Archive for the ‘Wedding Day Make-up’ Category
Real Weddings: Self-Tanner Guide for Wedding Season
Wanting to experiment with some self-tanners to try to get that bronzed and beautiful glow? After sampling multiple formulas that all promise results, we can finally bring you our top self-tanner picks that made the cut (yeah, we know…it was a tough editorial assignment!). These are also recommended and work for nearly every skin type. Just don’t forget to exfoliate beforehand!
The product: St. Tropez Bronzing Gel; $35.00 for 5 oz.
The grade: A-
My experience: This easy-to-apply gel gave a perfect, streak-free and gorgeous tan for nearly six days (it began fading after four). The application was relatively easy – one of the best things about St. Tropez self-tanners (check out their Bronzing Mousse if you like the gel!) is that no matter how streaky they look after application; they rinse off to reveal a perfect even tan. When applying the gel, use their foam Applicator Mitt ($6.00; sttropeztan.com) to ensure the product blends into the skin evenly without staining hands. Since the color-guard dries dark, apply the tanner at night before bed (the color needs a good four to eight hours to develop) and wash the excess off in the morning to reveal your perfect color – or, leave it on for four hours during the day and rinse off for more of a “glowing from within” look. The tan faded very naturally, and by day seven it was gone. Remember to keep your skin moisturized to prolong your tan and keep your skin from looking “patchy.”
Great for: Vacations; dark and light skin tones
Where to buy: Sephora, 1125 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-772-8800; or at sttropeztan.com
The product: Bare Escentuals Faux Tan; $22.00 for 4.5 oz.
The grade: A
My experience: This easy to blend and natural tan looked beautiful on fair skin. The color only barely develops darker than the tan, so it’s great for putting on right before an event or night out. The dry-time was very quick and even though I rushed to put clothes on, my white shirt was surprisingly un-stained after a long night out. The beachy, coconut scent is to die for – and no self-tanner smell! The final color was a gorgeous light brown. The tan began to fade on the fifth day, and by the sixth into the seventh day it was gone. For continued use, reapply on day five. If you want to gradually build the color for a darker tan, apply every three days.
Great for: Applying before events and parties; dark and light skin tones; coconut lovers
Where to buy: Bare Escentuals, 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-782-3111; or at bareescentuals.com
The product: Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe; $56.00 for 8 oz.
The grade: B+
My experience: The first thing that we noticed about this self-tanner was the heavenly smell – it has a rich and creamy caramel aroma. The color blended well, especially when used with Xen-Tan’s helpful Hard to Reach Back Applicator ($18.00) on trouble spots. The color was a little orange-y while applying, but developed into a very nice golden brown tan, and looked very natural once the color guard is rinsed off. The color does dry very streaky, so apply before bed and rinse off in the morning. The color faded naturally, and didn’t even begin fading until day 10. For continued use, reapply after 10 to 12 days – sooner if exfoliating regularly.
Great for: Vacations; long honeymoons; dark and light skin tones
Where to buy: ULTA locations; 2381 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-984-8010; 1232 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-780-1117; or at xen-tan.com
The product: Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Mousse; $30.00 for 4 oz.
The grade: B+
My experience: Although the application was fairly difficult (the foam expands quite a bit and the nozzle will spray tiny particles everywhere that will stain your flooring if you aren’t careful to point the tip downward) the resulting tan was light and natural looking – great for fair skin tones. It is recommended to build the color every day until you reach your desired tan level – even if you’re light skinned. The tanner took quite awhile to dry, and it left a film on the skin while sleeping (unfortunately it did transfer onto my sheets). However, the developed color was unbelievably beautiful, and after a quick rinse-off it looked far more natural than any of the other tanners. You can use this product during the day or before going out – the color guard does develop dark, but the resulting tan is so light that many might prefer the color guard to the actual tan. This tanner faded better than any of the others, with almost no exfoliation required, and lasted about five days.
Great for: Fair skin tones; those looking for an extremely natural tan
Where to buy: ULTA locations; 2381 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-984-8010; 1232 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-780-1117; or at fakebake.com
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine Contributor Danielle Enns.
Photos courtesy of St. Tropez, Bare Escentuals, Xen-Tan and Fake Bake.
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Real Weddings: Blogs We Like… Hello Glam
Howdy, gorgeous Real Weddings Brides. Every bride knows you can’t work a great gown without equally amazing hair and makeup. Enter Hello Glam…one of our new favorite blogs for all things beauty.
Edited by Renee (hair) and Leiani (makeup), this handy blog is filled with pretty shots of brides all dolled up for their walk down the aisle. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect eyes, lips and hair, or tips on how to look your best for your big day, we highly suggest you comb through their pages for plenty of inspiring ideas!
Check them out at here!
Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photo courtesy of Hello Glam.
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Real Weddings Partner Profiles: Makeup By Jenifer Haupt
Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!
This week we highlight the beautiful Jen Haupt from Makeup By Jenifer Haupt! We go way back with Jen, she’s been “making beautiful” (which is Jen’s motto) with our Real Weddings Magazine’s Cover Model Finalists since day one! In fact, her bride, Lindsay Soldati recently won the Summer 2011 cover of Real Weddings Magazine! We love Jen’s bubbly personality, contagious positivity and, of course, she is one kick-ass stylist! Take it away Jen!
Makeup By Jenifer Haupt
Tell us a little about your company? I am a Certified Makeup Artist and specialize in bridal make-up and hair.
When did you establish your business? I have a new studio set up in Midtown. But, not new to the industry of course.
What sets you apart from your competition? I LOVE what I do. You can see the passion I have.
Where do you find inspiration? Make-up comes natural to me. I am constantly looking at the current trends in magazines and online and take classes when I can.
When you opened shop, what was your promise to your customers? A flawless look you will love.
Do you have any hidden talents? I am a mini Martha Stewart. I can do anything crafty including baking.
What trend do you see coming for weddings in the next year? Right now for 2011 the romantic feel is big, but I think that brides are starting to want some color. A splash of color for the bride will start to become a trend. A colorful flower in the hair, color on the dress, or a splash of color for the makeup.
Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site? Yes! I just started and I have so much to say about wedding make-up. Click here for Jen’s Blog.
Do you Facebook? YES…. I am a Facebook fool. Click here for Jen’s Facebook page.
Photo by Jacqueline Photography. Shot on location at Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa. Make-up by Jenifer Haupt. Please see Summer/Fall 2011 issue for additional credit details.
Photo by Jacqueline Photography.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Bj’s Brewery (love their Hefeweizen beer)…
What’s your favorite local charity? Loaves and Fishes. We have so many homeless people in the Sacramento area.
What is your favorite fun thing to do locally? Farmers’ Markets when I get the chance. I love to buy fresh local produce and flowers.
Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it? Cheesecake. I never turn it down.
What are you most grateful for in life? My Husband!!! He treats me like a princess.
If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what elements would be most important to you? I want a re-do with my flowers, cake and DJ.
What advice would you can give to brides and grooms getting married today? Take a moment to enjoy at your wedding because the day goes by SO FAST… pictures are worth a thousand words and memories.
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s brides? I not only love what I do, I do what I love…
Find out more about Makeup By Jenifer Haupt by visiting her Web site, blog and Facebook Page!
Photos courtesy of Jenifer Haupt.
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Girl Tested, Bride Approved: Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol Eye Lashes
Every girl loves a good bachelorette party. Could it be because we get to ditch our sweet, innocent and responsible selves for a daring alter-ego? Even for just one night?
The best thing about having an alter-ego is not just playing the part, but looking the part! I mean, come on, we all love getting dressed up! And, with any fashion statement, the look must be fine-tuned with complementary styling in the hair and make-up department!
If you’re looking for that one item to complete your alter-ego façade, the “icing-on-cake,” then check out the creative and outrageous faux eyelashes from Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol.
Whatever your alter-ego may be, Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol has just the right eyelashes to polish off any look.
Playing that sweet, angelic, porcelain character? Then check out the darling tear-drop “Chinadoll” lash.
What about the super hot, scandalous, head-turning type? For that added shock value, you just got to have the feathered, hot pink “Pompadour” lash.
These unique lashes apply the same as any other traditional faux eyelashes and can be applied with any lash glue. It’s that easy!
Not feeling very adventurous? Don’t worry Real Weddings brides; Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol has got you covered with beautiful, natural, individual false lashes for your big day as well.
The Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol Eye Lashes are available in sets (Lash Patrol Faux Lashes; $12) and as individuals (Lash Patrol Individuals; $9).
Fun, sweet, sexy or cute – find the lash to suite your mood at NapoleonPerdis.com.
Blog Post by Aimee Carroll, resident Girl Tested, Bride Approved Columnist.
Photos courtesy of Napoleon Perdis Lash Patrol.
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Girl Tested, Bride Approved: neuLash active eyelash technology
Want the secret to instant glam? Throw on a set of lashes and watch your look go from drab to fab in seconds.
But who loves applying those suckers? Between the sticky glue, the required precision application and lets face it, the un-natural look, most of us just decide to avoid false lashes.
NeuLash active eyelash technology has developed an incredible product that when applied nightly, strengthens and lengthens your natural lashes. There’s absolutely no prescription necessary and better yet, no embarrassing globs of glue hanging off of your lashes. Plus, it’s so easy to use!
I tried neuLash active eyelash technology after eyelash extensions had wiped out some of my lashes, leaving them looking bare and thin. After just a couple weeks, I could totally tell a difference! Not only did my lashes grow back, they grew back looking better than ever. My boss asked me if I had gotten lash extensions again. I had to clue her in on our little secret… neuLash active eyelash technology!
I even used neuLash active eyelash technology on my eyebrows. I had been trying to grow out a couple small patches for almost a year. These patches didn’t fill in until I started applying neuLash active eyelash technology every night.
Check out these amazing before and after photos:
Maria before neuLash active eyelash technology
Maria after neuLash active eyelash technology
Stephanie before neuLash active eyelash technology
Stephanie after neuLash active eyelash technology
I’m in love with this product and have added it to my must-have beauty list.
For natural, lush and glamorous lashes, check out www.neulash.com
Blog Post by Aimee Carroll, resident Girl Tested, Bride Approved Columnist.
Photos courtesy of neuLash active eyelash technology






























