July 2, 2009

I’m sitting in front of my laptop in France.
Traveling across the pond wasn’t an easy task, specially with a 4 and 7 years old AND an 8hr delay in London!
By the time we got to Paris I thought I was going to lose it. 10hrs of sleep later and the yuminess of a pain au chocolat (actually a couple) we’re all back on our feet.  Hooray.

I made first European purchase.

I had read about the merits of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse online and was intrigued.
Apparently, their products are staple in French women’s bathroom and advertised everywhere.  My Mom loves and uses them daily, and if there’s something I trust about my Maman is her know-it-all in regard to beauty products.  At 67 she is one well put together lady.

In France do as the French… I entered a pharmacy and got my hands on l’huile.

Why You’ll Love It…

The formula combines 30% of precious plant oils (borage, St Johnswort, sweet almond, camelia, hazelnut, macadamia) and vitamin E, to repair and nourish body, hair and face.  It also contains small golden mineral particles that will make your skin lightly shimmer, it’s gorgeous.  The oil is suitable for all skin types, penetrates pretty much instantly leaving no greasy residue behind, and the golden flecks won’t rub off on your clothes.  The oil scent is discreet, sweet,  like almond honey.

Why I Didn’t…

Right off, I wasn’t crazy about the smell in the bottle, but since it was so faint I figured it would be OK. Wrong.
I don’t know if it was because of my skin chemistry, but the almond honey scent turned into an annoying floral that made me nauseous every time I got a whiff of it.  Word of warning, I’m weird when it comes to fragrances, so try it out for yourself…. It did make my skin look amazing.

Huile Prodigieuse ($39) can be found in the USA at Beautyexclusive.com

Let me know if you like it.

// 07.02.2009 at 12:14 pm // Tagged Products review, Skin // 3 Comments »

Tuesday June 30th, 2009

We’re officially leaving in a few hours for a little Parisian gateway!
As soon as we land I’m hitting a bakery, nothing like a delicious melt in your mouth a pain au chocolat to get back on your feet after a long flight.

The studio is open, thank you Kim for handling our lovely brides!
As of for me, I will continue to be obsessed with emails, blogging, my IPhone AND Facebook, so feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions regarding a current or potential booking, or just to say hi.

I’ll see you all on the flip side!!!

// 06.30.2009 at 8:00 am // Tagged Personnal life // Comment now »

I love it when I make a bride smile.

// 06.29.2009 at 4:36 am // Tagged Latest Photo // Comment now »

Jasmine ascending from the bottom of the ocean.

// 06.28.2009 at 7:15 pm // Tagged Latest Photo // Comment now »

Saturday June 27, 2009

Good morning Sunshine!  What do you have planned for the weekend?

I was in Miami yesterday and had a super fun day.  I got my hair done (thanks Audra), purchased 3 M.A.C pro palettes filled with smokin colors, and picked up my new sweet IPhone. Yay!

Now it’s time to get back to work, we have a huge wedding weekend ahead!  Before leaving you all and heading to see bride numero uno, here’s a post inspired by my husband who thinks I’m totally insane…   Read on.

Every 6 weeks or so El Genio and I have the same conversation…

Me: “Hey Babe I’m going to Miami on Friday to get my hair done”

El Genio: “Whaaaat…  Are you serious?”

Me: “Yes, I’m serious!  We’ve been living in Key West for 6 years now, and I’ve been going to (my beloved) Audra for the last 5 and YOU KNOW THAT.

El Genio: “Well, I just can’t believe anyone would drive 4 hours each way just to get a haircut, pure lunacy if you ask me”

Well no one asked, plus it’s not “just to get a haircut” (sweetie), I also stock up Sephora, check out the M.A.C pro store for new collections, and browse on Lincoln Ave.

Not that they aren’t any competent hairdressers in Key West (after all not everyone is leaving the island every few weeks just to get their tresses some love), it’s just that I haven’t found the **one**, and since I’ve had my share of disasters, forget about taking another chance and feeling like crap until my hair grow back.  You’re with me so far right?

I met Audra at Vidal Sassoon South Beach Miami and I-JUST-LOVED-MY-HAIRCUT the very first time she coiffed me.  Technically flawless, super consistent, Audra has the sweetest most fun personality.  So what if I have to drive 4 hours to see her?

SIDENOTE: Just in case you’re all wondering, My husband (AKA Mr. Studio in previous posts) didn’t like his blog alias and requested his name changed to El Genio… Kindly, I did — I’m still laughing.  Hahaha!

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// 06.27.2009 at 10:30 am // Tagged Hair, Just for fun // Comment now »

Thursday June 25, 2009

Heya lovelies!  Pouring in Key West, where’s my sunshine?

Oh well, I’m working away beautifying my local babes.  One of them, who considers curling irons lethal weapons (LOL!), was asking about an alternate way to curl her very straight hair.  Can you say HOT ROLLERS?

The trick to make them work on straight hair is to use some type of setting lotion prior to rolling the hair.  I like REDKEN HOT SETS 22 THERMAL SETTING MIST but any other strong hold hairsprays will also do.

I own two sets of the BaByliss used in the tutorial below, and although expensive, they are by far the best on the market.  I’ve had mine for 5 years now, use them a lot and they still perform as new.  Your curls will be bouncy and shiny and will last all day.

// 06.25.2009 at 12:45 pm // Tagged Hair, Tutorials, Hair, Tutorials // Comment now »

Tuesday June 23, 2009

Hello dolls! How is everyone afternoon so far?  It’s absolutely scorching in Key West, I’m glad to be here at the studio working away.

My yoga teacher had this song on her playlist the other morning, it made me want to hop and skip instead of back bending.  I’ve had it in my head all day.

Judy Garland’s original is marvelous but this rendition is sweet!

Do you have a make me feel good song?

:heart!

// 06.23.2009 at 3:46 pm // Tagged Just for fun // Comment now »

Monday June 22, 2009

Day off  for me today –  Whoo hoo!  Hope your Monday was off to a good start.

I tested Lancome BROW EXPERT MODELE SOURCILS over our busy weekend.

Eyebrows shape your face and really affect your overall appearance and can make or break your make-up, their maintenance should be high on every-one’s list.  I’ve tried multiple eyebrows pencils and gels and although really like Anastatia’s kit, I’ve come across a one-step, easy-to-apply, fool-proof product ranking right up there for simple eyebrow touch up.  If more extensive touch up is needed use first Lancome LE CRAYON POUDRE for a perfect combo.

Hella fierce eyebrows in no time.

Lancome Modele Sourcils looks like a mascara tube and has a brush that looks just like a mascara wand, swipe it lightly over your brows and voila. The creamy formula dries like a powder giving it a super natural feel but won’t fade or budge throughout the day.  Comes in 2 colors and one clear.  The Taupe is one of the best shade for blonde, and the Brunet is just dark enough without looking fake and waxy.  A must have I tell you.

// 06.22.2009 at 1:26 pm // Tagged Eyebrows, Products review // Comment now »

Thursday June 18, 2009

Latisse, the new hot potion for lashes is by far THE best product currently available on the market for eyelash growing.  After 16 weeks of daily application my lashes have grown considerably and thickened nicely.  Never, in my wildest dream, would have I thought my lashes could get this long, no way no how — We’re talking serious eyelash batting! I get asked regularly if I’m wearing extensions, (magic in a bottle I tell you) and I’m loving it.

I have suffered no side effects whatsoever just long, lush lashes, and while I am spending more money on mascara and eye make-up remover, I don’t mind it the least.

// 06.18.2009 at 4:01 pm // Tagged Eyelashes, Products review // Comment now »

Tuesday June 16, 2009

Went to Yoga and Pilates this morning, your girl here is feeling good.
At the studio all day, ready to do a full head of extensions — Balmain here I come baby.

What are you lovelies up to today?  Little shopping perhaps…

maccosmetics.com is having a 25% SALE!!!!!

25% off online purchases for 3 days, June 16-18!

Click below and start shopping

// 06.16.2009 at 12:17 pm // Tagged Just for fun // Comment now »

Sunday June 14, 2009

Olá ladies!  How’s everyone?  What was the highlight of your Sunday?

My morning was a little crazy.  I dropped my wallet somewhere in the grocery aisles at Pubix and realized the horror when I was ready to pay.  Thank the Lord, a wonderful being had turned it in with all its content, cash included.  I u whoever u r!

The rest of the day was busyyyyyy, lots of lovely brides — 3 trials and 2 weddings… phew!  Time to go home and hang with the monkeys and Mr. studio.

Before checking out, here’s my favorite look of the day, created for Amy on her trial.
The eyes were done with MAC.  For the base I used SHROOM;  Under the brow bone BLANC TYPE;  In the crease COPPERPLATE with a tad of CARBON and I ended up foiling some VANILLA pigment.  The eyes were lined with EBONY eye pencil and finished with L’oreal Voluminous mascara, and yes those are her real lashes — Lucky girl!

Oh yeah, and check out this bouquet that one of my bride was going to carry down the aisle…

Oooooh, I love *feather*!

// 06.14.2009 at 10:04 am // Tagged Make-Up // Comment now »

Thursday June 11, 2009

How would you react if the man in your life started to wear guyliner, manscara, concealer or bronzing powder?  While the majority of men wearing eyeliner belong to the rock start category I do from time to time receive requests from men to get groomed on their wedding day.  Heck why not!

So while I totally appreciate a well polished guy and wouldn’t care the least if Mr. Studio asked to use a little concealer to cover a pimple, the thought of having him borrow my Nars bronzing powder seems totally odd. 
No need to worry thought, the mere idea of a facial moisturizer makes him cringe, and the use of conditioner remains in the craze idea category.

Jared Leto eyelined to the max.  Certainly makes his eyes pop…  I kinda like it.

Cool or too much?

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.  Looking like a lady.

Zac, don’t even try.  We know about Shu Uemura lash curler too!  Oh, and nice bronzed cheek bones.

You like it, or too much of a pretty boy?

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// 06.11.2009 at 2:11 pm // Tagged Just for fun // 2 Comments »

Wednesday June 10, 2009

Someone asked the other day if I liked to paint on canvas… Without a tad of hesitation, the answer is NO.

As much as I love to contour, highlight and adorn faces and bodies with make-up of all sorts, starting on a bare canvas does absolutely nothing for me.  RIEN.  I’ve always been attracted to drawing and persisted on that path for a while and would have been thrilled to take after my father, who’s innate talent at painting is rather impressive.  Sadly, aside from mixing colors, (which I can’t get enough of, and oh don’t even get me started on foiling pigments), art classes used to be pure torture.  What do you mean you want me to draw on a white piece of paper?  I need a frame, something to start with, some type of inspirations.  I need was a VISAGE.

So while I get a tremendous satisfaction out of enhancing faces, I am utterly fascinating by the art of painting on things other than humans, and love to collect art.

Here’s my latest acquisition, an intricate piece by Marlene Koenig.  I love all the colors and forms Marlene combined so freely.  Once she was finished with the painting, she poured wax all over giving it the appearance to be looking at the composition through a slightly blurry glass window.  The wax dried, she went back with some more paints to further texturised and detailed the art work.  As you can well imagine, this photo doesn’t even come close to render how special it is.  It’s being framed right now and should be hanging at my studio in a few days, feel free to stop by and check it out.

Marlene Koening paintings are currently being exhibited at the Stone Soup Gallery in Key West.
Address:
802 White St. Key West, Florida 33040
Contact: 305- 296-2080

// 06.10.2009 at 12:50 pm // Tagged Personnal life // Comment now »