jenny luu hair + makeup

{ Wedding | Laura + Kelvin | 2011 }

2012-01-24T11:04:00.003-05:00

photographer | Mia Campopiano

-jenny

Makeup Tips & Tricks Course

2012-01-05T10:35:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope it's been a great one thus far. Last year flew by so fast and I'm excited for 2012.

One of my upcoming projects is teaching a makeup tips and tricks course at the Brookline Adult Education Center. My initial thought when approached with this offer was "meeee teach, I have a fear of public speaking!" but yet I was extremely excited as it would be a joy to educate others so it was an easy decision. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone as this course is going to be so fun...I promise!

It begins Tuesday, February 28th from 6pm-8pm and it's a total of 3 sessions. Click the link above for more details and to sign up. If you have any questions about it, feel free to contact BAEC or me. ^_^

-jenny

{ Wedding | Maggie+John | September 2011 }

2011-11-08T08:47:00.005-05:00

photographer | kate femino k.Photographie
additional hair + makeup artist | jamie chapman

-jenny

{ Wedding | August 2011 }

2011-10-26T11:53:00.002-04:00

photographer | The Pros
bridesmaids makeup | Meghan Dasey

-jenny

{ Wedding | Patricia+Frédéric | August 2011 }

2011-10-12T07:47:00.003-04:00

photographer | Blink of An Eye Photography

- jenny

{ Wedding | August 2011 }

2011-10-11T22:38:00.000-04:00

photographer | Melissa Coe

{ Wedding | Mona+Sheldon | September 2011 }

2011-10-05T09:58:00.007-04:00

photographer | ncl cruise
additional artist + stylist | jamie chapman

{ Before and After }

2011-09-05T19:48:00.010-04:00

I finally had a chance to work on a few before and after images that I've been trying to do for months. They are in no particular order and I started with this sweet lovely San Francisco bride (hubby is from b-town) that got married over the Labor Day weekend at the Wayside Inn. This venue was so cozy and rustic with beautiful scenery that I'm sure her pictures from Kate Femino Photography will be amazing. I can't wait to see it!

To see more before and after images, click here

-jenny

{ Wedding | May 2011 }

2011-07-11T11:45:00.001-04:00

photographer | Michael Sparks Keegan

{ Wedding | June 2011 }

2011-07-08T21:33:00.001-04:00

photographer | Bjorn Millard | http://www.bjornmillard.com/

My Beauty Tips Featured in The Knot Boston Spring/Summer 2011 issue!

2011-02-11T23:38:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay in posts lately. It's been nonstop since the new year with all my upcoming Spring brides. I mentioned in one of my old post that an editor of The Knot contacted me last year for some beauty tips for their Spring/Summer 2011 issue. I am excited to announce that my (along with a few other hair and makeup artists from Boston) tips made it into the magazine! If you have a copy of this issue, it's on page 175-180.

Although I am very excited and honored, unfortunately, I was misquoted many times within the article. The one section I wanted to mention, "making mascara run-proof - lightly blowing on the coat before applying another layer and using a setting spray from flaking..." is definitely untrue. Somehow a mix up occured. I think we all know you wouldn't blow on on your eyes to dry the mascara (difficult if you are doing this to yourself, haha) nor apply a setting spray on your eyes (ouch that would sting). It's definitely not sanitary for an artist to blow on a client's face or their brushes either. I spoke with the editor who was wholeheartedly apologetic for the unexplained mishap which it's totally ok, things happen. So I just wanted to mention this since it's already published and obviously can't be corrected. I was offered a corrected digital version of this article which was very kind of them.

If you don't have a copy of this issue, go pick up one!

-jenny

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011

2010-12-20T16:20:00.002-05:00

I received a really exciting phone call today that I was chosen as The Knot's Best of Weddings 2011! An official announcement will be made on The Knot's website in Janauary but I couldn't wait to share the news with you all. A huge thank you to all my brides and the editors for such a great honor. Yippeeee!!

-jenny

Smashbox Event at The Beauty Cafe

2010-12-15T13:47:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday, I was the freelance mua at The Beauty Cafe in Melrose for their Smashbox promo event. This was my first time doing an event in a retail atmosphere, it was really eventful and the clients were happy with their makeovers. Karen, who is so down to earth and fun, is the owner of this modern boutique that offers great quality cosmetic and apothecary products such as Smashbox, Stila, Mario Badescu, Kai, Butter London and many more.

I was trying really hard to not let my eyes wander and do any unnecessary spending but these two products were calling me: Butter London nail lacquer - they have a full range of fun shades that are chemical free, "3 Free" meaning no Formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (Phthales). A plus for any moms to be who can't resist doing their mani/pedi [like me]. What attracted me to this was the unique wide square shape design and black top. I"m always a sucker for cool packaging. The shades are all custom made where each season during fashion week, they collaborate with top designers and create the colors on the spot. I haven't used mine yet but I got Marrow [dark purple]. I only bought one but if I ever need more [which I think I do] I know where to go.

Then I couldn't resist this Kiwi-Strawberry Shower Sorbet from Me! Bath. The smell is sooo yummy, I wanted to dip my fingers in the tester and eat it. I'm going to give this to one of my girlfriends as a gift but I really want to keep it for myself.

I had a great time utilizing all the Smashbox products and discovered two must haves. Smashbox products are great and I would totally get a few essentials from them. I had a client with broken capillaries and slight rosacea on her cheeks and she was interested in a product to help conceal it. I used the Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in green and let me tell you, it really worked wonders. I've used other green color correctors from other brands that didn't neutralize the redness and hands down this product really did the job. It's oil-free, light weight and doesn't leave any green residue on the skin. I also used it on other clients through out the day and it worked on every skin tone.

The other primer I fell in love with is the anti-aging SPF 15 and Dermaxly. It contains all the benefits of a primer plus protects and hydrates the skin. I had a client with dry dehydrated mature skin, one pump of this product and instantly her skin was so supple and healthy [no joke]. I was so amazed I wanted her to see for herself before I put on the foundation. I also used it on someone who was younger with just dehydrated skin and again it made her skin so healthy and supple. I think this was the main primer I used on everyone that day if they didn't need a little something extra. Smashbox has several types of primers so check out their website to find one suited for your needs.

If you are ever in Melrose, stop by The Beauty Cafe - 515 Main Street. You'll want to look at every single thing there and with the impeccable customer service Karen and her staff provides, you'll probably be hanging out for a while. ^_^

-jenny

Lauren and Allen's Wedding!

2010-11-29T09:10:00.001-05:00

Lauren and Allen, a truly lovely couple of 19 years tied the knot at the Essex Conference Center and Retreat in October. It was a fun filled wkend getaway celebration for close friends and family prior to the wedding day. The ECCR is a relaxing natural setting with this cozy enclosed area with a bonfire where there were lots of great company, laughs and yummy s'mores. Lauren is a dear friend of my cousin who was so generous to offer me and Rita [talented MUA], to stay over at the ECCR the day before. Since hair and makeup was an early morning start, we were totally game.

The bride went with a side swept updo where a pretty silk flower was pinned on the side. Her makeup consisted of a soft dramatic effect with rosey and brown shades, falsies, brownish-peachy cheeks topped with glossy plum lips. The bridesmaids also had soft dramatic eyes and casual hairstyles.

Here are a few images from their creative photographer Steven Govel. I really like his style. Check back soon for more images of this beautiful wedding in my portfolio.

[click to enlarge]

Lauren and Allen, thank you so very much for having us part of your big day. May your lives be filled with nothing but happiness and love [and bambinos one day]. Hope Peru was a blast! xoxo

Quick Announcements

2010-10-18T08:08:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday! I just wanted to mention a few things:

Since I advertise on The Knot [complete online guide to wedding planning] as "Jenny Luu hair + makeup" I decided to update that on my website and blog [hence the new logo]. I think I prefer it over "jcLuu Makeup Artisan" it's much easier to identify myself this way. Speaking of The Knot, one of the NY editor's contacted me to help with a beauty article for their Spring/Summer 2011 issue. It was basically about makeup tips & tricks and how to's etc. I really enjoyed our conversation and I realize I can talk about beauty all day! It was only a handful of questions so it definitely won't be a full page article [ha-ha] but I recenlty found out I'll be credited for it so keep an eye out for me in that issue!

When I started blogging in January 2010 [wow it's been 9 months already], I was unsure if I would be a dedicated blogger. Although it's not daily updates like most bloggers but I'm glad I've kept up with it. My inital purpose was to post my hair and makeup gigs for you all. Eventually, I would like to do product reviews and perhaps maybe down the line makeup tutorial videos [big maybe]. I don't know how other bloggers manage to do daily posts as I'm sure they all have full-time jobs and their gigs. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy blogging but it's a little tough finding the time to do it. Also, getting the professional images to use on my posts can take months at times as well. I do thank you all for reading my blog and inquiring about my services! xoxo

Lastly, I do have the images from Boston Fashion Week now but there are a ton to go through. I haven't had a moment yet but once wedding season and photo shoots slows down then I'll have more time to go through it. Heck, not that long ago I finally saw my professional wedding images and it's been 4 months since I've had it. ^_^

-jenny

Boston Fashion Week: The Emerging Trends 2010

2010-09-27T11:34:00.009-04:00

This past Saturday's show, produced by The Synergy Events at The Castle was a really cool and fun experience. It was my first time partaking in Boston's Fashion Week (next stop NYC FW), thanks to Andrea Ducharme for giving me the opportunity to be part of The Makeup Artists crew. I just love doing makeup (and hair) and it's always a bonus to meet other talented individuals so I'm grateful for all the opportunities. Being backstage of a show is really what you would expect it to be - extremely fast paced with tons of models, media and staff. I can get really focused when I'm working on someone so I tend to become oblivious to my surroundings so unless it was makeup related I'm not too sure what else was going on. ^_^

The emerging talented designers consisted of:
* Vu Collections
* Janice Miller
* Nicole Herzog
* Dawn M
* Vivian Aronson
* Lynn Uwadiale
* Rachel Sin
* Crystal Noe
* Ilena Rojas
* Annie Fish
* Mia Loomba
* Maria Rivas
* Gregory Hugill

The looks the models rocked varied from soft dramatic, bronzed lids, classic red lips, green and fushia barbie doll to punk Japanese geisha and green & yellow eyebrows. It was a great mix of looks and I had fun doing most of them. We had assigned designers but things can change and in order to get things moving, you basically just work on who ever sits in your chair needing to be dolled up. Thank goodness Andrea created look boards for us.

At the end of the show, we all made an appearance on the cat walk along with all the hairstylist from INDRA Salon. Now I know how a model feels when they are on the cat walk, you can't see a thing with all the lights shining at you. It was a long night and I was useless on Sunday but it was all worth it. Thanks so much again Andrea, lots of hugs and kisses to you and the rest of the gals! ^_^

Check back soon for images from the show!

If you are interested in my makeup and/or hair services, please contact me at jenny@jcluu.com

-jenny

Fashion Photo Shoot

2010-09-20T08:53:00.003-04:00

I was recently contacted by Photographer Kris Rodammer to do the hair and makeup for one of his shoots held at Packert Studios in South Boston. It was a successful and laid back shoot. There was a large wardrobe selection were we all put our heads together and picked out some great outfits and accessories. Styling is really fun and easy, I wouldn't mind doing that too. Most of the shoots I've done are outdoors so having it in a studio was much more organized in terms of having more space to lay out my makeup and curling irons.

If you'd like to see more images, click here to view my portfolio.

Stay tooned for my next blog posts. I'll be partaking in Boston Fashion Week [as a mua] for 2 runway shows starting on Saturday, September 25th!

-jenny

Sunita + Reuben's Wedding

2010-09-09T10:13:00.000-04:00

Back in April, I blogged about a bridal hair and makeup trial for an Indian wedding I did in May. I am happy to finally share some of the professional images that took place at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel.

After meeting Sunita during the trial, I was excited to do the hair and makeup for her and the girls, she was just so pleasant and sweet. I think Indian weddings are my favorite thus far. It's filled with so much color and the embellishments of the saree's, tikka's [gorgeous headpiece worn on center of forehead] jewelry and the hands being adorned with mehendi [henna] are all just so extravagent and so pretty to look at.

All images were provided by Brandon Eang Photography. Thanks Brandon! To see more, click here to view my portfolio.

Sunita and Reuben, it was such a pleasure and thank you so very much for allowing me to be part of your special day. I hope married life has been filled with even more happiness and love for you both.

-jenny

Fashion Photo Shoot

2010-08-09T09:05:00.002-04:00

Here are some images of a fun and creative photo shoot that was organized by Jeni Teran for print work which Modern Salon Magazine is interested in publishing some of the images (not sure which ones yet). It was a get as funky and crazy free for all shoot where the makeup was dramatic and the hair and outfits were insanely wild! It was awesome! The shoot consisted of a large crew of amazingly talented hair stylists, mua's and models were everyone got ready at Makeovers Salon and Spa. The shooting location took place at Queset Mansion by photographer David J Botelho.

I wasn't able to stay for the entire shoot and only had time to work on these two models. I wish I had some of the other mouth dropping images to show because the hair styles were just so creative and amazing. Thanks so much for having me part of this shoot Jeni. I had such a blast doing the makeup and meeting everyone. To see more, click here to view my portfolio.

Model: Jenn Lindberg | Hair: Tia Dodd | Dress: Exploration B

Model: Becky | Hair: Tiffany Cooke | Dress: Annie Nguyen

Dress: Arden B

Jenny + Joe's Wedding

2010-07-19T12:00:00.066-04:00

The best part of this business and what makes me love what I do even more is when I have clients who are so easy going and friendly. Jenny, her mom and bridesmaids were all so sweet to be around for her May wedding where hair and makeup started at 4:30am.

Jenny wanted a half up/down style with her bangs side parted. We went with shades of soft pinks/browns for her eyes, pale pink lips and cheeks with some contouring. It was very pretty and sweet just like the bride.

All images were provided by Team Yu Photo. Not only are Tony and Anna so talented and did such an amazing job but they are genuinely a friendly duo. Thank you so very much for all the extra images Anna! To see more, click here to view my portfolio.

Jenny and Joe, I wish you both the best in your new adventure in life. You, the girls and your mom were all great to work with! Thank you for allowing me to be part of your wedding day.

-jenny

I'm back!.....early

2010-07-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

Our honeymoon was wonderful, it was filled with yummy food, perfect weather, amazing scenery and beaches. I know I said the 19th but there were a couple of new upcoming inquiries that I didn't want to leave hanging so I was semi back in work mode the past week. Yes, I am a workaholic...a happy one though. Wedding planning is finally over with. It was sad to turn down clients the past couple of months but I'm focused and ready now! Stay tooned for a few blog updates.

Here are some breath taking scenic images. aaaahhhh........

-jenny

Taking a break! June 11th - July 19th

2010-06-11T22:10:00.001-04:00

It's been a busy season with weddings, trials and photo shoots. I was hoping to have a couple of more postings to share before I take off for a few weeks [getting married remember?!] I'm down to the last week before the big day and will respond to any inquiries/emails upon my return. Take care!!

-jenny

Engagement Session: Xiao + Daryl

2010-06-10T17:38:00.007-04:00

I was contacted in May to do the hair and makeup for Xiao's engagement session. She had several outfits for the shoot ranging from her wedding gown, evening dress to casual and wanted one [natural] look that complimented all her outfits. She wanted her hair to have loose tousled curls which were pinned to the side. Makeup was very minimal with a light application of foundation and concealer with the focus on her eyes. False lashes are always a must have, it really emphasizes the eyes and makes them pop. I'm glad I was able to convince Xiao into wearing them.

Margaret Singer of Unusually Fine Photography was the creative genesis in capturing these fabulous images at DeCordova Sculpture Park. Xiao and Daryl are such a cute couple. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this, it was such a pleasure meeting you Xiao! Love these!!

If you are interested in my makeup and/or hair services, please contact me at info@jcluu.com

-jenny

Music Video Debut! Sophia Moon

2010-05-11T00:30:00.007-04:00

Hi everyone! I apologize for the lack of posts the past couple of weeks. It's been a little crazy but I will share some of the cool gigs I've been doing.

Remember my recent music video blog where I collaborated with Sophia Moon? Well, I'm proud to announce that it's been officially released today!! Yay! Before you check out the video, there were two scenes to this. I was only part of the first half (where she performs on the window sill). I was so bummed to miss out as they had an awesome time filming. Angelique Wigfall [talentend MUA] deserves the credit for the second half as she made Sophia look amazing.

So without further ado, Five Star Recovery! One of my favorite songs. Woohoo! So proud of you Sophia!

Bridal Hair & Makeup Trial

2010-04-05T15:08:00.009-04:00

I'm back with another bridal hair and makeup post. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Sunita, who currently resides in Nashville and will be having her upcoming May wedding in MA. She was fully prepared with hair and makeup images and had a vision so she was ready to roll. Since she doesn't normally wear makep, she wanted more of a natural look using neutral shades. She has these huge almond shaped eyes that I really wanted to go super smokey and dramatic [which I didn't of course]. I wanted to make her eyes pop and did a soft dramatic look with nude lips and some contouring below the cheeks. She looked really pretty! I need to work on my photography skills because the results look much more visible in person.

For her hair, she wanted it away from her face as she was going to wear a traditional Indian sari [maroon and gold] then change into a red qi pao [traditional Chinese wedding dress]. The neutral eye makeup and nude lips was perfect and complimented the two different colored outfits well. Since her hair naturally parts in the center, I wanted to give her some height on top [which the bride didn't want too much]. I ended up pulling it all back to elongate and accentuate her face shape. So here are the results, which she instantly loved. Ok, we'll definitely have to wait for the professional wedding images. I stood way too close on the right side which makes her updo look so big but it really isn't. It was so nice meeting you Sunita! See you next month!

If you are interested in my makeup and/or hair services, please contact me at info@jcluu.com

-jenny

Product Review: Sigma Makeup Brushes

2010-03-22T09:50:00.011-04:00

Here's one of my first product reviews that I'm excited to share with you all - Sigma Makeup Brushes! These super soft natural and synthetic bristles works really well. Not only does Sigma offer a complete line of professional quality brushes but it's comparable to MAC and at a much affordable price (no joke). Oh and the brushes are also labeled similar to MAC's. I discovered these brushes from other fellow mua bloggers and I had to try it out for myself. I will only do product reviews for those that I truly believe in and deserves a spot in my beauty hall of fame.

Most of my brushes are from MAC or from the IBS NY show which work great but I like trying new products. So for starters, I purchased the 7 brush eye kit. ($39) which comes with a complimentary blending brush SS217. You can also purchase these as a kit or individually (not all the brushes).

Before I made my purchase, I emailed Sigma to ask a question and was impressed at the friendly customer service and quick reply. It didn't take long to receive my package either which is another plus. The brushes came in a red mesh bag (some come in a brush roll) that was each individually wrapped. The quality of these brushes are quite impressive especially since it's so affordable, it seemed too good to be true. It's best to always wash your brushes before (and after) use. I personally, wash them after each use in a circular motion on the palm of my hands with moisturizing anti-bacterial soap. This technique works great as it's inexpensive, disinfects and conditions the brushes. Brush cleaners work just as well but it's expensive. Mild shampoos aren't as effective as it doesn't disinfect which is really important since the brush contains lots of residue, sebum and dirt.

Now on to the good stuff. All images are from Sigma as they gave me their consent to use it. Let's start with the SS219. I took a picture (sorry it's blury) of it with MAC's 219 (left side) to compare. I didn't do it with all the brushes so you'll just have to take my word that these all are pretty similar to MAC. As you can see, it looks identical except MAC's is a tad bit more dense which I personally prefer for myself as I have small eyes.

SS219: Great for defining the outter corners of the eyes, "V" shape and crease. It provides control and precise eyeshadow placement. Can also be used on the upper and lower lash line to give a soft eyeliner effect. Definitely a keeper.

SS252: This large flat shaped can be used to apply cream or powders. It's great to apply all over the lid or below the crease. I like to use this and the SS239 to just pat on the color and use the SS217 to blend it.

SS239: This has the same usage as the SS252 just that it's dense, shorter with rounded edges. You can really pack on the color but either brush will work just as well. I also use this to highlight the brow area. It is great for my small eyes.

SS275: This is angled and flat, a bit on the fluffy side. It's used to highlight the brow bone, inner corners and crease. At times, I'll use this to blend out the outter corners, highlight and contour the nose. I haven't tested this particular brush on a client yet and will update my response when that happens. For my small eyes, I prefer MAC's 272, it's more dense with shorter bristles so I have more control on the outter corners.

SS224: This fluffy rounded brush is great for blending and applying a light application of color to the lids due to the loose bristles. The MAC one is pretty similar except it's a bit more dense but they both work just welll.

SS209: I'm really digging this firm fine-pointed brush. You get a precise application that is ideal for gel liner.

SS266: This small soft synthetic angled brush ideal for filling in brows, gel or cream eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line. To be honest, I haven't made use of this brush since I have a few angled brushes so I've been stuck on the SS209 for eyeliner application.

SS188: This is a small flat topped synthetic light-weight application brush that I can't leave home without! It can be used to blend and apply creams, liquid, powder and pigment which I haven't tried. I've been mainly using it to apply a light and precise application of color to the cheeks and highlight above the cheek bone. In comparison to MAC's, the shape is short and round which I use for the cheeks or to contour the face. The one thing I wish is that the handle wasn't so thick but it still works great.

That completes my product review on Sigma brushes. I hope you enjoyed it and find it helpful as I highly recommend it. It truly is comparable to MAC and best of all, it's about half the cost. Woohoo!

If you are interested in my makeup and/or hair services, please contact me at info@jcluu.com.

-jenny

Purple Smokey Eyes with Red Luscious Lips

2010-03-08T16:54:00.024-05:00

Purple is one of my favorite colors to use in achieving a smokey dramatic effect. It provides a glamorous look with a pop of color. Purple is known to complement brown eyes and works well with dark or olive skin tones but it really can work on anyone. There are a ton of different shades of purple for everyone out there.

For one of my recent gigs, I collaborated again with Sophia Moon [talented singer/song writer] during her live performance at Limelight last week. This chick has an amazing strong voice and I highly recommend catching her next time around. She's the perfect canvas for any MUA as she's always willing to try different looks ranging from natural to dramatic and she can pull it off. She was the star of the night so it was key to make her shine. She wanted big playful hair [which she did herself before makeup] and dark dramatic eyes with red lips. Immediately, I went with various shades of purple to achieve this look and topped it off with some fun full thick lashes. She was totally rockin it with her knee high boots and off the shoulder black and white dress!

Here's a before and after shot: [click on the images to enlarge it]

photo credit: Nathan Quattrini Photography

photo credit: Andy Mon Photography

[me with Sophia, my only Kumar]

- jenny

AsianBoston Magazine Photo Shoot

2010-03-01T18:11:00.010-05:00

I wanted to share some images for the soon to be published 6th issue of the AsianBoston magazine, that took place at the Boston Westin Waterfront Hotel. The crew consisted of Leo Anthony, founder of AsianBoston, Carlton Soohoo & Vincent Soohoo Photography, Wardrobe Stylist Drea Designs Couture and a handful of AsianBoston models. Hair and makeup took place at 7:30am and lasted about 6-7 hours. It was an exhausting day for me but totally worth it! View my portfolio to see more from this photo shoot.

Music Video Shoot

2010-02-01T15:25:00.025-05:00

Over the weekend, I had a fun opportunity to be part of a music video shoot staring the oh so sweet Sophia Moon [talented singer/song writer] for one of her songs Five Star Recovery. I really dig this song, I couldn't stop bopping to it the entire time. Sophia and I met at the AsianBoston Magazine Model Photo Shoot at the Westin Waterfront hotel. We clicked immediately and decided to collaborate for the beginning of one of her many music videos to come. She's down to earth, professional and extremely talented. I was so honored to be part of this project. Thanks Sophia! The producer Tony Colapietro and his crew Ania and Lance were all so laid back and friendly that it'll be a never forgotten experience.

Filming took place inside the CCBA building, a community center in Boston's Chinatown with Sophia sitting on the window sill performing.

The actual room was like a classroom for a kids after school program [which you would never think based on these images]. It had all these art projects on the wall [that we took down and put back up] and these tiny cute old school desks that were attached to the chairs. Here's a picture of us all pigging out before filming. It was like grade school lunch time all over again. Tony [producer] seemed to have photoshop his head and replaced it with one of the kids homemade robots - funny.

The video was a casual setting so we aimed for a soft dramatic effect with the makeup [nothing too crazy].

Products used: [All MAC unless otherwise stated]

FACE:

ud primer

shiseido moisturizer

eve pearl foundation

eve pearl concealor

muf powder

sweet william c/b

dolly mix blush

emphasize highlighter

EYES:

bare study paint pot

graphology e/s

contrast e/s

phloof e/s

gesso e/s

bobbi brown black gel eyeliner

ardell lashes

LIPS:

lip conditioner

nude lip liner

Bridal hair and makeup trial

2010-01-29T00:55:00.021-05:00

I wanted to share some results of a bride, whom I had the pleasure of dolling up for her recent wedding. Consultations take place 2-3 months before the big day for 2 - 2.5 hrs. It is an opportunity to discuss, create and try a few styles so the bride can be truly happy with the results. Most brides come prepared with images of their ideal hair styles and makeup looks. Even if a bride is unsure, it's totally fine as that's the whole point of a consultation.

Let's start with hair. During the trial, Anita expressed she wanted a half-up style. Since her wedding gown was this gorgeous Indian two piece beaded outfit, it didn't work out so well, as it was getting caught in the beads.

So instead, I did a loose elegant side-swept updo [my favorite]. I think during the trial, I got carried away pinning that the end result looked more like a centered vs side-swept updo. For the day of, I did some minor tweaking so it was more to the side and let some curls hang lower to her shoulders [per the bride].

This is the day of pic. Doesn't she just look so hot?!

For makeup, we tried a few different looks. Initially, she wanted to try going more on the dramatic side with shades of pinks and blues. She has really big pretty eyes but wasn't feeling it. It wasn't her style especially since she doesn't wear makeup so it was a bit too much. I then went and did a soft dramatic neutral every day kind of look. This time I wasn't feeling it since she had this gorgeous outfit, I wanted her eyes to pop with color. I normally create the looks my brides envision so they can have a visual and then provide my recommendations after [if needed]. The final look resulted in pink and gold tones. It was truly perfect!

Products used: [all MAC unless otherwise stated]

FACE:

urban decay complextion primer potion

eve pearl salmon concealor

graftobian creme foundation

makeup forever hd powder

emphasize blush highlighter

fleur power blush

style blush

benefit high beam

EYES:

ud primer

barestudy paint pot

fresco rose paint pot
love rock e/s

gleam e/s

crystal avalanche e/s

white frost e/s

blacktrack - black

ud 24/7 black liner

LIPS:

ginger root lip liner

boy bait cremesheen

When it comes to weddings or when you are being professionally photographed, applying more makeup is key for picture purposes. Don't mistaken "more" for cakey. It is important for brides to love and feel comfortable with the results and I will work with them until that is achieved.

If you'd like to read Anita's perspective on her trial experience, click here.

If you are interested in my makeup and/or hair services, please contact me at info@jcluu.com.

Have a great weekend!
- jenny

How it all started

2010-01-28T17:31:00.026-05:00

Before I start posting the fun stuff, I thought I'd step back and provide a bit of information in how I got started fulfilling my passion. For as far as I can remember, makeup, skin care and arts 'n crafts was something I was naturally drawn to. Back then, it wasn't really a wise career choice plus I'm not a risk taker. So I took a different [and what I thought smarter] path in life into the world of information technology and web design.

13 yrs later, still in the same industry, something was missing in life. So, 4 yrs ago I decided to attend the Elizabeth Grady School of Aesthetics [part-time] and received my aesthetic and makeup license. You don't need a license to be a mua, the passion and dedication [and mua kit] will take you places. I loooooved being there and it gave me the confidence that I was lacking. I worked [still do] in one of the EG salons when I can. Occasionally, I had clients that booked a makeup session and it was really fun so I practiced on family and friends [thanks gals] but I still didn't have the confidence to start freelancing.

Then one day, I helped another talented hair and makeup artist who was in need of an extra mua for a wedding gig. I was sweating bullets on my first gig - who wouldn't?! All my nervous feelings quickly passed once one of the bridesmaids sat in my chair and we began discussing the look she wanted. By then, you really don't have time to be nervous as you need to concentrate, be professional and provide ecstatic results in a timely manner. After that, freelancing just came really easy. I started to build a kit, became really focused, dedicated and did lots of networking. I learned how to do upstyle hair designs [not a hairstylist] along the way by watching videos and practiced like crazy. I was on a mission I tell ya.

Although life has gotten really crazy and working full-time [plus planning our wedding], I am still loving it. I accomplished a personal goal that I didn't think I would ever really pursue. It feels great to be so passionate about something in life and things really do fall into place if you put your heart and soul into it.

- jenny

Introduction!

2010-01-27T22:00:00.028-05:00

Hi everyone! I am a Boston based freelance makeup artist [and first time blogger]. It's quite simple, beauty is my passion and I have an urge to blog about it. To tell you the truth, I've been really hesitant in case I bore you all. I also wasn't sure if I'd be a dedicated blogger. Well, it's a new year so what the heck, right!?! So here we go......

As I mentioned, I have an urge to blog about beauty. I have been inspired by many people and things in life. I've learned so much along the way [still learning] and would like to share what I can. If there's a particular [beauty] topic you'd like me to discuss or need some tips, drop me a line. I finally finished my website - yay! I may have a few tweaks here and there so bare with me.

It's a busy spring 'n summer, aside from my upcoming gigs, I will soon be MRS LUU in June. Hoolllaaah! I may even show off a few wedding postings here and there. I may stray from my beauty topics but I promise to post pretty things.

Anyways, I hope you find my little beauty room helpful as I discuss my favorite products, tips, tutorials, bridal trials, updates etc. I have an exciting and fun opportunity coming up this weekend so stay tuned for that!

I'd like to give a shout out to Karim Ghonem [talented photographer] for the images to the right that I collaborated with last year and model Patricia.

If you are interested in my makeup and/or hair services please contact me at info@jcluu.com

- jenny