Makeover Mondays: Naturally Radiant

Makeover Mondays are a new segment written by makeup artist Laurie Starkey

Every bride wants to have that flawless radiant glow on her wedding day. A great makeup artist is key to achieving your desired look on your big day, however a flawless makeup application actually begins with great skin. Although it will take some time and patience, below are some of my simple tips to help you achieve gorgeous radiant skin.
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#1 Water: Believe it or not, water is my number one go-to beauty remedy. I recommend 8-10 glasses of water a day. Not only will the water replenish your skin and give you a supple hydrated appearance, it will also flush all the toxins out of your body. Remember, your skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside your body, so you want to rid of all the harmful toxins. To boost your water detoxification, add two capfuls of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar to your water 3 times daily.

#2 Exfoliation: Naturally we all accumulate dead skin cells on our face, and all over our body for that matter. Exfoliating can reveal healthy glowing skin under those dead cells. One of my favorite store bought exfoliators is the Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub. You can find it in virtually any drug store and it’s 100% natural! Or, if you are a do-it-yourself’er like me, you can concoct a simple scrub with honey, lemon and sugar. It’s simple, natural and really does the trick! I recommend a scrub 1-2 times a week.

#3 Treat stubborn pimples: If you are dealing with a stubborn pimple or feel the dreaded onset of one, I recommend tea tree oil. Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial properties which makes it a great alternative to harsh chemicals found in most acne treatments. If will effectively treat the pimple, without the dryness and irritation.

#4 Increase your fruit and veggie intake: As women on the go, it can be tricky getting all the nutrients and vitamins found naturally in fruits and vegetables. However, these foods are essential to fighting free radicals, improving your complexion and contributing to your overall health and well being! If you are not a fan of sitting down to a big green leafy salad, you might consider juicing. It’s a great way to pack tons of fruits and veggies into your diet with a quick convenient drink!

#5 Spare your pockets: As a makeup artist I’ve tried pretty much every potion, lotion and serum around. If you are anything like me, you are obsessed with trying all the new, so-called life changing beauty products on the market! Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some great products out on the market. However, as someone who has tried virtually everything under the sun, I am here to tell you the your natural glow begins on the inside. Planning a wedding can be a stressful time, so take time to give yourself a break once and a while. Drink plenty of water, make healthier food choices and enjoy this time before you say your “I-do’s” You will surely be radiating on your big day!

Healthy Skin Is In! by Makeup Artist Lauren Napier

Lauren on the job

Beauty Tips and Trends by Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert Lauren Napier

Beautiful wedding day makeup begins with healthy skin. Upgrade your skin’s vitality in just a few steps.

• Assess your current skin condition. If you’re struggling with dry and dehydrated skin try Shu Uemura’s Hydrability Skincare System. If your battle is oily skin, try Shu Uemura’s PuRenovate Skincare System.

• Concealer is a key element used to balance discoloration throughout your face. Select a cream concealer that matches your cheek’s skin tone. Avoid using a concealer color that is too light, creating the “Raccoon Eye.” Apply concealer to the under eye, over nasal shadows and at the outer corners of your mouth. This creates evenness throughout the center focal points of your face.

• Follow up with foundation! Start with a dime-sized droplet of liquid foundation. Apply with a moistened Beauty Blender Sponge. Use the Beauty Blender’s larger round side throughout your face, forehead, cheeks and chin. Use pointed the side around the nose and under the eyes.

• Blush and Bronzer add color to lustrous skin. Choose your blush style. If you desire a dewy cheek apply a cream based blush along with a shimmering power blush. If you’re a matte gal, apply a powder blush with a large, fluffy blush brush over your full cheek.

You’ve got the healthy glow in 4 simple steps! Don’t fret, keep beauty simple. “Never lose the woman beneath the makeup!”

For more info on Lauren Napier visit her website email info@laurennapier.com or call 646.797.7567

Pictures & Feedback on The Art of Planning Your Own Wedding™

Thank you all of our panelists and attendees for participating on a snowy Sunday afternoon in DC at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown!

Josh Friedman of Elan Artists speaking to the Brides

“I just wanted to let you know that I LOVED your event yesterday! Besides all of the delicious treats, I found the discussions to be extremely informative. It was a bummer the weather threw us a bit off schedule so there wasn’t as much time to talk to the vendors after their

presentations, but I did really appreciate that none of the vendors really pushed their products on you- instead they were just really informative on their particular field.” – Ashley Hubbard | Bride

Nerissa Montemurro of Private Receptions educating Brides on the importance of documenting the wedding day

“You are very informative” – Carl Ray | Make- Up Artist

Sidra Forman of Sidra Forman Flowers discussing floral with 2 brides

“I thought the event was great and I really thought the format was unique and a wonderful service to offer.” -Sidra Forman | Panelist

Panel Shot of Wedding Experts!

“The event was excellent! All of your panelist were very informative and helpful. Great Work!” -Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner | Future Bride

Lt: Josh form Elan Artists speaking with an engaged couple. Rt: Nation Band providing the music

Thank you, Nerissa! It was great meeting you, and the event was fantastic! -Heather Warren | Bride & Blogger for getmarried.com

Nerissa & Katina of Private Receptions

Panelists for this show included:

Carl Ray | Makeup Artist

Josh Friedman | Entertainment Specialist | Elan Artists

Bryan Blanken | Principal | Freed Photography

Gabriella Risatti | Fashion Specialist & Owner | Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Katherine Kallinis & Sophie LaMontagne | Co-Founders | Georgetown Cupcakes

Nerissa Montemurro | Founder & CEO | Private Receptions™

Saima Khan | Founder| Saima Says Design

Sidra Forman | Founder | Sidra Forman Flowers

Jessalynn Brown Gomez | Catering Sales | The Ritz Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.