Skin care and Hair Products for the hubby on the Big Day

Hello!
An article was recently published where I was asked for skin care and hair product suggestions for males getting ready for their gay weddings, but I figured it would also work for the males in our lives who wanted a little extra something on their Big Day too. So I have copied and pasted the highlights in case you or someone you know would enjoy reading it. I would also love to hear any other product rec's that the men in your life also love to use

Beauty: Wedding Day Beauty Products for Men

We talked to veteran makeup artist Rebecca Liceaga, and she gave us a few prewedding products sure to leave you feeling pampered.

For the face and skin?

* Check out the men's skin-care line from Lancome. "The Ultimate Cleansing gel is so easy to use and doesn't leave residue on the skin that can be irritating for men," she says. Also try the Hydrix Micro-Nutrient moisturizing gel from the same line. Men can use it after shaving and it doesn't contain a large amount of alcohol like some products, so it won't burn.


* For eyes, consider Christian Dior HydrAction Visible Defense eye creme SPF 20. The SPF protects the very thin skin around the eye from sun damage.


* If you’re looking for a facial mask, try Liceaga’s fave: the Merle Norman’s Luxiva clarifying clay mask.



Hair products that work?

* Liceaga is all about Sebastian’s Threads styling products. “It’s a styling cream with a microfiber technology that literally threads hair together to maintain a superb hold on any style,” she says. “It’s great for guys with longer or fuller hair.”


* As for hairspray, check out Bumble and Bumble's Does It All styling spray. It's a mid-level spray with extreme versatility; you can set a style with it and use a variety of hot tools without having to reach for another product.



What about sunscreen?

* If you’re looking for a nongreasy sun-care formula, try ColoreScience Sunforgettable SPF 30 powder sunscreen. It comes in a translucent formula so no one will be able to tell you have it on.


* Also check out Makeup Forever’s HD foundation primer. Though it’s supposed to be used underneath foundation, it gives you a matte, flawless complexion that’s silky smooth to the touch. While the primer isn’t available yet to consumers, you can get a similar effect with their HD powder.



-- Emma Sarran

Special thanks to veteran makeup artist Rebecca Liceaga, president and founder of BridalMakeupArtists.com.

__________________
Rebecca Liceaga
Professional Makeup Artist
www.bridalmakeupartists.com
On-Location Bridal Beauty Services
Serving Southern California
Visit my blog at http://bridalmakeupartists.blogspot.com

A Guide to Looking Beautiful For your Big Day

In the weeks leading up to your wedding day, there is so much to be done on your part. I've put together a handy guide that's easy to follow and makes putting your best face forward a no brainer.

Skincare

*When it comes to makeup, having great skin is more than half the battle. If you haven't already begun, start by establishing a good skin care regimen tailor made for your skin type.

*If you have dry skin, don't use harsh scrubs or drying cleansers and toners. Instead, invest in a cream cleanser, an age defying or specifically made for dry skin toner. The bulk of your investment should go into a fabulous cream that will make your skin glow.

*If you have oily skin, a gel or powder cleanser is your best bet. An oil absorbing toner will rid your skin of excess oils and an oil-free gel or light cream moisturizer will give your skin the boost of moisture it needs.

*Try to schedule regular facials to keep breakouts at bay. If that isn't an option for you, opt for a "home made" facial. After cleansing, grab a large mixing bowl and fill it with hot water. Lean over the bowl and put a towel over your head to trap the steam, and remain that way for about 5 minutes. This will allow the steam to open your pores to allow the next steps to penetrate to a deeper (and more effective) layer.
Next, follow with a toner and then use a purifying mask to draw any impurities out. Allow to dry for 10 minutes. Rinse and apply your moisturizer.
By following this routine once a week, your skin will be in tip-top shape in no time.

Daily Care

*Be sure to use a sunscreen everyday to protect from sun damage and hyper-pigmentation. Whether it be a cream, gel or even powder sunscreen make sure it's a minimum of SPF 15.

*While it may be a pain to wash your face twice a day, make sure you at least manage to wash it at night. Dirt and free radicals that age your skin accumulate on your face during the day, so make sure you spare 5 minutes at the end of your day to treat your skin well.

*Beautiful and glowing skin comes from the inside out. Make sure to drink plenty of water and work in some fruits and vegetables into your everyday meals.

I hope our brides-to-be find this a helpful guide to prepare your skin for a very Special Day

__________________
Rebecca Liceaga
Professional Makeup Artist
www.bridalmakeupartists.com
On-Location Bridal Beauty Services
Serving Southern California
Visit my blog at http://bridalmakeupartists.blogspot.com

What not to do the day before your wedding...

I have compiled a small list of "Beauty Dont's" that a bride should never do the day before her wedding. I hope it is as informative as it is entertaining

Face

*Wax/Thread/Overpluck eyebrows (or any part of your face for that matter!)
-This should be done a at least three days before your wedding day (5 days is optimal), to allow for any redness, swelling and sensitivity to vanish. It's also not the time to try that "new dramatic" brow look you've always wanted to try.

*Trying out that new self-tanner
-If you've never tried it before, this certaintly would not be the time.

*Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion or Pore Refining Facials
-In short, you could have scabs, redness, breakouts and iritated skin as a result of these procedures. Believe me, it's loads of fun using liquid bandaid to apply over scabs so that makeup will at least adhere to the brides skin

*Eyebrow bleaching/lightening
-Unless you do this on a regular basis, it's best to have this done a couple of days before the wedding. Some women's brow hair will turn orange if bleached, even slightly. If this happens, at least you can try and get an appointment to have some color thrown on top of it.


Body

*Mystic Tan
-If you have mystic tan freshly applied, color may come off on your clothes...like a wedding dress.

*Get a Brazilian Wax*
-This should be done a few days prior to the wedding. If you've never had it done, the day before is not the day to experiment...you do want to be able to walk down the aisle, right?

*Laser hair treatment
-I will leave it at that.

*Nair
-Even if you do a patch test, you could break out in horrible red bumps on your legs (especially if you leave it on longer then the recommended time)


Hair

*Extensions

*A "trim"

*A perm

*Highlights

*Anything that alters the chemical makeup of your hair.

If anyone has anything else to add to the list, please post!

__________________
Rebecca Liceaga
Professional Makeup Artist
www.bridalmakeupartists.com
On-Location Bridal Beauty Services
Serving Southern California
Visit my blog at http://bridalmakeupartists.blogspot.com

Spring 2009 Bridal Makeup Trends

It's that time of year again. New Spring color collections are coming out from our favorite makeup lines and we see what will be the bridal makeup trends. I've done my research and found some fun and lovely products that I think will be a big hit with brides who are getting married this spring

Trend: Peach/Coral Tinted Cheeks
While summer generally leans towards bronzed cheeks, spring brings a more subdued hue and the color of the moment is a peachy coral. This is a great color for every skin tone as it adds warmth and color without the "fake bake" look that bronzers can sometimes give.

Hot Products:

*Benefit "Coralista" - If you love the other face powders in Benefit's expansive collection (Dallas, Georgia, Throbbb, etc.) you will love Coralista. It's a great product for a pinch of peach color on your cheeks and has a light fruity fragrance.

*NARS "Super Orgasm"- One of the most famous blushes of all time is undoubtedly the legendary Orgasm from NARS. Super Orgasm is an updated and decidedly better version of the blush we all know and love. NARS added an extra dash of pigment and just an extra hint of the dreamy golden sparkle.

Trend: Pops of color on the eyes
While we do see washes of pastels on the eyes as a favorite look for spring often, the looks on the runway were noticeably brighter and the colors carried a heavier application of the beloved pastels.

Hot Products:

*Sephora "Moroccan Sunrise Palette" - This palette contains 5 silky and highly pigmented shadows in shades that range from a pearly cream, to a stunning sienna and a lovely deep eggplant. These coordinating colors allow you create a lighter look for day or a decidedly more smoldering evening option.

*Urban Decay Primer Potion in "Sin" - For many pro makeup artists, Urban Decay Primer Potion is one of the best eyeshadow primers you can get. It prevents shadows from creasing and allows the colors to stay true to color all day. Urban Decay has added to their inventory by coming out with a new primer potion in Sin. This is a sparkling champagne toned hue that will give warmth and a slight shimmery to any combination of shadows placed on top. In my opinion a must have for the spring!

Trend: Pink-toned Lips

While you may have visions of Barbie pink running through your mind at the mention of pink color lips, I assure you that the look for spring is much more sophisticated than that. This pink is meant to enhance the natural pink hue of your lips. Throw in a dash of glossy goodness and you will have a pout that will pair perfectly with the more colorful eye and cheek looks for the seaosn.

Hot Products:

*Dior Addict Lip Color in "Undressed Pink" - A shy and coy pink that has the slightest peach undertone that pairs perfectly with the coral cheeks the models were sporting at the runway shows.

*Too-Faced Girls Dig Pearls Lip Gloss in "Mermaid" - Wear it on top of a lovely lipstick or wear it alone, Mermaid is a gorgeous beigey-pink that will allow the bolder eye colors of the season to shine and still give a gorgeous pink glow to the lips.

Press Release: Bridal Makeup Artists.com Receives 2009 Brides Choice Awards From Wedding Wire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3rd, 2009

Contact:
Rebecca Liceaga / (562)480-1006
Rebecca@Bridalmakeupartists.com



Bridal Makeup Artists.com Receives 2009 Brides Choice Awards From Wedding Wire

LOS ANGELES, CA-WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that Bridal Makeup Artists.com has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US.

President, Founder and Key Makeup Artist for Bridal Makeup Artists.com, Rebecca Liceaga, began her makeup artistry career in December of 2000. Starting off in retail, Rebecca soon realized her artistic talent and love for the makeup artistry field and decided to start her own bridal hair and makeup artistry business to beautify people of all races and walks of life.

In addition to making her brides look elegant and dazzling, Rebecca has also done hair and makeup for celebrities, numerous advertising campaigns, commercials, infomercials and photo shoots for several advertising agencies in the Southern California area. Her work can be seen not only on the radiant faces of happy brides, but also in fashion shows and magazine spreads.

Bridal Makeup Artists.com has had the honor of receiving the Fox 11 Hot List Award for one of Los Angeles Best Bridal Beauty Businesses for two consecutive years. Bridal Makeup Artists.com is also currently one of Southern California’s top bridal beauty businesses, booked up to two years in advance during the peak wedding season.

“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

Unlike other awards in which the company selects winners, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

“ It is such an honor to be recognized by our wonderful brides and to know that we made such a positive impact on what is undoubtedly one of the most important days in a person’s life,” beams Liceaga, “It makes what my team and I do that much more special and why we love our work.”

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