Pageant-o-rama!

One of the things that Will and I have been working on lately is the pageant scene. Its really super good fun.
We've been working with a delightful girl named Monica on a variety of pageants.

This weekend we did two pageants with Monica, and were able to do all kinds of fun hair and make up.




Here's little miss M on the first day.
She was going to be wearing an absolutely divine green and black dress that was quite sophisticated and needed the full beauty look to go with it.
The venue wasn't large, and what I had to think about makeup-wise was how to have her carry off the fabulous dress and not be owned by it, while knowing that the judges would be quite close, making any makeup seem huge.





I used some MAC shadows and pigments to create the look. First up, a base color to go from brow to lashline. I used a shade called Grain.

Next I wanted to incorporate the deep green from the dress, but not match it, so I used a MAC pigment in Night Light, and gradually built the color over the lid area.
To give the eye added dimension and drama I needed something in a deep tone in the crease and outer corner. I didn't want to go as heavy as a black as that would be too overpowering with the judges seeing her from such a close proximity, so I used a color called Smut.
Love that name! Smut, Smut Smut!!! (I wish I had the job of naming eyeshadow colors - oooh there'd be some badness!)
I built the crease up slowly, again making sure that I wasn't using too heavy of a hand.

I smoked the liner to soften the look and pull it all together, then used some Pro lash Mascara and a strip of false lashes. (after all, its just not a party without lashes!)




Monica is such a pro in the make up chair! She can sit still and keep her eyes still for ages.





We were watching the endless coverage of the Michael Jackson story unfolding while in the hair and make up room, so the usual levity was broken up with moments of sadness.
That's Will behind her tending to her tresses.





Isn't she just gorgeous?



The dress was exquisite. I want one!

Day 2 of the pageant had all kinds of events, from interview to dance, to the grand finale.

I opted for a softer look with the make up. Still lashes (of course lashes!) but a much softer, younger eye. I love colored glosses, and tend to use them half to death, but they really do give such a soft and pretty mouth.




What do ya know? She won!!!

Monica is much more than just a pretty face though, which is part of the reason that Will and I just adore working with her.
She leads a very busy high school life. She is on the varsity cheer team (I have no idea what that actually means, but it sounds good!), in September she is returning to school as President of the Senior Class, she is captain of the Arizona Western College Jazz team, is an A student, a red cross lifeguard, and she has MS.
That's right - Multiple Sclerosis. And you would never know it. She couldn't be blamed for opting out of everything and feeling sorry for herself, but instead she has chosen to grab life by the horns and get everything possible out of it!
Monica has such a winning attitude. She wants to learn about everything and then master it.
I love that!

She has a fabulous family who travel to support her in her pageants. When I asked her why she keeps doing pageants she told me that she likes to work hard to accomplish something, and feels that win or lose she comes away from pageants gaining life skills as well as poise and extra confidence. And they're fun!
She plans on going to college to study Marketing and Public Relations.

Isn't she great? She tells me that she "just doesn't let MS get in her way". I think she's quite the inspiration!

Will and I have become so vested in her winning, and if not winning, then at least having a blast doing it. And like her family, we too are so very proud of her.

I just wish the winner got three tiaras - Will and I would wear ours with pride, style and flair!





One last look.

Today Miss Arizona Teen, tomorrow the world!

Lovin Those Locks!

This weekend there was a Locks Of Love charity event put on by Tony Pedregon Racing at the summit Racing NHRA Nationals in Norwalk Ohio. Supporters lined up to have 10 inches or more cut from their hair to be used to create wigs for those who have lost their hair due to medical ailments. There were also auctions etc to raise money for Locks Of Love. The idea for this event came from Tony's young daughter, who gave something around 10 inches of hair herself!

This got me thinking about a trip to India that I was supposed to take in March of last year. Seems like a stretch I know, but stay with me here.

One of my brothers lived in Bangalore for 3 years, running operations for an international bank. I had planned on taking my little guy for a visit at the end of that 3 years, thinking he would better remember and absorb it all if I waited til he was 7. We were all set to go after months of teaching my boy about India, feeding him the cuisine, and getting him all prepped, when wouldn't you know it, my brother had to move back to Sydney a month earlier than originally planned. The trip had to be cancelled, and we didn't get to go.

I have had a fascination with India for many years. I find the culture intriguing, love the food and the people and the history. From an artistic point of view I think the women are incredibly beautiful, I love their saris, their make up, the inner strength and peace in their faces. And I love Bollywood.

Anyway, with my great love of rituals and pageantry, one of the things I had planned to do while in India, was to travel to Andhra Pradesh to Tirupati, to Tirumala, the world's most visited site of pilgramage.




Everyday between 50, 000 and 100,000 take the 2 1/2 hour walk up the mountain to the temple, and wait hours for a 5 second viewing of the sacred Idol.


There are some 3000 steps to take. (like I would have ever survived that!)


I may have some facts confused here, but it is my understanding that Lord Venkateswara, one of the forms of the hindu god Vishnu is in residence at the temple.




Many of the pilgrams top the visit off with what is called "tonsuring". The women wear their best saris, in shades of bright pink, orange and turquoise, and line up for hours outside the temple's tonsuring room to have their heads shaven, in the belief that by doing so the God will grant them their wish. Some get tonsured as a sign of gratitude for blessings in their lives, and historically the act of tonsuring is done as a sign of completely surrendering one's ego at the feet of the lord.



Both men and women get tonsured, and little kids too.



This family sits patiently after being tonsured. (I would still be complaining about the walk up...) Sometimes after the weight of such long, thick hair is removed the women get dizzy and have a hard time standing back up.

The hair is collected, washed and treated and sold to become wigs and hair pieces. Temple hair as it is called, is considered to be the highest quality hair available. The glossy, healthy, waist length hair has never been treated with anything harsher than Ayurvedic soaps and oils, and becomes the most lush, exquisite hair extensions and pieces.
There is such a huge market for temple hair that approximately 500 tons of it is harvested and sold at auction from Tirumala each year at top prices. The temple consequently has extraordinary wealth, which it pours back into the community.




I am sure some of the wigs and falls that I own must have come from temple hair. Maybe not from Tirumala, but from any of the temples in India that perform tonsuring.

So I missed the trip to Bangalore, missed staying at the Leila Palace, missed staying at my brother's beautiful home, missed touring the sites with my sister in law and their much loved driver, Ramu. Seeing it all thru pictures just isn't quite the same.

I know that the spectacular visual impact of India and its people would have left me so inspired.

But inspiration can also come in the form of a pint sized little girl who not only was willing to give up her own hair to help another, but also had the drive to make an event out of it, get her family involved and raise money and collect hair for Locks of Love.

I don't know if they are still taking donations, but if you would like to help check out www.tonypedregon.com

If you would like more information about Tirumala check out this great blog by Esben Agersnap at www.eagersnap.blogspot.com

The Bra Tree

Recently I was at a convention and stumbled across a booth that was quite intriguing!

Actually, it was all the lingerie on display that caught my attention. Beautiful bras of all colors and fabrics, displayed in a way that made it so easy to see each piece. The different shapes and styles each standing out from one another in a clean, uncluttered way.
Now, I have a love of lingerie that although is not as extreme as the shoe thing, is still somewhat overwhelming. (A girl should always have fresh cut flowers, killer lingerie, and endless high heels...), so I was so busy checking them out that I didn't realize the booth was selling the display device and not the garments themselves






Its called the Bra Tree, and works on the principal that you hang all your bras. I recently aquired some extra drawer space, so haven't made the leap, but isn't it cool?

You can check it out at www.bratree.com

The Anatomy of a Photoshoot

Have you ever wondered how a fashion shoot goes down?
Well, on the off chance that you have, I'm going to walk you through one that I did recently.

The shoot I'm going to show you was for a fabulicious feather vest that was just to die for.
The photographer was the amazing Kelly Cappelli, the hair guru was the genius Will Zecco, the model was Tamara Anthony, (one of those ridiculously beautiful girls who also happens to be fantastic fun) and we shot it at my favorite studio out here, Studio 5.

Now, the lovely Tamara is a brunette, and when we were looking at the vest, and at the concept


for the shoot, we thought it might be really cool to put her in a blonde wig.
Prior to a big shoot happening, there are meetings with the creative team (us) and meetings with the client/ad agency/marketing people etc all seeking out a meeting of the minds.



The vest was very pale, starting out white and graduating color to a soft pink. I didn't want to overwhelm it or detract from it with a solid or strong lip, so I opted for a very dark and dramatic eye, and a soft wash of mouth.
Tamara has one of those amazing faces that you can do anything with, and she always looks drop dead gorgeous, so that gave me a lot of freedom.
I have bags of lashes, and in this case chose to use a really cool pair by Make Up Forever.




At this stage we were in what I consider 'preliminary make up'. The framework is all set, but once hair is completed I know I may need to do some adjusting. Once we have her under the lights we run some test frames to see how it all looks, and I make any final adjustments needed before we start shooting.

So the beautiful brunette now heads over to Will to get wigged up.



The vest is hanging on the rail behind Will

Will is super clever with hair, and can really do anything you can think up. He can also create hair that can withstand anything, including fans blowing high speed, wild dancing, hanging upside down - you name it.
Did I mention that along with some big gleaming diamonds he's a girl's best friend?




I love watching him work!




Now we put Tamara under the lights, and Kelly starts working her magic. Kelly has the most amazing creative vision. I love love love shooting with her!!!
I can stand right behind her and watch over her shoulder, and still be completely wowed when she sends me the images to look at.
In her mind's eye she can see so much more than the rest of us. She can paint her world with light and shadow and texture, and frankly, thats a huge part of what makes her such a brilliant and highly sought after photographer.

I can't show you the final pictures of the vest, but I can show you a couple of the make up images.



I so love what I do! Its pretty cool when you get to do fun things with inspiring people and call it work.

Isn't life fun?

Girl, Get Your Go Go On!

When you have a savage shoe addiction (like I do) it stands to reason that you'll also have a mad love affair with handbags (and I do!). A great pair of shoes and a stylin handbag go together like chips and salsa, a cold margarita on a hot day, the smell of nitro and the roar of thunder.

So, of course, I devote time to constantly searching out fun, fab and cool handbags. And what do you know??? I recently stumbled into some new fabulocity, that ties my love of bags into my love of racing!

I found Nitro*A*Go Go! (www.nitroagogo.com)

I am love, love, lovin all over this Sunset Beach bag!

It features a divided interior pocket, black cotton lining, silver d-rings and purse feet, rolled shoulder straps, and ultra plush faux fur trim. Plenty of room pocket space for your cell phone, iPod, makeup, and anything else a busy fashionista needs. And wouldn't you know it? I have the perfect pair of shoes to wear with it too! They're not exactly track appropriate, but who cares?

This one's called the Drag Star bag, and it also has a divided interior pocket, black cotton lining, silver d-rings and purse feet, rolled shoulder straps, silver star strap studs, ultra plush faux fur trim, and matching Pretty Boy Floyd wallet.

All these bags are edgy, cool, and well made.

The Drop Dead Cherry Bomb features Kustom Tuck 'n Roll design, quilted Tahitian Pearl front panel, a divided inside pocket, silver d-ring attachments, rolled straps, silver purse feet, voluptuous red cherries, and ultra plush natural cheetah lining (you know I'm loving that!), and complimented by a matching Pretty Boy Floyd wallet. It comes in a variety of colors, and also has faux fur.




I just had a quick peek at the website again and spotted this gorgeous bag too! Its called Harlow, and I'm thinking I have to have it. In fact, Harlow might just be the new black...

Nitro*A*G0 G0 bags are designed by the fabulous Leeza Diehl, who as life would have it, shares my love of fashion and racing.

Web address: www.nitroagogo.com

Check out the website - she also does custom bags etc if you want to change up colors.

Make sure you bring your Nitro*A*Go Go with you to the races - I will spot you a (quarter) mile off!

Time for a Good Lashing

OK, so its time to tackle some more make up details, and leave the shoes and lingerie alone for a minute!

Today I want to chat to you about mascara. Mascara is one of those products that almost everyone in lady-land uses, but so frequently its all wrong. Oftentimes its a nightmare in a tube, so I'm going to give you my top 10 tips for mascara use. There's actually more than 10, but here we go...

Firstly, let me tell you about the products I use both in my kit and on myself.

My favorite beyond all favorites is the unbelievably fabulous Diorshow Blackout. I use this mascara at home when I want sensational, huge, gorgeous lashes.





I'm convinced that a huge portion of the magic here is in the wand. When I'm working with celebs and models and want some serious lash action I'll take a new tube of Blackout, but as I cant re-use the wand I give the tube to them when we're done.

The other staple mascara in my personal make up arsenal is by MAC and is called Plush Lash. Again its all about the wand, and the lashes are divine.

The mainstay mascaras in my kit are by MAC, particularly Zoom Lash and Pro Lash.


These are great little work horse mascaras. They pack a fabulous punch and don't cost the earth. ( I think they run about $12 each). If you are intimidated by a huge wand, or just feel more at ease using a smaller wand, these are both ideal.
The quality is excellent too.

Here are my Top 10 Mascara Tips:

1) Never use drug store/supermarket brands. I constantly see women with broken or damaged lashes, clumps of lashes missing, irritated skin at the lash line, and the common denominator always seems to be a cheap mascara.
At the risk of alienating the masses I'm telling you to get rid of them. Try the MACs and see what you think.

2) Unless you're planning on swimming or crying, avoid waterproof mascara.
It is so difficult to completely remove, and you can easily wind up damaging your lashes and rubbing the delicate skin around the eye too much.

3) Make sure you remove all your mascara, every night.
Some cleansers will gently dissolve and remove your mascara. If yours doesn't try a good, gentle eye make up remover.

4) Never pump your mascara wand in and out of the tube.
All this does is dry the mascara out prematurely. Instead, swirl the wand around inside the tube.

5) Remove excess mascara from the wand before you start applying it.
You can either use a clean tissue, or run the wand across the opening of the tube (which is what I do!)

6)If you are going to curl your lashes, do it before you put your mascara on.

7) When your mascara starts getting dry or flaking, its time to replace it.
Flakes and bits of mascara dropping below your eyes are not flattering on anyone!
In a pinch if you don't have a replacement tube, put the wand back in and close the tube, then either hold it under hot running water, or sit it in a glass of hot water. This will sometimes liquify it enough to be used.

8) If you have clumps of mascara on your lashes, run a lash groomer thru to remove the clumps and separate the lashes

9) Apply your lower lashes first. If you do the upper lashes first you may get dots of wet mascara on your upper lids when you start to do the lower ones.

10) When applying mascara, take the wand to the base of the lashes, then bring it forward with a slight side to side motion.
Coat the top of the upper lashes before you do the underside.

Remember that big, gooey, clumpy lashes are not fabulous and not sexy! Aim to have the lashes separated, long and full.

And then bat them baby!

Gentlemen, start your engines!

One of my favorite temptations in Las Vegas is the divine emporium of naughtiness, Agent Provocateur.

For the uninitiated, this is not quite (well hopefully not quite) your mother's bra shop. In fact, I would describe it as a luxury lingerie store with a big, heaping spoonful of wicked sprinkled on top!

Agent P is a British import, and has locations nationwide, but not in Phoenix, so I meander on down there when in Sin City. Their clever, drop dead sexy merchandise has been immortalized in print ads featuring Kate Moss. Their fare is titillating yet tasteful, not Fredericks and not Trashy L.

Their window displays are frequently hilarious




The dressing rooms are boudoir style with lace walls, and softly lit, so we all look fabulous and feel comfortable.

I walked into Agent this trip and was greeted by the store mannequin wearing a leopard print cat mask, a corset and a knowing smile. All of which would have been a great sales tool if her plastic eyes hadn't been all wonky, making her look like a cross between a rabid feline and a homicidal maniac. No matter where I was in the store I could feel her demented stare burning holes in my back.
However, she did get me thinking about corsets. And the corsets they are showing this season are beautiful. Black corsets, pink corsets, beige corsets. Something for everyone from sexy to feminine to super cool. Some were wicked and to be hidden under your clothes (or not!), some to be worn with a great pair of jeans and some cracking high heels.
They had a fabulous see through trench coat too, and were showing it with the bathrobes and peignoirs.

I love that the staff are so fun and friendly. I watched them helping men select pieces of perfection for their girlfriends, and put them completely at ease while discussing the naughty stuff. You've gotta admire a fellow who finds his way to buy sexy undies for his girl at Agent P instead of the Hustler store!

Every girl should know that its really rather empowering wearing fine lingerie, no matter where you're going or what you're doing.
If you're in Las Vegas, make sure you go check out Agent Provocateur at the Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace, and maybe pick yourself up a little piece of fabulicious....

C'est mon reve!

When I go to Vegas I am compelled to go to Cirque du Soleil shows. I'm sure every make up artist out there gets fixated on the spectacular visuals, the sheer majesty of the Cirque shows.

My favorite beyond favorite is Le Reve, which plays at the Wynn.






Now technically its not a Cirque production, and is not on the list of Cirque shows, but it was designed for Steve Wynn by Franco Dragone, the creative director of O, Mystere, La Nouba, Quidam and Alegria. Any Cirque fan watching Le Reve would be hard pressed to tell its not a Cirque du Soleil performance, if indeed there is a way to tell?

Like O, Reve happens in water. 1 million gallons of it, to be precise. The story line follows a series of dreams, with some of the most astounding acrobatics, dance and theatrics you'll ever witness, and indeed feel a part of. The theatre is in the round, seats approximately 2000, with no one further than 40 feet away from the action.
Because it is in the round, there is no "backstage". The sets, and for the most part the performers themselves, either appear from the depths of the water, or soar in from above.
The stages raise and descend seemingly in mere seconds. A performer will run clear across the surface of the pool, and a heartbeat later another will dive from 40 feet high straight into the water, leaving your heart somewhere near your throat.

It takes 175 technicians and crew to support the 68 performers.

The make up artist in me is in awe of the fabrics used in the costumes, especially the red dresses. The girls will perform water ballets, then climb out and dance on the edge of the pool, their skirts swinging with their moves as if dry. (It should be noted that they dance and swim in red heels!) All the costuming is spectacular.




No matter how many production stills and videos I watch, none really do justice to Le Reve. I've included a couple of you tube clips to give you some of the flavor of this genius show, but there is no comparison to actually being there and experiencing it live.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4f88xxDnro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbl-GJwfQGA

For some reason these aren't linking, but you can always check them out at www.youtube.com

Have a beautiful weekend!

Vegas Baby Vegas!

Oh I just adore Vegas!

I scarcely even bother gambling, to me its such a great place to go shop, window shop, eat, drink and be merry. I love going to shows and live concerts, so I frequently zip out there just for some Cirque action, or to take in a rock concert.

I just got back from a Vegas run, and what fabulicious fun it was!

With the exception of a fun little adventure in March staying at the Palms, I always stay at Mandalay Bay or Bellagio. I have loved them equally and loyally until now...
This trip I stayed at the Venetian for the first time, and am not planning on ever staying anywhere else!



The Venetian and the adjoining Palazzo are suite only hotels, and the suites are to die for! They're no more expensive than the other hotels, which really surprised me. I was in a Bella Suite, which is 650 square feet of gorgeousness and opulence. The Bella's are so well appointed, with extra storage space, so you really can keep it all behind closed doors.
The sunken living room has beautiful furnishings, dining table and chairs, desk with office equiptment such as photocopier and fax (I really loved that! but couldn't think up anyone exciting to send a fax to...) All the small and incidental features were divine too, interesting lamps and light shades, remote control roman window dressings etc.



Bella's come with two queen beds, ideal for travelling with friends, or if you don't really like your husband that much. Other suites have just one king size bed if you still think he's quite nice.



I could happily live in the bathroom! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

The dining at the Venetian properties was varied and really good. My favorites were the Canyon Ranch Spa grill for some super healthy organic fare (in Vegas?), and then the pan asian fine dining at Woo. The evening spent at Woo was spectacular on every level. The menu was just completely beyond fab, the wine list was lovely and our waiter Jeffrey was exactly what you want in a waiter. Friendly, helpful, knowledgable and witty, and there when you wanted or needed him.

The jewel in the crown for me was the shopping. Whether you want to just window shop, or if you're there for the real thing, the Venetian shopping experience is in my mind unparalleled in Vegas. A steady stream of designer stores with the bonus of having both Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin stores under the same roof. I died!!!
And when I was done dying I accidentally got connected to the Jimmy Choo sale.

Even though I had the consolation prize of a beautiful new pair of Choos to take home with me, I was so sad to leave the Venetian. I cant wait to go back, but am taking solace in the new yellow slingbacks....

Oh Manzy!

After I went to last year's Prelude to the Dream, I really got into dirt track racing. Who saw that coming? - not me!!! I had never enjoyed dirty, dusty, loud racetracks before (well, truth be told, I'd never even considered going to one before...), but here was this fun new thing to go and do.

In Phoenix we had a fantastic dirt track called Manzanita Speedway. It had been around since the early 1900's, and since the 1950's had been used for dirt track car races.
It was one of those great old venues with big old wooden stands to sit in, all ambience and atmosphere and tradition. It was the perfect place to take my 8 year old every weekend. Inexpensive, loud, boy fun. It seemed that every weekend the same cast of characters would be there. We'd sit in approximately the same seats near turn four every time, and got to know all the other families, who would sit in their same seats too.

All the little boys would tear down and watch from the wall, hooting and hollering and waving their checkered flags at the cars. We had no clue who the drivers were, so would just randomly pick cars to cheer for while they were running hot laps. That in itself would be hysterically funny. Typically everyone is cheering on the hot favorite or the family member, but we always wound up with the cars that only had 3 other fans (or none at all), and we'd support them with all the crazy enthusiasm that everyone else used.
My car frequently got lapped by all the others, and would limp back to the pit wounded, but I would still be cheering him on valiantly!



a little fence jumping...





a Cruz pedregon t-shirt, a light saber, and the late mods - what else could a boy want?

Manzy was one of those places where you just throw on a baseball cap and your jeans - totally low key. The kids would have hotdogs and cokes, and to a foreigner (me!) it just seemed to be a really fantastic slice of americana, and absolutely the stuff that memories are made of.

And then, out of nowhere, they up and sold it. Just like that. We were devastated!
All the fun ended on Easter Sunday, with our two favorites, late models and sprint cars.

Every weekend we still miss Manzy. I haven't found another cool place to watch the dirt cars run out here.

So if you ever get the opportunity to go to a dirt track, jump all over it. You'll meet the nicest people, have no end of fun, and create some really great memories along the way :)

The Robert Redford factor...

When I was an impressionable young teen my mother (who is about the most gorgeous, glamorous creature you ever did see) always told me to make sure I had my lips and mascara on and my hair looking good before I walked out the door, because you never know when you're going to run into Robert Redford.




Now, not only did I not have much interest in Redford, but living in a small city in New Zealand, the likelihood of bumping into him on the way to the store was somewhat remote. However, she had never steered me wrong, and in the divine world of fabulous, she had it going on. Actually I blame her for this obsession I have with skin care and make up....




Anyway, the pattern was set, and I always made sure I was putting my best foot forward everywhere I went. Just in case, you know?
(She also told me to always have clean underwear on in case I had to be taken away in an ambulance, so I'm placing my lingerie obsession squarely on her shoulders too).

So last night we went to Chase Field to a Diamondbacks game. (I love going to see any live sporting event) and, of course, I had my lips on, and my hair pulled back into a fab pony. It was the Robert Redford factor, still in place all these years later.
And wouldn't you know it I looked up and there I was in all my glory way up there on the Jumbo-tron.
Now as far as I know, I didn't know a soul in that 22 000 strong crowd, so it didn't matter in the least, and even if I knew them all it still wouldn't matter, but my first thought was "thank God I just put more lipgloss on..."

And as for Redford? Mothers are more prescient than we give them credit for. Shortly after moving to Hollywood a publicist we knew gave amazing opening night tickets to my friend Mia (fabulous casting director who you'll be meeting soon) and me to see Glenn Close playing Norma Desmond in the stage production of Sunset Boulevard. The show was to die for!
Five minutes before showtime who should walk in and sit directly infront of us? None other than Robert Redford himself!



A little side note here - he had the most amazing thick head of hair, and as soon as the lights went down, without thinking, Mia and I both leaned forward and smelled it...

The Perfect Face of Summer

Do you ever find that when the weather warms up your foundation starts to look cakey and overdone?

Now that summer is here it's time to change up your make up wardrobe. This is the time of the year when we really want our skin to look fresh and dewy, clean and healthy. Traditional foundations start to sweat and melt, and really don't look good after an hour or so at a picnic in the park. (or any other outdoor pursuit!)

I'm sure you're all being beaten half to death with sales pitches for tinted moisturizers right now. In theory I think they're great, but in reality I find they don't give enough coverage, so skin looks blotchy, they move unevenly on the skin as the day wears on, leaving you looking patchy, your other color products don't want to stay on them, and if you are anywhere near a combination skin or slightly oily skin your skin winds up looking gooey.

Hardly what I'd call fabulous...

One of the best kept secrets out there is a magic potion for summer skin.
It's a product by Make Up Forever called Face and Body.




Face and Body gives gorgeous coverage and keeps the skin looking even and beautiful, without looking made-up or overdone. It is very sheer, but has a divine texture which makes everyone's complexion look amazing.
It doesn't require much in the way of powder, so you stay very fresh faced. Blush and eye shadow both hold to it beautifully too.

This is the only foundation that you will ever hear me tell you to apply with your finger tips and not a foundation brush. You take a very small amount and gently move it in small circles, rather than just wiping it over the surface. (when you buy this product have them show you how to apply it).

For years Face and Body has been a pro make up artist product, I've used it on endless beach shoots, celebrity appearances, sports television as well as fashion work. Its the foundation that I recommend to all my clients, and that I wear myself all summer long.

Make Up Forever isn't sold in most department stores.
You can find it nationwide at Sephora, at the Make Up Forever Studio store in NYC,
Nigel Emporium in North Hollywood, the Skin and Make Up Institute in Phoenix.
You can also check their website for more locations www.makeupforever.com

Love it! Love it! Love it!

Loving that Wild Fig!

I love scented candles.

I always have them burning in my home, in the make up room, and often have them burning in the studio on photoshoots. I never take a bath without candles burning, and in fact, the first step in my morning ritual is lighting a beautiful candle before I start my skincare and make up routine.

Candles are such rich symbols of mood and sensuality, they are calming, soothing and relaxing.

My favorite at the moment is Trish McEvoy's Wild Fig Candle



The fragrance is divine, subtle without being overwhelming. Not too sweet, but fresh and clean.

I have the large candles at home, and keep the small one in my make up kit for the days that the make up room needs a little lovin.

Trish's candles are soy, so they burn clean and last a long time. They are so fragrant that you can actually just leave a new candle opened and unlit in a room for the first couple of weeks, and the room will smell gorgeous!

She has a few different fragrances as well as the Wild Fig, the most popular of which would have to be the Blackberry and Vanilla. (I burn that one all winter long!)

I buy mine at Nieman Marcus. Renee Howley, the Trish specialist at the Nieman's here in Scottsdale turned me on to them. They make lovely gifts, are fab to burn at dinner parties and soirees, and are just my favorite thing right now!

Nieman's ships, so if you are not near a Trish location call Renee at the Trish McEvoy counter at Nieman Marcus in Scottsdale AZ (480) 990-2100 and get her to send one out to you.
If you are in the greater Phoenix area go see Renee and get your make up done while you smell the candles.

Ooohh! Life is good!

Divine Hair Treatment

If you're anything like me, summertime can be quite tricky on your hair.

My hair is long and thick, and tends to dry out very easily. Beach vacations, pool time, boating, and all our summer pursuits just make it worse.

I have a favorite product/hair lifeline for you! I absolutely swear by Ojon.




Every other week (more frequently if needed) I use the Restorative Treatment at night. You scoop out a small amount of the paste, rub it between your hands until it liquifies, and massage it into the hair and scalp, then use the little tribal comb to pull it through evenly.
I throw a towel over my pillow and sleep in it, then rinse it out in the morning and follow up with their Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner.


Without fail my hair regains its shine and luster!

Check them out at www.Ojon.com

Have a beautiful day!