NO BRIDEZILLAS HERE

I feel fortunate to be able to say that I haven't experienced any Bridezillas (yet). In fact, the ladies I've had the pleasure of working with have been so lovely and peaceful. Here are some shots of recent Brides.This is Kristin. She is the sweetest girl ever. On the morning of her Wedding day, I met her at her suite in Jersey City, NJ overlooking a spectacular view of NYC, ready to create her bridal makeup!

Hair and makeup complete, now it's time for the gorgeous gown...she looked simply stunning. I wish her hair stylist lived closer, she rocked!Kristin's Mom looking very Bridget Bardot-ishly sexy!

Here are a couple amazing shots from Kristin's photographer, Roberto Falck. robertofalck.comCongratulations Kristin and Tracy!

This is Jennifer, my porcelain skin bride, who is such a doll. She wanted a dramatic eye using brownish matte hues and lashes for days.

The challenge was the fact that she has extremely straight(yet long) blonde lashes. They needed to be curled and given a few coats of waterproof mascara before I added some false lashes on the outer corners...and ~ WAHLAH!

I think she kinda looks like Madonna here. Love this shot. Her fiance had just sent his Mom up with a gift ~ oh, just some ridiculously beautiful diamond earrings!

Here she is getting ready at The Chanticlair in Short Hills, NJ, looking picture perfect.

MAKEUP 101

This is Neely. She is a very busy mother of 2 young children, who felt her makeup routine needed some updating. STEP 1: The consultaion. I went to her home to check out what her makeup bag looked like, discuss her lifestyle/needs, and talk about her budget. I requested that she be wearing her makeup as she would on an average day when I arrived, so I could get a sense of what she might need to focus on. This is how she looked. Hard to tell, but yes, she is wearing makeup. She is wearing foundation, eye shadow, and blush. It's just not the best application or colors for her. After that first meeting, I decided it was best to give Neely some tips on how to do a quick, fresh, modern looking makeup application, since she is a somewhat conservative mom who's always on the go. STEP 2: Shopping! I arrived with a plan, a list of product suggestions and then we were off to the Mall at Short Hills. We spent about an hour choosing the right colors and product for her skin tone and specific needs, and then headed back to her home for the lesson. STEP 3: The Lesson. I showed Neely how to apply the makeup on one side of her face, and she then duplicated it on the other side...she was a pro! The changes here are subtle, but very effective. She tends to get red and blotchy and the foundation chosen provided a very even, full-coverage without feeling heavy. We used an all-in-one color for both lips and cheeks providing a quick, fresh approach. We concentrated on the apples of her cheeks for that youthful, healthy glow. For shadow I stayed warm and neutral, enhancing her pretty hazel eyes. I should also note that she had started coming to me for facials since our 1st meeting and her skin was definitely looking healthier. How happy does she look?!
If you are interested in a makeup consultation, personal makeup shopping, and/or makeup lesson please contact me. kerry@kerrydering.com

TOTAL WELLNESS at CANYON RANCH

I decided that I wanted to celebrate my 40th year by nourishing my mind, body and soul. Going to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA seemed like the perfect place to find what I was looking for. My trip was at the end of May and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations! It was truly transforming. I indulged in a hot stone massage, an anti-aging facial, a body treatment called euphoria, a spa manicure & pedicure and an amazing barefoot shiatu massage! I was thinking "I could really get used to this sort of treatment on a daily basis" :) I felt so spoiled and cared-for as I walked around the grounds in my robe. The food, the staff, the yoga and meditation, the fitness classes, the speakers were all FANTASTIC! I cannot wait to return! It definitely gave me a huge jump-start for living healthier. I hope I can keep that ranch feeling going. FOURTY~ SHMOURTY!!! I've never been happier or felt better in my life. :) For detailed information on how you can save some extra money on YOUR C.R. experience please email me: kerry@kerrydering.com

SKIN DEEP

Gone are those days of basking in the sun for hours with baby oil. What? Yes, it's true. I was a child of the 70's after all. It seems I was trying my hardest to make my fair Irish skin what it was not meant to be. Sure, I looked tan and "healthy" but it was all too consuming and exhausting and turns out ~ DAMAGING. So many burns, so much time and money waisted in tanning beds. Ahhh, if only I knew then what I know now....blah, blah, blahhhhG (thank goodness for the faux tan).
Thankfully, times have changed and so has my lifestyle. Now, I'm a Licensed Esthetician (Skin Care Specialist). So, it's my job to take care of my skin and help others do the same. Although my sun damage has been done, it doesn't mean I can't make a difference in the health of my skin now. I don't think it's ever too late to care for yourself and truly see healthy results. There are many things we can do without having to "go under the knife"(not that I'm opposed to that) that will change the way our skin looks and feels.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. REGIMEN: Have a skincare routine that you follow regularly, using quality products that produce great results for your special skin care needs. I recommend starting with the basics; cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize....and then eventually build on that. I use a great product called Naturopathica. To learn more visit www.naturopathica.com
2. FACIAL: Get a professional facial. The one question I get asked most often is, "How often should I get a facial". My answer is this: While this can be different for each individual, a good "rule of thumb" is to remember to get a facial with each changing season ~ so, 4 times a year. However, the more attention you pay to your skin...the healthier it will be. I have some clients that come to me once a month and some once a week. Also, the trick is to invest in the appropriate product to maintain the health of your skin between visits. Visit www.terraskycenter.com and call for a facial appointment 908.277.1222.





3. DOCTOR: Find a great dermatologist and go for your yearly check-ups! I've found someone I highly recommend, Dr. Lisa Coppa at the Laser + Skin Institute in Chatham, NJ. L+SI utilizes the latest technological advancements to offer a wide range of treatments for all dermatological concerns such as skin cancer, eczema, acne and hair loss. I've gotten Photo Dynamic Therapy, which is a laser treatment that successfully addresses precancerous sun damage. I'm very happy with my results! For more info. go to http://www.lsinj.com

4. PROTECT: Wear a sunscreen with UVA AND UVB protection and then enjoy the warmth of the sun and get some vitamin D! I recommend Anthelios SX. Visit http://www.anthelios.com for detailed information.














5. DIET : A poor diet can create major skin problems. Since you are what you eat, eating more health conscious meals; whole foods rather than processed, organic fruits & veggies, fish and a low carb/refined sugar diet, will make a big difference in the health of your skin. I recommend Marian Buck-Murray MA HHC. She's a Nutrition Coach and Longevity Diet Specialist. Contact info: marian@goodfoodsolutions.com 973-762-6727

WHAT A TOOL!

I cannot live without my brushes from billybBEAUTY!!! He has thought of everything. They are the perfect size and weight and produce amazing results! YAY Billy B!

JUST ADD WATER

Back in May, I attended the Makeup Show in NYC. One of the Events I experienced was a hands-on master workshop called Red Carpet Beauty, with celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip.
She revealed some secrets to long lasting makeup that will be flawless in photographs, video and in person. One of my most favorite techniques that she demonstrated was to ADD WATER to your eye shadows and apply it WET. Just like painting a watercolor....I LOVED THIS!
Starting with a wash of the darkest value first, then blending and adding colors creates a unique marble-like effect. After that dries and sets, add dry shadow in lighter values and blend, blend blend. This shadow will not smudge or budge until you're ready to take it off! WOW!

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHTING

Yup, it's true. Lighting is the key. If I didn't have my portable light to take with me on location ~ well, I might be left in the dark (literally). You never know what sort of lighting you might get, so it's best to come prepared with your own. I use the Lowel Tota-Light. www.lowel.com It's light-weight, easy to assemble, and provides ideal lighting for applying makeup.