Infusing the Industrial Trend into Bridal Beauty (As Featured on BRIDES)

The Industrial Trend is everywhere....exposed concrete and brick, Edison bulbs, warehouse venues, themes based around pared down simplicity with a bit of an edge. A welcome change from Boho/rustic vibe that has dominated the wedding scene for so many years! Recently, BRIDES asked me to share my thoughts on how to infuse the industrial vibe into bridal beauty choices...I love the look, so I was excited to share my thoughts! (Side note: In case you didn't know, when I'm not makeup-ing, I write about beauty and weddings for several magazines....sometimes full articles, sometimes just a sentence or two. I'm BEYOND pumped to be featured with BRIDES, but even more over the moon that they added an image of my actual work to go along with my content....that's rare!)  They included a few of my suggestions here, and keep reading below for the full article on ways to (realistically!) capture the industrial vibe without being too trendy or over the top......

Industrial Makeup

The Tarnos

Think dark, moody and romantic.  It can still be pretty, but anything too light, bright or delicate won't look right! Subtle choices make all the difference....

My favorite palette for an industrial theme is a softly blended smoky eye in shades of gunmetal, shimmery taupe or burgundy browns (all options work on any eye color or skin tone), paired with flawless, pale skin (barely flushed cheeks) and a deep lip in oxblood or mulberry shades.

Jeff Brummett Visuals

Shadows should be dark, but impeccably blended.....no harsh edges. Skip traditional liner....especially a graphic wing, it has the wrong feel. Instead use charcoal, coffee, or black waterproof gel liner to tightline upper and lower lashlines, and then buff in some charcoal or smoky black shadow to soften it.  A smoky eye can overpower a traditional bridal look, but here....it's perfection! Fluttery lashes look fabulous, but be sure to choose demi-wispy styles, or tons of indviduals....an ultra-long Kardashian-esque lash with a uniform look isn't organic enough.  Go for a lush, full look with natural variations.....like your own lashes, but with a lot more impact!   You can alter this look by trying flawless skin, flushed cheeks, and a dark lip....but this time, do a barely there eye....just a tiny bit of shadow for definition, but still plenty of lashes. 

Elements to skip:

Winged liner, harsh edges, tan skin/bronzer, bright spring colors, too much highlight, pale or vibrant lip colors like hot pink or red.  You might be inclined to contour, but if you do....do it sparingly.  There's already plenty of drama with a smoky eye and a deep lip.....too much contour can add a harshness that takes this look from romantic and moody to heavy/goth in a heartbeat! 

INDUSTRIAL HAIR: 

Think undone, organic styles with a sexy edge....

www.wisnerphoto.com

Start with dry shampoo or root texturizing powder to provide volume and grab, and prevent hair from looking too perfect and shiny.  If you have long, thick hair, a deconstructed fishtail braid is tailor made for the industrial vibe.....it should be pulled apart and slightly messy. Loose chignons work well....again, go for an undone look with loose tendrils.  There shouldn't be obvious curls or precise placement, and hair at the crown should have plenty of height and texture. A pompadour pony with a raked back texture is perfect to show off standout jewelry! Half- up, half-down can work too.....replace curls with loose waves and twists and skip traditional accent braids...it reads more boho.  This is a great occasion to try an unusual hair piece in metal or mesh.  Keep jewelry simple....a cool statement necklace or bold earrings (not both) are all you need, and this isn't the time for traditional sparkly bridal jewelry...think simple shapes and elegant, unexpected styles.  If you have your eye on more traditional embellishments for jewelry

Beatbox Photography

or hair, try darker versions of them in amber, rose gold, or platinum....it fits better with the industrial feel.  

Elements to skip: 

Smooth, overly traditional and overdone hairstyles, styles with soft curls and boho braid accents.  Choose waves or twists instead of curls. Skip traditional jewelry and embellishments, choose unexpected statement pieces.

(All Hair and Makeup shown here by Jennifer Trotter of Lip Service Makeup)

Obviously you could go more "over the top" with bolder makeup, steampunk accents and metal accessories, but these choices reflect a more realistic and less costume-y approach. This bridal beauty inspo will fit within an industrial themed wedding, but still look timeless....and gorgeous!

Be sure to read the entire article here for more tips on how to infuse the industrial trend into other elements of your wedding....decor, your venue, lighting and more. Thanks again to BRIDES for featuring me!

Want some great tips on mess free snacks to enjoy in your bridal suite?  Check out this previously published BRIDES feature for my tips on everything you need to know about what to serve!

Lip Service Makeup - By The Numbers

Do you read Allure magazine?  They've always got that little feature near the front, "Beauty by the Numbers" that lists out fun beauty stats using numbers.....some movie star uses 27 jars of face cream each year or whatnot...so interesting!  (Check out this article about Fashion Week by the Numbers for an example...)


So....for fun, I just threw this together with my own little set of random Lip Service Makeup number factoids.  I limited it to items where I either knew the actual number, or could somehow find it, or count to get it.  Ready?  Here we go......

Shoot with Troy Aikman at Valley Ranch

Tip published in Bridal Guide

58 dozen - Number of false lashes I purchased last year

Just a few lashes in my stash!

16 - number of different lash styles I keep in my kit

1 - number of SuperBowl winners I've worked with (hey Troy! )

3 - number of "red lip" purses I own (2 gifts, one I bought myself)


7-14 - age range of the group of Girl Scouts I made up for a National Shoot last year

5 - average number of magazine/blog  beauty tips, and articles I write/submit to various publications each week

714 - number of faces...women, men and children that I applied makeup to in 2014 (I only started keeping track 3 years ago...no idea what my annual average was in the past!)

23 - number of years I've been a pro artist (I started when I was 5...ba dum dum...! I wish...)

18 - how many years ago I created the original Lip Service logo

1 - number of feature films I've worked on thus far - hasn't been released yet..: (  It was fun though!

A super cute lip purse I got as a birthday present!

13- Number of lipsticks/glosses in my purse this very second

6- Number of those lipstick/glosses that are various shades of red (what?  You thought it'd be more?!?)

70 - number of lovely brides I had the pleasure of beautifying last year (Love you girls!!)

16 - Total number of those brides who happen to be nurses

Doing Taylor's bridal makeup....

15 - number of faces in my largest wedding party thus far

1 - Number of times I've done makeup for a girl going to a KISS 106.1 sponsored 100% surprise prom  (it was so cool!  Read more here...)

40- number of minutes I usually schedule for makeup per person on wedding day (a perfect, relaxed pace)

Ashley's surprise prom!

12 - number of minutes I spent per person when I needed to do makeup for 14 fourteen year olds in just under 3 hours (Whew! that was fast!)

Speed makeup on 14 girls!

2 - number of makeup chairs I own (one stays in my car, one for my home studio)

0 - number of times I've applied brown blush to my clients (yuck...it's a pet peeve of mine)

25, 686 - Number of pageviews on my blog right now

1696 - Number of pageviews on my blog from followers in Russia (Russians really dig Lip Service I guess?)

6 - total percentage of my social media followers who are men (Thanks guys!)

4am - time I had to get up to do a big, morning wedding on my birthday last year

89 - number of before/after pics I could find with my striped shower curtain in the background (from my cozy, home studio!)

Sweet Ashley again...see that striped curtain on the right?!?

18 - Bags of Hershey kisses I purchased last year to go into touch up kits/goodie bags (a girl's gotta have her emergency wedding day chocolate!)

6 - Average number of Saturdays I have off each year ( #1 goal? SLEEP!  After that, I'll run errands, get a massage., spend time with friends and family....I try to make those days off count!)

365 - Number of days each year I thank God that I stumbled into this profession I love so much!  (Ok that was cheesy, but I had to throw it in!)

For real...this job truly is my passion!  Not just doing makeup, but helping women feel beautiful, teaching, writing, forming bonds with brides who become friends, and vendors who are now like family.  I'm so grateful to everyone who supports and encourages me so I can do what I do.  And the number I'd put on that?  You guessed it...#priceless.

Have a great day everyone!!

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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Five Drugstore Beauty Favorites!

I attended a vendor open house earlier this week at the Orchard, a venue that refers me all the time...thanks guys!  It's a lovely venue out in the country that actually sits on ....you guessed it...a pecan orchard.  When I attend an open house, I like to offer a fun giveaway that brides can sign up for....this time, I decided to create a goodie bag with 5  of my top drugstore beauty favorites!  Five products you can find at any Walgreen's, CVS or Target and run $15 or less (one is only $1!)...all affordable, yet effective.  Great products to mix in with more expensive skin care and cosmetics that you already love.  All the brides were excited to discover a new product that wouldn't break the bank! 

Want the lowdown on the fun stuff I included in this goodie bag?  Here ya go.....maybe you'll discover a new favorite!

 Garnier  The Refreshing Remover Wipes
As the name implies, they smell fresh and clean!  They run about $6 a pack and they remove all of your makeup with one sheet….even mascara and eyeliner...all without leaving any oily residue.  They are oil-free, safe to use with eyelash extensions and leave your skin feeling fresh, clean and soft.  Great to keep in your nightstand for nights when you are too tired to do your whole skin care routine, but still want to go to bed with a clean face!  I keep some in my purse too…they are great for removing any makeup stains on your clothes and in a pinch, can be used to cleanse your hands too. I love them….

ELF concealer brush

These run about $1 a piece…seriously! The low price allows me to buy several that I use for a variety of purposes. It can be used as a tiny concealer brush for undereye circles or to cover blemishes…simply dot on and blend.  It’s a great lip brush, and applies lipstick easily for a clean line.  It can also be used to apply powder eyeshadow as liner (a fave trick of mine) on upper and lower lashlines, or it can be used with gel liner for a precise application.  It has synthetic bristles, so you can wash with soap and water to keep it clean…a little Dawn liquid is also great to remove creamy products like concealer.

Sonia KashukEyeshadow  Medium Shader Brush

These run about $11 each and are one of my eyeshadow staples!  They rival brushes that cost 3 times as much, but since they are affordable, I have 4 or 5 of them to supplement my more expensive blending brushes. This is a medium size shadow brush that has a dense, yet soft head with a rounded top…excellent for applying color and blending.  Clean with brush cleaner daily.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lipbalm/Stain in Honey

Costs about $9 and is a great all around lip color.  Applies easily, like a big crayon….it applies subtle color that isn’t too glossy, and has a stain like pigment, so it lasts.  The Honey color is a soft nude pink that looks very natural and works on nearly everyone.  A great product for moms or any busy woman on the go....lipcolor and balm in one step!

L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara in Carbon Black

 
 

An excellent mascara that rivals brands that cost 3 times as much!  This is around $10…the formula is a glossy, VERY black one that applies smoothly with no clumping.  Doesn’t provide tons of volume, but it does create glossy black lashes that don’t look spidery.  One of my favorite mascaras!

And the lucky winner was.....Nikola H.!  I will be sending her these drugstore goodies next week.  If you follow me here, on Facebook or Instagram, then you know I spend a ton on cosmetics and love prestige brands, but why spend a fortune if you don't have to?  Much like great fashion, a high-low mix suits me well.....and I've already done the product testing so you don't have to!  What are some of YOUR favorite drugstore beauty finds?