The Hair And Makeup Look for Spring 2011

Structured hair, rich lips, and barely any other makeup—this look is meant to convey the beauty of a strong woman.

“There’s no innocence to this woman, she’s sophisticated and powerful,”  Michele explains. “From Marc Jacobs to Prada, and now YSL, we will see a lot of very strong women this season, and a strong sense of being of the woman.”

I love the deep side part and low bun look, it’s one of my signature styles and guess what? It’s never going out of style!

The hair style evokes a sense of couture with a tight, structured updo that leaves the neck completely bare. A deep, side-angled part creates a strong asymmetrical look that flatters the face by offsetting any imbalance of the facial structure. A metallic Wella Professionals colored hair extension woven in to the natural haircolor creates dimension, while the striking shade infusion creates a shiny, modern and sleek feel. Although a sophisticated style, the range of brightly colored clips accent the hair to make it a wearable street style.

Many shows looked to side parts of the past for inspiration. Side parts were all the rage in the roaring ’20s, with flappers favoring gelled-back styles for an androgynous look, which was popular at the time on the heels of women’s suffrage. Daisy Buchanan of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s epoch-defining book, “The Great Gatsby,” was all about the side part, and her character, depicted by Mia Farrow, wore one in the 1974 movie. Both Lacoste and Micheal Angel nodded to the ’20s with their collections, and the hair followed suit.

The mod 1960s was another era referenced often in the Spring 2011 collections; a deep side part was favored by style icons like Twiggy at that time.

The smooth, shiny locks at Narciso Rodriguez were inspired by his muse in the 1990′s Caroline Bisette Kennedy, who was known for wearing her straight blonde locks in the parted style shown on his runway.

A side part is also a great way to show off your face, and your clothing.

Chic Braids and Boho Braids

The Spring/Summer 2011 braided  runway hair styles are the ultimate proof of the fondness of the great fashion gurus for these sophisticated hair styling techniques. Dress up your midi or long locks with a similar accessory and enjoy the privilege of sporting a world-wide favorite do. Draw some inspiration from the model looks below and pair the classy designs or the more complex patterns to your hair type and length.

The mid-part enhanced with additional pleated locks is indeed one of the most popular and simple option to perk up your do. Furthermore the looks seen at Lacoste would also furnish the public with voguish ideas on how to pull off a more teen chic-inspired and laid back look. Braided bangs were and will be some of the most spectacular ideas to sport your locks in an up-to-date look. Use your styling skills as well as the ideal hair products to ensure the long-lasting effect of your hairdo. Oomph up the volume of the tresses with volumizers or keep the look sleek and super-polished if you would like to spare yourself from the flyaway locks.

One of the hottest trends this summer will be the very cute, very elegant and easy to do, boho braids. A boho braid is a side swept single braid that gives your coif a little edge. Boho braids work on anyone with medium to long hair. It doesn’t work that well on short hair because the braid needs to be swept across to one side and go behind the ear.

A boho braid can be included in any messy updos, including natural, soft waves, or just a messy bun. To get the messy updo with the boho braid, start by spritzing your hair with a shine enhancer after you’ve washed it.

Of the recent crop of braided coifs, the slightly messy side-plait emerges as the most versatile—popular and trendy. While most undone dos are deceptively tricky to achieve, this one is quite easy to master—especially when working with an unwashed and un-brushed mane. But if skipping a shampoo isn’t in your genetic makeup, you can imitate the effect on clean hair by roughing up locks with mousse or texturizing spray before braiding.

Braids are Buzzing for Back to School!! Get the Latest Catwalk Trends for School!

Michele Bell can relate back when she was a little girl wearing braids to school. She says “My mother would sit me in front of the TV watching Popeye and part my hair down the middle and make two braids on each side and thought, geesh, they are too perfect! I could not wait til the end of the school day and wear them messy, I felt so much more comfortable and more myself, I just love a natural, down to earth look when it come to hair, that’s just me! The trend now is that fashionable braids can add funk and texture to any hairstyle.”

The major hairstyle trend this season is the braid. They are in fashion magazines and all over this seasons Catwalk. Just like many other trends, braids can be styled differently and look very different depending upon the occasion.

This season, the braids come in two main styles: one that is Swiss influenced and another that is for the hobo Amazon look.

Normal elegant styles can be styled as “messy chic”.

The key to this look is DON’T be too neat! Draw a messy center part and make a braid behind each ear. Cross both plaits over your head and secure them with bobby pins. Set with hairspray.   One hint is to smooth beeswax on the braids to keep them from coming loose.

Look at some cute looks below. Feel free to add your comments and photos onto my blog.

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Smashbox Naked Beauty Summer 2010

This is one of my favorite makeup collections of the summer. I’m in love with natural shades and simple makeup looks.

If you feel the same keep reading to find out how you can get this look.

Natural beauty – exposed. Skin glows, eyes shimmer and lips shine with super-sheer, sexy summer shades.

FACE

Apply Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Blend all over face to warm skin, then apply your shade of Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer. Blend High Definition Concealer over any imperfections using fingertips. Dab the pink shade from Naked Beauty High Lights/Creamy Cheek Color over cheeks using fingertips, then dab the highlighter shade over the tops of cheekbones, down the bridge of nose, and on the cupid’s bow. Sweep Halo Hydrating Perfecting bronzer just under cheekbones using Face & Cheek Brush #2.

EYES

Apply Photo Finish Lid Primer in Golden Nude to lids. Sweep Eye Shadow in Ambient from lashline to crease using Crease Brush #10. Tightly line upper lashline with Jet Set in Dark Brown using Arced Liner Brush #21. Sweep Hyperlash Mascara over lashes.

LIPS

Generously apply Lip Gloss in Buff from the Naked Beauty Lip Gloss Collection.

I hope this tutorial was fun and helpful for you guys.

Michele Bell

Hair and Makeup Artist

www.bridestobeny.com

Vintage Wave~Sassy and Chic

A chin length bob, sassy bangs and an art deco hair clip put a modern spin on vintage style. In the 1920’s “flappers” were the gals with all the style. This is the interpretation of that sassy flapper look and high-spirited attitude.

Pair it with lipstick in a daring shade of red or pink!

Look at Length
A chin length, or longer bob is a great length for this style. My model, Haleigh has longer hair and so I simply pinned the excess hair up underneath to create the illusion of a bob cut.
Art Deco Accessories

After sweeping Haleigh’s bangs to the side I used the Bellezza Crystal Mini Barrette to accessorize. If you have longer bangs or no bangs at all simply sweep your hair over your forehead for the same effect. The delicate Coeur de Crystal Necklace is a nice complement.

Tools of the Wave
I used a special hot iron to create this effect. A wave iron looks like a straightening tool but has ridges that form the waves with heat. If you have curly or wavy hair, you’ll need to blow dry or iron your hair straight before using the wave iron.

Highlights
No matter what your hair color, consider adding some highlights about three weeks before your wedding date. Haleigh has subtle reddish highlights in her brunette hair which add contrast to the style and give an added glow to her skin tone.

This hairstyle is a elegant look for a wedding or black tie event!

By,

Michele Bell

Hair and Makeup Artist

www.bridestobeny.com

Bridal Makeup by a Professional is Crucial! Don’t Stress!

Finding a knowledgeable makeup artist for prominent makeup is an imperative choice for a bride as the striking and faultless makeup add spice in her beauty and make her the center of attraction. These artists have skills to alter a simple girl into a beautiful bride. Talking about the bridal makeup artists deeply, they are the artists that have talent in their field with pertinent degrees. They know how to alter a simple girl into a beautiful and fairylike bride. These artists have all the indispensable tools necessary for exclusive and magnificent makeup. With professional degrees of this field, they use the highest-quality products. For a complete and perfect makeup, they keep them updated with all the latest technologies.

Why you should hire a professional bridal hair makeup artist for your wedding day? The answer is simple, schooling, experience, knowledge and the stress-free, convenient surroundings they generate. You need every thing to be ideal on your wedding day and so do they. The last thing you need to stress about is ensuring your makeup and hair looks right. Relax; hire a professional bridal hair and makeup artist that will come to you, which puts more time in your already busy schedule. You will save time and energy and its fun! It is important that your hair and makeup will look as beautiful and relevant in 20 years as it does on the day of your wedding.

Professional artists are known for their professional and hospitable attitude. They are highly educated and experienced that aim to produce modern and admirable looks for their brides. Make up Artists are true professionals because we use top quality makeup products, keeping in mind the important of hygiene as well. Along with this, wedding hair is also an amazing facility offered by makeup artists. They give the brides the exact look that they ask for, giving them no chance for any complaints. In case you do not like the look, they will change it instantly.

They do the makeup and hairdo that compliment your dress, jewelry, your personality and theme of the marriage. Most artists put primer on the face before putting foundation. Apart from this, if you want a shiny or oily face, or want a natural look, they can transform you in your desired look easily without risk of side-effects. When it comes to take the services of a selected makeup artist, you should book an artist for yourself at least 3 months in advance, some celebrity artist are booked two years in advance, so don’t let this opportunity slip you by!

Bridal makeup artists also provide home services that put more time in your already busy schedule. For getting their services, all you have to do is just make a booking in advance . Today there are a number of mobile makeup artists available online. You can book an artist either for the whole day or for a few hours. It is clear that after getting services of mobile makeup artist, you can eliminate your stress having your makeup artist come to you!

For beauty consultations please visit www.bridestobeny.com

Michele Bell Hair and Makeup Artist for Brides

Wedding Hair and Makeup

Delicate or Extravagant on the Makeup

Should your dream wedding makeup be delicate or extravagant? Remember that wedding makeup is aimed at making you more beautiful, not changing you. If you normally don’t wear makeup or your everyday makeup is very delicate, this is not the day for extravagance. That wouldn’t be you, and friends and family would notice this fact. The same goes if you are usually seen wearing a lot of makeup. Don’t choose your wedding day to go delicate.

Wedding makeup should be delicate, radiant and fresh. The colors depend on the appearance of the bride, her skin type. Makeup should also blend with the dress and accessories of the bride.

Makeup Product

Most brides do not wear makeup everyday, which include moisturizers, prep primers, foundations, concealers, or sealants to ensure coverage. Professional makeup artists use quality products that ensure full, long lasting coverage for at least up to 10-12 hours. Professional makeup artist master this technique and make sure your makeup artist is not “double dipping’ into the mascara wand! Then your in big trouble!

To Spend or Not to Spend

Most professional artist are expensive because they can be. They have acheieved great levels of experience and confident approach in the industry. Some will work with you on price if you have a larger bridal party, take advantage of this opportunity because in 30-50 years when you look at those photos, you will see the beauty still remains the same.

Deciding what wedding hairstyle to go with? This is for you.

Choosing a bridal hairstyle for your wedding day isn’t rocket science, so the question is why must it be such a challenge? You desire a look as if you just stepped out of a Glamour magazine, but require a little assistance. Relax you’re in the right place.

Wedding Hair and Make up – Get an Idea

First thing you should be doing is gathering some ideas from the internet or collecting images from magazines. It’s best to be realistic. You need to be certain that your hair is thick / long / straight enough for your bridal hairstyle that you desire? Pick a few images to show your hairstylist. Ask her to trial and error with each of them. Be sure to be open to new ideas and any suggestions.

Wedding Hair and Make up – High or Low?

Pick a hairstyle which will compliment your face shape. Round faces generally suit high “updo’s” and silky-smooth long styles. When it comes to long faces, you’re looking at styles which have volume and width. With Oval faces, just about anything will look great!

If you don’t mind having all your hair pulled back, you may consider having some hair up and some down, or leaving slender lines around your face for a soften effect.

Wedding Hair and Make up – curly or straight?

When you’ve chosen to either have your hair up or down, the possibilities are infinite. Pleats are classy and sophisticated, Curls are romantic and gentle, braids are modish and funky. You should try and capture your personality in your hairdo, but most importantly be comfortable.

Wedding Hair and Make up – Trials

Be sure to trial safely in advance of the wedding day. You may need your hair to grow longer for your desired look.

Wedding Hair and Make up – choosing a hairdresser

You should ask your regular hair salon if they provide a bridal hairstyling service, Most will. If you need your hair to styled at home or in your hotel on your big day, you will need to find a mobile hairdresser.

When using a Mobile hairdresser:

- Make sure they are positively available on the date of your wedding.
- Be sure to see there portfolio of their work and comments from past clients.
- To be safe, setup a trial-run with them at least 8 weeks prior to your wedding day.

 

Makeup Artists vs Fakeup Artists

Is a fakeup artist kinda like a wanna be gangster? I am so confused! By the standards of the industry I really feel that no one actually gives a crap about who they hire for a gig or job, and it so bothers me!
Makeup Artists have worked so hard to build our kits with the most stellar products for each project, and the fake up artist collects the samples from a counter in a department store.
It reminds me of when I was a little girl and I use to stash all the makeup that came with my Barbie entourage and use it on all my dolls, I dreamed of one day beautifying my real Barbies. Yes I admit I was a fakeup artist at age 10!
But I loved watching my grammma take her time to brush her hair so perfectly and line her lips with that bright red lipstick. She reminded me of Joan Crawford. No more hangers Christina! My gramma was always in the mirror fussing with herself before church. She took pride in her appearance.
I was even more excited when I missed church and I would play with her lipsticks and shadows. I would always use her curl lash brush and mascara and add a little blush to my cheeks. I can remember the makeup would never come off with soap and water back in those days! I scrubbed my face so hard one day with the dirt from her garden, the makeup finally came off but I made a huge mess in her bathroom.
So, would I be considered a Makeup artist after my little girl fantasy that I have worked so hard at all these years? YES! Dammit!
We all have our strengths and weakness in any profession and mine happens to be that I take too much crap from the outsiders who think they know it all. Like for instance, your prices are wack, “oh you think” well my HD foundations by Smashbox, Makeup Forever, Joe Blasco, RCMA cost $35 plus, primers start at $32 and the list goes on. I have 3 kits, one for Brides, one for Film, and one for Editorial/Fashion. So off with my Zuca bag I go, where I will end up, let’s see, that’s a secret I like to not reveal. My clients privacy is well kept with me.
Oh so let’s get back to when a makeup gets a call for a gig, some will offer a kit fee in the industry or perhaps that are on a budget. I will work with you, within reason, so maybe a Fakeup Artist will do the job for a meal or transportation. Ya think, ya I think so~
I love it when Brides are checking out prices, I do not give out prices, I ask what their budget is so that way I know exactly what I could be getting myself into. I am fair, reasonable and compassionate to ones budget, however, in most cases I like to weed out the Bridezillas, it saves alot of aggravation! Gotta love those Bridezillas~Ouchy.
For the most part, after many years of meeting all shapes and sizes, I can laugh and enjoy each and every experience, go home and rest on my pillow~because I know I went above and beyond what is expected of a true Makeup Artist.
xoxoxo

Cosmetic Close-up: Makeup now comes into Hi-Def

By Betsy Vereckey, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK — Makeup sellers seeking to stand out amid crowded cosmetic counters are expanding into a niche once confined to those living under the scrutiny of the lens: high-definition makeup.The cosmetics, once used just for newscasters, models and actors, are becoming more popular among women who want to appear like they would in HDTV: lifelike, flawless and picture-perfect.

Initially, professional makeup artists used HD cosmetics on celebrities filming in the new system so precise that every detail is magnified more than on standard television. Now, the makers of HD cosmetics are focusing on expanding their use among regular makeup wearers — although not everyone is convinced that consumers should be using HD makeup every day.

The cosmetics, which work when particles in them reflect light instead of absorbing it, are one of the latest trends to hit the industry as companies vie for market share. Morningstar analyst Michelle Chang says there is a “push for innovation” because the industry is so saturated with products.

 ”There’s always companies trying to find a niche that they can fill,” Chang says. “This is probably one of them, much like how mineral makeup took off in the past two years.”

That form of makeup gained popularity with consumers seeking cosmetics made with natural ingredients, versus preservatives and other chemicals.

 More makeup artists are learning how to apply HD makeup in advance of February, when the nation’s broadcasters switch from analog to digital transmission. While not all digital broadcasts are in HD, even standard-definition programming looks sharper when it’s sent digitally.

 The better the image, the thinking goes, the more exquisite skin needs to look.

 Cosmetic companies are already reporting a rise in the number of makeup artists coming for training on how to apply HD cosmetics by airbrush, a technique that gained popularity decades ago when MGM used it to paint extras as tan Romans for Ben Hur.

 ”The airbrush applies the makeup to the surface in a dot pattern and replicates the pixels that HD uses,” says Samantha Mandor, a spokeswoman for cosmetics company Temptu. “With traditional makeup, you can see brush strokes; it really shows every flaw.”

 Temptu’s HD makeup graced the runways at New York Fashion Week this month, its vibrant hues of purple and yellow on the eyes of models fitted in evening wear by designer Joanna Mastroianni.

Before the show, artists poured liquid makeup into little spray guns, and then airbrushed the silicone-based HD makeup on the models in a fine, colorless mist. It smelled a bit like paint when first applied, but the result was an odorless, light foundation as the silicone in the makeup absorbed the skin’s natural oil.

 Mandor says the prices are comparative to traditional department-store makeup. A 1-ounce bottle of the company’s Hi-Def S/B makeup, which can be applied by airbrush or hand, is $25. By comparison, Clinique’s Perfectly Real foundation is priced at $22.50, while a drugstore brand like Cover Girl’s TruBlend Whipped foundation costs around $10.

 Other lines of HD makeup come from Christian Dior and Cargo, a Canadian cosmetics company. Cargo’s line, named “blu_ray,” was created for makeup artists filming in HD television, but began selling at retail this spring.

 Smashbox cosmetics, a unit of Smashbox Studios — the photo and film company founded by the great-grandsons of Hollywood cosmetics legend Max Factor — rolled out its HD makeup in March, and has seen it become one of the company’s top-selling products.

 Cosmetics sales overall have held up relatively well despite the weaker U.S. economy. Deutsche Bank analyst Bill Schmitz Jr. said in a note to investors that sales of color cosmetics rose 1.2% year-over-year for the four-week period ending Aug. 10.

 At a Sephora in midtown Manhattan, several women gathered around Makeup Forever and pawed through the brand’s HD cosmetics. Sara Gomez picked up the $30 HD Microfinish Powder, stuck her finger in the sample and rubbed the powder between her fingers.

 ”It’s very silky. Fortunately, they’re out of it, so I can’t buy it!” said Gomez, chuckling. “I guess that makes sense, with everyone wanting to look perfect these days.”

 The widespread acceptance of HD makeup in Hollywood and in the fashion world may explain the interest among shoppers, experts say.

 ”We are seeing a huge demand for it,” Mandor said. “Their favorite celebrities are getting airbrushed.”

 Sales of the company’s HD makeup, created in 2001, have doubled over the past year, and Temptu plans on rolling out an airbrush model to the consumer market next year.

Still, not everyone is sure that the HD products are ready for the mass market.

“I sit in the middle,” said Shana King, an Atlanta-based makeup artist and co-founder of adesign makeup brushes who wears HD makeup herself. “I feel like there’s a place for it — in photos, on television or even special events. It’s just that everyone is jumping on the bandwagon,” says King.

King says there are a lot more steps involved in the application of an HD foundation, and that some of the HD face powders are heavy and cause dry skin. “I just feel like we have to be careful,” King says. “There needs to be more consumer education.”

University of Southern California sociologist Julie Albright says HDTV, which makes every little wrinkle visible, has put more pressure on women to be beautiful.

Albright, who wore HD makeup once when appearing on a television news show, says women feel “beauty anxiety” when shown images of young, attractive actresses and newscasters, and thinks HD makeup offers a solution to help relieve some of the tension by making them “a little more perfect.”

 ”The pressure is really on, and the beauty bar is being raised,” Albright says. “It’s going to be interesting to see how women off-screen adjust to this.”

 Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Airbrush vs. Regular Makeup Application

What is airbrush makeup and how does it differ from regular makeup? Do you recommend airbrush makeup applications?
For about a decade now, airbrush makeup has been a much talked about item. This technique has been around for a few decades, however its popularity and hype grew quickly soon after the introduction of PhotoShop software.

What is the connection between Photoshop and an airbrush pump machine you might ask?
The common denominator between these two items is the word “airbrush.” There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding which “airbrushing techniques” are responsible for the amazing, awesome photos in today’s media and magazines. Most people, who do not know much about computer and visual soft wear technology, may not know that what they see in print these days is the work of two different makeup artists: the first artist, who did the fabulous job on the actual makeup and the second artist (Photoshop artist), also known as the airbrush artist. The airbrush artist’s work is to bring the photo to a higher level.

Haven’t you noticed that the photos are unrealistically gorgeous?
The skin looks flawless, almost porcelain like, with a glow and smoothness that you never experienced before. The lip gloss in these photos is so glossy and vivid that it appears unreal; the eye shadow is so smooth and lively that it almost brings tears of excitement to your eyes.

Does such beauty exist beyond the print?
What you see is a computer-enhanced or airbrushed PhotoShop photo. But please, do not give the credit to the airbrush pump machine, since it has nothing or very little to do with it. Trust me, I have been in the industry for the past 16 years and what I know best are makeup arts and modern techniques.

Then what is airbrush makeup and what is it good for?
Airbrush makeup is also referred to as the technique of pumping liquid foundation on the skin. Just like your hairspray, a pump helps to spray the product on the skin. The airbrush pump has been around for a long time. I have used them on film and in media shots in the past. I use them for their speed and as a fast way of working on large numbers of background “talent” (extras) who have to be ready in a relatively short time span. Airbrushing offers speed, but with less precision – it won’t matter since the extras are shot from a distance. I also use them for the art of body painting. I did a catalog shoot for a popular ladies lingerie ad. I did the entire body with stencils and an airbrush machine. It was fast and simple. So, if you know how and for what purpose to use the airbrush pump, it will serve you well. However, I see that now a day, many makeup artists are desperately after an airbrush class or a machine.Is this a good idea for a makeup artist?.Fact:1-Airbrush makeup is not meant for small surfaces and delicate work such as the face. It produces a caked-on look base.2-Airbrush makeup looks good from far or in print, however it does not work well at real-life events (wedding, evening functions, etc…) since it does not look good under the daylight.3-Airbrush makeup is simply a thick layer of makeup on the face, which may be suitable for someone who is use to wearing lots of makeup, or someone who needs a heavy coverage; for example, someone with scars or acne.4-Airbrush foundation products are not trusted on all skin types; there are reports of skin rash and discomfort, such as itchiness. Airbrush makeup dries quickly after pumping and feels very heavy on the skin.5-It also cracks over facial lines and wrinkles; thus emphasizing any imperfections.

So then why is everyone asking for it?
The answer is because they haven’t tried it yet. Many airbrush pump machine companies made millions of dollars in mass producing the pumps and selling them to makeup artists around the world. Their business and marketing plans created a huge misunderstanding for all of us in the search for beauty.

Should I take a class for airbrush makeup?
Here is my next answer for you. Anyone who wants to use an airbrush machine must first become a makeup artist. Airbrush classes simply show you how to use the pump in order to spray the makeup on the body or face. They do not teach you the basics or essentials of makeup application. Believe it or not, many airbrush machines come with instructional DVDs. Let me repeat myself; there isn’t much to it when it comes down to learning how to use the pump machine and that is all an airbrush offers. It is simple and easy to use, and could be learned in an hour lesson on DVD.

Should I get an airbrush pump if I am a makeup artist?
Yes, you should if you are an “active” media artist. It may come in handy from time to time. However, for weddings and special events, I do not recommend using it. What if your clients ask for it? You tell them your opinion about it; go ahead and use it if they insist.Airbrushing is another tool to improve and enhance your ways of applying makeup if you know how and when to use it; however, do not believe for a minute that what you see on the cover of a Glamour magazine or on a Victoria’s Secret’ poster is the work of an airbrush pump.Knowledge is power!

Michele Bell

www.bridestobeny.com