Unexpected Power Nap? Beauty Tips to Hide the Evidence! (Makeup.com feature)

Let's face it, a well timed power nap can be a lifesaver!  I've been known to work from 6am-6pm on a busy Saturday, then hit the couch for a few minutes of zzz's so I can stay awake at dinner for date night. You've gotta do what you can to keep moving, especially in the  middle of wedding season!  Or maybe it's 2pm on a work day, the carb crash sets in and before you know it, you're nodding off at your desk in between meetings.  Studies show that power naps (ideal time is 20 minutes) can be great to restore your mood, energy and productivity, but they sure can wreck your makeup.



So,...whether you're snagging a little shut eye behind closed doors in your office or dozing on the couch at home....how can you look as fresh as you feel after a nap? And NOT to look like a groggy, smeared mess?  Makeup.com wanted to know, so I shared a few of my favorite couch/desk tested tips......

Ice, Ice Baby!

One of the best tricks is to use one of those gel masks you keep in the fridge...

They are super cheap, super easy to use and can reduce puffiness like nothing else! Simply apply to your eye area for a few minutes. Don't have an eye mask?  Use a cold pack or heck, even a package of frozen peas! The cold will energize you, wake up your face and will reduce the puffy eye look that can accompany a mid-day nap.  If you use something frozen, put a thin towel between it and your skin to avoid redness.  (Bonus?  You can also use your cold eye mask anytime for bumps and bruises too....)



That word we all hate....MOIST
(Ugh, I only like that word when referring to chocolate cake, but I digress...)
Seriously....if you have dry skin, a nap will make your skin look parched! Upon waking, you need moisture, ASAP. If you don't have time to reapply everything, simply apply a little oil free moisturizer right on top of your makeup...just use it sparingly.  After that, spritz with Evian water or a hydrating product like Mac Fix+ spray to infuse even more moisture back into your skin.  To finish, I like to take a dampened Beauty Blender and bounce it (a light stippling motion, not rubbing) on my foundation lightly to make sure everything is smooth and blended. When you just can't redo your makeup...this approach works really, really well to rehydrate and refresh your whole look, and it just takes a minute or two!

Want to know even more?  Check out the article featured in Makeup.com with additional "hide the nap" tips from me,   This site is chock full of articles and tips on all things makeup and beauty....you'll be adding it to your favorites list for sure.

Best tip?  If you can, train yourself to sleep on your back like this little guy....if you do, there's  lot less to fix when you wake up.   For the rest of us who sleep with our faces smashed into the pillow...or keyboard....try these tricks next time you've just gotta take a nap, and no one will be the wiser!

Really just  needed an excuse to post this picture... ; )

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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