Skin Care for your Big Day

July 26, 2011

 

-You’re Engaged! You’ve landed the perfect guy, you’ve got a beautiful ring, you’ve found your dream dress, booked the perfect venue, hired an amazing photographer, arranged for stunning floral displays—the works. Your wedding is going to be perfect, and you are going to look gorgeous.

As a makeup artist, my philosophy is that every woman is beautiful; makeup is just the icing on the cake. When I make up a bride, I want everyone to say, “Wow! She looks stunning!”

What I don’t want people to say is, “I love your eye-shadow. Where can I get that?”

I believe makeup should enhance your natural beauty. Someone once told me, “Your fragrance should never occupy a room that you don’t.” I think we can apply this theory to makeup styles as well. You want your face to look beautiful and flawless, and a flawless look starts with your skin.

The most common request I hear from brides is that they don’t want a heavy foundation that is caked on, but they want their skin to look even and clear. Now, a good makeup artist can make your skin look flawless in any condition. It’s what we do! However, I always recommend that a bride begin a good skin care regimen well in advance.

Ideally, you should visit a skincare specialist at least four to six months in advance, and have your skin evaluated so that you can begin the proper regimen for your skin type. In case you are not able to do this, don’t worry. These tips will help you, even if you start as few as three weeks in advance.

Most important, and I can’t stress this enough, DRINK!

No, not shots. I’m talking about water! It is so important that you keep your body well hydrated. And those delicious Starbucks treats, packed with wonderfully energizing caffeine, can dehydrate and create the appearance of fine lines. Water helps to rid your body of toxins, and that will help improve your overall skin condition. Remember, if you enjoy a caffeinated or alcoholic beverage: add at least one to two glasses of water to what you normally drink.

It is also critical that you eat healthy. Try and cut back on salty and greasy foods. Although snacks are tasty, salt can make your body retain fluids, which can cause your face to appear puffy. Greasy foods may cause breakouts. Try to eat a healthy, well balanced diet and avoid junk foods.

Now that we’ve covered crunch-time skin care musts, let’s talk about my favorite topic: makeup! You want to look perfect, but everyone’s idea of perfection is different.

Look at bridal magazines and find looks that you love and looks that you hate. This will help both you and your makeup artist when discussing how you want to look. Remember to take the advice of your artist as well. Your makeup artist should be able to discuss with you exactly what you like, explain how it will look on you, and recommend a lip color or eye shade that might better suit your skin tone and enhance your features. Your makeup should always be an enhancement of your natural beauty.

Schedule a makeup trial. Try and schedule this for a day that you plan on going out with your friends. That way you get to wear the makeup out for a night, get your friends opinions, and see how you feel about the look. If you have decided that you would like to wear false lashes for your wedding, have them applied for the trial. This way you will know what they feel like for several hours and you will know what to expect on your wedding day.

Finally, take a personal day. Every bride-to-be should find some time, even if it’s only for an afternoon one to two days before the wedding, to de-stress. Schedule a massage or a manicure and pedicure. This will help you relax and l….

For more information or tips visit Gina online! or email Gina@GinaRobinsonMUA.com

The Original Rules of Tennis


It’s tennis season, and you need to know what it takes to look fashion-savvy in Washington or Wimbledon. Let us give you some ideas for looking great on and off the court. Game, set, match!

Fashion Editor/Photographer:
Yvonne Taylor
www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com

Creative Director/Makeup Artist:
Lauretta J. McCoy
www.laurettajmccoy.com

Model:
Juanita for CIMA Fashion
www.cimafashion.com

Hair:
Milroy Harried [gallery ids="99181,103244,103260,103249,103257,103254" nav="thumbs"]

Splash: 2010 Swimsuits


No time for scrambling to the gym to carve off those extra inches. The heat is on! But don’t worry. Don’t break a sweat. I got your back. Whether you, like supermodel and Victoria’s Secret siren Naomi Campbell, choose to work out with gyrotonics or you’re into brisk power walks around the neighborhood like me, get ready to shed the clothes. Make a splash this season with color, style and whimsy. Sip your favorite poolside refreshment while showing off those sexy curves.

From the nostalgia-inspired ruffle bikini by Jean Paul Gaultier to the divine daisy print, rainbow-colored vintage swim wear of the ’50s, these suits have been masterfully crafted to show off and create those flattering feminine lines. Skillfully positioned darts and bias cut patterns place the right attention in the right places — if you know what I mean. Skin in or skin out, wet or dry, you’ll turn heads and make the fabulous fashion list. Oh, and don’t forget your SPF 30. You’ll need it, because these swimsuits are sizzling and oh-so-cool.

Credits:
Fashion Editor, Photography: Yvonne Taylor
Creative Director for Fashion, Stylist: Lauretta McCoy
Makeup: Lauretta McCoy
Hair: Milroy Harried
Lighting: Michael Wilson
Model: Gabby, for CIMA Talent
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Going Places


Fall fashion is elegant, easy and just right for you girls on the go! From the runways to your closet, looking fabulous for fall is here.

Yvonne Taylor: Fashion Editor and Photographer

Lauretta McCoy: Creative Director for Fashion [gallery ids="99193,103331,103324,103328" nav="thumbs"]

It’s A Wonderful Life

January 19, 2011

Custom, consignment, vintage and fresh off the runways of Paris, London and Milan, right in your own backyard. Fashion to fit your Holiday budget and properly accessorize and brighten your special occasions with yuletide and cheer.

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor/Photographer
Lauretta McCoy, Creative Director for Fashion/Makeup and Styling

www.YvonneTaylorPhoto.com
www.LaurettJMcCoy.com
[gallery ids="99585,104920,104916,104912,104909" nav="thumbs"]