Top Beauty Tips on Twin Cities Live For Professional Headshots
Refresh your professional image with top beauty tips on Twin Cities Live. Learn key makeup techniques to shine in your headshots and branding shoots.
Makeup For Professional Photos on Twin Cities Live
Jessica Mae, Makeup Artist and Founder of WarPaint International, is a renowned expert in the beauty industry. With her extensive experience and expertise, she has shared her top tips on how to look and feel your best for professional headshots and company branding shoots. Recently, Jessica had the opportunity to share a few of her top product tips on Twin Cities Live, a popular show on KSTP 5.
During her appearance, she provided valuable insights and advice on makeup techniques and styling that can make a significant difference in your photos. To benefit from her expertise, be sure to check out the segment on Twin Cities Live and discover the secrets to achieving a flawless and captivating look for your professional endeavors.
Skin and Lip Hydration
When it comes to looking and feeling your best, hydrated skin and lips are essential. This is especially important on days when you have a photo shoot scheduled. One product that I absolutely love for skin hydration is the Water Balm from Sonia Roselli. It serves as the perfect skin prep for makeup application or can be used alone to enhance your skin's natural glow. The Water Balm is a highly recommended Japanese facial moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling nourished and refreshed.
Water Balm: Sonia Roselli - Best Japanese Facial Moisturizer Water Balm
In addition to hydrating your skin, it's equally important not to neglect your lips. For everyday lip hydration, I am a huge fan of Kind Lips, a local Minnesota company. Their lip balms are not only incredibly moisturizing but also made with natural ingredients. By incorporating Kind Lips into your daily routine, you can ensure that your lips stay soft, smooth, and ready for any photo opportunity.
Kind Lips: Kind Lips - All Lip Balms
Color Correct and Conceal Your Under Eyes
When it comes to makeup for professional photos, one important technique that is often overlooked is color correction. Even with the use of concealer, dark circles can still peek through and create a muddy appearance in photos. To address this issue, it is recommended to use a peach or orange color corrector specifically designed for dark circles. One color corrector that I personally like is the Huda Beauty FauxFilter Under Eye Color Corrector. This product effectively neutralizes dark circles, providing a smooth and even base for your concealer.
Huda Beauty Color Corrector: Huda Beauty FauxFilter Under Eye Color Corrector
Speaking of concealer, a go-to option for achieving a flawless under-eye look is the MAC Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer. This long-lasting concealer offers excellent coverage and a smooth finish that will help you achieve a seamless and natural-looking complexion in your photos. By incorporating color correction and a reliable concealer into your makeup routine, you can ensure that your under-eye area looks flawless and camera-ready.
MAC Concealer: MAC Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer
Mattifying Loose Powder in the T-zone
When it comes to being in front of the camera, achieving the perfect balance between avoiding shine and maintaining a natural glow is crucial. The last thing we want is for our skin to appear overly shiny or flat in photos. To combat any unwanted shine, a simple and effective solution is to sweep a loose powder over your t-zone area just before stepping in front of the camera. This technique helps to control excess oil and keep your skin looking fresh and matte without compromising your natural radiance.
One loose powder that I am currently loving is the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking Setting Powder. This powder is specifically designed to set your makeup and provide a flawless finish. It helps to blur imperfections, minimize shine, and prolong the wear of your makeup, making it an ideal choice for photo sessions. By incorporating this loose powder into your makeup routine, you can ensure that your skin looks picture-perfect and camera-ready.
Huda Beauty Loose Powder: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking Setting Powder
Tame Flyaways
When it comes to professional photoshoots, saving time in post-production is a valuable consideration. One trick that can greatly assist your photographer is taming flyaways without compromising your hairstyle or volume. To achieve this, you can use a clean mascara spoolie sprayed with a soft hold hairspray. By combing the spoolie through your flyaways, you can secure them in place and ensure a polished look. This simple technique not only saves your photographer precious time in post-production but also helps you maintain a flawless appearance throughout the shoot.
For this purpose, I recommend using the Pureology Soft Finish Flexible Hold Hair Spray. This hairspray provides a soft hold that keeps your hair in place without making it stiff or crunchy. It offers flexibility and control, allowing you to tame flyaways while maintaining the natural movement and volume of your hair. By incorporating this hairspray into your routine, you can confidently keep your hair looking sleek and polished during your photoshoot.
Pureology Soft Finish Flexible Hold Hair Spray: Pureology Soft Finish Flexible Hold Hair Spray
Book WPI Beauty for Onsite Services and Save!
If you're looking for convenient and professional makeup and hair styling services for your headshots and branding shoots, look no further than WPI Beauty. Our talented team specializes in on-location services, meaning they will come to you, saving you time and hassle. With the expertise and attention to detail of WarPaint International Artisans, you can trust that you'll look and feel your best in front of the camera.
Booking is easy and can be done online at warpaintinternational.com. And here's an exclusive offer for Twin Cities Live viewers:
Use the code TCLWPI15 when booking and enjoy a 15% discount on your services.
*This offer is valid through 5/31/24, so don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your professional image with the help of WPI Beauty. Book now and let our team help you “Prepare For Battle” to ensure you shine in your headshots and branding shoots.
10 Tips for Matching Bridal Makeup with Wedding Themes and Decor
Your wedding style reflects who you are, so coordinate bridal makeup carefully to ensure it complements the theme and decor perfectly.
Featured image by Ali Leigh Photo Co.
How To Match Bridal Makeup with Wedding Themes
Your wedding speaks volumes about who you are as a person, your journey as a couple, and, of course, your tastes, so you want it to be as unique to you as possible.
The bride is usually the center of attention, with everyone’s focus on her gown, hair, and makeup, and to leave a stunning impression on your wedding day, you must look your best.
While designers and hairstylists will cover the rest for you, we’re here to help you out with the bridal makeup, which can be tricky if you don’t know what you want.
In this article, we have included tips to help you choose a wedding makeup look and ensure it matches the theme and decor perfectly!
Incorporate Your Personal Style
One of the most crucial factors about your wedding makeup look is that you have to feel happy wearing it, so don’t forget to include your personal style in your bridal makeup instead of just going with what the makeup artist suggests.
Understand the type of daily makeup you like - moderate, minimalist, or full-out glam. For example, if you’re someone who just puts on lipstick, eyeliner, or mascara, you’ll feel pretty uncomfortable if your makeup is overdone, and you don’t want that for your special day. Natural beauty is a trend in professional makeup artistry for weddings.
Visualize Your Makeup Look
Have a discussion with your makeup artist about what you specifically want or don’t want in your look. You must communicate your vision well. Find out details about the cosmetics and foundation they use in the event you have sensitivities or allergies. Communication is a key part of having your service professionally done so as not to run into sudden breakouts from cheap products or beauty products you may have specific issues with.
Plus, discussing this in advance means you can also ask for tips to prep your skin before your big day. Makeup artists have a lot of tricks, and these can certainly help you get the bridal glow for your big day. When hiring a beauty agency for your professional hair and makeup needs, all of these questions and concerns should be covered up front in your bridal consultation, and then again in your trial run.
In addition to your makeup, selecting timeless wedding bands is another crucial aspect of your big day. Just as with your makeup, it's important to communicate your preferences clearly to your jeweler. Discuss the style, material, and any special designs you have in mind. Ensuring that your wedding bands match your personal style and complement your overall look will help make your wedding day even more special. Taking the time to choose the perfect bands means you'll have a beautiful symbol of your love that you can cherish forever.
Include Wedding Elements
If your wedding is themed around a specific location or vibe, then let it reflect in your makeup as well. For example, if you are planning a destination wedding somewhere, maybe include a flower or leaf in your hairstyle for a natural, vibrant touch to your overall look.
If you choose coast-inspired venues like these in Southern California, eye makeup with sandy tones and pink blush will give you an ethereal, sun-kissed bridal makeup look that will have all eyes on you as a beautiful bride!
Bride Leanna
Beauty by WPI Minneapolis
Photography by Emily Paulson
Key Wedding Colors
If your wedding has a statement color scheme going on, don’t forget to include that in your makeup look. Whether it’s bright, bold colors or simple all-white decor, you can wear complementary eye or lip makeup to match it with your wedding colors cohesively. Suppose your wedding colors don’t match your skin tone; you can use muted shades of the same colors to tie your whole beauty look together.
Consider The Wedding Attire
As strange as it may sound, your wedding dress, especially the fabric, plays a key part in wedding makeup inspiration. For example, if your wedding dress is soft and flowy with fabrics like chiffon, a “no makeup” makeup look would pair well with it, but light makeup on a fuller, satin gown would look rather bleak. Bridal makeup, even in its simplest form, is an art that requires a professional to capture your vision and natural beauty.
Match It To The Season
The season is important, not just to inspire your bridal makeup colors but also to check what products you should use. For instance, long-lasting, waterproof products are a must for hot summers because there will be a lot of sweating, but this isn’t necessary during the cooler months. As a general rule of thumb, know that cool tones look great in Summer and Winter, while warmer tones match the Autumn and Spring colors.
Venue Theme And Decor
While some couples choose a single theme across their wedding venue, some include bits of everything that showcase their love story; use this in your makeup as well! For example, if your venue shares similar features to Watermill Grove in Tulare County, a natural glam look will perfectly complement the rural, nature-inspired setting with gardens and ponds. Whereas having your wedding reception in a palace-like setting means you can go the extra mile with high-glam makeup like bold red lips or smokey eyes. As the bride, you'll likely want your bridesmaid's makeup to match the theme as well.
Pick A Focal Feature
You must choose which part of your face you want to stand out. Whether you want your eye color to pop or draw attention to your luscious lips, choose one area of your face to play with. This way, you prevent your entire face from looking overdone.
You don’t want too many features fighting for attention because it may only look like a mess or just too much. If you’re going for a bold eye look, then keep the lips minimal, and vice versa. Your bridal makeup look should reflect your personality and style while accentuating your favorite features.
Bride Meredith in Chicago
Photographer: TWA Photographic Artists
Beauty by WPI Chicago
Do A Trial Run
We can't stress this enough.
Be sure to check out the complete look before the day itself. Once you’ve narrowed the ideas for your makeup, request your bridal makeup artist for a trial to know what it looks like so you can make the necessary adjustments.
Don’t forget to wear something similar to your gown, or the gown itself, to get a taste of what you’ll look like. Ask a friend to take pictures indoors as well as outdoors; this way, you know if the makeup looks dull in different lighting. Your skincare routine will also lend to the outcome of your desired look. The best way to embody your vision of being a beautiful bride is to implement your skincare routine months before the big day.
When booking a Beauty Agency like WarPaint International, the trial run is a mandatory part of our bridal contracting process. This helps you avoid disappointment and know what to expect on the day of your wedding. Professional artists will also know what worked for you and how to make subtle changes on your big day to perfect your look effortlessly. Trials ensure confidence and everyone wins.
Listen To Your Gut
In the end, it’s all about how you feel and what you want. After doing your trial, don’t forget to address what you didn’t like or felt uncomfortable with so your makeup artist knows what to avoid on your big day. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request changes because you get to decide how you look at your wedding, and it should be absolutely breathtaking.
You are, after all, the bride.
The 2024 Ultimate Pre-Date Beauty Checklist
Here are six essential steps for your ultimate pre-date beauty checklist. Start the magic before the date.
Pre-Date Vibe Check
Contrary to popular belief, the magic doesn’t just happen in the midst of the date night, it happens before too! Properly preparing for the occasion will not only impact your level of confidence, but it can also impact the success of a date. That’s why you need to follow these beautifying steps before you spend a romantic night out with that special someone.
Six Essential Steps for Your Ultimate Pre-date Beauty Checklist
Step 1: Exfoliate Your Skin
To keep your skin looking soft and smooth, you must exfoliate. Scrub off those dead skin cells from your body by using a loofa or exfoliating gloves. Regular exfoliation will help improve circulation and allow your skin to appear brighter and more energized. Make sure that you’re hitting every area of your body, but be careful that you aren’t scrubbing too vigorously. Otherwise, your skin may become red or irritated, especially in more sensitive regions, like the chest or face. To ensure you don’t show up to your date with blotchy-looking skin, try exfoliating in the shower the night before your scheduled plans.
Step 2: Shave Your Body
Part of attaining soft and smooth skin involves shaving. It’s not always a necessity, but depending on what you’re wearing, you may feel better if you shave off those prickly, unwanted hairs. Unfortunately, this task can sometimes be tricky, especially for those of you with lighter hair who don’t realize you missed a section until it’s too late. Although shaving can be time-consuming, it’s imperative that you dedicate time to this activity so that you don’t miss any areas on your body or risk your chance of getting razor bumps and/or ingrown hairs. To alleviate the chance of this happening, you should apply shaving cream before shaving to soften the hair follicles and lubricate the skin.
Step 3: Moisturize From Head-to-toe
When you’re finished exfoliating and shaving, grab a lotion, ointment, or cream, and moisturize your body from head to toe. This will give your skin the perfect dewy finish for your date. Along with this, it will also help to replenish the natural barrier of your skin by locking in moisture. And while you may choose to lather yourself in a scented lotion, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a fragrance-free ointment or cream instead as they usually treat skin more effectively.
Step 4: Master Your Skin-Care
Next, it’s time to concentrate on skincare for your face. Unlike the other areas of your body, prepping your face will require some additional steps before it’s ready for make-up. For the most part, your skin-care routine should consist of the following: a cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer. However, depending on your unique skin type, the routine you follow and the products you use may vary. If you have acne-prone skin, for example, you may also want to use a high-strength acne cream to treat your blemishes leading up to your date. On the other hand, if you have dry, sensitive skin, you may want to incorporate certain essential oils in your skin-care regimen to help maintain its hydration and soothe any redness.
Step 5: Plan Your Make-Up
Now, your skin is officially ready for some make-up! But before you start caking it on, you should first think about the type of date you’re getting ready for. Are you preparing for a dinner date at a fancy restaurant? Or, are you and your date planning to spend the day hiking outside? Needless to say, different dates usually call for different make-up styles. With a dinner date, you have more freedom to experiment with colorful lipsticks and eyeshadows. By contrast, physical activities like hiking may cause you to sweat, which could result in running makeup. For this reason, it’s critical that you also consider how your beauty products respond to environmental factors and find the best ways to keep it from running.
Pro Tip: Book an On-site Makeup Artist/Hairstylist. For many people, going out on a date (or going out to an event) is a special occasion. We’re not doing it every day of our lives, so looking and feeling our best can be a really fun adventure. If you’re working on all these categories to ensure the night is a success, then why not bring a professional on-site beauty team into your home or hotel to apply the finishing touches and seal the deal? Consider a beauty agency such as WarPaint International which offers on-site hair and makeup services from experienced Artisans who are vetted, technically tested, and background checked for your safety.
You can book on-site hair and makeup from WPI Beauty in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, and Jacksonville Florida.
Step 6: Fragrance
Finally, spritz yourself with your favorite body mist or perfume. Smelling good is one of the best ways to subtly attract your date and build your confidence. Even though some scents are stronger than others, you must remember that a little goes a long way. Plus, you can always pack your fragrance in your purse and apply it when necessary. To make your fragrance last, be sure to spray it on your “pulse points.” Perfume is activated by body heat, so applying it behind your ear, throat, back of your knees, and the inside of your elbow will keep you smelling great all night long.
As a side note to fragrance, be thoughtful when using these products. Today, human society has built various sensitivities and allergies to some of the toxic chemicals that have long been used in many perfumes and beauty lines. Some people will have an anaphylactic attack by simply being in the same space as a perfume. If you’re going on a new or blind date, our best advice is to go light on your fragrance choices or to avoid them completely during the first encounter. Perhaps… get to know your audience. If you’re not up to speed with the prominence of perfume allergies, watch the video in this article about how chemicals in perfumes and other products can make us sick.
Bonus Tip: Choose Your Handbag or Purse
Selecting the ideal handbag or purse is a personal journey that depends on several key factors. Whether intended for everyday use, work, a special occasion, or travel, this initial decision lays the foundation for your choices. You can opt for classic, bohemian, minimalist, trendy, or vintage designs, each allowing you to align your choice with your fashion aesthetic.
Size is a crucial consideration. The size of the handbag matters significantly. Consider clutches for formal events, crossbody or shoulder bags for daily use, and larger totes or backpacks for work or travel. The right size ensures functionality and practicality.
Choose a smarter leather purse with the right color or pattern, which can significantly influence your overall look. While neutral tones like black, brown, and beige offer versatility, bolder colors or patterns can make a style statement. But you can also combine unique color combinations to express your fashion sense.
Moreover, it's vital to set a budget without compromising the quality. You can buy reasonably priced handbags or purses from reputable brands in physical or online stores. Lastly, don't forget to consider the functional features. Compartments, straps, and materials such as leather or canvas can significantly affect how well the handbag suits your daily needs.
Endrizzi Italian Handbags
If you want to take your drip to a luxury level at a reasonable price, check out Moda Endrizzi Handbags. Endrizzi handbags are hand-crafted in the heart of Florence Italy in limited runs. They’re a small, boutique brand that offers extremely high-quality products with leather sourced from local farms in Tuscany. Their latest special edition bags the ‘Mia’ Tote Bag and ‘Bianca’ Tote Bag offer stylish, practical, and spacious luxury that just hit different. They are great options for daytime as well as for an elegant evening out.
WarPaint International Beauty Agency Wins 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice and The Knot Best of Weddings Awards
As you embark on your journey towards the aisle, remember that your choice of beauty partner plays a pivotal role in transforming your bridal dreams into reality. WarPaint International Beauty Agency is positioned to ensure your beauty experience is as extraordinary as your wedding day.
WPI Beauty Wins Both 2024 Wedding Pro Awards
Once again, we are honored and humbled to be recognized as a leader in on-site beauty services for brides and their wedding parties by two of the most prestigious wedding advertising networks in the nation.
WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award
WarPaint International Beauty Agency was announced as a winner of the 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, an accolade recognizing the top local wedding professionals who demonstrate superiority in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. Winners of the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards are determined by couples who review on WeddingWire, a trusted wedding vendor directory.
WarPaint International Beauty Agency is honored to be one of the top vendors in Beauty & Health in Minneapolis on WeddingWire.
The Knot Best of Weddings Award
WarPaint International was announced as a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings Award for 2024, which recognizes outstanding service from wedding professionals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Knot is a digital wedding planning authority and the largest Vendor Marketplace in the United States. WPI Beauty is also a Hall of Fame award winner with the The Knot.
We are honored once again, to be selected by our clients and the Wedding Pro community as a beacon of excellence, clinching both the 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® and The Knot Best of Weddings Award. We understand that brides and wedding parties have many options when it comes to their wedding vendors. We differentiate ourselves in the beauty industry by offering professionally managed Hairstylists and Makeup Artists and an administrative support team that ensures a successful and flawless wedding day experience with WarPaint International.
~ Jessica Mae, Founder WPI Beauty
Jessica Mae goes on to say, “As you prepare for your wedding day, a journey filled with dreams and expectations, choosing the right beauty partner is crucial. In this realm, WarPaint International Beauty Agency (WPI Beauty) has emerged as a leader in the on-site beauty space. We have more than 13 years of experience building our agency and processes that lead to a luxurious and stress-free experience when booking and receiving wedding day services. Our team also goes through extensive interviewing and national criminal background checks to ensure your safety and the safety of your party’s personal belongings and private spaces. An unregulated step that is rare to find in our industry.
Our services go beyond makeup and hair; we offer an experience that's calming, luxurious, and, most importantly, tailored to you.”
How Winners Are Determined
To determine the winners, The Knot and WeddingWire assessed thousands of user reviews for 200,000+ wedding professionals within its Vendor Marketplaces across various categories—wedding planners, venues, officiants, musicians, DJs, florists, photographers, caterers, hair and makeup artists, and more—to find the top vendors of the year. Vendors who have received at least seven reviews with an average score of 4.5+ between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, received The Knot Best of Weddings award and the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award. The award celebrates top vendors that showcase hard work and outstanding service, exemplifying the qualities that matter most to couples in their wedding planning journey.
WarPaint International: A Synonym for Bridal Beauty Perfection
WarPaint International stands out for its exceptional on-site beauty services. Tailored for the modern, engaged woman, their services are all about bringing your wedding day vision to life. Whether it's your dream hairstyle, the perfect makeup, or an overall stunning look, WPI Beauty's team of seasoned professionals ensures your beauty journey is as memorable as your big day.
The WPI Beauty Experience
The magic of WPI Beauty lies in their personalized approach. Each bride is unique, and so are her beauty needs. From the initial consultation to the final touch-ups on your wedding day, our team works closely with you to understand and create a look that reflects your personal style and enhances your natural beauty.
A Vision Brought to Life
WPI Beauty’s portfolio, showcased on their website and platforms like WeddingWire and The Knot, is a testament to our versatility and artistry. From classic elegance to modern glam, our team has an eye for detail that ensures every bride looks and feels their best. We also specialize in global skin tones and hair textures. We’re a “Beauty Agency”. We can handle your needs and include your trial in our pricing.
Wedding Makeup and Hair in Chicago
WarPaint International Beauty Agency provides beauty services ahead of weddings and other milestone occasions throughout Chicago as well as wedding day makeup and wedding day hair. We create looks that cater to our client’s skin tones, hair textures, and personalities. We work within the downtown Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs areas. We also travel outside of our included radius to farther-reaching towns in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. *travel fees and accommodations apply.
WPI Beauty is an Elite Vendor with Chicago Style Weddings. See Chelsea and Tilo’s Vintage Wedding at Salvage One in Chicago.
Book Wedding Day Beauty Services in Chicago below.
Wedding Makeup and Hair in Minneapolis/St. Paul
WarPaint International in Minneapolis is a multi-award-winning team of hair & makeup artisans, including Minnesota Bride Best Wedding Makeup 2021, 2022, and 2023! We believe your day should be flawless. After more than 13 years of curating wedding day hair & makeup, coordinating with thousands of vendors, and writing even more on-site wedding day beauty schedules, we believe that we have value and knowledge to add to your big day. Our team delights in creating timeless and stunning looks for you and your wedding party while also delivering a top-notch experience from the moment you inquire through the wedding day. Our goal is for you to not only look amazing but to feel amazing too! We work in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. We also travel into Wisconsin as far as Villa Bellezza in Pepin and as far north in Minnesota as Grand Marais.
See Andrea and Travis’s Nautical Summer Wedding on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota Bride Magazine.
Book Wedding Day Beauty Services in the Twin Cities below.
Wedding Makeup and Hair in Jacksonville, Florida
WarPaint International is an on-site “beauty-on-demand” agency. We specialize in intimate, luxurious, on-location wedding hair & makeup experiences in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. We know weddings! With thousands of happy brides serviced over 13 years in business – we are true professionals who strive to make your day flawless.
Our team of hand-selected and experienced hairstylists and makeup artists in Jacksonville, Florida are passionate about perfecting your special day. WPI Artisans are interviewed, technically tested, receive ongoing education, are nationally background-checked for your safety, and are expected to have the highest standard of sanitary practices.
WarPaint International is an Elite Vendor with Premier Bride Northeast Florida. See our Top 10 Tips For Hiring Beauty Professionals For Your Wedding Day on the Premier Bride blog.
Book Wedding Day Beauty Services in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Amelia Island, and the St. Augustine area in Florida below.
Bride: Meredith in Chicago. Photo by TWA Photographic Artists
About WarPaint International Beauty Agency
As you embark on your journey towards the aisle, remember that your choice of beauty partner plays a pivotal role in transforming your bridal dreams into reality. WarPaint International Beauty Agency is positioned to ensure your beauty experience is as extraordinary as your wedding day. Offering on-site beauty services, WarPaint International caters to clients in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Jacksonville. WPI works on-site at your location whether that be your home, hotel, or venue. We will travel as far as needed!
Are you ready to discover how WarPaint International can elevate your bridal beauty experience? Talk with one of our bridal consultants today about our availability for your big day.
WarPaint International Beauty Agency is the ultimate symbol of luxury and excellence in hair and makeup artistry.
Embracing Peach Fuzz: WarPaint International Beauty Agency's Tribute to the Color of the Year for 2024
Once upon a modern-day, in a world brimming with color and creativity, a hue named "Peach Fuzz" was crowned the Pantone Color of the Year for 2024. This wasn't just any color; it was a symbol of warmth, comfort, and a fresh start. WarPaint International Beauty Agency, known for its on-site makeup artistry, embraced this trend with open arms, creating makeup looks that pay homage to this delightful shade.
The Pantone Color of The Year in Makeup Looks
Once upon a modern-day, in a world brimming with color and creativity, a hue named "Peach Fuzz" was crowned the Pantone Color of the Year for 2024. This wasn't just any color; it was a symbol of warmth, comfort, and a fresh start. WarPaint International Beauty Agency, known for its on-site makeup artistry, embraced this trend with open arms, creating makeup looks that pay homage to this delightful shade. Their mission? To empower everyday women with the confidence to wear these trends to their special events, not just admire them from afar on fashion runways.
The "Peach Fuzz" Phenomenon
Pantone's selection of "Peach Fuzz" as the color of the year resonated deeply with women seeking a touch of softness and approachability in their makeup. According to a survey by the Global Color Authority, about 68% of women felt more inclined towards makeup shades that conveyed a sense of comfort and optimism in 2024. WarPaint International's adoption of this trend in their makeup services is a response to this growing desire.
The Psychology Behind Peach Fuzz
According to Tiffany Hanken Design’s blog, Pantone’s selection of Peach Fuzz is not just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of the collective mood. Pantone often chooses colors that resonate with the current societal pulse. This year, Peach Fuzz symbolizes a tender, compassionate outlook, representing a global desire for gentleness and understanding. This is, after all, where we all long to be… in a comfortable place that makes us feel at ease with the world and our own spaces.
WarPaint International’s Peach Fuzz-Inspired Looks
WarPaint International has crafted a series of 3 makeup looks that are more than just a nod to "Peach Fuzz". These looks are versatile, and designed for the real woman who books on-site makeup appointments for events ranging from corporate galas to intimate dinner dates, fashion shows, and more! Each look has a description by the Artisan who shared the products used in their own submission.
Tender Allure: Peach Fuzz Makeup Look No. 1
Our first Peach Fuzz-inspired makeup look was created by Artisan Caitlin Birchett on our Jacksonville Florida team.
Your aesthetic journey captures the tender allure of peach hues, navigating seamlessly between warmth and cool tones to unveil the fortitude within vulnerability. Against a spa-like backdrop adorned with complementary props, this portrayal mirrors the delicate essence of the color of the year, evoking a sense of exposure and softness.
This versatile masterpiece isn’t confined to special occasions. Wear it casually for grocery shopping, social gatherings, a Saturday night out, or a leisurely Sunday brunch. It’s an artful expression that transcends boundaries—you can even adorn your face with this warrior mask of makeup for a simple selfie at home, turning moments of discomfort into an empowering canvas of happiness.
Products Used:
Eyes:
Primer - P Louise Base in Rumour 0.5
Shadows - Lime Crime Glory Eye & Face Palette, the Color Ray. Rude Cosmetics Flower Love Palette, the color #32. Shimmer- Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette, color Just Peachy.
Lips:
Liner - Colourpop Lippie Pencil in Beeper
Lipstick - Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in #05 Loyalist
Gloss - Juvias Place in Barley There & Clinique Gloss in Rosewater Pop
Face:
Foundation - Face Atelier in #1.5
Contour - Lunatick Cosmetic Labs Contour Palette #7 Medium Cool
Blush - P Louise Liquid Blush in Peach Puff and Coral Morals
Highlight - Urban Decay Naked Illuminated in Fireball
Body:
P Louise All Over Body Glow in Butterfly Heart
Wearable Glamour: Peach Fuzz Makeup Look No. 2
Our second Peach Fuzz-inspired makeup look was created by Artisan Maggie Wiermaa on our Minneapolis/St. Paul team.
I wanted my look to be wearable, glamorous, and elegant. Easily worn to a formal event or for a fun night out. I love sparkly eyes so I chose to wrap rhinestones (I found on Amazon) around each eye using “original” Duo lash glue and a jewel applicator (also on Amazon) to secure each one.
This look could be worn without the rhinestones to the same type of events or a daytime look. I lined the inner eye upper and lower with Mac “graph black” liner. I used Kiss “trio” lashes along with the previous Duo lash glue and placed 4 on top with a little space in between each one and two on the outer corners of the bottom lashes after first applying Lancôme “cils boost” eyelash primer and Mac “in extreme dimension” mascara.
For the foundation, I used Mac “Studio Fix Fluid” for a little more coverage as I’m dealing with a breakout at the moment. I set with Mac “mineralized skinfinish” powder followed by a Mac contour in “bone beige”, NARS blush in “Montezuma” and Mac “mineralize skinfinish soft and gentle” for the highlight on the upper cheekbone, nose, and brow bone.
For the lips, I used Maybelline lip vinyl in “peachy” and a clear gloss on top. Don’t forget your setting spray! I love a combo of first spraying MAC prep and prime “fix + spray” for hydration and Urban Decay “All-nighter spray” to really hold it in place. I hope, with this look, you can easily incorporate a peachy vibe into your everyday routine or glamorous night out!
The rhinestones will be your final step. I kept the eye pretty simple otherwise. Prepped with MAC “painterly” paint pot. Then topped with a blended-out peachy tone from the Morphe “pretty in peach” palette on the whole lid to above the crease. Then press on Urban Decay's “midnight cowboy” moon dust shadow on the lid to the crease and inner corner of the eyes - top and underneath.
Whimsical Energy: Peach Fuzz Makeup Look No. 3
Our third Peach Fuzz-inspired makeup look was created by Artisan Keely Boline on our Minneapolis/St. Paul team.
Embark on a whimsical style journey, merging anime's energetic influence with nostalgic 90s/Y2K fashion. Infuse playful colors like Pantone's Color of the Year- Peach Fuzz Pink, graphic tees, and "mom jeans." Elevate the look with pastel makeup and bold eyeliners, echoing Scott Pilgrim's eclectic style. Picture a unique ensemble ideal for a date night at the arcade, mini golf, or a concert under the stars. Achieve dewy, "glazed donut" like skin, highlighted to be seen from outer space, bold blush dancing across the bridge of the nose and completed with faux white freckles. Let your style adventure unfold as a vibrant blend of peachy hues and '90s nostalgia
Products used:
Focusing heavily on the skin prep, with a glycolic peel, layering hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums with Vichy's Volcanic water to calm and give extra moisture to the skin. (We need it with this sub 0 temps) Topping it off with La Roche Posay's Toleriane night repair moisturizer and Embryolisse lait-crème concentré.
Eyes:
Eyeliner - LA girl "Out Rage" ("Smoked out" pink bottom liner)
Lips:
NYX line Loud Lip liner in "Born to Hustle". (Whole lip) topped with No7 Clear Lip gloss.
Embellishments:
Faux freckles: NYX liquid liner in "White"
Set with Pixi "Glow Mist
Face:
Foundation - FaceAtelier Ulta foundation
Eyeshadows - Multiple Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow palettes
Blush - I layered a limited edition blush from MAC Cinderella collection, and the same eyeshadow for the peach tone/crease of the eyelid
Highlights: MAC strobe cream under the foundation, Florence Dew Stick before blush application & OFRA cosmetics "Glazed Donut" & "Space Baby"
Empowering Women for Their Special Moments
At WarPaint International, it’s not just about makeup; it’s about empowering women. We offer complete hair and makeup services for all events. Whether it's a job interview, a romantic date, or a family gathering, our team of skilled Artisans ensures that you step out feeling confident and beautiful.
Accessibility and Versatility
What sets WarPaint International apart is our approach to making high-fashion, trendy makeup accessible to everyday women. They understand that while runway makeup can be inspiring, it's the practical, wearable versions of these trends that truly resonate with our clientele.
Some general advice for using the Pantone Color of the Year 2024 for your makeup look?
Subtle Peach Day Look
For those daytime events or brunches, WPI Beauty Artisans suggest a subtle peach eye shadow, paired with a light peach blush and a nude-peach lip. It's a look that's both refreshing and sophisticated, perfect for making a statement without overpowering your natural beauty.
Glowing Peach Evening Glamour
As the sun sets, the Peach Fuzz transforms. WPI Beauty Artisans recommend a deeper peach tone on the eyelids, a hint of golden highlighter for that extra glow, and a bolder peach lip. This look brings a sense of evening elegance, ideal for galas or night events.
Book WarPaint International. On-site Beauty. Whenever, Wherever.
In a world where makeup trends often seem unattainable or impractical for daily wear, WarPaint International Beauty Agency stands out by bringing the Peach Fuzz trend to life in a way that’s both stylish and suitable for every woman. Our team of Professional Hair and Makeup Artists in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Jacksonville can blend the whimsy of the fashion world with the practical needs of our clients, ensuring that every woman feels like a star in her own life’s events. Have you thought about how a touch of Peach Fuzz could brighten your look?
Consider joining our Beauty Membership for the best price for on-site beauty all year long. Or simply book for one-off events when you need us.
My Dream Wedding in Jacksonville Florida
My Dream Wedding is a Barbie-inspired wedding fashion and decor-styled photo shoot. Premier Bride of Northeast Florida conceived and designed this shoot in which WarPaint International provided hair and makeup beauty services.
My Dream Wedding
My Dream Wedding is a Barbie-inspired wedding fashion and decor-styled photo shoot. Premier Bride of Northeast Florida conceived and designed this shoot in which WarPaint International provided hair and makeup beauty services.
Premier Bride owner Ann Lefiles had a blast reliving her childhood and creating amazing decor scapes and fashion inspirations. We were honored to be selected for this project.
Vendor Credits
My Dream Wedding Photographer: bec photography
Follow them on Instagram at @becphotographyjax
Venue: Tuscan Rose Vineyards
Follow them on Instagram at @tuscanrosevineyards
Hair and Makeup Team: (Yours truly) WarPaint International Beauty Agency
Follow US on Instagram at @warpaintbeautyagency
Jacksonville Hair & Makeup Artisans:
Jamila Stewart | British Santiago | Renee Meyer
Gowns:
Beauty Within
A Bridal Boutique | @beautywithinbridal
Tebault Bridal | @tebaultbridal
French Novelty | @frenchnovelty
Grooms Fashion: Michaels Formalwear and Bridal
Follow them on Instagram at @michaelsformalwearandbridal
Jewelry: Diamonds Direct
Follow them on Instagram at @diamondsdirect
Décor Vendors:
Tuscan Rose Vineyards
Simply Weddings by Amanda | Follow them on Instagram at @swbyamanda
Within Weddings | @withinweddings
Planning & Design:
All About Events
Follow them on Instagram at @allabouteventsjax
Flowers: Tuscan Rose Vineyards and Simply Florals by Amanda | @sfbyamanda
Cakes:
Smallcakes Cupcakes & Creamery
Follow them on Instagram at @smallcakesjax
Invitations & Paper Goods: Kouture Kreations
Bounce House:
Bounce For Love
Follow them on Instagram at @bounchforlove
Horse: Tuscan Rose Vineyards
Styling and Coordination by
Premier Bride | @premierbridefl
First Coast Weddings and Events | @firstcoastwedd
WarPaint International Beauty On 3 Covers of Chicago Style Weddings
Take a peek behind the scenes at this high-fashion bridal editorial, “Hopelessly Devoted”, in which WarPaint International Beauty Agency is featured on 3 covers of Chicago Style Weddings Magazine.
WPI Beauty in Chicago Style Weddings Magazine
When it comes to on-site beauty, WarPaint International is at the top of the industry for brides-to-be, editorial fashion photographers, corporate event planners, and even consumers dolling up to head out on the town. We love to get involved with styled shoots and produce high-fashion content that only showcases the skillsets of our team, but also builds rapport in the diverse vendor community in which we live and work. So we wanted to get involved at Chicago Style Weddings for their 2022 magazine shoot.
Hopelessly Devoted: The Styled Shoot in Chicago
Take a peek behind the scenes at this high-fashion bridal editorial, “Hopelessly Devoted.” You can find this on the shelf, in Chicago, Illinois, in the July 2022 edition of Chicago Style Weddings hits the racks in just a week, so we wanted to share a look into how it all came together. With each issue comes the exciting opportunity to host an exclusive, bridal fashion editorial. To do this, we carefully curate a team of vendors, create numerous mood boards, and pull bridal garments and accessories from all across the greater Chicago area. So on a crisp morning in April, the Chicago Style Weddings team gathered at Wildman BT to make this Hopelessly Devoted vision come to life.
The Vendors
LOCATION: Wildman BT
PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Wood Photography
STYLING: Chicago Style Weddings
HAIR & MAKEUP: WarPaint International Beauty Agency
VIDEOGRAPHY: Phillip Christopher Videography
JEWELRY: Razny Jewelers
GOWN PROVIDERS: Bella Bianca, Bri’Zan Couture, The Crystal Bride, Here Comes the Bride, Kathryn’s Bridal, LBR (Luxe Bridal Rack), Veiled By ChaCha, Volle’s Bridal, Wedding Design Studio by 1440 Event Design
SHOES: Lori’s Shoes, Bella Belle Shoes
MODELS: Carmen Garcia & Alexandria Hill of 10 MGMT
On-site Hair & Makeup Artistry
Great editorials begin with a good base. With two beautiful models, Carmen and Alexandria (both represented by Chicago-based agency, 10 MGMT), Chicago Style Weddings was already off to a great start. WarPaint International Beauty Agency‘s team brought Artisan Eugene and Artisan Jasmine to enhance the models’ beauty and to incorporate trending bridal elements into their looks. Carmen donned timeless loose curls while Alexandria’s blonde cropped hair was styled in chic finger waves. Equal parts in vogue and classic!
All About The Dress(es)
The gowns are also the star of the show! The CSW team pulled over 30 looks from nine Chicagoland bridal boutiques. From Vera Wang to Pronovias to Eva Lendel, gowns of varying styles danced on the garment racks. When pulling dresses from bridal boutiques, their team wanted to style pieces that blended traditional with contemporary. All along the way, they jested that these looks would give off the feel of “cool and fresh, but something your grandmother would still approve of.” We think they did a great job!
The venue, Wildman BT, turned an old boiler and tank facility into a stunning modern event space. So inspired by their “old-meets-new” aesthetic, we pulled garments that meshed timeless textiles with new silhouettes and vice versa.
Lights, Camera, Action!
The team spent a full day styling, shooting, and having a great time. With every look the models put on, the team oohed and aahed with excitement and enthusiasm. It was a really successful day and the results are striking!
Chicago Style Weddings Magazine - July 2022
Watch the Behind-The-Scenes Video of ‘Hopelessly Devoted’
Well Groomed Styled Shoot
There’s often an overlooked component to weddings: The Groom
But not anymore… A vision for showcasing luxurious possibilities for grooms came to life in the hands of Ramsey Prince of Maison Du Prince. Prince is known for turning heads with his recognizable flair and bespoke styling, so these scenes came together beautifully in his handwriting.
With rich orchids, gilded accents, and incredible menswear, a fabulous groom’s weekend at The Thompson Hotel unfolded.
The Vendors
LOCATION: The Thompson Hotel
PHOTOGRAPHY: PhotoRSH
STYLING: Maison Du Prince
LINENS: Lola Valentina Designs
GROOMING: Artisan Anna | WarPaint International Beauty Agency
GROOMS’ FORMALWEAR: PROVENANCE by Diana Michelle; Formally Modern
ROBES: COSOSA
BRIEFS: Richard Dayhoff
The Bachelor Party
Opening up celebrations for the weekend is a bachelor party at The Thompson Hotel’s Nico Osteria. With cocktails in hand, grooms Jason and Daniel don suiting from Formally Modern in stunning jewel tones.
Groomsman Matt (pictured far left) wears a custom look from Provenance, including a herringbone suit jacket, floral shirt, silk pocket square, and Brackish feather lapel pin.
The Morning of…
The Cover
This cover for Chicago Style Weddings was the 3rd of three covers and one of the first in the midwest featuring an all-male cast. The grooming was provided by yours truly - Artisan Anna Giuliano in Chicago, Illinois.
Inquire About Your Wedding Day Beauty
Want to book WarPaint International in Chicago for your wedding day hair and makeup services for you and your wedding party glam squad? Inquire about your date today! 2023 dates are filling up.
5 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable
While it might feel small, making small changes to your daily routine can have positive impacts on both your health and the environment. Even changing just one step of your routine can lead to numerous health and environmental benefits.
Sustainability is the Beauty Trend that will Make a Timeless Impact
The beauty industry is an ever-changing, constantly evolving industry. There are constant advancements happening within the community, especially when it comes to releasing the newest products and implementing healthier formulations for the best results. However, there are unfortunately many companies who still produce and promote products with an excessive amount of packaging, harsh chemicals, and toxic ingredients. Not only does this have negative impacts on our health over time, but on the environment and wildlife as well.
While it might feel small, making small changes to your daily routine can have positive impacts on both your health and the environment. Even changing just one step of your routine can lead to numerous health and environmental benefits. Amongst the countless skincare and beauty trends, green and zero-waste beauty is a growing movement thanks to more people recognizing its importance. You can now easily live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle alongside others with the same passion. Start making sustainable choices in your beauty routine today without changing your entire lifestyle with these five simple improvements.
1. Swap for Sustainable Ingredients
Sustainability in your beauty routine doesn’t just involve switching the tools you use and the ways you go about your routine; it’s also about a change in the ingredients you choose as well. You can start becoming an eco-conscious shopper by learning what makes a beauty product clean. Pay attention to avoiding unhealthy ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, talc, microplastics, and more. Synthetic chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, can be found in some sunscreens and artificial fragrances and impact the health of aquatic life. Instead of using products that contain ingredients like these, choose natural and organic ingredients that are only ethically sourced.
As you finish up products you’re currently using and got to throw them away, first ask yourself if these products are really beneficial to your body and good for the environment. Now the next time you shop, you can start making better choices towards sustainability.
1. Opt for Less Packaging
In the beauty industry, new products and restocks are constantly flying onto the shelves. The mass production of how much materials and energy consumption this results in is staggering. To be sustainable is to be less wasteful. Think about how often you stock up on your haircare, skincare, and daily makeup products, and how much unnecessary waste these products cause.
Next time you are shopping for your daily products, look for brands that can give you the same type of product but with more sustainable packaging. Going with sustainably packaged products is especially important if you use single-use disposable beauty products, such as daily eye contacts. There are companies today that offer a variety of contact lenses to choose from, the next time you are in need of new ones make an effort to choose a more eco-friendly brand. Switching to a contact brand with minimal packaging will help you continue to rock your look and feel better about using disposable products knowing you’re contributing to a better Earth.
Some brands including Fenty Beauty and Dior also offer refillable product options such as deodorants, makeup palettes, and lipstick which can further limit package consumption. This method helps ensure you only fill up on products when you run out instead of buying the whole product again, which would include all that extra packaging. You may even want to consider going completely package-free. With a brand like Lush, in some cases, they remove the need for all packaging. Plus, their shampoo bars come wrapped in recyclable paper so you can always feel good when you bring home a new goodie.
1. Discover the Benefits of Reusable Products
Do you ever think about how many cotton pads or wipes you throw away to remove a full face of makeup? Or how many face masks you toss after a spa day? Point is; that there are too many single-use disposable products in the beauty market that are non-biodegradable. We should be taking advantage of reusable products to cut back on waste. Not only will this save you money, but it will also have a positive impact on saving the environment.
Reusable cotton pads for a sustainable beauty routine.
Reusable cotton pads or a makeup cloth are both perfect solutions for removing your makeup and exfoliating your face. When they’re all dirty, simply wash them with warm water and soap or even throw them in your washing machine. Rather than using disposable applicators and sponges, you can effortlessly wash daily makeup brushes by hand or with an electric cleaner solely for makeup brushes. Another good investment also includes replacing your disposable razer with a metal one. These feature recyclable metal blades that help avoid contributing to more plastic pollution. Any amount of these modifications to your regular routine can really make a difference in contributing to zero waste for our planet.
1. Get Creative with Repurposing
Some packaging materials are not recyclable. However, don’t get rid of that finished jar of moisturizer just yet. For cases like these, upcycle it! Once cosmetics are empty, clean out the container and put it to good use. Oftentimes, people love to use smaller items like these as storage. It can serve as a purpose for all your miscellaneous toiletries and beauty goods on your vanity including hair ties, bobby pins, as well as small jewelry. Even better, empty makeup or skincare containers make perfect travel-sized alternatives to your products that don’t come in a smaller container. Reusing your product containers will give your home a unique vibe while keeping plastic out of our landfills.
You can also give your used-up beauty products a new meaning. With organizations like Wands for Wildlife, you can donate used mascara wands to wildlife rehabilitators to groom and treat animals. Furthermore, Project Beauty Share is one of many inspiring organizations that will take new and lightly used beauty products for women and families who cannot afford these items.
1. After Reducing and Reusing, Remember to Recycle
Believe it or not, one of the golden rules of sustainability is often overlooked: recycling. While we can’t always avoid using products in packaging, the simple act of recycling will reduce our need to consume energy and limit the waste in landfills. Place a small bin beside your trashcan in your bathroom for recycling shampoo bottles, deodorants, and cardboard packaging from your products. Make sure to remove any pumps or caps and clean them out beforehand, as any leftover product can contaminate other products and attract bugs.
You can continue to reduce your carbon footprint by only choosing products that have packaging made with recycled materials or materials such as glass that is easy to recycle rather than layers of plastic. Becoming more mindful of the products you use and dispose of can really help you realize how much you may have been wasting before.
Alternatively, some beauty companies including Origins, MAC, Kiehl’s, and more offer recycling programs. They properly recycle your empty products and even reward you with a free product or store discount. for your contribution to saving the planet.
Sustainability involves so much more than just the beauty industry itself. From the production of products, to how we use them in our home; it seems complicated to navigate at first. Thankfully, it is so easy to practice being sustainable each and every day with just a few adjustments to what most of us are used to (ex: throwing recyclable products in the trash, using disposable products, and so on).
Look after your body and the planet, because sustainability in beauty does matter. Feel better about using healthier ingredients and knowing you’re making a difference starting from your beauty routine every morning. Make the switch to sustainable beauty and add it to your beauty trends to try this summer.
Unique Ideas For Wedding Party Bridesmaid Gifts
Bridesmaid gifts can include a whole range of fun and interesting ideas. Today’s brides and couples value experiences over stuff more than ever. So what are our favorite experiences?
Spoil Your Wedding Party with These Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
For most of us, the people that we invite to take part in our wedding day on an intimate level are those people that receive an invitation to be a part of the wedding party. These are presumably the most important people in our lives - our best friends, brothers, sisters, extended family members, or mentors. We want them by our side as we take our very important vows. Asking them to be involved is super exciting for everyone! Bridal party responsibilities can include anything and everything that helps ensure your wedding day runs smoothly. Traditionally, many brides and groom couples want to thank them for that.
Let’s focus on the bridesmaids. Bridesmaid gifts can include a whole range of fun and interesting ideas. You may have been to weddings in the past that handled this aspect of the wedding party more like a task that needed to be completed rather than an opportunity to really say thank you and give something that creates a memory. Perhaps an engraved wine glass or a flask…
Bridesmaid gifts can include things like jewelry, monogrammed clothing, custom-label wine, and other keepsakes. Some brides-to-be have a specific item in mind for each person in their party that shares a special love between them. But for the most part, the bride and groom are selecting something that may resonate with everyone in the group, then sharing that with them. Perhaps a favorite item loved by the bride or groom that they want each person to own.
How Much Should You Spend on Gifts?
In the United States, tradition has evolved over the years specifically with the millennial generation. The giving of bridesmaid gifts has not always been customary. Generations ago, the bride used to be expected to pay for all wedding party expenses, so additional gifts were not the norm. The larger the wedding party, the more well-to-do the bride was as size reflected the status of wealth. Though the idea that the more you pay for, the more it costs still applies today - it doesn’t necessarily indicate wealth or ability to pay. If you’re already paying for your wedding party’s dresses and other expenses, don’t feel bad about not providing gifts. It can be a lot.
Today, however, most bridesmaids pay for their wedding expenses and their dresses. In fact, this is a consideration for most people today in whether to accept the invitation to be in someone's wedding party. After all, it could include the expense of travel, a bachelorette party, professional wedding makeup and hair, shoes, hotel rooms, etc, etc. Gifts have become more customary now because of the financial commitment and time the wedding party members have given leading up to the big day, so makes sense to extend thankfulness.
So if this is your wedding party (and it probably is) then gifts are a great way to show gratitude. This really shows that the bride appreciates and cares for the bridal party.
What To Get For Bridal Party Gifts
Modern-day brides-to-be really value experiences over things. And when they value things, they value their favorite brands over keepsakes and trinkets. Or, they may find value in ‘things’ that lead to experiences. So we’ve put together our list of the Top Five things to give your wedding party as bridesmaid gifts.
Sunless Tanning Packages
This one is in the experience category. Sunless tanning has become a common expense that many bridesmaids take on when participating in a wedding party. In fact, some brides will not only purchase sunless tanning packages for themselves but also introduce a skincare routine from an advanced esthetician to ensure that perfect glow. For brides looking to bring an experience to their wedding party, a trip to a sunless tanning spot is an amazing day party. Since it’s typically recommended that you do a pre-skincare treatment and a post tan clothing dress-down, this can literally become a full day of girl time for the entire wedding party that is all about relaxation.
How do you perfect this day? If the bride is looking to pay for and provide something that she and her crew will remember for years to come, here’s our best advice…
Book group sunless tanning packages for a day leading up to the wedding day.
Provide pre-tan products and instruction for skin prep to make it fun.
Show up together and have a blast getting your sunless tanning applications.
Bring the wedding party back to your place for charcuterie, champagne, and to revel in your experiences together.
*** Have a bigger budget? Book a private lunch at your favorite restaurants for everyone after your tan.
Speaking of the perfect glow, where should you go for your tan? The top sunless tanning experience in the country is a little place called goGLOW. goGLOW was awarded Allure Magazine’s “Best of Beauty” recognition with this comment: goGLOW has elevated a 'spray tan service' into a professional skin service, winning numerous nation-wide awards in the making.”.
goGLOW is a Minneapolis-based company. You can book your appointments at their Edina, Maple Grove, and Burnsville locations. They also have a location in Chicago. But what if you don’t live in Minneapolis or Chicago? That shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the sunless tan products that help prepare your skin for the experience and also extend the life of your tan after you’ve had it done. They ship nationally and can aid in any sunless tanning experience.
Designer Handbag Gifts
We’ve seen this one become more popular! It falls into the ‘thing’ category but again can create an experience with your wedding party on the day of the big event. Brides that love to bestow beautiful things on their bridesmaids love to give the gift of designer handbags. One way to give this gift and have it make a lot of sense is to integrate it into the bridesmaid attire. Many brides today do not dictate what dress their wedding party needs to wear so much as what color or style they must have to fit the overall theme. So gifting a handbag to everyone that suits their needs for the day will serve as a single accessory element that ties everyone’s look together.
What type of handbag should you consider buying? Well… a crossbody bag makes a lot of sense for a wedding day. Your crew can carry it with a strap for the day’s activities and remove the strap for the wedding or the evening reception. One of our favorite handbag brands is Moda Endrizzi.
Get luxury leather goods at a great price! Endrizzi luxury handbags are handmade in Florence Italy by some of the same people that are producing bags that you may know, such as Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli, and Louis Vuitton. They offer classic designs and are also local to Minneapolis. Want to know how your favorite bags are made? Endrizzi educates us in their article “How Are Designer Handbags Made?”.
Bridesmaid Robes
Another squelching trend these days is to outfit your wedding party in bridesmaid robes. This one also fits into the ‘thing’ category but also satisfies the experiential piece of being together in matching robes. We commonly see this in the early hours of the wedding day while bridal hair and makeup artists are on-site. One national company that offers both bridesmaid robes and bridal robes is called Pretty Plum Sugar.
A WPI wedding party in bridesmaid robes
Lasting memories are what it’s all about, specifically for today’s bride. The day of raging bachelorette/bachelor parties until the wee hours of the night is fading as today’s couples are finding more value in relationship-building experiences with the important people in their life. The Knot Wedding network also published a great guide about bridesmaid robes your squad will love. Check it out!
Wedding Day Hair & Makeup
Of course, beauty is on the list and there is no better wedding day beauty solution than yours truly - WarPaint International Beauty Agency. Giving the gift of bridesmaid hair and makeup can really make the day special and super fun for everyone involved.
The below images were taken by the very talented Shane Long Photography for WPI Beauty bride, Greta.
Many brides often wonder if they should contract a professional beauty agency for their wedding day beauty services. While our answer is biased, we can not encourage you enough to weigh out the differences between hiring a single freelance artist that you may like vs. working with an agency that has processes in place for you and for your wedding party. This can help curate a wedding day experience for everyone that is really memorable. Beyond that, some of the benefits that come from working with professional beauty agencies are:
Background checks. At WarPaint International, our entire staff goes through national background check with Trusted Employees. Though we’re focused on luxury and excellence in hair and makeup artistry, our main priority is the safety of you and your wedding party, and your personal things inside of your private spaces. After all, you invite us into your homes, your churches, and your venues.
Contracts written by attorneys. Protect yourself. You may view a contract as red tape when hiring beauty services, but inside of that contract, you should see some performance guarantees. “What happens if… my artist gets hit by the proverbial bus”. A freelancer will have to cancel. An agency will replace your Artisan with notes and trial images so that you can simply continue with your day rather than have a five-alarm emergency. We have personally helped dozens of brides already this year in this exact situation or who in some cases lost their artist due to a better opportunity. This is all too common.
Large teams. This one goes hand-in-hand with the above. Having a pool of Artists that all work for the same team, that are trained to the team timelines, and have same-standard practices makes your day go extremely smooth. The potential for headache and worry from your beauty professionals will be little to none. Also, if you have a large party, you can likely be accommodated without having to source multiple people, which also can introduce challenges on-site on the day of your event.
WarPaint International books brides in Minneapolis, Chicago, New York City, and Jacksonville Florida. We have experience with thousands of brides for a flawless wedding day beauty service.
Silk Pillow Cases
You may not have thought of this one, but it really makes a lot of sense for your bridal party. Today, women are very personally aware of their beauty and sleep routines. Some women put a lot of thought and financial resources into their hair care routine and part of that will require that they only wash their hair on certain days of the week. So how do you keep your bedhead from snarling up all that hair?
Image: Justpeachy.co
Enter silk pillowcases. Let’s review the benefits… One can not deny the luxurious feel of resting your head on silk, but besides that, you can expect these benefits as well:
Wrinkle prevention. Sleep creases on your face will be a thing of the past. And sometimes they can hurt! Of course, those sleep creases may eventually disappear as the day goes on, but it turns out that repeated compression and creasing of the face during sleep can turn into permanent wrinkles over time.
Skin-soothing relief. Silk offers numerous benefits for your skin. Other than avoiding a sleep crease from forming, those with sensitive skin or delicate facial skin, acne, eczema, or other irritated or inflammatory skin conditions may be especially aided by the smooth fabric. Overall, those that sleep on silk often report less irritation, relief from itching, and reduced inflammation. Sign us up!
Smoother, healthier hair. This is the one we’re after. How do you help keep your hair routine in check when you have full head of long hair? Silk pillowcases ladies, silk pillowcases. Because silk is naturally smoother than other fabrics, such as cotton, resting your locks on a silk pillowcase reduces the friction of any tossing and turning that occurs while you sleep. This provides many benefits for a healthier head of hair, including fewer tangles, less breakage, and reduced frizz.
Hydrated skin. Natural silk fibers repel moisture more effectively than other fabrics. So rather than soaking up all the hydration in your skin, a silk pillowcase can help you retain it. This, in turn, can make your nighttime skincare products all the more effective.
If this sounds wonderful to you, it’s not too hard to find some great options. Companies like Blissy and Night pillowcases offer great products at reasonable prices.
WarPaint International Partners With Chicago Style Weddings In The Chicagoland Market
WarPaint International Beauty Agency, a leading on-site beauty services company, has entered into a partnership with Chicago Style Weddings, a publication of the Nei-Turner Media Group, in the Chicagoland area.
WPI Beauty Offers On-site Beauty Services in Chicago
WarPaint International Partners With Chicago Style Weddings For Professionally Managed Beauty Services in The Chicagoland Area.
WarPaint International Beauty Agency, a leading on-site beauty services company, has entered into a partnership with Chicago Style Weddings, a publication of the Nei-Turner Media Group, in the Chicagoland area.
“The wedding industry is back in a big way”, said Jessica Mae, Founder of WPI Beauty. “We’re excited to expand our team into the Chicago market”. The demand in 2022 for wedding services, specifically on-site hair and makeup, has exponentially increased across the freelance industry with dates and weekends filling quickly. Many brides-to-be and corporate clients are securing dates well into 2023 for professional beauty services.
“Our onboarding process and continued education and support of our team ensures an intimate and professional experience for wedding parties and other hairstyling and makeup artistry clients in the Chicago market”
Hair & Makeup Artists in Chicago
WarPaint International Beauty Agency, a Minneapolis-based company, is a brand that has championed change in the freelance beauty sector by raising the standards in the freelance contractor realm of on-site styling and artistry. WPI Beauty offers its clients intimate experiences from Artisans that are interviewed and technically tested. Contractors are also nationally background-checked for the safety of their clients’ private spaces, homes, and wedding event venues.
Anna Giuliano WarPaint International Chicago
“Our onboarding process and continued education and support of our team ensure an intimate and professional experience for wedding parties and other hairstyling and makeup artistry clients in the Chicago market, said CEO Samuel Koza, WPI Beauty.
The Partnership with Chicago Style Weddings
The partnership with Chicago Style Weddings is an important one for WPI Beauty. The relationship offers a strong print and digital advertising footprint for wedding beauty services in Chicago while providing high-talent artistry for publication and styled shoots to the magazine.
About Chicago Style Weddings
Chicago Style Weddings has provided inspiration with style & sophistication for every couple planning their unique wedding. Since our first issue in 1987, Chicago Style Weddings pairs over 30 years of expertise with an appetite for what's new and noteworthy.
Chicago Style Weddings is proud to be the area's only wedding magazine with newsstand distribution.
About WarPaint International Beauty Agency
WarPaint International is a privately owned Beauty Agency providing professionally managed beauty services for the bridal, consumer, editorial, and commercial beauty markets. The company is based in Minneapolis and operates on-site beauty teams in Manhattan New York, Chicago, Jacksonville Florida as well contracting work nationally.
WarPaint International is the Ultimate Symbol of Luxury and Excellence in Hair & Makeup Artistry.
Meet the Chicago Artisan Team
WarPaint International specializes in intimate, luxurious, on-location wedding hair & makeup experiences in Chicago. We know weddings! With thousands of happy brides serviced over our 10 years in business - we are true professionals that will help make your day flawless.
Inquire about your wedding day hair and makeup in Chicago.
How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes And When To Do It
Whether you are a professional artist or a regular consumer, washing your makeup brushes should be second nature, much like drinking 8 glasses of water per day or calling your family on the weekend.
How and When To Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Pro tips for making your makeup brushes last as well as keeping yourself and your clients healthy
If we had to make a list of all the things that we wish got magically done all on their own and on a regular basis it might include things like working out, flossing our teeth, walking the dog, cleaning the bathroom, and yes, cleaning your makeup brushes. Whether you are a professional artist or a regular consumer, washing your makeup brushes should be second nature, much like drinking 8 glasses of water per day or calling your family on the weekend. An engrained behavior that one does for self-care and normalcy in life. Unfortunately, however, this isn’t the case. Washing makeup brushes in fact is an after-thought at best for most women. And sadly, in the professional realm of artistry, it often goes overlooked as well.
Jessica Mae washing her Sigma Beauty Makeup Brushes
With each brushstroke you make, your brushes collect bacteria, grime, oil, and even dust. The next time you use them they will be less effective at what they are designed to do. They will also be a potential breeding ground for disease and acne. The longer you go without sanitizing your tools, the more bacteria and fungi can build up and lead to conditions like acne, pink eye, and even staph infections. Then there's the matter of technique. If you don't wash your brushes correctly, you risk shedding or damaging the fibers on your face to someone else’s.
“Vinegar is a multi-purpose cleanser, too harsh and drying for the care of your makeup brushes. Dry brush fibers won’t apply makeup flawlessly.”
So, before you freak out and rush to the store to get yourself a new and clean set of brushes, you should know that cleaning makeup tools isn’t the daunting chore that you might assume it to be. In fact, it’s as easy as soaking, dabbing, and air-drying.
Ready to learn how to quickly clean your makeup brushes and get back to achieving that flawless, natural makeup look? Keep scrolling to find out more.
Things you’ll need to clean your makeup brushes
Luckily, cleaning your makeup brushes is quick and easy. The first step to keeping your brushes clean is picking up a daily brush cleaner and spritzing it on your brushes after each use. There are several on the market, just check your favorite brands.
Once a week, it’s time for deep cleaning. (Note that your brushes will need a few hours to dry after a deep cleaning, so you’ll want to do this after you’ve applied your makeup that day.) If you are a Professional Makeup Artist, not only will you want to do this after every use, you’ll want to clean your brushes after every client. This is not realistic in most cases, so having several sets of makeup brushes for professional use is my best advice.
Pick the right cleanser
The first step in brush cleaning is to choose the right cleanser. Whether you’re using natural or synthetic bristle brushes, those bristles are delicate, and just like your own hair, they can start to break down and fray if they’re treated too harshly.
Because they’re constantly using their brushes, professional makeup artists often opt for rinse-free formulas. You can find these from brands like Make-Up For Ever Instant Brush Cleanser, or Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner. If you don’t have the patience to wait on wet brushes for hours—these instant-dry formulas, which use oil derivatives to break up sebum and makeup residue, may be exactly what you need. Just make sure to educate yourself on the ingredients list: some formulas add in alcohol to ward-off bacteria and speed up the dry time. These will come with the usual problems that alcohol-based products often serve up, which are being moisture-starved, split prone, and a shortened life.
Sigma Beauty Brush Shampoo Foam
I like to use Sigma Beauty Brush Shampoo Foam. It’s an all-natural, ready-to-use, brush cleaning solution that outperforms sprays. It’s also pretty affordable at $19/bottle. If you’re a pro, you probably get it at a lower cost.
Be gentle with your makeup brushes
No matter what type of formula you choose, your technique will be key. To prevent fraying, work your cleanser into your brush in the same direction as the bristles, swirling lightly (you don't need much pressure) into the palm of your hand or over a textured cleansing mat, Scrubbing brushes against the grain can open the cuticles of natural bristles and break off synthetic ones, both of which will leave you with scraggly makeup brushes that don’t work very well. If you’ve ever painted a wall in your home and applied too much pressure while painting, you quickly find bristles dis-lodging from the brush. The same concept applies here and also to brushing your teeth! Slow and gentle wins this particular race.
For a cleaning mat, I personally like Sigma Beauty Spa Brush Cleaning Mat. The Sigma Beauty Spa Brush Mat is silicone with 7 different textures areas for assisting in properly and efficiently washing your brushes.
The ‘right way’ to clean makeup brushes
Clean, good-as-new makeup brushes and sponges are just a few steps away:
Wet the bristles with lukewarm water - certainly not cold and you don’t need hot.
Place a drop of your cleanser of choice into the palm of your clean hand or in the case of Sigma Beauty’s foam - on the brush head.
Gently massage the tips of the bristles in your palm.
Rinse the bristles thoroughly.
Squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean towel.
Re-form the brush head back into its original shape.
Let the brush dry with its bristles hanging off the edge of a counter, which allows it to dry in the correct shape. Never let your brushes dry on a towel unless you intend to turn them often until dry to prevent mildew.
When is it time to throw away your makeup brushes?
Although cleaning frequently and properly can help extend the life of your brushes, there are signs you shouldn't ignore when it comes to determining that they're no longer capable of doing the best job possible. When the bristles start to bend, fray, or lose their shape, then it’s time to go. If your brush become deformed or squashed, they won’t be effective tools in creating the looks you’re after or completing your job.
Don’t believe cleansing myths
If you spend time on Pinterest reading about makeup brushes, you’ll find people positioning some truth in home remedies such as vinegar soaks. Allure magazine interviewed our very own Laura Barnes, a former Sigma Beauty representative, and she said “Vinegar is a multi-purpose cleanser, too harsh and drying for the care of your makeup brushes. Dry brush fibers won’t apply makeup flawlessly.”
Why Freelance Hair and Makeup Artists Choose Beauty Agencies
In the world of beauty, freelance hair and makeup artists find support in agencies like WarPaint International. Opportunity and creativity flourish here.
Why Hair and Makeup Artists Work with a Beauty Agency
Imagine a world where every brushstroke carries the promise of perfection, where every hue blends seamlessly into a masterpiece. The solitary hair and makeup artist embodies this solitary craft, their talent echoing in the silence of independent workspaces.
Being self-employed or in an entrepreneurial lifestyle can be very difficult at times. This is specifically true when you work as a hairstylist or makeup artist for weddings, editorial work, or other multi-media applications. As you enter the market as a new business owner or even a weekend moonlighter, the questions begin to flood your mind at night in bed: Where do I advertise? Do I need a website? How do I close business? Do I need contracts, legal support, accountants, etc?
The answer is yes. Yes to every question you may ask yourself.
Yet, isolation often weaves threads of challenge, and the solo artisan yearns for a tapestry of support and opportunity to display their finest work on the grandest of stages. The call for camaraderie and advancement whispers, persistent as the hum of a blow dryer.
In the realm of beauty, alliance aligns with success, and it's within this understanding that freelance hair and makeup artists find solace in beauty agencies such as WarPaint International Beauty Agency. A partnership that offers more than just a brush dipped in color, it is the canvas upon which careers are built and flourished.
“WPI Beauty Agency takes the entire business back end out of the equation so that Artisans can focus on what they love - building clients and doing artistry.”
Expanding Client Base
Within the vibrant beauty industry, freelance hair and makeup artists continuously seek avenues to broaden their reach and elevate their professional stature. Collaborating with a beauty agency, such as WarPaint International Beauty Agency, provides the indispensable opportunity to augment one's clientele. This partnership opens doors to a diverse array of events, from weddings and photo shoots to high-profile galas, connecting artists with clients who value and seek out an unparalleled caliber of beauty services. Consequently, freelance artists are able to amass a more robust, eclectic, and discerning client base, thereby enriching both their experience and portfolio of photos.
Expanding Client Base
Within the vibrant beauty industry, freelance hair and makeup artists continuously seek avenues to broaden their reach and elevate their professional stature. Collaborating with a beauty agency, such as WarPaint International Beauty Agency, provides the indispensable opportunity to augment one's clientele. This partnership opens doors to a diverse array of events, from weddings and photo shoots to high-profile galas, connecting artists with clients who value and seek out an unparalleled caliber of beauty services. Consequently, freelance artists can amass a more robust, eclectic, and discerning client base, thereby enriching both their experience and portfolio of photos.
Steady Stream of Opportunities
Freelance artists often encounter variable workloads—times of feast and famine—that can be mitigated by aligning with a beauty agency.
Under a beauty agency's expansive network and marketing prowess, freelancers gain access to a consistent pipeline of assignments, which are often of a higher caliber and prestige.
Associating with a beauty agency offers a semblance of stability in a notably erratic industry—transforming sporadic gigs into a continuous succession of professional engagements.
Work with WarPaint International Beauty Agency
If you live and work in Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities in Minnesota), the Chicagoland area, or Jacksonville Florida area, consider working with WarPaint International. We contract high-talent artisans for bridal and wedding party hair and makeup, editorial hair and makeup, corporate beauty, and even consumers just going out for the evening.
We also travel wherever in the world a client may want to have reliable and talented hair and makeup artistry professionals. One service we offer is Destination Weddings.
Diverse Work Environments
Freelance hair and makeup artists encounter an eclectic array of workspaces, each with unique constraints and requirements that require adaptability and a refined skill set.
Beauty agencies mediate these dynamic settings, ensuring proper coordination and optimal working conditions for their artists.
Moreover, agencies understand the nuances involved in different venues, from the rigor of a wedding day to the fast-paced demands of a commercial set.
They address logistical concerns, providing artists with the necessary information and tools to execute their craft with proficiency.
Partnering with an agency helps artists navigate the intricacies of various events, safeguarding their ability to deliver exceptional services irrespective of the ambient challenges.
With WarPaint International, artists are equipped not only with opportunities but also with the guidance and support needed to excel in these environments.
Enhancing Professional Growth: Benefits of Contracting with a Beauty Agency for Artists
Freelance hair and makeup artists often grapple with the challenge of self-promotion and securing continuous work, which is critical for their career advancement. Aligning with a beauty agency, particularly one as distinguished as WarPaint International, can provide a structured path to professional development. Artists gain exposure to a broader clientele, ensuring a steady stream of engagements that contribute to their growth and reputation.
Once your career of being a freelance artist - hair or makeup or both - is underway, you’ll be presented with numerous opportunities and options to take work. One of the biggest mistakes all freelancers make at some point in time is accepting work at numerous different agencies or groups of artists needing help with their party or event. The decision is usually driven by financial needs; you need money so you accept as many jobs as possible from different sources. This can lead to burnout. Many teams and agencies all keep separate calendars and different methods of communication so it can become daunting to keep track of everyone’s policies and schedules to accept the work.
Meanwhile, many artists also want to develop their own brand and be their own rockstar while working for other teams. In our experience of not only starting our own business as a single freelance artisan and building it into an agency over the past decade, our advice to you is to pick an agency that you are loyal to and work hard for you and for them. Numerous benefits present themselves when your focus becomes targeted and your time becomes maximized.
Scheduling
When working with an agency like WarPaint International, your focus can turn strictly to one on-site beauty booking system, one professional calendar, and, one channel of communication. The days of fielding your own inquiries, managing 3 or more calendar systems with different teams, and, having to be responsive 7 days a week and 18 hours per day - are gone.
If you place your loyalty with a professional beauty agency and open your availability, they will reward you with more consistent work. If you work with 3 agencies total and also take your own work, you are limiting the number of opportunities that can be offered to you in every channel. Many Artists do this though. The dilemma that is caused in the freelance industry is that agencies are forced to seek more talent, thus diluting the work available to each Artisan. Those artists then look for supplemental work elsewhere and the cycle continues. Everyone is working for everybody and no one can keep a calendar straight.
Wedding Makeup by Artisan Torie & Jen.
Photographer. Breeanna Farmer - Breeannakay.com
Liability
A professional agency will support you and require specific things from you as a contractor. Every Artisan that contracts with WarPaint International is required to carry personal liability insurance. New Artists and business owners may turn an eyebrow at this small monthly expense, however, when the insurance is needed, it will be very much worth the investment. In our own business, we have veteran Artists who use heat-proof mats for their irons and gear and because the client’s table or surface may have been temperamental, the residual heat burned the finish leaving a dark mark. The job an artist may have accepted for $50-100 that hour turns into a $5,000+ liability. You can mitigate this with personal liability insurance. If you don’t have insurance you can add it to your auto policy or home/rental policies with any instance agent or you can use national companies that specialize in the beauty space. At WarPaint International we offer an agency discount with Beauty & Bodywork Insurance. If you’re on our team, your liability insurance can be as affordable as it comes.
Legal support
Any beauty agency worth its own salt will have a legal team behind them. At WarPaint International, we have partnered with a law firm that specializes in our space. So that means that our contracts for on-site beauty service for the wedding space and corporate event space are rock solid. Over the years, we’ve spent endless time and tens of thousands of dollars on legal work to ensure that our clients and our team have the best possible contractual experience and have systems built in to protect both sides.
Get paid when someone cancels
For example, our clients can rest assured that their beauty team will show up on time and complete their contracted services with high skill and great service. From the Artists’ side, however, if a client cancels their event within 30 days of the date, YOU, the artisan, will get paid the full amount for the services even if you are sitting at home. The ability of an agency to replace your work in that period of time is little to none. The ability for you to scramble and replace lost income in 30 days or less is also very frustrating so we’ve taken that fear away and get guarantees from our clients with events or large groups.
Continuing Education and Resources
Enhance skills with advanced beauty education programs.
WarPaint International facilitates ongoing growth for its artisans. The agency's commitment to professional development means access to exclusive workshops, trend analyses, and product knowledge sessions, key to maintaining a cutting edge in the competitive beauty sector. These resources are vital for staying abreast of the latest techniques and industry trends.
Stay current with the latest hairstyling and makeup artistry industry standards.
WarPaint recognizes the dynamic nature of the beauty industry. To ensure its artists remain at the forefront, it provides them with cutting-edge training and information. Whether it's mastering new styles, understanding innovative products, or adapting to evolving beauty protocols, WarPaint equips talents with the knowledge that keeps them progressive and informed.
Navigate the industry with a wealth of expert guidance as a professional beautician.
The agency goes beyond technical skills - it fosters a holistic approach to career success. In addition to providing artistic training, WPI Beauty cultivates its artists’ business acumen with resources for branding, client relations, and financial management, laying a foundation for sustainable entrepreneurship within the beauty realm.
Marketing and Brand Exposure
Consider this example: if you drive for Uber, then your purpose as a driver is to accept jobs, build relationships, and build your book of business through Uber because they provide the infrastructure and support to make life easy. If you own a small car company, you are spending the bulk of your day marketing, finding leads, taking calls, closing deals, worrying about payment, submitting paperwork, etc and at the end of the day, you’ll drive some people around as well.
In the highly competitive beauty industry, being visible to the right audience is crucial for freelancers.
Enhanced Online Presence: A beauty agency's robust digital marketing strategies can elevate an artist's profile. At WPI Beauty, each contracted Artisan gets their own Artist Profile.
Access to Premier Events: Agencies often secure exclusive partnerships that open doors to high-profile gigs.
Industry Networking: Working with an agency connects you to a wider professional network, enriching opportunities.
Brand Alignment: An association with a reputable agency like WarPaint International Beauty Agency can enhance brand prestige.
Leveraging a beauty agency's resources can propel a freelance artist into the spotlight, attracting premium clientele.
Agencies like WarPaint International create a symbiotic relationship where both the artist's and the agency's brands flourish.
When you work with an agency, you’ll eliminate all the business owner stuff and you can focus on maximizing your time. Some WarPaint International Artisans have chosen the path of only working with us. What do they get in return? Business cards, a booking system, a bridal consultation team, contracts, legal support, marketing efforts, and, the ability to push their clients right into a system of processes that will mostly guarantee a smooth experience for everyone.
Know the Cost of Acquiring a Client
We’ve come to learn over the years, that many Artists will still take clients for themselves when they find them because they believe they are keeping more of the money for themselves. The time spent, however, on vetting, booking, marketing, communicating, collecting payment, etc far exceeds the value of relying on your team to close the deal for you. It’s as easy as saying “Great! I’m contracted exclusively with WPI Beauty. I’d love to schedule a phone call for you with one of my bridal consultants to answer all of your questions”.
Once they book, you’ll receive a referral spiff and you’ll get to work the job if you’re available and simply invoice for the services done. If you’re not available then you can depend on your agency to handle the client for you and provide a great experience no matter what.
Why clients should hire a beauty agency
What if you’re on the client-side? What benefits does an agency offer to you? The answer is numerous… A professional agency should be presenting contracts so to secure your work. Their team of Artisans should be interviewed, technically tested and, have experience across broad spectrum of skin tones and hair types. Just because someone worked on New York Fashion week or with a celebrity client, does not mean they are the best Artisan for your needs - however, our team has done those things as well.
Background checks for your safety
Sadly, background checks are nearly non-existent in our industry. These folks are entering your homes, hotel rooms and, event venues with private spaces where you trust that your personal things in view are going to be safe. That’s not always the case… At WPI Beauty Agency, we have passed on many artists after their national background check at Trusted Employees comes back not favorable. When hiring a freelancer, you’ll have no idea what their background is or who they really are.
If you are a customer looking to hire someone to do hair and makeup for your wedding, private event or just to go out on the town, read our article Top Reasons To Hire Beauty Professionals On Your Wedding Day to get some questions answered.
The 2021 Beauty Trends You Need To Know About
What are the biggest beauty trends in 2021? There are quite a few of them. In this post, I am going to highlight 3 of my favorite beauty trends for the upcoming year.
The Biggest Beauty Trends in 2021
2020 is over! Thank Goodness! While we are still managing to get through a pandemic, the turn of a new year always brings about feelings of hope and inspiration for brighter days. It also means a change in what’s trending, especially in the beauty world. As I always say, trends are best used as an opportunity to change up your daily routine and try something new. Please remember that trends are not one size fits all. And the great thing about trying something new in the realm of beauty is that it’s usually not permanent. You can wash it off and try again.
“Ditch your heavy foundations and powders for a tinted moisturizer!”
In this post, I am going to highlight 3 of my favorite beauty trends for 2021! You can also see my talk about some of the products on Channel 5 KSTP, Twin Cities Live.
Fresh Skin
Fresh skin is in! 2021 is the year of more skincare, less makeup for your daily look. And now is the perfect time to work on that Glow Up! The following products are some of my current favs for fresh, healthy skin.
Daily collagen is a must and a game-changer for skin health. Collagen helps skin hydration by increasing hyaluronic acid production, helping hold water within the skin. Which leads to improved skin elasticity and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While our bodies produce collagen naturally, its production decreases as we age. So, it’s important to supplement collagen to maintain your skin's health. Just like you would with a daily vitamin. I have been loving the Collagen Elixir from Isagenix lately! It’s literally Glow Up in a bottle. I could spend this entire post raving about this product. It comes in a convenient “shot sized” packaging. Easy for when we start traveling again! Bonus, this baby has vitamin c and zinc in it as well! Who doesn’t love beauty health with some immune-boosting benefits too?
Use a hydrating face mask a couple of times per week like Honey + Lavender Radiance Face Mask from Naptime Aromatherapy in White Bear Lake. Apply a thin layer and let soak in for 20 mins, rinse with warm water. Repeat weekly as needed for radiant skin.
A good vitamin C serum is a must-have in maintaining healthy glowing skin. I love the All Bright C Serum from BeautyCounter. Apply 1 pump to clean skin in the morning as the first step for your skip prep.
Ditch your heavy foundation, powders, and contouring for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. My current fav is Dew Skin from BeautyCounter. I love this one because it is the perfect amount of hydration and protects your skin from the sun. Remember, sun care is important even in the winter!
Finally, just a touch of concealer under your eyes and on your eyelids to even out any dark circle or discoloration. This will help to brighten your eyes and be your final touch for a healthy glowing look. Try Skin Twin Creamy Concealer from BeautyCounter.
**For more info on clean beauty with BeautyCounter - please email me! If you purchase any products I’d love for you to choose me as your consultant at check out. :-)
Collagen is the new botox.
Photo courtesy of Isagenix.
Smoldering Eyes
Smoldering eyes are back and here to stay. Especially with wearing masks daily. Playing up your eyes is a fun way to let your personality shine through! Here’s how to create the look:
I always find it fun to incorporate the Pantone color of the year into my makeup routine. To do this with your eyes apply a few sweeps of any grey eyeshadow using a fluffy shadow brush. I like Evening Grey from MAC applied with their 217 brush.
Complete the look by lining both your upper and lower waterlines with a black pencil liner. I love this one from Kryolan.
Sky High Lashes!
Sky High Lashes are a huge trend this year! Lashes are one of my favorite features. If I were trapped on an island Mascara would be one of the things I’d want to have with me! My latest favorite is from Ilia which is another great clean beauty brand. I’ve searched for a long time to find a clean mascara that actually works and this one is by far the best! Give your lashes a gentle curl, then sweep on the mascara for sky-high lashes.
Interested in Beautycounter products? Shop the Beautycounter website below. We are a Beautycounter partner, so feel free to ask us questions.
4 Healthy Hacks for a Happy Holiday Season
The holiday season is a busy time for all of us, making it easy for us to prioritize everything other than our well-being. Contrary to popular belief, the season of giving doesn’t only pertain to the way you give back to others, it also pertains to the way you give back to yourself! How you treat your mind and body throughout these next few weeks is imperative for having a happy holiday season and beyond.
Healthy Hacks For A Healthy Holiday
The holiday season is a busy time for all of us, making it easy for us to prioritize everything other than our well-being. Contrary to popular belief, the season of giving doesn’t only pertain to the way you give back to others, it also pertains to the way you give back to yourself! How you treat your mind and body throughout these next few weeks is imperative for having a happy holiday season and beyond.
So, don’t let meal prepping, shopping, hosting, and other festivities take up all your time. Instead, focus on putting the “me” and merry this holiday season by following these four health hacks!
Practice Mindful Eating
When you think of treating your blemishes or stressed skin, you may think to reach for a trusted acne treatment to help you target these problem areas. But, in addition to these highly effective solutions, you may also benefit from practicing other healthy lifestyle habits, such as mindful eating, for example.
The holidays are notorious for their sweet and savory homemade meals and baked goods. Because of all the deliciousness that we’re exposed to during this time, many of us tend to overindulge, causing us to experience negative impacts on our health and well-being. Aside from obvious issues like weight gain or high blood pressure, acne is another common health condition that can occur as a result of a poor diet.
Fatty foods and sugary drinks can lead to glycation and a release of insulin in the body— both of which can lead to acne. That being said, it’s necessary to be considerate of what you’re consuming and how often you’re consuming it. Remember, it’s not necessarily what you eat, it’s how often you’re eating it.
Delegate Holiday Responsibilities
It can be a lot of pressure to meet the holiday expectations of your kids, friends, and family members, especially when you take on the journey alone. Not to mention, taking on all of the work by yourself also adds more unnecessary stress to your plate, which only takes away from all the joy that’s supposed to come from doing these activities in the first place.
That’s why it’s crucial to delegate holiday responsibilities. Asking for help from your loved ones is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. It’s not your job to make sure that everyone else is happy, even though it may feel that way at times.
The holidays are meant to bring people together, and what better way to do that than by lightening your load and allowing everyone to get involved? Giving everyone a chance to add their own unique touch will make the holidays all the more special and celebratory. So, don’t hesitate to ask for a hand if and when you need to!
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Investe In a Humidifier
It’s no secret that seasonal changes; namely, decreasing temperatures and low humidity levels, take a toll on our health. Whether it’s difficulty breathing, dryness of the skin or a higher risk of infections, the lack of moisture in the air can make surviving the holidays all the more difficult. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a humidifier this winter.
Humidifiers are both practical and effective in combating a number of winter-related problems. Regardless if it has a warm or cool mist, humidifiers work to add moisture back into the air and retain a healthy humidity level. In turn, this serves to reduce the risk of infections, moisturizes dry skin, eases asthma, and can even prevent snoring, according to Spring Air.
Cool mist humidifiers will add moisture into the air while simultaneously lowering the temperatures for added comfort. Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, come with an internal heating component that works to boil water prior to releasing the moisture back into the air as a calming invisible mist. Neither one trumps the other, so choose one based on your ideal humidity level at home and personal preferences.
Savor the Small Stuff
Before you know it, the holiday season will have ended just as quickly as it started. That’s why it’s so important to stay in the present moment and savor the small stuff, even when things do become a little chaotic.
Overwhelming yourself with daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists isn’t going to help you get things done if your plate is already full. While they may be useful in keeping you on task throughout the season, these types of lists normally only emphasize the end goals, which can take away from the overall process or experience.
This holiday season, try not to put all your attention on getting things done. Rather, focus on what this time of year is all about; being with the people you love most. Stay present and savor the small stuff that comes from all the holiday craziness. In doing so, you’ll be more likely to take pleasure in seasonal festivities and celebrations.
Happy Holidays!
What You Need To Know About Permanent Makeup
Are you familiar with the term “Paramedical Tattoo” or permanent makeup? As someone who has had a permanent makeup procedure done by Susan Grothe of Lasting Impression in Minnetonka, I am excited to introduce her to you. Susan specializes in a very unique niche of skincare that is increasingly more popular these days.
by WPI Founder, Jessica Mae
Are you familiar with permanent makeup? As someone who has had a permanent makeup procedure done by Susan Grothe of Lasting Impression in Minnetonka, I am excited to introduce her to you. Susan specializes in a very unique niche of skincare that is increasingly more popular these days. Her areas of expertise fall into these licensure categories:
Microblading and Powder/Ombre Brows
Permanent Eyeliner—all styles
Lip Color/Blush
Paramedical Tattoo
Scar Camouflage
3D Areola Tattoo
Anti-aging skin needling
“Permanent eyeliner is a highly specialized procedure that absolutely requires hands-on training experience, as it is one of the more difficult areas to tattoo.”
Permanent Makeup Services: The Interview
I interviewed her so she could answer some of the most common questions (and fears) asked by women about these services.
What type of credentials or training should someone look for when hiring a permanent makeup artist?
Any permanent makeup artist is required to be licensed by the State they practice in and should have experience. However, many States do not require hands-on training or Apprentice training. Minnesota does require a full Apprentice and has more stringent requirements and laws governing the practice. An artist from Minnesota would have to complete 200 hours (4-5 months) of hands-on, supervised training before being licensed. If you live in a state that doesn’t have this type of requirement, the artist may be practicing on your skin! Many of the “horror stories” you find on the internet are the result of an artist with little skill or training. Assuming the artist you are considering has proper training, they also need to have experience and skill in the area you are seeking treatment.
For instance, if you have alopecia (hair loss) or rosacea the artist you choose should have worked on clients with alopecia or rosacea. If you are older (say beyond 40 or 50), the artist you choose should have experience with mature skin—it takes advanced skill to work on mature skin to be successful and not cause damage. If you are considering eyeliner, the artist should have extra training in this area, as eyeliner mistakes often can’t be corrected. All artists should be able to show you examples of their actual work - not just pictures of the type of brow/eyeliner you are seeking, but before/after photos of actual work they have done. Ask for examples of their work and ask, directly, if this is their work. If they can’t (or won’t) share before/after photos, run as fast as you can!
What is the difference between micro-blading and powder brow? Does one last longer than the other?
Both of these are Cosmetic tattoo techniques but done with different equipment. Microblading is done using a very small, scalpel-like knife to create tiny cuts where the pigment is deposited. In my opinion, retention can be much less for Microblading than other techniques, which means it may fade and require touch up sooner. Microblading typically lasts about 18 months. A Powder brow is done using a hand-held tattoo machine specifically designed for cosmetic tattoo. A disposable cartridge that contains very small needle(s) is used with the machine to puncture the skin to deposit the pigment. This technique has a lot of flexibility in terms of intensity and design: softer shading can be created which looks like makeup, hence the name “Powder brow”.
Machine brows often last 2 ½ - 3 years before fading. It is important to realize that ALL permanent makeup fades over time and you may choose to “top up” the color after a few years. Permanent makeup is designed to fade because your face and skin change over time—so it is important to find an artist you can work with over time to avoid issues with color and over-saturation.
In addition to these cosmetic tattoo techniques, many clients also explore other beauty enhancements, such as Edmonton eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions can provide a fuller, more dramatic look to your lashes, complementing the defined brows achieved through microblading or powder brow techniques.
Powder Brow.
Artistry by Susan Grothe, Lasting Impression Permanent Makeup.
We have seen some botched permanent eyeliner work. What techniques or experience are needed to do eyeliner? What can cause eyeliner to migrate?
Permanent eyeliner is a highly specialized procedure that absolutely requires hands-on training experience, as it is one of the more difficult areas to tattoo. The eyelid is the thinnest skin on the body and very delicate. Improper techniques can cause problems with healing and also impact eye health. Working on the eye requires solid training in eye physiology, numbing protocol, needle choice, machine techniques, and pigments. Not all permanent makeup artists pursue or invest in this level of training.
Migration is the pooling of the pigment from the design area to an undesirable spot, often the outer corner of the eye or by the tear duct. It can be caused by improper technique, placing the pigment too close to either the inner/outer eye corner, or using the wrong pigment. Carbon black is a type of pigment used for an eyeliner that only very experienced artists should use to prevent any pigment migration.
Permanent Eyeliner with wing.
Artistry by Susan Grothe, Lasting Impression Permanent Makeup.
What are the different techniques that can be done on the lips?
Lip tattoo can boost overall lip color and also re-establish the vermillion border (outer edge) of lips, both of which tend to fade as we age. The lip border can be made to look more even and symmetrical. I’ve done a number of clients with facial scars that have compromised lip border and we have created a symmetrical look by redesigning the vermillion border and using techniques to reduce the appearance of the scar. There are a variety of lip tattoo techniques from soft shading to full lip color. Many have creative names but are all essential techniques to implant pigment into the lip skin.
Permanent lip color.
Artistry by Susan Grothe, Lasting Impression Permanent Makeup.
It is important to know that lip color will fade considerably from the initial appointment – usually, about 80%. The color that remains is often a softer, more natural look than lipstick. To get a darker pigment color to retain on lips, several treatments are usually necessary.
What can be expected during the healing process and how often should someone expect to need a touch-up?
All Cosmetic tattoo is a two-step process. An initial procedure, followed by a touch up to perfect both color and design which is scheduled 4-8 weeks later. It takes four weeks for any Cosmetic tattoo to be fully healed.
Week 1 : initial healing, and the time when you will typically not get the area wet or touch it
Week 2 : peeling/slight scabbing
Week 3 : color is much lighter
Week 4 : color “blooms” back
After healing, a second procedure is done to perfect both the color and design. Some areas may not have taken pigment as well and color may have healed warmer/cooler than desired. These are the finishing touches a permanent makeup artist does during the touch-up. Further touch-ups depend upon the technique and what service you have done: Microblading lasts on average 18 months, other Brow techniques 2-3 years; Eyeliner should last 3-5 years; Lip color can last up to 3 years.
Anything else we should know?
Your skin is very unique and everyone will have different results because of their skin chemistry, body healing ability, and response to tattoos. Some people will have great results, some people may not. This is due to a variety of factors including how well aftercare is followed, exposure to sun/water, skin condition, and skin type. Because of this complexity, it is very important to choose an artist with solid training, experience, knowledge of pigments, and understanding of color theory. A skilled artist will increase the likelihood you will get optimal results.
I’ve pursued a great deal of training in Cosmetic tattoo and then gone further to be certified in Paramedical tattoo (scar reduction/camouflage, acne scar reduction, stretch marks, age spots, deep wrinkles, 3D Areola micro-pigmentation). I feel a strong knowledge base gives me the ability to create the optimal results my clients are seeking. I also share this knowledge to help educate clients, enabling them to make well-informed decisions on the procedures they pursue.
Microblading, Permanent Liner : Eye shadow technique, Ombre Brows.
Artistry by Susan Grothe, Lasting Impression Permanent Makeup.
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Beauty Rituals for the Holiday Season: What You Need to Know
The holiday season has finally arrived and while this time does bring fun seasonal festivities and yearly celebrations, it also brings many of us stress, which can wreak havoc on our skin and hair. Luckily, holiday stress can easily be prevented or managed with the help of some self-care practices!
The holiday season has finally arrived and while this time does bring fun seasonal festivities and yearly celebrations, it also brings many of us stress, which can wreak havoc on our skin and hair. Luckily, holiday stress can easily be prevented or managed with the help of some self-care practices!
Rather than solely dedicating this season to giving back to others, devote more of your time and energy to giving back to yourself. Wrapping your presents and preparing your holiday food shouldn’t take priority over your “me-time” as this is necessary for restoring your body from the inside out and relieving stress. So, don’t forget to make time for yourself.
To show yourself the self-appreciation you deserve, try following these beauty rituals throughout the holidays and sleigh your skincare this season!
1) Start Using an Acne Cream
When you think of the holidays, one of your first thoughts probably relates to warm baked goods and delicious homemade meals. Because of all the yumminess, it can be challenging to pass down the sweet treats and fatty foods, causing many people to overindulge and stress-eat.
While chocolate chip cookies and buttery mashed potatoes are great comfort foods, the high levels of sugar and salt can be disastrous on your skin. Consuming too much of these ingredients can send your sebaceous glands into overdrive, meaning your body produces more oil. This can commonly lead to poor skin health as it tends to cause clogged pores and acne breakouts. For this reason, it’s a good idea to start using an acne treatment now before the holiday season truly kicks off! Like the majority of the skincare products on the market, acne treatments typically require consistent usage before visible results will begin to appear. That being said, the sooner you start using an acne treatment cream, the better off you’ll be throughout the holiday season.
2) Switch to Thicker Formulated Products
For the majority of us, the transition into the holiday season is also the transition into colder temperatures and lower humidity levels. Because of the changes in environmental conditions, it’s normal for your skin to become more sensitive or dry. As a result, you're more likely to notice redness, flakiness, and other differences in the texture of your complexion.
Walking in a winter wonderland is all fun and games until your skin becomes affected. Don’t weaken your moisture barrier throughout the holiday season by using the same skincare products you would in the summer as this can further heighten the sensitivity of your skin. Instead, switch to thicker formulated skincare products as you head into the holiday season. Swapping out your harsh cleanser for a more gentle wash or switching from a lightweight face lotion to a heavier moisturizer are just a few ways you can incorporate thicker formulated skincare products into your current beauty routine. Making these small adjustments will help to ensure your skin is better equipped to handle the cold weather brought on by the holiday season, so don't be fooled by its simplicity.
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3) Wash Your Hair Less Often
Although warming up your body with a nice, long hot shower is a great solution for dealing with those really cold days throughout the winter season, it’s not a good way to keep your hair and scalp healthy during this time. It’s one thing to take a hot shower every now and then, but doing so excessively— especially during the winter months— can be too harsh on your hair and scalp, causing dryness and irritation to occur.
To prevent this from happening, remember to take lukewarm showers. As tempting as it may be to bathe in piping hot temperatures, showering in lukewarm water is much safer for your skin and hair. At a minimum, try to at least change the water to a colder temperature for the last minute or two you're in the shower. That way your skin has a chance to recover and cool down before you dry off. Additionally, try to wash your hair less often by using a shower cap throughout the holiday season. Washing your hair too often can increase your likelihood of a flakey scalp, so you may want to consider adding a dry shampoo to your winter hair care routine.
Preferred Vendor Spotlight: Emerald Rue Family Films & Photographs
Introducing Jen Martodam. She’s an observer, a dreamer, a seeker of light, and a lover of the Earth. She teaches DSLR Photography and enjoys serving others with heartfelt imagery, films, and valuable content. I love her business and mission so much that I wanted to share it with you.
by WPI Founder, Jessica Mae
Let me introduce you to Jen Martodam. She’s an observer, a dreamer, a seeker of light, and a lover of the Earth. She teaches DSLR Photography and enjoys serving others with heartfelt imagery, films, and valuable content. I love her business and mission so much that I wanted to share it with you.
Emerald Rue is a WarPaint International preferred vendor.
Introducing Jen Martodam
Hello! I’m Jen, from Emerald Rue. I’m a family filmmaker and lifestyle photographer who specializes in archiving honest, real-life, heartfelt moments for busy parents who long to remember everyday life. I’m a sucker for nostalgia, a big fan of Kevin Bacon, and will likely want to hug you when we first meet.
Jen Martodam. Emerald Rue Films & Photography
Moms, you know the stress of family photos will fall on you. I wanted to share my top 4 tips, learned through my fifteen years of photographing, to assist you in preparing.
All of these tips and more can be found in the blog section of my Emerald Rue website.
“If you’ve hired an experienced photographer, let them run the show and let it go. Ninety-nine percent of the time, there are amazing moments being captured that you don’t see.”
Emerald Rue Tips
Tip #1: Mindset
Start with your husband/significant other. Acknowledge that you’re aware it’s not high on his/her list but ask him/her to show up with a good attitude for you. Express how much you’ll cherish having something to show the kids down the road.
Next, let’s focus on the kids. Give a few reminders the week that you’re going to spend some time as a family taking photos. Explain the result you hope to get, i.e., mom needs you to listen closely for XX minutes so we can get a new picture of the family smiling (or insert your desired result.) Not that I’m promoting bribery, but it doesn’t hurt to have a reward waiting at the end (or snacks for the in-between!).
Family Photography. Complimentary colors….
Most importantly, let’s focus on you, mom. If you have high expectations for how the family will show up, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. I have enough experience to know it NEVER goes as you’ve pictured.
If you take one thing from this article it’s this; throw ANY expectation out the window. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I will let it go and be present instead of upset at my photo session!” What a gift to give your family, being present!
If you’ve hired an experienced photographer, let them run the show and let it go. Ninety-nine percent of the time, there are amazing moments being captured that you don’t see.
Remember that kids feed off your energy, so show up as the best you!
Photography for kids. Kids love energy!
Tip #2: Clothing
Get ready to cheer, moms: you come first. YES! Choose an outfit you love that you’ll feel fantastic in. Remember all that mindset stuff we just discussed? If you feel your best, you’ll show up that way!
From there, choose clothing for the rest of the family that coordinates. Avoid overmatching, neon, logos and characters. Use layers, jewelry, hats, scarves, etc. to add dimension & flair.
How to Coordinate: Adobe color wheel. Find the main color of your outfit. The colors straight across from it are complimentary colors. Choose family member outfits in these hues for photos that will pop! The colors on either side of your main color are analogous colors. Choose outfits of these tones to give your photos a more harmonious feel.
Mom, it’s your time to shine. Pamper yourself with professional hair & make-up services from War Paint International! They’ll even come right to you!
Tip #3: Communication
Take a moment to really think about what you want out of your photo session. Are you hoping for posed, smiling portraits or documentary/lifestyle images? Perhaps both?
Choose a photographer whose work mirrors your expectations. Prior to booking, share those preferences. Don’t expect the photographer to read your mind – be open with what you’d like the final product to be!
Family Lifestyle Photography by Emerald Rue.
Beware of a photographer who won’t take the time to speak with you. How will it be if there’s an issue that arises later?
While everyone has a different budget, spending a bit more will likely warrant a better result. These photographers likely double up on experience – meaning they have more years invested in their craft AND they’ll provide you with a pleasant, supported experience throughout.
Tip #4: Celebrate!
Don’t forget to shower your family with gratitude after your session, no matter how you feel it went. Plan a fun activity together to celebrate (plus you look sharp, so why waste it, right?!)
I truly hope you found some nuggets of wisdom to use the next time you book a photo session.
All of these tips, examples of my work, and booking information can be found on my website.
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Preferred Vendor Spotlight: AriesFireBomb
Ja’Mon and I chatted via zoom where I had the pleasure of getting to know a little bit more about him. His energy and vibe are contagious - you should definitely hire him for your next big event or dance party!
by WPI Founder, Jessica Mae
A couple of months ago I had the pleasure of “e-meeting” Ja’Mon, Founder of AriesFireBomb, via Instagram. I was immediately drawn to his energy and the work he does for the local community in Minneapolis. When I learned that he was a Minneapolis DJ I wanted you to know more about what he does, what inspires him, and share that with all of you!
The Interview
Ja’Mon and I chatted via zoom where I had the pleasure of getting to know a little bit more about him. His energy and vibe are contagious - you should definitely hire him for your next big event or dance party!
“I love intimate dance parties, 200-300 people”
How did you come up with the name AriesFireBomb for your business?
Well, I am an Aries and have been told I resemble many Aries traits. I’m an easygoing person, but also have a passionate side which can be good or bad I suppose.
What inspired you to become a DJ? How long have you been doing it?
I’ve been DJ’ing for 5 years and have always been passionate about music. I snuck watching MTV as a kid (since my parents wouldn’t let me watch it) and loved the art that was created through music videos.
What is your favorite genre of music and why?
This is a tough one to answer! I listen to everything. If pinned down I would have to say that House music is my favorite because it incorporates a lot of other styles of music and genres. Of course, you can never go wrong with the ’80s and 90’s music! I love how good that era makes people feel when they hear it.
Ja’Mon Kimbrough
AriesFireBomb in action!
What is your favorite type of event to DJ?
I love intimate dance parties, 200-300 people. There’s a sense of community and a vibe with a smaller group like that. I’m able to feel the energy of the room which makes the next track I play easy to select. I love to show people different styles of music they haven’t heard before that enhances the vibe of the party/event.
Any advice for couples trying to pick their first song and put together a playlist for their wedding?
I would say, avoid picking songs that speak to only one of you. Try to find songs that you both find special. The playlist should be a mixture of both of your tastes in music, while also considering the type of vibe you want to have. If the dance is important to you, you may want to consider thinking about the type of music that will get your guests on their feet!
When you’re not DJ’ing what do you enjoy doing?
I am a creative at heart. I enjoy writing, photography, film making and cooking.
Where can people find you?
Contact Ja’mon at AriesFireBomb
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Preferred Vendor Spotlight: PAINT Nail Bar Wayzata
We are always on the hunt for the best of the best in all things beauty. PAINT Nail Bar in Wayzata, MN is no exception. From their incredibly chic salon. to their customer service and talented nail technicians PAINT Nail Bar is by far one of the best places to get a nail service in the Twin Cities.
We are always on the hunt for the best of the best in all things beauty. PAINT Nail Bar in Wayzata, MN is no exception. From their incredibly chic salon. to their customer service and talented nail technicians PAINT Nail Bar is by far one of the best places to get a nail service in the Twin Cities.
The Interview
I sat down with one of the owners, Angela, and asked her all the things to bring you the inside scoop and reasons why you should book your next manicure + pedicure at PAINT!
What inspired you to open a PAINT Nail Bar Location?
We saw a need for a cleaner, healthier nail salon. PAINT Nail Bar impressed us with how much emphasis they place on overall cleanliness and sterilization. At PAINT we also put our amazing team first. We were attracted to that philosophy of business leadership.
PAINT Nail Bar Wayzata Owners: Angela and Dan.
What makes PAINT different from other nail salons?
PAINT Nail Bar is an experience center first, and a cool nail salon second. There is an energy at PAINT that makes us unique in the nail salon space. We focus on building relationships and strive for real client engagement, not just excellent customer service. Our products are healthier and are free from known toxins that are harmful to skin and nails. Our chic home décor is regularly commented on by clients. It’s a comfortable place to relax and be pampered!
Can PAINT accommodate private parties? If yes, how would someone book?
PAINT Nail Bar is all about parties! We host many including little girl princess parties, birthday parties, team-building corporate events, and Men’s and Ladies’ nights. Scheduling a party is as easy as calling the front desk at 952-777-2778!
One of PAINT’S values is offering a non-toxic environment and services. What does that mean?
At PAINT we use only products that are 5,7 or 9 free of harmful toxins. We strive to maintain the integrity of the natural nail. We do not use drills or UV lamps as both have a negative effect on a customer’s health. We use Gel X or sculpted gel products as a healthier alternative to harmful acrylics.
What steps is PAINT Wayzata taking to keep clients and staff as safe as possible from COVID-19?
PAINT is dedicated to the health and safety of our staff and clients. When it comes to COVID-19 some changes may be permanent and some may be temporary, but our dedication to ensuring the safest and best PAINT experience is forever. Below are a few measures we are taking at this time. For a full version of our preparedness plan please visit our website HERE.
Every guest is required to wash their hands upon arrival and wear a disposable face mask.
Client spacing will be done in accordance with the CDC and WHO guidelines at our manicure and pedicure stations.
Thorough cleaning and sanitation of all surfaces and equipment with medical-grade cleansers.
Nail techs will wear face shields and face masks.
How can someone schedule an appointment and where can we connect with you online?
Clients can schedule their appointments by calling us at 952-777-2778 OR they can book online HERE. We are on Instagram and Facebook, you can find us at @paintwayzata. If email is preferred PAINT can be reached by clicking the button below.
What else should we know about PAINT?
At PAINT we are dedicated to partnering with and supporting other local businesses. We regularly host trunk shows where local business owners can showcase their products or services to our clients and staff. We are always looking for ways to help create a wonderful and memorable experience at PAINT Nail Bar.
Pink Nails
Ballerina Nails
Flamingo Nails
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Hair Styling and Makeup Artistry in Minnesota Exempt from Board of Cosmetology
Gov. Walz signs bill SF 2898. A win against Minnesota’s wildly unequal treatment that infringes on the Equal Protection Clauses of both the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions for hair and makeup artistry.
Bill SF 2898 Exempting Simple Hair Styling & Makeup Artistry Passes in Minnesota
UPDATED ON MAY 27TH, 2020
Governer Walz signed bill SF 2898 today, finalizing the two-year battle against the Board of Cosmetology unconstitutionally redefining their rules to deem simple hair styling and makeup artistry illegal. Now, freelance artists and agencies who employ them can continue the businesses they have legally operated for years without interruption or fear of fines, being shut down, or forced into cosmetology school requirements that do not focus on their career paths.
For decades and generations, freelance artists have been providing simple hair styling and makeup artistry in Minnesota (and nearly every other state in the U.S.) without licensure and regulation. In December of 2018, thousands of freelance individuals and agencies like WarPaint International were threatened by the decision of the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology to re-interpret language in the rules governing salons and cosmetologists making what we do illegal overnight. No grace period, no grand-fathered rules, no help. Businesses were being fined and shut down. Some even left the industry.
“Minnesota’s wildly unequal treatment infringes on the Equal Protection Clauses of both the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions.”
The interesting part? The Board of Cosmetology is not a law-making entity; legislators are. Yet they unconstitutionally enforced their “rules” as such, affecting people’s lives, careers, families, and retirement.
WPI Founder, Jessica Mae, doing makeup in 2011 at RAW Minneapolis on International Model Taylor Skye.
A lawsuit filed against the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology
In an article published by the Star Tribune in November of 2019, the “rule” change offered by the Board threatened thousands of female entrepreneurs and independent business owners by shutting down their businesses overnight. A pending lawsuit by local artists and Minnesota’s premier School of Makeup Artistry, Faces Etc. MN began to help shape the way for standing up to corrupt overreach by an agency seeking to benefit from the growing industry of bridal artistry.
According to Forbes online, “to enforce its rules, the Board has ordered makeup artists to cease and desist and slapped them with thousands of dollars in fines. Violating the law can even risk criminal penalties.” Forbes also went on to say “Minnesota’s regulations are not just ridiculous, they’re also unconstitutional. (The Board has declined to publicly comment on the case.) Furthermore that “there is no natural and reasonable basis” to license makeup and hair services for brides, but not bridal photoshoots, Minnesota’s wildly unequal treatment infringes on the Equal Protection Clauses of both the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions.
“History was made today. A fearless group of entrepreneurs stood strong and fought for what was right and won against all odds. I am honored to stand alongside an amazing group of professionals. Let freedom ring!”
“The law” is filled with loopholes
The law, however, is filled with loopholes. The Board doesn’t require a license to offer hair or makeup services for fashion, film, media productions, photoshoots, TV, or the theater. Selling makeup at retail counters like Macy’s, Sephora, Nordstrom, MAC, and the like are all fine and legal. The Board doesn’t recognize sanitation or health concerns there.
And in fact, according to the Board of Cosmetology rules, we can dispatch a Makeup Artist to go on-site to do makeup (and hairstyling) for a model, posed as a bride, in a fake wedding for a photoshoot without any health or sanitation worries or BCE infractions. But the same model can be married the following day in the same dress, at the same venue having her hair and makeup done by the same artist, using the same products and brushes and this would be deemed illegal.
Absolutely. Ridiculous.
Minnesota State Capital in St. Paul, MN
The fight for preserving the craft was worth it
Jessica Mae, Co-Founder of WarPaint International alongside her husband Samuel J. Koza joined forces with local artists, industry competitors, salon owners (who believed in the cause), and a local Minneapolis Makeup Artistry School to protect jobs, to stand up for what is right and to preserve the craft of freelance artistry.
History was made today. A fearless group of entrepreneurs stood strong and fought for what was right and won against all odds. I am honored to stand alongside an amazing group of professionals. Let freedom ring! - said Jessica Mae.
Battling against odds
As independent artists and business owners flooded the sidelines in the chambers at the State Capitol, more noise and interest surrounded the controversy concerning freelance artistry. Many artists gave testimony to their career, their families, their safety & sanitation as well as positive reviews for their business and reputation to build credibility around their job that they have already performed for years without interruption.
Other media outlets began to comment on what seemed obvious to most - the corruption and greed associated with fees in the growing bridal industry. The representative for the Minnesota Spa & Salon Association and the BCE repeatedly, under testimony, directed their concerns to safety for the public in sanitation practices. None-the-less could not give educated responses as to why they would have health concerns ONLY for bridal clients and no other segments of on-site or freelance artistry. The local media outlet, City Pages, further explored the issue with local Artists, Cristina Ziemer and Melanie Rivers by entitling their article “Minnesota hairstylists, makeup artists take a stand against stupid, confusing laws”
Disappointment along the way
Adversity and opinion certainly are common in any undertaking but a lesson learned in the beauty industry is that one or two people can cause hate and miseducation amongst a community. One would hope that all artists, cosmetologists, aestheticians, nail techs and other individuals working in the beauty industry would band together as a community of creative artists and individuals that we call the “beauty industry”.
Instead, some licensed individuals went on live social media platforms calling freelance artists “filthy pigs’ and claiming disease and infection, yet the state doesn’t have a record of those infections or complaints. Truth be told, many freelance artists have gone out of their way to invest in training and sanitation on their own in order to build a reputable business and in fact, have begged for a mandated sanitation course that fits into our career path. But the Board, as usual, had no comment.
We’ve learned a lot through the legal process and are very grateful that due process and hard work paid off. This bill passed in the House with a 128 to 4 vote and in the Senate with a 64-3 vote.
A win for all
This is a true victory for not only freelance artists, but licensed professionals as well. Prior to the bill passing, a licensed cosmetologist/aesthetician would have to obtain their standard license as well as a manager’s license and a special event permit. They will no longer have to jump through those hoops in order to provide makeup applications and hair styling for onsite events! This will save them money and precious time.
Truth and justice prevailed
In the end, a very long road of hard work was put into this undertaking. We had truth and justice on our side and God in our hearts. HUGE thank you’s are owed to some very hard-working people and businesses for making change in Minnesota to preserve jobs, career paths, and the future as we await Minnesota Governor Walz’s signature.
Thank you to:
Megan Stewart Forbes - our lobbyist from the Institute for Justice
Nino Altobelli of Rocco Altobelli Salons
Debbie Carlson of Faces Etc. of MN (Makeup School for Artistry)
Mia Pietruszewski, Keely Frisvold, Cristina Ziemer, Melanie Rivers, Amy Marie Reid, Lady Vamp Artistry, Zeil Bridal, Jacqueline Burt, Jamie Arrington.
And our gracious competitor Primped MN, who has been a support mechanism, agent of change, and an industry friend in the face of adversity.
May the force be with all of you and may the “beauty industry” work as a transparent entity furthering the cause of beauty, artistry, health and sanitation practices, and most importantly, the preservation of our craft.
Jessica Mae, Founder WPI
Owners, WarPaint International Beauty Agency.
Jessica Mae with Senator Karin Housely
Jessica Mae with Nino Altobelli
Testifying with Megan Stewart Forbes
Jessica Mae with Representative Kelly Morrison and Kalya Vanderziel
Jessica Mae with Artisan Keely Frisvold
Founders Jessica Mae & Samuel Koza with Artisans Mia and Keely