DBJ's Premiere at Premiere Orlando!

Jules and I had the honor of working Premiere, the biggest International beauty event! We were honored when Keratin Complex, a company that has proven its worth in just five short years, asked us to do makeup for their models. These ultra-talented stylists and representatives of the brand divided the models into three groups: redheads, blondes, and holograms. Each color was more exciting than the last, and as soon as I decided on a favorite, another one would sit in my chair and blow me away!

Backstage was a whirlwind of scissors flying, color processing, and irons steaming, not to mention our part in the behind the scenes buzz, creating flawless skin with dramatic eyes and the on-trend lip color this season, Black Dahlia by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. (We were so excited to hear at James Vincent's class that our recent attraction to Black Dahlia is completely justified by what is en vogue this year.)

 

We lost count of the models we applied makeup on, but our estimate is that it was between 15 and 20 each of the two days. We weren't alone though, because we really put our husbands, who are cross-trained to be assistants when an actual makeup artist isn't available, to the test. They made us so proud and grateful, cleaning used brushes as soon as they hit the table and reminding us in our hurry and focus to eat and stay hydrated. Their help made the day go much smoother.

We had a moment to watch a piece of Keratin Complex's show, but the icing on the cake was hearing from a couple of stylists that their show was the best on the floor. We are so excited to have been a part of something that made such an impact on beauty professionals around the country, and at the end of the day, this is just part of the reason why we LOVE what we do!

XOXO,

Jess

Skin Care, Gangnam Style!

Anyonghaseo, dolls!

With the rise in popularity of K-Pop artists such as Psy (lest we forget the musical gem, Gangnam Style), South Korea and its pop culture norms are, in my opinion, becoming the newest craze on the American scene.  For those who are unfamiliar with the South Korean pop culture scene and beauty norms, here are a few points to know:

Skin is in – very pale, very firm skin is a beauty must-have; making popular skin treatments such as spa facials, firming masks/creams, anti-aging products and even skin bleaching.

Nip/Tuck – Unlike the plastic surgery common in the US, Korean plastic surgery focuses primarily on the face.  And yes, all the cool kids are doing it.  According to a blog post by Amy of Fashion’s A Stranger, “Estimates range that 50-75% of South Korean women in their 20s have undergone some form of cosmetic surgery”.   The most common types plastic surgery include eyelid surgery to achieve the more desirable Western round eye and double eyelid, and jaw reduction surgery.

Don’t forget the boys - Flower Boys, or Kkotminam as they are known in Korean, are men whose focus on beauty, skin care and fashion rival even the girliest of girls.  Some of the biggest male pop stars in Korea are no stranger to makeup, wild hairstyles, and spa days.  Mind you, this is not a commentary on their sexual orientation, but common practice among most Korean men in their twenties and thirties.  ABCNews.com just produced an expose regarding this exact phenomena ---> South Korean Men Cosmetics-Crazed

Check out this K-Pop inspired shoot I did last year entitled “Top Class”…

Knowing my love for all things beauty, my dear friend (and seasoned world traveler) picked up a few facial masks for me to try out on her trip to South Korea earlier this year.  Naturally, I could not wait to give them a try!

Upon opening the packaging, I was shocked to find cloth mask sheet that resembled a cross between my childhood nightmare Jason and a Mexican luchador.  To the best of my ability, I applied the dripping wet mask to my face and let the healing mixture marinate on my skin for 15 minutes.  Within moments, I could feel a gentile tingle telling me that the mask was working.

As difficult as it is to look cute while the mask is on, the end result is totally worth it.  Of the two masks, my favorite was the Royal Jelly.  With its essence of honey, grapefruit and peach leaf extract, it left my skin feeling hydrated, refreshed and smelling delicious!  I will definitely be shopping the pages of Amazon.com to try more of these unique Korean exports and hope that you will too!

Until next time dolls, Keep Calm and Gangnam Style On!

(Thanks for the shirt, Jess!)

XO,

Melissa

All That Glitters...

Hello Dolls!

The time has come for me to share with you may all-time, favorite, can't-live-without-it eye shadow...  "All That Glitters" is one of the first eyeshadows I ever bought from MAC (too many years ago) and remains a staple in my makeup bag to this day!  Out of all of the eyeshadows I own, "All That Glitters" is the one that gets replaced most often because I can honestly say that I wear it every single day.  As a matter of fact, I am scraping the edges of my current pan - it may be time to go shopping.

 

"All That Glitters" has been a member of MAC's permanent collection for years, and with good reason!  Despite the name, "All that Glitters" the shadow neither glittery, nor is it truly gold.  With its soft shimmery pearl texture, "All That Glitters" has more of a champagne, pinky-bronze finish. The incredible versatility of this product is what keeps me coming back for more.  Worn alone, it brings a subtle brightness to the eye that is great for a daytime look and is especially workplace-friendly.  Sweep "All That Glitters over your entire lid, add some eyeliner and mascara and you are golden!  

 

This shadow also plays well with others.  Because of its smooth, bendable finish and it's ability to pull a variety of different colors, "All That Glitters" works great as a base for more dramatic looks.  I have never meet a color that it doesn't look great with, so consider using it in a supporting role with your favorite brown, purple, bronze, taupe and peach shadows.  Even black can't dull the shine of this beauty.  When rocking a dramatic smoky eye, place a bit of "All That Glitters" on the peak of your lid for an extra pop of shimmer.  Or use a wet liner brush to create a shimmer eyeliner! 

 

When used as a highlight,"All That Glitters" brings a brightness and life back to the skin without spending the big bucks at the spa.  Placing some of this gorgeous shadow near your tear ducts makes you look well rested as though you have had 8 hours of sleep, applying some to the peak of your brow brings gives the appearance of a brow lift, and when worn on your cheek bone it makes your skin look fresh and moisturized.  Applied to the cupid's bow of your lips (where your lips come together under your nose) helps to make your lips look fuller.  Is there anything this baby can't do?!

No matter your age or skin tone this gorgeous shadow will work for you.  So RUN (don't walk!) to your closest MAC retailer and pick up a pan of your own "All That Glitters" eye shadow.  Tell them Melissa sent you...

Sending you lots of makeup love,

Melissa xox

Are You There, Fairy Godmother? It’s Me, Ella.

When my phone chirped that evening, I had no idea that inside of a Facebook message would be a request that would ensure I would live my childhood career goal.  What might that be?  Why to be a real live princess, of course!

A little bit of back story on this one:  I was so convinced I was royalty when I was a child that the only punishment my parents could use productively was banning me from wearing a dress that day.  Just the threat of putting me in a pair of pants would scare me straight.  Bring on the pink, the ruffles, the piles of (costume) jewelry.  I was determined to charm my way into becoming the first American princess, complete with a sweet little sister forced into the role of Prince Charming, and it didn’t matter how many twirls, curtsies, and spontaneous bursts of song it would take.

The dress was provided, so all that was left for me to do was my makeup.  Well, I happen to have made a career of that, so bring it on!  The transformation was pretty in line with the Cinderella movie, since I happened to have spent the morning cleaning in rags.  Ok, sweats.  I was cleaning in sweats... that I love.  But for the sake of dramatization, I was in 21^st century, Victoria’s Secret Pink rags.  So sad, poor me.  Come on, I was getting into character.  ;) 

I pulled out the big guns in my makeup kit, including a full face of heavy foundation to create a two dimensional cartoon-esque face, and used one of my favorite nude eyeshadow bases, Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray primer.  My brows were rounded out with pencil and brow powder according to the shape of Cinderella’s movie brows, and I lined my water line with a white pencil to further exaggerate the cartoon effect.  A dramatic black liquid liner on the top and outer corner of the bottom, followed by copious amounts of mascara and a peach lip with a slightly darker lip liner:  BIPPETY BOPPETY BOO!  A ballroom-ready Cinderella stood before me in the mirror.

The party really was one of the coolest experiences ever!  I read the Cinderella story to a group of girls all dressed like each of the Disney princesses themselves, and signed a copy of a book for each of them as Cinderella.  Halleigh, the birthday princess, did not stop smiling the entire time.  Who am I kidding?  My cheeks were sore that evening from smiling so much.  It probably made my day more than theirs!  I have to admit, I was a little heartbroken when a couple days later they wanted the dress back, but I probably needed to take it off anyway.

XOXO,

Princess Jessica

A Fashionista Bride

I would love to take this opportunity to personally introduce you to Lindsey Hopkins.  I had the absolute priviledge of getting to know fashion designer and bride-to-be during her wedding week.  Lindsey married her MIDDLE SCHOOL sweetheart, that's right- 8 grade folks!  She is currently designing for brands carried at Target, but most importantly her own line called Lindsey Hopkins Collection.  

This beautiful blonde with bright blue eyes came to our studio complete with a great spirit and mood board of her makeup inspirations. Typically brides don't have such a clear idea of what they want to look like, so I was thrilled to have photos of her dream makeup. We collaborated on the details and designed the look for her bridesmaids. Besides being talented, Lindsey is really funny and easy to be around.  I know it's been a good trial when my mascara is smudged from laughing so hard! On the morning of Lindsey's wedding Makeup Artist, Jessica, joined me to assist me in providing special care for her friends and family.  The morning and afternoon came fast but a sweet group of ladies remained feeling and looking fabulous.  

Lindsey, I'm sure you had an amazing wedding and reception!  Wishing you the very best time in Thailand and we can't wait to see your photos. Congratulations on all the success that will continue to follow you on your amazing journey.  You have big fans in Savannah!

Sincerely, Jules