1) Too Faced- Better Than Sex Mascara

Most of my clients tell me that if they could only have one makeup product, it would be mascara- it makes all the difference! I, like so many of you, feel the same. For me, it’s all about the eyes, and if you have short lashes like my unfortunate self, you need extra help. For those of us who didn’t luck out on the long lashes gene, a lot of mascaras add product, but keep our little lashes sticking straight down, instead of curling upward. Also, why does it seem that boys always have longer lashes? What do they even need them for?! Anyway, out of all the mascaras I’ve tried, my favorite stays the same. Better Than Sex is one of the pricier ones, but it’s twice as good as those from the drug store- completely worth it!

2) Argan Oil

Being honest here, if I hear about a certain item enough, I’ll most likely jump on the bandwagon. I’ve heard amazing things about the various uses of argan oil, and now I never go without it! If you’ve ever seen makeup tutorials using Farsali Rose Gold drops, this can be used in the same way. After applying moisturizer and primer, I put a few drops of argan oil on my brush or sponge before adding foundation, and it works wonders. It spreads the product so smoothly and makes your skin look airbrushed. (Extra tip: if you’re a Beauty Insider at Sephora, you can get a mini bottle of these for 100 points. Yes I am there very often.)

3) Smashbox Primer

Smashbox was originally a photo studio which later created a makeup brand specifically for Hollywood stars and those who would be in front of the camera. With a large majority of my clients being ladies who are going to a photoshoot or posing on their wedding day, I love using this primer. It’s super soft and slick, making for smooth makeup application- totally necessary for long-wear looks!

4) Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade

We all have our different preferences of powder brows vs. a gel or cream, but my favorite thing is to incorporate both. I love starting out with the brow pomade because its cream texture is great for outlining the brows and giving them structure. After outlining, I like to use what is left over on the brush to lightly fill in, then go back in with a light powder. One tip to remember when buying products for your brows is to go a shade lighter- it always turns out darker once it’s applied! Also an extra tip: store this item cap-side-down so the oils don’t all seep to the bottom. If it does get dry, add a few drops of argan oil to make it like-new! (Ahhh another use of argan oil, it gets me so excited!)

5) Make Up For Ever HD Microfinishing Powder

This was one of my most exciting purchases. Well, I actually feel that way every time I walk out of Sephora, but really, this is a great product. It appears white, but is completely non-tinted and serves as a setting powder. It goes on sheer and leaves you with a matte finish which I LOVE. Also, if you rub it between your fingers you’ll see how incredibly soft it is. You’ve probably noticed by now I love soft things.

     These were a few of my favorites but I have TONS more! If you liked this blog or have requests for future posts, never hesitate to reach out. As always, thanks for reading!

         XOXO Kael

Big News & Exciting Firsts!

     Hey there and thank you to everyone who stopped by to read! I want to start off by saying how IMMENSELY blessed I feel (always but especially lately!). To be honest, over the winter months, things were so slow I thought I was failing and business would never pick up again. I tend to assume the worst when things go wrong and jump to the conclusion that my life is over, LOL! However, it seems everything in this whole creative industry comes in waves, because all of a sudden, these past few weeks have been crazy busy! I’ve met with new vendors, a new photographer who I’m collaborating with, AND an event planner who happens to be the planner for… my very own styled bridal shoot this coming April! Working as a vendor in styled shoots and seeing what goes on, I’ve always wanted to put together one of my own- but I didn’t think it could be this soon! As fun as it is to be involved in one of these shoots, let me tell you, it is a BLAST to pick and choose the theme, location, colors, and details that YOU want. The goal of this is to get more photos of my bridal work, while incorporating my colors to promote my brand. My vision was a scenic farm venue with open land at sunset, (and of course a barn!) with the colors being turquoise blue, gold, and white. For venues, we considered Shadow Creek, which is an AMAZING modern barn with a gorgeous overlook. The best part to me is how the colors match up (notice the TURQUOISE DOORS inside!!)

We’re still browsing all over for a gorgeous scenic location for our outdoor “wedding.” Also in the works are bridesmaid models, bouquets, and of course, the dress! Do you have any suggestions? If so PLEASE feel welcome to comment below! The location can be anywhere in Virginia. We’re up for traveling! Thanks again y’all for joining me on the journey!

    XOXO!

A Recap of Two Thousand Sixteen

     As we close the latest chapter of our lives, most of us are probably making plans for the year ahead to achieve our goals. While I have had the time to come up with new ideas and strategies for 2017, I have a huge amount of excitement, and a greater sense of determination. However, it would be impossible for me not to look back on this past year, and for me, the year that started it all. I was presented with numerous opportunities, while making some of my own. I also was blessed enough to work with some incredible business women who helped me along the way, and meet some clients who were beautiful inside and out. There were countless memorable moments this year, but here are the highlights.

 Spring

     March was the month that I decided to pursue my passion. I was surprised at the positive feedback I was getting from posting my work, and I got noticed by a photographer, Kerry Mulhern. I had met Kerry once before during a period of time I was modeling for a boutique downtown, and she was the photographer for this shoot, but this was about 6 months prior. That is why I was so thrilled when she contacted me to do a shoot to promote myself a little bit more. I was able to choose models to do makeup on, and also promote Kerry Renee Photography in the process. This was a jump-starting opportunity! (Oh, that brown hair. One-time thing, y’all)

 

      After this, I continued to do makeup on friends, purely just for something to post! It was difficult starting all this while still in high school, but the power of the internet can take you so much farther than you could go on your own. I was gaining attention left and right, but don’t be fooled! At this stage in my business I was not yet profiting. It takes time, and a lot of things you will do solely for promotion, but that is a good thing!

 

     May felt like a turning point for me. The sun was coming out, the slow winter passed, and new opportunities came. I was lead to yet another photographer through Facebook who needed a makeup artist for family and engagement shoot. Her name was Michelle Harris, owner of M Harris Studios. I remember the exact moment I read that status! I was parked at FedEx, with my heart jumping, and almost unable to stay still with the excitement. That was probably the fastest I had ever typed a message! She then offered to meet up with me to chat and do some headshots for me. Later this month, I also did my very first ENGAGEMENT session for a couple who was getting their photos done by Michelle. Since then, her and I have worked together in so many ways and on several different projects!

  Summer

     The summertime was by far my busiest and most excited period of time yet. Michelle and I decided to take on high school seniors together as a way to grow both of our businesses, so we created a senior model call, and shot photos of me and some friends to use as an ad on social media. Because my followers on my personal Instagram were largely rising seniors at the time, the response was huge, and we were shocked at the number of girls who applied, from multiple different schools! Together, we chose our models and got to work. I was coming into the office everyday at 5pm to meet one of the girls and get them ready, and I was absolutely LOVING it! Another highlight for June was that Michelle needed me last minute so assist her as a second shooter at a WEDDING! Even though that was out of my line of work, I could not have been more thrilled. I spent about 12 hours total out for the day, driving from Alexandria, to getting on a bus to DC, and back to the venue of the wedding. I forgot the eat or use the bathroom all day long (every wedding photographer ever!) but I couldn’t have been more in my element. And you better believe I cried seeing them tie the knot, even though I had never met them before (with me it doesn’t matter. If it’s a wedding, I will cry haha!)

Below are a few of the seniors I did makeup on for the model call!

 

     Throughout the summer, I continued to do plenty of senior makeup as a result of the model call, as well as some who contacted me personally. On top of this, I also did an engagement session that stood out to me- for obvious reasons! This was the coolest couple I have ever met, and they weren’t afraid of a little dirt. Plus, Jessica had almost never worn makeup in her life, and I loved her transformation, and the fact that her fiancé repeatedly looked at her and said, “You’re so cute!”

 

     Around the end of the summer, the last major wave of seniors were passing through, and Kerry decided to take on seniors in her photography as well. We made our own promotion together through a styled shoot on the beach that had a vintage feel to it, with the wardrobe provided by Peacaloo Boutique in Downtown Fredericksburg. I enjoyed working with good friends and giving the models an old fashioned, classic look.

     I had ordered and received my logo at this point. I was so excited to be able to use it as a website header and to print our business cards.

  Fall

     As summer was winding down, I was able to put more time into my website, Instagram, and Facebook page. This month is also when most proms and homecomings happen, and I also had a girl going to a Navy Ball (so jealous!). I also had one particular senior who was having her senior session done by Hope Taylor Photography, which was exciting! I was very glad to be getting pictures of my work from someone as established as Hope. Here are a few of the photos!

      October is always my very favorite time of year (not just because it’s my birth month either!). During October, Kerry had gotten a studio downtown, and we did some test pictures in there to break it in. She had a studio party, where I met an event planner and we talked about what we both do and exchanged information. A few days later, she called me and asked if I was available to do her makeup for her maternity shoot. Not only did great photos come out of it, but I got to meet and work with a new vendor, which is always a great opportunity. Take a look at the photos below- Darcie is glowing!

   Winter

       These months for me were the perfect time to plan out everything I wanted to do in the New Year, as my classes were coming to an end and the slower season was approaching. I spent tons of time completing the website enough to put it out there, as well as coming up with ideas of new strategies and people to collaborate with for the coming months. It was a great time to reflect on what I have done so far and to be thankful for it all! I also ended the year by meeting with another makeup artist to do a trial for her so we could work together on future bridal parties. It was such a thrill for me and a great thing to look forward to in 2017.

     Whenever I feel like we aren’t doing enough or we are not yet where we want to be, I know I need to take a moment to look back at my accomplishments so far- it puts things into perspective! I hope your year was productive and that you were able to do some of what you really love, and I look forward to moving on to even bigger and better things in the year to come!

          Love, Kaelie