I’ve been a loyal follower of Daily Candy for a long time now.  Recently I was hanging out on the site and found these wonderful “how-to” videos for various hairstyles.  With the summer heat beating down, my hair is a frizzy mess and I dare not wear it down.  I’m a super visual person, so these videos will be so helpful and allow me to add a couple of new styles to my repertoire.  I hope you like them too.

Video #1:  Perfect Messy Bun

Video #2:  Side Ponytail

Do you have any fun styles that you’d be willing to share with us?  Email info@thestylishplanner with details.  Thanks!

Temperatures lately in Atlanta are reaching the 100 plus mark on clear days.  That makes it hard to look and feel polished when running from meeting to meeting.  You may be trying to beat the heat in your part of the country too, I know.  To freshen up without starting over, try this 5-minute touch up:

1)  Remove excess oil,  smooth out foundation and eye shadow with an oil-blotting sheet.   I like Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets.  You can purchase these at most drug stores and discount retail stores for about $4.50.

2)  Then spot apply light foundation wherever yours has worn off.  Reapply concealer as needed.

3)  To brighten your face, sweep a shimmery multitonal highlighting powder on your cheeks using a blush brush.  The right powder will have a hint of color and contain light-reflecting pigments that boost radiance and make you look well rested.  Try Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick Compacts – they come in varying shades and retail for about $38.

http://bobbibrowncosmetics.com

4)  The last step for your midday touch up?  Slick on a medium-toned pink or berry lipgloss.

You look marvelous!

What’s your beat the heat summer tip for make-up?  Let us know!

Tags: Atlanta Wedding Planner, Tuesday Beauty, Wedding and Event Professionals, Wedding & Event Planners, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Clean & Clear Blotting Sheets, Summer Make Up Touch Up

If you are a fan of The Stylish Planner, you are fully aware that I am a fan of Philosophy skincare products. Recently when I placed an online order to replenish my stash of Purity Made Simple, I decided to give a new product a spin and I am so glad that I did!

From Philosophy’s website: “Hope Springs Eternal Deep Sea Ultra-Fine Hydrating Mist contains hyaluronic acid to replenish skin’s moisture level, and known plumping agent and skincare ingredient. It contains sea salt and over 250 minerals that topically feed your skin healthy nutrients for an astonishingly healthy glow. When using Hope Springs Eternal, you will experience an instant pick-me-up for dry, tired looking skin and beta glucan (known for its ability to enhance the body’s own repair system) will protect your skin from further damage.”

This has been the most wonderful product for me this summer, although I think it will be even better in the winter months when my skin tends to get terribly dry. Remember that the older we get, the less moisture our skin produces. This hydrating spray not only feels incredibly refreshing in the morning or after being out in the heat, it smells wonderful and does wonders to plump up those fine lines around my eye area. Used in combination with my moisturizer, my skin looks radiant and completely prepped for my makeup.

Hope Springs Eternal Ultra Fine Hydrating Mist retails for approximately $20 for a .05 oz. bottle at www.philosophy.com

Do you have a favorite summer skincare item to share? I’d love to know. Leave a comment below with details, please.

Today we have another wonderful beauty installment for you from Atlanta based Hair & Make-Up Artist, Scoobie West.  Scoobie and I have worked together for many years and he is a savvy businessman and a wonderful human being.  It is a great thing when your vendor partners become your friends and that is so true for Scoobie and I.  I knew when I started The Stylish Planner that I wanted to include him as a guest blogger. 

Scoobie was recently named one of “Atlanta’s People on the Move” by Urban Lux Magazine for his success as a make up artisan.  Check out his spread on page 12 and his fashion feature on page 42 – those Versace shoes are killer!  Many of you are familiar with Scoobie’s work without even realizing it.  He was the hair & make-up artist for model, Adair, who graced the cover of the current issue of Southern Weddings Magazine.

Image courtesy of UrbanLuxe magazine.

I asked Scoobie his professional opinion on… real nails or faux – which do you prefer and why?”

He answered: “I always prefer real nails. From my experiences, natural nails, when manicured and polished properly last for up to two weeks.  As for acrylic nails, most times they are safe and wont harm your nails.  The most popular trend has been french manicure on hands, which normally chips if not done the same day of your event.  Now, if while using acrylic nails and a  ‘gap’ develops between your natural nail and the acrylic nail, a bacteria or fungi may develop.  Every woman wearing acrylic nails is at risk because of the potential to bump or hit the nails during normal activity.  To fake out bacteria and fungi, make sure the nail salons that you are utilizing are licensed and they clean their tools after each client.”

What is your preference?  Can you tell when someone has acrylic nails?

I am a super visual person.  I learn best by watching, then doing.  Tutorials rarely work for me, I just have to dive in and try things until I get them right.  This is true even for something as simple as doing my own hair.  When I change my hairstyle, I must have my hair stylist walk me through each new step of styling my hair so that I can try it myself at home.  Even then, it’s usually weeks before I can get it completely right.

I’ve been growing my hair out for a couple of years.  Now that it is long and the mercury is rising (and rising) in Atlanta, I’ve been attempting some new up do’s in an attempt to steer away from what was quickly becoming my everyday look, a low ponytail with side swept bangs.

So, I was really excited when I saw a new product line from Goody, the hair accessory company.  The Goody simple styles collection includes 4 new tools for an assortment of styles, a storage pouch and a style guide.  In fact, you can download the style guide here:  Goody Simple Styles Style Guide.

 https://goodysimplestyles.com

It’s only $14.99 plus shipping and handling – not a bad deal!  I’ll let you know how I like the items when my order comes in.

Another hairstyling resource fell into my lap over the weekend in the form of my favorite wedding magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings.  In the current issue, check out the D-I-Y hairstyle feature.  It’s fantastic!

Martha Stewart Weddings – Summer 2010 Issue

What are your D-I-Y hairstyling tips?  It’s really not fair for you to keep them all to your self.  Share them in a comment below!

NaShara Mitchell is the owner and creative director of Ready to Blush, a beauty and wellness concierge offering makeup artistry, detail and wellness services, workshops, and socials to enhance, empower, and educate the everyday celebrity. Questions are always welcome at ask@readytoblush.com or on twitter @ReadytoBlush.

Last year, Ready to Blush asked a few wedding planning friends to share their personal beauty tips with prospective brides.  As wedding season hits its stride, we believe their thoughtful advice bears repeating for brides and wedding professionals.

“I Do” Beauty Too: Wedding Planners Give Beauty Tips

(Copyright 2009-2010 Ready to Blush Makeup Artistry LLC Original 2009, Edited 2010)

No matter their title–wedding planners, bridal coordinators, event designers, magical moment directors, or dream fulfillers, you’ve selected someone you totally trust and vibe with to help pull off your cherished forever day.  You’ve given them full, or at least slightly uninhibited, reign on every minute detail and are giddy with excitement when you see how they’ve turned your “I was wondering ifs” and doodles on napkins into reality.

So far, they haven’t disappointed you with their prowess, but can you trust your wedding planner with wedding day beauty advice, too?  Ready to Blush says, you surely can!!!  We recently asked some of our wedding planning friends what beauty advice they give brides.  Their responses were spot on.  We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events in Memphis, TN says, “Rest and keep your stress levels down. Eat well, drink lots of water and don’t overdo it on alcohol the night before the wedding.”

{BLUSHer:: For the bride who likes to bling at all times, try Fillico}

Kerline Docteur of Joie de Vie Events in Orlando, FL says, “Drink plenty of water, drink vitamins and have a professional do your make up.”

Eliana Baucicault of Elly B Events in Atlanta, GA and New York says, “Begin a facial regime about 5 months before the wedding.”

Latrice Cushenberry of Opulent Couturier in Nashville, TN says, “Drink plenty of water, have facials at least 2 weeks before the wedding so your face is not blotchy in pictures. If a bride sweats heavily under their arms, a few shots of Botox cures that and saves their dress from having stains. Depending on the market it’s not that expensive.”

April Foster of April Foster Events in Indianapolis, IN says, “Find a good moisturizer for your skin and use it every night before bed to keep your skin soft and supple. Use a face moisturizer with spf (even during the winter) – sun is damaging to the skin and makes it age faster. Use a gentle exfoliator daily. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go to expensive cosmetic counters to find moisturizers and products that work for you. Drug store products usually work great without breaking the bank.”

{BLUSHer: Cetaphil and Neutrogena are drug store standouts}.
If you want a nice bronze, start experimenting with professional spray tans 3-4 months prior to your wedding. This way you can find the type (booth or person spraying you) that works best for your skin type.  You can also determine the day the tan looks best on you – usually the 2nd-4th day.

{BLUSHer: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily and Natural Glow Express BodyMoisturizers, Sally Hanson airbrush series or St. Tropez self tanning line are ideal for those seeking a tanned or even-skin tone.

Unless you bite your nails, try to stay away from acrylic nails as they destroy your natural nails.  Keep your nails looking healthy and natural by using a clear protein polish and a monthly manicure.

{BLUSHer: OPI is a mani fave. Nicole by OPI and Sally Hansen are drugstore standouts. Some brides are turning to the less damaging alternative of gel overlay during their salon visits while others are returning to the temporary nails like Revlon or KISS updated temporary nail systems}.

Sleep, staying hydrated and maintaining healthy eating habits along with skin and nail care regimes was the advice of choice for these planners.

What personal tips do you share with your brides?

Today we have a wonderful beauty installment for you from Atlanta based Hair & Make-Up Artist, Scoobie West.  Scoobie and I have worked together for many years and he is a savvy businessman and a wonderful human being.  It is a great thing when your vendor partners become your friends and that is so true for Scoobie and I.  I knew when I started The Stylish Planner that I wanted to include him as a guest blogger. 

Scoobie was recently named one of “Atlanta’s People on the Move” by Urban Lux Magazine for his success as a make up artisan.  Check out his spread on page 12 and his fashion feature on page 42 – those Versace shoes are killer!  Many of you are familiar with Scoobie’s work without even realizing it.  He was the hair & make-up artist for model, Adair, who graced the cover of the current issue of Southern Weddings Magazine.

Image courtesy of UrbanLuxe magazine.

I asked Scoobie his professional opinion on… PLASTIC SURGERY – to do or NOT to do?  Plastic surgery vs. makeup – what’s the best way for women to really look younger?

Scoobie says,  “My preference is both!  Some ladies just wont give in, but I am a huge fan of botox.  It relaxes frown lines and most times it is not painful.  Once the botox kicks in, I recommend seeing your favorite makeup artist (me!) so that I can show you new tricks and techniques to further enhance the treatment.”

There you have it, ladies.  But what do you think?  Will you try plastic surgery as you get older, or stick to concealing with make-up?

NaShara Mitchell is the owner and creative director of Ready to Blush, a beauty and wellness concierge offering makeup artistry, detail and wellness services, workshops, and socials to enhance, empower, and educate the everyday celebrity. Questions are always welcome at ask@readytoblush.com or on twitter @ReadytoBlush.

Many women live life on the go, completing one errand after another, checking off the never-ending to-do list with each tip-tap of their Louboutin, Cole-Haan, Nike, or Puma heeled steps or pat-pat of fingers against computer keyboards, blackberrys and iPhone screens.  And many still manage to integrate at least one beauty detail into her routine.  Whether religious with sunscreen application; manicure, pedicure, or salon appointments, the spritzing of a favorite perfume, or drinking a cup of warm tea or glass of wine before meditating and mentally detoxing, this detail helps to calm nerves, create a brief respite of me-time, or enhance appearance and mood.  In the words of beauty maven and business women Trish McEvoy, “If you don’t pay attention to the details, you risk undermining your whole look.”

Visit the Ready to Blush Face book Fan Page and share your must have beauty detail, when you first fell in love with it and why you can’t live without it being in your busy schedule.  One comment will be randomly selected to receive a Sonia Kashuk 4-piece Chubby Brush Set with Carrying Pouch and Stila Eyeshadow Pallet.

Contest details: Contest open to members of the Continental US.  Comments must be shared on the Ready to Blush Face book Fan page by 11:59pm Tuesday, May 18^th.  Winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 19^th via Face book and Twitter and will have until Saturday, May 22^nd to claim their prize.  If unclaimed, another comment will be randomly selected and winner announced until prize is claimed.

Today I am really excited to present to you the first in a series of Male P.O.V. (point of view) posts!  I wanted ladies to see what men think about some of the hair, make-up, beauty and fashion trends we take on.  My talented friend, Scoobie West has kindly offered to do this series for me and I think you will enjoy reading his thoughts.  In addition, we are working on another special feature called, “Scoobie Do’s and Don’ts”.  (I couldn’t resist!)  In those posts, Scoobie will talk about hair & make-up tips for the everyday woman – what to do and what not to do, so keep your eyes open for this feature coming soon!

Scoobie West and I have worked together for many years.  He is a savvy businessman and a wonderful human being.  It is a great thing when your vendor partners become your friends and that is so true for Scoobie and I.  I knew when I started The Stylish Planner that I wanted to include him as a guest blogger.  Scoobie was recently named one of “Atlanta’s People on the Move” by Urban Lux Magazine for his success as a make up artisan.  Check out his spread on page 12 and his fashion feature on page 42 – those Versace shoes are killer!  Many of you are familiar with Scoobie’s work without even realizing it.  He was the hair & make-up artist for model, Adair, who graced the cover of the current issue of Southern Weddings…

Male P.O.V. Question:   Hair extensions – can you tell when a lady has them and do you like them? 

Scoobie says, “Well executed hair extensions — I absolutely love!  If they are done right, I can’t tell if it’s real hair or not.  I do love the clip in extensions…I customized some for previous brides on their wedding day. They wanted a little extra length without the commitment.”

What do you think, ladies?  Can you tell when someone has hair extensions?  Do you like them?  Would you try them yourself?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I adore Niecy Nash.  She has such a positive and contagious personality, I think she is a great example of someone living authentically.  She also has a great sense of style and knows that bold colors really work for her.  I especially like that she has a beautiful, “real woman” curvy figure and doesn’t hide it under baggy clothing.  She knows what fabrics work for her, and that fitted clothing worn correctly can be tremendously flattering on fuller figures.   

There are two things people instantly note about Niecy Nash:

1. She wears a flower in her hair
2. She wears bright colors

These two things have become her beauty “trademark”.  She is known for them.  She probably just likes to accent her hair with flowers.  I say she is a branding genius.  If someone did not know her name, she could still be easily described.  Do you agree?

From left to right, photos courtesy of:  www.marieclaire.com; www.exposay.com and www.eonline.com

Do you have a beauty or style “trademark”?  You may have one without even realizing it.  Could you use a signature element of your style in your branding?  For instance, out of all the wedding planners/florists/photographers in your city, what distinguishes you from the others?  Are you the wedding planner with long red hair?  Are you the florist who is always dressed in varying shades of pink?  The photographer that always has a zebra print accent such as a scarf, handbag, broach, etc.  Think about it – I’m sure you can name at least one professional in your area who has done this and it works well for them.

Oh, and by the way, VOTE FOR NIECY on DWTS!