Collaboration with wedding professionals

A few weeks ago I was the makeup artist for a wedding inspiration shoot with www.everylastdetailblog.com and www.mmdevents.com. I had so much fun with all of the girls, especially when we went out to BBQ after! The venue was the Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach. This was literally the cutest place I've ever been too! I have posted some pictures below. If you ever get a chance to stay there then do it, or just stop by and take a peek. Here's a sneak peek at the makeup look I chose to do. I can't wait to see the finished images from www.tinabassphotography.com. The hair was done by the lovely Monique McLaughlin.

The Postcard Inn

surf themed sitting area

random Moroccan style lounge

the lobby, i want that bookshelf at my house!

front desk...love the larger than life chalk board

www.mmdevents.com www.everylastdetailblog.com

Rimmel Sexy Curves

Rimmel says: "Lash plumping, full curve mascara. Fuller figured brush - fuller figured lashes. Curves in all the right places! The first Triple Plump brush with 3 x the curves for 70% curlier lashes. Voluptuous brush with CurveControl technology wiggles easily through your lashes quickly coating them. Exclusive brush design curves IN to maximize lash loading, curves OUT to curl and de-clump each lash for a complete curved look. Lashes look lusciously curled, plumped and defined. Plump 'em up! Enriched with proteins, the plumping formula strengthens lashes over time for a continuous lash boosting effect. Rich cream texture instantly amplifies your natural volume x 7 and fixes the curl for 12 hour hold. Fabulously fuller lashes"


Good job Rimmel! I like this one. I don't know if I have fallen for the unique shape of the brush or what but it works. It's not dramatic by any means but it's natural with an oomph! I love how the brush feels on my lashes. You can use the different curves to really get a good hold on the inner and outer sections of your lashes which are often missed.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto

 

Maybelline says: 

"The only mascara that does for lashes what stilettos do for legs.

• The Grip & Extend brush grasps each lash and coats from every angle
• Elastic formula stretches lashes for provocative length
• Pro-Vitamin B-5 formula conditions and smoothes for black-patent shine
• Contact lens safe and Ophthalmologist tested 

So, even though I know and can visibly see the false lashes that the model has on in the commercial, I still wanted to try it. (which I guess means their advertising succeeded) Maybelline, you will not make it to my top 5 with Lash Stiletto. It's almost too natural. I understand it's not a "thickening" mascara but I didn't see any difference in length either. I will continue to wear stilettos, just not Lash Stiletto.

MAC Zoomlash

Zoomlash is my favorite mascara as of right now. Here is what MAC claims this mascara will do for you: "Major drama. Lasts all day. Creamy, velvety formula builds density and conditions. Feels light, supple. Ultra-sculpted brush has three-sided fibres to embrace and separate each lash, hugging every curve. Coats in one stroke from root to tip. No smudging." 

 I have found that no matter what length your lashes are, this product works wonders. The brush is skinny enough that you have great control and you can really get each individual lash. I agree that it lasts all day and it's water resistant not water proof, so it won't sweat off but it comes off easily. 

On the downside, because the brush is so skinny, it grabs the product easily. Which means, it can be a bit clumpy. Just make sure you scrape off a bit before applying if you don't want too much on. 

I would recommend this mascara to anyone. If I'm not mistaken, it's still MAC's #1 selling product. I would list it on the more dramatic of mascaras.

MASCARA

I've decided to start the quest for the greatest mascara. I'm a little biased for MAC mascara since that's basically all I wore for 5 years. As of right now MAC Zoomlash is my all time favorite.  I will write a little tidbit of info for each one I try. I asked people on FB and Twitter to give me some suggestions of their favorite mascaras; so I'll try those first.
These were the suggestions:
Trish McEvoy- lash curling
Loreal- Voluminous
Lancome- Definicils
Makeup Forever - Smoky Lash
Cover Girl- Lash Blast

backstage bridal

i took a few snapshot of my favorite dresses from all of the hundreds of gowns. i obviously couldn't get many but i tried. i've never seen so many dresses in one place before, it was overwhelming. i so wanted to put them on and relive my wedding day by walking down the catwalk!

backstage bridal

backstage makeup

below are a few clips of the makeup from the House of Wu fashion show. i had a blast both days but was completely exhausted and couldn't move by the end of it. The models were all from Wilhelmina and so so sweet. these few looks are very bridal, before we amp'd it up for the prom portion.

backstage makeup

Everglades

she's gorgeous

photographer in action

love the sign!

WORK

I was asked to do the makeup for the Naples Independent Film Festival poster; it was so fun! The photographer found a great spot down in the Everglades. I was a little nervous about alligators and snakes, but we didn't see either of them. The finished product will be in black & white so it will look amazing! I can't wait to see it! Check out the pictures I took.

discipline

So I'm trying to instill more discipline in my life. I'm starting by eating healthy and exercising. I've always been annoyed when I see someone that lost a lot of weight and when I ask them how, they reply "eating healthy and exercising". I always want it to be a quick fix, just a cleanse or something. So I've decided once and for all if I want to see change I have to have discipline. It's only been 7 days, but I'm really focused. I've started running with my dog or doing the elliptical every day plus counting calories on my "lose it" iPhone app. For some reason it feels different than normal. Normally, I'll be super into working out for a few weeks but just eat kinda healthy or eat well but not exercise. I'm trying to do both and I just keep telling myself that I am in control of how I look and feel. Gaining weight and losing weight isn't something that just happens to you. You either don't put thought into what you intake or you do. You either sit on the couch and watch reality show marathons or you don't. I'm hoping this mindset stays with me long enough to reach my goal.

WEBSITE

My website launched today http://hopeartistry.com I'm so excited! Feel free to take a look. I enjoyed working on it even though at some times it was very frustrating. I hope more people can see my work this way and I get more opportunities to be creative.

Engagement Makeup

So today I did Rachel's makeup for her engagement shoot. I did her trial wedding makeup a few weeks ago and today she wanted the same thing so she could see what it looks like in professional pictures. She made my job today very easy. I can't wait to see the pictures! ashleybrockintonphotography.com is taking them and she always does amazing!

One of the greatest things ever as a makeup artist is when the bride has a twin sister, which Rachel has!! For the trial Rachel picked out 2 looks that she liked and instead of trying them both on herself or doing each eye different, I just put one look on her and one look on her sister Sarah. It was so great for the bride to see exactly what she would look like with the bolder look vs. the more natural one without removing anything! I couldn't get over it! It makes me want twins someday ;)

Hubby

This is to my wonderful husband, Todd. He is my best friend and my favorite person in the world. He has been so supportive of me starting my own business and is excited to see it all unfold. I'm so lucky to have someone by my side who encourages me and wants to see me succeed. I love him.

Here I go...

Welcome to the world of Hope....it's very laid back here. This blog is attached to my website so I thought I'd make it very "hope" in order for future clients to get to know me as well as anyone else reading. I see the future of this blog being about MAKEUP, MY FAMILY, TRAVEL and a bunch of randomness. I hope you enjoy it.