Our New Bridal Studio Is Open!

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

 

 

Lauren & Matt’s Wedding

I had the honor of doing hair and makeup for Lauren in March! We instantly hit it off! She is quite the prankster and smack talker and I can appreciate that because those are definitely two adjectives used to describe me all the time!! Here are a few shots from the wedding day…

I had to include this last picture because it’s the two of us cracking up!!

I’ve also included a link for their wedding video. Just a warning…..it’s a tear jerker!!! :)

Watch Lauren & Matt’s Video

 

 

 

2012 Bridal Hair and Makeup Trends

Made very clear by all of the celebrity engagements over the holidays (hello, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, Steven Tyler, Danny Gokey…), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day are some of the hottest dates to pop the question. For you newly engaged brides-to-be, I know your heads have already been spinning with all of the planning you’ll be doing in the coming months.

As with the end of every year, predictions and trend alerts are hitting newsstands and websites for the hottest bridal looks for 2012. Washingtonian Magazine laid out some excellent trends for color, cake, fashion and food that are worth reading.

Here are some trends I think will be all the rage in bridal hair and makeup for 2012.

If bold pops of color is making its way into accessories and fashion, why not incorporate it into makeup? Just think how stunning your wedding photos will look if the bride has youthful, pink lips or gorgeous shadow that really makes her eyes stand out?! Of course, you should play with colors during a trial run to make sure it really is the look you want for the big day. I know few brides who want a Big Top theme to their wedding.

Bold Lips

Photo Source: WeddingObsession.com

Yes, Kate Middleton (Princess Kate? Katherine? Duchess Kate?) got married in 2011, but we’re seeing her romantic, royal look still heavily duplicated. Soft retro hair worn down and loose definitely complements this look very well.

Soft Retro Waves

Photo Source: MitchellWade.com

Spend any time on Pinterest and you’ll notice that the updo is as popular as ever. Except, today’s updo is modernized with interesting twists – wear a low bun to the side or in a super high ballerina-style; incorporate Grecian-style headbands or braids; add flowers or sparkly combs. Any of these options will add pizzazz to an updo and speak to your personality and style.

As we head into awards season – you know, the Golden Globes, Emmys, Oscars, etc. – keep your eye on the red carpet. I guarantee many of the styles worn by the celebrities will be duplicated down the aisles this year.

What wedding trends do you think will be most popular in 2012? Which do you wish would just go away?

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?

Holiday Glam Package

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.