Chenese Bean Makeup Artistry

2009-03-30T00:42:00.011-04:00

This blog has moved to bridal.chenesebean.com

BASEic

2009-03-16T08:49:00.005-04:00

Working on four photo shoots sets last week really had me all over the city! I couldn't believe how busy I was plus wedding season begins for me this week as well. Although my makeup kit has many different tools and brand names one of my new purchases I used was an eyeshadow base by Mally Beauty (makeup artist Mally Roncal's line who's most famous for beautifying Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and many others).

I have a few of her products and this eyeshadow base was just magical. Now I've worked with many products of this same function, but this was the best! Don't let the color scare you.

So I first tested this last week while working on a photo shoot of 9 models.. child talk about a work out! But of course I have a very simple trick in getting so many faces done so fast, with the look as if it took me 45 minutes. It made the models eyeshadows true in color and didn't fade (as it can when just applying eyeshadow to naked eyelids).

You can purchase this on the Mally Beauty website, QVC, or visit her counter inside Henri Bendel in New York.

The Finalists Are In...

2009-03-10T19:09:00.009-04:00

The CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women Inc.) is the leading trade non-profit organization in the beauty industry that has over 4,000 executives in beauty, cosmetics, fragrance, and those related in the industry invovled in their organization.

And every year there CEW Awards are broadcasted all over the world listing the years winners in cosmetics. Which become must have buys for all of us.

The finalists for 2009 are amazing and some of my most favorite beauty products for women & men made the cut. To see the full list visit click here.

I hope my faves win:

Jergens - Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer

Carol's Daughter - Sweet Honey Dip Chocolate Brown Sugah Scrub
shu uemura - Brightening Cleansing Oil
Laura Mercier Cosmetics - Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
Neutrogena - Men's Invigorating Face Wash
Bumble and Bumble. - Spray de Mode Hairspray
Christian Dior - Diorshow Iconic High Definition Lash Curler Mascara
FLIRT! - Glamourazzi Extreme Lip Lacquer
Sean John Fragrances - I Am King

However, I'm sad that some didn't make the cut this year! (...hint hint Mally Beauty and Color By Cynde Watson)

Hair Stylist Discount

2009-03-09T22:39:00.009-04:00

If you are ever in the need of a hair stylist, don't hesitate to contact Elisabeth "Liz" Carter. We met last year while working on location for a bride and since then we've been email pals ever since. And when I was asked to work on set of a bridal couture shoot I had to refer her to the photographer immediately.

Currently, Liz is offering a 50% discount on services for new clients (one time only), and you must indicate that you heard of this offer thru me.

To schedule an appointment or if you have questions contact Liz personally by phone or email: 513-312-5005 eccarter@cinci.rr.com

Bridal Glow Secret

2009-03-05T18:20:00.005-05:00

Okay I get asked this a lot from brides who I meet at bridal events, on how do I accomplish the glow that they notice on some of my brides photos.

Answer is, it's really easy. Yeah to achieve "the glow" can take several products and building upon them is the norm in commercial photo shoots which can take a while and I must take my time to do.

But when I'm working with brides, who has that kind of time? One of the secrets I use are Bobbi Brown Cosmetics "Shimmer Bricks". I apply a matte blush first in either a pink or peach shade and apply the coinciding shimmer brick on the apples of the cheeks to give a pop of a little more color. Or just use the shimmer brick alone for those who don't like blush so much. Either way it's very beautiful in photographs, not so visible in natural light but this is a winner when you see your wedding pictures.

And adding a little shimmer on the body will have you glowing all the way down the aisle!

(remember shimmer is not glitter so a little can go a long way, and very pretty if you're having a candlelight wedding)

$1.09 OOT Boxes

2009-03-02T17:57:00.003-05:00

Today after I left the set of a short commercial shoot I did a little shopping for office supplies and I came across $1.09 white boxes used for OOT (out of town) guests.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell you, so get them before they go fast! They also had .69 cent boxes but those were all gone. Go visit XPEDX on 914 Dalton Ave.

Coming Soon!

2009-02-20T08:44:00.004-05:00

I'm currently in the works of having my own bridal website/blog bridal.chenesebean.com so keep in touch, because soon this particular blog (chenesebean.blogspot.com) will no longer be in use.

Here's a snapshot of what the new home will look like.

Red Valentine!

2009-02-12T20:01:00.006-05:00

Valentine's Day is this weekend and it's all over the internet, television and advertisements. A day to look and feel sexy, so why not do it by wearing a nice red lip.

Most women are afraid of red mainly because it's a bold color that comes in many shades and can be a bit confusing if you don't take your time to find the right one. So while your planning a night out with your fiance and/or husband make a statement. Besides, isn't February Go-Red month anyway. (smile)

In the following photo I used Makeup Forever in Blue-Red #205 sold at Sephora. A shade such as this even makes your teeth appear whiter. (photo by: Kristin @ SB1Photo)

The most important thing to remember when wearing a red lip is to stay minimal on the rest of your makeup and to take it to the max by adding gloss over top. Now honey that's Red Valentine for you!

Cupcakes

2009-02-11T18:16:00.005-05:00

Kelly Ripa and Electrolux invite you to send a cupcake for charity. When you do, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

When you send a virtual cupcake to a friend or loved one this February, Electrolux will donate a $1 to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (with a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $30,000) as part of its $500,000 commitment to help fight ovarian cancer.

Limited edition t-shirts are also available and you can be a fan on facebook.

Today's Inspiration

2009-02-11T09:27:00.002-05:00

Today I'm on my way to a photo shoot but I had to blog about this before I leave for the day.

Being a makeup artist I'm constantly doing homework and researching books and videos. Just to keep abreast or inspiration before I start working on a client. I even attend classes, seminars and trade shows time to time.

I found these wonderful videos by NARS Cosmetics, so amazing I had to share with you....enjoy!

Miss Ohio (photo shoot 1/2009)

2009-02-06T15:17:00.009-05:00

Okay now I'm really exited...yay! I just got an email that the lovely Natasha Vivoda who's the current Miss Ohio (participating in the 2009 Miss USA pageant) blogged me, hair stylist Steve Edinburg and the amazing photographer Deb Knoske.

We did the photo shoot in January. I haven't seen any of the images (they're on secret lock right now) but from what I was told they are amazing! Honey these photos are worth millions...for real! Word has it that majority of the photos done during our photo shoot will be listed on the website.

However Natasha did place a "behind the scene" image on her blog. Natasha was such a doll, we laughed all day and I love her voice. OMG! The shoot had such a New York vibe to it. Thanks to Deb & her wonderful studio set up.

Hair & makeup arrived to the studio at 9am and boy was it f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g outside. I even ran into Nancy (brideface) on her way to a boudoir shoot in the same building.

Martinis & Makeovers

2009-02-05T12:23:00.006-05:00

Last night I had the pleasure to participate in Cincy Chic's "Looking Fine In '09" event last night at the Havana Martini Club. I had the opportunity to meet many women but I also saw some familiar faces I haven't seen in a year. That really made my night!

Even a few friends stopped by to help me out! Thanks a million Chauntel and Joy ;-).

I gave a many makeovers and photos will be posted here soon and on the Cincy Chic website.

And from what I heard Nick from Vintage Salon & Spa got numerous marriage proposals upon his amazing 5-minute chair massages! LOL

Bridal Couture!

2009-01-31T19:29:00.005-05:00

Today I had the awesome pleasure to shoot with photographer Sherri Keyes Barber. The gowns were provided by Fabulous Bridal & local dress desginer Kristen Bolt. Call time was 6am and we didn't wrap it up until 1:30pm. It was such a fun shoot!

This was totally a facebook collaboration!

Paris Fashion Week

2009-01-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

White paper was the inspiration for this years 2009 Spring/Summer haute couture collection. Karl Lagerfeld made sure this collection was made recession proof!

Wedding: YeaYun & Doug

2009-01-28T15:04:00.005-05:00

Talk about lovely! This wedding took place at Chateau Pomije. I've heard so much of this facility and Steve & Tracy of Steve Lyons Photography captured every moment. This couples photos are A-1 magazine material! I wish I could post all of them ... OMG!

Just a little quick touch ups before walking down the aisle! Doug wouldn't stop kissing her :-)

Shane Weber doing his thing for last minute hair touch ups before she walked down the aisle!

The lovely couple!

Party time... and she still had her "Chenese Glow" going on!

New For 2009!

2009-01-28T11:12:00.010-05:00

Chenese Bean Makeup Artistry has teamed up with those at Cooking With Caitlin as a linked vendor on their website! Caitlin has fun, interesting recipes, video presentations and more. I actually tried a few of them. YUMMMM-Y!

You might want to hire her for your next get together or party.

Cincinnati Wedding Magazine - Bridal Seminar

2009-01-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the opportunity to be apart of their expert panel Q&A session which was held at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Hyde Park. The seminar had two parts: Bridal Consultants in part 1 and then Beauty Experts in part 2. Our moderator started the show and guests asked questions relating to hair & makeup for their wedding day. I truly enjoyed being apart of Cincinnati Magazine's event for the first time.

My daughter even enjoyed herself watching in the background while eating cake samples provided by Maribelle Cakery..lol.

My model "Chauntel" (who's also my assistant) enjoyed herself as well. I actually transformed her look during the session. She arrived with her own makeup on and I then glammed her out! No it wasn't a bridal look but the ladies loved it!

The panel also included the following experts as well:

Shane Weber - Shane Weber Salon

Jenny - brideface

Julie Pierson - Custom Airbrush Tan

(video clips coming soon)

Shop With Us!

2009-01-21T16:23:00.001-05:00

Yes we have fun items such as t-shirts, canvas bags, mugs and more! Shop for yourself, a friend or loved one.

Wedding: Nicole & Britt

2009-01-11T10:21:00.001-05:00

This was such a lovely wedding! Nicole & Britt tied the knot at the Bell Event Center and decorated the entire facility with white candles. Which I've always loved. This look is so elegant and romantic. I actually seen photos of a celebrity who did this years ago and it actually made me cry. Okay enough of that (smile) ... Kortnee & Ted of Simply Timeless Photography did a wonderful job in capturing this beautiful wedding & awesome couple. And so did Steve from Glass Eye Video. Check out his blog to see their trailer.

I gave Nicole a shimmer all over her face and body...OMG was she gorgeous!

Congratulations Nicole & Britt!!

DIY: Save The Dates

2009-01-02T21:58:00.003-05:00

Ok, I just came across the cutest thing and I had to share! Being that I work with so many brides it amazes as to the creativity that those girls hold. Every one has a little Martha Stewart in them :-)

Well while online a bride posted her twist on STD's, instead of making the tradition type she made book markers. Now I have book markers myself that I use for marketing purposes but these are oh so cute. Click here to see more photos & read how she made it.

Running Of The Brides

2009-01-02T14:47:00.004-05:00

Filene's Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to home goods, but perhaps the store is most famous for its annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns.

There will be 1500-3000 gowns that will cost $249, $499 and $699 (originally costing $900 to $9,000+) So take your girls and your mom and have fun!

January 30, 2009

Sun Center Shopping Plaza

3701 W. Dublin Granville Rd.

Columbus, OH 43235

614-932-1001

8am-closing

Hello '09!

2008-12-31T10:15:00.004-05:00

While you're out celebrating the end of 2008 and welcoming 2009, please be safe if your headed out tonight! But other than that no matter how you bring in the New Year take 10 minutes to reflect how better off you are and the accomplishments you've made in your life and others. No matter what happened to cause sadness, depression, and/or unforgiveness, etc. You made it thru honey and that's worth celebrating. Give yourself a hug!

Woman Of The Year!

2008-12-29T22:06:00.004-05:00

Talk about excited! When I got the email from Cincy Chic that I won by outstanding nominations for the 2008 Woman of the Year Award a tear actually rolled down my face. I worked really hard this year plus I had some wonderful clients who I thank to make this happen. I love what I do and don't mind letting it show.

My biggest accomplishment was when I got my studio office, talk about small and cute (just how I like it for now).

There were so many obsticles that came my way this year it was crazy, but one thing I know and have heard my pastor say so many times.. the greater the trial the bigger the blessing! And honey my trials had me crying at least twice a month from January until now. There's no way I can go into detail if it all but just thank God I made it thru.

I'm everso grateful that Cincy Chic chose the entries people submitted. In addition to those who sent them.

Big hugs.

Cincinnati Wedding Magazine

2008-12-29T19:16:00.003-05:00

A few months ago I got an email that the magazine was interested in using me again to add a few quotes about a beauty story. I was everso grateful! It's published in the 2009 Winter issue entitled "Avoiding Bridal Beauty Blunders". Go check it out!

Fashion Pages

2008-12-22T18:32:00.001-05:00

For the entire year of 2008 I had the pleasure in being Sr. Beauty Editor for an online fashion magazine called Style-ology Magazine. It's full of wonderful high fashions with photographers, hair stylists, makeup artist (including myself), fashion stylists, etc from around the world.

This was my baby the entire year..whew! Not only did I decide on which products to publish (from buying or donated to me), but I did the layout design, and image placement..THE WHOLE NINE.

This was just a taste of what I've always wanted to do but more on a national/international level. My contract ends soon and they're going to miss me (and I the same), but I have to move to move forward. I owe the publisher Michelle Washington many, many hugs & thank you's!

Red Carpet Brides

2008-12-03T18:31:00.007-05:00

Hey girls, have you ever imagined having a red carpet at your reception adding a little celebrity to your fun evening? If so here's how, I found a company called "Red Carpet Runway". They provide backdrops & actual carpet ...yes CARPET and all you have to do is supply the logo. The backdrop comes in three different sizes and over 5 carpet colors to choose from.

Makeup Class "Smokey Eye"

2008-11-12T16:09:00.003-05:00

I found this video and I just had to share with you. It amazes me as to how many times I hear women say "I wish I could do my eyes but I don't know how".

Yes it's best to schedule a one-on-one class with a makeup artist or at your local beauty counter but here's how you can do the process at home!

TAKE YOUR TIME. And once you get the hang of it you'll see how easy it is.
(Laura Mercier cosmetics are used in this video)

AMAZING!

2008-10-29T10:10:00.004-04:00

So yesterday I was checking my website statistics and I noticed many hits on Martha Stewart. Now I never use this blog to boast on the highly prominent jobs I'm hired for (outside of weddings) to come off bragging but this really made my day. But I do feel that being connected with everyone in a positive way is the key.

But this I couldn't pass up in sharing... Chenese Bean Makeup Artistry received five 5-star ratings in the website. TALK ABOUT EXCITED!

DIY Brides

2008-10-28T13:49:00.003-04:00

Hey girls you will love me for this (if you haven't found out about it already) a tool that will help you while creating those wedding invites, programs, boxes etc.

It's called "Crafter's Companion" sold on HSN. Although they're advertising this for the holidays, it hit me brides can benefit from this also. Then again anyone can you'll never know when you may need this!

Trash The Dress Shoot

2008-10-21T21:28:00.007-04:00

"Just Married" Maggie along with photographer Cindy Wagner and Jason from Iconography Studios were apart of this full day shoot. Video will be coming soon and here's a few still shots from the video footage.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-14T09:06:00.009-04:00

Though it's always highlighted and advertised in the month of October, contributing to the cause can and should be done daily not just once a year.

But what woman doesn't love the products that major companies produce to not only attract us but donate proceeds to the cause all the same.

Here are a few of this years beauty products:

Back In The Day...

2008-10-13T19:15:00.003-04:00

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of re-living my college days attending homecoming at Central State University. Alumni sounds like an old mans term but classy all the same. Me and a close friend of mine attending the major functions and didn't come home until 2am some nights just socializing!

Seeing old and familiar faces plus having some fun adult time with those 35+ was so needed for me. I've had alot of changes in my life of the past 9 months and having fun like that made me realize yest there things in my life that need changing but what doesn't (didn't) kill me makes me stronger.

And now that I'm coming down from my "back in the day" excitement here are a few photos of me in college, high school, and younger (don't laugh yall!)

Wedding 10-3-08

2008-10-08T19:22:00.007-04:00

This wedding was so full of exciting energy! Natasha & Antoine looked so wonderful together. Everything took place at the Savannah Center and talk about a crowd.

I was taken away by how many familiar faces I seen including brides of mine from last year.

Glass Eye Video did a "same day edit" video that was played at the wedding! And Breathless Moments Photography did a wonderful job as well.

Natasha also booked me to do her makeup for their ePics, here are a few images.

Engagement Pics

2008-09-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I beautified two now brides for their engagement photo sessions, NO I wasn't available for their wedding day but "ePics" are just as good!

Zena & Bob (photography by Cindy Wegner)

(Daniel Michael Photography)

What A Week!

2008-08-12T00:53:00.002-04:00

This past week has been a busy one for me.
Though I'm available for brides I also do artistry services in the entertainment and advertising world.

And Cincy Chic contacted me to do a spotlight on me for two stories:
"Five Most People To Know" (August 15)& "Being Your Best at Every Age" (September 22). The photo shoot was so exciting...I can't wait to see the finished product.

Cincy Chic's website is www.cincychic.com

Weddings vs. Snow Days

2008-03-09T11:00:00.002-04:00

I was booked for a wedding yesterday and what happens we get hit with 8-15 feet of snow from the day before and that morning. It took me an entire hour to get to the hotel when in normal time it would have taken me 20 minutes.

Of course 1 or 2 vendors cancelled on her including a few guests, but as long as the important key people were their, nothing else mattered.

Due to the weather I arrived almost 2 hours early, but by the time the limo arrived the "sun" was out and the streets were a whole lot better.

After makeup I had to leave (I usually stay) but the bride completely understood.

Oh and her makeup of course was "beautiful".

"Your Wedding Mafia" Event 3/6/08

2008-03-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

We had a blast!
This was not your typical bridal show. Usually bridal shows are nothing but vendors behind tables/booths decorated to fit their service at convention centers or halls.
And everyone else just walks around talking, sampling food, a fashion show of some sort and then they leave.

Well the "An Affair With The Mafia" was far from it. And I mean that literally.
All of the vendors pulled together and turned the place out. Yes there were many vendors in the same category of service but there was no sign of competition or "I don't like him/her" attitudes.

I even had the chance to work side by side in the makeup room with Nancy (brideface) & Ashley Matho in doing makeup for the models. We had the makeup room on lock! Next time ladies we'll have to have some music :-)

I met so many brides and their guests that night. And all that I spoke to was overly excited! There were a few who attended that are already married and wished they were planning all over again.

And the fireworks at the end....beautiful!!!!

A few photos are posted on www.cincychic.com I'll do a re-cap about this later in the month.

My 2007 Brides!

2007-12-14T23:46:00.004-05:00

I can't believe the year is coming to an end. But I'm so excited as to what 2008 is bringing! Here's a recap of my brides for 2007. Even I get amazed when I look at their photos...it was a blessing to have such wonderful clients this year.

And my assistant Tracey has been such a help in getting brides booked and keeping in touch with them either by email or phone.... I don't know what I'd to without her.

Tamara Brown-Moomaw 10/28/07 (photo not yet available)

Jamie Schwartz-Husarchik 10/27/07

Tamia Collins-McGuire 10/13/07

Tamarah Hill-Koncal 10/6/07

Melissa Montemagno-Germain 9/22/07

Caharina Fagans-McNeill 9/8/07 (photo not yet available)

Anastasia Graham-Bailey 8/26/07

Jen Holman-Kominsky 8/18/07

LaShaunda Wilkes-Blanton 8/4/07 (photo not yet available)

Amber Woody-Coleman 7/7/07 (photo not yet available)

Lindsey England-Bayer 6/9/07

Lauren Fultz-Anderson 6/2/07