This fun DIY project is to show you how many options you have with false lashes and the degrees of drama that come with each. You don’t have to buy accent or individual lashes when you can just make your own by cutting them however you wish.

TOOLS: Ardell Demi Wispies False Lashes (those are my favorites but you can use any style), Small Scissors, DUO Lash Glue (I prefer the clear/white shade so it dries clear)

HOMEMADE INDIVIDUALS: Cut them in between any groupings (some groupings have more hairs than others). I used three on my assistant Carissa but you can use as many/few as you like. Notice how with individuals you can flare them outwards more for a winged effect. **TIP: let the glue get “tacky” for 2 minutes so you can literally just stick them on the lashline and they won’t turn or slide.

HALF (ACCENT) STRIP: Cut the strip in half and use either end (I prefer the end that would have been on the inside corner even though you’ll place it on the outside corner). Trace the glue along the band, wait two minutes, place it directly on your lash line then squeeze the false lashes together with your own lashes using your index finger + thumb. Notice how the lashes “sit up” more when they are bound together as opposed to when they are by themselves.

FULL STRIP: Again, let the glue get tacky for two full minutes then place directly on lashline.  Notice how the lashes sit up even more and appear longer when they are all attached on a long strip. **TIP: if the strip is longer than your lashline, hold it next to it for sizing then trim off the excess length. I also went in and trimmed around a few of them to make a few “wispies” longer than the rest.

The possibilities are endless. For some red carpets, I use a full lash strip then add an accent half strip on top of it on the outside corners for extra drama. Have fun!

This was such a stunning photo shoot that I had the great pleasure of working on! Rhyan and Danille are both models and also an actual couple (Explains all the great chemistry in the photos!) I worked with an amazing team on this: photography: David Newkirk, Floral Desgin : Orchid Dynasty, Wedding Gowns: Monique Lhuillier from Alta Moda Bridal, Mens wear: Rob & Beckett, Hair and Makeup: Gabby Gabbitas. Big thank you to everyone who was a part of it! 

 

Today we’re talking tips + tricks. Jaclyn Johnson from SomeNotesOnNapkins.com is here to teach us a few things that are good for the sole…

There’s nothing better than breaking open that shoe box to find a fresh pair of heels ready and waiting for you to slip on. However, there is nothing worse than having to break in a pair of heels. Luckily, I am a Jedi Master at the art of breaking in shoes. Here are a few quick tips on how to cut down the time (and pain) of breaking in those new sky high heels!

Tip #1: Do it gradually: Bring them to the office. Slip them on while you are sitting at your desk for an hour or so each day. If they are really tight try walking around in them while wearing slightly damp socks. I know this sounds strange, but this will soften them and stretch them out.

Tip #2 Rough them up: Use a small piece of sandpaper (medium coarse) to scuff up the bottom of the shoe, this will help prevent slipperiness on certain surfaces.

Tip #3 Get rid of the pinch: If the shoes are pinching in certain areas simply place some moleskin on the areas of the feet. Then, soak your feet (with the moleskin still on) and the moleskin will expand. Put the shoes back on and wear them around for the day, this will stretch out the areas that are pinching!

Tip #4 You’re a real spud: This one is a tip from an editor friend of mine! Peel a larger potato and push it into the shoe  (make sure it’s big enough to create a bulge). Leave the potato in over night and voila, your shoe should be stretched in the morning!

Tip #5 Bend + Stretch: Loosen those shoes up. Bend them upwards and downwards ( if the shoe permits) a few times. Then, use a hair dryer to blast them with heat for 2-3 minutes then repeat!

This may seem like a simple task to some of you, but I find that a lot of people struggle with hiding a bobby pin. The best way to conceal your weapon is to slide the pin back up into the hair in the opposite direction that the hair is going (see image example). By doing this, you create the strongest support while hiding your bobby pin at the same time. As wedding/prom season quickly approaches this trick should come in very handy.

This is the ulitmate photo shoot in old world romance and femine grace. An abundance of flowers, a long sleeve gown, lots of lace and fine floral china. Feast your eyes on these danty details.

I want to give a big thank you to everyone who was a part of it. David Newkirk for photography, the dress is by Modern Trousseau from Alta Moda Bridal, Shelly Huyn from Orchid Dynasty for florals, Lauren and Kathy Brady for set design from Saucy and Kitsch, our gorgeous model Taylor Harris and I had the pleasure of doing the hair and makeup.