A Few of My Favorite Beauty Finds

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?

Items Every Bride Needs to Survive Her Wedding Day

Bridal emergency kits are a thing of genius. They can completely save the day if any unexpected mishap occurs, which will definitely let everyone breathe a little easier. And believe me, just when you think a mishap is not going to happen, it does.

There are some very comprehensive lists available online – The Knot offers a stellar one – and plenty of pre-made kits to purchase if you’re not the DIY type.

Of course, there are going to be items that are specific to your needs and to your wedding that should probably be added to your kit. Getting married in a humid, hot environment? Might I suggest adding blotting papers to your list? Nobody wants a shiny wedding party in their photos.

Winter wedding in a snowy environment? ChapStick is a must to avoid dry, peeling lips – your first kiss as a married couple should be memorable for the right reasons.

I make sure I leave my brides with hairspray, a comb and bobby pins. All of them also have the option of having me pick up a lip gloss or lipstick at their trial, which they then keep to reapply throughout their wedding day. It’s important to look just as great in reception photos as you do pre-ceremony.

Do you have any additional items that should be added to every bridal emergency kit? Have you been in a wedding where one came to the rescue?

Have Fun with Wedding Hair Accessories

It’s always so rewarding for me to help make a bride’s vision of herself become a reality on her wedding day. Of course, I have some of the most fun when a bride comes to me with an awesome hair accessory that I know is going to take her hair from “wow” to jaw-dropping.

An accessory can completely change the look of a bride’s hair and can be anything from elegant and sparkly to funky and colorful – it’s all in the details, right??

There are so many great online resources for finding out-of-this-world bridal hair accessories that the problem can actually become narrowing down the selection to find the one for you. A few of my favorite sites to help you get started include:

ban.do – The creative genius behind designers Jen and Jamie’s line of whimsical, playful and gorgeous accessories is delightful. While they do have a bridal line, I love the Black Label pieces for their unique, one-of-a-kind quality.

ban.do Black Label

Etsy – The mecca of all things hand-made and crafty, it’s incredibly easy to lose yourself for hours on this site. While there are many stores (like, literally hundreds) to choose from, Sibo Designs, Portobello and Untamed Petals all offer amazing selections that are oh so pretty.

Untamed Petals

Tiger Lilly Jewelry – This site offers an impressive selection with everything from tiaras to birdcage veils to limited-edition vintage finds. They even offer a Bridal Stylist service to provide inspiration and a Live Chat option if you have a specific question or need help choosing an item.

Tiger Lilly Jewelry

Remember, it’s always important to keep the tone, feel and setting of your wedding in mind when choosing how you want to style your hair. This will definitely help narrow down some of the accessory choices. Going for a laid back, beachy vibe? Perhaps a tiara isn’t the route you want to go.

Also, make sure you use your stylist! We’re a great resource and can help you narrow down some of the looks you like based on technique, trends and how your hair will behave due to texture and thickness.

What are some of your favorite places to find hair accessories?