nature

Summer is a super busy season. There are a lot of formal events, weddings, graduations, portfolio updates and fall season previews. Thankfully, makeup and hair artists are needed for all of these!

However, being in contact with so many people day in and day out leaves you with a vulnerable and depleted energy. For me, I know that I have to recharge frequently as to not upset my balance.

I was scheduled to lead a beginner’s makeup class in Austin, TX so I decided to make a retreat trip out of it. I checked into a resort off the beaten path.

“I need this alone time” I said. “I can’t hear my thoughts.” I figured this would do my soul some good.

As I drove up to my destination, I quickly realized I got a little more than I bargained for. My cell phone couldn’t make or recieve calls. No texts. No emails. What if someone had a hair and makeup emergency?!

When night fell and the lights were out, I could hold my hand to my face and couldn’t see it. It was pitch dark Wi-fi and no cell signal. What was I thinking?!

The following morning, after a light breakfast, I decided to go for a hike in the hills.

The sky was a bright cerulean blue and it was not too hot. As I walked thru the trail, the noises around me were so defeaning. All I could hear were the crickets, birds, and all types of unimaginable creatures just hanging out. I was easily startled and was very jumpy. I had forgotten how it was to just listen to nature and not freak out at leaves rustling, birds flapping, and grasshoppers chirping. I encountered such beautiful colors, textures, and life.

I glided easily into my walking pace and started jogging. I finished running and was drenched in sweat.

After showering, I was starving and walked to the small cafe on the property. I asked for a window seat during dinner as to stage the “perfect” sunset frame. In the run and chase of trying to perfect and create a career and life, I forget to stop. Slow down. Watch and see.

There were 3 tables that complained that the setting sun was too bright and requested the blinds be closed. Observing this behavior was monumental for me. How many times have I passed up a beautiful opportunity because it’s uncomfortable?

I coordinated my 3 course meal to coincide with the sunset. I began my dinner at 8pm and ended at 9pm. As I watched the clouds change from sky blue, to cerulean, to cornflower, to periwinkle, lavender and finally magenta, it hit me. THIS sunset. These clouds. I will never see again. I must remember to live in the moment.

Remember to cherish the breath you’re taking. The ability to see and feel. Take time to listen to your inner self. Make it your compass. There is a lot of beauty in staying in the moment.

Love, light, and peace to you all:)

Happy first week of summer!

Now that the temperatures are rising and staying that way for a while, we decided to cool off indoors by photographing beautiful Allison Ponthier, courtesy of The Dragonfly Agency.

This session showcases bold pops of color, nature, and a fresh dewy take on this season’s trends for color.

In creating this look, I imagined what it was like the first time eyes were laid upon a rainforest native.

Imagine an explorer, weary of traveling, escaping near death in unknown territory. He sailed for weeks to look for a rumored land of gold, gems, and cities of gods.

In his dreams, he dreamt of what people of this land looked like. Where they dark? Where they tall? Did they shave? Where they adorned?

As he journeyed further inland and cleared the bush with his machete, he hears the soft and angelic humming of a concubine. He approached slowly and peeks through the lush green leaves to reveal a tribal princess looking for fruit.

Along with her is her best friend. A magical creature that shifts color. They are so in tune that he changes as her emotions change.

This editorial was especially neat not only because there was a live chameleon on set but I got to showcase fresh pops of color. **Please note that no animals were harmed during the course of this session**

The skin was cleansed and was moisturized with 6 drops of Pré de Provence Argan Oil. A blend of MAC’s Gloss Texture with Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Tinted Moisturizer was buffed onto the skin for a highly polished effect. Fix+ was misted onto the face to “set” the high gloss look.

Faux freckles were flecked on with Makeup Forever’s Aqua Brow Gel. 3 different shades, 20, 25, and 30 were used to create small, dimensional, and believable specs.

The look was topped off with a coat of electric blue mascara and matching manicure.

Lips colors in poppy, coral, creamsickle, electric purple and hot pink created a beautiful contrast again a clean canvas and foliage. This also coordinated when the chameleon changed colors. It inspired me to see this creature change his coloration with adjacent colors.

The hair was braided with a strong center part to show off Allison’s beautiful oval shaped face. The hair was saturated with Bumble and Bumble Gel for hold and shine. The hair was secured at the base of the ear and a fishtail braid was constructed. The elastic was hidden with thin straps of leather.

Enjoy the cover and the editorial spread!