Springtime Beauty how-to with Randa Salloum

I’m really excited to share this video that I recently did with the super sweet Randa Salloum, blogger at The-Unprecedented and artist behind the famed I See Noise Prints. Randa has started her own YouTube Channel and asked ME to be her resident Makeup Artist for her video tutorials.  How amazing is that!  Not only is she really fun, uber creative and effortlessly cool, but she has perfect features-a makeup artists dream come true!  So of course I jumped at the chance to be a part of her first video tutorial.  Randa wanted to show how to do a basic spring inspired makeup tutorial using neutral tones and a bright pop of colour for the cheeks.  I think her new look suited her perfectly!

Products Used:
Eyes: Nars Eye Primer | Lid – Urban Decay Side Car | Crease – Nars Galapagos | Liner – M.A.C. Teddy
Cheeks: Nars Laguna Highlighter | M.A.C. Dainty Pro Longwear Blush mixed w/ M.A.C. Peaches Blush
Lips: M.A.C. Love Nectar Luster Glass

Steps:

1. Start with an eyeshadow brush of your choice and apply Urban Decay’s “Sidecar” from the Naked 1 Palette all over the lid and up into the crease.
2. Using another brush apply NARS “Galapagos” and blend lightly into the outer crease with a light sweeping motion to blend both shades together seamlessly.
3. Take a small angled brush to apply the same colour in “Galapagos” lightly under the bottom lashline.  Smudge a little “Sidecar” over top to blend.
4. Using a small pointed brush apply MAC’s “Vanilla” Pigment into the inner tear duct for some brightness.
5. Take MAC’s “Teddy” Kohl liner and line the upper lashline smudging it out with a brush for a nice blended look.
6. Apply your favourite mascara to the top and bottom lashes.
7. Apply MAC’s Pro Longwear Blush in “Dainty” to the apples of the cheek and top off with MAC’s blush in “Peaches” for an additional punch of bright colour.
8. Apply MAC’s Lustreglass in “Love Nectar” to your lips.

A big thank you to Randa Salloum for including me in on her first video tutorial, and to Michelle Morton for filming and editing the video.

Video filming/editing & photos of myself and Randa by Michelle Morton.

Ashleigh and John’s Granville Island Wedding

I loved Ashleigh’s inspiration for her wedding the minute we first met.  She had a beautiful colour palette of mint greens, pastel pinks, peaches and ivory.  It sounded so feminine and summery.  Ashleigh’s dress perfectly complimented her colour choices, it was so unique, I had instant dress envy.  The beautiful soft silvery shade looked gorgeous on her and suited her style perfectly.  Ashleigh wanted a no fuss hairstyle that would be classic and elegant, we went with a beautiful side swept look, and I braided her hair in the back to keep in it place.  The best part was that she arranged for her florist to make a tiny little clip with succulents glued to it for her hair piece, it looked amazing, I’m so glad that worked out.  Her make was also kept very simple but glamorous, Ashleigh wanted to feel like herself but obviously wanted to shine like the beautiful bride that she was-I think she looked stunning!   I adore these pictures, taken by their friend, Logan Swayze, with a name like that how could their pictures turn out to be anything but amazing!  My senior stylist Leigh helped me with the bridesmaids.  Everyone looked gorgeous, it was a perfect summer day at the Granville Island Hotel.  We couldn’t have asked for more!

Danielle xo

Glamorous Vancouver Wedding

Erika started off her glamorous vancouver wedding day getting all dolled up at the gorgeous Hotel Georgia.  Erika and her bridal party had the cutest little table set up with delicious treats like macaroons, cheese, crackers and fresh fruit.  They were all so sweet and kept bringing me little snacks while I worked away on Erika, her sister and her lovely Mom.

Erika’s stunning lace dress from Bisou Bridal and beautiful jewellery by famed Elsa Corsi styled perfectly with her romantic braided chignon and her glamorous makeup.  She looked absolutely stunning in her dress and I loved all the beautiful images by Shoebox Photography at the Terminal City Club where they celebrated their glamourous vancouver wedding in style.


Photographer: Shoebox Photography
Venue: Terminal City Club
Erika’s dress: Alvina Valenta-Bisou Bridal
Veil: Powder Blue Bijoux on Etsy
Earrings: Elsa Corsi
Makeup/Hair: Danielle West -All Dolled Up Studio
Flowers: Celsia Florist

Hair Tips for the Perfect Wedding Updo

jo-collage

 

It’s that time of year again…from November-April wedding industry professionals like to call this stretch of time “Engagement Season”.  We love this time of the year because not only do we get a well-deserved break from the excitment of the previous wedding season, but we get to meet a whole new group of amazing brides that have chosen us to help them get all dolled up for their wedding day.  This time of the year is dedicated to Bridal Trials.  We love trials because it’s our chance to meet our clients in person, chat about each and every wedding detail from the dress, to flowers, colour themes and of course-their hair and makeup inspiration.  We spend up to 3 hours with our new clients so we can perfect their hair and makeup until they leave our studio feeling like glamazons.

Trials are so important for so many reasons.  Not only does this give you a chance to meet with your stylist beforehand, but it takes the stress out of wondering how your personal vision will come to light on your wedding day.  Your stylist will take into account your face shape, hair texture and wedding dress to create the perfect wedding day look. During your trial you will have a chance to try out a few different looks to see which one you feel the most beautiful and comfortable in.  This also helps things run smoothly on your wedding day because your stylist has already tested the look out on you once before-which means no unexpected surprises!

One of the first questions we get asked when a client books her trials is “When should I wash my hair, before or on the day of my trial?”.  We always get asked about hair tips for the perfect wedding undo.  Every stylist is different when it comes to this debate, but we usually like to recommend washing your hair the day before your trial.  Freshly washed hair is not the easiest to work with-it can be really slippery and can also cause a lot of static, which is never a good look.  That being said…please don’t come to your trial with hair that hasn’t been washed for 3 days.  We don’t want your hair to be “dirty”, we just want the hair to produce enough natural oils so that it will be properly balanced, allowing it to hold a curl well and not fall flat immediately.  There are so many products out there now that will help keep the hair fresh, so don’t worry about feeling like you are heading out to say your “I Do’s” looking like pig pen from Charlie Brown.

Here are some quick hair tips for the perfect wedding updo:

* Wash your hair the day before your trial and your wedding day.  It’s also really helpful to apply some styling balm or a light mouse to your tresses after washing.  This will help to prepare your hair to hold a curl.

*If you wash your hair every single day because it immediately gets greasy and starts to look darker at the roots-then by all means, please wash your hair on the day of your trial and wedding day.  You know your hair best and we want you to feel comfortable on your wedding day.

*If you have naturally curly hair and want to keep your curl-just wash and dry your hair normally, using a diffuser if that works for you, and then apply a light serum to help tame any frizz.  If you want a bigger, softer curl, make sure to straighten your hair after washing so that we can start fresh the next day when curling your hair and setting to achieve a bigger wave than your natural curl.

*If you have really straight hair that tends to fall flat-try blowdrying your hair with your head upside-down so that you can achieve more volume.  You can also apply a root lifting cream or gel to the roots to help get more lift out of your hair.

*If you are still feeling at a loss for what to do-just give us a quick call or send us an email: info@alldolledupstudio.ca, we’re always happy to help!

Photo Credit: Blush Wedding Photography

Wedding Day Prep-Makeup and Hair

Screen Shot 2014-08-17 at 2.35.31 PM

You’re engaged!  Congrats!  This is not only one of the most exciting times in your life, but it could potentially be one of the most stressful, especially when it comes to looking your absolute best for your big day.  We want to take the stress out of wedding day prep by helping our clients with simple skincare solutions and beauty tips to make sure your makeup and hair is looking fabulous for your grand entrance.

We’ve put together a pretty simple timeline to help you get prepared for your wedding day.

8 Months-1 year

* Start searching for your wedding day stylist.  The best makeup and hair teams book 8-12 months in advance so don’t leave this step to the last minute.  At All Dolled Up we have a team of stylists that are trained in both makeup and hair, but some companies only offer one service, so make sure you ask when inquiring.  It’s also important to read reviews from recent brides, Weddingwire and Google are great resources.  Make sure you hire a stylist that provides a contract.  This not only protects the service provider, but it means your stylist is legally obligated to provide services on your wedding day.  Deposits are also required, every company is different so know the terms and conditions before booking.
*Start collecting images for your hair and makeup inspiration.  Pinterest is great for this obviously, but don’t get carried away pinning hundreds of photos, it’s far more helpful if you pin a few hair and makeup looks that you like best and you can go over the images with your stylist at your trial.
*If you are growing your hair for the wedding day make an appointment with your hairdresser to get a nice healthy cut that you can maintain over the next several months.
*If you don’t already have a good skincare regime now is the time to make this a necessary part of your life.  Sephora is a great one stop shop for all your skincare needs.  They offer fantastic all-in-one starter kits from various brands that includes a night cream, daytime moisturizer with SPF, toner, serum, eye cream and a cleanser/makeup remover.  I also recommend a gentle exfoliant and weekly face mask.  You can also choose 3 free samples per person so you can test out different products before committing.  
*Start using a great hair mask to help maintain that beautiful shine, prevent split ends and promote new growth.  This should be done once a week.
*If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal this a great time to start.  You need several months to remove all the hair and make sure to talk to a dermatologist beforehand to get recommendations.

6 Months

*Keep up that skincare regime-moisturizing and cleansing daily, exfoliating every couple days and using a great face mask at least once a week.  GlamGlow Supermud is my favourite face mask because it improves skintone and texture while minimizing pore’s and clearing skin’s impurities.  It leaves my skin with an instant glow, I am totally obsessed.
*Book an appointment for your hair and makeup trial run.  We usually recommend trying to book your trial when you have a wedding related event to attend: bridal shower, engagement photos, dress fitting, etc…these are all great opportunities to test out your wedding day look.
*Start ensuring that you are eating a nice balanced diet full of fruits and veggies.  I started making pure fruit and vegetable juices to help cleanse and detox my body.  We don’t recommend dieting, just reduce the amount of sugar, carbs and alcohol so that you don’t get bloated.
*Drink lots of water.  This isn’t only great for your body, but it will drastically improve the look of your skin and hair over time-not to mention that it combats bloating.
*Schedule regular appointments for waxing, nails, laser, brows, etc….that way you’ll always be on track and never have to worry about your favourite places being booked up when you’re ready to go.
*Start shopping for any hair accessories that you may want to wear.  It really helps if you have your veil and/or any hair accessories that you will wear on your wedding day ready for your trial run.

3 Months

*If you haven’t already tried lash extensions but wanted to wear them on your wedding day you should make an appointment now to see if you like the way they look.  There are several places out there that offer extensions now so please do your research and make sure you are getting them done by a professional.  We currently offer mink and silk lash extensions in our Toronto location.  You can email info@alldolledupstudio.ca for questions and pricing.  They can be a beautiful addition to your wedding day makeup and I strongly recommend testing these bad boys out!
*Attend your hair and makeup trial.  3 Months is a perfect amount of time to have your trial.  Everyone is different so if you prefer to have it as soon as you book your stylist that works too, but most of our clients feel like they are pretty certain about the look they want to test out and how they imagine themselves looking on their wedding day around the 3mth mark.
*On your trial date make sure to come with a clean, makeup-free face.  We recommend washing your hair the day before your trial, NOT on the trial date.  This will help your hair to style better-we promise!  It’s also really helpful if you come to your trial wearing a white shirt.
*Start shopping for your wedding day jewellery.  If you bring your jewellery to your trial it will help you to truly see how you will look on the wedding day, it’s really helpful.
*Book regular manicures from now up until your wedding date, once a week is ideal.  When I’m stressed I tend to bite my nails and having regular manicures really helped to keep my skin and nails looking gorgeous for the wedding day-don’t forget that you will have several photographs of that ring finger!

1 Month

*This is a good time to try a spray tan or a self tanning treatment at a spa.  If it doesn’t look good you have time to exfoliate it off.  If you’re happy with the results you can book in regular appointments to maintain that beautiful glow up until the wedding day.  Don’t forget to keep exfoliating your face and body as this will only improve the look of your spray tan.
*Book a hair appointment with a hairdresser your familiar with to cut and colour your hair as needed.  Make sure to consult with your wedding day stylist to ensure you are not removing any necessary length for your hairstyle.  Adding highlights or ombre is a great way to add dimension to your hairstyle, especially if you have darker hair.
*Try to relax and enjoy this time before your big day.  Book a couple spa appointments, get a massage or a facial, anything that will help you to enjoy this journey and eliminate any wedding day stress.
*If you decided to get false extensions now is the time to book your wedding day appointment, one week before is the perfect amount of time.

1Week

*Book an appointment to touch up your brows at least 3 days before your wedding day.  This gives the skin enough time to relax again before the big day, especially if you tend to show redness or get slightly puffy afterwards.
*Go get lash extensions applied if you have decided to wear these.  Booking a week in advance allows time for touch up’s or quick fixes before the wedding day if needed.
*Don’t try anything new with your skincare routine, stick to what you have been using to avoid any unwanted reactions.
*If you get a pimple don’t panic, and please, for the love of all that is holy-DON’T SQUEEZE.  The best way to deal with this annoyance is to first relax, there are a few tips to help remove or reduce the appearance.  If you notice that it seems to have fluid you can grab a hot towel and apply slight pressure for about a minute, this will soften the skin and bring any fluid to the surface, only then can you attempt to squeeze lightly.  Only squeeze if you see a white head.  If some fluid is released clean the area and leave it alone, it should reduce dramatically.  If no white head appears you can reduce redness by applying a couple drops of Visine or rubbing some crushed aspirin (mix with water to form a paste) on the area.  Toothpaste is also known to dry out the area allowing it to heal.  If all else fails, leave it up to your makeup artist to do her best to cover it up and then the rest is up to Photoshop!
*Drinks loads of water and avoid any caffeine and alcohol.  This will help to keep your skin glowing and avoid any bloating.

1 Day

*Wash your hair the morning before your wedding day.  Hair needs to have some natural oils in order to hold a curl well.  Your stylist will have dry shampoos and hair powder’s that will help to freshen up your hair so don’t worry.
*Use a gentle exfoliant that you have been using for the last 6mths, nothing new to avoid any surprises.  This will prep your skin for your makeup on the wedding day.
*Go in for your final mani/pedi.
*Get a good night’s sleep.  Drink some calming tea to help you relax and get your beauty rest.

The Wedding Day

*Relax, all your hard work has paid off and the rest is up to the professionals, so just sit back, relax and enjoy your mobile service as you get pampered and picture perfect.

 

Screen Shot 2014-08-17 at 2.36.22 PM

Daniela & Stewart’s Glamorous Vancouver Wedding

Daniela and Stewart’s Glamorous Vancouver wedding started out at the Granville Island Hotel where I helped Daniela and her bridesmaids get all dolled up for her wedding day.  I have known Daniela for a few years now, she is one of Vancouver’s top photographer’s.  When she asked me to style her wedding hair on her special day I was so honoured.  Daniela had such a beautiful vision for her hairstyle.  She wanted her wedding hair to be elegant and structured, something glamorous enough to compliment her stunning custom gown and Elsa Corsi Jewelry.  I worked step by step with Daniela twisting each section of hair perfectly to create her gorgeous hairstyle.  Daniela couldn’t have been more pleased and I was so happy with how amazing her wedding hair went with the glamorous theme of her wedding.  I was so thrilled to be a part of this beauties special day!  All of these gorgeous images are by the uber talented Fran Chelico.

 

 

Sunrise Wedding Stylized Shoot

Our  first styled shoot with Briar from Epic Events started bright and early at 4am in sunny Tsawwassen.  Epic Events and Heirloom Magazine were joining forces to bring a beautiful fall vow renewal to life.  They gathered a multi-talented team to dream up visions of warm fall mornings complimented by beautiful wrought iron candlers and lanterns, 3 tiered trays of delicate treats, whimsical floral arrangements and vintage attire.  The light at 5am on location was captured beautifully in these images by Jeanie from Studio by Jeanie.  For the brides makeup and hair I wanted to capture the vintage feel of the shoot by creating a modern fresh twist paired with soft smokey eyes using neutral tones with rosy cheeks and lips.  Thank you to all the amazing vendors involved!  Make sure to to grab your copy of Heirloom Magazine’s latest issue.

Wedding Planner: Epic Events
Hair and Makeup: All Dolled Up Studio
Models: Chelsea, Scott and Piper
Bridal Gown: Frocks Vancouver
Grooms Attire: Baracos + Brand
Flower Girl: Frocks Vancouver
Floral Design: Garden Party Flowers
Harpist: Janelle Nadeau, Vancouver Harp
Venue: South Delta Baptist Church Community Garden
Cake: Anna Elizabeth Cakes
Desserts: Savoury City Catering
Chandelier and Lanterns: Upright Decor
Table Linen: The Linen Closet
Stationery: Ill Know It When I See It
Photographer: [stu-di-o] by jeanie
Video Production: Modern Romance Productions

Winter Wedding Inspiration

I am most definitely drawn to all things summery…beaches, bikini’s, bronzed makeup, sun-kissed skin, and the smell of sun tan lotion.  All this aside-I can truly appreciate the beauty and glamour that a winter wedding offers.

We are doing our very first wedding of 2014 this Saturday and I thought it would be quite fitting to post about some Winter Wedding Inspiration.

To me, winter just screams all things white, shimmery, gold and silver details…all things luxurious.  Here are some stunning images that I put together of some winter weddings that we did and some decor and makeup/hair inspiration that I thought would make anyone’s winter wedding a truly magical affair.

Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book

The Best Wedding Vendors - The Little Black Book

2014 is already off to an amazing start for All Dolled Up Studio.  Not only are we still beaming over the success we had in our 2013 bridal season, but we have been invited to join Style Me Pretty’s exclusive Little Black Book of the Best Wedding Vendors! I am literally bouncing off the walls with excitement over this!  A representative from Style me Pretty contacted me in early December and asked if I would be interested in being on their coveted vendor listing for Makeup and Hair in Vancouver…I had to pinch myself, it was such a true testament to all the hard work we’ve put into building All Dolled Up’s reputation over the years, I was beyond honored.   Style Me Pretty is like the Vogue of the wedding world and being invited to join their prestigious list of vendors has always been a goal of mine.

Style Me Pretty is known as one of the premier wedding resources for brides looking for stylish and savvy wedding ideas.  They have been a constant source of inspiration not only for my clients, but for me as well,  and now I can actually say that All Dolled Up Studio is a part of the SMP family!  The Little Black Book is exclusive only to vendors that have excelled in their industry and lived up to the SMP standards.  It’s always flattering to be recognized in the wedding world by your peers; but Style Me Pretty is known for being very picky about the vendors they showcase in their Little Black Book, which is what makes this achievement all the more memorable.   Style Me Pretty explains their LLB best when they say,  “Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book is a highly edited collection of wedding service providers from mom & pop boutiques to a-listers. Bottom line, these vendors are the best of the best.”.  We are tickled pink to be a part of such an amazing collaboration of multi-talented professionals in our industry!

Last year, one of our weddings was featured on Style Me Pretty, and now we are honored to be on their list of best wedding vendors!  You can also check our our vendor listing HERE

D xo

Creme de la Creme Giveaway!

 

7470_10150305551399984_1649083664_n
We are so excited to announce that All Dolled Up Studio will be one of the exhibitors at this years Creme de la Creme Wedding Showcase at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver on November 3, 2013 and we are giving away 10 TICKETS.   If you would like to be one of the lucky brides to attend this coveted show than please follow us on FACEBOOK by “LIKING” our page and posting a comment with your upcoming wedding date.  Winner’s will be selected on Saturday November 2nd, 2013 by 12pm.  
 
Not only are we featured at our very own booth, but we will be the exclusive makeup artists and hairstylists for Bisou Bridals Fashion Show.  We are excited to be offering makeup demo’s to Bride’s all day long, as well as a prize draw and an early booking bonus for new clients.  
 
Vancouver’s premiere bridal show, Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase, returns for its ninth year on November 3, 2013 at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. CRÈME DE LA CRÈME raises the standard of wedding shows with an unmatched haute couture fashion show, trendsetting designs, and showcase of products and services that convey style, artistry and excellence.  Don’t miss this exclusive event.
 
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2013
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 West Georgia Street)
Tickets: $45 per person, online at www.cremedelacreme.ca
 
We hope to see you there xo!