Minimal Makeup vs. Natural Makeup

I often have the conversation of minimal makeup versus natural makeup. When I work with ladies who do not wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis, this is especially important. Let me explain...

Minimal Makeup is simple and fast. Minimal Makeup is most likely what you wear for light enhancing or for a quick pick-me-up. It doesn't have to be natural, it can actually be quite dramatic. An example of minimal and natural makeup is tinted moisturizer, blush or bronzer, mascara and a soft lip color. This will take you just a few short minutes. Or you could apply a full coverage foundation, setting powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara and a bold lip color, a total of 6 products, to create a dramatic look in about 5 minutes. 

Natural Makeup is meant to enhance natural beauty. It is choosing shades and textures that enhance your eye color, complexion products applied to look flawless but feel and look like your skin. It can be a bronzer that simply adds a touch of warmth, like a kiss from the sun...not a week in the tropics. Tricks like using lip liner and lipstick along with a lip gloss can ultimately make for a natural look that maximizes and enhances your lips and smile. 

One reason understanding this is so very important with bridal makeup is the overall wear of your look. Taking the time to properly prep your skin and layer the right products are key to your makeup staying in place throughout your big day. For your wedding day, if you want a natural look it is not a minimal makeup look. I believe in wearing a look, whether natural or dramatic that is enhancing to your natural and unique beauty and style on your wedding day. 

10 Foods for a Wedding Day Glow

As a bridal makeup artist, my goal is to enhance each of my bride's natural beauty and joyful glow on her wedding day. Of course there are many tricks and techniques with makeup and day-of skin prep that I am able to use for a glowing complexion. There are also many skin care tips I share along the way to prepare for skin that is in it's best condition. In addition, there are several healthy practices to enhance this beautiful, bridal glow. Here is my pick of top 10 foods to eat for a healthy, wedding day glow...

1) TOMATOES

Tomatoes help boost collagen, are rich in Vitamin A, C and K as well as lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant. 

2) GREEN TEA

Green Tea is loaded with polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants. Drinking green tea regularly is also known to help reverse sun damage. Be sure not to limit consumption, it also contains caffeine which can ultimately dehydrate your skin. 

3) BERRIES

Berries are rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Anthrocyanin, an anti-oxidant that helps fight damage from free radicals and ellagic acid, which helps protect from sun damage and promotes collagen and elasticity are both present in berries. They also contain essential fatty acids which improve skin's hydration and reduce inflammation. 

4) AVOCADOS

Avocados are a great source of carotenoids which improve density, thickness, tone and overall general appearance. They also contain vitamins C and E and oleic acid which helps keep skin soft and hydrated. 

5) CARROTS

Carrots have vitamin C which helps plumpness and firmness of the skin. They are rich in beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A and helps with blemishes, pigmentation and oiliness.   

6) LEAFY GREENS

Leafy Greens such as kale and swiss chard are high in beta-carotene, helping to repair and renew skin for a healthy glow. Arugula also contains sulfur which supports collagen production. Spinach is also high in folate which helps with DNA repair. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamins A and C.

7) EGGS 

Eggs help to soften, firm and hydrate your skin. They help to protect skin from UV damage with lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs have amino acids that help in generation of new cells. 

8) ALMONDS

Almonds help to hydrate and soften the skin. They are high in vitamin E which helps prevent cell damage as well as damage from the sun. 

9) CITRUS FRUITS

Citrus Fruits help with sun spots, uneven skin tone and enhancing a radiant glow while rejuvenating your skin from within. These fruits are high in vitamin C and contain vitamin B6, folate, potassium, lycopene, niacin, magnesium, thiamin and phytonutrients. 

 10) PEPPERS

Peppers are high in vitamins A, C and K. They help with blood circulation and fighting blemishes as well as fighting oxidative stress. 

These 10 foods are just a starting point for a healthy glow for all of us, not just a bride. It is incredible what a healthy, clean and well-balanced diet can do for our overall health and well-being. Have fun and be creative with your food, it's truly one of life's simple pleasures.

How to Prep for Your Spray Tan

Whether getting a spray tan or applying self tanner yourself at home, these tips will help prepare you for a longer lasting, more even tan.

Before Your Tan

• For hair removal, shave the day before and wax 48 hours prior to your tan.

• The previous night, apply a body moisturizer all over my maximum hydration.

• Exfoliate to remove any dead skin for a more even color.

• Be sure to have completely clean skin, no perfumes, deodorant, makeup or lotions.

• Apply lip balm to prevent color to lips.

• Schedule your manicure or pedicure before your tanning session.

After Your Tan

• Wear loose fitting, dark clothes.

• Do not get wet or sweaty. Sorry, no swimming or gym time until after you've showered.

• Allow your tan to develop as directed. It is not recommended to exceed the time instructed.

• Use daily moisturizer or a tan extender lotion for a longer lasting tan.

• Avoid harsh soaps and body scrubs.

• After showering, pat dry with your towel.

Happy Safe Tanning!