Feels like forever already, in a good way. :)

I realized I never updated anything about my wedding! That whole day was just a blur (a totally perfect one). My makeup was done by Blush's own Sarah Brucker. She did such a wonderful job, I had so many comments on the make-up and the hair too. Hair was done by Tracy Grundy at Yan Salon. (http://www.yanhair.com/)

I just wanted to post a picture from that day, and let you know everything is going as well as expected. :)

Also, totally different topic. But if you notice a few new flyers around blush with some artwork on them, it's me getting to use my Illustration BFA around the store.

Nicole

A Perfect Kiss

It's the week before Valentine's Day, and whether or not you have big plans, it's not unreasonable to prepare for some perfect kisses! Here are a few suggestions to make sure you make some lasting memories!

1. Pucker Up! Smooth away dull winter lips with Sara Happ's Lip Scrub - I like her new flavor, Creme Brulee - always delicious for dessert, try this decadent scrub to perfect your pout. Apply, and scrub away dead skin before showering, and emerge with soft, smooth, perfectly kissable lips!

2. A Close Shave! Don't forget about your sweetie! If there's some scruff that needs attending to, Truefitt & Hill's phenomenal shave creme will moisturize his skin and prep that 5'o'clock shadow for the closest shave he's ever felt. T&H also makes amazing colognes & aftershave balms if you're feeling generous and wanting to treat him to the ultimate shaving experience!

3. Leave your mark! (But not on him) Don't want your guy wearing your lipstick? Try one of Lucy B's tinted lip balms! Sheer color and fantastic all-natural moisture (and featured in the March issue of Lucky magazine!) I'm particularly fond of Chocolate, and Nudie. (thematic, too, n'est pas?)

Now get in there and do some smooching!!!

xoxo
Laurel

Wedding Perfection

On your wedding day, you should look like yourself at your most beautiful! Here are some basics about how to create a flawless look with your favorite Blush Girls ;)

Flash photography can bring out the pink tones in skin, so look for a yellow-based foundation to even out your complexion. To reduce shine in pictures and make your foundation and concealer last, we set with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder.

Your everyday lipstick can look washed out in photos, so pick a shade that’s a little bit brighter than what you normally wear. I LOVE LOVE LOVE classic red lips, especially Laura's Scarlett Passion Lip Velvet.

For a healthy glow, dust a bright pink blush, like Laura Mercier's Pink Rose Quad, on the apples of the cheeks after applying a neutral blush. Tans are back in this season, but make sure to get bronzed the safe way: airbrush tanning! Make sure if your dress has an open neckline to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of bronzing powder if necessary to even out skin tone. I like the look of Laura's Mineral Bronzer.

Your eyes should be defined, but not overdone. Keep in mind that dark or sparkly eye shadow shades can distracting. Long-wearing, waterproof formulas like Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara are a must for preventing makeup meltdowns and lasting through any teary moments. When it comes to false eyelashes, I recommend getting individuals verses strip lashes. They look more natural, and can be tailored to suit your ideal look. Even better are lash extensions. They last 6-8 weeks and look AMAZING in pictures AND in person.


--K

groundhog day!

Did you ever see the movie about this day with Bill Murray & Andie McDowell? Totally hilarious - and the message is that in life, there are no do-overs. You get one chance to make your best effort, and if you fall short of your expectations, the chance you DO get is to learn from your mistakes and try harder the next time. Thankfully there are a few things that can help you learn life lessons the EASY way...


1. Start a change jar - today is a perfect day to start a little savings that by summertime will allow you to get a great pair of summer sandals, a splurge-worthy skin creme (*ahem* - Laura Mercier's Flawless Face Creme?), or throw a summer barbeque!


2. Go blister free - you don't have to hate your heels - try a little "Save my Feet", and it'll do just that. Apply wherever you predict pain and let it dry for 10 minutes; the combination of skin protectants (allantoin and dimethicone) prevent friction for eight hours, and won't stain your socks or stockings. It has a light and fresh scent, almost like suntan lotion, and is perfect for breaking in new shoes — boots, flip-flops and everything in between.


3. Never smudge again - Create "tubes" around your lashes with Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara. Goes on like regular mascara, dries to a water-resistant, smudge & flake-free finish. When you want to take it off, use a little friction & a lot of warm water, and the tubes slide right off! No mess! I even like to layer it over other mascaras to "seal" the formula in and create a little extra volume!

Isn't the easy life good? :)


xoxo
Laurel

Is Winter Over Yet?

I love winter... But only for a short while. Winter in Wisconsin is so brutal. I think that the issue is that the sun never seems to make as many needed appearances. The cloud cover here lingers for days. I know that I'm not the only one affected by it! Many ladies I've talked with all stress the fact that taking a Vitamin D3 suppliment is an enormous mood booster. Vitamin D3 is produced naturally in the skin with UVB Ultraviolet light. 10-15 minutes of direct sun exposure to the face, hands, arms, or back produces enough vitamin D for your body to feel regular and get the nutrients it needs (Don't forget your sunscreen). But in these times, when we're all bundled up, and running from our cars to work with scarves pulled over our faces. That 5 minute walk doesn't do much.

On the issue of sunlight exposure, by the way, it turns out that super antioxidants greatly boost your body's ability to handle sunlight without burning. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful "internal sunscreens" and can allow you to stay under the sun twice as long without burning. Other powerful antioxidants with this ability include the superfruits like Acai, Pomegranates (POM Wonderful juice), blueberries, etc. So eat up!


So with my vitamin suppliments, and my super fruits in tow to fight my winter blues, I love to indulge. A bubble bath full of Laura Mercier's Creme Brulee Honey Bath... And I'll make myself hot chocolate with whipped creme. :) Helping youself feel better makes a big difference. Make time for yourselves this winter. Spring will be upon us soon!