BlushPretty: Make-up Artistry Weblog

Studio News: Get Social!

Banner by John Paul Gomez
Make-up by BlushPretty

Check out BlushPretty Connects!!  A new way to get social ...

BlushPrettyConnects (www.blushprettyconnects.ning.com) is our new social network for those who love beauty!   The site is currently up and running and by January 2009, bp plans to have it updated daily with quick tidbits on tips, trends and news.  You can create a profile, share your own beauty tips (and secrets if you wish), plus participate in forums with your fellow beauty addicts.  And don't forget about GIVEAWAYS.  BP loves a good giveaway!!  Become a member at BlushPretty Connects and be eligible to participate in beauty contests and special events on a monthly basis.

You can also purchase tickets for our special event Beauty Nights - which come complete with food, drink, and shopping (food, shopping, and beauty - it goes hand in hand).  A couple of events we are looking forward to:

SPECIAL EVENT: BlushPretty Beauties 2008 Celebration Night, April 23, 2009 6:00 to 10:00
A special way to celebrate all the brides and clients that supported us in 2008! A night of cocktails, h'or d'ouerves, and a special 60 minute workshop! Invites will be sent out to clients in early 2009.

WORKSHOP: Glam Gal, May 21, 2009 6:30 to 8:30
Love using lipstick or have a penchant for smokey eyes? Sure you do - but if you aren't sure how to achieve the look, this workshop is perfect for you. We'll show you how to use lipstick, eyeshadow and blush all at once without going overboard.

SPECIAL EVENT: Girls Night - Pretty City, June 4, 2009, 6:00 to 10:00
Join us for a fun Girls Night Out!  H'or d'ouerves, cocktails, shopping and a beauty demo - what more could a girl ask for! We'll be showing you how to take a look from Day-to-Night, and then you and your girlfriends can try it on each other!

As a member of BlushPrettyConnects  you automatically receive 10% off registration fees.  For more information on our events and workshops, to receive a registration form, or to purchase a ticket for an event, please send an email to beautymail@blushpretty.com or call us at 416-727-1754.

It doesn't end here ... there are other ways for you to get social with BlushPretty: follow bp on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BlushPretty or subscribe to our newsletter by sending your email or snail mail address to subscribe@blushpretty.com.  There are so many ways to get your daily dose of beauty!

SO WHAT'S OUR GIVEAWAY FOR DECEMBER, YOU ASK??  Join BlushPretty Connects by December 24, 2008 and be eligible to win a Sunsilk Gift Set!  The winner will be announced on December 25, 2008!  

Looking forward to getting social wtih you ...  :)

-bp-

Studio News: We got a Makeover!

Photo by Gabriel Daga
Make-up and Hair by BlushPretty
Model: Jennifer Lopez

We have a new look ... though, it's a little subtle, isn't it?!?

A makeover doesn't necessarily mean drastic change like transforming yourself from being a brunette to a platinum blonde - we only think like that because drastic makeovers are much more fun. Here, at BlushPretty, we like the way we look - we just needed a bit of maintenance, hence the makeover.  We wanted to make the website a bit easier on the eyes ... and a bit easier for you to find the important information you might be looking for.

We still have all the fun stuff you love to read - like the "The Top Five ...", "Have you tried ...", and "Did you know ...".  They have switched over to the left sidebar ... see?!??!

On the right sidebar, we make shopping easier for you by linking to some of our favourite products.  (Also, if you're a beauty or fashion service and you want to advertise with BlushPretty - this is where you'd be located as well.  Send us an email for more information!)

Now, what if you wanted to know about our Services or Rates?  Or wanted to learn more about our new social network, BlushPrettyConnects? Or maybe, you just wanted to find out a little more about me ... (i'm blushing) ... well, check out our new Navigation Bar located right underneath our pretty banner.  Isn't it perfect?
Each heading will link you to information such as subscribing to our newsletter, signing up for workshop or events, or finding other freelancers, artists, and designers that we love working with!  Most importantly, hit "Contact Us" and find out the best way to contact me for appointments, photoshoots, or a little bit of advice.

Hope you like the new look ... I like to think of the navigation bar as freshly cut bangs that frame the rest of the face!! (Instant makeover ...)

Thanks for visiting!!

-bp-

fresh. beautiful. Fridays: October 3, 2008

Photo by Eye Contact 
Make-up and Hair by
BlushPretty
Models: Kelly (one of my September Brides) and Dylan

This pretty picture is from their engagement photoshoot
in July ... aren't they an absolutely gorgeous couple ...

It's true what "they" say, (and by they I mean those people who give advice on talk shows and magazines), that when it comes to skin care and make-up there are items you should never skimp on - foundation that matches your real skin tone, the lipstick colour that you always receive tonnes of compliments on, or a great set of make-up brushes to apply your make-up seamlessly and that will last a lifetime.  I agree - definitely pony up the bucks for the stuff that makes you look great and feel good (and prevents you from breaking out).

However, once in awhile, you find a gem of a product that may have cost you less than $10 dollars (Maybelline Great Lash) or even $5 dollars (Bonne Bell Lip Smackers) ... but what if I shared with you something that I know for a fact you could get for $2.46??  And not just one item - but items for your lips, cheeks, eyes, and face??  And what about something you could get for $1 that cures a shiny face in one swipe? 

Well, even if you don't believe me - I will share it with you anyway ... here is your shopping list for the weekend!

Indulge in Beauty Pressed Shimmer Bronzer in Golden Glamour.  This little compact is three shades of beautiful bronze for $2.46 at your local Wal-Mart. For the beautiful Kelly (pictured above), I used this bronzer on her wedding day - not as a bronzer for the face, but as the base shadows for her eyes.  The product glided on smoothly, with the perfect hint of bronze.  I was so impressed with the application - it was worth the buy and I'm stocking up!

Indulge in Beauty Eyeliner and Mascara.  If you don't wear black eyeliner or mascara often, but want some for a special night out, you don't have to spend big bucks for something you might try once and never wear again.  It comes in the tiniest of forms which is perfect for touch-ups and can fit into the smallest of evening bags (and if on the flipside, mascara and eyeliner is your favourite products in the world, this product is also a great alternative to carrying your full size mascara or pencil in your make-up kit). Available at Wal-Mart, it also comes in brown.  Here's the kicker: they come together - the mascara and pencil for $2.46.  I'm serious!!

e.l.f. Cosmetics Shine Eraser. I love blotting papers.  They are quick and easy and do the trick.  They are the ultimate disposable tool and now they don't have to cost me a good chunk of change.  Pick up Shine Eraser from e.l.f. Cosmetics.  They are $1 dollar.  And no - not per sheet - but $1 per package of 50 sheets.  Can you say "duh"?  And take a look at the whole website (www.eyeslipsface.com) for other beauty buys at $1.  We like their All Over Color Stick in Lilac Petal (for highlight) and Pink Lemonade (for colour).  Again - just $1!!!

Happy Bargains!

-bp-

Beauty Notes:

Our October/November 2008 newsletter, BlushPretty on Paper, is in circulation.  To receive our newsletter, please send an email to subscribe@blushpretty.com with your e-mail or mailing address (whichever you prefer).  We will send it out to you within 24 hours!

fresh. beautiful. Fridays: September 5, 2008

Photo by Rhommel B.
Make-up and Hair by BlushPretty
Model: Elle

Get Fresh. Get Beautiful.

It's the weekend. No work.  No school. Time to focus on you.  Here are a couple of products to try.

Clinique's Almost Make-up. Okay, so here at bp we endorse tinted moisturizer ... ALOT ... but when you need a little bit more coverage, try this "nearly/sorta/kinda" foundation from the skin experts at Clinique.  With its sheer coverage and smooth application, this is the next best thing to a tinted moisturizer because its just as lightweight and easy to apply.  It also gets bonus points for being waterproof and having an SPF of 15. (With bp, anything with SPF gets at least 2 bonus points).

Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips.  I've tried it, my better half has tried it, my friends have tried it.  And we all agree -  out teeth look that much better and brighter.  Easy to use and easy to apply, these strips really do dissolve without the drooling and spit - its mess free.  It has a mild taste (not as minty as we thought) that isn't unpleasant and bearable.  The average dissolve time amongst my circle of friends is approximately 10 minutes, but it will vary per person.  Want to try a free sample?  Of course you do! So here's a link -  www.listerinewhitening.ca/refreshinglyfree - and don't forget to tell me what you think!

Salon Selectives Stay Put Hairspray.  Think Aquanet, but with a pleasant scent.  Bride after Bride.  Updo after Updo.  This is what I use to set those cowlicks, frizzies, and baby hairs in place. I call it my "freeze" spray even though the hairdo still looks touchable.  The trick to making your hair stay in place without cementing it down?  Hold the can as far as possible and mist the hair - don't attack it from 1 cm away.   And if it is pesky  baby hairs that you want to have lie flat against your scalp - spray a bit in your hand and push the hair in place.

Every friday (or maybe every other Friday) I'll try to write up a post that will introduce you to some products to experiment with. And you should try something new and treat yourself.  Just because it's Friday.

-bp-

Beauty Notes:

Wondering how I did Elle's hair?  I curled it ... with a straightener!  My brand new, (kinda) hot pink WIGO Ceramic and Tourmaline Hair Straightener.  I took small sections of her hair, clamped it, did a quarter turn and slid the iron down the length of her hair - just like curling ribbon on a gift.  I sprayed it with some Stay Put, and combed it out with my fingers.

2009 BRIDES!   Don't forget, book with BlushPretty prior to October 31, 2008 and secure our services at 2008 rates (see services and rates page for a list of 2008 rates).  Our rates and fee structure will be changing for 2009, so send us an email now to book your wedding day!

Have you sent us your worst hair day story?  No?  But you have to!!  Our hair giveaway ends on September 8, 2008.  Send your stories to beautymail@blushpretty.com.

Have you subscribed to our bi-monthly newsletter yet?  If not, our October one is just around the corner from being sent out.  Subscribe now to receive our BlushPretty on Paper newsletter either by email or post.  Send your information to subscribe@blushpretty.com.

And the Winner is ...

Photo by Jocelyn Lopez
Hair and Make-up by BlushPretty
Models: Cailin and Elise

Thanks to everyone who joined our Facebook Group or subscribed to our BlushPretty on Paper newsletter.  Your support of BlushPretty is important to us!

Those of you who joined or subscribed before 11:00 p.m. on August 1, 2008 were automatically entered into our free giveaway!

The lucky winner: Janice L. (a member of our Facebook Group).

Please visit back soon for details on our September "Back to Work, Back to School, Back to Reality" contest.

-bp-