Laura Leighton

I am often asked if I enjoy working with celebrities. When I relate that question to actress Laura Leighton the answer is definitely yes. Laura is a natural beauty known by most people as Sydney Andrews on Melrose Place. She will appear in flashback scenes in the new season. I felt incredibly lucky to work with Laura Leighton for the Melrose Place media tour in Dallas, last fall. There’s nothing better than having a beautiful face like Laura’s to work with, unless it’s a beautiful face without attitude…that’s Laura, voted by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world and still relaxed and confident enough to allow a stranger to show up at her hotel room at 6:00 am for her hair and makeup session.
Laura honored me with her trust in me as a makeup artist and hairstylist, offering only minimal guidance regarding her preferences. To collaborate with a true professional is one of the true joys of my job. Perhaps the question should be asked “do you enjoy working with professionals?” The answer is “ Absolutely, yes!”

Tan for your wedding day? Think Again!

To Tan or Not Tan…

If you are naturally a bronzed goddess then perhaps this is not an issue for you. Yet you may want to continue reading just in case you’re considering that extra bronze glow for your wedding day.

Do you get your tan the natural way? or in a tanning booth? Have you opted for more health conscious options like spray on tans and bronzing makeup?

Temporary tanning requires planning. You’ll want it to be fresh for your wedding day. If you are using a tanning booth, PLEASE DO NOT OVERDUE IT. Photographers are using digital cameras now and too much red in your skin will stand out.!

Many brides who are naturally pale feel they should tan because the dress is pale or white. Should this be the case? Maybe, I would suggest you ask a professional, (makeup artist or photographer) opinion before you do it. The color of the dress, even white, can have warm or cool tones, which compliment your skin tone and will not make you look washed out. A tan gone wrong cannot be hidden the day of your wedding.

If you plan to take a beach trip or lay outside to tan, be conscious of tan lines. A good makeup artist can minimize them but the makeup may come off on the dress. Yes, the photos can be retouched in Photoshop but you can’t Photoshop the moment you walk down the aisle in your gorgeous dress, beautiful hair and flawless makeup and tan lines, which spoil the whole effect.)

Finally the color of the face, neck and ALL visible skin should match. If you meet with a makeup artist for a consultation prior to the wedding and you plan to be a different color on the wedding day you need to let them know.

As with all things related to “ the big day” a bit of advance planning will go a long way to a happy ending.
This originally appeared on strictlyweddings.com/blog

Weddings In The Eternal City

If you are reading this blog you know I love Roma! Turns out there are a lot of other people that do too. In fact they like it so much they decide to tie-the - knot there. Here's a classic photo from Rochelle Cheever, a Rome, Italy based photographer. romeweddingsphotography.com Bellisima!

And the winner is...

It's official, Lash Blast has replaced Great Lash in my heart and in my makeup kit.
This mascara really gets the job done. Even my skimpy blonde lashes look longer, thicker and make my eyes pop. Since I switched to Lash Blast I've had more compliments on my eyes than ever before. Really.

Fall Fashion 2009

Here I am with A list stylist, Mariel Haeen at the Saks Fifth Ave. Fall 2009 Want it! Event.
A long but fun day with Mariel, stylist for Rhianna. I spiced up my look at the end of it with a sequin top by Nanette Lepore. Mariel helped me pick out the earrings from designer Deborah Gaspar. Mariel's fashion recommendations for 2009 are rocker boots, a strong shoulder jacket, legging, mixed metals and fur. Fashion fun!

Melrose Place Press Tour

I am often asked if I enjoy working with celebrities. Or someone will ask, "who's the most difficult person you've ever worked with?" I guess everyone wants a story but the truth is I've been very lucky to have worked with some really lovely people. Laura Leighton who will appear in flashback scenes on the new Melrose Place and Collin Egglesfield were no exception. When I asked for a photo for my portfolio they did not hesitate. No drama there. If you liked Melrose Place before, the new show won't disappoint.
Locally Tuesdays on CW33.

Climate proof your skin

I love fall, bittersweet, pumpkins, changing trees, acorns falling, the cool, crisp air, it's my favorite time of year. It's also the most challenging time of year for my skin because I have genetically dry skin. Dry, crisp air means I have to try harder to lubricate my skin from the inside out, and so should you.

In this part of the world most people have combination skin or dry skin. However many people mistakenly believe their skin is oily. To that end, they do everything they can to dry up the imaginary, excess oil. This is totally wrong. Moisture is the best way to combat fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps create a healthy epidermis which protects our skin from disease and the elements.

Here are my tips for lubricating, aka moisturizing, your skin without creating breakout.
Most of them you've heard before. If you've heard it before think about it...it must work!
1. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water. 2. Get your essential fatty acids. 3. Avoid washing your face with soap and water. Use a lotion cleanser. 4. Apply a light hydrating lotion after cleansing. A few I like are Kinerase - Hydraboost, Kate Sommerville - Quench, Complex 15, an oil free lotion.

Your skin will thank you for it.

Correcting Summer Sun Damage

Long before I was a professional makeup artist I had a passionate and innate interest in skin care.
Thanks to my mother, I developed a regular skin care routine as a teenager.

When I began to study makeup artistry one of the most important things I learned was how to correct uneven skin tones and skin imperfections. One of the top 10 questions I'm asked is how to perfect the skin.

We now know that avoiding long term, direct sun especially without any SPF or other protection is one of the best ways to keep your skin smooth and damage free. For those of us who already have sun damage, and that's most of us, please watch the next DFW Closeup. Reporter Vanessa Brown and I will talk about what causes sun damage and how to minimize it. I'll have info on the latest and greatest products to help lighten, brighten and tighten your summer skin.

DFW Closeup - CW33
Sunday, September 13, 2009
7:00 am, CST

Please watch it here and feel free to post your comments.