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Boudoir
Mar. 21, 2012
NEW YORK / PHILADELPHIA BOUDOIRIt is so nice to see my friend Kamila Harris getting back into shooting in Philadelphia again. As many of you know, Kamila and I used to share the studio together here in Chestnut Hill. Last year Kamila made her big move to New York and is really finding herself a whole new clientele there. I could not be happier for her-- except.... I missed her! But now, she is traveling between NY and Philly and is taking appointments for Boudoir shoots and weddings in Philadelphia. Just to let you know... she is back and better than ever! Check it out...
Boudoir shoot
Mar. 14, 2012
BOUDOIRForgive me if I am repeating myself but... Boudoir is my FAVORITE type of makeup to do. I love everything about it. I love the empowerment that it gives to women, as well as the sheer joy that it gives the recipient of the photos. I believe that it is something that every woman should do at least once in their lifetime, no matter what age or size you are. Ladies... DO IT NOW!!! The model is a knockout mother of four, can you believe it?! 
These gorgeous photos were taken by Jennifer Childress If you are interested in booking a Boudoir session with Jenn Childress, give her a call and tell her that you want us to do your makeup.
Philadelphia Style Magazine
Feb. 27, 2012
Philadelphia Style Magazine Feature
We are proud to be featured in Philadelphia Style Magazine this season in their profile of local Makeup Artists. Congrats to our friends and fellow colleagues who are also featured!
Splurge vs. Steal
Feb. 11, 2012
Splurge vs. Steal
I
have been a subscriber of Allure magazine since way back in 1991 when it
started. It is a great magazine for makeup styles, trends, tips and techniques.
They also have fashion articles. One of my favorite sections is the
splurge/steal section. Typically, I laugh when the splurge item is some
ridiculous price for a mini-skirt ($1800) and the steal item is less, but still
not affordable ($550).
But this my friends is a true splurge/steal list for cosmetics. Whereas most
things on the splurge list are affordable and everything on the steal list is
most definitely affordable. And just to let you know... this list only includes
items that you could get for less and does not include items such as
foundations, powders, primers, eyeshadow or blush because quite frankly I would
never 'cheap out' on any of those items.
1.SPLURGE- Clarisonic Cleansing Brush- Mia-- $119
I love my Clarisonic more than words. Sure it was a bit of a splurge, but it is
one of those items that I can honestly say is worth every penny. I have noticed
a difference not only in the texture of my skin, but the clarity as well. It
has minimized my breakouts and after seeing what comes out onto the brush, I
can absolutely understand why.
STEAL- Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleaning System-- $26
If you are on a budget and want to see a big improvement in your skin then run
to CVS and pick one of these bad boys up. The main difference between this and
the Clarisonic brush is that this brush is battery powered whereas the
Clarisonic is an electric charge, so it may arguably have a little less
substance. But hey, both products are comparable to a Soniccare toothbrush--
because the pulsating motion of the brush gets your skin 10 times cleaner than
a washcloth. You can't lose with either one. 
2. SPLURGE- Fresh Soy Face Cleanser-- $21 The aroma and texture of this cleanser
is just so luxurious and delicious. It makes the skin feel silky smooth and
brightens the complexion.
STEAL- Cetaphil Cleanser-- $5.49 This cleanser is recommended by dermatologists
around the globe and is the savior of all acne prone combo skin clients. What
it does is helps maintain the PH balance in the skin without stripping it. Good
stuff- great price!
3. SPLURGE- Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizer-- $55 This skincare line is
amazing. Dr. Perricone really knows skin! But really, how many people can
afford to pay this price for a toner that they will have to restock in 2
months? It does a great job of keeping the skin clear of bacteria and shrinks
pores, but there is a product that will do just as good of a job for less...
STEAL- Thayers Lavender Witch Hazel--$15-- This stuff is amazing. It smells
great and the best thing is that witch hazel is a natural anti-bacterial, so it
tones and brightens just as well as anything I have tried.
4. SPLURGE- Chanticialle Bio-Dynamic Serum-- $210 for 1 oz If money were
no object, I would slather myself in Chanticialle products. This stuff is
seriously stellar. But again, out of my budget.
STEAL- Dr Weil for Origins- Mega Mushroom Advanced Skin Relief Serum-- $66 for
1.7 oz. Serums are great at firming the skin while maintaining a lighter
overall texture than a moisturizer. It does not replace a moisturizer, but will
help it work better. Great for anti-aging. I love that Origins and Dr Weil
joined forces. It proves you can never have too much of a great thing!
5. SPLURGE- Kate Sommerville Nourish-- $65 This is another great skincare
line from someone who knows skin. Kate developed this moisturizer to help
hydrate and nourish the skin, hence the name. The texture is superb.
STEAL- Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre-- $25 This product is highly coveted
by Makeup Artists for its texture and the way that it hydrates dehydrated skin.
It is great under makeup and you only need a little bit.
6. SPLURGE- Sisleya Eye Cream-- $205 Sisley's best selling eye cream and
one of the best on the market. It hydrates and prevents wrinkles.
STEAL- Avon Anew Clinical Eye Cream-- $30 Look for sales on this product.
Sometimes Avon.com runs BOGO with some of their skin care. The reason that I
love this product is that it doubles as two eye treatments. The gel is great
for puffiness and dark circles while the cream is good for hydrating and lines
and wrinkles. These are solutions for two separate issues combined perfectly in
one little jar.
7. SPLURGE- Lancome Bifacil Eye Makeup Remover-- $26 I love a good oil based
eye makeup remover. It is one of the items that I have always splurged on. I
love both Chanel Dual Phase and Lancome Bifacil eye makeup removers. But, they
are pricey, so I went on to investigate some other waterproof eye makeup
removers and found this...
STEAL- Lumene Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover--$4 Now that is more like it. It is
a great remover to have for my kit. It conditions lashes and removes stubborn
eye makeup. But shhh, don't tell-- I am still going to splurge for the Lancome
every once in awhile. :)
8. SPLURGE- Cle De Peu Concealer--$70 Yes, it is the highest rated concealer on
the market, but I will be damned if I am going to pay that much money for a
product that I would go through so quickly in my kit. I do love the creamy
coverage it gives.
STEAL- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer--$17 I was apprehensive at first
when trying this product because honestly, MAC always seems to let me down with
their foundations. But this product is a winner! The pump mechanism keeps the
product moist and its delivery system allows it to cover smoothly without
caking.
9. SPLURGE- Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara--$19 Now this isn't even that
expensive as far as mascaras go, but it is more pricey than the typical
drugstore brands that I go to for my kit. The brush is amazing and the formula
is wet and strong. Love it!
STEAL- Cover Girl Lash Blast Luxe--$6 Hands down the best mascara for the
money! Love the brush and the formula! Also comes in waterproof.
10. SPLURGE- Makeup Forever Aqua Crayons--$18 These waterproof pencils
are creamy and glide on effortlessly. The color selection is huge. But, eyeliners
are something that I go through so quickly that I can't afford to pay top dollar
for.
STEAL- Ulta Waterproof Eye Pencils-- $8 (often on sale for half price) I stock
up on these in Black, Black/Brown and Navy whenever they have a sale.
Retractable waterproof eyeliners are all pretty much the same, and for
something that I use so often, I need it cheap. They hold up really well too!
11. SPLURGE- Chanel lipliners--$29 There is something about a Chanel lipliner.
You feel special when you use it. It comes with a fancy sharpener and the
colors are rock solid.
STEAL- NYX lipliners--$3. I know, three dollars. Seems a little silly, but
these are nice! They go on very smoothly and the colors are beautiful! 
Meet Yelena
Jan. 30, 2012
Meet YelenaWe are excited to introduce you to Yelena Kopaygorodsky! She comes to us with over ten years of makeup and skin care experience. She is a trained esthetician and has a talent for making the skin look radiant, while enhancing features naturally. We sat down with Yelena and asked her ten questions about herself. Read what she says. I would have to say the 50s Pinup look, love the red lips. What is your favorite type of makeup to do? My specialty is a smoky eye with long lashes. What is your fondest experience with a client?I love when a client is amazed by their transformation, while I enhance their natural beauty. If you were not a makeup artist, what would you choose to be?I'd probably be either in fashion or an interior designer. Do you have any hobbies?I like to paint, draw & dance. Married, Engaged, Dating or Single?Single Any children?No Any pets?No, but I'd love a dog. Who was your biggest influence creatively?My grandfather for getting me my first professional paint brushes & introducing me to an artist. Who is your favorite makeup artist?There are so many. I like Billy Brasfield's work; very creative.
Inspiration Shoot
Dec. 19, 2011
Inspiration Shoot
We recently had the pleasure of working with some amazing women on a special inspiration shoot. Erin Proud of Proud to Plan and Lindsay Docherty of Lindsay Docherty Photography orchestrated a beautiful event to show off the creativity and talent of local Philadelphia vendors and inspire to-be-wed couples, and Nina did makeup and simple hair styling for Becky, the model for the day.
Laurita Winery served as an incredible backdrop; the last photo we are featuring is an amazing shot that shows the sun setting behind a field of grapevines. Check out the beautiful photos below, as well as the write up and more photos of the day in Ruffled Blog.
Danielle & Mark
Nov. 30, 2011
Danielle & Mark March 5, 2011
Chrissi & Michael
Nov. 18, 2011
Chrissi & Michael
A special thanks to Sharyn Frenkel for all of the beautiful photos of the bride!
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Nov. 16, 2011
IPLIPL (intense pulse light) has
become the single most popular light devices in use today. Results can
easily parallel those of "true lasers" for many indications. Most IPL
systems emit light with a range of wavelengths, anywhere from 500 nm to
1,200 nm. With this range of wavelengths, water, melanin and hemaglobin
all act as possible chromophores in the skin.
As a result we are able to
address, solar lentigo, telangiectasia, Rosacea, fine lines,
dyschromia, discoloration left from acne scarring. The treatments takes
about 15 - 35 mins. The treatment is very effective on most areas of
the face and body and helps to reduce profuse redness from Rosacea and
broken capillaries as well as pigment irregularities from old sun
damage. It feels similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin, Most
people need 2-4 treatments to get the best result.
The second time that I met with Jill (October 27th, 2011), she decided that it would be best
to work on the broken capillaries around my nose and some of the sun
damage (age spots) that I have by doing IPL. She warned me that it was more 'snappy'
than painful and she was right. The results that I saw with this treatment were close to miraculous. I noticed right away that the capillaries around my nose had disappeared and the color of my skin looks more even.
What I notice the most so far is that my skin feels brighter and firmer. This is a result of the combo of the microderm and the IPL. Here are some photos. All no makeup and no retouching.
Before:  Around my nose before: Mid-treatment:
Immediately after:
Next week I will post some photos of the area around my nose now. The difference is unbelievable. Thanks again to Jill M Ranoia of Deme. These women know skin! Make your appointment today. They have two convenient locations:
2200 Arch St, Suite 102
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-561-3363
and
Devon Square Two, Suite 100
744 Lancaster Ave
Wayne, PA 19087
610-688-3363
Mandy's Wedding
Nov. 09, 2011
Mandy's Wedding July 7-10, 2011 After doing hundreds of traditional American weddings I was really excited to be a part of Mandy's wedding. The Indian culture sure knows how to throw a party! It was a four day celebration. Read all about it and see a ton of incredible photos on the next page! A special thanks to Ed Krisiak of Steel City Photography and Chris Hayes for all of the gorgeous photos! 
...read more...
Meet Deme!
Nov. 02, 2011
Meet deme
Welcome to the new section of our blog- Peaches and Cream. I will dedicate this area to my experiences with a wonderful place in Philadelphia called deme. Deme is a collaborative of professionals
whose main emphasis is the aesthetics of one’s face and body. Deme is
also dedicated to one’s overall health and well-being... read more...
Katherine & Chris
Oct. 31, 2011
Katherine & Chris June 12, 2010
Katherine and Chris married at St Mark's Church on June 12 of last year. Following their ceremony, they held a glamorous reception at the Union League.
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