Trend Tuesday- Two-toned lips

I have a friend who says she "secretly" likes this look! At the fashion shows in Paris, this was the new raved about makeup trend. It does look pretty in this picture(if you stare at it long enough) and I'm sure it's really cool looking on the runway! I am curious to know what others think?

Conversation with Wedding Experts

Today I attended No. 2 in the series of conversations with WEDDING INDUSTRY EXPERTS. {Topic: Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding} Panel members: Michelle Rago- author of Signature Weddings and owner of Michelle Rago, Ltd. a New York based firm that provides design expertise and event planning, Anne Chertoff- senior editor of BRIDES.COM, Beth Chapeman-owner of The White Dress by the Shore and Christine Toner-founder and creative director of Stonington Design and Paperie.

This event was great because every guest not only had the chance to ask these experts questions about planning their own weddings, but they also had a chance to win amazing giveaways that were generously donated by Michelle, Anne, and Crate and Barrel. To make things even sweeter, there was a cake tasting, compliments of artful Ana Parzych Custom Cakes and tea samplings from Savvy Tea in Madison, CT{they have 250 selections of teas daily!}.

Allison Salvanti of Something Blue Special Events helped to bring the event to life and Hana Floral Design displayed gorgeous flowers throughout the store. AND, I was happy to lend a hand as well. I applied the makeup for the lovely gals on today's panel.

TREND TUESDAY- RED LIPS

Red lips are hot, hot, hot right now! Whether on the runway or in real life, one thing is for sure. Red lips make a statement!

Makeup in this photo is by the brilliant makeup artist Dick Page. He used Shiseido Perfect Rouge lipstick in DRAGON!

If you like this look but feel like you can't quite pull it off, try a lip stain instead. One of my favorites is by Benefit.

Tip: To keep a balance, the rest of your look should be minimal, especially the eyes. I love lightly bronzed skin and red lips!

Beauty Event

Saturday was so much fun! Brides, friends, moms and vendors gathered to watch as I created two contrasting bridal makeup looks and answered beauty questions. The kind and generous Yumiko Fletcher of Hana Floral Design was happy to host our event in her super cute boutique in Mystic, CT. Lucky for me, I worked along side the creative hands of my freelance hair stylist, Kelly Sharky who worked her magic on the models hair before the show! And, if champagne, sweets and makeup in one room aren't good enough, it does get better--the insanely talented Leslie Dumke of Leslie Dumke Studio was there to take these great photos of our special event! Thank you to my beautiful models - sweet Victoria of Gourmet Galley and the adorable Tiffany! The stunning head pieces were courtesy of The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton, CT. I hope all of you who attended this event had as much fun as I did... and learned a few beauty tips!

A Bride's Makeup Trial....

Before a makeup trial with a bride, I like to take the time to get to know her and the details of her wedding. We approach your wedding day makeup as you would any other aspect of the wedding planning process. First, we will determine the mood. Beach casual? Whimsical and romantic? Vintage chic? The adjectives will help in creating the style of your venue as well as the perfect look for you.

We will also emphasize your personal style. If you don't usually wear a lot of makeup, you won't want to wear full-on glamour. It simply will not reflect you. You can achieve appropriate looks without completely transforming yourself. A great way to spice up your look, for instance, is to add a cluster of of lashes on the outer corners of your eyes. Another way you can make your look more special than your everyday makeup is by using colors that will enhance your features instead of the neutral tones that you wear on a daily basis. You want to look like the best version of yourself.

The most effective way to achieve the right look for you is to discuss all of these aspects at your makeup trial. Don't be afraid to talk about likes as well as dislikes. Bring pictures of desired looks with you. If you are working on an inspiration board for your wedding, bring it to your makeup trial! You will be SO surprised at how revealing this is for your makeup artist. You should also consider the time of day and venue. For example, makeup for a morning, garden wedding may be very different from makeup for a cocktail party at a loft style restaurant.

Also keep in mind that you should talk about textures (i.e. matte or dewy) as much as colors, as it all plays into what the final result will be. You should consider what texture is going to look best for your skin and the season.

A makeup consultation, in my opinion, will cover all of these areas and more. I like to hear about every factor of the wedding before I put a brush to your face. These details will tell me so much about you and help me to design a look that is custom and leaves you looking your most stunning!

I look forward to working together! ~Jennie

True and Wesson

Today I met with Sarah True of True Event and Lucinda Wesson of Chocolate Creative Design-collaboratively, True and Wesson! We had lunch at It's Only Natural in Middletown, CT, to share ideas and to inspire one another. Mission accomplished! Their dynamic team offers a re-interpretation of the creative design studio by combining events and graphic design. Together, they can bring your vision to reality in the most innovative ways possible. I enjoyed learning more on how their partnership works and hearing about some of the upcoming events they are planning, hosting, styling and designing. Stay tuned......

Be Engaged...

I was pleased to attend a panel discussion today with celebrated author and event planner, Karen Bussen! Other wedding experts on the panel were: Beth Chapman from The White Dress by the Shore, Christine Toner of Stonington Design and Paperie and Mary Marantz of Justin and Mary Marantz Photography. After the discussion, Karen was kind enough to sign books while we sipped Prosecco Punch (her own frugalicious recipe)! What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

I was happy to spend some time with Karen before the event to do her makeup and get to know her a bit! In addition to being an accomplished author and planner, she is down to earth and very sweet. I really enjoyed our time together!