Amber waves of...

I got nothin'. I'm not your monkey! I can't always come up with clever and catchy titles.

Okay- I'm a little hyped up on cold medicine life. I'm not making much sense.

So, I met Amber and her sweet mom and dad at her hair trial at my house. The whole lot of them were really relaxing to be around, asking all the right questions, and just truly interested in the "art" of hair doin'.

Come wedding day, I met with Amber at her parents gorgeous house and did hair and makeup for her, her mom, sister, and a couple of bridesmaids. We laughed the ENTIRE time. I can't thank them enough for such a great time!

Monika

Monika and I met when she asked me to do her hair and makeup for her engagement pictures. She said she wanted a vintage look. And I do love me some vintage! The only problem. It was like 110 degrees outside and she needed enough time to go home and get dressed, and then meet with the photographer. So longwear lipstick and pinned curls it is! I forgot to mention that Monika is from Poland so she has this beautiful accent, and an even more beautiful heart. The girl loves animals. Which of course means I love her.




Here are a few pictures from her wedding- Could this girl be any more stunning? And such hot bridesmaids!

Whats new?

I'm afraid to tell you something. And this may come as a shock to y'all. I'm a terrible blogger! I know. I'll give you a minute to compose yourselves...... ready?

So I've been asked a lot about airbrush makeup and if it were easy. And then I get a lot of questions about if it can be done themselves. The answer is yes, and YES! Now, I don't want all my fellow makeup artists getting mad at me because I'm saying something we do is easy. Because, what WE do ain't easy! Airbrush makeup can be complicated. Different situations may come up that would involve a lot of knowledge in the subject in order to address the issue correctly. (Wow. That sounded very grown up of me didn't it?) That being said, you can definitely do your own airbrush makeup. Lessons with a knowledgeable professional will definitely start you off on the right path.

After much deliberation I've decided to start offering airbrush makeup lessons that will come with your own airbrush compressor, gun, and foundation.
Just in time for Christmas I'd say! So feel free to contact me with any questions or if you'd like to sign up for a private or group class!
(This class is not designed for makeup professionals)

PARTY AT CINDY AND BRIANS!!!!!!!!!

KEGGER Upscale Open House at Vista West Ranch! Come see me and the other Uh-Mazing vendors September 11th from 5-8pm at Vista West Ranch. Seriously check out the flyer below made by the fantastic Aimee Villa. And like the other Villa (Bob Vila, and yes I know, two different last names but go with me on this one) she'll turn your wedding from Drab to Fab.. Or Broke to Smoke...in. smokin. Okay. I'm done butchering poor Aimee's name. Something she'd never do your wedding! And something I'd never do to your hair. I now see why "oops, and butcher are two things someone never wants to hear on their wedding day. And especially from their hair stylist.

Come check me out anyway and eat some good food, and have some drinks.. pass out in the super luxurious honeymoon cottage. Whatever.

If you book your wedding at the open house be sure to ask about the super awesome discounts I'll be offering. Book ANNND one of the vendors at the open house and get an even more awesome discount (especially if you book me and VWR)!

High School Senior Portrait Contest!

I am super excited to team up with Kristi Wright of Kristi Wright photography.

She recently contacted me about wanting to have the Brazilian Blowout done after hearing Becky Brock with BZ Events rave about hers. So- we scheduled for me to come out to her place and while I was there we started talking about how we'd love to be able to work together and how we'd both love to be able to do more senior portraits. Thus the birth of the High School Senior Portrait Contest!

Here are the deets: <--details. I thought "deets" made me sound more young and hip. But I guess by attempting to sound young and hip, and actually saying "young and hip" I actually sound like a middle aged-mom jean-wearin-old lady. Sigh. Where did the time go?

Okay back to the "deets":

Looking for High School Senior rep applicants! Winner will recieve one complimentary Senior Portraits Session with Kristi Wright Photography and professional hair and makeup by LucieMarie! Applicants must be high school seniors graduating with the class of 2011 to qualify. Please submit a photo of yourself or someone you know along with details about yourself and why you should win! We are seeking applicants who are fun with loads of personality! Deadline to enter is September 15th. Applicants under 18 will need parent's approval.

Please E-mail kristi@kristiwrightphotography.com with subject line "senior portrait contest" to enter!

This is going to be a humdinger of a time y'all! Thats right. I said humdinger!

Ashley

First can I say... I want a purple door!
Here are some pictures of the ever gorgeous Ashley- at her bridal portraits. I also did the hair and airbrush makeup for Ashley and her bridal party as well as her awesome mom on Ashleys wedding day. Ashley got married at Barton Creek Resort and Spa. One of my favorite locations. I haven't gotten the day of pictures back- but you can check them out at Nessa K's blog.

Hodgepodge

I realize that I normally do individual posts but I am having computer issues so I wanted to get these up here. And I'm limited on time so I knew if I tried to do them all separately it wouldn't happen. But it doesn't mean I don't love you ladies separately. I love each and every one of you equally. Promise!

Cassie
Every now and then you have one of those weddings that make you want to quit the industry. You can't wait to be done, and just be home. Well.. this wasn't one of them! Cassie was a hoot. Except I may start charging extra for people who have an unnecessarily large amount of hair. This girls has A LOT of hair. Like. I think if she just got a trim, she could wig a country of bald people for a week. I don't know why this country is bald, or why they need wigs for just a week. But just go with me here. Anyway. I ended doing hair and makeup for Cassie and her wedding party as well as her oh so awesome mother in law. Guys, her mother in law rocks. I wanted to adopt her. I love, love, love my MIL but should I ever get the opportunity to have an extra.. She'd be my extra!

I first met Cassie when she was doing her bridal portraits at the always gorgeous, and always amazing Vista West Ranch. Shannon Cunningham the photographer who oozes talent was there snapping away while we all laughed and had an awesome time.


We met up again on her actual wedding day where I got to meet her amazing and gorgeous bridesmaids all who got and appreciated my sarcastic sense of humor. All whom I love and adore! Cassie wanted an updo to help stay cool in the "warm" Texas weather, also because of her plethora of hair. We ended up curling the whole thing and putting it up in a romantic but "messy/textured" updo. We went with a "sexy natural" makeup look as well.

Thanks Cassie and family! Love you guys!

Lyndsey-

I met Lyndsey and her mom first for her bridal portraits. They were both really awesome to get to know. Lyndsey's mom and I talked about raising children, and she gave me helpful tips and told me a little about knitting even! Lyndsey is gorgeous guys. I remember seeing her and thinking, wow she's really pretty. Random I know. If you haven't gathered that I am "random" by now, you have some catching up to do! Lyndsey and I talked about how relaxed she wanted her wedding to be. See Lyndsey was super laid back and just really easy to be around. She was definitely a breath of fresh air! I remember her bridal portraits taking a little bit longer than I normally like to take because it was just so calm. I didn't have that sense of rush. Now don't go thinking she didn't make her pictures on time. She did. I personally like to be done sooner than planned that way there is relax time.

On her wedding day she opted for a smooth updo with a low full "bun". I really have to come up with another word for "bun" because for me personally, I immediately think of a ballerina with tight hair and a perfectly round bun. Which is lovely but not for everyone.

Lyndsey also made her own little hair bobby pins to wear on the big day.

I remember her hair curling very shiny too. She's one of those people blessed with really pretty hair, that curls perfectly! Its not fair. You know what else is awesome? She sent me her pictures without me even having to email and ask her. I love her already. I mean, I loved her then- but now I really love her. Border-lining creepy love her. Borderline....

Hayley

Sweet Hayley! I initially met Hayley at her bridal portraits as well. It was in the early AM and the weather was drizzly. Hayley has two sweet doglets who I loved. Hayley wanted a very elegant updo with a classic bun. She also had a tiara/headband that she wanted to incorporate into the hairstyle. I remember Hayley and her mom asking a lot of questions (not remotely in the bad way) and just soaking in the information. It was really great being with them. I love sharing my product knowledge. And despite the not so great weather Hayley was still in good spirits and just super positive. Love her.

On Hayley's wedding day we arrived to a room full of lively bridesmaids. They were good conversationalist! I believe there was even a doctor in the mix. But I didn't score any free RX's out of it. Such a bummer. I kid!

Hayley had a flower girl who was set on a certain hair piece that wasn't really jiving with the "look" of the wedding. I believe the FG's grandmother ended up buying this super gorgeous headband (Which I wanted!) that happen to be worn by THE Taylor Swift <--wink wink! So of course she wanted to wear that one instead of the not so great one!

You know what else I rememeber? Hating Hayley. The girl doesn't have a single pore. Her skin is this gorgeous milky color, without a single blemish. The girl doesn't have a single pore! At least it made my job just a bit easier!

Sigh. So here are her poreless pictures.

Whats This Brazilian Blowout?

I hate being the last to know about something. Especially when it comes to hair stuff. So about 6 months ago when my sister asked me if I'd ever heard of Brazilian Blowouts I was mad that I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I went to the website and read about the product. And then I got certified. But I was still skeptical. I had looked up reviews and it had great reviews but all the before and after pictures looked misleading. Because lets face it. Anyone who has had their hair blow-dried and flat ironed is going to look like they have great hair. So then I read that they were offering a class in Austin I thought it would be a great opportunity to check it out and ask questions. I didn't' know if they were going to do new a live demo or not, but I had hoped to see if this thing was a scam or not.

Once I arrived to the hotel where the class was, I immediately realized that this was either a very successful scam or a big hit, because there weren't even any chairs available!

So I wont go into detail about the class and spill all the dirty secrets, but I will tell you this. I AM SOLD! They did end up doing a live demo and the girl they did it on had fine but frizzy wavy hair. Once they applied the product and flat ironed, it looked great. But then, they washed it out and then free handed the blow dry. (Meaning they didn't use a brush) and her hair was just as shiny and fabulous as it was when they flat ironed it. It was that easy!

The Brazilian Blowout has a million benefits- its ammonia free so its safe and good for your hair. You don't have to worry about wearing anything in your hair after the service. It lasts 12 weeks (if not longer depending on how you care for it). YOU CAN STILL KEEP YOUR CURL! If you're wanting frizz free hair but want to keep your gorgeous curls, no worries! This is curl friendly. But if you're wanting your hair to be straight this is great for that too! Another awesome perk is that it can actually extend the life of your color! AWESOME! Why do I feel like the Sham Wow guy?

Guys, I realize I sound like an infomercial right now. But I promise, I would not blog about something that I don't like! And I'm just super excited about this product. I am waiting for the lovely Teanna to have some time off work so she can do my hair. I promise to do before and after pictures too. And by after, I mean- air dried after! The REAL test!

If you're just as excited to try this out as I am, give me a call and we can set up an appointment for you to get a treatment done at an amazingly discounted price! I'll be happy to accommodate after hour appointments and/or come to you!

Something Blue

Come visit with me Sunday July 11 from 1-4pm at the newly upgraded Vista West Ranch. I'll be offering up some pretty awesome discounts on my services as well as free consultations/mini trials!

Glory Laurie

Okay, so I couldn't think of a title for this one. I can't always be clever.

Laurie is an out of state bride so I was thrilled when she chose to work with us for her wedding. She was also getting married in Fredericksburg, which is a place I've heard many good things about, but have never actually been to. When I first met Laurie she was warning me that she was super particular about her makeup. I don't know about other makeup artists.. but it definitely scared me! Not that I doubted my work- but lets be honest here. Sometimes you meet people who are super particular and are... challenging. So after the hair trial, Laurie kept warning me about her particular-ness. (I know its not exactly a real word but it stays!) So as I was doing her airbrush makeup she did have feedback, but she was not remotely difficult. I had anxiety the whole time waiting for this difficult bridezilla to come out, and she never did. Laurie was actually pretty awesome.

So then I thought.. Okay she'll be more "particular" on her wedding day. And once again.. My friend Laurie disappointed me. She was super chill and great the whole time. Bummer. ;)

We ended up doing hair and makeup for her and her bridal party as well as on her awesome and equally as gorgeous momma. Loved her! And how amazing are these photos? I stole them from the lovely ladies with Anne Marie Photography. They are Ah-Mazing! For her wedding, Laurie chose a romantic textured low "bun" and airbrush makeup.

Making your conditioner work

Let me start off by saying that I am not a chemist. I don't know exactly which ingredients do what. I do know some are good and some are bad, but if you want me to break down the long list of unpronounceable names on the back of your shampoo/conditioner bottle.. well.. I'll probably be making 95% of it up. So on with the show.
How many of you shampoo your hair, then condition and rinse immediately out with warm water? Whose actually raising their hand? You know I can't see you right? But don't you worry.. I know your out there!
Did you know that you can get pretty decent results even from the cheapest conditioners? By results I don't mean hair repair results, I just me cosmetic results. The better the product the better the ingredients. Although keep in mind, sometimes you're just paying for a brand name. I am aware that not everyone has or wants a thermal heat cap. But if you are ready to invest a little bit on your hair, I would definitely recommend getting one. So for those of you without one here's what you can do.
First- Shampoo
Second- remove as much water from your hair as you can. Do NOT twist your hair or pull at it. You can squeeze up and down the hair shafts but be gentle. Your hair is very stretchy when wet and can break easily.
Third- Once hair is not longer super drippy with water apply your conditioner to the ends and try not to focus too much on the actual scalp. Especially if you have an oily scalp and/or fine limp hair.
Here's where you have several options. You can either wait 5-10 min with your hair up and off your shoulders while the conditioner "processes".
Or you can get a towel and wet it with super hot water (or microwave a wet towel but be careful not to burn yourself) and wrap it around your hair for 10 minutes. This is also the time you would apply your heated cap if you had one.
Now here comes the hard part. Rinse first with a little bit of warm water. Just a little.. Pretty much just re-wet your hair a little. Then turn on that cold water and rinse with as cold of water as you can stand. If you're doing this in the shower it helps to tip your head forward so the cold water isn't hitting you in your birthday suit. Assuming your not showering fully clothed. Okay this can get really creepy really fast. I'm going to move on now.
So really though- that's it. Rinsing your hair with cold water is the Big Secret! Whys that you ask? Well- when you wash your hair with warm water it opens up the hair shaft, and so when apply conditioner and rinse again with warm water, your washing the product right out. If you wash with warm, and then apply the conditioner and then rinse with cold water you're closing the product in with the shaft. So to speak.
Give it a try. I promise you'll notice a difference.

Vendor Shout Out!

I'm going to show some Vendor love every Friday on my blog. Being that I have a lot of vendors that I love.. today I'll be talking about Vista West Ranch. This place is heaven y'all. <--spoken like Paula Dean.

Not only is this place rustic chic, but the owners are great. I've been to many wedding locations and either A. Have never met the owners. B. Never even was able to contact someone to get directions to the brides whereabouts C. The owners were mean (Boo! They wont be featured on here!) or D. All of the above

I have never been to VWR without seeing Cindy or Brian helping set things up and helping out the bridal/wedding family. They recently got new tables and chairs and reupholstered the chairs to be all sorts of miss matched but in an awesome way. The actual establishment is made of aged wood, has a tin roof, and beautifuly stained concrete floors.

I believe their ever so adorable Honeymoon cottege should be opening up soon as well.

Embarrasingly enough- when everyone was talking about their beautiful new beirgarten I always thought they were saying Beer Garden. Like a little nook for people to go hang out and drink beer. I know. I have no excuse for my, whatever it is you want to call it.

VWR also has a great little bridal room with a claw foot tub *drool* and a wonderfully sized vanity area that is perfect for getting ready. I really do just love this place.

So anyway- Check them out. Its a gorgeous drive. And for anyone who books with them be sure to ask me how you can get a discount on my services!

The perfect Red!

I may have finally found THE perfect red lipstick! So far its, been pretty universal and I'm definitely in love!

I recently took a class at MAC and the instructor used this gorgeous red lipstick on one of the models and it was love at first sight. With the lipstick, not the model. I'm not attracted to people who are thinner and prettier than I am. ;) I realize now that, that statement alone could offend all of my friends. But dear friends, please know- I love you, but I'm not attracted to you in that way. Okay, I seriously digress.

So this lipstick (can you tell I'm stalling for dramatic purposes?) with any red lipstick needs a good liner prior to its application. Liner will help your lipstick stay on longer and not bleed. However, anyone who has tried the dramatic red lip look, knows that red lipstick bleeds! So a tip/trick is to use this eyebrow wax made by MAC under the lipstick and liner. I haven't been able to rock out my new love yet for an extended period of time yet because its like some sort of beacon for my son who stares at me entranced and then will reach out and smudge my lipstick. You also have to be ready to rock it out. You have own the red. So if your not feeling it, it wont feel you.

Red lipstick isn't fool proof. One shade off and it can age you, age your teeth, and make you look like a hussy. It also has to be applied flawlessly otherwise it will throw off your whole look and just make you look unkempt.

Another red lipstick tip (or for any dark lipstick) is to take a little liquid foundation or preferably concealor and a small concealor brush and line the outer rim of your lips after you've applied the lipstick. This will help mask any mistakes as well as highlight your lips and give a fuller appearance. And who doesn't want fuller lips? Just ask all the famous chicks who inject the life out of their lips!

Okay so the unveiling of the fantastic lipstick!.. Drum roll please...........Soooo, I don't have any mad blog skills and don't know how to insert a drum roll, or even if you can, so lets just use our imagination.

Back to the point.. Next time youre in a MAC store.. hit up the lovely "Russian Red" lipstick. It is a blueish red lipstick that really is just gorgeous! Their "Cherry Bomb" lip liner works fabulously with it as well!

Dana Day!

FUN.. is the best way to describe this bride and her wedding party. We had such a blast getting these girls ready. Everyone was hilarious and friendly and just great.
Dana (the bride) wanted her hair pulled up into a romantic flowy updo, and natural makeup as well. This girl is so pretty she really didn't need much!

Her bridesmaids also wanted makeup and didn't really have set ideas on what they wanted for hair, so I got to have fun with some updos.

Below are some pictures Dana was great enough to send me.

Her photographer was Anne Marie Photography who are the same folks who did my sisters wedding. (I promise to post pictures soon of that fiesta).

I LOVE their work.. so look below and enjoy.