Ashton Gardens West Houston Real Wedding

 I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite makeup clients, Doni.  All of my clients are near and dear to my heart, but this girl lights up a room with her joy.  I have never seen her as happy as she was on this day last October!

Makeup by Keri Ann's happy bridal client, Doni & her groom on their wedding day

I am usually the last vendor to be booked, but for this wedding, in October of 2019, I was actually one of the FIRST vendors booked for this wedding! I have had the opportunity to do Doni's makeup, and her family members' makeup, multiple times for several of their special events.

And while I only usually post professional photos, I am including these cute cell phone photos because, they captured the big day so well.

Wedding Day Beauty Preparations

Megan Malone, helped create the perfect hairstyles for Doni and her mom!

The ceremony space at Ashton Gardens West Houston makes you forget you are in the city.

While Doni loves makeup and color, Doni's mom does not. So we did an "au natural" look for her.

Introducing the very happy couple!!

Congratulations, Doni! 

May you always dance with joy in your marriage!

Thank you so much for once again inviting me to play a special part of your wedding day memories!

(This is one of the few weddings I was also invited to attend as a guest, so honored!)

I am blessed with the best clients!

Makeup by Keri Ann would love to be of service to you too!

Please email me at Info@makeupbykeriann.com

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Naked Bee Product Review

The Naked Bee Mini Bee Kit

I received this adorable little set as a gift in my Christmas Stocking.  I had not ever heard of these products before, but, I have to say, I am quite impressed.

Unlike the other "bees" lip balm, this one is very moist.  I feel like it actually hydrates my lips and I like the Orange Blossom Honey scent.

The Hand & Body Lotion is not greasy feeling at all. The lotion is a little thinner than I would like, but I do believe it hydrates the skin well.  My hands feel very soft after every use.

I like the Hand Sanitizer too.  It has the same refreshing Orange Blossom Honey scent and it does not seem to dry the hands out.

I know many people want to support organic and natural products, so I decided to share these with you for my #MakeupMonday tip day.

You can find out more about The Naked Bee products on their website by clicking here.

The Naked Bee Mini Bee Kit includes a Hand Sanitizer, Lip Balm & Hand & Body Lotion

Makeup Myth #8 - My BFF Can Do My Makeup

Makeup by Keri Ann Makeup Myth #8

Or 

Maybe it’s your sister doing your makeup.  Or maybe your cousin, friend or neighbor can do your makeup.

There are very many talented makeup enthusiasts out there.  And even if someone applies her makeup beautifully, she may not have the skills to apply makeup on other people.

Here are a few questions you want to ask:

• Does your BFF understand how makeup looks in different lighting?  
• Does your BFF know how to compensate for poor lighting?
• Does your BFF know how much time it will take to do your makeup & the others in the group?
• Does your BFF work well under pressure?
• Will your BFF be on time?
• Does your BFF have enough clean brushes to do all the makeup you want done?
• Will your BFF treat you like the princess you want to be on your special day?

If you are going to go with someone you know and trust to do your makeup, PLEASE do yourself a favor and do a trial run.

Make sure you have the makeup photographed (hopefully by a professional) and examine it before the day of your event.  You want to be happy with how your makeup looks in photographs before you commit to using friends and family members who may not be professionals.

There are so many hygienic problems that can happen if you select someone who doesn’t use clean and disposable tools.  Never “double dip” into eyeliners, mascaras or lipsticks that aren’t yours.

Friendships need to be stable enough to handle the stress of a special event - especially if the special event is a wedding.  Personality clashes and miscommunication can quickly put a damper on a special day (there is nothing worse than a cloud of jealousy or resentment in a room).

When your special event is over you want to remember feeling pampered and absolutely beautiful.

You never want to look back and regret your experience.

Other posts you may be interested in:

Makeup Myth #1 - I Don't Need a Budget for Makeup Services

Makeup Myth #2 - I Want Airbrush Makeup for My Event

Makeup Myth #3 - I Need to Wear Significantly More Makeup Than Usual for Photos

Makeup Myth #4 - I Don't Think I Need to Wear False Lashes

Makeup Myth #5 - I Don't Need to Wear Makeup

Makeup Myth #6 - I Don't Need to Wear Lipstick

Makeup Myth #7 - One Person Should Be Able to Do Hair & Makeup For Everyone

Makeup Myth #9 - Caked on Makeup Looks Good in Photographs

Mad Hatter Wedding Inspiration in Montgomery, Texas

Mad Hatter Makeup by Keri Ann Reardon of Makeup by Keri Ann / Hairstyle & custom necklace created by Jessica Nelson / Florals by A Different Bloom / Damsel White Label Couture gown

Our Mad Hatter Wedding Inspiration was photographed at the historic Hodge Podge Lodge in Montgomery, TX

Photographs provided by Dry Harper Photographics

Styling and Vintage Pieces provided by Carolyn Mills at 

Sweet Tea & Linen

Florals provided by Holly Burns at A Different Bloom

Couture Dress provided by Damsel White Label

Invitations by Jo's Paper Kitchen

Hairstyling by Jessica Nelson

Brides love to be photographed in the antique tub at 

Hodge Podge Lodge - it's a tradition.

Jo's Paper Kitchen created this fun invitation for guests.

The hues in these florals are so vibrant, they belong in a movie!

Vintage props from Sweet Tea & Linen help tell the story.

Croquet anyone?

We hope you enjoyed viewing our storybook inspired scenes. 

We had a blast creating them for you!

Keri Ann's Makeup Foundation Reviews

Today I thought I would provide my opinion on the latest foundations I have personally tried.

It is always a challenge for me to find the correct shade, as my skin tone is not pink or yellow.  I am really a very neutral shade of porcelain white.

I have pretty normal skin, with some oil in the T-zone during the summer and a tendency to be a little drier in the winter.

Finding a foundation that lasts all day is another challenge for me.  Even thought I am a makeup artist, I hate having to re-apply makeup.  Makeup setting sprays do keep makeup in place all day, but I don't like using them every day, as I have found that I begin to break out.

Below are my thoughts on the most recent foundation purchases I've made for my personal use.

Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation Review.

Photo: Screen grab from Lancome's website

I am currently using this foundation.  I purchased it about a month ago and took advantage of getting the gifts with purchase offers they had at the department store.  The shade I wear is 100 Ivoire N and it really is a perfect match for my super light skin tone.  This foundation blends seamlessly between my face and my neck.  This a liquid foundation and does not feel heavy.  The coverage is adequate, but, for me, I don't find that this product lasts throughout the day.  

I never have much foundation makeup on my washcloth at night, so, for me, I don't believe it lasts 24 hours.  This product currently retails for $46.50.  I probably will not be re-purchasing this foundation again, as I believe there are other foundations out there I like better.

Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse Review.

Photo:  Screen grab from Maybelline's website

It's an oil-free foundation.  I used Porcelain Ivory Light 1 (surprised?).  I really loved the feel of this foundation.  I mean, I LOVED the feel of this foundation.  It is the first foundation I've used in a long time that had me thinking back to the days of pancake makeup.  (If you have never used it before, pancake makeup was so thick and creamy it could cover everything, but had you dripping in oil.)  This Maybelline foundation is OIL-FREE.  Yes, it really is oil-free and does NOT feel thick going on at all.  It really is "dreamy" in my opinion!

It retails for under $10, which is a bargain.  It is a small jar and it probably lasted just over a month.  While I loved the feel of this product, I don't believe it was long wearing. (but I was trying it during the summer in Houston, TX.)  I think this would be a great product for teens or gals in their 20's.  While I absolutely LOVED the feel of this product, I don't think I would purchase it again, because it didn't seem to have the staying power I needed.


Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse Review

Photo:  screen grab from Maybelline's website

This is an oil-free liquid foundation.  I used this product maybe two to three times and I was not impressed.  I didn't even attempt to finish the bottle.  It was a very thin liquid foundation and offered very little coverage.  The shade I used was Porcelain Ivory Light 1.  For me, the shade color was great, but that is the extent of my praise.   This product retails for less than $10, but I believe there are better foundations options on the market.


Kat Von D's Lock-it Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Sephora's website

I honestly can't remember which shade I purchased.  It was either Light 44 or Light 45.  Whatever shade it was, I thought it was a little bit too dark for my skin, so I want to say it might have been the Light 45.  (Sometimes I think I actually need the darker foundations to look like I have color, but I hate being able to see foundation on my jawline.)  This foundation currently retails for $35 at Sephora, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with this one, as a tiny little bit goes a very long way!  I think my foundation lasted somewhere between 4-6 months and I used it every single day.

The coverage was EXCELLENT.  I like to feel like I am wearing foundation and this is a full coverage product, so I really liked it.  The product says it has 24 hour wear and it did a great job of wearing for at least 12 - 15 hours.  When I washed my face at night, I did have makeup come off on my washcloth, so it really does stick.  This product is pretty amazing and I will probably purchase it again because it was an excellent performer.  (Please note, I only tested this in the cooler months of the year, so I have no idea how it performs in Houston's summer heat & humidity.)


Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Smashbox's website

It's probably been more than a year since I've worn this foundation, so I'm writing this review from  memory.  I purchased the lightest shade the Ulta store nearest me had in stock.  I thought the foundation was a shade too dark for my skin, but it was the only option available at the store.  (I didn't think to check on-line to see if there was a lighter shade option available for purchase.)  This foundation currently retails for $42.  I would describe this as a medium coverage foundation.  This is not as thick as the Kat Von D foundation, but it is thicker than the Lancome foundation I reviewed above.  I would say this had average wearability, it's staying power didn't leave a memorable impression though.  I might give this one a try again, but I think I will probably try a few other products in the meantime.


Cargo Oil-Free Liquid Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Ulta's website

Another MUA introduced me to this foundation and I liked the packaging and the product so much, I carry it in my professional makeup kit.  When I initially purchased this foundation, I could buy at my local Ulta store, but now it is an on-line only product, which makes it inconvenient for me.  (I don't like to shop on-line for my own cosmetic products.  I use everything until the last drop and when it's gone, I need to replace it NOW.)  The lightest shade available is F20, which worked for me, but it is a tiny bit darker than what I really need to be wearing (I corrected that easily with a lighter powder over the top).  This foundation is currently retailing for $36.  I think the portability of this foundation package is fantastic!  This is a sheer foundation, but it's consistency is thicker than the Lancome foundation.  I'm a big fan of this foundation professionally, but personally, I think I want a little thicker coverage than this product provides.


Loreal's True Match Super Blendable Foundation Review

Photo:  Screen grab from Loreal's website

If I ever forget to pack foundation or run out and have to purchase something at the drug store, this is my old stand-by foundation.  I wear N1 Soft Ivory (Neutral), but I've had to settle for W1 Porcelain (Warm) and I can wear it just fine too.  It's a great value for liquid foundation and I believe it provides good coverage and average staying power.   This product currently retails for $10.95 according to the Loreal website and apparently, this is a favorite product with lots of other people too (see the Allure award .

***Many long-wearing foundations are matte and have a tendency to accentuate fine lines & pores, so finding the perfect balance is a challenge.***

What's your favorite foundation? 

What is the Best Light to Apply Makeup

Makeup artist Keri Ann Reardon working on a model - Photo courtesy of Kasey Lynn Photography

What is the best light to apply makeup in?

I prefer natural light because it provides the most pure color.  And that's the lighting most of the photographers I work with prefer to use.

Having access to a large, bright window when applying your makeup is one of the best things you can do, but most bathrooms don't have big open windows.

Fluorescent lighting is the harshest light and really distorts color.

One morning I was forced to use a room with fluorescent lighting in it for my bridal clients.  I had done the bride's trial run a few weeks prior and she had been happy with the results she saw in the natural day light.  However, even though I used the exact same techniques and colors as we had used at the trial, she didn't seem pleased and I knew it was because of the lighting.  She confirmed this when we relocated to the venue because she had seen how it looked in the natural light - thankfully, she was once again happy with her look.

You have to  learn to work with the lighting you have to apply your makeup, but do understand that the best light to use when matching foundations and skin tones is the natural light.  Use the natural light to check for makeup blending - especially around the jaw line.

Of course, special events may require different types of lighting, so be mindful of your event lighting and try to apply makeup accordingly.

The photo taken above was in the conservatory at The Gardens of River Oaks.  I absolutely loved having the opportunity to work in a space that had an abundance of natural light because that's the same light my model was being photographed in.

Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel Nail Polish Review

I rarely polish my nails and when I do, I invest in a professional manicure.

My nails are short and usually bend into the quick, which causes them to break.  Polish never lasts very long on my nails because of the numerous times I wash my hands and all of the things I do with my hands.

I have inquired about the gel polish at the salon, but more than one technician has warned me that the gel polish is not good for your nails.

While volunteering one day this summer, I complimented a co-worker on her nail polish.  She said it was the longest lasting polish she's used.  She was so thrilled with her polish, I decided to purchase a bottle and see what I thought.

Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel Nail Polish is a 2 step system.  The first step is the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail color and the second step is the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat.

Now the product claims the polish can last up to 14 days, so I decided to take notes about the results.

I chose Sally Hansen Color 190 - Pinky Rings.

The nail polish does not require a base coat.  According to what I read, the color actually binds to the top coat.  The product "cures" when exposed to natural light.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color 190 Pinky Rings

I loved the color and the finish.  This product dried within minutes and it looked like a professional manicure!!!  This was July 9, 2015.

First attempt using Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Pinky Rings Nail Polish - July 09, 2015

A few hours after polishing, I noticed a tiny chip in the polish.  I must have done something before the polish was dry.  By July 11, several nails were chipped, so I decided I needed to try again.  My fellow volunteer told me the success of the product was getting the correct thickness/amount of top coat.

By 07/18, the nails on both hands were dull and had tiny surface cracks.  The index and middle finger nails on the right hand were chipped.  On July 19, I began getting chips on the nails of the left hand.

Chipping and dull polish on July 19, 2015

However, this is probably the longest amount of time I have kept polish on my fingers, so I decided to to try a new color, Sally Hansen 220 - Pink Tank, and even thicker top coat….

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 220 Pink Tank Polish

Finished hand polished with Sally Hansen's Pink Tank Miracle Gel Polish July 19, 2015

By July 22, I was beginning to see some chips but on July 26, I had to take the polish off because it looked so bad.  When I went to remove the nail polish, I noticed a slight tinge of nail staining, but not anything like I would normally see/expect from such a bright nail color.

On July 28, I decided to try Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color 740 - Miss Wanderlust.  This nail color is a vibrant orange with glitter in it.  I've never used a glitter nail color before, so I am anxious to see how it will last….

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 740 Miss Wanderlust Polish

Finished Nails Polished with Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 740 - Miss Wanderlust

This was a fun and beautiful polish, but painting it on with the glitter, was a bit challenging.  My polish lasted a good 3-4 days, but there some were flaws with my polish and it seemed to chip easily.  I started picking on the polish (it is really hard for me not to pick my nail color off when it chips).

I am not sure if I can blame it on the glitter polish, or if it was a result of several weeks of wearing the gel polish, but the surface of my nails were a mess.  I don't have great nails, as I mentioned in the beginning, but I've not had peeling nails like that in quite some time and the only real difference was the glitter polish.

Over all, I have loved the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish.

It has lasted longer than any other nail color I've used.  If I use the Miss Wanderlust color again, I will probably use a regular polish coat underneath it (probably Pinky Rings) and then apply the glitter polish as the second coat before applying the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat.

If you've used this nail color, I'd love to hear about your results!

10 Makeup Tips to Help Women Look Younger

I work with women of all ages, but older women always request for me to make them look younger.

Women can look more youthful by using products and techniques to their advantage.  Here are some of my best tips:

1)  Take care of your skin.  Use eye creams and facial moisturizers to hydrate the skin (don't forget to treat your neck and décolleté areas).  Use moisturizers with SPF to prevent age spots.  

2)  Use makeup primers.  A dry piece of wood will soak up all of the paint unless it is primed & your skin work the same way.  There are a variety of primers on the market, be sure to read about their uses here.

3)  Liquid and cream makeups are the best options for mature skin.  Matte makeup will enhance your pores and will accentuate those little creases.  

4)  Creamy cheek colors are better for dry skin and create a "youthful glow".

5)  Avoid makeup that has a lot of glitter in it - especially on the eyes.  There are a few companies that make some beautiful matte eyeshadow palettes and you can find individual shades in matte colors too.

6)  Change the way you apply eyeliner:

- If you must wear black liner, wear it very thin and close to your lash line.
- A brown or slate gray liner will soften your appearance.
- Consider eliminating bottom eyeliner or use an eye shadow instead of liner on the bottom 

7)  Use an appropriate powder.  Some women fear powder, but there are some great powders out there for mature women.  If you don't want to powder your entire face, just powder the areas needing a little oil control or areas where makeup needs to be set in place.

8)  Don't skip lip primer or lip liners - especially if you have a problem with lipstick bleeding into fine lines around the mouth.

9)  Opt for subtle or more muted shades of makeup than when you were younger.  Retire bright and vivid makeup - especially eyeshadows and eyeliners.

10)  Educate yourself about current trends.  Nothing dates a woman more than wearing the makeup from 20-30 years ago!

I usually never endorse products, but the list below are a few product favorites I use on my clients:

Lip Color Does Make A Difference in Photos

Of course, I love doing all types of makeup, but I really enjoy doing corporate portrait makeup.

Going into a corporate setting is like going home for me, since I was previously a corporate chaplain and had the opportunity to visit many diverse businesses in the Houston area.  I always enjoy learning about where people are from and how they arrived in Houston.  The variety of careers in Houston is also fascinating.  

Most of the time, women arrive for their corporate portraits with full makeup on, but I am always surprised at how many women show up without lip color on.  Most Gen Y women don't like lipstick and only prefer gloss.  And many women like the "natural lip" look.

This photo was a before photo taken by Eric Kleiman Photography.  As you can see, the client has full makeup on, but she was prepared to take a photo with her lips completely "au natural".

Natural lip photo by Eric Kleiman Photography

I noticed that she didn't want a lot of lip color, but mixed up a subtle shade that complimented her skin tone.  Here is the after photo.

Lip color provided by Keri Ann Reardon owner of  Makeup by Keri Ann and
Photo courtesy of Eric Kleiman Photography

In this case, lip color disguised her chapped lips and defined her naturally beautiful lip shape, without adding too much color.  

I hope this photo proves that a little lip color makes a big difference in your appearance and I ALWAYS suggest putting some color on your lips for photographs.

Are There Different Types of Airbrush Makeup?

Airbrush Makeup Gun

There are so many types of traditional makeup foundations - liquid, cream, matte, water-based, etc.

There Are at least 3 Different Types of Airbrush Makeup:

Silicone based
Benefits:  Known to be “long lasting” and this is the type of product most Houston Makeup Artists (MUAs) use and trust.
Negatives:  It will run with natural tears and it will settle into lines and accentuate pores. 
Keri Ann’s opinion:  I have tried working with silicone airbrush makeup but I do not like the amount of dry time the product needs.  This makeup does not blend well with a brush.  The most popular silicone airbrush brand foundation has way too many pink and red undertones in it and I don’t find it blends well with olive skin tones. I am very good at custom blending colors but I don't like the colors available in the silicone brand I've tried.

Alcohol based

Benefits:  It is long-lasting and water-resistant.  
Negatives:  It is suggested that it should be removed with a special remover.
Keri Ann’s opinion:  While I have used alcohol based makeup several times, I have not used it enough to have strong opinions about it.  I have used this product to cover tattoos and my clients have seemed happy with the results.  I used this product a few times for underwater photography models and the makeup foundation stayed very well.  I don’t think I ever remembered to give the special remover to my clients, and none of my clients ever complained, so from a long-wearing perspective, it passes the test. 

(One of my clients, who cries excessively, said that even though the alcohol based product stayed on her ankle tattoo for days, it did not survive her tears on her face.  I did not apply the makeup as thick on her face as I did on her ankle because her face was flawless and she didn't need as much coverage).

I don't reach for the alcohol based product very often, as I am so concerned about skin irritancy and allergies. Alcohol can dry the skin, so my first choice in cosmetics are always the ones that are safe and gentle for all skin types.

Water based

Benefits:  Feels the lightest and looks the most like natural skin.  

Negatives:  It runs easily, is not full coverage, finds fine lines.  
Keri Ann’s opinion:  Believe it or not, this is the airbrush makeup I use the most.  The brand I use has a small and concise color line, but can be mixed together to create any shade I need. This makeup allows me to layer other cosmetic products with it and it blends beautifully.  When I need additional coverage (for acne coverage, etc.), I can use a makeup brush to apply additional product.  To prevent this particular makeup from running, I apply powder and set with a makeup finishing spray - just like traditional foundation.

Most airbrush makeup has a matte look to it, which is great for the camera.  For clients with dry skin, a primer or additional supplement will be needed to help the makeup look and feel better.

If you found this information helpful, you may want to read my other blog posts here:

Does Airbrush Makeup Last Longer Than Traditional Makeup?

Does Airbrush Makeup Minimize Fine Lines & Pores?

Does Airbrush Makeup Really Minimize Fine Lines & Pores?

A big "selling" point for using airbrush makeup is the claim that Airbrush Makeup Minimizes Fine Lines & Pores.  In today's post I am going to honestly tell you how airbrush makeup looks in person and what different professionals I work with have said about airbrush makeup.

Keep in mind that airbrush makeup was designed specifically for the camera.  It's spray mimics the digital pixels and how it looks in person is different than how it appears on camera.

Airbrush makeup looks great on really young skin!  For teenage skin it looks fantastic!

Airbrush makeup DOES NOT look so great in person if you have any fine lines.  Airbrush makeup does have a tendency to work it's way into fine lines and creases in the skin and it does accentuate them.  I have tried the various types of airbrush makeup and the results are the same.

Airbrush makeup DOES make pores more noticeable in person.  I may not notice large pores on a client until I apply airbrush makeup.  Suddenly those pores become very obvious.

When I first started using airbrush makeup, I was applying it on mothers and daughters and noticing the incredibly huge difference in the way the skin looked.  I thought I might be applying the makeup incorrectly, but then I sought the opinion of professionals.  

Here is what some of the pros I know say about airbrush makeup:

Photographer Niki Gregg, Photography by Niki, said she recommends only using airbrush makeup on women under 30.  For clients over 30, she recommends traditional makeup.

Lorie Speich, owner of A Splendid Event, says she can always tell when mature brides or mothers of the bride or groom have had airbrush makeup applied.  She says airbrush makeup is never as forgiving as traditional makeup. 

Photographer Jason Snow, Jason Snow Photography, tells all of his clients to only use traditional makeup.  He does not like the look of airbrush makeup.

Photographer Kasey Greenfield, Kasey Lynn Photography, says that even though airbrush makeup may not look good in person (by the end of the evening or after a few hours of wear), airbrush makeup really does photograph beautifully.

I want my clients to look as good in person as they do in their photos - especially if they will be at a wedding or a special event.  If I have a high school or college student going to a formal, I will encourage airbrush makeup, but for most other events, I strongly encourage traditional makeup.  Ultimately, I allow the client decide what she is comfortable wearing.

I'd love to know what you think about airbrush makeup.

Please leave your comments here if you've worn it or seen it in person or on camera!

You may be interested in reading my post about how long airbrush makeup lasts.

A Note About Bronzer and The Color Orange

I agree with Mr. Sinatra.

Orange is a very bold and cheerful color.  I love to wear bright orange colors!

As a makeup, there are more than several ways to sing Orange's praise - here are just a few:

• Orange can be helpful camouflaging imperfections.
• Orange also creates perfectly peach cheeks.
• Orange creates alluring lips.

But nothing is more obscure and obvious as orange skin. 

I have been helping women select and blend foundations for over 20 years.   I can attest that humans come in many skin tones and pigmentations, but bright orange is not a natural skin tone!

A completely orange face usually is the number one indicator of a fake tan.

Orange foundation lines beg to be blended in.

Orange bronzer randomly applied and left on prominent parts of the face, leaves makeup looking incomplete.  

Some women believe they look better with an orange forehead and jawline, but every time I see blatantly orange bronzer I cringe.  I see orange streaks on Facebook and Instagram photos and cringe.  If I see orange bronzer in person, it takes great self-restraint not to mention the need for blending and correcting.

If you absolutely must wear bronzer, I beg you, for the love of Orange, please:

• choose a shade without so much orange in it
• select a shade just a few shades darker than your natural skin tone
• take time to BLEND bronzer into your skin, hairline and jawline
• apply powder over your bronzer
• BLEND again
• take another look in the mirror to make sure everything is well blended
• if you see any orange streaks, please repeat the above steps until the bright orange lines are gone

To Wear or Not to Wear: False Lashes

Many women have never experienced wearing false lashes and consequently they don't believe they want or need them.  However, most photographers will tell clients to wear lashes if possible.

I always allow my clients to try false lashes at their trial run consultations to see how they like them.

Most of the time, clients love the way their eyes look with lashes and are sold on the benefits right away.

Sometimes, the client scenario goes like this:

"As someone with naturally long curled lashes, I didn't think I needed false eyelashes, but my photographer recommended them. As a first-time false eyelash wearer, I was aware they were on and felt they looked unnaturally long and thick. But when I got my pictures back, I loved the look! The false eyelashes added a soft innocence to my gaze -- perfect for bridal pictures. I decided I am going to wear them again on my wedding day." -Nikki

Nikki was one of my bridal clients last fall and I am so happy that she gave me permission to share her thoughts on eyelashes with you.  Her thoughts are repeated in various conversations I've had after several trial runs.

Of course, I do have a handful of clients who decided they wouldn't wear them, but I am always disappointed they opt out, because I know the lashes would add another dimension to the photos.

Before you decide one way or the other, let me give you some more information about false lashes.

There are numerous styles of lashes to choose from.  Many lash styles are long and dramatic, but there are lots of styles that are very, very natural.  To prove it, I have some side-by-side comparisons for you to view.

These photographs were taken this weekend at one of my weddings and I would like to thank Jason Snow Photography for sharing these images with me.

All 3 pairs of the eyes below also had mascara on them, so you will have to imagine the dramatic difference in eyes that did not have mascara on them first.   Please note that we were still in the process of doing makeup, so stray makeup marks were cleaned up after the face was completely finished.

False Lashes vs. Eyes with Mascara Only
Makeup by Keri Ann 

False Lashes vs. Eyes with Mascara Only
Makeup by Keri Ann

False Lashes vs. Eyes with Mascara Only
Makeup by Keri Ann

If you wear contacts you can wear false lashes!  I have heard that people who do not wear contacts find them more comfortable than those of us who do wear contacts, but don't let contacts detour you!  

As you can see, lashes look GREAT!

If you have sensitive eyes you can wear false lashes!  I used to avoid lashes because I was afraid the glue would bother me, but once I tried them without an incident, I was hooked on the look!

It is much easier to apply false lashes on someone else than it is to apply them to yourself, but you can master applying your own lashes with practice!

I hope my post helps you decide to give false lashes a chance, as I believe they are worth it!

If you'd like to schedule a trial run to try on lashes, please be sure to contact me for an appointment by contacting me at info@makeupbykeriann.com

Makeup & Hair Inspiration for an English Garden Party Wedding

I have always been a fan of British humor, but I have also recently become a fan of British drama - especially the popular Downton Abbey series.  While I was a bit late joining the Downton Abbey train, I quickly got on board after several marathon viewings of the entire 4 seasons.

If you're anything like me, I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of Season 5 and I wanted to share some photos of a recently styled photo shoot that may inspire you to plan your own enchanting English Garden Party or Wedding!

Please note that ALL of these images belong to Lacey Peyton Photography, who so graciously shared them with me.

The fabulous Carolyn Mills, from Sweet Tea & Linen, assembled the Houston, TX area / Montgomery County wedding vendors and did all of the wedding styling.  Sweet Tea & Linen provided the vintage rentals too.

Hodge Podge Lodge in Montgomery, TX opened their doors and beautiful English style garden for us, which created the perfect backdrop for our party!

As a Houston makeup artist, I was thrilled to be asked to do the makeup for these beautiful models!    I just love the very natural and fresh faces on Downton Abbey and wanted to keep the bride's makeup very light and natural.  I wanted to contrast our maid of honor a bit and went with a little more dramatic look, but one that did not compete with our bride.

Why yes, that's a real dove, provided by Magic & Miracles*!

The wedding dress and the bridesmaid dress was provided by Princess Bridal.

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton  /Makeup by: Makeup by Keri Ann Reardon

Jessica Nelson, who works with me on many of my Houston area weddings,  did a great job styling the hair for these lovelies ….

Photos Courtesy of : Lacey Peyton / Hair by Jessica Nelson

And for this little cutie:

Photo courtesy of Lacey Peyton/ Hair by Jessica Nelson

We all know the perfect party begins with the perfect invitation and Jo's Paper Kitchen made the most beautiful ones!  The envelope is so inviting, I think I would clear my calendar for any event that may be enclosed.  Wouldn't you?!?

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Invitations by Jo's Paper Kitchen

The flowers from A Different Bloom were AMAZING.  The little details make a big difference - look closely...

Photo courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Florals by A Different Bloom

Photos Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Wedding Styling & Vintage Rental by Sweet Tea & Linen

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton  / Florals by  A Different Bloom

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton  / Florals by A Different Bloom

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Florals by A Different Bloom

Photos Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Wedding Styling & Vintage Rental by Sweet Tea & Linen

This couple had a great time being the center of attention for all of us!

Photo Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Makeup by:  Makeup by Keri Ann Reardon

Photos courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Wedding Styling by Sweet Tea & Linen

  OR….

CAKE!

Photo Courtesy of:  Lacey Peyton / Cake by Deborah Abrego

I was determined to stay until the very end to get a piece of this most beautiful cake! Deborah Abrego Valdez brought an old family recipe to life and included florals from A Different Bloom.  This is not your typical American wedding cake, but it is a very English wedding cake and looks so very amazing!  It was not too sweet and would compliment a cup of tea nicely….

And speaking of tea...

Tea is a wonderful way to wrap up the end of your English Garden Party Wedding, don't you think?

Photo Courtesy of: Lacey Peyton / Sweet Tea & Linen Styling & Vintage Rentals

I hope these pictures inspire you.

You can find more inspirational ideas from this same photo shoot.  This styled session was featured in The Woodlands Bride Fall 2014 issue.   The article is entitled Secret Garden and it's on page 14. 

Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

*To get more information about the rental of doves & pigeons from Magic & Miracles in Montgomery.

Many thanks to our models, who spent more time than they expected, posing in front of the camera:  Michelle & Todd Hammons, Destinee Williams, Aleena Burns and Declan Kenney!

Thank you again to Hodge Podge Lodge for the hospitality - your Montgomery, TX B&B is a little piece of heaven right outside of Houston, TX!