26 Beauty Hacks...be your own Beauty MacGyver!

Do you love a good "Beauty Hack" as much as I do?  Maybe you're asking...what in the world is a beauty hack?  For those who don't know, a beauty hack is a new and unexpected way to use a

product...usually when you're in a pinch or out of whatever you would traditionally use.  Example?  I wear red lipstick daily and somehow that darn red lipstick tends to get on everything....especially a light colored jacket or blouse.  When that happens, I whip out a makeup wipe (I love these by Garnier) instead of a Tide pen or Shout Wipe.

Why? The makeup wipes are dual purpose AND cheaper then Shout Wipes, plus they are specifically formulated to remove makeup and work beautifully!  I keep a pack in my purse at all times for makeup touch ups, clothing fixes, even a quick hand wash if I can't get to a sink.  I've used them to get makeup off my steering wheel, my office phone....oh, and yes, I've even used one to get chocolate off one of my nephews when the baby wipe container was empty.  That, my friends, is a great beauty product hack...making something work for a bunch of things that it wasn't necessarily intended for.  Multi-purpose items are at the core of a hack, that's for sure!  Another hack I've been doing for years?  If my hair is a little frizzy and I don't have hair serum handy, I'll use just a bit of body lotion to tame the mane....bonus points if the lotion smells yummy.

 One more?  Baby Shampoo...the original kind. Sure, you can wash your kiddo's hair with it, but what else can you do?  In a pinch, wash your face, use as shower gel AND wash your makeup brushes.  Need to rinse out your undies? Baby shampoo makes a great lingerie soak, which is especially helpful in hotels away from home, One of the best uses.... remove your eye makeup, even mascara...with no irritation and no tears!  The gentle formula and PH balance make it ideal for a number of uses.


So, we're just barely scratching the surface....ready for a BUNCH of hacks? Check out this article from the editors at Allure Magazine...if anyone knows beauty, these ladies do.  There are 26 tips here...some you may have heard of, some might be new....some you may have been doing for years and didn't realize anyone else knew about!

What about you...are you a "Beauty MacGyver" when it comes to re-purposing beauty products?  Share your favorite makeup or beauty hack below in the comments!

Smart Barre Studios - Commercial Shoot

If you're a follower of Lip Service, then you know I do weddings...a LOT of weddings!  I adore working with brides and getting to be a part of their special day...it's very fulfilling to help someone feel truly beautiful on one of the most important days in their lives.  But...that's actually NOT how I got my start as a makeup artist! (Need a little backstory?  Click here....)  I started out as on-air talent filming commercials and video productions, and then starting doing makeup behind the camera. Over the years, I added wedding makeup, boudoir, business headshots and lessons to my list of services, but I also love doing tv/film, and print work for magazines.

When I get the chance to get back to my "commercial roots" I always enjoy the opportunity to work with the production team and see the client's project come to life.  It's challenging, but in a fun way that keeps me on my toes, so keep checking back as I start catching up and posting about other commercial projects I've done this year!

This particular shoot was for Smart Barre Studios, based right here in Fort Worth, TX, with 4 local locations and 1 in San Antonio.  If you're not familiar, Smart Barre is a unique combination of ballet/yoga/stretching that lengthens your muscles while toning your body.  Want that lean dancer's body look?  This is how you get it!  All of the instructors have a background in dance, but you don't need to be a dancer to take a class, they assured me. Founder Allison Poston (yep, former ballerina!) contacted me about doing a shoot a few months ago, because they needed updated images for their website.

Making up Kristi, co-owner of Cityview Location

Before/After of Erin, one of the instructors

The makeup had to be light and very natural, but skin needed to look good on film and of course, all of the instructors wanted to look pretty! The goal is for each woman to look naturally beautiful, while looking like they aren't really wearing makeup, like Kristi, Erin and Renn, shown here.  I got started on makeup while Renn Traylor (also a part-time Smart Barre instructor) got started on natural updo's and ponytails that were polished, but simple.  Check it...another fun fact about this shoot?  One of my already booked brides (we're both named Jen and both from Wisconsin too!) also happens to be a part-time Smart Barre instructor, so I got to meet her at this shoot, and then I did her wedding makeup just a few weeks later!  Major "what a small world" kinda day.. gotta love it.

Polished, yet natural looks were perfect for this shoot!

After all the girls were ready to go, it was lights, camera, ACTION! This shoot was a real workout for all the ladies, as they demonstrated move after move for the camera...sometimes holding each position for several minutes.  The end results?  Stunning!  I'm sure their muscles were a little sore, but the results were worth it...scroll down to see gorgeous images that show the Smart Barre workout in action.

Super talented commercial photographer Jason Kindig really captured the beauty and strength of the instructors, don't you think?  Check out some of the final images below and if you're inspired to take a class, contact Smart Barre!  No tutu required...promise.

BRIDES.COM Wedding Day Pro Tip - Mess Free Snacking Pre-Ceremony!

I recently spoke with Brides Magazine's digital version, Brides.com....but not about makeup.  Um...what?  Yes, I am a makeup artist who specializes in weddings, but this time, they wanted my expert advice on.... wedding day snacks!  I've been around the wedding block, and can definitely share some advice on everything that happens on wedding day, good and bad. They shared part of what I had to say, but I wanted to go ahead and include the full enchilada (see what I did there?!?)

A very graceful faint
 captured by MVision Photography

Food...I think by now most girls realize that yes, they do need to eat something on wedding day...you don't want to wind up fainting before the first kiss, right?


 It can often take several hours while everyone gets ready, plus more time to take pictures...you and your wedding party will need energy to get you through an exciting, and long day. OK...so you know you and your girls need some snacks, but what?   The options are endless, but the ideal choices are tasty, nutritious and of course MESS FREE snacks and drinks.

 

As a makeup artist,  I'm with the bride and her bridesmaids all day as they get ready, and I've seen girls snack on everything from bags of chips and beer to a fully catered lunch with waitstaff and champagne..and everything in between!  I actually have lots of info to share, on what works...and what doesn't.....

Here are my pro tips for wedding day snack success:

1. Stainmaster - Sounds like common sense, but there should be no red wine, no cupcakes with brightly colored frosting, nothing with sauce. I have seen all of these items spilled onto dresses, chairs and carpeted floors of venues...not worth the risk. Shout Wipes and Tide pens can only do so much (and yes, I do keep both in my kit!) Frosting and hard candy can also temporarily stain teeth and tongues...cute when you're 4, not so cute when you're a grown woman about to get married.

Photo:  news/yahoo.com

2. Straws are a must - Whatever beverages are being served, provide some fun and colorful straws...even for bottled water. Once makeup is applied and lipstick is on, it's the only way to ensure it stays pristine. (Several retailers sell

Photo: Etsy.com

really cute covered mugs and cups with built in straws in every style from rustic to modern that can be custom ordered for weddings!) Try to avoid open cups, use travel cups or even take out cups with straws to avoid spills if you can. Exception?  Champagne flutes, naturally!  Worth the risk and besides, champagne is practically clear. ; )

3. Bite size everything! Mini-desserts, mini quiches or other similar snacks, mini-sandwiches....anything tiny that can be popped into the mouth in one bite (no plasticware or plates needed) is easy and mess free. Avoid anything that has to be cut or eaten with a fork and knife. Bonus points for goodies on skewers or toothpicks that keep hands clean too!


Photo: wannabite.com
 

4. Avoid the dreaded orange dust - If you're a casual, junk food snacker, you know what I'm talking about!  Stick to popcorn or tortilla chips....skip the Cheetos, Doritos and similar snacks. That pesky orange dust has a way of getting on EVERYTHING!

5. Classic Standbys - Crackers and pre-cut cheese cubes aren't exactly exciting, but always easy and mess free. String cheese is great too, it can be unwrapped as needed. Bite size carrots and celery. Bite size fruit is good, but avoid anything really juicy, like berries....apple slices are easy and mess proof.

6. Watch out for Kiddos! Less food related, but it's a key point...keep those adorable small children out of the "get ready" room if at all possible. I've seen countless wedding suites laid out with a spread of snacks and all of a sudden, there's a ring bearer or flower girl digging in and food is flying!  This means mustard and that danged frosting on chairs (prime for you to sit and get on your gown), or various snacks on the floor that can be slipped on, or wind up on clothing. Have kids snack beforehand in a separate area if possible. 

7. Wash your Hands Before Getting Dressed Last tip for mess free snacking? Everyone should wash their hands before getting dressed or helping the bride get dressed, just in case! I once had a maid of honor get blue frosting (blue!) all over the back of the bride's dress....it was on her hand from a recently eaten cupcake and she didn't realize it until it was too late....and on the dress.  OOPS!




So, there you have it...an entire post NOT about makeup or beauty....but about stress-free, MESS- free snacking on wedding day!  What snacks did you have pre-wedding? Any food disasters you wish you could've avoided?  Share in the comments!

Oh, and be sure to check out BRIDES Magazine!  They've got everything you need to know about dresses, beauty, and a million other things to help you plan the best wedding possible..including tips like these.  They're celebrating 80 years with their gorgeous October issue too!

 
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Back to School - Part 2 - Color You Gorgeous!

Fall is my favorite season!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I really, really dig fall. As a kid, I grew up in Wisconsin, where fall actually meant crisp air and falling leaves and back to school in September.  In Fort Worth, where I currently live?  Not so much.  Kids start school in August and fall doesn't hit until much later in the year...late October, early November or so.  I relish in it once it arrives!  Whether you're in school, you're a teacher, going to work every day or a mom running kids to class, Back to School is a state of mind...the end of summer, time for transitions.  If you read Part 1 of my Back to School beauty tips (if you missed it, click here to read), then your skin is in shape...now it's time to add a little color to your life!  What are some easy ways to switch up your makeup routine this fall?  Read on....

 

Change up your lip game -  Fall is  great time to switch out your clear gloss or summer lipbalm for a creamy lipstick in a peachy/pink or even a deep berry...these colors look great most everyone and will work well with your new wardrobe too.  If you're not a lipstick fan, try a lipbalm/stain combo like Revlon's fall Colorburst Balm Stain in Crush or Smitten....it applies like a lip balm, but adds a sheer wash of color.

Stick to pinks, berries, reds and peachy shades....brown shades are everywhere in fall, but they're not always flattering, especially on paler skin tones.

Personally, I love a really deep berry for fall!  It looks great with heavier clothing and darker colors, plus it really gives a pop of color to my (year 'round!) pale skin....
One of my favorite shades is "Shame" by Urban Decay....even though it's not technically fall yet in Texas (still around 100 degrees daily), I had to break out a little wishful fall makeup last week!

Try a new way to blush - Have you been skipping blush on top of your tan this summer, or just using bronzer? When cooler temps hit, you'll need to transition to a little more cheek color to compensate for paler skin. Try a sheer, blendable gel formula (Try Butter London's Cheeky blush in Abbey Rose) for staying power to last through long days of class and after school activities.  Blend well onto the apples of your cheeks with a dampened Beauty Blender sponge...don't bring color too low!  For even longer lasting blush, try a gel formula, set with powder and then add a light dusting of powder blush on top.  Pinks, peachy shades, sheer poppy or berry all work on a variety of skin tones.  Go easy on bronzer in fall and winter, use sparingly for a light glow!


(photo credit: lipstickwithsunshine.com)

 

School /Work Appropriate Eye Makeup - Not sure how much eye makeup is appropriate for school , work or PTA meetings this fall?  Easy test.... if your eye makeup would fit in at the club or on a red carpet, it's definitely too much for daytime!  When it doubt, keep it simple.  A wash of buttery gold shadow (try L'Oreal infalliable shadow in Iced Latte) or shimmery taupe shadow provides a bit of definition and looks

(photo credit: seeyourinterest.com)

great on most everyone.....avoid bright colors and too much sparkle, save that for nights out. Dark brown or black liner traced lightly into lash lines,  plus mascara will give your eyes a bit of polish that looks great whether you're a sorority pledge or the one teaching a roomful of students....pretty much any situation! 

 

Fall-worthy Lashes and Brows - If your lashes are very light or got bleached out from summer, be sure to coat your lashes all the way down to the tip!  Choose a mascara with a tiny wand, such as one made for lower lashes, like Maybelline Lash Discovery.  Other ideas?  You can buy small disposable wands at a cosmetic supplier inexpensively to use with your favorite mascara, and Sephora has a great brush to try...it's a tiny fan brush that lets you paint on your favorite mascara root to tip. (Sephora Pro collection brush #220).

If your brows are like mine...much lighter than my hair and bleach out easily in the sun....be sure to fill them in a bit.  Use a bit of brow powder (Senna and Anastasia have great options) and a tiny angled brush.  Don't go overboard!  Just lightly fill in sparse areas and darken them up a bit if they're bleached out.

Follow these tips for a fresh look that is just right for fall!  What's YOUR favorite way to transition your makeup look from summer to fall?  Share in the comments below!