Now comes the fun part!

Ariana--Before

Ariana--After!

The basics are out of the way. The bride’s skin looks like the perky complexion it is meant to be on this very special of days. Now what?

Ariana (name changed to protect her privacy) is a very busy, modern NYC bride. She is marrying one of NY’s finest. She is the daughter of a prominent rabbi. She does public relations for a well-known organization.

The ceremony is in NYC in full view of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The setting could not be more romantic.

Ariana does not usually wear a lot of makeup. She really is a natural beauty. However, for her special day she wants to make sure that she looks her best both in person and for the camera.

She made it quite clear that she wants very natural-looking makeup. She did not want to look very made-up. She wanted to look like herself. We did a makeup trial a few weeks before the wedding.

I took some pix so that we could get an idea of what the final product would look like. However, I did not use a high-definition camera, have professional lighting or have professional skills.

After we discussed her makeup philosophy, I suggested the shades that I thought would be ideal. I made sure to write everything down as I went so that on the day of the event, the application would be smooth and flawless. Some things that I suggested were more over-the-top than Ariana wanted. For example, she wanted a very natural lip. I wanted to try a deeper lip color. She also did not want any false lashes. I honored her wishes.

When the day came, I showed up at bright and early at her parents’ house. There was a bit of drama with the hair stylist. What’s a wedding without drama, after all? And then I began her makeup application. I don’t want to say “transformation” because in the case of Ariana, we simply accentuated her own features. She looked exactly like herself.

Her foundation was Porcelain Mineral Photo Touch with coordinating concealer

I highlighted her eyes with Vanilla shadow. We used Black Amethyst in the crease. Ariana’s eyes were lined with Noire pencil and Indigo Automatic Eye LIner at the outer corner to subtly elongate and enlarge her eyes. The look was completed with SuperWear Mascara in Ink. This mascara not only lengthens and thickens but dries in three seconds and lasts until you take it off. It is impervious to tears!

I chose a Crème Blush in Crush to accentuate her dewy glow. Her contour was in Bare Bisque and the highlight was the Vanilla highlighter.

To get that perfect but natural-looking lip, I outlined her lip line in Tea Rose Lip Pencil. Then, I filled in the entire lip with the pencil. This would enhance the life of the lip color. The color that I used was Micro Mocha Rose.

I must say that Ariana was the bride of her dreams. I will let you decide for yourself.  Above are some before-and-after pictures.

Tell us what you think!

The Right Extreme Elegance Cosmetics Can Help Create those Iconic Pix!

Mineral Photo Touch Foundation

Pressed BlottingPowder

Mineral Photo Touch Concealer

Following the Extreme Elegance gentle cleansing, light exfoliating peel, and the application of the right prep and primers, the next universal step in any bridal makeup application is perfecting her complexion and readying it for the her close-up.

Today’s high-definition cameras can cause havoc with many foundations and cosmetics. However, at Extreme Elegance we are ready to step up to the plate with PhotoTouch Foundation and Concealer.

What makes our products unique is twofold. First, they are specifically designed for high-definition photography. The formulation does not reflect light back at the camera. It is lightweight and natural looking. Yet, it is buildable. That means that if the initial application is not enough to conceal every imperfection, additional product can be applied without fear of looking cakey or orange. It also lasts all day.

The Foundation and Concealer work in tandem to create the perfect natural look. Following application of the foundation, Extreme Elegance Invisible Blotting Powder can be worn over the foundation to fix it and to take care of any break-through oils from that very exciting day.

Next Up–The Last Step: Working with the Bride to create her personal bridal vision.

• Fresh all day and all night
• Amazing in her photos
• Like her personal vision of how she should look as a bride

Step I—Prep & Prime–Looking Fresh All Day and All Night

Whether you are a traditionalist, an individualist who is super creative or a modernist, the products that help you achieve that fresh-all-day makeup are the same. It is the application techniques that vary and help you to achieve your unique style.

Extreme Elegance Brides start their day with a gentle cleansing. Then, a light Vibran–C peel is administered. This extremely gentle peel exfoliates the top layer of cells to reveal the fresh ones beneath. This allows the products and foundation that follow to penetrate deeper so that your makeup remains flawless throughout the longest day.

Following the cleansing process, we use treatment products that help perfect the skin. We will discuss your options with you at your makeup trial. After all of the treatment products or the moisturizer are applied, we use Instant Skin Smoother on any lines or creases to smooth them out. Following this is our Texturizing Face Primer SPF 20, which completes the smoothing process and assures that the foundation remains fresh all day.

We then prepare your eyelids with Shadow Magnet which assures that your eye shadow choices remain as fresh when you remove them as they were when they were applied.

Tomorrow: Using our Special Wedding-Perfect Products to Look Fabulous in Your Photos

Next up is the two-tiered skirt. This is an exaggeration the Spring 2012 peplum trend. The advantage of this look is that it can ably disguise ample hips.

The third trend is horsehair. Don’t worry—it has nothing to do with actual horses. This is a synthetic fabric that holds its shape so well that it has been used for generations in the underpinnings of clothing so that they drape as the designer intended.

This year, for the first time that I know of, they are placing it on the outside of the gown for effect. Expect to see more of it as time goes on because it is a sheer white fabric and can give an extremely dramatic effect. It’s like tulle on steroids.

Lace sleeves are the next trend. Since Kate Middleton graced the bridal aisle, this has become an increasingly hot trend.

The next look is the high-low hemline. This is where the gown has a varying-length skirt. Some people call it the “mullet” skirt because it is short in front and long in the back.

Capes have been a big trend on the runway as well as the real way this year. Now they are making their appearance going down the aisle in the form of capelets. They are generally made of lace or another light-as-air fabric that allows the bridal gown to show through.

Finally, the last big style is the Hollywoodesque trend toward the sexy back. Here, the back of the gown dips daringly low, in a graceful drape. This is the bridal equivalent of the red carpet look.

What are your reactions to these trends? Are you a conservative bride who looks forward to the romantic peek-a-boo of an illusion neckline? Are you a Princess Bride who looks forward to the royal tinge of the lace sleeve? Is your vision more Hollywood Starlet? Or do you prefer none of the above? Share your thoughts with us as you plan for your big day!

Next up:  Bridal Makeup Trends

By Merry P. Nachemin, L. C. S. W. R.

 There’s a new trend in town for Spring 2012 and its gaining speed.

The new bridal trends are echoing those of the fashion world. A major game changer in the world of bridal is the increasing use of color in wedding dresses. This trend started a few years ago with blush-colored gowns. Since then it has expanded to include other colors. Even conservative brides are opting for color tints in their gowns. Hue in bridal gowns is no longer limited to pastels, either—there are brides who are choosing to wear many different colors up to and including black!

Here are the top ten colors for Spring 2012, as determined by the color experts at Pantone, and as deciphered by Merry:

Tangerine Tango—Tangerine Tango-This is the “it” color of the season for fashion in general. While Pantone favors deep, juicy, orange, the trend includes shades of peach, apricot and subtler tones, as well.

Solar Power—This is the yellow equivalent of Tangerine Tango. I like to call it Power Yellow or Hot Yellow.

Cabaret—Otherwise known as fuchsia.

Starfish—Also called tan

Driftwood—A deeper shade of Starfish.

Sweet Lilac—Just as it sounds, soft lilac.

Bellflower—A deeper shade of Sweet Lilac.

Sodalite Blue-A deep shade of blue close to denim blue.

Cockatoo—This hue reminds me of Tiffany Blue.

Margarita—This is a shade of pale mint green.

And the bonus shade–my own addition…

Blush—I am adding this shade to the mix myself, as it is becoming increasingly popular and even mainstream as time goes on. On some skin tones, it is more flattering than pure white or cream.

These shades are being worn in bridal gowns and as color embellishments, trims and accessories. They are also being worn in bridesmaids gowns.

Are you opting for conservative whites and creams or are you a trending bride ready to break free of the past and go for the independence symbolized by your new union? Let us know—let’s get this conversation started!

Tomorrow:  The Top Eight Bridal Gown Trends for Spring 2012!

Trend #1:  Is Your Fashion Focus Fuzzy?  Sharpen it with a Crisp Black & White Combo

By Merry P. Nachemin, L. C. S. W. R.

This is one trend that is clean, classic and impactful yet easy wear.

Here are some key tips to help you pull off this look with aplomb:

1.) It can be worn in solids or in graphic prints

• Prints that are great with this trend are geometrics, art deco, floral and futuristic

2.) Accessories can be in the same family or you can introduce a bold shot of color in your shoe and/or bag

• Matchy-matchy is back in a big way in terms of shoes and bags this spring and you can take full advantage with a pop of color that contrasts sharply with your ensemble such as lipstick red, cobalt blue or hot orange

6.) If you have a cool skin tone, go for absolute black and white

• You can complete your “cool” tone ensemble with a silver, white gold or platinum necklace and earrings to play up your skin tone

• If you have a warm skin tone, customize your look by wearing a:

• Warmer shade of white such as off-white, particularly near your face

• Almost-black shade of brown instead of black, which can be more flattering to a warmer skin tone

• Wear a warm color near your face in the form of a scarf or necklace

• Coral is a great shade for a necklace or a scarf—and another hot shade for spring

• You can also wear a yellow or rose gold necklace and/or earrings to reflect back onto your face and warm it up

7.) Since it is a fairly neutral look, you have many options with your makeup:

• You can go with a bold lip and neutral eye

• You can go with a more defined eye and a warm cheek and a more neutral mouth

In any case, as with any look, have fun with it! If you have any questions, please email me.

The good news is that 200 people attended. The bad news is that 100 people were turned away for lack of space! More good news: We will be doing it again!

We will be having another event by the same title on Monday February 13, 2012 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The address will be different, so watch this space for more information as we get closer.

I am still on a cloud from it.  I present info but I like to involve the crowd.  The people who came were full of questions and very interested in learning how to create the magnetic aura that shows off their specialness and induces an interviewer to want them around—and hire them, of course.

The questions they asked were very interesting.  I talked about getting to an interview early.  One attendee asked, “what if the interviewer is late?”  That is a great question.  There are some companies who deliberately have the interviewee wait to see how they react.  They observe the frustration tolerance of the interviewee.  They want to see how the person reacts to frustration.  Is it right?  Perhaps not.  Is it real world?  Yes.

You know the answer to the question.  Realize that it may be a test.  Realize that you are being judged.  Do what another attendee suggested–bring some reading in case you have to wait.  Realize that all jobs are frustrating at times.  Let it go.  When the interviewer calls you in–glow your brightest and show off your fabulous personality.  Show them that you are a great team player and a pleasure to work with.

If you cannot do that, then perhaps this is not the position for you.  Your option is to leave and try another company.

It was very gratifying to me to work with the people who came and help them on their path to get the work that they deserve.

I am so honored and excited!  Can’t wait!  Please call or email for more info.

EEIC All Day Power Package

The current crop of nudes differs from similar trends in the past because while it includes the traditional beiges it is expanded this time to include other solids such as blush pink, camel, nude, bone, winter white, cream, pale gold, golden brown and goldenrod among other similar shades. It also includes camo-inspired prints in swirls, pale plaids and polka dots as featured prominently by Victoria Beckham and Daryl K.

The best thing about these pale shades is that when worn as monochromes, they are extremely slenderizing and elongating. While you may think that a lighter shade emphasizes your width, in fact, wearing related or monochromatic shades from head to toe draws the eye to one unbroken line and reads tall and thin.

There are several caveats to wearing this look in the most flattering way for you:

• To keep the look interesting, pair different textures and tones. For example:

o If you wear a blush-tone cashmere pullover, pair it with a shimmery satin skirt or pant, possibly cut on the bias, in a nude shade. BTW, chunky sweaters are very trendy this fall, as well.

o You can also add texture in the form of a real or imitation thin leather belt that wraps around your waist a couple of times. This could be in a snakeskin or ostrich texture or an animal print that will add flare and interest to your ensemble

o For the tallest possible look:

• Wear a shoe or high boot that matches the tone of your skirt or pant to elongate the leg line.

• Make sure that there is no break between the skirt or slacks and the boot to “cut” the line of the leg. The smoother the look the longer and leaner you look.

o If you want to minimize your height you can:

• Wear a contrasting shoe or boot

• Break the line at the waist with a long, thin wrap belt that wraps around several times, in a contrasting color such as chocolate brown or black and in an interesting texture, as mentioned above

o Wear a thicker belt with an interesting buckle. This will also capitalize on the cinched-waist trend that is very hot this fall.

• Note: the thicker and more contrasting in color the belt, the more it will visually diminish your height

• Add some eye-catching, contrasting statement jewelry to add panache to your neutral look.

The Last Word

• It is hard to go too far with your jewelry here. Everything from pearls to beads to great stones are on-trend this fall.

• The other essential element to making this look work for you is to make sure that the tone of the clothing, particularly anything worn near your face, coordinates with your skin tone. How can you tell? If it enhances your eye and cheek color and makes you look fresh and vibrant it’s right. If makes you look sallow or washed out,  it’s wrong.

• The perfect complement to this look is our Extreme Elegance All Day Power Package (see above), as viewed in our Shopping Cart. This package will provide the perfect finish to your Elegant Not-Quite-Nude Ensemble. It includes a one-hour makeup lesson and free shipping. Order Yours Today!