​​I’ve had the pleasure of working with many brides as they prepare for their big day. From that experience, I’ve put together this list of things to consider when hiring a makeup artist. Hopefully this helps cross one thing off your long wedding to-do list!

1.My #1 goal is for a bride to feel comfortable on her special day. As far makeup goes, that begins with selecting a makeup artist that you feel comfortable with so you can clearly communicate your style and the look you want to create. Go with your instincts. If you feel relaxed and calm when you speak with a potential makeup artist on the phone, then she will most likely help you feel calm and relaxed on your wedding day. Also, look for someone who is similar to you - someone who has a similar style or a style you like and also similar likes and dislikes. That puts you a step ahead!

2. I’ve been asked, “Why a makeup artist vs. a makeup counter at a department store?” As a makeup artist, I am passionate about color, makeup and style ... and that translates into the work I do. Also, when you book me or a Pop of Pink makeup artist, you know exactly who you will work with. We form a relationship where we talk about your look and work together so you look and feel glamorous on your special day. Overall, a makeup artist provides a more personal experience and this investment helps ensure you look your best on the most photographed day of your life.

3. Set aside time for a trial run or two. Part of this is also booking your makeup artist very early on in the wedding planning process. Number one, you want to ensure you secure the artist of your choice. I know my calendar fills up quickly! Also, by booking your artist you allow for plenty of time to do a trial run (or two) and determine the look you are going for. When I do a trial application, I write down every product I use and then I am able to use time wisely on the day of the event. Also, it’s nice to arrange for a trial on a day when you have a shower or party so you can arrive looking stunning! 

5. A picture is worth a thousand words. Bring pictures…of yourself and of someone whose look you love. Brides should look like themselves on their wedding day, but also feel more made up and glamorous. These two types pictures help us clearly communicate the look we’re shooting for. One person’s smoky eye is not the same as someone else’s smoky eye!

4. Makeup artists have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves … On your wedding day, you not only want your makeup to last all day, but you want it to photograph well. We can help!

• I think lashes are a great addition to a typical wedding day makeup application. You want to choose lashes that enhance and add drama to your face, but are not over-the-top.
• Also, waterproof mascara is a must! Your wedding day is an emotional day so choose waterproof mascara and you don’t have to worry about raccoon eyes.
• Lip stain is also a great idea! Pop of Pink lip stains are long lasting, without drying out your lips.
• While makeup artists have a whole kit of colors to choose from, an artist should also be open to a bride bringing along her favorite lip color or a foundation she is comfortable with.

5. To travel or not to travel. Another thing to consider is where you will have your makeup done - on location or at the makeup studio. I think it’s nice to go to a bride at her wedding location, because generally it’s a relaxed atmosphere with her closest friends and family around her. It also may ease some of the bride’s stress by not having to worry about traveling to and from a studio on an already busy day.

6. And last, but certainly not least…Remember your bridesmaids and your mom. These ladies have devoted a lot of time helping you get ready for your wedding and are a special part of your day - especially your mom - so it’s nice to treat them to some pampering from a makeup artist.

For the wedding party, I take into consideration the bride’s look and also the color of the dresses. We try to coordinate with the bride’s makeup, but tailor it to each bridesmaids’ personality. Working with a group of women who love and support each other is so much fun!

​I know planning a wedding is a monumental task and as a makeup artist, I hope to help brides relax knowing that they look glamorous on this very special day! If you have any questions or would like to talk about an event you have coming up, I’d love to chat. Just contact me at the Pop of Pink Glam Bar, or on Facebook and Instagram @PopofPinkCosmetics

​XOXO Stacy.

I've had so much fun lately sharing makeup basics with pre-teen and teen girls as they get ready to go back to school! The shop has been full of giggles and gossip. I've just loved it. If you haven’t attended a social yet, here are some of the tips I teach these young ladies as they start wearing makeup for the first time, or as they are ready to learn more makeup techniques.

My love for makeup started at a very young age. I fondly remember going to the department store with my mother and grandmother to pick out makeup for the first time! I clearly remember feeling so excited to get home and spread out my makeup to start playing with it. I remember my young self and what I wanted - to look pretty and girly, but still look like myself. 

So, during my teen lessons, I focus on teaching girls and young ladies the makeup basics and how to use color to enhance their natural beauty. I truly believe that if a girl or woman feels good about how she looks, she exudes confidence in everything she does! I want these girls to go back to school feeling pretty and confident! 

Getting Started
My mantra when it comes to makeup for any age, is to keep the routine SIMPLE. So for girls around 6th grade, who are just starting to wear makeup, I introduce them to basic products. 

To start, I teach them the appropriate way to wear both concealer and eye fix and the benefits of wearing both. (Eye Fix is a fabulous shadow base that allows the true color of your shadow to pop, and ensures the shadow will last all day.)

For the eyes, I suggest two simple eye shadows: one all over color and one accent color. We pick colors that are appealing to the eye, and also fun to wear. This age tends to like a blush or pink tone. Then finish the eye off with a coat of mascara on the upper lashes only. 

My signature Pop of Pink Blush is truly a product for all ages and is the first blush I recommend. I even put a little on my Toodles (she's almost four!) before special events like taking pictures or a wedding, because it just gives that fresh, healthy glow. 

A light gloss on the lips finishes the look and they are ready for their day! 

One important tip I tell girls is that it’s not “all or nothing” when it comes to make-up. If they wake up and feel like only wearing a Pop of Pink on their cheeks and a little lip gloss, great! If they feel like wearing all of the makeup, that’s fantastic, too. Makeup is a great way to express yourself and choosing how much to wear is part of that expression. 

​​Adding More Color
As girls get comfortable with make-up and the basics, they may want to add more color -- maybe eye shadow with more pop, like a purple. Young ladies may also add a natural color lipstick to their routine for more long-lasting lip color.

In about 8th grade, girls may add eye liner to their makeup kit for special events or for more casual everyday wear. My tip is to only wear it on the top lid at this age and then to blend and soften it. 

These steps are still age-appropriate, but they add more depth and personality to a girl’s look. 

​​Tips for High School Ladies
When young ladies are in high school, they typically add foundation to their routine to even out skin tone and create a base for their makeup. This is also when they may add one of my Pop of Pink Face Kits with two blushes and four shadows for more variety in their looks. 

I also talk to high school girls about the shape of their brows and how they help to frame their face. I want them to look polished, mature and ready to take on the world! 

​Skin Care: Important for All Ages
If makeup is my first passion, then skincare comes in a very close second. I emphasize to young girls the importance of taking care of their skin, and just like their makeup routine, skincare should be SIMPLE, too. A few products I recommend are: the Make-Up Eraser, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, the Clarisonic Facial Cleansing Brush and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.

Another topic I teach young girls about is the importance of sunscreen and how to protect their skin every day.

When I’m teaching a young girl about age appropriate makeup, we talk about how to take care of her makeup and the brushes. Make-up brushes are an investment and also product that they should have for a very long time, if taken care of properly.

I hope these tips have been helpful! I have more to share and would love to teach you or the teen in your life about makeup and skin care basics. Just give me a call or message me at the Glam Bar to book a lesson or host a social!

Have a great start to the school year! XOXO Stacy