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Save the ‘Red Carpet’ look for the guests.
Many women attending the wedding will get their glam on and attempt a red carpet look for your event …but what smart bride wants to look like the rest of her guests? I feel the same way about brides who turn to runway and fashion trends…I’m not a fan.
You have to be super careful with trend or runway looks. They become dated VERY quickly. The last thing you want to hear is guests murmuring in amusement at your ‘interesting’ bridal beauty choices. Do you want to be that bride? You know, the one who looks at her wedding album years later, wondering, “what was I thinking?”
Don’t believe it happens? Go ask a trend bride from the 80’s or 90’s…ouch!
I’m a bridal makeup purist. A women should look like the most beautiful version of HERSELF on the big day. Looking timeless is the key, but timeless doesn’t mean you can’t look modern. Always keep the bridal “ahhhhh factor” in mind. You want to hear that soft sound of recognition, confirming you are the undisputed star of this event. Beautifully applied makeup that accentuates and enhances all of your best features is the only way to bring on the “ahhhhh’s”.
Make it last…
Between the cheers. tears, hugs, kisses and endless photos, a bride needs to look fabulous throughout the event. It is imperative for makeup to not only look great, but to hold up…even under extreme circumstances. With thoughtful application and carefully chosen products, you can create what I lovingly call The Bulletproof Bride.

A FEW FAVORITE BRIDAL MAKEUP LOOKS

5 Ways to have a stress free wedding day

March 11, 2019 by KWhairandmakeupartistry Leave a Comment

Contributed by Laurie Larson

Hair and Makeup by KW hair and Makeup Artistry

Your wedding day should be one of the most fun, exciting, and memorable days of your life. You only get one after all.

With all the pressure to get it right, it’s no wonder you’re stressed out. Planning the biggest party of your life comes with a long list of concerns. You have one million things to plan and organize and you worry about all the small things that could go wrong. It’s scary stuff.

But the last thing you want to be on your wedding day is scared and stressed. On the day that you commit to the love of your life, you want to be laid back and enjoy the ride. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but with these five tips you’ll be on your way to making your wedding day a breeze.

Don’t pressure yourself about a weight loss.

I get it, you want to look great on your wedding day, and your definition of “great” is having a tighter waistline. For one thing, this isn’t something you should be worrying yourself over anyways as beauty is not merely skin deep, but we aren’t here to judge you on your weight loss goals. There’s nothing necessarily wrong about wanting to lose some, but there is a right and a wrong way to do it. Starting a healthy diet plan leading up to your wedding day isn’t a bad idea, but if you put an insane amount of pressure on yourself to lose an unreasonable amount of weight you’ll only be disappointed. Be sure the goals you’re setting for yourself are reasonable, attainable, and given plenty of time.

If you’re turning to crash diets at the last minute, you’ll suffer even worse. A crash diet will only make you do exactly what it says: Crash. You’ll turn into a bridezilla if you dramatically alter your diet and deprive your body of proper nutrients. Plus, you’ll be exhausted. Which leads us to our next point…

Stop skimping on your rest

Sacrificing your sleep is never worth it. All the late nights of trying to plan everything down to the last detail will quickly add up and harm your health. The long-term effects of sleep deprivation are downright frightening, and the short-term ones can dramatically affect your mood, worsening your stress. More stress = even less sleep. It’s a vicious cycle.

No one wants to get married on an empty stomach or with an exhausted body. Take your sleep seriously leading up to your wedding so you can stay properly rested. Start a wind down routine to help you peacefully relax in the evenings. Maintain healthy habits in your lifestyle by eating healthy and working out so sleep comes easily. Eliminate any obstacle that get in your way like light pollution, a bed that causes you discomfort, or bedding that sleeps too hot for comfort. Keep in mind you’ll be sharing your sleeping environment with your spouse pretty soon, so you’ll want to make sure you have your quality sleep secured before allowing someone else in.

Plan your beauty routine early

One big source stress comes from being under-prepared. When it comes to your beauty routine, you shouldn’t mess around. You’ll want to start planning early, have several test runs, and make sure you’re sticking to the right track. Let’s break it down.

Start by looking for inspiration to figure out your styling preferences, and then go out and find the person who can make it all happen. Once you do that, start really planning.

At least nine months before your wedding, you should plan a color and cut appointment. Then follow up with styling trials six months out and finalize it one month out. Start testing your makeup routine out with your consultant at least six months before your big day. To make everyone’s life easier, try to schedule the same person to do your hair and makeup so you can group these appointments.

Ask for help… and lots of it!

Remember, it’s always okay to ask for help. Just because it’s your big day doesn’t mean all the responsibility has to fall on your shoulders. Besides, that’s what you have a wedding party for!

Don’t wait until it all starts feeling like too much. Start delegating tasks early. Ask for help with invitations, making centerpieces, writing out name cards, scheduling your vendors, and everything between. If you find that you really have no idea what you’re doing, it may be best to hire a wedding planner to help you get it all done.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

You have two choices: you can think about all of the things that could go wrong or you could think about all the things that could go right. This is old school glass-half-full mentality, ladies.

Rather than stressing yourself out and staying in a negative mind space, allow yourself to let go of the negativities and be excited. Besides, in 10 years will you remember that one awkward moment where you realize you sat two people at a table together who you shouldn’t have, or will you be thinking about that magical first kiss as a married couple? Stop stressing about the minor things that won’t matter and you’ll free yourself of your worries.

How to Look Your Best by Getting Good Sleep Before Your Wedding Day

November 28, 2018 by KWhairandmakeupartistry Leave a Comment

There’s so much to think about before your wedding that you might find yourself skimping on sleep. It’s the one place you can carve out some extra time. But in the end, lost sleep can come back to hurt you in more ways than one. We’ve put together the sleep why’s and how to’s to help you look and feel your best on your wedding day.

Why Do I Need Sleep to Look (and Feel) My Best?

Beauty sleep isn’t a myth. A study conducted at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and funded by Estee Lauder found that lack of sleep accelerates skin aging. Participants who got a full seven to eight hours of sleep showed fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Their skin also recovered from damage more quickly.

Other studies support what you’ve probably already suspected—that you look more tired and unhealthy when you haven’t gotten enough rest. In side by side comparisons, people who have gotten adequate sleep are rated as happier, healthier, and more energetic. To keep dull eyes, skin wrinkles, and limp hair out of your wedding plans, you’ll need to move sleep up your priority list.

How to Get Your Beauty Sleep Despite Wedding Stress

Weddings come with a certain amount of unavoidable stress. To get the sleep you need, you’ll have to manage stress while developing good sleep habits. We suggest:

A Sleep Supportive Bedroom

Just because your room has a bed in it doesn’t make it sleep supportive. The bedroom needs to be devoted entirely to sleep, which means your home gym or office should be located elsewhere. You’ll need to do what you can to block excess light from street lamps or other light pollution and noise from neighbors and passing cars. That may mean adding blackout curtains or a white noise machine to eliminate distractions.

2. Stress Relief Before Bed

Stress management will be one of your most effective sleep aids as you move closer to your wedding. If you already have a bedtime routine, start including stress management techniques in it. If you don’t have a routine, it’s time to start. Meditation, in particular mindfulness meditation, has been shown to be an effective way to activate your body’s “relaxation response,” which causes a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Yoga is another good addition as it reduces stress-related inflammation. Some poses can be done in bed and transition you into sleep.

3. Pick a Bedtime and Make It a Priority

A predictable bedtime helps the brain learn when to start your sleep cycle. With consistency, your brain will release sleep hormones in anticipation of your bedtime. For the best results, keep the same bedtime on weekends too.

4. Turn Off Your Phone (and More)

The bright light from electronic devices can suppress sleep hormones. Phones aren’t the only culprits; televisions, laptops, and iPads can delay your sleep cycle too. To stay on target for your bedtime, turn off all electronics two to three hours before bed.

5. Make Time for Exercise

Exercise is good for your physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s a natural stress reliever because of the feel good endorphins it releases. Working your muscles also makes them more tired so you’re better prepared for sleep.

Conclusion

Outer beauty isn’t everything, but you want to look and feel amazing on your wedding day. With a full night’s rest behind you, you’ll be able to smile with confidence knowing the happiness you feel on the inside is reflected in your appearance.

Hair and Makeup Tips for nailing your engagement photos.

August 18, 2018 by KWhairandmakeupartistry Leave a Comment

As a professional hair Stylist and Makeup Artist I often get hired to do engagement hair and makeup.
Whether you’re engaged already or you think the big question may be coming soon, I want to offer a few tips for nailing your engagement photos.
A lot of brides-to-be are nervous about their engagement sessions. For many this is a first time being in front of the camera together and it can be intimidating.

Your photographer will be skilled at capturing your joy in perfect natural light. My job is to make their job even easier.

If you’ve never done makeup for photos or you aren’t really sure what to do with your hair, you may want to hit up the salon before your engagement shoot. Photos require slightly more saturated makeup than your every day look so that you don’t become washed out. Haven’t done your hair and makeup consultation with your wedding day stylist yet? It can be a smart move to schedule that consult the morning before your session to knock out two birds with one makeup brush!

When hair has been done professionally, it stays in place better, and for a longer time. That’s really important when you are doing a photo shoot that can last for four to six hours and involve outfit changes. Hair has fewer fly aways and everything looks smoother and softer and shinier.

Makeup shows up differently on camera than in person, and professional makeup artists know this. You might be a master at applying makeup for everyday life, but they know how to ensure that your makeup will look perfect on camera (as well as off). Unless they are in front of the camera every day, that’s a skill most people haven’t mastered. It’s easy to under- or over-apply.

At your shoot, your photographer will want to take a few pictures showcasing your ring. Be sure to get a manicure prior to your session or at least clean and cut your nails so there are no distractions and your gorgeous engagement ring is the focus of these photos!

Since most of my engagement shoots happen outdoors,I recommend casual clothing, no crazy patterns or logos. You don’t have to be all matchy-matchy, but it would be cool if there was some subtle stylistic connection between you both – perhaps your scarf matches his undershirt – be creative.

If you tend to have shiny/oily skin, it will definitely show since most of my photos use flash-based lighting. Ladies, usually this can be easily remedied with a light matte-finish powder or blotter paper.

One of the best pieces of advice we’ve heard from photographers is to make your engagement session part of a day-long date. Not only does this give you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed, but starting your day in this mindset helps you feel connected and romantic as you head into the photo shoot. Start your day with a boozy brunch or coffee at your favorite spot and invite your photographer to meet you there to grab a few shots before changing locations.

.For more inspiration ideas please visit our Instagram Page

https://www.instagram.com/kwweddinghairandmakeupartistry/

Thanks for reading Elena Southcott!

2018 Beautiful wedding up dos

January 21, 2018 by KWhairandmakeupartistry Leave a Comment

“Dear Key West brides to be”, 2018 wedding season is almost here and Hair stylists, Makeup artists from Key West Hair and Makeup Artistry would like to share with you these new wedding hair collection.

An up do is a lovely choice for a bride or bridesmaid with long hair, or if you simply don’t want to be fussing with your style. These wedding up dos will have everyone looking picture perfect without the stress of wind-blown tresses interrupting your ‘selfies’. You’ve said ‘YES’ to your partner and ‘YES’ to the dress, now the next most important task is to select your wedding hairstyle! Choose a look that compliments you and your personality.

We Hope you will enjoy our delightful selection of beautiful wedding up dos for both you and your bridesmaids. Now, get your hairstylist on the line and book your wedding hair appointment today. Then celebrate another checkmark off your wedding ‘to-do’ list with a bubbly mimosa. Congrats!

Low bun up do created by Elena Southcott @keywesthairandmakeupartistry

Bridal – Braided updo created by Elena Southcott @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Bridal -textured updo created by Elena Southcott @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Bridal – half updo created by Elena Southcott @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Bridal – Braided half updo created by Albina Angerman @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Elegant Bridal updo created by Elena Southcott @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Bridal – side updo created by Elena Southcott @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Bridal – Braided updo created by Albina Angerman @keywesthair and makeup artistry

Bridal – updo created by Elena Southcott @keywesthair and makeup artistry

2017 Bridal hair and makeup looks

March 30, 2017 by KWhairandmakeupartistry Leave a Comment

We proud to share 2017 Bridal Hair and Make up looks created by Key West Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist Elena Southcott.With the 2017 wedding season fast approaching hopefully this ispiration looks will be helpfll to 2017 Key West Brides.

My research at this time of the year turns to the Bridal catwalk shows and big name designers to what is new and what timeless looks remain popular. My clients will always ask what is ‘on trend’ for the coming year.

In 2017 make up is fresher, and subtle with small flashes of colour here and there from a cheek or lip. As always dewy, glowy skin remains very present as a classic, modern make up look for a Bride.

Hair seems to have taken a gentler side too with very natural flowy hair down looks but braids do remain a dominant look too, either incorporated into a style or making up the whole hairstyle.

Remember the key is just to take a small part of these influences and incorporate them into your overall look so that your look remains timeless.

I am loving both of these understated, nearly natural looks. Dewy skin and a pale pink lip look fabulous against our beautiful tropical settings. Let your flowers etc. do the talking and keep the make-up simple. For a subtle peachy pink lip try Bourjois Souffle de Velvet in VIP Peach. Long lasting too.

For hair I am loving these low twisted chignon type braids – perfect to keep you cool and your hair neat in the heat of a Key West summer.

Also these half up/half down with the braid at the back is a timeless look for a modern Bride.

This year the return of the hair vines. These now have a more modern twist rather than looking ‘princessy’ and can be beautiful if incorporated into a hairstyle.

If you wish to discuss any wedding hair and makeup ideas (I’ve got lots!) Then don’t hesitate to get in touch via the contact page and we can talk all things wedding hair and beautiful makeup!