Lengthy Locks - real, or not...?

You are a bride, planning your wedding. All is falling into place. Except your hair! It won't grow as fast as you'd like, or the hairstyle you absolutely love requires more length or volume than your hair.

So what do you do? It is true that backcombing, jels, and volumizers can add fullness. You can create the "illusion" of length. But maybe you'd like to take it one step more. Why not consider

extensions! And I am talking about the easy ones - the type you simple clip in. Natural hair extensions can be washed, and curled with a sizzling hot curling iron and integrated into your own hair with a few well placed snaps. The cost averages about $200 and comes in a pack of 7 separate extentions. With proper care, they can last forever, and can be used many times after the wedding.

A bride I worked with this August decided she wanted extensions. She is one of the true stunning beauties, but wanted more fullness and length in her bridal style.

The result - breathtaking. When I finished curling her hair, added the extensions, and integrated then together, we all stood back and said, "Wow"! If you would like more information, email me. Her images show the "before" with her own beautiful naturally curly locks, and the "after" with the added extension's.

10 Tips for Wedding Day Makeup & Hair Preparation

Planning your wedding is a full time job. Much of that time is devoted to your bridal makeup and hairstyling. Following these tips could make the journey easier:
1. To avoid disappointment, book your stylist early. I receive confirmed bookings sometimes a year in advance! Brides will email me to request a date 3 to 6 months in advance and are so surprised to learn that date is booked!
2. Eliminate surprise - book a trial run to establish your look as well as develop a rapport with your stylist. And when I say trial, I mean a complete makeup application and hairstyle! I work with a
bride for 2 1/2 hours during a consultation to ensure she is happy.
3. Ensure your skin is in top condition. Makeup will enhance, but hydrated clear skin is the first step. Drink plenty of water, cut back on alcohol, use moisturizer and try to get plenty of rest (hard to do!).
4. If your teeth need a boost, try Crest White Strips or discuss bleaching with your dentist.
5. You can create drama with false lashes, but did you know you now can have lashes applied semi-permanently? This is a great option if your honeymoon includes swimming and sandy beaches.
6. Your hair should be in great shape with the ends trimmed, coloring or streaking done at least 7 to 10 days before the wedding. If dry, be sure to apply deep conditioners, or ask the salon for a silk wrap.
7. Be realistic with your chosen hair style. If your hair in long, silky, fine and does not hold a curl well, you may not be wise in requesting long spiral curls. They won't last through the ceremony! When you have a hair trial provide images so your stylist gets some idea of your true desire. But if your hair just hits the top of your shoulders, don't bother providing images of hair that is 10" longer than yours!
8. If you hair is not as long as you'd like, or it simply won't grow, consider hair extensions. There are so many choices in lengths, styles and colors, and so easy to snap in and work with. Matching with your own hair color is so doable that no one will know it's not yours!
9. Working with a stylist is a collaborative affair. This is a new experience for you, and you may feel unsure. A good makeup artist and hairstylist should ask many questions, listen to your ideas and offer some tips. But remember this is your day. Don't be afraid to speak up and say what you feel. If your stylist in not listening or says no to your ideas and comments, run!
10. Carry a small handbag with you on your wedding day! I am often at weddings where the bride is leaving to get into the limo, and is stashing lip gloss, or tissues, or extra bobby pins in her Dad's suit jacket, or bridesmaids purses. Or worse - a plastic bag from Safeway (yes, this really happened!)
I hope this provides some useful tips for all you busy brides. Email if you would like additional information. I have been doing this for 25 years, and I just may know the answer to your question!

Two hours of Bliss...

As women, we all know how important it is to pamper ourselves. Then why don't we do it more ofter? I try to place myself at the top of my "to do" list, but somehow life gets in the way.
So last week I decided, this is it, I am treating myself to a facial and body massage!
I looked on-line at my local spa and when I read this, I said sign me up!
"Relax and Renew, Includes a deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, extractions, masque and moisturizer followed with a 30 minute Aromatic Body Massage."
Who doesn't want to be renewed? I arrived at 4 pm, was lead to a change room where I doned sandals and a big robe. I was ushered into a room, which immediately shifted my gears to relax mode. It was mysteriously dark, and the flickering candles lulled me into a romantic mood (why do candles do that?).
The skin specailsit asked me to lay face down on the bed, which was warm. I knew I was in heaven...
She began to massage my upper shoulders. I knew then I may have to be scraped off the floor. Conversation was quiet as was the music. She massaged my calf muscles. I rolled over on my back and she began gently massaging and steaming my face. Did she notice I was looking at her with adoring eyes? Then true happiness - she said my complexion was good! All these years of cleansing, masking, toning, moisturizing and suncreen has paid off -Yahoo!
Needless to say, at the end of the two hour session, (yes 2 hours!) I felt like a new woman. And when I got home, my husband said , "boy you look great without one speck of makeup!"
I've already booked my next appointment...

The fine "Art" of Weddings

Karen Lorena Parker is one of Vancouver's most gifted artists. I met her a few years ago when she used my makeup and hair services for her promotional images, and we have since become friends. She paints the most unbelievable pieces, and is represented by galleries all over North America. She recently has been working with Bides to create expressions of their romantic memories. She meets with the bride, hears her story and touching moments of their wedding day, looks at images, and then creates those memories and passion on canvas.
I recently spoke with a mom who wanted to buy something lasting to celebrate her daughter's wedding. Can you imagine what a wonderful gift this would be? Be sure to check Karen's web site and call her to find out more...
The image on the left is the original digital image, and Karen's passionate painting is next to it.

Wedluxe features another bride I worked with!

I had the great pleasure to work with Lindsay, and meet her charming husband Jason this past summer. It is no wonder her wedding is featured in this Winter/Spring 2008 issue of Wedluxe - she is breathtaking. I applied makeup on the bride as well as her mom, and 5 attendants. Lindsay wanted a "Red Carpet" Glam look with rich golds, bronzes, long lashes and pale glossy lips.

They make a great couple. I wish them a life of happiness and good fortune.

Plan a decadent Beverly Hills getaway...

I just got back from a 12 day vacation/ business trip to Palm Desert & Los Angeles. I must admit that I am somewhat intoxicated with all the Hollywood glam. I love shopping in Beverly Hills, enjoy lunch at the Ivy and cocktails at the Polo Lounge. If you want to treat yourself to a fabulous weekend with your hubby, or best gal pal, here's the lowdown..
Plan a 3 night stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel with all it's rich fabulous movie star history. Right now their rates are $335 US per night.
Have brunch at the pool. I recommend the eggs Benedict, best I have ever tasted and only $15. Enjoy lunch or drinks at the infamous Polo Lounge, where I was waiting in line beside none other than Avril Lavigne and her entourage. Shop till you drop in Beverly Hills on Rodeo and Robertson (even just to window shop).
Then really indulge with a hair cut. I was treated to one of the best hair cuts ever at the Ken Paves Salon - only $125. My stylist Larry, was funny, charming (and oh so handsome) and made me feel like a queen for 1 1/2 hours. He just returned from Chicago where he worked on Oprah's show "100 Makeover in 48 hours" (view video at Oprah, showing Larry working with Ken Paves team). As the blinds were being drawn, he whispered that it may get crazy for a while - Lindsay Lohan was due to arrive!

Pool at beverly Hills Hotel... Me with the new do & Larry

across the street from Ken Paves Salon... Lindsay with new do

Makeup so pure you can sleep in it!

I just returned from sunny Los Angeles. Beverly Hills is an exciting shopping area to jump start your fashion sense, and spy celebrities. While there I fine tuned my makeup knowledge, and I do believe I found something fabulous!

If I said I found a foundation that is good for your skin, looks completely natural yet provides coverage, controls shine, has a SPF of 15, is fragrance and chemical free and completely affordable, would you be interested? If so, email me and I'll provide details.The product is not available in Canada. I am certain my clients will love the sheer look and natural feel!

Shopping On Rodeo Drive