Thanks to BRIAN SACULLES for yet another fantastic shoot!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Me + Brian + R2K = One sexy shoot
As always, I'm a couple months behind in posting. This bad-ass new studio in the arts district of Las Vegas (yup, we have one, and your damn right they serve alcohol) had just opened up and what a juicy piece of space to sink our teeth into. Brian, the uber cool photographer and my brother-from-another-mother discovered it, coerced a couple hot models into showing up, tracked me down, and got a killer wardrobe. What we ended up with was raw, sexy, and undeniably one of The. Best. Shoots. Ever. Polaroid never had it so good.
Thanks to BRIAN SACULLES for yet another fantastic shoot!
Thanks to BRIAN SACULLES for yet another fantastic shoot!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Beauty: You are what you read.
I'm a known avid reader. My idea of a hot date night would probably involve Borders. I get my hands on anything I can, except I've never been able to make it thru an entire Forbes magazine.
A couple years ago at an industry convention, I signed up for this 10 magazines a month deal for dirt cheap, something like 20 bucks a month. It had all the goodies in there... Vogue, Glamour, Allure, and more. Add in a few more gift subscriptions and I was getting 14 magazines a month. If I had all the time to read those, I would have been unemployed.
I got the magazines to educate myself and stay on top of trends. For me, it's actually a tax write off because it's considered research, and rightfully so. Where else should I get hair and makeup ideas, beauty tips and tricks, other than a monthly magazine devoted to exactly such topics? Seemed like a good idea at the time.
After a few months of getting these amazing vessels of information, I was starting to notice a trend. If these magazines are designed to target women like me, then the people who run them must think I'm overweight and desperate to improve my sex life. Oh, and that my vagina and breasts rotate months for having issues.
It seems like every single month, there's 99 new ways to turn him on, or ground-breaking research of our feminine parts, or new no-fail diet plans. There's a whole slew of people whose careers are devoted to finding out what we women want to read about. With all due respect to them, I only have so many orifice's and therefore I doubt there really are hundreds of new things to do with them every year.
And of course, there's some editorial spreads stuck here and there that tell us all about OPI's new seasonal nail color, and the hot lipstick now. I can get behind that, and usually end up going thru the mag at lighting speed ripping out the precious few articles to do with beauty. These tear sheets then lay scattered across the table till I realize that if I took the time to read them, I wouldn't have time to read the other things I find important and then into the compost bin they go.
I hate to say it, but I'm knocking the beauty mags. While there may be pearls of wisdom hidden between the condom expertise and the vagina monologues, digging thru to find the diamond in the rough has become a chore. And, what's more, if I had more time to waste reading about the latest fad food system I might actually do it. Thankfully, I am lucky enough to be kept busy with work and by default don't buy into half the crap that ends up in my mailbox. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the dishing out of sex advice. Women have fought long and hard (pun intended) for the right to display their sex knowledge in bold pink in the checkout aisle. I'm just saying that if I pick up a beauty magazine, I want to read about... beauty.
If your really wanting to get some great beauty advice, I got a couple idea's for you. Check out The Green Beauty Guide. While author Julie Gabriel is so far on the eco side that she's beyond even my zip code for green, she provides a plethora of information that even the laziest environmentalist can do. I love reading her recipes. They combine my three favorite things: Cooking, Reading, and Beauty. Another fantastic read is Gorgeously Green by Sohpie Uliano. This book contains more than just good beauty advice, but at least it's supplements aren't laden with some neo-feminist assertions. I also like Paula Begouns series. This chick is not joking around, she's going to dissect just about any product you could imagine. I've got more up my sleeve, but those three have the most worn binders on my shelf.
Everyone has their thing. That thing you do that's your own dirty little pleasure where the only value gained is a mental break from reality. And if reading these glossies is yours, then definitely go for it. But take it from the professional: Don't get your real beauty advice from there. It's like the pretty boyfriend you once had. Totally fun fling, but with no substance. Enjoy the fun, and when your ready for the real deal, move on.
A couple years ago at an industry convention, I signed up for this 10 magazines a month deal for dirt cheap, something like 20 bucks a month. It had all the goodies in there... Vogue, Glamour, Allure, and more. Add in a few more gift subscriptions and I was getting 14 magazines a month. If I had all the time to read those, I would have been unemployed.
I got the magazines to educate myself and stay on top of trends. For me, it's actually a tax write off because it's considered research, and rightfully so. Where else should I get hair and makeup ideas, beauty tips and tricks, other than a monthly magazine devoted to exactly such topics? Seemed like a good idea at the time.
After a few months of getting these amazing vessels of information, I was starting to notice a trend. If these magazines are designed to target women like me, then the people who run them must think I'm overweight and desperate to improve my sex life. Oh, and that my vagina and breasts rotate months for having issues.
It seems like every single month, there's 99 new ways to turn him on, or ground-breaking research of our feminine parts, or new no-fail diet plans. There's a whole slew of people whose careers are devoted to finding out what we women want to read about. With all due respect to them, I only have so many orifice's and therefore I doubt there really are hundreds of new things to do with them every year.
And of course, there's some editorial spreads stuck here and there that tell us all about OPI's new seasonal nail color, and the hot lipstick now. I can get behind that, and usually end up going thru the mag at lighting speed ripping out the precious few articles to do with beauty. These tear sheets then lay scattered across the table till I realize that if I took the time to read them, I wouldn't have time to read the other things I find important and then into the compost bin they go.
I hate to say it, but I'm knocking the beauty mags. While there may be pearls of wisdom hidden between the condom expertise and the vagina monologues, digging thru to find the diamond in the rough has become a chore. And, what's more, if I had more time to waste reading about the latest fad food system I might actually do it. Thankfully, I am lucky enough to be kept busy with work and by default don't buy into half the crap that ends up in my mailbox. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the dishing out of sex advice. Women have fought long and hard (pun intended) for the right to display their sex knowledge in bold pink in the checkout aisle. I'm just saying that if I pick up a beauty magazine, I want to read about... beauty.
If your really wanting to get some great beauty advice, I got a couple idea's for you. Check out The Green Beauty Guide. While author Julie Gabriel is so far on the eco side that she's beyond even my zip code for green, she provides a plethora of information that even the laziest environmentalist can do. I love reading her recipes. They combine my three favorite things: Cooking, Reading, and Beauty. Another fantastic read is Gorgeously Green by Sohpie Uliano. This book contains more than just good beauty advice, but at least it's supplements aren't laden with some neo-feminist assertions. I also like Paula Begouns series. This chick is not joking around, she's going to dissect just about any product you could imagine. I've got more up my sleeve, but those three have the most worn binders on my shelf.
Everyone has their thing. That thing you do that's your own dirty little pleasure where the only value gained is a mental break from reality. And if reading these glossies is yours, then definitely go for it. But take it from the professional: Don't get your real beauty advice from there. It's like the pretty boyfriend you once had. Totally fun fling, but with no substance. Enjoy the fun, and when your ready for the real deal, move on.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Budget Beauty- When to Save, when to Splurge
In these lean and mean times, a girl still has gotta look good. It's a good think that a few awesome products and pretty tricks separate the hotties from the...uh...homely. Don't feel like your pay cut means a trip back to the dollar store.
Splurge
The general rule of thumb when it comes to purchases is that you want to invest the most in what is going to be with you the longest. A classic pair of black pumps will run you more than seasonal flip flops. Same thing with beauty. You need to be investing in what's going to be with you the longest, and that's your skin. Cut back whatever it takes for you to afford good skin care. Keep to the trifecta: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize. Nope, don't bother with toner. I haven't found any toner that was really needed. But the other three are must haves. Not saying you have to run out and drop a few hundred on Chanel. There are amazing lines available that work even better than department store brands, you just need to do a little research. When you do find the best for your skin, buy it and do without your weekly lip gloss purchase if that's what it takes.
Save
Get rid of the fake tan. You shouldn't be spraying your body with synthetic dye's anyways, and the good-for-you stuff ain't cheap. You can be fair for a while. You'll live.
Splurge
Continue to get the eyebrows done. Now that we have all those awesome little threading joints popping up, you can spring the 15 bucks to get cleaned up every few weeks. It's just good housekeeping, and totally worth the money.
Save
No more highlights. It's summer, so you can let them grow out sufer-girl style. If you've been darkening your hair all over either from gray's or just preference, find out how you can stretch out the space between appointments. If you've been with your stylist for a while, you can probably level with her.
Splurge
Don't cheap out on the foundation. If your a girl who wears foundation every day, your going to look silly if the cheap foundation you got doesn't quite match your skin tone. If you can't afford the right color and formula for your skin type, just skip it. But, if you need to have it, continue to get the correct color with the best forumla.
Save
Resist the urge to pick up a new gloss at the register. Those sneaky little devils in their pretty display right at check out, those pretty color's glistening under the store light... no. You must remain strong. That $4 purchase 3 times a month will pay for those brows to get fixed, and trust me when I say no one is going to be looking at your lips if your eyebrows look like Robin Hood and his Merry Men are going to come running out any second.
It's not going to be easy. Being on a budget never is. But, with a little self discipline and a firm grasp of what's important, you'll literally save face till we pull out of this. Then, if you go back to your wicked ways... well, that's OK.
Splurge
The general rule of thumb when it comes to purchases is that you want to invest the most in what is going to be with you the longest. A classic pair of black pumps will run you more than seasonal flip flops. Same thing with beauty. You need to be investing in what's going to be with you the longest, and that's your skin. Cut back whatever it takes for you to afford good skin care. Keep to the trifecta: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize. Nope, don't bother with toner. I haven't found any toner that was really needed. But the other three are must haves. Not saying you have to run out and drop a few hundred on Chanel. There are amazing lines available that work even better than department store brands, you just need to do a little research. When you do find the best for your skin, buy it and do without your weekly lip gloss purchase if that's what it takes.
Save
Get rid of the fake tan. You shouldn't be spraying your body with synthetic dye's anyways, and the good-for-you stuff ain't cheap. You can be fair for a while. You'll live.
Splurge
Continue to get the eyebrows done. Now that we have all those awesome little threading joints popping up, you can spring the 15 bucks to get cleaned up every few weeks. It's just good housekeeping, and totally worth the money.
Save
No more highlights. It's summer, so you can let them grow out sufer-girl style. If you've been darkening your hair all over either from gray's or just preference, find out how you can stretch out the space between appointments. If you've been with your stylist for a while, you can probably level with her.
Splurge
Don't cheap out on the foundation. If your a girl who wears foundation every day, your going to look silly if the cheap foundation you got doesn't quite match your skin tone. If you can't afford the right color and formula for your skin type, just skip it. But, if you need to have it, continue to get the correct color with the best forumla.
Save
Resist the urge to pick up a new gloss at the register. Those sneaky little devils in their pretty display right at check out, those pretty color's glistening under the store light... no. You must remain strong. That $4 purchase 3 times a month will pay for those brows to get fixed, and trust me when I say no one is going to be looking at your lips if your eyebrows look like Robin Hood and his Merry Men are going to come running out any second.
It's not going to be easy. Being on a budget never is. But, with a little self discipline and a firm grasp of what's important, you'll literally save face till we pull out of this. Then, if you go back to your wicked ways... well, that's OK.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
How to Speak "Hair Dresser"
Really, someone should come up with a standard language that means the same thing across the board so we all know what the other means when we say "big curls". But, since that doesn't exist yet, and they don't seem to have a font for it either, here's what we hair dressers think when you try to describe a style.
Long Layers: This means you want long hair with some layers in it. Very few layers, at that. Your asking for mostly long hair with a couple of inches of layering at the ends. That means your shortest layer is going to be quite long, depending on how long your hair is.
Soft Curls: This usually means hair is curled with a big iron and little hairspray. Depending on the texture of your hair it might not hold, but it will be soft and if the hairdresser is good, smooth.
Wave: Wave? What kind of Wave? Jessica Simpson style, messy with straight ends? or Veronica Lake style, big and smooth? Get a picture for this one.
Up-Do: Do you want it high at the crown, centered in the back, or low on the nape? That can also mean something to the side. The term up-do has really changed, because girls stopped getting the crunchy-curl high and tight look and started going for low and full. An up-do just means that the hair is up somehow.
Ringlets: This usually means you want a tight, super firm curl all over. Think Shirley Temple. Be very careful with this. If you want a Playmate do and ask for ringlets, don't get mad when you come out looking like your off to grammar school.
Half-up: Pretty self explanatory, but be prepared to explain how high you want the part that's up pulled. It can be brought low and loose for a romantic, hippy feel or with tons of volume and high for a modern sexy effect.
No matter how aptly you describe your style, keep in mind that things can always be misinterpreted. A visual aid is always the best when trying to explain how you want your hair, or makeup for that matter, to look. This is just what goes thru my head when I am asked for these things. And keep in mind: The hairdresser who cuts and colors your hair is probably not the best person for styling. It's two different beasts so their scope of possibility may be limited. Not saying they aren't a fantastic hairdresser, but just like I'm not the God's gift to women with gray hair, they probably are the same to special events and brides. Just sayin.
Long Layers: This means you want long hair with some layers in it. Very few layers, at that. Your asking for mostly long hair with a couple of inches of layering at the ends. That means your shortest layer is going to be quite long, depending on how long your hair is.
Soft Curls: This usually means hair is curled with a big iron and little hairspray. Depending on the texture of your hair it might not hold, but it will be soft and if the hairdresser is good, smooth.
Wave: Wave? What kind of Wave? Jessica Simpson style, messy with straight ends? or Veronica Lake style, big and smooth? Get a picture for this one.
Up-Do: Do you want it high at the crown, centered in the back, or low on the nape? That can also mean something to the side. The term up-do has really changed, because girls stopped getting the crunchy-curl high and tight look and started going for low and full. An up-do just means that the hair is up somehow.
Ringlets: This usually means you want a tight, super firm curl all over. Think Shirley Temple. Be very careful with this. If you want a Playmate do and ask for ringlets, don't get mad when you come out looking like your off to grammar school.
Half-up: Pretty self explanatory, but be prepared to explain how high you want the part that's up pulled. It can be brought low and loose for a romantic, hippy feel or with tons of volume and high for a modern sexy effect.
No matter how aptly you describe your style, keep in mind that things can always be misinterpreted. A visual aid is always the best when trying to explain how you want your hair, or makeup for that matter, to look. This is just what goes thru my head when I am asked for these things. And keep in mind: The hairdresser who cuts and colors your hair is probably not the best person for styling. It's two different beasts so their scope of possibility may be limited. Not saying they aren't a fantastic hairdresser, but just like I'm not the God's gift to women with gray hair, they probably are the same to special events and brides. Just sayin.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Bridal Style: Sexy Sweet
Super-pretty bride Andrea invited me to do her hair and makeup for her wedding in Janurary and I have to say, she was stunning. When I showed up to her trial a few days before the wedding, I was tired and wet from a day of catalog shooting. This bouncy little girl greets me by the hotel elevators and I get a second wind. She was already beautiful, and had an easy spirit. I left her trial so incredibly excited for her wedding a few days later, and Saturday did not disappoint! Her and her posse were fun, energetic, and just all around chill to be with. She is a great example of a modern bride. Her white dress and veil really gave due respect to the occasion, but the smoked out eye and long hair (enhanced with clip-in extensions) left down still left her feeling pretty and looking very romantic. She just goes to show you, you don't have to give up the richness of the formality of it all in order to feel young and sexy. Fabulous. Thanks for sharing these with me, Andrea!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Tricia B and the Brides
In March, I got a wonderful email from Trica B, a Calgary-based wedding photographer with an offer to shoot a couple of brides. The big WPPI convention that happens every year brings talent from around the world, and for industry cats it's like being in a candy store. It's always good to work with new talent, and the shoot did not dissappoint! The ideas were creative and modern, and her model selection was outstanding. We started at her suite and then moved around for different sets and lighting. Kiti Kobain, pin-up model extraordinaire, displayed every one's efforts beautifully. Of course my guys over at Seasons Floral Boutique hooked up some amazing buds. Big huge thanks for the invitation Trica, the shots are great!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Amelia's Top Tips for Lookin' Good
Consider this entry your guide to Amelia's Commandments. There's no perfect solution or magic combination of things that can be applied to every woman. If you have ever done a friends makeup just like your own and had horrible results, you know this to be true. I get asked alot what my number one beauty tip is, so here's what I'm saying:
Groom them eyebrows!
Nothing will pull your face together faster than well groomed, properly filled in eyebrows. Think about it like a kitchen- if it's cluttered and messy, it doesn't matter how good that dish tastes because the space itself is too distracting. Clean those suckers up and make sure you tidy them with brow fill-in if they are sparse.
Wear sunscreen. Every day. Period.
Especially around your eyes. I wear an SPF 50 every single day. It's true that everyone needs about 10 minutes a day of pure sunshine, it's good for our moods and bodies. But you can get that when your watering your garden. Sun damage is going to age you fast, protect your skin and slow up those wrinkles.
Heat up your lash curler.
Hold your blow dryer about 6 inches from your metal lash curler and blast it for about 15 seconds. Make sure you test the heat of the curler with your hand before using it on your eyes. Your lashes never had it so good. Top off with a paraben free mascara.
Exfoliate, hydrate, repeat.
Dry skin can cause makeup to drag. What happens is those dry patches will grab onto and suck up anything applied, so you end up with these spots of deeper, darker color (foundation, eyeshadow, blush) and try as you might your not going to blend that out. Once a week, exfoliate your skin to get rid of what you can, then follow up with a hearty dose of your daily moisturizer. And don't even think about using some chemical laden, fragrance filled, dye soaked soap on your face.
Groom them eyebrows!
Nothing will pull your face together faster than well groomed, properly filled in eyebrows. Think about it like a kitchen- if it's cluttered and messy, it doesn't matter how good that dish tastes because the space itself is too distracting. Clean those suckers up and make sure you tidy them with brow fill-in if they are sparse.
Wear sunscreen. Every day. Period.
Especially around your eyes. I wear an SPF 50 every single day. It's true that everyone needs about 10 minutes a day of pure sunshine, it's good for our moods and bodies. But you can get that when your watering your garden. Sun damage is going to age you fast, protect your skin and slow up those wrinkles.
Heat up your lash curler.
Hold your blow dryer about 6 inches from your metal lash curler and blast it for about 15 seconds. Make sure you test the heat of the curler with your hand before using it on your eyes. Your lashes never had it so good. Top off with a paraben free mascara.
Exfoliate, hydrate, repeat.
Dry skin can cause makeup to drag. What happens is those dry patches will grab onto and suck up anything applied, so you end up with these spots of deeper, darker color (foundation, eyeshadow, blush) and try as you might your not going to blend that out. Once a week, exfoliate your skin to get rid of what you can, then follow up with a hearty dose of your daily moisturizer. And don't even think about using some chemical laden, fragrance filled, dye soaked soap on your face.
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