Cheekadee Blog

Kerry & Casey

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Kerry and Casey
May 1st, 2010

I just love it when someone comes to me with a vision. Kerry was one of those brides who just knew what she wanted and went for it! She contacted me saying that she loved the look of the makeup that I had done for the Starlet Sessions project. So, I was all too happy to oblige.

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We started with Kerry's magnificent skin. I love that Kerry embraces her fairness and in this case, it truly works to her advantage. So I used Makeup Forever HD Foundation and set it with Dermablend loose powder for that flawless look. And the rest was simple... Chanel lipstick in Desirable. Mac blush in Full Fuschia. Mac eyeshadows in Blanc Type and Texture and Trish McEvoy Finish Line with Mac Print eyeshadow wet as a liner. Overall, a simple makeup that makes a stunning impression!

I couldn't decide which of these portraits to pick, so I included them all!! Isn't she beautiful?!

I just had to include a photo of Kerry's dress because it was so cool! Her aunt made it by hand!! Of course, I had to a chat with her Aunt to tell her that she was my hero. And here she is with her Dad. Her parents were so sweet!

And Kerry had a small but sweet group of close friends and family to share in her day! Look how cute they are!

And one thing that always kills me is that I rarely get to meet the groom. But, here they are! As happy as can be. Awww, I love a happy ending.

Special thanks to Eddy Marenco of Marenco Photo who captured Kerry and Casey's day beautifully!

Melissa and Bryan

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Melissa and Bryan
November 14th, 2009

Truth is, I could not wait to blog about this wedding. The photos came out absolutely amazing and Melissa just shines in every one of them!

So, you can see how I start, with a face chart of what we did at the trial run, and some notes so that I am able to re-create the look on the day of. Though, it never fails, the makeup always comes out better on the wedding day. There is something about the pressure and the setting, and the fact that we have done it before! And the second time around, we know what works and what doesn't. But for Melissa, everything worked just perfectly.

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Here is a shot right as I was getting started.

During...

and After!

I lined her eyes with a waterproof black pencil, then went over it with a black shadow along the lash line. I used a copper Sally shadow on her lid and a black brown Chanel shadow in her crease. On the brow bone, I used nylon by MAC. And topped off the look with a full set of lashes. On her cheeks is mystery blush by Chanel and on her lips Lust lip glass by MAC. She looks so beautiful and radiant.

Meghan Cahill did a fantastic job on her hair!

There were so many adorable little girls running around the hotel room, they made it so much fun! I believe they were nieces and daughters of friends. But, they were everywhere, and you could tell that Melissa wouldn't have it any other way.

Love this shot!

Gorgeous Mother and Daughter.

More cuties!

Finally, I would like to credit Kate Leigh for taking these incredible photographs! She was a pleasure to work with, and you can see how well she captured everyone's smiles. I know she made me smile!

Thank you to you Melissa for sharing in your special day! You are lucky to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Best Wishes to you and Bryan for a lifetime of happiness!

Emily's Must Have Makeup Items

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Emily's Makeup Must Haves

Ok, onto makeup. This is the fun part. I love when people email or write me a thank you note explaining just how long their makeup wore for their wedding. I always explain that the idea is for the products to be applied in soft layers, so it doesn't look or feel like a ton of makeup. Primers and eye shadow base are two very important products. If it weren't for these items, I wouldn't expect the colors to come up true, or last throughout the day.

For oily skin, I love using MAC Matte in the t-zone to matte out any shine.

And just ask any Makeup Artist the importance of primer. I prefer Smashbox Hybrid 2 in 1 Primer.

And finally eyeshadow base� I love Chanel's Professional Eye Shadow Base in Bright...[more]

On to foundation� after understanding the true affect that HD television has had on our industry, I was on a mission to find a truly great makeup. My needs were simple, I needed a makeup that not only wore well, but looked great in photos AND on the big screen. Makeup Forever rocked my world, and I will never go back. You can say what you want about airbrush, but this girl will never graffiti you!! Makeup Forever HD Foundation is amazing god-send stuff!

If you were to ask me which item I could not live without, it is this� Bobbi Brown's Bisque Corrector. This stuff comes in three amazing shades, Light Bisque, Bisque and Dark Bisque. For your kit, you should have all three. For yourself, pick one.

Of course, no kit would be complete without the essential Laguna Brozer and Orgasm Blush by Nars. If you are lucky, you can get them both in the same compact like below...

I find that these two colors alone are sometimes too warm, so I like mixing Lorac's Desire Blush in the apple of the cheek. This bright, cheery pink really makes for a beautiful and romantic look. And the combination of cool and warm shades really adds to the dimension of the look.

On to eye makeup� I have a technique that I like for the eyes. I line with a waterproof pencil, and then I go over it with a shadow liner to set it. And sometimes I use a liquid line, depending on the look I am going for. These are the two must haves for this look. One thing that I have found is that you can spend any amount on a waterproof pencil, they are all the same. So, for an item that I am constantly restocking, I go cheap. Ulta, Maybelline and Avon are all fine for this job. As long as they are retractable and waterproof, you are good. I really like Avon's Waterproof Glimmersticks Eyeliners in Black, Espresso and Navy.

If I am doing a liquid line for a retro inspired glamour look, I love Trish McEvoy's Finish Line. It is a product that turns any eyeshadow into a waterproof liquid line. It Rocks!

While on the subject of items to cheap out on, this holds true for mascara too. There are so many brands out there, with so many kinds it can be confusing! General rule of thumb� if you are looking for a lengthening mascara, look for a wand with the bristles close together�typically a longer thinner brush is seen with these. And for a thickening mascara, look for a brush with the bristles further apart. Most of the newer models sport rubber wands, which are amazing for length. I prefer Cover Girl Lash Blast Luxe. I know that people LOVE Christian Dior's DiorShow and Lancome's Hypnose, but as someone who keeps her mascaras on constant rotation, it is just not worth the splurge here. But, to you, it may be. It is a personal thing. And for a makeup kit, only waterproof will do. No use keeping a regular one in there, if you happen to mix it up and use it on a bride on her wedding day, your name will be MUD!!

Eye shadow is something that is a make or break thing. It is that thing where people will say, what did you use on her!? The pigments must be strong and come up true and blend easily without caking or creasing. The brands that I love to use are Chanel, Nars and MAC. Some of my favorite must have colors are Chanel Eyeshadow Quad Beiges de Chanel, Nars Indian Summer, and MAC Blanc Type and Typographic.

Someone once described eyebrows as the painting hanging above the sofa. I thought that was both hilarious and stupid all at the same time. But you can visualize what they meant. What I recommend for eyebrows is to first have them groomed by someone who will not make you look like Jean Harlow. This is something to invest in. Whatever you do, do NOT let the girl who does your nails, do your eyebrows! Big mistake, and you will be sorry�for a long time.

What I like to use on the eyebrows is a Boars hair eyebrow brush, Smashbox Beeswax and a MAC brow color. This creates the most natural look. Dip the brush in the beeswax first, then dip into an eye shadow color that matches or is a little lighter than your brows, then use small upward strokes to fill in.

The final must have product for eyes is the Shu Umura Eyelash Curler. I like to use once before, then once again after the mascara is applied if a lash is super straight.

Lips are the finishing touch and so important to complete the look. Lipstick and lip gloss colors are so personal, so I will just be touching on products here. I love Chanel's Ultra Wear Lipcolor as a base. It has the longest wear of anything I have tried.

I wish that I could find a lip gloss that I didn't love as much as Chanel's Glossimer. This can be worn alone, or on top of lipstick. Not sticky or gloppy, I love it!!

Makeup is an art form; and with this art form, you will find endless interpretations. The above items happen to be products that I use and love. I am an unbiased consumer and receive no compensation for recommending these products. In my experience, these are tried and true to me.

Skin Care Regimen for Combo Skin

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Skin Care Regimen

People are always asking me about my favorite products; and if I stick with one line of makeup and skincare, and my answer is no. There are so many great products out there, but how do you know which ones to choose?

From my many years of experience in trying different products for both skin and makeup, I have come up with what I believe to be a very good basic skin-care regime for combination skin. And the next blog posting will be a must have makeup list.

The most important thing to remember when taking care of your skin is to be consistent. Keeping your skin clean is just as important as applying sunscreen. This means you must remove your makeup every night no matter how tired (or drunk) you are�no exceptions!

You may notice that most of the skin care products are �affordable" items, while some are �splurge" items. I figure that if I save money of a few things, that will allow me to not feel as bad when I purchase a few of my splurges. And note-ably these are items that I feel are worth it.

Remove all traces of eye makeup with Chanel Eye Makeup Remover by using a small amount on a cotton square or round; swipe down for best results.

Cleanse am/pm with Cetaphil cleanser. It is important to keep your skin clean while maintaining your PH balance. Use a pea-sized drop on a washcloth and remove all of your makeup from the day...[more]

Tone with Thayers Witch Hazel. They make many different kinds, I love the smell and feel of the Lavender. Saturate a cotton square or round and remove any traces of makeup and dirt left behind by your cleanser.

Apply a half of a pea-sized amount of the Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift all the way around your orbital bone. This should go nowhere near the eye itself. Tap it in gently. Use the gel, during the day and the cream at night. The gel will help with puffiness and dark circles, while the cream will focus on fine lines and wrinkles. Everyone should use eye cream�from the age of 15 +! That means YOU!

Environmental damage is the single worst contributing factor to premature aging. By using a moisturizer with at least SPF of 15 (30 if you are very fair), you are not only hydrating your skin for the day, but you are protecting it from the environment. I recommend Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15.

UVA and UVB rays are extremely damaging to the skin. So, as great as it looks to be tan now, it is speeding up the aging process by 100%, so please stop going to tanning booths. Do you really want to look like a football when you are fifty?! If you must be tan, try Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel, or better yet�a spray tan by a reputable salon.

And a question that I get a lot is why should I moisturize at night? Moisturizing at night is important because this is when your skin is resting and essentially repairing itself. Nighttime is the time when your skin can handle a little more moisture and firming. Some night creams are too rich for combination skin and can cause breakouts. What I prefer to use instead is a serum by Origins. Origins Plantidote Serum was created by Dr. Andrew Weil and contains mushroom extract, which is a well-known anti-oxidant. This is one of my �splurge" items, but well worth it, as it lasts a very long time.

In my opinion, Origins is a very good skincare line, and aside from the serum, a very good price point. There are two more products that I am constantly recommending to my clients to improve the texture of their skin. If you use each of these products 1-2 times a week, you should see a noticeable improvement to your skins texture and clarity. Origins Modern Friction is an enzyme mask/scrub that helps exfoliate (or sluff off) the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving your skin brighter and softer. Origins Clear Improvement is a great clay mask that helps draw out any impurities such as blackheads. I recommend using this right after a hot shower while your pores are open. Both products require rinse off. And both products last a really long time. And one of the best things about Origins is that they have a wonderful recycling program. Check them out!

And finally, keep in mind that you never want to try a new skincare regime too close to your wedding date. Just as you would not get a facial within 2 weeks of your wedding. When dealing with troubled skin, you may expect your skin to get a little worse before it gets better. Be patient-- good things do come to those who wait! Remember that if you take care of your skin now, you will be thankful when you are older.

Before and After Photos of the Studio

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Before and After Photos of The Studio

Somehow I just knew when I saw this place, that it was meant to be. Don't ask me how, I just knew. When I called Kamila to tell her about the place, I was literally shaking because I was so excited.

Here is the outside entrance to the studio. This may have been what got me-- so sweet. This building is a carriage house dating back to the mid 1800's. This actual part of the building used to be a horse stable. Is it a coinsidence that my 2 year old loves horses? I think not.

It really just needed some TLC, AND paint, AND new flooring, AND new ceiling tiles, AND new curtains and curtain rods, AND new lighting, AND new custom built ins, more paint, AND new fixtures, AND new light switches, AND new locks and door handles, AND new custom cushion covers, and did I mention paint?! Have a look-see for yourselves. I warn you, the before pictures are not for the faint of heart. Pure ugly...[more]

This is what we saw when we first walked in. Notice the hideous stained "carpet". Thank you to Craig for ripping it up and installing the flooring.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER (Really during)

Here is Craig putting in the flooring. That is my daughter Valen Supervising.

Here is the bathroom BEFORE-- pre-grout and paint.

Here is the bathroom AFTER!

Here were the paint swatches that drove me insane. For weeks I stared at every variation of lavender and charcoal possible. Kamila helped me confirm that dark didn't necessarily equate to goth.

After deliberating for so long, it was obvious that we made the right choices.

This is the formica counter that I had installed. It is the perfect height for doing makeup, and the perfect length if there are two of us doing makeup side by side. Below is the pattern of the counter.

I also made the curtains from a vintage material that I got at JoMar in Norristown.

We just love the way that the studio came out. Well worth the labor itself. It is a great feeling seeing your dreams come to fruition. It is an absolute joy to work here. Kamila and I are enjoying meeting our clients in such a warm and comfortable place. We hope that you will enjoy it too! Come visit us soon! xo-Emily

Starlet style engagement shoot

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Starlet Style Engagement Shoots

This Winter Kamila started something new at the studio-- Starlet Style Engagement Shoots. We had two beautiful couples who joined us for an afternoon of hair, makeup and styling; even the men had fun!! And I must admit, it was nice to have a little testosterone in the place. So, let it be known... we don't scare boys away!

Thank you to Sylena and Albie, and Wendy and Dominick for being such great models! Best Wishes on your wedding days and I know that you all will have great lives together.

Sylena & Albie

Wendy & Dominick

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Sarah & Chris

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Tue, 9 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

SARAH & CHRIS
August 1st, 2009

Here at Cheekadee we get all sorts of inquiries about our services. But this one blew my mind. When I read the address, I realized that this girl lives on my street! I am the last house on the block, and she is the first-- what are the chances?!

I first met with Sarah and her Mother when I did her makeup for her engagement shoot. She brought me a photo of Lauren Conrad and asked if I could replicate her look. Usually when clients bring me photos of celebrities, they look nothing like them, but Sarah really looks like Lauren! So, my job was easy. Look how pretty she is!....[more]

So, my assistant Tricia and I drove all the way down the street and did makeup for Sarah, her Mother and her eight bridesmaids! They were all so much fun! And as you can see below, really pretty in pink!

John Barone took the most amazing photos! I think he captured Sarah's smile perfectly-- and hello, he is another neighbor!

I really love this picture! These girls were having fun in the warm Philly sun!

I love when I look at the photos from the end of the night, and she still looks stunning! Not a hair out of place!
Speaking of hair... Chris Nusc and Assistant from Salon Downunder in York, PA did hair for the bridal party.

Thanks Sarah for allowing us to share in your day! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!

Ceremony: St. Matthew's Church, Conshohocken, PA
Reception: Crystal Tea Room, Wanamaker Bldg, Philadelphia (Finley Catering)

Florist: Ten Pennies Florist
Videographer: Lucky Productions Video (Danielle)
Band: Milan 77, EBE Entertainment

Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award 2010

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Philadelphia PA - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, just announced Cheekadee Makeup Artists has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride's Choice Awards� for Makeup Artisit

The annual Bride's Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Cheekadee is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. [more]

�We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community" said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire's Chief Executive Officer. �The annual Bride's Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year."

We are happy to announce that Cheekadee is among the very best Makeup Artist within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride's Choice Awards.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at {Enter WeddingWire Storefront URL}.

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklist, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Project Wedding Perfect Rating

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

See more reviews of Cheekadee Makeup Artists on Project Wedding.

About EMILY AZNAVOURIAN

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Wed, 6 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

As a professional makeup artist- I have over twenty years of experience in the fields of Film, Video, Print, Fashion with an emphasis on Special Events. Weddings are perhaps my favorite work, as I get to share in the most important day of a girl's life!

While in school, I trained with Visage, Revlon, Chanel, MAC as well as other reputable companies. I am also the co-creator of Starlet Sessions where I work side by side with Kamila Harris to recreate the glamorous looks of the 50's and 60's.

I have worked on and continue to contribute to various local projects such as: The Philadelphia Wedding Project, Photographer Shootouts, Philadelphia Trash the Dress, Philadelphia and New York Boudoir.

-xo-Emily

My clients include: Redbook Magazine, The Knot Magazine and Website, RuffNation Records and Film, University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Hospital, Pennsylvania Lottery, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Chanel Cosmetics, Kamila Harris (Boudoir and Starlet Sessions), Sarah DiCicco (Portrait Photography)...

I take the time to listen and pride myself on creating beautiful looks for each individual client.

About ROBIN TABOR

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Tue, 5 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Robin comes to Cheekadee with over eight years of professional makeup experience. She was trained in New York under the MAC Pro Team, and attends workshops and classes constantly to keep up with the latest trends. She has put together Master Classes and Seminars on makeup application and technique. She also has experience with everything from bridal to body painting. She loves teaching her clients while she applies their makeup and makes them look their best. Robin has been working as a freelance makeup artist specializing in weddings, and photo shoots for over five years now. She is very excited to be a part of the Cheekadee team, and looks forward to being a part of your day!

About NINA MORAN

chris.com (Cheekadee Author) — Mon, 4 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Nina was born to make people feel beautiful. Being raised in a theatre family, she spent much of her childhood backstage. She watched the best make-up artists in the field and dreamt of becoming one herself. She underwent intense training with Chanel cosmetics where she worked alongside Osvaldo Perez and served as a part of Chanel's national team. Nina has done runway make-up for the Philadelphia Phashion Phest two years in a row. Nina has also worked as an assistant make-up artist for such films as "The Perfect Witness," starring Wes Bentley, and the upcoming film "Redemption." Nina's warm personality and genuine desire to help people feel beautiful make her an absolute pleasure to work with and a welcome and caring presence on your special day.