Aqualillies for Tarte

The first time I saw Tarte's limited edition beauty collection created by the bathing beauties of the synchronized swimming group the Aqualillies- I do believe I might have drooled a bit. I mean the packaging alone is swoon worthy! What's perfect as we head into summer (insert sweating) is that these products are budgeproof- jump in the water & you'll be fine!

Amazonian Clay waterproof liners come with their own liner brush & are available in Splash (left) & Black (right.) They go on creamy & smooth- plus even after giving several facials with steam in my face, these liners stayed put. I always say give cream or cakes liners a try, you'll be surprised at how easy they are over pencils.

 Don't be afraid to live it up a little with the Splash option! As long as you're not wearing an entire teal ensemble, this vibrant color pops the whites of your eyes & makes you look instantly awake.

 Of course you can't go wrong with classic black either.

The Amazonian Clay Eye & Cheek compact in the collection is on my lust list- about the size of a CD, it offers a neutral palette with that pop of teal to spice things up a bit & the powders are all waterproof. I mean not all of us are actually swimming in fully applied make-up, but this palette will be perfect for my summer brides! There are super cute additional treats like a shower cap & beachbag as gifts with purchase on Tarte's website.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Liners gifted for review

Must Have Make-Up Monday

Usually after a long day at work giving my clients facials, I look like I am trying out for a football team! All the steam during the exfoliation portion of the facial puts my mascara through the ringer. That being said I tend to loathe waterproof versions. Their formulas don't allow me to build the product like I like to, plus it's a bugger to get off. The last thing I want to lose are my actual lashes when removing my mascara!

Enter Anastasia of Beverly Hill's Lash Genius- it's like a raincoat for your mascara! Use whatever mascara brand you adore & finish with a clear coat of this sealant. While I wouldn't submerge myself in a tank of water- Lash Genius really helps seal in the mascara without being super brittle, crunchy or difficult to remove afterwards. In fact, it helps separate your lashes a bit if you're prone to clumping. Its arrival is perfect timing as we head into warmer, humid months & the summer wedding season. It is, I must say genius!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M
*product gifted for review

Make-up {Tool} Must Have Monday

Alright so I know I have tweeted my adoration for this pink egg shaped make-up sponge, but I realized over the weekend that I have never done a feature post about it. When working last weekend on a mammoth bridal party, I realized that the Beauty Blender is still relatively unknown - & I must change that. I know, I know- how much joy can an odd shaped facial sponge bring? But I'm telling you- every member of the bridal party oohhed & ahhed when I used it on them and said how nice it felt on their face. The other make-up artist I brought along to assist me had never used one & was begging to take the one I had brought for her to use home. I aquiessed- I'm not a monster.

So you've probably seen this tool when ever you've watched a celebrity having their make-up done, such as on a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians where Mario was working his magic on Kim.

But here is the thing- if you don't know how to use it, you won't love it. I had picked up a Beauty Blender 2 years ago & didn't read the super easy instructions( of course!) and thought "Eh..."

But all you do is WET it, squeeze out the excess water & stipple your foundation on - then you will fall in love! This is what I do every morning- I put several dollops of foundation all over my face, then literally connect the dots with a quick dabbing motion. Sure it's pricey at @$20, but it is worth every penny!!

I use the pointy end of the Beauty Blender to take product up right underneath the eye, as well as the corners of the nose. Once you get the hang of it, you won't know how you lived without it. The entire La Papillon Beauty Team hearts it {Jodi simply states 'obsessed' with Lindsay coming in with it being a 'foundation blending no brainer!'} So just to spread the love- I'll be giving one away this week for one of you Beauties to try! You can Tweet and Facebook the contest for extra entries & just leave your total tally number in the comments section. Good luck- I hope you soon will know the love of a Beauty Blender! xo

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Beautiful Bride

I have the privilege of working with a lot of brides on their big day, often they become friends along the way. Such is the case with this past weekend's bride. Heidi made the most exquisite bride, because she is beautiful both inside & out! We wanted to enhance her peaches & cream complexion, with the main focus being on her eyes.

I love it when a bride says she want to go for it- in this case she really wanted to play up her eyes. Paul & Joe's Eye Gloss #2 put the spotlight on her gorgeous blue peepers with Ardell strip lashes & classic cake liner kicking things up that extra notch.

The dress, which she found in Chicago had the most luxe vintage feel, as if it were straight out of Great Gatsby.

The bride ready to head to the church- she was stunning!

The bouquet smelled heavenly due to jasmine.

Our table seatings were attached on the bride's new last initial.

Partner in Crime & I at the ceremony.
Some of her fabulous bridesmaids complete with soft, natural make-up. The bride let her bridesmaids chose whatever black dress they wanted- I love that idea because everyone's shape is so different!

Stealing a moment with the bride to reapply gloss!

The groom & yours truly on the dance floor!

Her delicious cake filled with fresh strawberries & cream.

Here the bride is in her second dress working it on the white runway, with her bridesmaids bringing up the rear! This bride loves a dance runway- if you remember, she had a pink one at her Girls' Night Out Party .

All of the guests received a french vanilla sweet treat encrusted with gold sanding sugar from Tres Bon Bons that featured a letterpress tag.

There were so many amazingly thoughtful touches & details throughout the wedding, they're too many to mention! As guests received their cars from valet- this sweet farewell adieu hung from my rear view mirror. I was so honored to be a part of her big day, from start to finish!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

A Wedding to Remember

This past weekend was a bit of a juggling act for moi, as I was both doing the make-up and officiating at the wedding of my cousin!

Here I am with the divine wedding planner Beth Bailey of Elizabeth Bailey Weddings.

It was a gorgeous affair- the flowers were exquisite by Romantic Flowers of Baltimore!

The bride & groom wanted a very relaxed & causal lounge vibe amongst their good friends and family at their home.

The cake was stunning & delicious by Sugar Bakers of Baltimore.

This is the only picture I have so far of the bride, but she was gorgeous! We went with a very natural California "glowing sun kissed" look that was perfect for her! I'll post more when I get the photographer's shots!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M