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5 Worst Skincare Mistakes

Our StrictlyWeddings.com beauty expert, Renee Rouleau shared this video on taking care of your skin. Words of wisdom this Monday.

Wedding Makeup – Dramatic, Hollywood Eyes

Looking for a sexier look with your make-up? Think about enhancing your eyes with the “cat-eye” makeup style used by several Hollywood stars.

Cat-eye makeup is when the lined upper lashes finished with a subtle “wing.” First used in ancient Egypt, our most famous being the fashionable Cleopatra, today you’ll find the style used by Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, and Kim Kardashian.

Cat-eyes have remained in vogue because the technique elongates round eyes and is a makeup artist trick for helping larger eyes to appear smaller. It offers a unique twist on everyday makeup and makes the eyes appear smokier and sexier.

Are you game to try it yourself? Here’s how to get the look yourself (or call one of our many StrictlyWeddings.com Beauty partners!):

You will need: Black liquid eyeliner or a freshly sharpened black eyeliner or kohl pencil.

• Step 1: Begin by placing the index finger of your non dominant hand a few centimeters from the outside crease of your eyelid.
• Step 2: Gently pull the eyelid up into a slight slant.
• Step 3: Use the applicator that comes with the liquid eyeliner or the eye pencil if that feels more stable. You can also look for alternate brushes to work with your liquid liner.
• Step 4: Starting at the crease, draw a thin line with the eyeliner until it meets your finger.
• Step 5: Close your eye and blend the line onto the top of your eyelid where the skin meets the eyelashes. If you desire a thicker line, place the pencil just under the outside crease of your eye, and blend it back up into the line.

To finish off the look, apply eyeliner to your lower eyelid behind the lashes. This look works well alone or in addition to light eyeshadow and a coat of mascara. Although this is a fairly neutral eye, remember that less is more with this particular look.

Wedding Trends – CandyBand Headbands

Our team is making headway in getting our New York StrictlyWeddings.com partners. So as we research and find out all the fabulous wedding resources that New York has to offer, we’ll offer you a sneak peak of some of our finds such as CandyBand Accessories. Founder Adina Bistritzky’s creations are simple and so lovely. Perfect for the bride looking for an elegant touch without the fuss.

CandyBand Accessories offers a full line of beautifully handmade headbands, hair clips, hats and belts, designed to satisfy every taste and style. Always drawn to fashion and elegance, Adina, CandyBand’s lead designer and creative director, began designing headbands in 2005. With a fresh take on color and style, and always wearability, her pieces became an overnight sensation. Her line quickly evolved to include hats, belts and jewelry. Bergdorf Goodman carries Adina’s full line as well as many boutiques all over the world. A nice touch that  makes us smile …10% of CandyBand profits are given back to the community and charitable causes!

Spring/Summer Wedding Hairstyles Trends

Sometimes we find resources for our brides from other wedding experts. Today’s post is from “Marlo Does Hair.” Good ideas are good ideas no matter who brings them to the table.

Trend #1 – Textured Chignon

Textured Chignon (Taylor Swift)
One of the biggest trends of the Spring/Summer season is textured tresses. This huge movement has made its way into wedding trends as well. I think this look has a natural grace that can be easily tweaked for any bride’s style. Not sure about many of you, but I’m over way too fussy and put together wedding hair. Put the hairspray down, let’s go a bit more natural this season.

Trend #2 – Ballerina Buns

Messy Ballerina Bun
As with chignons, a ballerina bun is classic and very versatile. This season, I’m really loving the buns that have a lot of texture and movement to them but still look chic. Placement of the bun make this look extremely versatile and complimentary to many different face shapes and dress necklines.

Sophisticated Ballerina Bun

Trend #3 – Voluminous Beach Waves

Perfect beach waves
Many times hairstyles that are all down tend to be pretty simplistic. One reason why I like this look is the beach waves/curls look much more natural than a whole head of itty bitty spiral curled hair. With the added volume in the crown, it looks modern and breezy. This beach-inspired look can easily become a beautiful half-up hairstyle for a little more structured of a look. Also, once half up the style really lends itself well for a fantastic hair accessory.

Hair Accessory Trends – Flowers, Headbands, Veils

The images below are from Jade Rose Designs. Visit the website to get a full array of all the different hair accessories that you can use.

Wedding Makeup: How To Find Your Personal Style

As a professional makeup artist, I find most brides want to hire a professional on their wedding day to help them look as beautiful as the day! We’ll give the bride  makeup that will last and look great for all the formal (and informal) photos.

Helpful Tips:

• If you wear strong lips, don’t wear too much cheek color
• If you wear a lot of color on the eyes then keep the lip color soft.

When it comes to color for the eyes think contrasting complimentary colors.

• If your eyes are hazel or green, shades of purple will make them pop.
• If they are blue you might actually try a soft lavender or even a deep blue liner set with a blue shadow.
• If you have dark brown eyes go then you can go with what moves you and flatters your skin tone.
• If the natural look is more you, try browns, taupes, gray tones and shades of ivory, beige and peach on the eyes as seen on the models for Chanel’s 2010 spring collection. Even a soft brick or burgundy can look like a neutral if well blended and complimentary to the eye color.
• For lip color a good rule of thumb is if you have a pale or fair complexion stick with lighter pink or peach tones for lips and if your skin has more pigment you can use bolder, warmer tones.

I only recommend very strong lip colors for the wedding day if that is YOU. Otherwise, think first kiss, eating cake, champagne toasts; softer lip color will be less maintenance, plus the nude lip is still fashionable.

Of course, if you don’t want to worry about colors and fuss and what will work best, then hire a professional makeup artist who will take the worry away!

Source: Penny Sadler Makeup Studio

Photos: Chanel 2010 Spring Collection

Wedding Color Inspiration: Pink and Gold

Hello readers, this is Jacqueline Weppner from Merci New York, a styling service for the busy city bride. I’m delighted to be back on StrictlyWeddings.com, discussing the hottest trends in wedding style and fashion.

Today we’re talking pink. And not just the ho-hum girly variety, but the overwhelming resurgence of lush blush pink with hints of metallic. It’s certainly become one of the most popular wedding day palettes for the fashionista bride; and if executed correctly, it can remain one of the freshest as well.

With a decided nod to the nostalgia of the 1940s and 1950s, a blush and gold palette suggests the sass and glamour of old Hollywood, yet it remains firmly nestled in a playful femininity suitable for any wedding day style. It lends itself to soft décor and tiny retro touches (think hints of tulle and a darling birdcage veil, as seen in my inspiration board above)… and it will always encourage a soft, polished calm.

Need more inspiration? Here are some tips and tricks to create a blush and gold look that is elegant without being stuffy:

• Pretty paper: Get thee to Ceci. The luxe bespoke stationer Ceci New York has NYC and all the country swarming for her gorgeous creations. And if custom designs are not in your budget, her ready-to-buy line sports a handful of pink and gold options that are equally divine, such as the Versaille and Antoinette suites.
• Inspiring cakes: Call up our favorite Manhattan confectionary master, the lovely Ruth Drennan, for a custom-made cake. Ruth’s designs are absolutely ethereal and wonderfully inspired, it’s no wonder they’ve found themselves on the pages of countless wedding magazines.
• Blushing beauty: Be sure to provide your stylist with a compact of NARS blush in Orgasm for the big day (considering she doesn’t already have it on hand, of course)! As you may know, this shade has won countless beauty awards for being the best blush on the market. Suitable for literally all complexions, it gives a pretty, yet subtle flush to your cheeks and lasts long into the night.
• Luscious gowns: Hands down, the most confectionery crème-de-la-crème of the blush-gown set hail from Vera Wang’s Spring 2010 collection.  Truly, you’ll look no further.
• Retro Accessories: In this department, famed milliner Philip Treacy is your go-to guy. I adore his sculptural bow headpiece. This exquisite finishing touch is a striking alternative to a traditional veil on your big day. How decidedly retro would it be in your get-away photos?

Inspiration board photo credits: From top: Meringue cake, Jean Tsai {pointe shoes, portrait}, Sarah Maingot {tulle, teapot, mirror images}, Anna Williams {cupcake papers}, favors, candles.

Tanning for your Wedding Day? Think again!

To Tan or Not Tan…

If you are naturally a bronzed goddess then perhaps this is not an issue for you. Yet you may want to continue reading just in case you’re wanting that extra bronze glow for your wedding day.

Do you get your tan the natural way? In a tanning booth? Or have you opted for more health conscious options like spray on tans and bronzing makeups?

Temporary tanning requires planning. You’ll want it to be fresh for your wedding day.  If you are using a tanning booth please do not overdo it. All photographers are using digital cameras now and too much red in your skin will stand out!

Many brides who are naturally pale feel they should tan because the dress is pale or white. Should this be the case? Maybe, but I would suggest you ask a professional (make up or photographer) opinion before you do it. The color of the dress, even white, can have warm or cool tones in it which compliment your skin tone and will not make you look washed out. And a tan gone wrong cannot be hidden the day of your wedding.

If you plan to take a beach trip or lay outside to tan, be conscious of tan lines. A good makeup artist can minimize them but the makeup may come off on the dress. And yes, the photos can be retouched in Photoshop but you can’t Photoshop you walking down the aisle … in your gorgeous dress, beautiful hair, flawless makeup and tan lines (which will spoil the whole effect).

Finally the color of the face, neck and ALL visible skin should match. If you meet with a makeup artist for a consultation in advance but you’re going to be a different color the next time they see you, let them know.

As with all things related to the ” big day” a bit of advance planning will go a long way to a happy ending.

Source: Penny Sadler, Makeup Artist
SW.com Partner

Photo: Penny Sadler with Melrose Place actress Laura Leighton. Penny was hired to do her makeup during the Melrose Place media tour in Dallas last fall.

WendyCityFaces Brings Beauty to the Windy City’s Brides

All brides are beautiful, but Wendy Woodside, a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician, has the talent and experience to give you fresh, natural makeup that’s classic, glamorous and defined all at once. Her makeup and spa services are performed on location, providing you and your wedding party the personal attention to detail and service all brides deserve. Wendy, along with her team, are passionate about creating a look that suits your personality and style, while at the same time, keeping you looking like you – just better! Wendy brings 25 plus years in the industry with extensive experience in film, television and a BFA in theatre along with a list of celebrity clients such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Fox News, CBS, ABC, Deborah Norville, Jim Belushi and Bill Kurtis to name a few. Wendy looks forward to making you look and feel FABULOUS!

Visit WendyCityFaces on StrictlyWeddings.com Chicago!

Operation Slim Down for your Wedding Day!

We’ve heard time and again that the secret to weight loss is that you burn what you take in. Basically, eat healthy, control your portions and work out 3-5 times a week. But if you’re wanting to look your best on your wedding day, listed below are a few thoughts to get you started on your path to loose. These are actually good habits to get into and live by.

We’re currently on Jenny Craig, so some of the references are from what we’ve learned there. Also, for Christmas we got the “So Easy” cookbook by Elle Kreiger. Love that it gives you all the calorie details with each recipe and she’s into cooking food that has flavor!

Water, Water and more Water!

Start getting your fill on water (no, coffee or diet sodas don’t count). We’ve been told at least 5-8oz glasses and 8 is better. Find you a fun/colorful water bottle that you don’t mind taking with you everywhere. Keep one in the office, one in your car and one at home. If you don’t like the “flavor” of your water, filter your water, add a few slices of lemon, limes or oranges to flavor it and Crystal Light sells individual serving packets in all sorts of flavors.

Portion Control

Our understanding on what makes a “normal” serving is way out of wack. Here are some visual guidelines:

• 1 tsp = tip of thumb
• 1 tbsp = whole thumb
• 1/4 cup = golf ball, large egg
• 1/2 cup = 1/2 orange, small fist
• 1 cup = baseball, light bulb
• 1 oz meat/cheese = tube of lipstick
• 1 oz snack food = rounded handful
• 2 oz meat/cheese = 3 fingers
• 3 oz meat/cheese = deck of cards, computer mouse (woman’s portion)
• 4 oz meat/cheese = palm of man’s hand (man’s portion)
• 1 low-fat muffin or piece of fruit = tennis ball

Calories In/Calories Out

Modify your portions and strive for 1200 calories per day. (Here’s what it looks like)

• Breakfast – 1 oz lean meat (one small egg, 1 turkey sausage), 2 starches (1 pancake, english muffin, 1 slice bread, low-sugar cereals), 1 fat (1 tsp margarine), 1 milk (1 cup non-fat milk, 1 container fat-free, light yogurt)
• Morning Snack – 90-110 calories (cheese stick, small piece of fruit like a clementine or apple)
• Lunch – 2 oz lean meat, 2 starches, 1 vegetable, 1 fat (soup & salad; lean cuisine will do, too)
• Afternoon Snack – 90-110 calories
• Dinner – 4 oz lean meat, 2 starches, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

Starches = beans, lentils, bread, cereal, pancake, popcorn, rice or pasta, low-fat snack foods, starchy veggies like corn, peas, potatoes, yams), tortilla

Free Foods = sugar-free gum, non-starchy veggies (you’ll find me munching on carrots, pickled okra, cherry tomatoes …also spinach is great fresh or steamed with a little butter and lemon).

Note: When cutting back on calories, it’s important that you take a daily multivitamin.

Cut Back on Drinking

A 5 oz glass of red wine equates to two of your “fat” servings. Alcohol eats up a lot of calories quick! So save it for one glass on the weekend or special occasions. Instead of that glass of wine, try a wine spritzer (it’s half the calories) or look into non-alcoholic beverages.

Exercise

We know, that’s the big “duh!” But your results will be so much greater if you will exercise. You know this. We all know this. It’s doing it that’s the tough part. Start with twenty minutes of exercise a day to start the calorie burning process. Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Walk to the lunch place instead of driving if you can. Find a buddy to walk and talk with or exercise with. Pay for a personal trainer to get you on a program and if you can afford it, use them once-a-week. Being accountable to someone (other than yourself) is a huge motivator.

Whatever you do, good luck. A word from the wise (and years of fighting weight gain) … a husband who loves you, will love you no matter those few extra pounds. BUT when “us women” feel good about ourselves and how we look, then often, it’s our husbands who benefit from that confidence!

StrictlyWeddings.com Spa Partners:

Treat yourself to a spa treatment at one of our partners with each milestone you make (first 10 pounds, 1/2 way mark, reaching your goal)!

Dallas – Exhale Dallas, The Spa at the Crescent, The Spa at Willow Bend

Chicago – Ruby Room, Exhale Chicago, Peninsula Spa by ESPA

Pamper the Stress Away

Let’s face it, planning a wedding requires lots of time and energy and no one is limitless. There comes a time where WE need pampering (brides as well as the groom or the mom!). Here are a few simple pampering ideas that don’t cost much but can be “oh so pleasurable.” You can even invite your groom to join you and treat each other.

• Spend a Day at the Spa
  Try this easy-to-whip-up summer skin smoother for an at-home spa experience:
  • 1 ripe organic mango
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup Sugar In the Raw

Mash up half of the mango with a fork until smooth. Stir in honey and olive oil until blended. Add sugar. While in the shower, massage mixture onto dry skin, including the neck and face. Allow the masque to remain on the body for several minutes to smooth and soften the skin. Rinse off with warm water and lightly dry the skin.

• Give Yourself a Foot Massage
  Who knew about all the nerve endings in our feet! Purchase a foot massage cream from either Bath & Body Works or The Body Shop and rub it into your feet while you watch your favorite show. Better yet, have him rub your feet for you! When you’re done, cover your feet in socks so that they can continue to soak in the cream.
• Nothing that a glass of wine, fruit, cheese and a good book can’t cure!
  Some days you just want scream! Today, if you scream in your house or yard or in public then you’re liable to get the wrong kind of attention. So, just grab an hour (or two) and shut out the world. Fix yourself a treat - whatever that is. Turn up your favorite music to escape. Don’t answer the phone (and don’t get on the phone to talk!). Slow down and grab a favorite book or movie and escape. Even better? Take the music, treats and book and ease into a luxuriating bubble bath.

None of the above is brain surgery. We all know what we need to do to pamper ourselves, we just need to give ourselves permission to shut out the world for a few hours and do it! When you do? Everyone benefits … you, your honey and others in your sphere. (Editor’s note: continue to do this once you are married and especially if you have kids.).