Bridal Portrait Session 101 - Absolutely EVERYTHING You Need to Know!

So if you're reading this and don't live in the South, you might be saying..."um, what's a bridal

portrait?"  Basically, it's a bridal preview...full hair and makeup, plus the dress and bouquet...all captured in a photo session by your photographer.  Often, girls will choose their favorite to have printed and framed at the wedding reception, later to hang in their home. It's mainly a southern custom, but it's quickly creeping into other parts of the US and it's already a tradition in other parts of

the world.

Image: Beatbox Portraits

You might be wondering...should I do one?  Is it worth it?  Is it really necessary?  Well, as a bridal beauty expert and makeup artist who's worked with hundreds and hundreds of brides...and the talented photographers who shoot the bridal sessions....I definitely know a thing or two about them.

Here's the lowdown so you can decide for yourself if a bridal portrait session is for you, and to ensure that you LOVE your photos if you do book one:

One thing you should know right off the bat?

Bridal Session Photos are VERY Different than Wedding Day Photos!
Wedding day is all about the intimacy, the emotion, the excitement....you're getting MARRIED.  A great photographer will focus on capturing not only the traditional family photos, but also all of the details and special moments that happen all throughout the day. When it's done right, it's a 360 view of the entire event to help you remember all the details! Whether you look at it once a year or every Friday night, you and your spouse, plus your kids AND grandkids will truly love enjoying your wedding photos for years to come.

 A bridal session?  That's about YOU, honey. When else in your life do you look that freakin' fabulous!?! No matter how practical you are, you can't deny that there is something magical about a beautiful bride. Here's your chance to be that beautiful bride....and the bridal session captures that moment in time forever. (Sounds cheesy, but it's SO TRUE!)

OK, But What Are the Benefits of Doing a Bridal Portrait Session?
- It's a chance to try everything together....hair, makeup, dress, veil, accessories...and make sure it all works.  If you need to change anything, you have time.
- Bridal sessions are a great time to bond and build trust with your photographer and beauty team. The more you all know each other, the more comfortable and relaxed you'll be on wedding day! Hopefully there won't be any snags, but if there are, you can solve them beforehand.
- It'll calm your nerves...bigtime.  Once you know that the intricate hairstyle you chose looks perfect with your dress, that bright lip color works and the necklace is the perfect length...it's a huge stress reliever the day of.
- A bridal session is relaxed and fun....a great way to capture how gorgeous you look BEFORE the big day.  Save wedding day for being "in the moment" and enjoying the emotion!
- And lastly, yes you'll have a gorgeous photo to display at the reception, or if that's not your thing, to hang in your home for years to come. You might not think you want it, but trust me....I've never heard

Image: Peyronet Photography

a bride say she regretted doing a bridal session, and they're always really happy to have the images.  And the husbands?  There's no man on the planet who doesn't want an image of his wife looking the most beautiful he's ever seen....#justsaying

What do Bridal Sessions Cost?
Just like everything else wedding related, costs vary according to where you live, and the type of vendors you've chosen.  Professional hair and makeup is 100% worth it, so don't skip it for your photo session! Expect to pay somewhere between $200-$400 for hair and makeup depending on rates where you live (less in small towns, higher in big cities) and expect to pay more to have your beauty team come on location.

 Expect to pay somewhere between $300-$900 for your bridal photography session (doesn't include prints, those are extra)....many photographers roll it into your entire package, but you can book it separately too. Use legit and reputable vendors ALWAYS.  Looking incredible and having stunning bridal photos will be an investment, but one that's worth it....don't fall into the trap of going cheap or hiring inexperienced vendors. (Read more about why here....)

Also...DON'T forget to order a bouquet!  It doesn't have to be elaborate or the same bouquet you'll have for your wedding, but it gives you something to do with your hands and provides a pop of color....cost starts around $75 for a simple version and goes up depending on size and the type of flowers you choose.

When Should I Schedule it?
- Look at dates AFTER your dress is due to arrive....and be sure to allow extra time for alterations.

Image: Matt and Ivy Weddings

- You can schedule it as early as you want once you have your dress, but most bridal sessions are done 2-3 months before wedding day.
- Expect to schedule a bridal session on a weekday or Sunday...Saturdays won't work for your photographer or your beauty team who will most likely be working a wedding!
- Early morning sessions work well for outdoor shoots in the summer to beat the heat, and afternoon/early evening shoots work well in fall and winter to capture "golden hour"...those hours before sunset when the light is amazing.
- If you DO want a framed photo for your reception, be sure to check with your photographer on how early you need to schedule your session so that there's enough time to edit, order and receive your image in time to display it.


How Do I Choose A Good Location?
Options are really endless, but here's a list to get you started:

Image: Peyronet Photography

- Outdoor Locations: Your wedding venue, Botanical Gardens, Historic Homes, Local Wineries, a Ranch in the country, The Terrace or Rooftop of a Hotel, Sports Venues, or even downtown areas with modern sculptures.  Ask your photographer for suggestions!

- Indoor Locations:  Your wedding venue, Museums, Art Galleries, Hotels, Fancy Restaurants, A Concert Hall, A Historic Theater, Sleek lobby of a building, a private home, a downtown loft or industrial space....get creative!

Just make sure you choose somewhere that allows photo shoots, and check to see if there's a fee involved or time restrictions. If you are working with a photographer who specializes in natural light be sure to choose a location that allows for that. Bonus tip #1: If you choose a hotel, book a night at that hotel, have a girlfriend or two stay with you and then arrange for your beauty team to come on location to help you get ready there in your room. Serve drinks and snacks, play fun music and Snapchat the whole getting ready process...make your photo session a truly fun EVENT!

Consider indoor locations during months that typically have rain, ice or extreme heat...it's easier to schedule and the shoot will be more fun! (translation, less of a beating ; )  If you want something outdoors, and a traditional garden backdrop isn't your style, that's ok...choose a location that that fits YOUR personality.

Bonus tip #2: Don't assume you can get ready or change into your gown at your shoot location, many venues don't have dedicated space for that or just won't allow it if they feel it interferes with customers or daily business.  Find out ahead of time to avoid having to change in the parking lot!

The Bridal Session Shoot.....Do's and Don'ts

Image: Tracy Autem Photography

- DO schedule a separate hair and makeup trial BEFORE your bridal session...particularly if you have no idea what you want or are planning on choosing a very complicated Pinterest-y hairdo or want makeup that is a big change from what you usually do.
- DO Plan on 2 hours for your hair and makeup appointment, and allow a little extra time if you're an out of town bride or didn't have time to squeeze in a trial first.
- DO consider having your bridal beauty team get you ready on-site if that's an option.  (Expect extra charges for travel and site fees! )
- DO Bring your BFF or your mom, or both! They'll make it fun and help you do relax.
- DON'T forget to bring your veil or hair accessory to your hair appointment so your stylist can put in in for you.
- DON'T forget to order and pick up your bouquet!
- DO make sure you have oil blot sheets and lip color with you for emergency touch ups. Avoid touching up with powder if possible...it can look cakey and can flash out.
- DO have a glass or two of champagne to relax and loosen up!
- DON'T drink too much...you'll get blotchy and have a hard time focusing.  No red wine...it can stain your teeth!
- DO bring an old white sheet with you!  You can sit on it if you need to wear your dress in the car and it can be spread out on the ground if you need to protect the bottom of your dress.
- DO bring your wedding heels (especially if they're really pretty!) so your photographer can capture a few shots of them, as well as a pair of slip-on flats for walking to and from shooting locations.
- DON'T freak out too much about getting your dress dirty!  A few specks of dust won't matter, and you can get it cleaned before the wedding if you really need to.
- DO ensure that any friends or family who come with you remember to keep photos private until AFTER wedding day, especially if you're a traditional bride and don't want your fiance to see how you'll look ahead of time.  It sounds like common sense, but in this age of social media and non-stop posting, people accidentally leak them all the time!  Generally, it's considered ok to post hair and makeup only pics, but most girls don't want anyone to post the whole she-bang. Let everyone know what you prefer so your bridal look doesn't wind up all over Instagram weeks before the wedding!

And my number one bridal portrait tip?
- DON'T obsess about how you look!  If you're constantly thinking "do I look stupid?".....yep, you'll

Image: Jenny Martell Photography

look stupid.  Or at the very least, tense and awkward....not cute! Instead, think about when he proposed, the first "I love you" or the night you met.... it'll create soft and romantic expressions and you'll love how you look.  You really only need 2 or 3 good shots, and your photographer will capture plenty for you to choose from!  They don't all need to be super-serious either, so laugh, smile, and think romantic thoughts about your honey for fool-proof and fabulous photos!

(Stunning bride Lauren?  #nailedit!!!)

(All makeup on these lovely brides by Jennifer Trotter of Lip Service Makeup)

Copyright Jennifer Trotter (Lip Service Makeup) 2016

5 Reasons Why Hiring a Cheap Makeup Artist is a HUGE Mistake

Image: Lydia Royce Photography

If you are about to hire a makeup artist for your own wedding, or know someone who is getting married soon....this post is for you, and it's important! Bear with me...I know it's a little long, but I am going to tell you THE REAL DEAL.....the BS FREE, full truth reason why onsite bridal makeup and hair costs what it does, and why getting a cheaper deal is actually a huge mistake.  But first, I'm going to share with you a real story about a real bride to be....I left out her name for her privacy, but this conversation is a pretty common one. The original exchange prompted a great discussion within the DFW makeup community, and my peers actually requested that I blog about it! I agreed, because this is what brides really need to know to make an informed decision when planning their beauty budget for their wedding. 

It all started with a bride to be who was shopping for a makeup artist.  After getting a couple of quotes, she posted this message on her Facebook page:

"Can anyone help me find a good hair and makeup artist?  I just got a quote for $2300 for 11 people!! I didn't plan on spending over 2K for natural makeup and hair that isn't even pinned up."

My friend tagged me in the post, referring me to this bride and asking if I could help her.  I sent this Facebook message to her:

"Hi ________! Thanks for accepting my friend request! I got a notification that _________ referred me to you for bridal beauty per your inquiry? Sounds like you have sticker shock, which I completely understand....there isn't much information out there on what are industry averages for bridal hair and makeup in Dallas/Fort Worth. I have actually been asked to give some speeches (one is next week) to wedding vendors in other categories to help educate their clients! $2300 for 22 services is very reasonable for our area. The very bottom end for pros....and these are girls who are new and just starting out...would be $75 per service, at the higher end is $200 per service. Most of the well known pros who are my peers (as well as myself) charge roughly $150 per service for bride, $100 per service for attendants, not including extras like travel (usually added if its' over 25 miles), trial runs, or assistants due to such a large group. 

 The only way you'll find less expensive services is to use people who don't run a bridal beauty business....people who work at makeup counters, blow dry bars, etc. These people generally don't have the same level of experience, and can't provide the flawless results you want, delivered in a seamless and stress free way. Pro makeup artists like myself have majorly invested in our businesses....I have over $25K worth of product invested in my kit/tools/etc., and that's not even including items like makeup wipes, lashes, etc. that I go through in bulk each year. I spent $1400 on lashes last year alone...it adds up, for sure! Add in insurance, marketing, education and other business expenses, as well as the actual time involved in consulting, creating contracts, handling payments, and the event itself....any artist who charges less than the minimums I mentioned cannot make a living, that's why it's a dead giveaway that they aren't a pro if they charge less. Hope that all makes sense! I am happy to send you pricing if you like...I don't know your date or if I'm open, but mainly I just wanted to take the time to give you the info you need to make a good decision. it's not cheap....great bridal beauty is an investment, but a worthwhile one. You and your girls will enjoy a fun and stress free day getting ready with people who know exactly what to do to make everyone happy and stay on schedule, plus you'll all look and feel fabulous. You'll love your photos and video, and you won't be focused on anything other that enjoying every moment of the day...because you'll look amazing! If you go the cheaper route, you are risking major regret....awful makeup and hair, an artist being late or not showing up, or not getting everyone done and running late because they don't specialize in weddings and the necessary timelines....all real things that can and do happen.

 Also, your post mentioned natural makeup and hair that's down (not pinned up), neither makes a difference in regard to pricing. Fabulous natural makeup takes the same amount of time (sometimes more) than more dramatic looks, and same with down-do's....updo's can often be faster than curling and doing down-do's. Pro's don't charge different prices according to the look you desire, it's standard across the board, because what you're paying for is a culmination of experience, time and product, and there isn't much difference between softer natural looks and dramatic ones. Personally, I have been a pro makeup artist for 25 years, specializing in weddings for 20....I've done over a thousand of them, currently over 100 each year. I am passionate about bridal beauty....I love what I do! I use licensed and very skilled hair contractors for my brides who ask me to provide hair services, and I focus on my area of expertise, which is bridal makeup! You can check out my work at LipServiceMakeup.com, Facebook, Instagram.....it's all over, lots of images for you to see, plus lots of articles I've written on wedding and beauty tips. Regardless of anything, I'd love to have you as a follower on social media if you enjoy what you see. If you want more info on my specifics for your wedding, then please email me at lipservicemakeup@gmail.com. If not, no worries at all....like I said I just want you to have the correct info so you can have amazing wedding day makeup, whomever you should choose to hire. I wish you all the best _______!! JT"

Sorry, that's really long, but I need to say more than "that's just what it costs", right?  I don't know about you, but I'm willing to pay for something better, especially when I really understand WHY it's better. (Yes, I drove my parents nuts with "Why" questions when I was a kid!  No different as an adult....give me the REASON.) I wasn't really concerned about her booking me personally...honestly! I just wanted her to feel confident that the pricing she'd been given was indeed legit, and that she'd be going down the wrong road to hire someone who charged a lot less. If you're getting married....next week, next year or 5 years from now....this is info you need to know, and they don't really talk about it in bridal magazines or blogs. Hear me please when I tell you...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Bridal beauty is not the time to bargain shop! As you read these points below, do keep in mind, this happens to be about choosing bridal beauty, but everything listed would apply to any wedding vendor you're considering.  Cheap prices...meaning anything well below the industry standards...are NOT a good thing. Why?

   Let's recap the top 5 reasons:

Image: Credit.com

1. Cheap often = inexperienced. You'll find cheap rates at blow-dry bars or volume beauty services.  I love an inexpensive blowout on occasion too, but I guarantee you the top bridal beauty experts in your city aren't working at a blow dry bar or an uber cheap mobile beauty service! Those options are where new people go to get their career started. Nothing wrong with that, but let's face it...you don't want a brand-new artist using your face and your wedding as an experimental training ground.  Choose someone established, experienced and trusted by your venue/planner/photographer...they're worth it!
2. Cheap and Shady are only good when describing sunglasses! An artist who undercharges could also be undercutting local competition to steal business.  This means they know better, but are a jerk with shady ethics...they're willing to treat others poorly and don't care about their reputation.  Do you want to trust a jerk with making sure you look your best on wedding day?  (Short answer....um, NO.) 
3. They're Cheap because they're desperate.  This ties closely to #2....artists charging very low prices might be cheap because they are desperate for business and will accept ANYTHING, even if it's well below typical rates.  Think about it...if they were talented and reputable, they would have full schedules and wouldn't be desperate. 
4. Cheap means they are most likely a hobbyist. You can't make a living as bridal makeup artist charging really low rates....period. I'll say it again YOU CAN'T MAKE A LIVING CHARGING CHEAP RATES.  Done correctly, this is an expensive business....quality cosmetics and skin care, tools and brushes, bulk supplies, insurance, education, marketing, etc. Any artist who takes their bridal beauty career seriously regards it as they should...a small business, with the artist as the owner.  Legitimate artists who have crunched the numbers and charge appropriately do so because they actually do bridal makeup for a living! They are invested in their career...and invested in their reputation within their local wedding community.  Cheap prices are a dead giveaway that they are not an established, pro makeup artist.  Don't hire someone who does bridal makeup as a once in a while hobby!  Regardless of how they might try to frame it up to make some cash, someone who plays with their Caboodle and practices contour along with Youtube videos in their bedroom and someone's cousin who's "pretty good at makeup" is NOT a makeup artist, and they definitely are not capable of handling the most important makeup you'll ever have done. There is no chance for a do-over!
5. An artist who charges below market rates doesn't value their work.  If they don't value their time and expertise, why should you? Think about it. Super low rates convey pretty clearly that they don't think their makeup skills are up to par...why would that be ok with you as a customer, especially on your wedding day?!  Rates well under market rates are a sign that the artist doesn't regard themselves as a skilled artist who's worth it. Conversely, a talented and experienced artist knows that they can deliver, and has confidence that they're worth their rates! That's the person you want in charge of making you look fabulous on your big day.

We all love a good deal...myself included!  There's nothing like the excitement of finding a pair of $250 shoes on sale for $100, or getting a good deal on your new cell phone......I get it completely. But in the land of bridal hair and makeup....going cheap is a HUGE risk that you'll regret.  Just ask anyone who DID go cheap....you'll hear stories of artists not showing up, makeup so bad it had to be washed off and the bride had to reapply herself, the artists taking so long that the bride was late to her own wedding...and on, and on and on. (I heard a particularly shocking story recently...that might turn into a separate post!) I've lost track of how many last minute brides I've squeezed in because a fly by night makeup artist bailed at the last minute or never showed up. Don't go that route...it's not worth the stress! On-site Bridal Beauty Pros know exactly how to create perfect, long-lasting looks....and get everyone done on time.  Don't accept anything less for an occasion as important as your wedding.  Make your choice based on style, personality, reputation, portfolio, referrals, good reviews.....not price.  If you choose someone based on price alone, you're wasting the money you do spend!

Now, you might be thinking....what if I don't live in Dallas/Fort Worth, how do I know what my market rates are so I can find a legit artist in MY area? Pricing does vary...it's less is smaller cities, and quite a bit more in places like New York and LA. Check back with me here, I have a future post in the works with tips on how to shop for a makeup artist and how to check someone out before you even call or email them. (Plus there are a few more helpful tips here.) Reviews and websites are great, but they don't tell the full story....I've seen many a shady vendor with a fabulous website and great online reviews.  One of the best things you can do? Talk to trusted wedding planners and photographers in your city.....no one understands the value of flawless bridal beauty more than these vendors, and they can point you to reputable artists who specialize in bridal beauty and charge appropriate rates for your area. They work with artists each week and know who can not only whip out beautiful makeup and hair, but who creates a great environment, keeps things on schedule....and who doesn't. Trust me, there are bound to be dozens and dozens of trusted, experienced and talented professionals where you live that charge what they do...because they're worth it.

Image: Jessica D'Onofrio Photography

Back to the bride whose inquiry started this whole thing? I felt better just knowing she had the FULL SCOOP, and I think she did wind up hiring one of the girls she had already received pricing from, so hopefully my message helped her feel more confident in her decision. Mission accomplished!  SO....let's wrap this all up with a little bow....

Ladies, you have one chance...ONE....to look and feel like a million bucks on your wedding day.  You want to not only look amazing in person, but also in the photos and video that you'll cherish for years to come.  I said it in my message to that bride and I'll say it again....

"Bridal Beauty is an investment, but it's worth it!"

Still have questions?  Did you or someone you know go the cheap route with your bridal beauty and regret it?  Share in the comments!

(All Makeup on this page, and on this website by Jennifer Trotter of Lip Service Makeup)

Copyright Lip Service Makeup 2015

"What Your Makeup Artist Wants you to Know" - SheKnows Feature

I was thinking the other day....exactly how many weddings have I done over the course of my career?  Well, I didn't keep a good count in the early days, but by conservative estimation, the total is getting close to 1000! That's a lot of weddings and a lot of brides....

But if you're going to be a bride?  This is your ONLY wedding....your once chance to have your very own fairytale.  Nothing will screw up that fairytale faster than not looking and feeling your best on your big day.  When it comes to wedding day beauty, there are a lot of little things that you might not have thought of... but not to worry!  Your first step is to hire a pro who specializes in weddings...we HAVE thought of all of those things....big and small. Everything from how to prepare for a bridal trial, to how to prep your skin, to deciding on a color palette that is perfect for you.....everything you need to know to make the beauty part of your wedding easy and stress free.  Our goal is to for you to look exactly as gorgeous as you've always dreamed you would on your big day, and understanding the process helps make that dream a reality. 

 SO....when fab beauty resource SheKnows reached out and asked me to contribute some tips to an article on things your makeup artist wants you to know, I was more than happy to!  I sent them several tidbits and other makeup and beauty pros did as well....check out the full article here for just a few of them.


Still have questions?  Ask me directly at lipservicemakeup@gmail.com!  You might see YOUR question highlighted in a future blog topic....

Spring Bohemian Wedding Inspiration with Lover.ly

Start with this dress......

When Lover.ly reached out and asked me to choose a dress and then craft  look to go with it...the options were endless!  Glam, retro, simple, so many gorgeous dresses to choose from. But you know what?  With the arrival of spring, I couldn't help but think of a stunning boho bride!  Just picture it... warm sun, butterflies, perhaps a small ceremony in your favorite meadow or botanical garden. This dress (Lavandar from Modern Trousseau) made it really easy to imagine the perfect slightly hippie chick bride. (side note...doesn't that model look like Catherine Zeta Jones?!?)

So you've got the dress, now you need the right 'do, accessories and makeup to set the tone.  I picture loose waves or soft, undone curls with a few romantic braids pulled back for texture......

Skip the traditional veil, and instead add a jeweled headband or thin wrap, or even just a simple bloom behind one ear. 







Keep jewelry simple....consider a vintage find like these beauties from Mia Montgomery

(Etsy.com) or a few layered necklaces, and be sure to choose sweet (and comfy!) ballet slippers to suit the free-spirited mood, and allow for all-night dancing too.  Now to my favorite part...the makeup!

Build your look around flawless and glowing skin, like this pic of Kate Hudson.....

Try a CC Cream for coverage, plus hydration AND SPF...a must for outdoor ceremonies! (Try IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream).  What to skip?  Harsh elements like too much highlight and contour, graphic winged liner or any unblended edges....your look is all about fresh and natural looking beauty!



Next, create a youthful flush on cheeks with a combo of cream blush (I love G-spot from NARS the Multiples collection...a perfect peachy pink) topped with a bit of powder blush with shimmer for shimmer, glow AND extra staying power. (A current favorite? 
MAC Mineralize blush in Warm Soul..a gorgeous shimmery peach)

Keep eyes simple with a sheer wash of shadow in a buttery gold (Bare Minerals shadow in "Queen Phyllis" is a great option), and then add individual lashes for natural impact and flutter.  Finish with plenty of black mascara to blend...waterproof, in case you shed happy tears!

Top it all off with lips the color of pink lemonade .......


(try Smashbox's Be Legendary Lipstick in Electric Pink) for a sweet touch that's just right for your "I do" kiss!  Use a matte formula dabbed on with your finger over a moisturizing balm for a soft, but long-lasting look.  And there you have it, your inspiration for a ready for spring boho wedding look.  Be sure to check out Lover.ly for more inspiration, and the perfect dress to inspire YOUR wedding day look!

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!!

Hire a Professional Makeup Artist? DIY? Tips for Both - (Featured on Tami Winn Events Blog)

When Tami Winn Events contacted me and asked for a blog interview, I was more than happy to help!  I LOVE tips and tricks myself, and I'm pretty sure most people love to learn a lil' something new themselves.  In case you're not familiar, Tami Winn and her staff are well known wedding and event specialists here in Fort Worth, TX....they create fantasy environments and lush florals for many exclusive weddings in the area!  They ROCK.  Attention to detail, amazing taste...these girls know what they're doing.  I have worked with Jamie and Tami on weddings, of course and I actually did Tami's own makeup for the 360West "Planners" Photo shoot for the Spring issue.The girl's got GREAT skin and a fabulous smile! (See pic at right....Photo courtesy of Tracy

Autem Photography...check out the article for full list of credits from this incredible "Vanity Fair" style shoot!)

For the interview, they wanted to share with their followers a discussion about hiring a professional vs. DIY makeup, and tips for both.  Wedding planners know all too well how great makeup can make....or break...your otherwise perfect wedding, that's for sure!

RULE #1 - BOOK A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST FOR YOUR WEDDING!
TWE agrees with me on this one...you should hire a professional makeup artist for your wedding!  Once we covered that topic, they wanted to know for brides who don't hire a professional, what are some basic tips (we'll get back to that in a minute).  Obviously, I'm pretty biased...I think professional makeup is crucial for weddings and special events!  Just ask someone who didn't hire a professional who wishes she had....and then ask your wedding professionals who can back this up.

Only a professional knows how to truly highlight your features to their best advantage, while applying makeup what will photograph well AND last. We know how to make you look like the most gorgeous version of yourself that you've ever seen....it's just not the same as everyday makeup, and it's worth it.  Period. As one bride recently told me "My friend who got married last didn't think makeup was important...her wedding makeup didn't look good and she doesn't like her photos...she really regrets skipping it.  I don't want that to happen, plus it's my wedding day...I want to look AMAZING in front of my new husband and all my friends and family!" That bride knew what she wanted and what was important, and on wedding day, she had zero concerns about how she'd look or if her makeup would last.  Beauty plus peace of mind!  Budget in professional hair and makeup, you won't regret it.

For total DIY brides who simply don't have the budget or insist upon doing their own?  Well, I've got advice for you as well.  First off, consider booking a LESSON with a local professional.  Not all artists teach lessons, but many do...I personally love to teach!  I am happy to book a session to go step by step with you through your makeup routine, what works, what doesn't and then show you how to do your own makeup.  Find a local artist who's work you really admire and is recommended by your other wedding professionals and start there.  Many destination brides will book me for this service if their budget doesn't allow them to take me with them.  (Insert frowny face...I'd rather go with you to Belize, but hey, we've got to be realistic...not everyone can swing that!)  Also, many, many brides will book a lesson in the months following their wedding so they can learn how to create a fab look anytime.

 If for some reason you must do your own makeup on wedding day, booking a lesson beforehand could make all the difference! If you're doing total DIY, invest in quality makeup and decent brushes....stick to rosy cheeks and lips (look good on everyone), and a classic overall look.  Learn how to apply lashes, and blend EVERYTHING.

Great products and tools are a must, plus PRACTICE.  Your makeup won't look good if you don't do run throughs to test your look.  Final tip?  Wear plenty of blush!  Blush never shows up well in photos, you need more than real life.

To read the full blog post from the interview I gave with even more tips and tricks, click here.....

Thanks again to Tami Winn Events for featuring me on their blog this week!