change'l do ya good

I've moved my beautyblog to my new website.  I like it there, it's cozy.  Come on along, won't you?

linked

Please have a look at this latest wedding I was fortunate enough to be part of, along with a fantastic photographer and my favorite hair stylist.

Hair: Stacy Pitt of Styles on B
Photos: Spencer Lum of 5 West Studios

photos by Spencer Lum

hope

I'm so happy I had the time to captured these images of a recent beauty, Thea.  She was simply delightful, with such style and grace.  She is a talented graphic designer/art director from NYC, based in Rotterdam, NL.   It's not every day that someone like Thea comes along, so I felt super lucky and excited to do her makeup.  She wasn't interested in "the typical" bridal look, which was so refreshing for me.  Her vision was this: "retro hollywood style with a hint of backyard country wedding, 60's eyeliner inspired eyes and perhaps pale lips (potentially red if it looks good).  I basically would like to be Veronica Lake/January Jones for a day. :)"  I was GAH-GAH.  We tried both the red and pale pink and each looked amazing.  But we ended up choosing a color in between, which was so perfect for the occasion.  The location for her ceremony and reception was at this charming place in Hope, NJ.  I was drooling over her oh-so-feminine and romantic gown, which she found at Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal in NYC.  I cannot wait to see the work her photographer,  Amy Touchette of Brooklyn NY, creates from this extraordinary wedding.  You could call her the non-wedding photographer, wedding photographer.  She's a gem.  Thea's friend handmade that gorgeous french veil - the perfect touch.  Last but not least, Stephanie Gueldner of StudioArtiflora in NYC, was the talent behind the exquisite flowers. 

                                                        

home

Four years ago today, an internet conversation with a complete stranger began.  What caught my eye was his photo of a pug with a banana peel on it's head.  Captivating, I know.  Our mutual love for pugs (I had two, he had one), and obsession for creating fruit helmets for them, was the first of many attractions.  I knew I was in trouble.  Things moved very quickly from there.  We didn't want to let go, so we took a risk and we JUMPED right in.  Sometimes you just gotta go with your gut.

Today I sit here and cannot imagine my life without him.  Funny how that happens.  At the risk of sounding even more cheesy, I want to say...being with him brings out the best in me.  I feel more grounded, understood, inspired, hopeful, creative, passionate, and determined than ever before.  He just makes me better.  As if anything is possible.  Sometimes I wonder if all the little bits of life that formed who we are, then brought us together ; exactly where we were meant to be.  A random encounter with a stranger that turned into a happy life.  He is home to me.

the good word

 I went to Kerry after another make up trial.  I thought that the first trial went fine.  But after going to Kerry, I realized that the other woman's work couldn't even compare.  Kerry made me look more beautiful than I ever thought I could be.  She is truly talented.  My friend saw me after my trial and immediately decided to hire Kerry for her wedding as well.  The day of my wedding, Kerry was like a breath of fresh air.  While everyone around me was a little intense, Kerry was the only one who was able to relax me.  My friends and I now call her  the "bride whisperer".  She is really wonderful to work with and is so amazing.  She did my bridesmaids and mother as well. My mom looked 10 years younger!!!  If Kerry is available, you would be a fool not to book her.  She is truly a gem!  Oh and she travels too!            - Jennifer Gartland Burns
 

I met with Kerry a few months ago for a trial for my wedding.  I was AMAZED, and so happy with the results.  She has a calming way about her that completely put me at ease and made me feel comfortable in her chair.  I was so pleased, I asked her to also so my make up for a boudoir shoot I did.  On my wedding day she made me look and feel like the most beautiful woman in the world!  My husband LOVED the look, I quote " If I could make you up any way, this is exactly what I would do, you look beautiful!"  All the bridesmaids who opted out for getting their make-up done, wanted to get their make-up done once they saw how wonderful Kerry's make up was!!  I would HIGHLY recommend Kerry for any type of make up you are looking to have done.  She will work with you to create whatever look you are going for. - Kailee Ryan Marzoli

I went to three make-up artist trials before finding Kerry.   Once she did my make-up, I was sold and grateful that she was available on the wedding day.   I felt absolutely beautiful on my wedding day and a big part of that was because of Kerry.  She totally understood what I wanted and made it happen.  She's also really freaking cool and it was great having her while I was getting ready because she was calm and made sure that my vision for my big day happened.   She also did my mother and sister's make-up and they looked amazing.  If you can get Kerry for your wedding or any special occasion, DO!!  She is wonderful, amazing and you'll be so happy you did. - Kelly Burkett

After having 2 "not-so-great" makeup trials, I stumbled upon Kerry's website.  After meeting with her and having my trial, I was sooooo impressed with her work. She took the time to listen to what kind of look I wanted, and she delivered!  On the day of my wedding she was so claming and professional, and she made me feel and look so beautiful! She also did my Mom and Sisters makeup, they both wear very little makeup on a day to day basis so they were a bit nervous, but they were both thrilled!  Kerry has a way of bringing out your natural beauty without making you look fake or have "caked on" makeup. I would HIGHLY recommend her services to anyone! 
- Carrie Mount Picone

I can't begin to say enough great things about Kerry. I had her do my makeup for my sweet sixteen and it ended up looking even better then i could have imagined. She knows how to put her spin on what you want and ask for and make it look incredible. Beyond the makeup, though, she is just an amazing person. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her during the trial session and she most definitely kept me calm on the day of my party. Overall, I would recommend her to anyone who wants to look breathtaking.       - Sharika Tharani

NYC LIFEstyle shoot

This shoot was certainly full of just that - LIFE + STYLE.  The dou responsible for making that happen are a talented husband + wife photography team from Chicago - Matt + Stevi Savage of Averyhouse.  They united a group of fabulous people together for this shoot:  Courtney Rust(wardrobe), Julius Toussaint(hair), and Shirley + Kathryn(models).  Everyone did such an incredible job in bringing the vision of Averyhouse...to life (and style).  Here are some of the fun images from our day together...

Can you tell these beauties just happen to be best friends?  Such great chemistry between them. 

Kathryn's doggie made it to Tompkins Sq. Park for his close-up.

You can view some more closeups of the makeup here.

Also, I posted a few behind the scenes photos and video on my facebook fanpage.

Next are a few shots from my Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera...

Thanks so much to everyone for such a great experience!

Photographer: Matt Savage / www.averyhouse.net

Producer: Stevi Savage / www.averyhouse.net

Wardrobe Stylist: Courtney Rust / www.courtneyrust.com

Hair Stylist : Julius Toussaint / www.hairormakeupusa.com

Makeup Artist: Kerry Crawford / www.kerrymakeup.com

Models: Kathryn + Shirley from Ford Models NYC / www.fordmodels.com

sexytime

Recently one of my brides-to-be decided to do a boudoir shoot with her wedding photographer, just prior to her wedding day, as a special surprise gift for her man.  I have a funny feeling he must have been kinda happy with his present.  I'm in love with her angel-face and adore doing her makeup.  Here are just few alluring shots by her talented photographer, Martha Dickinson.  For the full story, check-out Photography by Martha's Boudoir Page.

if luck = hard work + opportunity

then I am one lucky duck. :)

I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some ridiculously talented and incredibly kind people on a test shoot in NYC recently.  I'm grateful to SARAH RHOADS PHOTOGRAPHY for not only creating this idea and bringing us all together, but also for inspiring me and challenging my fears.  Hair Stylist Bobbie Yanoupeth styled the heck outta those beauties with his fun clothing + accessories, while doing an amazing job on their hair!  The short time frame was a challenge for everyone, but we all came together and made it work.  The sweet and gorgeous Wilhelmina Models, Brae + Marissa were fantastic!  It was such a tease to have to do their makeup so quickly - I really could have played with their dreamy faces for hours upon hours.  I had sooo much fun on the set with everyone!  Take a look at just a few of the beautiful shots Sarah and husband Chris captured from our day, below(or click here to view the full story).  Really, these two are beyond talented.

P.S. I posted a few behind the scenes iphone videos on my facebook fanpage.  You can view them just by becoming a fan here

The Crew:
Models: Marissa + Brae Wilhelmina Models NYC
Photography: Sarah+Chris Rhoads
Styling+Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth
Makeup: Kerry Crawford
Story: NYC Lifestyle

less is MORE, more or less...

...it's really all about the technique.

My latest bridal trial client brought a friend along for support and to help with direction.  The request was this: "I don't usually wear much makeup.  I want to look like myself.  I don't want to look orange or have it feel heavy."(she had a not-so-great makeup trial experience prior to us meeting, so I think she was a bit worried).  Her friend said, "she is more the natural-type" and pointed to a few photos that had fresh, pretty + clean makeup styles.

This is the look I created...

Before (click on images to enlarge)

After

THE APPLICATION:

1. I started with a light application of MAC face/body foundation with a round fluffy brush.
2. Then I added a bit of MAC Select Cover-Up with a light hand and precision where there was redness, blemishes, and dark circles.
3. For her cheeks I started with a well blended application of Chanel blush (in 80 Tea Rose) on the apples of her cheeks then blended out towards her hairline.
4. Then I lightly added a bit of Laura Mercier translucent powder all over to set the makeup; blending outward.
5. For the eyes I decided not you use any liner - this adds to an extra-clean + fresh look.  I blended MAC paints (in Untitled) from lash line to just above the crease; then added Lorac eye shadow (in Pewter) and blended to give a little dimension.  I continued this color softly 2/3 of the way under the eye, towards the center.
6. Curled the lashes with my Shu Emura eyelash curler.  Applied a coat of MAC Zoom in black on the lashes; concentrating mostly on the base of the lashes - then a quick release on the ends (this technique gives a more natural look).  Using a brush instead of the mascara wand, I then lightly brush the bottom lashes (this helps avoid clumping, mistakes and looks more natural).
7. Added some more color to the apples of the cheeks; first with Bobbi Brown blush (in Apricot 6) - then Stila convertible color (in gerbera 14).  Blend, blend, blend for the perfect flushed, glowing cheeks.
8. I added some shimmer to her cheek bones, chin, tip of her nose and inner/under eye area, ever so slightly, with MAC Silver Dusk.
9. For her lips - I first hydrated her dry lips with Burts Bees Lip Balm when she arrived.  (I cannot live without this stuff) Then I applied MAC lip pencil (in Whirl) with the tip soft and rounded, filling in the lips softly, except for the center bottom lip area.  Then I tapped-on some of the same Stila dual lip/cheek cream (in Gerbera 14) to the center of her bottom lip(which is lighter in value).  Lastly I gently tapped-on some MAC clear gloss.  This technique helps create a plump lip with added dimension.
10. I brushed her eyebrows up with MAC Brow Set Gel.  Then with a brush and some shadow I filled them in subtly; adding length where they needed it.
11. We thought  the look of  the full length false lashes was too much, so I went with individual false lashes instead.  This opened her eye and added a fresh, wispy feel.

THE RESULTS?  One happy, gorgeous glowing girl.  :)

P.S. Her friend was very happy too!  She said, (while holding-up her arm) LOOK - I have chills!

i heart this designer

I found this designer last year on etsy when I was looking for my elopement dress.  Of course I waited until the last minute and sadly wasn't able to wear one of her frilly pretty things.  She lives In Portland, Oregon and oozes talent.  Sarah offers a ready to wear, special occasion and bridal line.  


Introducing my fave, Sarah Seven