TTF Bridal Beauty

Winterize Your Skin

2011-11-08T18:04:00.000+11:00

I'm not sure if you realize it, but winter is quickly approaching and that means our skin will get drier! However you can combat that now so you're ahead of the game when winter is officially here! Here are a few tips

1)Exfoliate-Exfoliate-Exfoliate. I can't say that enough! When your in the shower, incorporate a loofah sponge or exfoliating gloves in your routine. Use it up to 3 times a week with a moisturizing shower gel. You will find that the scaly skin you had in the past will not exist!

2)Moisturizer Switch. The products that we use in the summer may not offer the level of moisture your body needs during the winter! If you used lotions, go to something more moisturizing such as pure shea butter.

3) Fight Chapped Lips. Wear a protecting lip balm! The skin on our lips is thinner and therefore more susceptible to damage and wind burn.

4) See a Specialist. Seeing an Esthetician to perform hydrating skin treatments is a great way to infuse great ingredients along with moisture to keep the skin balanced.

5) Hydrate Your Body inside and out. I can't stress it more....DRINK WATER!!! Its the most important thing you can do to improve your skin's moisture level and its ability to retain moisture! You should drink water based on your weight.

Here's how to calculate it
Body weight divided in half
Your answer is then divided by 8 and that will tell you how many 8 oz glasses you should consume!

6) Vitamins. Last but not least.... Take a multivitamin and an omega-3. It will help keep your immune system in good shape and produce positive results relating to your skin

Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Month! This is not your Mother's Disease

2011-10-05T04:12:00.000+11:00

I want to take the time to discuss this disease-Breast Cancer! There was a time when I thought that it was an older woman's disease, something I wouldn't have to worry about until I got to a certain age! But I'm finding that women in their 20's and 30's are just as suseptible to developing tumors as well. Another victim that is falling prey to this disease is men, so with that being said, this affects everyone!

Here are some statistics:

About 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.

Compared to African American women, white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer, but less likely to die of it. One possible reason is that African American women tend to have more aggressive tumors, although why this is the case is not known. Women of other ethnic backgrounds — Asian, Hispanic, and Native American — have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer than white women and African American women

A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer.

About 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.

I lost both of my grandmothers to Breast Cancer so I have to be vigilant and stay on top of my monthly self exams. I go for my 1st mamogram next year and I'm going to schedule the appointment on my 35th birthday to remind myself that life is a gift and its my responsibility to myself to be aware of my circumstances!

If you are not able to participate in a breast cancer walk, donation, or any type of event, I ask that you start with you. Do a self exam by setting a regular time to examine your breasts a few days after your period ends, when hormone levels are relatively stable and breasts are less tender.

PRINT THIS OUT!!!
http://www.healthywomen.org/sites/default/files/ShowerCard.pdf

There is love to be found on the information superhighway!

2011-08-22T06:42:00.000+10:00

Today I had the opportunity of meeting with a bride where I did a makeup consultation. As we went through the semantics of business and applying her makeup she shared with me how she met her fiance' soon to be HUSBAND!! She was a beautiful woman of African descent by way of JAMAICA and her mate is African-American! I chose to share that because they met each other on www.EHARMONY.com. Now being that I am off the market, I really never looked at EHarmony's website to see what its all about. However, I will say that I did not deem it as a viable option for African Americans or individuals of African descent that were looking for others like them, because the marketing rarely uses people of color! It goes to show you the power of marketing!!!! It was refreshing to see such a beautiful couple. You could feel the calmness and the understanding they have for each other between them. Being married for 4 years, I can say that is a priceless
commodity in a relationship.

So with that being said, I think that maybe the information superhighway is the way to go when looking for your life mate! When you really think about the premise of the website, it does make sense!!! Where you might think its unconventional to meet someone that way, it actually is probably better. You are asked a series of questions, and if you're honest in your response, it would match you with someone compatible! What is unconventional, is actually going to a bar, club, party, or social function and finding someone that's actually compatible with you!

So, in closing, meeting my client today renewed my hopes for sistas out there!!! You can meet a nice guy that is compatible with you! Stop looking for love in all the wrong places!! Best Wishes

Eat Your Way To Beautiful Skin

2011-06-17T02:12:00.000+10:00

I know you've probably thought that good skin can only be achieved through skincare or just having good genes! Well I'm here to tell you that there is another way!!! You can eat a few key foods that aid in making you more beautiful inside and out!!! Here they are (drumroll please)

#8. Beans, Beans good for your heart, the more you eat them, the more you...... A great protein source, legumes help repair cells that have suffered free radical damage. During digestion, protein breaks down into amino acids, the building blocks of cells. Amino acids help to speed the repair and regeneration of skin cells and collagen.

#7. Walnuts. Looking to add Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet but not a fan of fish? Walnuts are a rich source of Omega-3s, which help put shine in your hair and aid in making skin smoother and younger looking.

#6. Pomegranate. When applied topically, this antioxidant-rich fruit may help skin create more collagen, while speeding healing.

#5. The Incredible Edible Egg. Protein helps repair cells that have suffered free radical damage. Eggs, a complete source of protein, also contain biotin, an essential vitamin that protects against dry skin.

#4. Pump the brakes on aging with salmon. Salmon contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid that improves skin elasticity, so you'll have fewer fine lines.

#3. Tomatoes. A German study found that lycopene-rich tomato paste helped participants prevent sunburn when they combined it with olive oil, daily for ten weeks. Besides being a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes are considered a high-carotenoid fruit. These nutrients may help slow down cellular damage from free radicals.

#2. Sip your way to healthy skin. Green tea's high on the list of skin-friendly beverages thanks to its impressive storehouse of polyphenols. Aim for four cups throughout your day.

AND the #1 food

#1. Avocados and they're not just for eating! A good source of biotin, avocados help to prevent dry skin and brittle hair and nails. When applied topically, they can hydrate parched skin.

I'm in Love with the Clairsonic

2011-05-23T14:10:00.000+10:00

I am absolutely in love with this gadget! I purchased it a few weeks ago, and I have found that it not only gets my skin cleaner than ever, but its helping smooth out my skin. The Clairsonic is a must have, especially if you find yourself with clogged pores from time to time or constantly. The great thing is that you can continue to use your current skincare products with it! I have recommended it to my clients and have found excellent results. If you need a gift idea for a friend or family member, this is definitely it!! Men you can use it also!!! The goal of it is to get your skin as clean as possible and it does!!! It has two types of brush heads (normal and sensitive). This can be used on the face, neck, decollete' and other areas of the body that may need a little extra attention.

Ugh...Adult Acne

2011-04-13T02:39:00.002+10:00

I can remember developing adult acne, and I wondered where it came from and what could I do to get rid of it! 25% of men and 50% of women have it! The causes of adult acne are unknown, possible causes include hormones, cosmetics, and stress and an increase of resistant bacteria. Women in particular often experience premenstrual flares, often around the mouth and on the jaw line. So what is one to do? In my skin care product travels, I have found that this new product is working! the BLEMISH + AGE DEFENSE Serum is something I recommend, especially if you find that your skin is out of control and your big day is around the corner!!!

Inhibits excess sebum production
Reduces acne causing bacteria, P acnes
Prevents hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation or UV exposure
Decongests clogged pores
Diminishes surface indicators of age

See me First!!!!

2011-03-16T04:05:00.002+11:00

In my daily travels I'm bumping into people that ask me questions about their skin and I'm beginning to notice a pattern!!! The pattern is that when someone has an issue with their skin, they automatically think that they should consult a dermatologist. Not to kick in the backs of those wonderful MDs that took 8 years to study and work on the skin, however, one shouldn't discredit the knowledge of a good esthetician either!

Seeing an esthetician can really help you determine the need for a dermatologist and the cost that comes along with it! We are able to treat the Epidermis layer of the skin and will let you know if you need to see a Doctor and it will cost you a lot less too!

MARCH is here!!! SPRING CLEANING TIME!!!

2011-03-08T09:30:00.006+11:00

I don't know if you've noticed, but the weather is trying to break from that ol' cold winter and make its way into spring!! I love this time of year, because its a time that addresses change. In the coming weeks, we will witness miraculous change right before our eyes! New life will be all around us!! With that being said, I find that while we look to buy a new spring wardrobe or get a new hair cut, let's not neglect our skin!! I have clients that are brides and their main concern is the quality of their skin and how it will look on their BIG DAY. They consult with me about their skin and whatever the issue is, I address it, correct it and they are happy! But what about everyone else!! If you're not getting married, it's ok to be just as, if not more, concerned about your skin and the shape its in!!

Do you know the importance of a facial?

As I talk with people about facials and different body treatments, I am finding that the general public feels that its a luxury to receive facials. On the contrary, it actually isn't a luxury. It should be considered maintenance, such as a trip to the salon to get a hair cut or the nail salon to get a manicure. Your face is one of the most important parts on your body. Its the one everyone else can see, so why not keep it in good condition.

A facial performed by an esthetician is going provide you a deep cleansing, an analysis of your skin by a professional who is trained to treat skin issues, exfoliation (which removes surface dead skin cells giving your skin a more healthier appearance), extractions of congested pores, a mask to treat whatever your issue is, a massage, and the proper amount of moisture is applied to end your treatment.

Facials range by incorporating different techniques and products, but these steps are what is in a basic facial.

Black is Beautiful!

2011-02-25T14:33:00.007+11:00

As February comes to a close, I am subtly reminded that it was Black History Month! Now, what's interesting to me is that Black History Month is the shortest month of the year and its the time when African-Americans are recognized for their accompolishments from the past and present day. 28 Days is nowhere near enough time to admire the achievements of my people! I noticed that major television networks didn't speak much on it. I randomly saw a commercial here or there. I got the feeling that Black History month is Fading to Black, but it could just be me!! Its our responsibility to teach our children our history!

Now being that I deal with beauty, I'm going to pay homage to a few black women of the past and present who have and are still carving a pathway for other black women to be recognized for their beauty and their brains! Thank you for that you have done and continue to do!

Spring Trends 2011

2011-01-27T01:51:00.002+11:00

For those that are scared to step outside the box, this spring makeup season....you need not apply!!!! The trend is flawless natural skin, lots of lashes, and a bright pop of color on the lips! I love this trend because its not difficult!! Anyone can pull this off and it can be worn during the day and into the evening! Its really a good way for you to put "YOU" on display because you're not hiding your face with a lot of other colors! MAC Cosmetics has already introduced its spring lipsticks in the "Stylishly Yours" Collection. It consist of bright, creamy, runway quality lip colors that look good on all skin tones!!!

Chapped Lips? Get Your Lips Kissable

2011-01-20T08:59:00.000+11:00

While most people think of chapped lips being a winter time woe, the truth is dry lips can occur in any season. Chapped lips can become very painful, especially if ignored. Not only are flaky lips unattractive, but living with sore lips can be severely aggravating!

Finding a Remedy that Dry Lips Treatment that Works

Finding a treatment that works for your chapped lips can be a bit of a challenge. What works for some people, may not work well for others. While there’s not a technical cure for chapped lips, there are many remedies you can try at home. To soothe chapped lips, apply a thick lip balm. Many people choose to use plain Vaseline instead of trying to medicate with other lip treatments.

Any ointment with natural ingredients is ideal to help your lips heal with ease. While your lips are healing, be sure not to lick your lips or get excess saliva in mouth and lip area. As your lips are almost healed, you can take a toothbrush and softly brush it across your lips to remove all dead skin. Be careful when doing this, as you don’t want to cause further damage.

Main Causes Of Cracked Lips

Chapped lips (medically known as cheilitis) are caused by several things. Most people are familiar with the fact if they lick their lips during cold or windy weather,

they could become chapped. Most people stock up on Vaseline or lip balm during the winter months. Layering on a natural lip protectant before heading out into the extremities is a good way to prevent chapped lips.

Chapped lips can also be caused by excessive licking of the lips. There are thousands of people who have a habit of licking their lips multiple times throughout the day. This extreme licking routine can cause irritation of the skin on and around the mouth (including the lips).

Most people find themselves licking their lips more than needed because they feel as if their lips are constantly dry. Children are the most common offenders of this habit. The best way to counteract this type of habit and resulting chapping is by ensuring the lips are constantly moisturized. Therefore, you don’t feel as if you need to lick your lips throughout the day.

Finding a Remedy that Dry Lips Treatment that Works

Getting Your Brows Right!

2011-01-02T06:27:00.001+11:00

Are you happy with your eyebrows? They shouldn't be too thick or too thin! They should frame the face and make the right statement. Getting your eyebrows professionally done can give you an instant face lift!!! If you get them waxed you should see a professional that does waxing in a salon that provides a consultation and ask you questions about your skin prior to waxing so that your procedure is a positive one! You should not leave with red or burned skin.

Worth-while Beauty Treats for your Big Day!

2010-12-29T07:20:00.000+11:00

Your getting married and while you have your everyday look down to a science, your bridal look is something all together different! You don't want to look like your going to work the day of your wedding! I found that there are a few extras you may want to take into consideration;

Eyelash Extensions (no worry about spider eyes, runny mascara, or even looking great on your honeymoon)

Professional Tooth Whitening: No more spending a fortune on it at the dentist office. There are some Estheticians that perform the service for under $150.

Salon Faux Tanning: Looks great on skin tones that need it! Its not just for those that are ghostly white. Give yourself a beautiful sun-kissed glow that will make you look amazing.

How much water should I really be drinking?

2010-12-03T13:11:00.000+11:00

I was having a conversation with a girlfriend of mine and she talked about her quest to lose a few pounds. I asked her how much water was she drinking and she gave me the answer that the average person gives, 8 glasses. I asked her how much she weighs and when she told me I explained to her that she was not drinking hardly enough water. She couldn't understand why because it has been drilled in her head by magazines, her personal trainer, etc that 8 glasses of water a day is correct. I explained to her that there is a calculation to water consumption (see below)

YOUR WEIGHT divided in 1/2 = the # of oz. you should drink

# of oz. divided by 8 (ounces)= the # of glasses of water you should be drinking

Example: 178lbs= 89 oz

89 oz divided by 8= 11.125

This 178lb person should be drinking 11 glasses of water a day.

The importance of drinking the right amount of water is much more than weight loss. You wonder why you look in the mirror and you feel that your skin is dull and lifeless? The culprit could be possible dehydration (lack of water). I challenge you to figure out how much you really should drink and start doing it! I think you will find that not only will your weight loss speed up, your skin will improve!!! Good luck

Waxing vs Shaving!! Which do you prefer???

2010-11-30T12:00:00.000+11:00

As a working makeup artist esthetician, I meet women and men who use both shaving and waxing as a means of removing hair! For those of you that get waxed, the nail salon is not the place to do it!

When you wax legs, underarms, bikini, and the facial area, you get a smoothness that no razor can provide!!!! In my salon I use Berins French Depilatory Hard Wax. I like it because its warmed on low heat ( which won't burn the skin) and it doesn't stick to the skin ( for those of you that get brazilians) which is so important when it comes to speed and comfort! Come in for a waxing and get treated the right way! Get a consultation in a private, clean, enivronment specifically for waxing, not nails!!!

The Big Day for Diana!

2010-10-31T09:13:00.001+11:00

This was Diana's big day and as you can see, she looks beautiful. Diana is a easy-going bride that just wanted to look her best on her big day and she did!! He skin was flawless and even. She didn't want her makeup to come across as over the top. She looked like herself, just better and here are the pictures to prove it. TTF Bridal doesn't wants their clients to be able to look back at their pictures and really love what they see!!!

Bridal Makeup Trends

2010-09-17T07:18:00.000+10:00

In my opinion there are no "real" bridal season anymore! People are getting married all year long and they're using colors to compliment the season! Winter brides are using deep reds, fall brides are using oranges, golds, and greens, spring and summer brides are using beautiful vibrant corals, blues, and yellows and the makeup is following it.

There are no strict rules, just beautiful!!! I think its more important to complement a bride's beauty than to follow a "trend" that may or may not suite them. What's most important is that the bride feel her best as she walks down the aisle and smiles for the camera as she stands next to her partner.

People often ask me, what's hot this season for brides and my response is always," whatever makes them look great". Now using colors that were not traditionally used in the past are definite avenues to explore, especially if you as a bride want to get out of your normal routine. The message here is that as a makeup artist who prides herself on making brides look like the best version of themselves, feels that makeup should reflect that!

Bridal Consultation

2010-08-11T12:57:00.000+10:00

As stated in the previous post, I stress the importance of personal consultations for your wedding day makeup. I had the opportunity of doing a bridal consultation with a local bride that doesn't wear makeup daily, however, she stated that wearing makeup the day of her wedding was very important!!! We had a chance to talk about her wedding and the mood and what she was looking for as it related to her look. She wanted to make a statement and still look like herself.

The Importance of Bridal Consultations & why going to a Counter is not always the Best Way to go

2010-08-11T12:44:00.000+10:00

Being a Makeup Artist that has worked in both counter and on location settings, I can honestly say that there is nothing better than a personal consultation at the location of your choice. A few reasons why:

Privacy! There's nothing worse than sitting in a store as people walk pass you and stare wondering what's being done (especially if the makeup is done properly)

Personalization! If you are dealing with a reputable makeup artist, he/she should be able to provide you tips about things important to your day in addition to makeup!

On Your Schedule! You can set up an appointment time that works for you, not Mall hours!

Last but not least..... Relationship building! You should be able to connect with the person that has such an important part to play on your big day. Phone calls, emails, anything you have concerns about, the artist should be able to address.

TTF Bridal prides themselves on doing all the things listed above!! Having a personal makeup consultation sets the wheels in motion to a smooth wedding day!

Bringing out the Beautiful in everyone!!!

2010-08-02T08:47:00.001+10:00

I met a fabulous woman in Philadelphia that wanted a change. She was going to a wedding and she wanted a nice look with out looking over done!! She literally was scared of makeup. She went to a few counters and got mini make-overs. When the makeup artist was finished she looked in the mirror and felt like a clown. I explained to her that makeup should enhance your face not scare you!!! We did a consultation and she really was happy with what I did!!! Not only did she have great skin, she had short hair which shows off her amazing face!!!!

Her Big Day!

2010-08-02T08:24:00.000+10:00

In July I got the opportunity to do makeup for Sadquea Holmes from the Bronx. She is a mature bride that wanted to do a classic yet natural look. She is someone that never wears makeup so the importance was to make sure that when she looked in the mirror she still felt like she was seeing herself! She was great to work with and she looked beautiful!!!

Glowing Skin Soft on the Big Day and on Your Honeymoon

2010-06-18T22:59:00.001+10:00

Hi Ladies! I recently had a conversation with a bride and we discussed body exfoilation and I told her where she could purchase some and then I thought to myself teach people how to make their own!!!

There's a couple different options as it relates to the choice of Granular Exfoliant:

Salt=In my opinion Sea and Epsom salts are best. Put them in the blender & grind them up. They have a detoxifying and muscle-relaxing properties.

Sugar= I prefer dark brown (because it smells great). It increases blood circulation.

Coffee= Putting it on the skin feels great and the caffiene has added benefits as well. It helps redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite. It can also help eliminate the appearance of varicose veins.

Oatmeal= Gentle enough for sensitive, dry skin

Almonds= Feels and smells great. Fabulous moisturizing propertities.

Yogurt and Milk = If your skin is super sensitive the lactic acid in Yogurt and Milk can dissolve dead skin cells and act as a non-granular exfoiliant on the skin.

NEXT you want to add your MOISTURIZING option to whatever you chose as your exfoilant. When you add your moisturizer, it should become slushy. Oils that I LOVE to mix:

JOJOBA= its the closest oil to what the body creates

SAFFLOWER= very high vitamin E content

GRAPESEED= provides regenerative properties, in addition to high amounts of antioxidants and lessens the appearance of stretchmarks. Warning!! if you are allergic to canola or sunflower oil, stay away because it may cause a similar allergic reaction.

APRICOT KERNAL= very high content of vitamin E mainly used in the massage world because it really helps balance and nourish the skin.

DON'T USE BABY OIL or MINERAL OIL because they are refined crude oil (the stuff killing the Gulf of Mexico). The body can't absorb it because it's man-made/synthetic

Now it's time to add AROMA!!!! Essential oils provide aromatherapy.

Vanilla= Great with the coffee or brown sugar scrub

Orange, lime, tangerine or lemon= Great for uplifting the spirit

Rosemary, eucalyptus, or peppermint= stimulates the body and clears the sinuses

Geranium= Balancing the mood

Lavendar= Promotes relaxation

Now that you have the ingredients to make your own scrub, practice doing it! Give some to your bridesmaids and have them try it out!! Maybe consider making some and giving it as a gift to them. Have fun and let me know how it worked out for you!!!

Clients I enjoy working with!

2010-05-14T03:20:00.000+10:00

Last weekend I did makeup for a group of ladies I absolutely LOVE!!! Two (2) years ago, I did their makeup because Brittany got married. Well time has passed and another family member took that walk down the aisle. They called me back to make them beautiful again! Here are some before and after shots

NEW TREND: Eyelash Extensions

2010-04-29T04:17:00.000+10:00

I love eyelash extensions!!! I love them so much, its a new service service I offer to clients. I love that they give you the drama of mascara with out the mascara! They can be synthetic or natural hair and they are added to your eyelashes, strand by strand. On top of that, they last for 4-6 weeks requiring a refill from that point. There are a few companies out there that offer similar products. Lavish lash, Extreme Lashes, and Nova Lash just to name a few and something else to know...countless celebrities wear them!

Call for prices!!!

Hot Products for the big day

2010-04-28T01:31:00.001+10:00

Some products that I recommend for your big day are here!

#1. Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh

When you read the ingredients, the first one is Sucrose aka Sugar. The good thing about this is that its great if you have sensitive skin. It will polish your body giving you a great glow.

#2 High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 by Clinique

High on color, long on comfort. Dressed-up color wears beautifully for 8 hours. And lips enjoy every minute. These highly moisturizing shades continually smooth, soften, comfort. Protect from UVA/UVB, too. Have it all.

3# HD Microfinish Blush by Makeup Forever

What it is:A cream blush that naturally sculpts and highlights the cheeks for a healthy glow.

What it does:HD Microfinish Blush combines mattifying and reflecting powders to create a soft-focus effect for a radiant complexion. Its light weight and feels like second-skin. It gives a beautiful healthy glow that's hard not to notice.

4# Last but not least MINT JULIP Lip Scrub by lush

What it does: It pulls dead chapped skin off leaving behind the most soft , moisturized, kissable lips ever!!! When you use Mint Julips, you'll find yourself craving a bowl of mint-chocolate chip ice cream. It's made with peppermint oil, which will make your lips feel fresh and tingly, along with sweet vanilla extract to lock in moisture and protect your lips. Simply rub it over your lips and wipe off and there it is....new lips for your groom-to be to kiss all day, all night, for the rest of your lives!!!

Airbrush Makeup??? Why should you do it?

2010-04-28T01:07:00.000+10:00

What's the deal about Airbrush makeup? Well I'll tell you! Its an oil free, water-based medium that feels weightless but provides a high amount of coverage. I covers tattoos, scars, stretch marks and is just beautiful!

I like it because it looks like SKIN not makeup! You sweat through it opposed to sweating it off!! It may cost a little more, but its well worth it!! I wore airbrushed makeup for my own wedding and I was so happy I did! My pictures were flawless!

What's so important about hiring a makeup artist you ask?

2010-04-27T23:03:00.000+10:00

Well as a freelance makeup artist with 8 years in the wedding game I can tell you that brides NEED to have their makeup done by a professional.

Reason#1 It's your day and you should be pampered.

Reason#2 Your pictures are being captured by a professional photographer and with the speed of the camera the makeup application should match the level of the photographer.

Reason #3 You want a consistent level of makeup for you and bridal party.

Reason #4 With all the stress you will encounter why not let someone else make you beautiful