It's great to give back

Every year I participate in at least 3 charity functions providing makeup or hair services. It's my way of showing appreciation for the gifts I've been given. This year I had the opportunity to work with the WNBA Chicago Sky charity fashion show, The Danny Clark Foundation for Cirque de Lumiere fundraiser and their teen camp (makeup demonstrations). Each charity had causes that were very dear to my heart. Here is a recap of my latest charity event.

I had the pleasure of helping out at the Trenz Salon "100 free makeovers" event for cancer survivors and women living in shelters. I began my day doing full makeup makeovers to anyone who wanted it. After a few hours of makeup it was time to get on to some hair. There were so many ladies who still needed their hair styled. I was happy to help out. I cannot express how much fun I had from all the smiles that were given and jokes that were cracked.

The ladies being serviced were so happy to get a "day of beauty" and reminded me of why I started doing makeup. After all my companies motto is "Every woman has an inner bombshell, we help bring her to the forefront". Each lady was so appreciative of the experience and so was I.

There were so many great stylist who all donated their time. This event was such a blessing for all involved.

For complete photos from this event please visit my Fan Page and check out the Chicago Tribune They covered the event and wrote an article in today's paper.

What are some of your favorite charities? How do you give back?

Halloween: The eyes have it! Let's lash out!

It is that time of year again to "lash out"! This is the time of year where you can get away with just about anything! From pink feathery lashes to your classic skull and cross bones, all is permissible. This is my favorite time of year.

I will be dressed as freddy Krugar with custom over the top lashes. For those of you who are a little more conservative, here are a couple tips on mascara.

Choose a mascara that is designed to improve upon what nature gave you.

In need of length try a lengthening mascara. They have polymers that cling to the lashes and add precious millimeters.

In need of volume try a volumizing mascara. They have thicker waxes and silicone polymers that coat the lashes and bulk them up.

Im curious what are you going to be for halloween?

Photo: NTM Photography

The Artist Summit Recap

I am soooo late but the Artist Summit was a weekend to remember. I met great artist, spent time with friends and got loads of education. I attended several hands-on workshops including (Detailing your work) Daven Mayeda, (Eye Focus) Danessa Myricks and (Colors everyday) Johnny Lavoy. James Vincent, Crystal Wright and Michael Devellis stood out as favorites in regards to information and inspiration I obtained at the summit. Because I learned so much and was inspired by so many artist, its kind of hard to single any one moment out.

The shopping was of course great! I spent so much money on restocking my kit. I shouldn't need to buy anything else for a while.(Thats what I'll try to keep telling myself anyway lol) I will be discussing further in my vlog. Check out my youtube vlog channel for youtube.com/bombshellartistry for updates.

For those of you who missed it, there is a bigger show that will be coming to Los Angeles "The Makeup Show". It is very similar to the Artist summit but it is much larger. You will have twice as many workshops and seminars along with twice as many vendors. This is a must attend event for all makeup artist. For details on this event please visit The powder group.

Makeup tip: To improve the longevity of your eyeshadow, try using an eyeshadow base or eye primer before eyeshadow. This will give the eyeshadow something to adhere to.

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration for me comes from so many sources. I find most of my inspiration in nature. From the wings of a butterfly to vibrant blades of grass, I am inspired by all beautiful things.

For this look I was inspired by a peacock feather. I loved how the colors appeared to jump right off the page. I had to try something like it!

I was very impressed by the model who sat through her entire face and body (up to the shoulders) being painted black. It was a time consuming process but ended with great results. She was a great sport!

Incase you were wondering, I used Mehron creme based paint and Wolfe face art palette for the lids.

What are some things that inspire you?

Photographer: Dean Paul

The Artist Summit Chicago

I had the pleasure of taking a few workshops with the powder when I first became interested in becoming a makeup artist. I loved it! I did however have to travel to New York. Well this time they are coming to CHICAGO! I'm excited. Can you tell?

This is a wonderful opportunity to get hands on training by some the industry's finest! This will be a great weekend of education and shopping!

Here are a few of the presenters:

Danessa Myricks , Crystal Wright and Johnny Lavoy (Ford Artist) to name a few.

I will definitely be there and hope to see you as well! Don't meet me there beat me there!

For additional information please click the link Artist Summit

5 Steps to Healthier Skin

In my line of business, I often work with models with near perfect skin. After the pictures are taken the photographer usually goes in and makes it even more perfect. But what does this mean for you and me? Absolutely nothing! No one has perfect skin. It is unrealistic to think that perfect skin is going to happen everyday of our lives. We all have our "battles" with the blemishes. Right? After all we are women. What we can do is make sure our skin remains healthy.

When my skin is clear and healthy, it is at that time I feel most pretty.....no makeup!

Here are 5 steps to clear up skin for a healthier appearance........

1. Eat Healthier foods

What goes in definitely comes out when it comes to our skin. If you are eating a majority of fried greasy foods then your skin probably looks fried and greasy. *smiles* Try including fruit and vegetables into you diet and don't forget to drink loads of water.

2. Cleanse Your face properly

First you need to determine what type of skin you have ie combination, dry or oily. Choose the proper facial cleanser to suit your needs. (I will go more in depth in a future blog) Start from the center and work your way out. Most people cleanse from top to bottom and end up at the chin. All you end up doing is taking the dirt from other areas and placing it on your chin.

3. Toner

The great debate. Toner vs. No Toner. I love using toner. I have combination skin so I certainly don't skip it. If you have oily skin you certainly shouldn't either! Here is a tip though. Find a toner that has no alcohol or has very little. Too much and it will dry your skin out which is a no no.

4. Moisturize

I'm so shocked at how many of us are still not moisturizing! Even if you have oily skin you still need to moisturize! You simply must find a moisturizer that is oil free. As with the cleanser and toner you must find one that suits your skin type.

5. Hands Off

This is the most important of step to follow! Keep your hands off of your face as much as possible during the day. Keeping your face free of germs should be objective #1! Through out the day we are touching all kinds of nasty things...do you really want them on your face? This will only bring on a breeding ground of little nasties. You will soon be saying here come the pimples!

(Here is an extra: Keep your pillow cases clean! A dirty place makes for a dirty face!)

I hope you found this helpful. What are some things you like to do to keep your face clean and healthy?

(Photography by Steven Ledell)

Bombshell Thank you's

I created this post to simply say thank you to all of my clients both current and pending. I truly appreciate your business! I never thought I would have a job that truly never feels like work. I have to give that credit to all of my wonderful clients. Thank you for being so much fun!

Be on the look out for Bombshell Client Appreciation Night! There will be loads of laughter, lashes and......makeup!

I would love to here some of your reviews and/or experiences with Bombshell Artistry.

(Photography by Tony Smith)

Natural Bridal Beauty

This year so far has been one to remember! I've had the pleasure to work with so many brides and wanted to give the brides and their attendants a chance to comment on their experiences. Because I also do more than bridal work, I will also be including behind the scene recaps from various jobs, fashion photos as well as tips for clean and healthy skin.

This bride wanted a very soft and natural look. Her "look" was designed specifically for her needs. She wanted to be made up but did not want to appear as if she had on loads of makeup. Airbrush makeup was used to create that flawless finish! I think we did a great job but what do you think?

Bombshell Beauty Tip: The eyes are the window to your beauty regimen! This area is the first to show signs of lines and wrinkles but does not mean we should over do it with eye creams. Overuse of eye creams can lead to serious under-eye bags from unabsorbed eye creams. Avoid this by using products sparingly and dotting lightly around the orbital bone (bone just under your eye socket) :)