Photographers start at $1800.00 (for full wedding day) and a Master Level photographer starts at $2400, based on package collection choices.
We love to add a few complimentary items as an incentive for our wedding couples to book with us, such as custom print credits and engagement sessions, because it is a great way for us to get to know our clients in a personal photography setting, before their big day. We are also one of the only photography companies in town that offer full design and wedding day branding services, which promote a luxurious and cohesive visual feel to the day. We can customize any collection to match the vision and budget of our clients.
What are some key elements to consider when looking at a photographer's portfolio?
The quality of imagery is number one when looking at a photographer’s portfolio. Every photographer has their own style, personality, and creativity that they bring to each session, so it is a matter of finding the right photographer that fits your personalities and the vision or style you are looking for. Seasoned photographers will have consistent imagery within portfolios which showcase their unique style and full weddings within their galleries. I would highly suggest asking your photographer to see a few of their full-coverage weddings because you will see how they are able to handle different lighting situations that can happen throughout the day.
What advice can you give to couples about deciding whether or not to do a "First Look"? Does this typically affect pricing?
Deciding whether or not to have a “First Look,” shouldn’t affect pricing at all, however, it can affect the overall stress level of the day in regards to your wedding day timeline. We always honor our couples who want to see each other, for the first time, “walking down the aisle,” if that is what they have always dreamed of. However, having that unique and very special quality time of seeing one another “before” the ceremony for a first look, can be just as special and will produce an easier schedule for you – the Bride and Groom -- to be able to have the formal/family and bridal party pictures done before the ceremony. It usually provides more time for fun the rest of the day. We have found that our wedding couples are far less stressed and can truly enjoy one another and their guests, during their wedding day, when a first look is added.
What are some of the benefits of having a cinematographer in addition to the photographer on the wedding day?
Since we offer both photography and cinematography for our couples, we can tell you firsthand that the couples who decided to save money and not book a cinematographer have come back to us wishing they would have booked. Because even though pictures capture the day as it is unfolding, it doesn’t capture the energy, atmosphere, and living personalities of each person. A special moment captured with photography is beautiful, but being able to see the same moment in full action, HD film is another thing altogether. It brings that extra dimension that pictures simply can’t bring by themselves.
We recently had an after-wedding viewing party with one of our bridal couples to show them their pictures and video. They loved the pictures and had smiles on their faces afterward, but when they viewed the video they were whole-belly laughing at the fun moments, crying good tears at the sentimental ones, and were completely brought into their wedding day all over again. It is difficult for brides and grooms to remember their wedding day because everything goes so fast that it is like a fog in their memory, but being able to view it in real-time, HD, they are able to truly enjoy all the little things they couldn’t remember, that happened.
A quick story . . . one of our brides asked us if we had any extra film footage of her Grandfather because he recently passed away. We were able to find it and send it to her, and she was overwhelmed with joy at being able to see him moving in real life - essentially capturing his essence and personality in action. That is the power of video. And that is the reason every bride should add cinematography to their wedding day.
Should the bride and wedding party hire professional makeup artists and hair stylists?
ABSOLUTELY, beyond a doubt. Every bride should at least consider, if not hire Makeup and Hair Artists for their big day. Professional photography goes hand-in-hand with makeup and hair artistry. If a Bride and her attendants want to look and feel their best in front of the camera and have stunning images for this milestone event, they must be willing to add hair and makeup artists into their day.
Long after the wedding day the caterers, florists, venue, DJ, etc. and all the people you have paid big dollars to (so that your day will be special) will be long gone. They won’t be able to help you remember your wedding day after it is over. It is the photographers, cinematographers, makeup artists and hair stylists who will be the defining factor in helping you have those memories of your wedding day for generations to come. It sure also makes our post production job a lot easier :-)
In your experience, what are some regrets that couples have about their photography or videography after their wedding?
Many of the couples who booked us for photography, but decided not to book cinematography, or decided not to book one of our preferred makeup/hair artists, regretted not hiring those vital people. They have said, “Ohhhhh I LOVE the pictures, but I wish my hair and makeup was better or lasted all day,” and “Man, I wish we would have gotten film footage of our Aunt, who recently passed away.”
“Ohhhhh I LOVE the pictures, but I wish my hair and makeup was better or lasted all day”
These are things that new brides can learn from the ones who have gone before them, and be proactive with when they are considering who to hire for their wedding day. It is easy to look at the budget because let’s be real... not everyone has a ton of money to spend on their weddings, but they still want a fantastic day. The main money-saving area that brides will go to, is to book a lower priced photographer and no makeup/hair artist. They don’t realize at the time that the only lasting thing after the wedding celebration is the images and film footage from the day. It is VITAL to have professionals who know what they are doing and are highly educated and seasoned in their artistry, in order to have memories they will cherish through the generations.
It’s unfortunate but wedding couples will spend a fortune on their venue, caterers, flowers, etc. and then skimp on photography/cinematography and hair/makeup artistry. Once brides’ understand the value of investing in great photography, cinematography, and makeup/hair professionals, then they understand after the wedding day, why their investment ended up producing such gorgeous memories for them, and there are no regrets. It is the couples who are only looking at cost, and not understanding the value and investment that end up with the regrets.
What are some of the perks of choosing Amore Lux Studios over other photography/cinematography companies in town?
Thanks for asking! First of all, we work hard to ensure that our client services are truly the best in town. We give our complete heart and souls to each client, making sure their every need is taken care of with integrity, from the time of initial consultation all the way to final delivery of images/film and beyond. We don’t see our clients as one-time bookings, but lifelong friends that we are honored to take care of. We also view each client as an individual, with individual styles and taste, and that is why we offer varying degrees of customization so they feel confident they are getting services that are custom-designed just for them.
Most wedding photographers are what we call “shoot and burn” professionals, which means they take pictures and then burn them to a USB or DVD, and give it to the client. They don’t provide additional quality printing and design services. However, Amore Lux Studios offers extra design/branding a-la-carte options to go with each collection, which gives the clients that luxury visual feel. We have custom invitations, save-the-date cards, guest sign-in albums, wedding ceremony cards, reception menus, wedding websites, thank you cards, fine-art Italian albums, and so much more. Our design services are rare to find in town, so clients love being able to get that perk of working with us, along with the gorgeous imagery and film footage.
How would a client go about booking an Amore Lux photographer or cinematographer for their wedding day?
We absolutely love to meet with our clients one-on-one for a complimentary consultation. This is the time that we can truly meet and get to know them better, as well as hearing the vision they have for their beautiful wedding day. Clients can simply complete our online Wedding Day Inquiry Form, to check on our availability, and to schedule a bridal consultation with us. The photographers/cinematographers are the only ones who are with the bride and groom all day long, so we want to make sure we are all comfy together and know one another. During the consultation, we can answer any questions and go over our packages and collections, and customize it to the client's needs. At the end of the consultation there is no pressure at all to book, but if a client is happy and wants to book with us, then we can walk them through the contract, and they can submit a 30% non-refundable retainer fee, at that time, to reserve their Amore Lux Studios professionals for their wedding day.
Or if they want to go home and think about it, we have convenient and verified online contract-signing, and payment submissions.
The Final Word
So there you have it. Planning your wedding can be hard enough - you don't need to worry about the minutia. Seasoned professionals may cost more in some cases, but they bring value and experience to the table. Hopefully, some of your concerns about hiring a wedding photographer have been addressed here. You can always reach right out to the Amore Lux Studios staff for more intimate conversations.
Don't forget about your hair and makeup!
You can have your cake and eat it to with Amore Lux Studios!!
5 easy steps for your 2017 Makeup Bag overhaul!
2017 is off and running - so it’s time to take a look at your makeup bag. Let’s toss the old, keep the new and upgrade our look this year; shall we? Here are 5 simple steps...
What's in Your Makeup Bag?
2017 is off and running - so it’s time to take a look at your makeup bag. Let’s toss the old, keep the new and upgrade our look this year; shall we? Here are 5 simple steps to help you declutter your makeup bag and discover a new and more fabulous you!
Step One: Take inventory of your makeup. When’s the last time you replaced your mascara? Have you been using the same blush for 3 years? Probably time to toss it and get a new one. Even for “solid” products bacteria builds up over time, so make sure you are adhering to the shelf life guidelines of the product.
Pro Tip: You can extend the life of solid products by sanitizing them from time to time. Make sure you use a 70% alcohol as opposed to 99%.
Image: www.hypehair.com
Step Two: Implement a brush washing routine. You really should wash your makeup brushes once a week. (Note: if you use a beauty blender or makeup sponge, those should be washed after each use!) DO NOT use rubbing alcohol or other soaps on your brushes. The bristles will become dry and brittle ruining your brush.
Make sure to use a gentle shampoo designed for makeup brushes. I really like the makeup brush shampoo from Sigma Beauty, as well as their brush cleaning mats & gloves.
Image: Sigma Beauty
Step Three: Schedule a makeup lesson with a pro artist. Many artists, like those who work for my company, will come to your home for a personalized lesson. In addition to teaching you all that you want to know about applying makeup to yourself, they will take a look at your makeup bag and give you advice on additional products you should purchase. They will ask questions about your lifestyle and daily routine, to make sure they teach techniques that will be appropriate to the amount of time that you want to spend putting your paint on each day.
Photo Credit: Brio Art
Skin Care is a must!
Step Four: We can’t have great makeup without great skin care. Go see an esthetician for a facial and chat with her or him about the current products you’re using. A solid skin care routine will make or break your makeup application. Trust me! Ps: We love Jill at Skin Savvy, tell her WarPaint sent you!
Step Five: Hit your local Sephora or cosmetics department. Try something new, I dare you! I’ve talked with many women who say they’ve always wanted to rock a red lip, or wear false lashes. DO IT! We only get one go around at this life - step out of the box a bit; you may find you like it.
Photo Credit: Conner Bilt
Following these easy steps will help you declutter your makeup bag. They will save you time and keep you looking and FEELING your very best! For an ultimate makeover, book a WarPaint International artisan for a makeup lesson - you won't regret it!
Xo,
Jessica Mae
Founder & Creative Director
Behind Every Amazing Makeup Application Is Great Skin Care
Ladies, I am here to tell you that if you do not take good care of your skin your makeup will not look good either. Think of your skin like the foundation of your home. If the foundation is solid, then a beautiful home can be built on it.
Skin Care, AHHH!
As a child growing up, we're told "Wash your face!", "Put sunscreen on!" from our parents. A task that as kids, we most likely had a sassy comment back or at least rolled our eyes. Now, through years of experience and self-education, I've learned how important a good skincare regimen is. I'd put myself in the skincare enthusiast category.
Enter Adulthood... I've been working as a professional makeup artist for 10 years, you could say that I've seen it all {or almost all}. With that in mind, what shocks me the most is when I ask a client about their skincare and they tell me "Oh I just use bar soap." or "Does splashing water on my face before bed count?" or the worst of them all "I don't wash my makeup off ever.". (<--- if this is you stop it right now! For every day you don't wash you makeup off your skin will age by 7 days!!)
Before and after shots above: Experts said Anna's skin aged by ten years as a result of not removing her make-up for an entire month. Original Article from DailyMail.co.UK. Read More.
Why Don't You Wash Your Face?
I hear these comments more often than not these days. It's left me asking...WHY? I don't think it's due to lack of resources or education. There are more skincare products out in the market than we can count. I also don't think it's due to the lack of being able to find products that are affordable. I do, however, believe that two things are happening:
- We are relying too much on the facade that makeup will make everything perfect. I know this because I've had women say to me "Why would I waste money on skincare when makeup can make me look perfect?".
- Social media has given a false sense of reality. This is not a new epiphany. We know that social media often is "smoke and mirrors" especially when it comes to images of beauty. With tons of filter & editing options, we're able to hide any flaw on our face in an image, and in an instant.
LADIES..., I am here to tell you that if you do not take good care of your skin your makeup will not look good either. Sure, you might not see the effects right away, but over time this will absolutely be the case. Think of your skin like the foundation of your home. If the foundation is solid, then a beautiful home can be built on it. If your skin is well taken care of, a beautiful makeup application can be applied and you'll look amazing! It's that simple. Now, I know that skincare products can be costly but they don't have to be. I also know that mother nature has a funny way of intervening and sometimes it's a challenge to get our skin to cooperate. What I'm talking about here is simply the need for us to take better care of our skin and ourselves. Here are a few tips for an easy, effective and affordable skincare routine.
STEP 1
Cleanse both morning and night. I really like the Gentle Daily Cleanser from Arbonne. For $28 it's a high-quality product that won't break the bank. For those that are acne-prone, I'd recommend Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash ($5). Start off by using it once a day (and your other cleanser for the second wash) then increase to twice a day, but if you get dry or flakey back it down to just once a day. Make sure you are getting all of your makeup off - especially mascara. Use an eye makeup remover to ensure it's gone for the day.
STEP 2
Exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week. Exfoliating can help improve your skin's overall tone & texture as it removes dead skin cells. This also allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin. If you like to use a granular exfoliant, make sure that you are really gentle and don't rub your skin harshly. Using gentle circular motions - polish your skin.
STEP 3
Moisturize Day and Night. This is a crucial step. Properly moisturizing your skin will help with anti-aging and also help your makeup application go on smoothly and last throughout the day. My two favorites moisturizing products right now are Ultra Sheer from Skin Medica ($58) and Water Balm from Sonia Roselli ($48). Both are a little spendier but so worth it. Water Balm is a multi-use product as well, so there's lots of bang for your buck! Don't forget a good night cream. I like No 7's Beautiful Skin Night Cream ($15).
STEP 4
SPF! The sun is one of the leading causes of aging and not to mention the risk of skin cancer. Apply after your serum / moisturizer / eye cream. I really like Skin Medica's Tinted SPF ($68), I use that one as a foundation replacement in the summer. Neutrogena's Age Shield Face Lotion ($13) is also a great affordable option.
STEP 5
Go to see an esthetician. Regular facials can make a huge difference. An esthetician will treat your skin based on its needs. This is especially helpful for those pesky blackheads. He or she will do extractions to clean out the pores and leave your skin soft & supple. A good facial will run you around $80, but look for deals on places like Groupon if you're sticking to a budget.
BONUS: To REALLY make a difference in your skin (do all of the above of course) invest in a Clarisonic. Seriously. They are a bit expensive, but so worth it. I've had mine for 2 years now and I can't speak highly enough about how it has changed my skin. I now have the confidence to go sans-makeup and still feel beautiful. I attribute a lot that to using my Clarisonic every day along with great skincare products. Save your pennies and get one. You won't regret it!
Me, no makeup - no filter!
Those are the basics. Start with those 5 steps and your skin will thank you, as well as your makeup artist. If you come to a makeup appointment with skin that hasn't been cleaned in a week, your makeup will not be all that it can be and you can't blame your artist if the makeup lacks the level of perfection you were expecting - there's only so much we can do. Take the extra few minutes a day and invest in your skin, invest in YOU!
Lastly, none of the above really matters unless you are well-rested and in good health. Starting with good sleeping habits can not only change your life but accelerate great skin care (among many other things). To learn more, read this article about:
Top Tips To Help You Get Your Beauty Sleep.
Holiday Hair & Makeup Looks You Can Wear
Every year, the artistic direction team at WarPaint International sets the tone and direction for spring, fall, and holiday hair and makeup looks. Trend development is something that we put a great deal of pride into, with a focus on presenting looks that are wearable and attainable by the everyday women. Check out these looks for holiday 2016.
Holiday Hair & Makeup Trends for 2016!
Every year, the artistic direction team at WarPaint International sets the tone and direction for spring, fall, and holiday Hair and Makeup Looks. Trend development is something that we put a great deal of pride into, with a focus on presenting looks that are wearable and attainable by the everyday women. Check out these looks for holiday 2016.
“These holiday looks are quite simply, spectacular!”
Behind the Scenes
The holiday season is about joy, giving and be thankful for what you have. WarPaint International would like to extend it's deepest gratitude to all of the people that make these trend collections, our videos, our culture and clients - true belivers who want nothing more than to "Prepare For Battle™"
Prepare For Battle™
Top Pro Tips For Planning Your Corporate Event
Event planning is one of those industries where everyone is doing it, but very few are qualified to even step into the space of planning large-scale, privately or publicly attended functions. Meet our boutique go-to for event production in New York City.
Event Planning in New York City
Event planning is one of those industries where everyone is doing it, but very few are qualified to even step into the space of planning large-scale, privately or publicly attended functions. When it comes to producing and managing events, there are so many details that simply go unaddressed for many companies. Details like concept, venue, vendors and contracts, staffing, production, technology, food and beverage, ticketing, etc. All the event management details you don't want to have to think about or be responsible for...
So How do I plan my event?
Enter Sasha Perelman. She's a professional relationship builder with a background in marketing and event production across top brands. She believes that dreams are attainable – especially for her clients. With over 12 years of experience, Sasha’s goal is to take a client’s vision and create an extraordinary experience. This is exactly what she does. Sasha created Revolver Productions - our boutique go-to for event production in New York City. Revolver Production has 5 simple rules to planning your next event, and we'd like to share them here. Read on.
Image courtesy of Revolver Productions Website
5 Pro Tips For Planning Your Next Event
1. Hire an Event Planner
SO Obvious and a shameless plug, but the proof is in the pudding. The road to a revolutionary and extraordinary event is a long and windy one. How many events or red carpet galas have you attended that just didn't have the details down to make you say "Wow"? We've all been to them.
- Coat check is a mess.
- The food service is in the room speakers are fighting for air time with.
- Logistics are, well... there aren't any.
- Technology fails.
- Humans are lost and unprepared.
- Location is bad. Timing is bad.
- We could go on from personal experience.
2. Go Green
One of the biggest complaints in the event planning industry is the amount of clutter that gets collected along the way that gets lost. Fuel productivity, personal investments and the overall fun factor by leveraging technology. Branded flash drives, Google Docs, Slack, Airtable and other tools are brilliant additions to your team's organization and mental health. They'll work great for the event itself too. Keep your ideas, communication and execution lean, mean and GREEN.
3. Implement Swag
Speaking of branding, step up your swag game by giving away unique items that will serve as a reminder how innovative and thoughtful your brand really is. You've already got a drawer full of branded pens and note stacks, so think outside the box. How about chapstick or a creative T-shirt? These items will not only get used often, but SEEN over and over again. Keep thinking and you'll nail your brand giveaway on the head.
4. Eat More Fruit?
There's some science here. Serving berries during breaks at your next conference is said to help you think better, learn better, and retain what you're learning at a higher capacity. You could probably bundle some almonds and nuts alongside some herbal teas for powerful, natural cocktail of mental and physical stimulation. Oh... and oysters couldn't hurt.
5. GET OUT!
If you scream "Nature is touching me!" when you're in the park, then this is your opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and embrace the great outdoors. When it comes to productive attendance at meetings or events, or meetings about events... the classic round table discussion with institutional coffee and fluorescent lighting are your biggest enemies. Take it to the park, the library, the hillside, the seaside or wherever you have a unique and inviting outdoor space to tantalize your audience's senses and ability to enjoy being engaged. Trust us...
Dullsville.... the view on the ground is much better.
When building professional alliances, it's important to seek personality as well professionalism and good ol' fashion know-how. So for WarPaint International, we strive to find those rare souls that kick ass on a daily basis.
Revolver Productions is New York's Premier Event Collective, offering customizable and personalized solutions for event production of all sizes. You can contact Revolver Productions in New York City directly by visiting their website. RevolverProductionsNYC.com
Top Tips to Help You Get Your Beauty Sleep
Beauty sleep is perhaps the single most important activity in your life. When you're well rested, you're mind, and hence your body, can function at very high levels. But getting there is severe challenge for society.
How Can I Fall Asleep Faster?
Many people suffer from an inability to fall asleep right away when they decide to shut down for the night. There are numerous factors that effect our sleep, including where we live, our diet, our habits, technology, our jobs and more.
Beauty sleep is perhaps the single most important activity in your life. When you're well rested your mind, and hence your body, can function at very high levels. But getting there is a severe challenge for society. A good night's rest can burn productive calories, clear up baggy eyes, heal muscle pains, lower stress and make us feel like a morning superman. But how can you achieve it?
Top tips to get your beauty sleep
Make Your Room A Sanctuary
Lighting. This is the first step. Comforting and restful lighting can be achieved through low-wattage lamps that you can place bedside. Lampshades should have soft, natural tones so they feel warm and relaxing. Windows also exude light at night unless you live in a sheltered area. Some people prefer blackout shades to sleep well, while other people may enjoy the gentle moonlight entering through a crack. This is entirely a personal preference.
Beauty Sleep. The single most important activity of the day.
The truth is, only about half the world gets good rest and it's because they live in a lifestyle that doesn't offer all the distractions that countries like the United States do. We are a sleep-deprived society, which increases our risk to heart attack, stroke, disease and bad attitudes. Making your room a sanctuary is extremely important in today's age. For more advice on how to manage this, read How To Make Your Room A Sanctuary by The Front Roe.
Bed Time. Stick to a regular schedule
"There is nothing worse than finally crawling into bed, feeling so tired that you swear you could sleep for a decade, only to find yourself physically unable to fall asleep. All day long, you looked forward to the moment you could head home and go to sleep, and now that you’re finally in bed with the lights off, you somehow can’t?"
By designing and keeping a bedtime and wake-up schedule, your body (and mind) will be better prepared to fall asleep, stay asleep and be refreshed the next day. Its very important to avoid varying your bedtime hours. Some of the top reason you can't sleep are:
- You don't stick to a regular routine.
- You exercise too late, or not at all.
- You drank a glass of wine or other alcohol to "relax".
- You nap too often.
- You go to bed angry.
- You use your bed for other things than sleep...
- The temperature is too hot or cold.
- You showered right before bedtime.
- You worked until right before bedtime (BIG NO NO).
- Your bed sucks and you need a new one.
If you want to know more, read "10 Reasons Why You Can't Fall Asleep by Byrdie"
Learn and Use Breathing Techniques
Do you practice Yoga or some other physical discipline? Breathing is an important part of our body's health. Your sleep habits are no different. While it may take some getting used to, there's a three-step breathing technique that has been shown to be effective. It will take some practice and patience but you'll appreciate the results. This is also a great stress reliever when needed.
The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise by the Zoe Report
- Breathe in for four seconds.
- Hold breath for seven seconds.
- Slowly breathe out for eight seconds.
NO Technology
"You've heard it a million times, but for those of us who mindlessly surf Instagram or facebook while our heads are on the pillow, here's a million AND one: No screen time an hour before bed. Yes, that does mean your phone. Screens inhibit the production of melatonin, which naturally induces sleep. Your friends' reruns and the political banter on social media can wait until the next day if it doesn't interfere with the important stuff". - Byrdie
And for God's sake, remove the television from your bedroom that gets shut off at 3am when its snaps you out of a deprived sleep cycle.
Technology can destroy our sleep patterns. Keep your phone and digital devices away from your bed or in another room.
Make A Hot Drink
I'll know you'll be disappointed but we're not talking about hot toddies here. Many people struggle to fall asleep on a nightly basis. You'll be happy to know that some foods and drink can actually aid in this problem. Our bodies naturally respond to hot drinks late at night. Many people agree it's the warmth of the cup in your hands and liquid in your body that lull you to sleep, but there is some science behind it too.
Chamomile tea has anti-anxiety effects and some research has shown that it will raise your glycine levels. Glycine is a natural sedative.
If you're hungry, have some whole wheat bread or cereal. Whole wheat is known to begin the process of making melatonin, which helps you fall asleep. You want to avoid cereals with sugar of course. Turkey is also a great bedtime snack due it's very high levels of tryptophan. Insomniacs also often suffer due to low levels of magnesium. Eating fish before bed can provide those missing vitamins and help you conk out.
Is my sleep affected by where I live?
YES. As much as you may love the big city lights, you should move for many reasons. Mass populations are a by-product of poorly designed societies when it comes to health and happiness. They fuel poor human habits.
According to Dr. Lisa Wolfe of Northwestern Medicine and the Academy of Sleep Medicine, big cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and others are the primary cause of something that much of our society suffers from - environmental sleep disorder. Planes, trains, subways, sirens, people on the street, gunshots, motorcycles, and even low-level constant noise that you think you've tuned out over time are serious factors when it comes to brain function, depression and advanced aging.
Big city living is also associated with much longer commute times to work which lead to longer days, anxiety and frustration. In cities like Chicago and New York, 200 - 300 hours per year can be spent on your commute. These cities, due to their responsive design, make it nearly impossible to come home during the day as well. So a regular sleep schedule, excercise and healthy eating are also common challenges. These problems can cause daytime sleepiness, mood swings and irritability. Over time it may result in severe sleep deprivation. Whether city dwellers want to admit it or not, this increases the risk of problems such as depression, poor job performance and overall aggressive personality traits. Some research also shows it's the driving factor behind divorce and relationship issues. We've all heard the saying that city people are single people...
Urban areas also have some of the poorest air and water quality in the nation. Most city dwellers run very high risks to develop asthma, allergies, dry eye and even cancer. Their young children are almost certain to grow up developing these health problems. Creating an environment to successfully dominate life is hard enough, let alone mixing a cocktail of sleep depriving elements into your life. If you must live in a city, take careful measures to eat properly, stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid tobacco and alcohol and exercise regularly, to offset the stress of living in populated areas.
The Nation's Fattest Cities
Junk food and poor health choices affect your sleep as much as every other topic we've covered here. Some foods are great for inducing sleep and promoting health, but some are just bad. No matter where you live in the United States, you have endless options to eat poorly - and eat poorly we do.
The 3 fattest American cities
"Could where you live determine if you’re overweight, eating right or even getting enough rest? Check out the 3 fattest cities in the United States and how well their residents sleep, according to WalletHub.
- Memphis, TN – The homeland of Elvis, fried peanut butter sandwiches and BBQ, takes the throne for the fattest city. More than 30% of Memphis adults are considered obese and they have the highest number of “food deserts” (stores that don’t offer healthy or fresh food options).
*** Memphis also ranks #2 for the sleepiest city. - Shreveport, LA – The 3 rd largest city in Louisiana has loads more problems than being number 2 on this list. Shreveport also ranks in the 99th percentile of obesity, number 5 for diabetes and number 4 for high blood pressure.
***Shreveport also ranks #20 for the sleepiest city. - Houston, TX – As the famous saying goes, everything’s bigger in Texas. With more than 100 days a year with temperatures over 100 F, residents seem to be opting to stay inside with the AC and binge on snacks and Netflix. Not surprisingly, Houston has 1,034 fast food restaurants, the highest in the nation.
*** Houston also ranks #25 for the sleepiest city.
The 5 fittest American cities – and maybe the most well-rested too!
"On the other side of the spectrum, you’ll find the fittest American cities. All 5 of these cities offer healthy food options, a variety of public transportation options and have easy access to parks and outdoor activities."
- Washington D.C. – also ranks #5 for best-rested city
- Minneapolis, MN – also ranks #6 for best-rested city
- Denver, CO – also ranks # 10 for best-rested city
- Portland, OR – also ranks #7 for best-rested city
- San Francisco, CA – also ranks #3 for best-rested city
For more information on the Fattest & Fittest cities, visit the original source article at Restonic.com.
The moral of the story is that sleep is directly related to mental health, physical health, professional success and physical appearance. You can take steps in every facet of your life to control the quality of sleep that you are getting each night and during what hours you get it. From there, many other areas of your life will become easier to control. Oh... and you'll look AMAZING.
Sleep well my beauties.
Ahhh... A great night's rest.
Fall / Winter 2016 Hair & Makeup Trend Collection
New York Fashion Week 2016 will use a wide variety of looks from hoodies and comfortable trend wear, to fur and ruffles. We wanted to create a collection that lent itself to the diversity of textiles and movement in the apparel we will see. The trend and style driven person is perhaps not always looking for the hair and makeup to be the primary focus of their look.
Fall / Winter Hair and Makeup Trends
The Inspiration Behind the Makeup.
"I created the makeup looks in this collection to be bold and rich with color while still maintaining simplicity. The Fall / Winter season is a cozy time of year and I wanted these looks to communicate that feeling and also make a statement of high fashion that is achievable to the everyday women. Makeup is sometimes something that is intimidating, especially when we talk about what is trending. I want this collection to say that being on trend can be easily achieved on your own or with your WarPaint International Artisan in your home".
“I want this collection to say that being on trend can be easily achieved on your own or with your WarPaint International Artisan in your home.”
Behind the scenes with Creative Director, Jessica Mae & Artistic Director, Benjamin Rodich at the 2016 Fall / Winter Hair & Makeup Trend Collection from WarPaint International Beauty Agency | Engle Videography.
The Trend Collection Images
As mentioned, the Fall / Winter season is a cozy time of year. Makeup trends for this 2016 season will definitely emulate that. In this collection we see a lot of bold and rich berry lip colors paired with a simple eye. We will also see a lot of warm and cozy colors paired with rich or warm lip colors. Fall is my favorite season of them all. I love the smells, the colors and the warm cozy feeling of the season. I wanted to bring that out in the entire collection but particularly with our model Katie Lietz. I designed a pumpkin spice smokey eye for her with some dramatic wispy lashes and a warm nude lip in the color Jamie from Elixery. This lip color was exclusively designed by Elixery for Jamie Yuccas; national correspondent for CBS news in New York City. ~ Creative Director, Jessica Mae.
We brought a male into the collection this season. He has transitioned the highly coveted man bun into a soft and textured style. Draping naturally, shine and control was achieved by using Cotton Uzu and Sheer Lacquer from Shu Uemura. The model's hair moved with him as he did.
Our Bride (seen above in Justina) was a stunning combination of both thread like cushions of hair and beautifully swept back sections that were draped to create an effortless yet elegant look. A textured french twist was adorned by a magnificent bridal comb provided by Posh Bridal Couture. This stunning piece of art made this go from red carpet to white dress.
We’ve recently seen vintage makeup and hair styles come back, which has been exciting for me because I love the 1920’s and pin up era of makeup. In this year's Fall / Winter collection we showcased an Old Hollywood Glam / Marilyn Monroe inspired makeup look. I love the bright red lip and the dramatic winged eye liner. This look is the definition of classic american beauty.
With any trend that you are showcasing and making your own, it is important to remember to choose a focal point that you want your makeup to enhance. For example if you do a dramatic deep berry lip color keep your eyes lighter and vice versa. Not only does this year’s Fall / Winter collection showcase bold and beautiful colors, it defines natural beauty and has taken a stand against the “trends” on Instagram. There is no harsh contouring, and we certainly don’t use flour to set our makeup looks!”
The Inspiration Behind the Hair
"I designed the hair looks in this collection to be accessible and interesting. While many of us can do these styles at home ourselves, I carefully train my team of hair artisans to consider different approaches to achieving these beautiful looks. When you use the proper product and the right tools, your look will last longer, feel better, and be so much more fun to create. All of these looks can be worn for more than just one evening with just a little light refreshing the next day.
This collection showed the individuality and identity that we all uniquely have when it comes to our hair. Each look was tailored for the women who wore it. The textures in this collection were inspired by fabric textiles. Our Signature night on the town blowout was an explosion of volume. Texture was buoyant and frothy; each curl had its own destiny and place in the world. I wanted to show a woman who is fearless with her style - this is a “say something hair style.” She will be noticed. I also am obsessed with the “Ballerina Bun”. This look was inspired by second day hair. Sometimes we can use the oils from the day before to create a high shine and sophisticated “bun” that is tightly wound and wrapped around itself over and over again. Using a Mason Pearson brush, we were able to place each hair in its place and secure a power knot that is sure to not be confused as the daily worn top knot. Its texture is smooth and satin like. She is running late and had no time to wash after yoga.
I also showed a vintage and Marilyn / Hollywood Glam look (seen below with Kaitlin Rose). I love to do vintage styling on bleached blondes. Their hair tends to hold an “S Shape” quite well and it always is brought to the top with that classic red lip. At WarPaint International we LOVE this look. It is sure to turn heads everywhere!
Ultimately, on-set, I create my interpretation of what I see on the streets of my city and cities I travel, and produce a look that I am proud to train my team in and offer our clients." ~ Artistic Director, Benjamin Rodich
I LOVE HATS! I was so excited to show a look where a hat is worn. I think that a soft knit hat can turn half curled and “un-done” hair into a trendy street-chic masterpiece. I cut the bangs just slightly so that pieces of the bangs came out in random places along the front of the hat. She was styled with a pair of earrings that normally would compliment an evening look. I think that wearing high end jewelry with a casual outfit is so chic and totally cool. Two of the looks showed softer waves that were dehydrated and untamed. I love the role that static can play on hair in some cases. The fly-aways from the hair are embraced and used to create a very authentic example of the “cool girl” beach waves. The more elegant look work by Katie L, is a brushed out version of the same soft waves, however we used Essence Absolue from Shu Uemura to give this look a glossy and high shine finish. Perfect for anything from work to happy hour, or a date night.
“I LOVE HATS! I was so excited to show a look where a hat is worn.”
The Inspiration
New York Fashion Week 2016 will use a wide variety of looks from hoodies and comfortable trend wear, to fur and ruffles. We wanted to create a collection that lent itself to the diversity of textiles and movement in the apparel we will see. The trend and style driven person is perhaps not always looking for the hair and makeup to be the primary focus of their look. The creative direction team at WarPaint International values the natural beauty of our guests at the highest level; the looks that our artisans create will always take into consideration the overall look including clothing.
Aristotle once said “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”, which could not be more relevant when concepting beauty trends. Each aspect of a total look has to be tailored strategically to honor and celebrate its companion accessory whether it be hair, makeup, a hand-bag, shoes, or even a scarf. Each play a vital role in the outcome becoming a “total look” that is one to gaze upon and appreciate.
Its thrilling to see designers taking a huge risk this coming fall and winter with their collections. From the floral prints we are all loving again to the stunning sequins gowns - It is such a whimsical and fairy tale look into the minds of these talented people. The looks in our Trend Collection are so versatile. With the switch of a lip color or a brushing of the hair, your look can be transformed from day to night. Fashion needs to be durable and worthy of a night on the town and so should hair and makeup. We are inspired by what we see right now.
The FW 2016 Hair & Makeup Trend Collection was concepted and produced by WarPaint International Founder / Creative Director, Jessica Mae & Artistic Director for Hair, Benjamin Rodich. This trend shoot (as always) was designed for the natural woman (or man) to envision herself emanating wearable beauty. See the FULL TREND COLLECTION HERE.
The FW 2016 Trend Collection Team.
From left to right: Hair Assistant Artisan Heidi, Makeup Assistant Artisan Malee, Hair Assistant Artisan Kristina, Artistic Director Benjamin Rodich, Creative Director Jessica Mae, Hair Assistant Artisan Katie, Makeup Assistant Artisan Priscilla (NYC), Makeup Assistant Artisan Alison Joy.
Creative Director, Jessica Mae & Artistic Director, Benjamin Rodich.
Credits
Photography: Chris McDuffie Photography
Video: Engle Videography
Creative Director: Jessica Mae
Artistic Director for Hair: Benjamin Rodich
Assistant Artisans:
Malee Vang Xiong, Kristina Johnson, Prisciclla Santiago, Heidi Knoke, Alison Joy, Katie Rote
Models:
Ashley Graaf, Justina Proue, Katie O'Neill, Eric Mischke, Katie Lietz, Kaitlin Rose, Michelle Amries & Tyler Bakken
Hair Product Sponsor: Shu Uemura
Accessories provided by: Posh Bridal Couture
Lipstick Exclusively designed for WarPaint International by Elixery Artisan Cosmetic House
UPDATE 09/19/2016. Featured On WCCO | CBS Local.
Makeup Tips and Must Haves for Summer
It's officially Summer! Which means, it's time to update your beauty routine! Before you rush off to the nearest Sephora check out my summer must haves to keep you looking flawless, effortless and perfectly imperfect all summer long.
Summer Makeup Tips
It's officially Summer! Which means, it's time to update your beauty routine! Before you rush off to the nearest Sephora, check out my summer must haves to keep you looking flawless, effortless and perfectly imperfect all summer long.
Ditch Your Foundation
I love Tarte's BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizer. The BB cream is great for us oily gals! Both products have SPF in them and are cruelty free! They can be had at tartecosmetics.com
Waterproof Mascara is a Must!
I love MAC's False Lashes Waterproof. It's not super tacky or waxy like other waterproof formulas and it gives me the volume and length that I love. It's also easily removable with your makeup remover. No scrubbing those lashes! It can be had at maccosmetics.com
Protect Your Lips!
I love Sugar Rosé from Fresh. It hydrates your lips and protects with SPF 15. It also has a great rose tint to it for a little pop of color. This formula comes in multiple shades to satisfy your lip needs. You can get it at fresh.com
Don't Forget to Bronze...
Who doesn't love a bronze goddess? Get a summer glow without exposure to the sun's harmful rays. I love Make Up For Ever's Pro Bronze Fusion. This product gives the perfect luminous bronze glow that all of us gals want! It comes in multiple shades and is versatile to use in the summer or winter. You can score it for $36 at makeupforever.com
Protect Your Skin
Overall skin protection. I've been loving Elta MD's UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 this year so far. Application is super easy as it is a spray sunscreen. The best part is it leaves NO greasy residue behind. It's also mineral based which is better for your body. Find it at eltamd.com.
Hydrate From The Inside - Out
Drink lots of water! Okay, now I sound like your mom, but in all seriousness water is your best friend. Keeping yourself hydrated will keep your skin looking radiant and fresh, as well as keep you feeling your best (especially after a few cocktails). I like to drink my water with some fresh lemon or strawberry with mint. It's yummy!
See Jessica Mae on KSTP 5 talking about overhauling your makeup bag
For Some Additional Information...
I recently ran across this article "50 Makeup Tips Every Woman Should Know" which may give you some additional food for thought, tips and ideas about how to address the usual culprits when dealing with your beauty products and techniques. Enjoy!
There you have it. Hopefully you enjoy these products and suggestions as much as I do. For more tips and tricks with me, book your very own in-home makeup lesson today! Until next time my beauties...
Ciao,
Jessica Mae
Jessica Mae
Founder & Creative Director for WarPaint International Beauty Agency in Minneapolis, New York City, Los Angeles & San Diego.
Your Thoughts on Natural Hair & Makeup...
Summertime! It’s finally here. The cold and dry days of winter are behind us and with it, we leave behind the tragic split ends and static, and welcome back humidity and heat.
From the Directors Chair
Summertime and the livin' is easy... Is your style regiment?
Photo Credit: Getty Images via Red Book Magazine
Benjamin Rodich. National Artistic Director for Hair. WarPaint International Beauty Agency.
Your Thoughts on Natural Hair & Makeup
Summertime! It’s finally here. The cold and dry days of winter are behind us and with it, we leave behind the tragic split ends and static, and welcome back humidity and heat. For those who are fortunate enough to have the “golden genes of hair” passed down to them, this is a time of celebration as they put away the blow dryers and deep conditioners, and head to the salon or their favorite stylist for tips on the hottest products for the summer. Texture sprays, beach sprays, dry shampoo, hair oil, curl crèmes, and one of my new personal favorites, “Don’t blow it”, made by Bumble and Bumble.
Our WarPaint International guests rely on us to give them the latest style advice and tips for the most current and on trend hair and makeup for the season. I am incredibly proud of the trend collections we have created so far and I believe that each of them contain the best examples of hair and makeup for the season. We pride ourselves in creating these looks so that they are obtainable by using our beauty-on-demand service, or an inspiration for re-creating them yourself at home.
During the conception of this collection, Jessica Mae and I focused very much on natural beauty. We have all heard the word "natural" so many times when speaking about hair and makeup. Mostly, I have seen natural show up as either no makeup or barely any, and hair that is just air-dried with no product. This collection wants you to look at “natural” through the lens of not over done and not underdone but rather… just right.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Natural beauty is different for all of us. Tailoring a look JUST FOR YOU is always the best way to go about discovering your at-home regime for hair and makeup. We often see a celebrity be the first to come out with a jaw dropping and daring new lip color, eyebrow, or hairstyle. When we flip through the pages of Vogue, its not uncommon to see a model with hair that looks like she just rolled out of bed and ran her fingers through her hair, got dressed and off she goes.
For some reason when we try this at home, it often feels unfinished and not “styled” enough to take on the world. When it comes to hair, there are so many different factors to address before you choose whether air-drying or “un-done” looking hair is for you or not. First and foremost, do you enjoy your natural texture?
ITS ALL ABOUT THE HAIR PRODUCT.
Behold, my all time favorite products of the season that are flying off the shelf at salons across the country, and more importantly, how to use them. These are all products designed (or very well suited) for natural air-dry styling or light diffusing or blow-drying. In other words, these are products that go into the hair wet and then a small amount or no heat can be applied just to activate it, and then off you go.
Don’t Blow it! From Bumble and Bumble.
This dream cream is the first of its kind. Designed to work on hair that is air-dried, Don’t Blow It is light in its hold and strong in its performance. A quarter to silver dollar size amount is applied to the hair from roots to ends. THAT’S IT! You will feel a very light “cast” around each strand once the hair is dry. Simply run your fingers through and twist each section while scrunching and manipulating your hair in the way you would normally if you were diffusing or finishing a head of curls. You will see Frizz control, a ton of shine, and mostly a better result than air-drying with no product at all. I really like this product.
Spray a Porter - Kérastase | Liquid Fabric - Shu Uemura.
These extremely high-end and coveted luxury products are the best “beach sprays” in the market. Both are applied to wet or dry hair to dehydrate and roughen up the silky texture that some of us find hard to obtain volume with. Simply spray 2-3 pumps of either onto the hair holding the bottle about 10 inches away from head. Separate hair into sections so that product can be evenly applied to hair underneath the top layers.
Air dry and finish with one of my two favorite MUST HAVE purse products.
Kerastase Touché Perfection.
This perfect serum will tame the mane and bits that need calming and help to nourish the ends of the hair to give a more finished look.
Shu Uemura “A touch of gloss”
will be the better fit for textures that are a bit more rebellious. Both are small lip-gloss like tubes that are portable and perfect to apply whenever your hair needs just a little something.
IT’S ALL ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL FABULOUS!
Whether or not the un-done and natural air styled look is for you or not is a personal choice. WarPaint International’s Beauty on Demand service is here for you. Our stylists will come to you, on-location wherever you choose and bring with them not only their favorite products for the season, but also help you re-purpose what you have at home and make recommendations on what would be the best products for YOUR hair to give you the best style that suits your lifestyle.
Please consider us as your dream team of beauty for your next garden party or summer night soirée! As always we are here to extract your inner beauty and compliment the person on the inside as much as we work to glam up the outside. Well see you soon!
In the end... its all about what makes you feel fabulous.
Prepare For Battle.
Lacuna Coil's, Cristina Scabbia talks about Beauty - Inside and Out.
WarPaint International Beauty Agency's Founder & Creative Director, Jessica Mae, sits down for a heart-to-heart about inner and outer beauty, with Rock Goddess, Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil.
Interview with Cristina Scabbia
WarPaint International Beauty Agency's Founder & Creative Director, Jessica Mae, sits down for a heart-to-heart about inner and outer beauty, with Rock Goddess, Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil.
“ When you believe in who you are and who you represent, and look at yourself in the mirror... and you’re proud of yourself - you can only irradiate magnetic energy around you.
”
Image courtesy of Century Media: Loudwire
The beauty industry is nearing the $500 billion mark and proving to be a creative outlet for professionals, hobbyists, women and men. With the number of cosmetic companies and beauty brands that have niched their way into the drawers and cases of beauty fanatics, its no wonder that actors, musicians and creatives of all types rely heavily on their go-to products.
But what exactly does "Beauty" mean? The latest Makeup trends on Instagram may have you thinking that tiger stripes and heavy contouring are how normal women are supposed to look. Jessica Mae's chat with Cristina Scabbia reveals a little bit of insight to her go-to products and perspective on beauty, but also.. what beauty really means to Cristina Scabbia.
Interview - The Deep Stuff
Jessica Mae:
You’ve spoken quite a bit over the years about not depriving yourself from the sexy element of being a beautiful woman inside an industry and genre that is largely dominated by men. Can you describe your thoughts on how beauty is perceived in the metal / rock industry and how your personal style works to combat people’s perceptions of what beauty really is?
Cristina:
Back when I started, there were not so many metal bands with a female in the line up. So I guess I developed during that year, a sort of “I don’t care what you think” attitude, as I don’t really see myself as the different element in the band. I look at myself as a singer and performer.
That said, I like my femininity as an individual and I am proud to be a woman. So even if I am also “one of the guys” I still love to play with my hair and make up and wear a tight dress with killer heels.
Now things are even more mixed up and some guys are wearing more makeup and hairspray than women usually do so the game has changed :) Whenever a look works very well and can be loved by many, there is also that other part of the crowd that will keep and extra eye on you and judge whatever you wear or how you look “just ‘cause”. It's part of the game and I love that , it keeps it exciting :)
This is also why I’ve never tried to fight against whoever had pre-conceptions about females in a rock metal world…because it would be useless. And in the end, everyone chooses their own idea of what beauty is, and it is impossible to make everybody happy.
Jessica Mae:
How does femininity play into your role in Lacuna coil? What elements do you work hard at to ensure that you remain “Cristina" at your core?
Cristina:
Honestly I would not know, as I don’t think about it at all! I think there is a special sparkle from inside that tells you what to do in every situation, may it be in a live show, in a photoshoot or in a regular day out. The most important thing for me (and the most natural) is to be myself, whatever happens and whatever the situation is. That includes taking public photos with no makeup on… or being super dressed with makeup on. This is even if I am alone at home, ahaha!
Jessica Mae:
Can you talk a little bit about some of the criticisms you’ve faced from a beauty perspective inside the metal music scene?
Cristina:
Well, women in the business are in a position of being more easily accused of abusing their “sexuality” in photoshoots and live shoots: some people might think they try to sell themselves out. All the while, no one says anything if a guy sweats with no shirt on… :-)
I don’t tend to show too much, but only because i like to feel comfy and I'm more of a tomboy. But I think that all the other women should be free to do whatever they want on stage and wear whatever they want (or go naked if they like) as long as THEY are the ones who chose the way they dress.
Jessica Mae:
You are a big advocate of inner beauty. In a world that is mostly material and driven by sex-appeal marketing, can you talk about what’s below the surface for Cristina Scabbia? - What does inner beauty mean to you?
Cristina:
In one word I would probably say... CONFIDENCE.
I know that's a word that’s maybe been a little trite or abused. but it’s so perfect in the end. When you believe in who you are and who you represent and look at yourself in the mirror and you’re proud of yourself, you can only irradiate magnetic energy around you.
Jessica Mae:
What defines the beauty of a woman?
Cristina:
Some women have that special “glow” that everyone else is amazed by. It might be the light in the eyes, some gestures, a special way of walking… Beauty in general is such a complex thing to define. A person can have nearly perfect facial features and the perfect body (in terms of a generic aesthetic idea) but then they might not be attractive anyway. Weird, uh?
Jessica Mae:
If you were to sit with a group of young women that struggled with self-confidence and inner beauty, what tips or piece of advice would you give them? What should they walk away with? What would they learn from Cristina Scabbia?
Cristina:
I would say this. You think you are not beautiful because you are hypnotized by media bombarding you with the ideals of the “perfect woman”. But if you pay more attention to how many women are completely far from that ideal, do you still consider yourself very beautiful and attractive?
Looks are very standardized these days but true beauty really comes from within. We are ALL different and unique, there is none in the world just like us. We are not even a limited edition so-to-speak - we are all one-of-a-kind… yet we don’t always appreciate that.
Jessica Mae:
Speaking of self-confidence, inner beauty is often driven by one’s ability to see their own glow and special light in the world. What words of wisdom do you have about self-confidence, when we’re often surrounded by people trying to take that away from us.
Cristina:
I would be a hypocrite if I would simply say to someone else: “believe in yourself, you can do it!”.
Obviously I strongly believe that the more I believe in myself, the more I am driven and the more I feel comfortable with my reflection in the mirror. But I also have some days when I feel that I look like shit no matter what makeup I have on, whatever dress I am wearing. Its then that I realize that 99% of the time its not even about my look, it is not about how people really see me… but is about ME, judging myself on a deeper level because I am usually bothered about something else.
Did you notice that when you feel very happy you pretty much feel you look fantastic even with no makeup and a cheap shirt on?
Jessica Mae:
Can you describe your journey briefly, growing up as a Creative, an Entrepreneur and a female business owner. Is there anything you wish you could have done differently? How have your biggest challenges related to being female?
Cristina:
Woah... long story short (we are talking about almost 20 years in Lacuna coil), I started to sing in Lacuna coil in 1996, when there were definitely not so many bands with a female in the line up. Weird thing is, I have never felt like the different element and never felt I had to work more because I was a female. I looked at myself as another member in the band.
Of course I had to go through stages like “hey, I might be slightly pretty but I can actually sing as well!” to convince a still very conservative slice of metal fans that there was space for women in metal. I am very happy that things changed though, and there are now more women in bands of all genres. I am also proud of the fact that I am still here and others are looking at me as an example to follow. I am honored.
As per my career, I took care of my singing (writing lyrics and creating vocal lines) and also my looks from day one. I adopted some in the past that were not exactly great, especially in the first years (I still remember a blue short velvet dress with very puffy eyes, tons of make up and fake long nails) but I also came out of it with great ones that fans are still remembering. In the beginning, I experimented a lot and it was my attempt on searching for the perfect look and I quickly realized, changing and playing with my image, that the best solution was to wear a style of clothes that was… me.
Jessica Mae:
You were quoted once saying, "No matter what, be strong, because the message that people will get is from your strength. There is not just one kind of beauty in this world." Can you describe the time or moment when you turned the page and understood what that strength and inner beauty looked like for you?
Cristina:
It is weird because some people think I am, but I never really looked at me as a beautiful woman. I still consider myself as a very normal (at least aesthetically) woman that learned to improve some things on her look.
I think strength is when you don’t feel the most perfect person in the world but it is when you can accept your flaws as well, and make them your best quality.
The Fun Stuff: On The Surface
Jessica Mae:
We know that understanding what is inside, is the driving force behind one’s beauty, but we still like to “look” beautiful and feel sexy too. What are the top 3 things that you do to create your radiant look or sex appeal?
Cristina:
My “raccoon eyes” signature look. My eyes are kind of small so I started to enhance them years ago with lots of black matte eyeshadow that was reminiscent of “smokey eye” look, but was also covering all the lower part of the eye. So I feel good when I have this look on!
Whenever I want to feel really sexy I put on a mini-dress and very high heels. I don’t wear them often (my friends are always telling me I have to show them more, ahaha!) as I feel uncomfortable to show my legs. I prefer leggings and biker boots but I have lots of high heel shoes at home (I love to own them but don’t wear them often… weirdo). So I put them to use every once in a while.
I also have a weird passion for fake fur jackets especially when they are super puffy - funny (with ears for example) and with strange colors. I know it sounds silly but I feel so comfortable that some people say my face kind of changes too and is more relaxed. Eeeeeh!! I am strange, I know.
Jessica Mae:
What is your favorite shade of lipstick right now?
Cristina:
Redrum by Jeffree Star cosmetics. Awesome shade of red.
Jessica Mae:
If you had to choose one beauty product that is your favorite, what would it be??
Cristina:
The Beauty blender, it changed my whole makeup universe!!!!
(Check out this link for some great tips on how to clean the beauty blender)
Jessica Mae:
Your eyeliner is always so rich in color. What brand do you like to use?
Cristina:
The Kat Von D one (tattoo liner in shade Trooper), is pretty cool!
Jessica Mae:
What is your favorite brand of makeup and/or beauty products?
Cristina:
Anastasia Beverly Hills, Becca, Bare Minerals, Kat Von D, Urban Decay, Benefits, Jeffree star, Beauty Blender.
Jessica Mae:
And I think everybody probably wants to know... how long does it take you to get ready before a show?
Cristina:
Not much!! I don’t spend a lot of time putting makeup on, definitely waaaaay under half an hour. And in the case of need, a few minutes at best :-)
The Wrap Up
There you have it! Some thoughts on the meaning of beauty and few personal indulgences from Cristina Scabbia. Not only am I a huge personal fan of Cristina and her success with Lacuna Coil, I truly believe she lives in my own beliefs that our company wears proudly on their backs. Life is a Stage "Prepare For Battle".
Cristina Scabbia | Lacuna Coil & Jessica Mae | WarPaint International Beauty Agency.
Lacuna Coil: The House of Shame.
You can hear Cristina's heavenly voice against the metal grit of Andrea Ferro and the powerful Maki bass line, in this new single. Check it out!!
SS 2016 Hair & Makeup Trend Collection
From Minneapolis, to Manhattan, to Los Angeles. "Say goodbye to the Instagram trends of heavy “tiger” contouring and harsh brows". The Spring / Summer 2016 hair and makeup trends resonate "natural and beautiful" with this powerful trend collection.
Spring / Summer Hair and Makeup Trends
From Minneapolis, to Manhattan, to Los Angeles. The Spring / Summer 2016 hair and makeup trends, resonate "natural and beautiful" with this powerful trend collection. This year, the SS 2016 Trend Collection is about bringing back the raw and natural beauty of a woman. This collection communicates happiness, innocence and confidence, like a fresh spring morning.
This a new, calm beginning.
“Say goodbye to the Instagram trends of heavy ‘tiger’ contouring and harsh brows”
Behind the Scenes with Creative Director, Jessica Mae & Artistic Director, Benjamin Rodich at the 2016 Spring / Summer Trend Collection from WarPaint International Beauty Agency | Engle Videography.
The Trend Collection Images
The hair in this SS 2016 Trend Collection resembles an un-styled, un-dressed woman - imperfect curls, with a few fly-aways. The hair in these looks showcase a raw, natural form of beauty. The skin is clean, simple and beautiful. Some of these looks showcase a nude palette with earthy tones and some are a bit bold by showcasing a pop of color (blue is the hottest SS 2016 trend this season!)
The Spring / Summer 2016 Trend Collection Video
The 2016 Spring / Summer Trend Collection from WarPaint International Beauty Agency | Engle Videography.
Inspiration
The inspiration for this shoot was the product of a team think tank surrounding the current beauty trends vs. the normal, everyday woman. The ideas that inspired this shoot are:
- Natural clean skin
- NO contouring
- Light and airy
- Un-dressed / nude
- Perfect imperfection
- Pops of color
- Rose gold, earthy tones, coral, poppy, pinks and un-seen blush
- Raw textures
- Confident, cool, strong & natural
The SS 2016 Hair & Makeup Trend Collection was concepted and produced by WarPaint International Founder / Creative Director, Jessica Mae & Artistic Director for Hair, Benjamin Rodich. This trend shoot was designed for the natural woman to envision herself emanating wearable beauty. See the FULL TREND COLLECTION.
The SS 2016 Trend Collection Team.
From left to right: Hair Assistant Artisan Katie, Artistic Director Benjamin Rodich, Creative Director Jessica Mae, Makeup Assistant Artisan Naseem, Makeup Assistant Artisan Anna, Makeup Assistant Artisan Amber, Hair Assistant Artisan Heidi, Hair Assistant Artisan Taylor.
Credits
Photography: Chris McDuffie Photography
Video: Engle Videography
Creative Director: Jessica Mae
Artistic Director for Hair: Benjamin Rodich
Assistant Artisans:
Anna Giuliano, Amber Peterson, Naseem Rafiei, Heidi Knoke, Tayler Camas, Katie Rote
Models:
Alexis Good, Chelsea Lawrence, Cassandra Clausen, Eka Eyoh, Ashley Graaf, Justina Proue, Vanessa Berrueta, Alexa Dronen
Hair Product Sponsor: Shu Uemura
Makeup/Foundation Sponsor: Keromask USA
UPDATE 04/25/2016. Featured on WCCO | CBS Local.
Top Skin Care Tips for your Wedding Day in 2016
Have you given any thought to your skin care prior to the wedding? What about waxing? Do you see an esthetician? Can you do things at home? What’s your routine? Do you HAVE a routine?
Preparing your skin for your Wedding Day
You’ve picked your venue. Set the date. Picked out your perfect gown (no doubt). You’ve found your glam squad hair, makeup... the works! Have you given any thought to your skin care prior to the wedding? What about waxing? Do you see an esthetician? Can you do things at home? What’s your routine? Do you HAVE a routine?
In case I’ve just spun you into a panic...or you’re thinking what’s an esthetician? I’m here to help guide you through the treacherous waters of the drugstore and department store aisles, and get you on track to the best skin of your life - for the biggest day of your life!
Amber Budd. Licensed Esthetician in Minneapolis
Your wedding will likely be one of the biggest days of your life, and as such, you’ll want your skin to be as flawless as possible: your makeup will lay nicer on the skin, your photos will look better, and you’ll FEEL better about how you look. Feelings relate to confidence and radiance.
Your skin is your largest organ, however, it’s the last place to receive nutrients and hydration from internal sources (i.e.: what you eat and drink) Your skin is one of the first places you’ll notice changes if you aren’t taking care of your body.
Too many nights out in a row? You’ll probably notice dark circles under your eyes and dry or red patches of skin on your face. Not enough vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables? You might see dull, lifeless skin, with more breakouts, and higher or lower oil production.
In order to combat some of these issues, we have to treat the skin from the outside in, and inside out in order to create the balance necessary for flawless skin. Working with a professional gives you the greatest opportunity for success in achieving the skin you dream of.
So where do I start?
Yes, this can be overwhelming….so where do you start? First, find a reputable esthetician. Ask your friends, your makeup artist, or do a Google search. You’re likely to find several people to choose from that are operate reputable businesses.
Next book a consultation. Any esthetician or spa worth it’s weight in luminous skin, will be willing to meet with your for 10-15 minutes for free. Bring your list of questions (don’t worry, I’ll help you with this below) and make sure you’re on the same page.
Interview your Esthetician
Now here's the fun part. Interview your potential esthetician….
- Are they licensed?
- What continuing education do they do, and how often?
- What recommendations would they have for a series of treatments for you and why?
- What are the expected results?
- After the first facial, will they provide home-care product recommendations so you can help maintain and build results at home in between facials?
- What do they do to be sure the treatment room is clean between guests?
You’ll likely want to set up a series of skincare treatments roughly once a month leading up to your wedding so you can see increasing results over time. Remember most people spend a large chunk of their wedding budgets on photos having flawless skin. Hair and makeup just makes those photos THAT MUCH better and is worth every penny of your budget to secure the best hair, makeup and skincare team you can.
Waxing...
If you’re planning to wax any body or facial area prior to the wedding, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Do not have anything waxed within 5 - 7 days prior to your wedding. You’ll want to give your skin ample time to get over any residual irritation before the big day!
- Go to a reputable waxer. If they are double dipping sticks….RUN, don’t walk. I mean it. Leave the room in the middle of a wax and go somewhere else.
- Estheticians are specialists in body and facial waxing. That means they are trained to know the bone structure and muscle layout on the face to give you a custom service to your unique facial features. Estheticians who specialize in bikini and Brazilian waxing can make your experience significantly less painful than you think it will be, given their training. It’s worth seeking out a pro.
Prior to your Wedding
As you get closer to the wedding, make sure you book your hair and makeup consultations. Consultations are an integral part of making sure your wedding day goes smoothly and efficiently. It eliminates any chance for mis-communication, and makes the day so much more relaxing. You just kick back and let the artists do their work!
WarPaint International recommends 4 - 6 weeks before your wedding to have your trial run. It’s really helpful to your artists if you have an idea of what you like or don’t like. Pinterest can be very helpful with this, as you can make a beauty board for your wedding, and your artists can help you narrow down what will and won’t work best for your skin tone, hair thickness and length, etc.
** Be warned that Pinterest is both a great tool and a detriment to your search. Many Artists are quite used to example photos that have more Adobe air-brushing happening than Artist air-brushing. Your Artists will likely help you weed out unrealistic expectations or images that resonate editorial touchups.
You’re going to be stunning. You’re a bride, after all! Implement a plan, think ahead and enjoy your day!
Amber Budd
Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artisan. Amber is an Esthiology graduate from the Aveda Institute and is a Twin Cities-based makeup artist for WarPaint International.
Amber can be booked for skincare treatments online HERE.
For Beauty and Makeup bookings, or to see Amber's portfolio, check out her Artisan profile HERE.
SS 2016 Fashion. Hair Un-Styling. Is it For You...
It has become quite clear that the new “cool girl” has zero shame about allowing her “wakeup hair” to be quickly coiffed with a touch a dry shampoo and a good brushing.
Hair Un-Styling. Is It For You?
From the Director's Chair.
Benjamin Rodich. National Artistic Director for Hair. WarPaint International Beauty Agency.
Diving into Spring / Summer Fashion Week 2016
It has become quite clear that the new “cool girl” has zero shame about allowing her “wakeup hair” to be quickly coiffed with a touch a dry shampoo and a good brushing. While last year we saw beach waves and the return of texture in a daring way, we are now saying “ it is what it is.”
Here in the Midwest, the return of the winter's moisture-free air and subzero temperatures, promises a season of highly annoying split ends, endless static, and dull hair. I recently drowned myself in Harpers Bazaar (The Best Beauty Looks for NYFW Spring 2016) for days, and I can say that I am thankful for the newest trend that is coming about for SS2016. While you will always appreciate the magical blowout that your stylist gives you, it will only last a few days at most for many. The stress on your hair from the water, heat and dry air is extreme. What can you do?
Enter Hair Un-styling
If I may... a thought about the marriage of makeup and hair. I believe beauty can be simple and complex all in the same space. Power braids, center parts, deep side parts, bangs...
As a hairdresser, I strive to understand the intention of someone’s style through his or her lens. I love the lady that wears the reddest lip she owns as she sits in my chair. In years past I would have been so excited to give her that show-stopping old Hollywood glam marcel wave. I look at her differently now. Her red lip tells me secretly “don’t hide me”.
While curating our SS2016 trend collection, we are striving to create a portfolio of looks that help the modern day women to be better understood by truly building a relationship between her hair and makeup. This collection, with countless hours of collaboration with the most talented artists in the country, will be thoughtful, beautiful, unique, and approachable.
“How Many Days Until New York Fashion Week??”
When it comes to your hair right now, less could definitely be more. In a recent blog post I wrote of the vulnerability, that if we choose it, can transport us to a time where we didn’t have the skill to blow dry our hair with a round brush or create the soft waves with our curling wand we love so much. At that time we did what we knew how to do, maybe a simple braid, or lots of ponytails. If you look at the last walk of Valentino you will see just that.
Valentino | Spring Summer 2016 by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli | Full Fashion Show in High Definition. (Widescreen - Exclusive Video - PFW/Paris Fashion Week)
An octagon pattern of twists was the hi-lite of those heads of hair as they pounded down the runway. The “power braids” that are coming back into trend are exposing and fierce. The “Warrior Woman” of today has a bigger goal for the day than an hour of styling. She is strong and has zero time for anything that keeps her from the battles she faces each day.
Jason Wu Red Lip SS 2015
Interestingly enough, she passes by a different woman also in high trend right now. This power girl has an earthy and mossy look to her hair. Mostly air-dried with a touch of hair oil she throws her Mason Pearson brush in her purse and away she goes. Not curly, not strait, not wavy, just…her. The raw natural essence of her spirit; her hair is what it wants to be, undone. Un-heated, not pulled, not fastened, not pinned. Parted and ..pardon me…that’s it. Her lip, a velvet matte red like seen in Jason WU SS2015.
This is what I mean by complex and simple. We can now wonder, where is she going? I can’t help but think, how freeing it must feel to let go of what we know and just wash and condition with beautiful product, apply a small amount of precious hair oil and a red lip, maybe a touch of tinted moisturizer and head out the door to the catwalk streets of your city. Aha, a trend has been born because we decided to be vulnerable and “un-dress” our hair.
“If its already hit the runway, can I pull this off ?”
How can we inspire you?
Our talented and highly professional artisans can be your compass to selecting the right shades and consulting on whether you will undress your hair, your makeup, or both. For those who still live in the WarPaint world of (and I have to use a line from Local designer Julia Moss) “ Full wattage” hair and makeup - we are still here for you. Natural and elegant , or painted and glam, we are your artists. We are your beauty on demand.
With that, remember… Life is a stage, are you prepared?
New York Fashion Week is February 10 - 16, 2016. Catch up on NYFW HERE.
15 Little Known Cosmetology Tips
Chances are, you have a beauty routine. You apply your make-up the same way each day; you tend to use the same products; you wash and brush your hair a certain way. Many of us are hesitant to try a new product or switch up the way we do something...
Chances are, you have a beauty routine. You apply your make-up the same way each day; you tend to use the same products; you wash and brush your hair a certain way. Many of us are hesitant to try a new product or switch up the way we do something. We’ve gotten used to a certain way of beautifying ourselves, and it works for us.
However, there are so many awesome cosmetology tips out there, many of which you might not even know about. Andrew Graham of La' James International College of Cosmetology has put together a list of 15 of the best little-known beauty Cosmetology Tips and tricks for you below:
Our List of Cosmetology Tips...
1. Use scotch tape when applying eye liner or eye shadow
Grab a piece of scotch tape and lay it strategically to prevent the shadow or liner from going where it shouldn’t. This is especially helpful when you’re doing winged eye liner. Lay the tape at an angle so you can draw the line along the edge of the tape. This will also help keep both sides even.
2. Easy lip exfoliation
Use a baby or child toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. You can coat your lips in lip balm or petroleum jelly before you scrub them. For more serious exfoliation, you can also make a homemade lip exfoliation treatment by mixing sugar and coconut oil.
3. Wash your hair the right way
Make sure your hair is wet before applying shampoo. If you have long hair (hair below your shoulders), condition your ends before you shampoo; this will help protect them from drying out or being damaged more. You only need to lather your hair at the scalp, and in particular the nape of the neck. You only need to condition from the “middle” section of your hair to the ends, and the longer the conditioner stays in your hair, the better it absorbs. And lastly, rinse your hair with cold water; this shuts the cuticle and gives your hair the most shine.
4. Plastic spoons are your friends
Got a plastic spoon lying around? When you’re applying mascara to your bottom lashes, place the spoon directly under your bottom lashes (the underside of the spoon facing up) to avoid getting any mascara on the skin. You can also get a thicker coat this way.
5. Find the right shade
When you’re choosing a foundation, test the color on the skin near your jaw line. Try to do this in natural light. You don’t want the shade of your foundation to be too different than the natural color of your neck.
6. Make your eyes look bigger
Instead of using a dark pencil or liner in your water line, use a white pencil. This will create the illusion of a bigger eye.
7. Heat your eyelash curler
Hold a hairdryer to your eyelash curler for about 3-5 seconds. This works in the same way that a curling iron does. The curl will last longer!
8. Use a clarifying shampoo
Clarifying shampoos help remove buildup from styling products. However, you don’t need to use one everyday; they can be used once a week. They also help prevent dandruff and other scalp and hair conditions.
9. Keep your eye liner in place
To ensure your eye liner stays where it’s supposed to, particularly under the bottom lashes, apply pressed or loose powder directly under the eye liner on your lower lid. This creates kind of a barrier which prevents your eye liner from moving downward.
10. Compliment that pedicure
Pedicures are great, but it’s also important to take care of your feet—not just your toes! Scrub your feet with a pumice stone in the shower every morning. After you dry off, apply moisturizing cream to your feet. This way, you don’t need a pedicure as often. It also keeps your feet healthy and the fungus away.
11. Enhance those lips
To make your lips look slightly fuller, line your lips just outside of the natural line. Don’t go TOO far outside of this line! You want it to look natural. Choose a shade of lip liner that is very close to your lipstick color.
12. Nail Color that Pops
Instead of using a clear base coat under your favorite nail polish, use a coat of white nail polish instead. It will make your nail color pop more, with a bolder, brighter color. It will also protect your natural nails from becoming stained by heavily colored polishes.
13. Perfect Winged Eyeliner
Achieving that winged look around your eyes that everyone loves is really easy, and all you need is your eyeliner pencil and a spoon. Start your eyeliner being drawn from the outer edge of your eye, and press the rounded side of the spoon against your eyelid, moving the pencil around it as a guide. Move the spoon outwards as you draw the shape of your liner, then fill it in with your pencil.
14. That Smoky Look Made Easy
If you’ve wanted to try that smoky eye makeup look but think you lack the skills, think again! With your darker eyeliner, draw a hashtag at the outer corner of each of your eyelids. Make it slanted to follow the line of your lid. Just blend it in as you apply your eyeshadow, and you’ll get a nice smoky look without the hassle.
15. Apply Concealer the Right Way
Instead of dotting your concealer under your eyes, instead apply it in a triangular shape, extending down the side of your nose, across the tops of your cheeks up to the outer corner of your eye, and across the bottom of each eye. This will not only hide redness beneath your eyes, but will also brighten your entire face, instead of making your under-eye area oddly lighter than the rest of your skin.
** Read Jessica Mae's 6 Concealer Hacks to Hide Any Flaw at Women's Health Magazine.
So there you have it, a handful of tips and hacks you can use to get the most from your makeup routine each day. Just keep in mind that it’s not about using the most expensive products, but more about how you use and apply them that makes a world of difference.
About The Author - La' James International College
La' James International College (LJIC) has been educating students for over 75 years and has eight accredited locations in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, East Moline, IL and Fremont, NE. Students learn in dynamic facilities complete with elite spas. LJIC is an industry leader in concept, appearance and the ability to enroll, educate, graduate and place alumni. No matter of the path you have chosen for your journey to success – Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Esthetics or Nail Technology – LJIC offers you the opportunity to embrace the vision, transform your desires into goals and your time into results.
8 Tips on How to Prepare Your Skin for Winter
H to the 2-O!!! Hydration from the inside out is the very best way to prevent the problem in these desert dry months.
Winter is coming! Here are some tips to prepare your skin.
What products and / or treatments work well for people who suffer from eczema in the winter time?
Chronic eczema can be very tricky to treat completely, but to decrease symptoms and itch that can sometimes accompany it, an excellent natural remedy is Veriditas Botanicals essential oil blend called "Eczema Treatment". Applied 2-3 times daily with a thick salve, shea butter or olive oil on top can greatly improve this problem without the typical prescribed steroid creams that thin the skin and eventually stop working anyway.
Aesthetician & skin care specialist.
Skin Savvy Inc. located at the Wayzata Medical Spa.
952-473-1111
What are some of the best ways to combat dry or chapped lips?
First of all...H to the 2-O!!! Hydration from the inside out is the very best way to prevent the problem in these desert dry months. Dry lips are one of the very first indicators that you are dehydrated. Listen to them!
Secondly, always keeping a barrier on those chops to keep the cold wind and elements that we're exposed to in the frigid weather away from that delicate skin. Look for names like lip butter, or protective balm. Even Aquaphor is wonderful. NO Chap-stick or Blistex! These have fiber glass derivatives that harm the lips rather then help.
How often should you be exfoliating your skin to get rid dead cells?
Generally, for normal skin types every other day is good. But when it comes to dry skin types, too much exfoliating strips that ever important layer of skin that can hold all important oils in, out of the skin that we very much need this time of year. To be sure you're exfoliating enough but not too much, use the Clarisonic brush once a day with the Delicate brush head and a gentle, creamy granular scrub with jojoba beads.
What are some of your favorite products for those who have excessive dry skin in the winter?
You may think thick, creamy lotions are the best, but they can only do so much to really get down deep into the skin, or retain enough water. An excellent pre moisturizer serum that pushes moisture deep down to lock in water in the dermis is Hydrating Complex from Skin Medica. Do this before moisturizer and then top with Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 mask before bed to douse skin with the ultimate moisture cocktail.
For us oily skinned guys & gals; what do you recommend to keep our skin hydrated while also controlling the oil?
Again, the Hydrating Complex! Light enough not to add oil, but moisturizing enough to prevent dehydration that can occur in the winter to even oily skin, which will then in turn cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for the loss of moisture.
How often should you go in for a facial to maintain healthy glowing skin?
For a normal skin, about 8 weeks. Problematic, congested, or dry / dehydrated skin should be more consistently 4-6 weeks apart to keep skin more deeply cleansed and exfoliated which in turn prevents acne bacteria to produce, or dry, built up dead skin to block moisture retention.
What are some of the biggest mistakes people make in regards to their skin the winter?
One the hardest things on our skin during the winter is the exposure to the elements when it comes to wind and extreme cold. This stresses the blood vessels in the skin creating redness (and many times breaking the vessels) and stripping moisture. So not having enough moisture in the skin to protect, PLUS a scarf or high necked coat to block the harsh weather can cause a lot of aging and damage.
Any other tips & advice for keeping our skin healthy in the winter time?
Besides all the above, one word, Sunblock. We think because it isn't summer anymore and not outside as much, we can forget about this step. The sun can actually be as strong as an August summer day (when the sun is at its peak strength) with the reflection of the sun on the snow. We've all been blinded by the sun when driving in the winter. With how hard it is on our eyes to see, think how hard it is on our skin as well! And all the "aging" UVA rays go right through glass. At least a daily SPF of 30 or higher to hold up all day is best.
A Modern Celtic Wedding Inspiration
Old World Celtic tradition meets modern style and multi-cultural celebration.
Old World Celtic tradition meets modern style and multi-cultural celebration.
From WarPaint International -- This inspirational shoot took place in New Richmond, Wisconsin at a 100+ year old, little unknown gem called The Greenfield Barn. This beautifully aged space stays true to its form with vintage hardwood floors, open doorways and windows and a historic rustic charm. The Greenfield Barn has been carefully preserved to offer nostalgia and simplicity to old fashioned wedding goers. Positioned as the center point amongst rolling acres of “Highland-like” scenery, we could find no better place in the midwest to produce this inspirational shoot with The Celtic Croft. ~ Jessica Mae
From The Celtic Croft -- As one of the world’s largest online retailers of Scottish and Celtic apparel, we naturally receive regular rental requests for traditional and ancient celtic-wear for weddings all over the nation. In this inspirational shoot we’ve highlighted some ways to preserve the traditional aspects of a Celtic ceremony in the midst of a modern, multi-cultural family celebrating their heritage. Traditional Celtic weddings in the United States are often performed for brides and grooms with distant Celtic ties whom prefer to celebrate life with a touch of highland charm.
The Groom & Groomsman
The groom and groomsman all wore traditional Prince Charlie jackets and vests that are made in Scotland from 100% pure new wool Barathea. The Prince Charlie, more formal than the Argyle jacket, is essentially the Scottish dress equivalent of a tuxedo. The gentlemen also sported traditional kilts in a beautiful Baird Ancient pattern, and were fully accessorized with wingtip kilt shirt bowties, cufflinks, shirt studs, Kilt belt and buckles, Sporrans, Kilt hose, pins, flashes and Sgian Dubh. The ensemble is completed with traditional Ghillie Brogues and laces.
The Decor & Theme.
Our bustling floral arrangements (by M Flower Studio), the grooms boutonnière, the brides bouquet and flower circlet were all filled with festive fir spruce, an assortment of flowers and prairie grass, harmoniously matching our Baird Ancient Tartan. This traditional, formal Celtic theme ran strong throughout our inspirational shoot with the addition of hand made, custom stationary (by J.B. Originals), a simple elegant 4-tiered cake (by Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe), and the intoxicating sounds of traditional Celtic bagpipes (by Emilio Munoz; American Heritage Pipes & Drums).
The Bride
Our bride wore two fairytale inspired gowns (by Posh Bridal Couture), accentuating traditional simplicity. She was beautifully adorned with both floral and metal circlet ceremonial head dress pieces and a hand crafted lace necklace. Her hair and makeup was creatively designed to capture the essence of rustic and natural beauty.
The Backdrop
A renaissance back drop and glass mason jars set the stage for hand-crafted rum, vodka and tartan branded gin (by Norseman Small Batch Distillery), for rejoice and celebration.
The Wedding
The wedding party combined heritage from around the world, with an emphasis on bringing ancient Celtic traditions into modern marriage ceremonies.
Behind the Scenes Videos
Credits
Hard work and credit owed to:
- Photographer: Phoenix Memories Photography & Videography.
- Event Styling: Warpaint International Beauty Agency.
- Beauty: Warpaint International Beauty Agency.
- Musicians: American Heritage Pipes & Drums.
- Cake Designer: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe.
- Invitation Designer: JB Originals.
- Floral Designer: M Studio Flower Affair.
- Specialty Foods: Norseman Small Batch Distillery.
- Dress Store: Posh bridal couture.
- Apparel: The Celtic Croft.
- Event Venue: The Greenfield Barn.
- Models: Jake Larson, Jennifer Marko, Jesse Weber, Chelsea Lawrence, Eric Mischke, Kenzie Standaert.
Commercial Stylized Shoots
- professional models.
- hair & makeup artistry concepts.
- venue procurement.
- hand selected photographers to match your specific project.
- hand selected videographers to match your specific project.
- accessory and vendor sourcing
- professional wardrobe, real estate, brand and automobile styling.
- theme & concept design.
- project management.
- production & execution.
Team photo at The Greenfield Barn in Richmond Wisconsin.