Category Archives: Beauty

Our New Bridal Studio Is Open!

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Three years ago I was sitting in my living room talking to my husband about a crazy idea I had. I was thinking about leaving my comfortable job at a top salon in Charleston and starting an on-site bridal hair and makeup company. He encouraged me to open my own business and that’s how Paper Dolls came to life! I was fortunate enough to make some great contacts in the wedding industry and met some really inspirational women. They have all became friends of mine over the years and still inspire me all of the time! My dream 3 years ago for Paper Dolls was just to be able to make my own schedule and enough money to live a comfortable life. I didn’t even dare dream that some day I would own a beautiful studio in the heart of Downtown Charleston!!! Well here we are 3 years later and thanks to all of the wonderful brides that I’ve had the privelage of working with and with all the love and support of my family and friends I am proud to announce that Paper Dolls has opened our first bridal studio!!! We are located at 209-C Meeting Street directly next to the Charleston Place Hotel in a stunning brick studio built in the 1800′s. I would also like to thank all of the planners, property managers, photographers, other hair stylists and other makeup artists in Charleston that have sent me so many referrals over the years. I would also like to thank the girls that have worked with Paper Dolls and have always maintained our standards of putting out our best work every single day for every single bride! They have grown with me along the way and have always taken company changes in stride and have shown me so much loyalty and patience. I absolutely wouldn’t be here today announcing the opening of this beautiful space without them!

We will be offering several new services at the bridal studio. Alise Buckner will be there full time offering full hair salon services. We have a beautiful spa room where Kristen Brown will be offering sugaring hair removal services, organic airbrush tanning and a large variety of facials. We will also be doing makeup applications, makeup lessons and special event hair styling. My hope with the new studio is that we can offer a variety of services for our brides prior to their wedding day as well as offer services to other brides who’s wedding days we aren’t available for. All of the services at the new studio will be done to the high standards that we always strive to provide at Paper Dolls! I would love for everyone to come by and see the studio in person. Here are a few sneak peeks courtesy of the super talented Erin Sage Photography!  To make an appointment please call:  Carrie McLeod 843.602.6486  - Wedding hair and makeup and organic airbrush tanning. Alise Buckner 404.247.0473  - Hair cuts, colors and styling. Kristen Brown 619.370.8801  - Makeup applications/lessons, facials, organic airbrush tanning and hair removal services.

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

 

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

 

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

Bridal Hair & Makeup Studio

 

Spa Room

Spa Room

 

Spa Room

Spa Room

 

 

Resolve to Achieve Beautiful Bridal Hair and Skin

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Love ‘em or hate ‘em, New Year’s resolutions are all the buzz this time of year. I’ll admit it, I’m not the type of person go to all gung-ho on making resolutions because, like most people who do make them, I typically start strong and fizzle out pretty quickly.

However, I think there is something to be said about recognizing that there are things you’d like to change and taking small steps to get there. Kudos to those of you who resolve to work out every single day or keep your home clean year round, but most of us don’t have the focus, time, energy or stamina to make it actually happen.

So, whether you start on January 1 or sometime in June, here are some pretty awesome (and easy) things you can do to make you feel and look better – especially your skin and hair!

For all of you ladies who got engaged over the holidays – congratulations! Now would be an excellent time to resolve to try one or all of these tips to help you be a more radiant bride on your big day!

Wash your face every night. By simply adding an extra two minutes to your “getting ready for bed” routine, you’ll add years to your skin and look so much more refreshed. Your skin comes into contact with so much dirt and bacteria throughout the day and replenishes itself as you sleep, so going to bed with a fresh face really does make a difference!

Drink water. I know we’re all supposed to drink 8 glasses a day, but how many actually do? Water makes your skin softer, brighter and just plain pretty. It also strengthens hair and nails. If you have a hard time getting all 64 oz. in every day, try adding one more glass than you normally drink each day and gradually build up.

Glass of Water

Sleep more. This is probably one of the most difficult things to achieve, but makes such a huge impact on your mental and physical well being. Instead of vowing to get 8 hours of sleep each night, try going to bed just 15 minutes earlier than normal and build up to a full night’s sleep. I promise you’ll be so much more ready to take on the day when you wake up from a great night of sleep!

Walk it out. In lieu of making some unattainable fitness goal that is just setting you up for failure, start small. Try taking a 30 minute walk every day – after dinner, over lunch, whenever. It’s good to get your blood pumping and who knows, maybe you’ll love how being active makes you feel so much, you’ll start adding in extra workouts and eventually reach that pie-in-the-sky weight loss resolution without even knowing you got there!

Take a Walk

Do any of you make New Year’s resolutions? What has been your most successful resolution? The most ambitious?

A Few of My Favorite Beauty Finds

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I’m often asked what hair and makeup products I recommend or that I prefer to use. So, in light of the holiday season, I’ve put together a list of my favorite things – think Oprah, but with a lot less screaming and no free cars.

I think that any of these items would make excellent Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers and I’ve tried to include ideas that would fit into any budget.

Moroccan Oil Hairspray

Not only does this stuff smell amazing, it has fantastic hold and doesn’t leave your hair feeling heavy, sticky or stiff.

Dust It Texture Powder from Schwarzkopf

Great for all hair types, this product creates texture and volume with an ultra-matt finish, so your hair won’t look greasy or heavy by the end of the day.

Bio-Ionic Whisper Light Blow Dryer

A little on the expensive side, but it is worth it. This dryer is super light and much quieter than a typical hair dryer. It also helps eliminate fly-aways and reduces dry time.

BaByliss Pro 1″ Flat Iron 

Small and lightweight, this flat iron is great for everyday use or packs away easily for travel. The amazing technology helps keep hair smooth and straight without frizz or damage.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Incredibly versatile, this palette of 12 neutral shades lets you create an array of gorgeous day or evening looks. It will be your go-to shadow collection – I promise!

Nars Blush in Orgasm

Don’t let the naughty name fool you, this blush is pretty and sweet. The color is peachy pink with a golden shimmer and has a silky texture.

MAC Lipstick in Chatterbox

Super girly pink, this lipstick is very creamy and simply gorgeous.

MAC Lipglass (in any color)

Available in a bevy of shades, this gloss is incredibly high shine (providing a glass-like look) and long lasting. It’s great on its own, or over lip pencil or lipstick.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer for Eyes

This product is absolutely amazing! Wear it alone or put it on before applying eye shadow for a flawless look that stays. There’s a reason this product consistently receives top ratings.

Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Color-Full Plumping Lip Gloss

Incredibly affordable and available at most drug stores, this gloss helps plump up your lips, creating a fuller pout – without the needles! : )

Would you like to receive any of these as a Christmas gift? Do you have any favorite products that you think should be added to the list?

Holiday Glam Package

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Want to look super fabulous at your holiday parties this year? I’m offering a special Holiday Glam Package – $75 for an up-do or style AND a makeup application! Perfect for that “dress to impress” holiday party … and I’ll come to you!

Just give me at call at (843) 602-6486 to book an appointment.

Keep Your Pucker Kissable All Winter Long

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One of my least favorite things about winter is how dry my hair and skin gets. The worst, though? Dry lips. It looks gross, feels gross and let’s not forget painful when they crack and peel.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered some super easy, fun and even delicious ways to keep your pucker soft and gorgeous all winter long.

One of the simplest things you can do to help exfoliate the skin on your lips is to gently brush them with your toothbrush. After brushing your teeth, use the damp brush and lightly move it in a circular motion across your lips. This will help remove any dead skin and keep your lips soft.

Another really great natural exfoliant for your lips is to mix a few drops of honey with 1/2 teaspoon or so of sugar. Dip your index or middle finger in the mixture and gently scrub your lips. Rinse off and voila! A super soft (and sweet) kisser!

Of course, once you’ve removed any dry, dead skin from your lips, it’s important to keep the new skin protected and moisturized. I found this fantastic recipe from the National Honey Board for an all-natural lip gloss that is really easy to make at home and tastes yummy.

Photo Source: National Honey Board

Cranberry Lip Gloss

  • 1 Tablespoon sweet almond oil
  • 10 fresh cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 drop vitamin E oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for two minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stovetop). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small amount onto your lips and remember to smile!

Tip: Protect sensitive lips from the drying winter elements with this simple yet rich lip balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine!

If you make this, please let me know what you think! Do you have any additional tips or favorite products for keeping your lips soft during the cold, dry winter months?