Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Favorite Beauty Products of 2008! at SCS

As the year comes to an end, I wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

But you know the year would not be complete, without highlighting some of my favorite Beauty Products of the Year! So without further or do over at SCS, are my favorite Beauty Products for 2008!


(I also have some other favorites, that if you just ask I may tell! HA) Need recommendations? Questions? Want to state your Favorites? Please let me know with your comments..Cheers!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Beauty Buzz at SCS! Lash Enhancing Drug...

Uh Oh Ladies we have hope! For those of are who are not as fortunate in the lash department, there is some good news... The FDA has approved a Lash Enhancing Drug called Latisse, that promises to enhance, thicken, lengthen, and darken..! Is it too good to be true ?  
Not sure, If I will be ditching my tube of Dior Show, however, it may just be worth a try...

Check out my post for more information on SCS!  Beauty Buzz. FDA Approves...

Kelley Epps-Woods

Monday, December 29, 2008

Looking into the New Year!

Wow, I just got back from travels, and a tad exhausted, so much for vacation right.. How do you come back exhausted!? Seems like the nights are longer, and the days are shorter all because its vacation. Lol... But that's okay...
Yes, reality hit as I was in for the last few miles in to DC, that I have so much to do! Writing, Posting, Shoots, Clients, etc. 

For the next few days until the New Year, I just want to sit in my gratitude and in thanksgiving, because this year has been really good to me.. Yes, I said this when I left for the Holidays, and I will say it again... It has been a great year, and I am looking forward to so many great things for next year...
Ground has broken for a couple of wonderful things already, and can't wait for it to get here... 

And for all of my '2' Readers...lol.hahahah (kidding)... I appreciate you just stopping by, and sending your thoughts, comments, and wishes here at the Makeup Loft. It means the world..

I wish you everything your heart desires for the New Year...and look forward to all of your exciting news and happenings as well...

I'll officially be back to posting tomorrow... but just wanted to stop in..

!cheers
Kelley D. 

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Kelley Epps-Woods!

Merry Christmas all! I can't believe its here... 
This Christmas is very special this year. This is my first Christmas being married to my wonderful husband, and the first Christmas in my new Home..
I was a little delayed in decorating my house because it has just been so hectic. Nevertheless, I finally picked up some decorations, and my  hubby comes home with a 8 1/2 foot tree!
I have no idea why he got such a huge tree, but it was perfect for the family room, with about a few inches to spare from the ceiling. (So much for a star! lol)

Here is a picture of the tree, and  too bad he didn't get a pic of the mantle and fireplace, that I hung garland and 3 stockings from!

Just a week ago, I wasn't to in the mood, but after all of the decorating, and wrapped presents, I'm so excited. 
This has been a blessed year, and I can't thank God enough for what he has done. 
For next year I am wishing everyone a wonderful, prosperous year, as well as all the joy your heart can take...!
Have a very Merry Christmas!!!! from Kelley Epps-Woods at Face Mode Studios

Beauty Buzz. Lush Indulgence on SCS!

Have you indulged in Lushness?! Well I have, and it is absolutely amazing.. Check out my review for Lush Handmade Cosmetics. With bath and shower goodness, such as Emotibombs, and Bath Bombs, and names such as Butterball Bath Bomb, and Supernova, you are insure to have insane indulgence. If you have a few gifts left to give, please run to your nearest Lush Store!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Life in the fast lane..Paris Hilton's Pink Bentley..

What is a girl to do! I don't think I was ever so geeked about a car......Okay well maybe when I purchased my girlfriend 'Lex', and put her pedal to the floor on Rt. 50....ok, ok but no, I'm talking about the Bentley. This car is nothing but the truth. Okay Paris, you just may have to move over. I never was a pink fanatic, but its something about this car that was so masculine, become so feminine.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Crabtree and Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations to the Rescue

I have to admit, it has been an exhausting week. By Wednesday it had already felt like it was Friday. It seems like everything this week had a deadline,and everything was due the same day. I have to think, just that maybe my year has caught up with me. As I reflect over the year though, I have had so many great things happen. I can't even believe it all fit into on year.. Life is quit amazing.
As I worked out last night, and yes I'm feeling it today, I couldn't wait to hop into some of my beauty products I had yet to use. My body was calling for it, and my senses sure needed relief. To my rescue comes Crabtree and Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing - Skin Conditioning Body Wash. It's like a dream in a bottle. With its invigorating aroma of lemon and coriander essential oils it was just what I needed to get a quick pick me up before I had to tackle the rest of the night's task.And did I even speak of the body butter! My husband is gonna kill me, but he love's it. Its one of the best moisturizers I have tried in a long time. With a blend of mango, coconut and avocado it's so rich it melts on contact. I am big on moisturizer and he often teases me about my use of it. It is great for your hands, feet and just about any where you need great moisturzing. Heck, for the winter month's alone this should be your ticket! It's wonderful.. Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations, $17.50 - 32.00


Kelley Epps-Woods

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Alexandra Neel's Platform Boots!


















I just had a moment, but I am now back to earth. I hope I have been good enough this year for Santa to put these under the tree.
These Alexandra Neel boots are absolutely gorgeous! Perfect for my new mustard handbag I just got. 

I think I will do a few more faces to get these, if Santa is not so nice ;-)

Ha, and they are on sale!



Kelley Epps-Woods

Friday, December 12, 2008

..the New Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

If you are a Makeup Artist, or any one who aspires to do makeup, this is one for the Collection.
Once again, Bobbi Brown has come out with another book called, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.
If you have had any of her makeup books Bobbi, is generous with her knowledge, and she is really inspiring. The cover actually really got me.. It's beautiful, and so girly.

Go pick up a copy, It's one for the read..


Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual at SCS!


Kelley Epps-Woods

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The most perfect Stocking Stuffer.. Kiehls Lip Balm #1

Ladies please tell me you are in the "Lip Balm Fanatic Club' like I am.. I love me a good lip balm, that actually works!.. There are only a few that I can stand by and one of them is Kiehl's Lip Balm #1.. This lip balm has a cult following, and it is with great reason. It works!
For those who may be exhausted with just your original scent, Kiehl's has come out with three new scents, Vanilla, Mango, and Coconut..

If your like me, get all of them. You never know when the mood will strike and you want to smell Vanilla, or Mango on a fun day, or Coconut when your dreaming of your days at the beach.

This is the perfect stocking stuffer.. and if anyone needs a gift suggestion *hint hint*.. I would more than elated to have these in my Stocking... ;-)

Kiehl's, Kiehl's Lipbalm #1, $8.50

Kelley Epps-Woods

Monday, December 8, 2008

DC Wedding Makeup Artist | ...the greatness of Wedding Day Makeup...

One of my previous Brides, from 2 years ago called me today, because one her 'bridesmaids' is getting married. We talked about her Wedding Day, and she explained to me how she was so glad that I talked to her about Makeup application. 
She said at  first she thought it would be to heavy, but then she took this pic  ( Bride to left)  after the Ceremony in the limo, and she couldn't believe how well the makeup set. 
I explained there is a difference between regular makeup application and Wedding Day Makeup application. What you think may be too much, may just be enough. 
But why be just enough, when it can be everything! I love my Brides... !cheers.

** She was a beautiful Bride.. Her professional pic will be in my Bridal Gallery on Face Mode Studios**

Kelley Epps-Woods

Face Mode Beauty Studios has Launched !!!


This post is probably one of the most special post to date, because Face Mode, LLC has been everything I am in Makeup Artistry for the past 6 years. I can't believe how time flies, but I also remember how many pot holes, puddles, and bridges I had to cross to get here. By no means am I where I want to be, but I have come along way in these many years.

Face Mode, LLC has been in existence since 2002, and in 2004 launched Face Mode Brides, dedicated to my Brides. I have had atleast 4 sites for Face Mode to date, and this counts as the 5th.
Face Mode, and Face Mode Brides will now be Face Mode Beauty Studios. I am sooo excited for the upcoming opportunities in store for FMBS. I have more exciting updates soon!

Hint Hint!
Please check out the relaunch of Face Mode, now known as Face Mode Beauty Studios !!

Kelley Epps-Woods

Highlighting with...MAC Minerlize Skinfinish...

I think the cold is really getting to me.. I slept an hour too long on Saturday but needless to say I really needed it. Friday, was such a late night because I had a Makeup Party that requested Makeup Services for 7 women. I really should have had my watch, because I arrived at 7 and didn't check my time, until getting off the elevator to see that it was 11:59 !! Was I just really enjoying myself, or was I just moving slow.. Who knows, but the women were beautiful.
After a few group shots, I packed what was left of my supplies and headed home.
I got to use a few new products Friday, that I am so in love with, that of course I have to share.
One in particular is MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish. This stuff is amazing.. Yes, I have owned some in the past, but I actually bought one as a highlighter. I have bought many highlighting products, and they still sit in my kit. But, I tried MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne, and it was amazing.
Used on the bridge of the nose, and on the cheeks it created the best highlight. Just a few sweeps of the brush, I was done. As I got the oohhhs, and ahhhhs, I knew this would be a staple in my kit for times to come..

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish , $25 maccosmetics.com

Kelley Epps-Woods

Friday, December 5, 2008

Victoria Secret's 2008 Fashion Show Makeup in Review

If you were like me I was all over the Victoria Secret's Models Makeup this year at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show. The all over shimmer and mascara laced eyes, had me needing to know just how the looks were created.. Well, I found out, and I am talking about it at Second City Style! Check it out.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Client spotlight.. Wendy McIntyre.. Makeup focus


This is for Felicia! Who always have pic request..;-)...
So, I have been stuck on Beauty writing for the last months, and besides my website, I haven't posted to much of my work here at The Makeup Loft. These are some casual promo pics of one of my clients Singer/ Songwriter Wendy McIntrye, who I blogged about earlier this summer.

The structure of her face was amazing..so, of course I went crazy with the contouring...
We ended up doing 3 to 4 different looks for her promo, ranging from natural to sassy...HA!

Products used coming soon!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

SCS...Dare to be Seen in Red... Lips..?

Dare to be seen in Red..... Lips?

I've been on red lips for some time now and with the Holiday approaching I thought it was very appropriate.

Check out Beauty Buzz for some hot reds.. for your lips..
Beauty Buzz. Dare to be Seen in Red... Lips?

Illustration/Article: by Kelley D.

Kissable Couture's Smooches!













For those of you who have never tried Kissable Couture Lip glosses, now is a great time to Try them! Kissable Couture is introducing Kissable Couture Smooches! How cute.

Five Mini Lip Glosses in their most popular shades..
Great as a stocking stuff or gift for some special fab girl!


Kissable Couture, Kissable Couture Smooches, $32.00(value $66.00!)

Kelley Epps-Woods

Over at Second City Style.. Designer Sketch's of Inaugrual Ball Gowns...

There has been quit a bit of speculation on what Michelle is going to where, and who and what. So, I was please to see that the Designers have poured out their sketches for Michelle, in hopes she will be dazzled out in one of their pieces... Here are some of my favs below!

This Monique Lhuillier is absolutely beautiful! Would look great against her skin and finished off with a nice red lipstick..

This Michael Kors is a very classic dress, and is very understated. However, it is polished and still regal. Beautiful choice..

How gorgeous is this green in Carolina Herrera's dress... This would look great against Mrs. Obama's skin. Love it!

Regardless, I think Michelle would like great in any of these!

Kelley Epps-Woods

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Beauty Give-a-ways!!

Hi girls!...
Just want to let you know I will be doing some Give-a-Ways in the next few days!
Please be tuned!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Contoured Cheeks.. Beauty Buzz at SCS.

Beauty Buzz! Always wanted high cheekbones, or that rosy glow ? Please check out my review and article on Blushing Cheeks.. at SCS. ---







Highlighting and Countouring on the model I did here!
Contoured with Bronzer, highlighted with MAC Ice Powder, and Nars Orgasm as Blush.

Post Thanksgiving.. Bobbi Brown treasures..

Gooday!! Okay, I am still recouping from the many days of eating, and I still feel like a stuffed moose. But, slowly but surely I am coming back to myself... ;-)  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I feel so blessed, and am very thankful for what God has provided for me and through me, and for a great family.
This is such a beautiful time of the year. To spend so much time with the family, laughing forever, trying to eat without guilt, and catching some post Thanksgiving Holiday shopping. I can't admit I didn't get up bright and early at 5:30 like some of my family, but I was there in spirit ;-).
However, I did have a big accomplishment last week, when I called up Bobbi Brown's Boutique in NJ, for my dose of Bobbi Brown goodness. I was way overdue in ordering my Bobbi, and decided enough is enough. I just had to order what will be staples in my kit forever and ever. Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner!
Even though they have been around for some time now, I had tried this wonderful gel liner on a Bridesmaid this past summer, who had amazingly blue eyes, and I had lined them with the Indigo Gel Eyeliner from Bobbi, and her eyes shot to the moon.. Gorgeous!!
Needless to say, I must have these in all colors. Great for Weddings and the stay put, long lasting, high definition wear. 
Great for the summer months as well, if you have a problem with smearing, water eyes, and high humidity. 
Indulge ladies, if you haven't already, please check these out...

Other great Bobbi find! - Shimmering Nudes Eye Palette.. Colors are amazing!
Other recommendations? .. Bobbi Brown Stick Foundations are excellent. I have just about all of them. Great for there yellow undertone base, and toning down redness, and super for medium to max coverage. Try sheering out with foundation, and buffing in with a blush brush. Airbrush finish!!
Bobbi Brown, Gel Eyeliner, bobbibrown.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I'll be back soon, but just wanted to tell everyone...


Happy Thanksgiving!!!



and so I have to tell you when I come back about my makeup purchases ;-) .. Lovely.

Cheers!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

my necessity.. lipgloss! - Beaute Cosmetics...

On a previous Makeup Loft post that I did for SCS, I raved about Beaute Cosmetics!. Well, I wanted to show you what this fabulous gloss actually looked like . It's called Heroine, and its a muted chic plum.. but is like the perfect mauve for any skin tone. It is one of the many of the fabulous lip glosses from Beaute Cosmetics!.
Please check out the plumping action of the gloss. I don't have the smallest lips in the world, but you can see what this gloss can do. The formula in the gloss gives for high shine, great pigment, and a plumping effect. It doesn't tingle, burn, or make your lips feel like they are on fire. It is everything besides-, it is extra smooth, glossy, and what I think is the best non-sticky.

I have tried many glosses in my day, and I must say this is one of the best feeling, 'does what is says it can do', glosses I have ever tried. It's no wonder that
Lindsey Lohan, Rosario Dawson, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Lopez, has used this fabulous gloss on their lips!

Check out the wonderful glosses and other cosmetics, at Beaute Cosmetics, Heroine Gloss $26 beaute-cosmetics.com

(All Pictures: Kelley D. modeling lip gloss, taken by Kelley D.)

Kelley Epps-Woods

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

SCS Beauty Buzz! Carol Alt Reveals 'Raw' Skin Care Line!


I'm sure it will be great! I know what a healthy raw diet can do for the body...

Check out the article: Carol Alt at SCS

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

DC Wedding Makeup Artist | My weekend of Consultations..

Hello Guys, I so apologize.. it has been really hectic over the past weekend, and the week. I had several Wedding Consultations for next years Weddings and just have been swamped with Beauty Reviews.
I'm also in the midst of revamping my site, and I cannot wait! I use to get so many request and rave reviews for my before and afters... and I actually will post on my new site..

Here are a few from my weekend Consultations. They are glowing!!

(My focus for her: her pearly whites ;-); blue-toned mahogany lipstick made her teeth even whiter! Will be great for her Wedding photographs)
Another Before and After for 09' Bride
(My focus for her: her beautiful eyes;-); I used a Vanilla shadow just on the insides of her eye to start the lengthening process. A bit of shimmer was placed in the inside corner's of the eye. Then I used a medium brown shadow, starting in the middle of her crease and blending to the outer end of the crease; and last I used a darker burgundy/brown just on the outer edge of the crease and down under her eyes. This gave her elongated beautiful defined eyes!)


"...For every Bride that sits in my chair, I take a minute to scope their face, and see what qualities and features are their best. Once I know that, I build around their best feature, whether it's their eyes, lips, or great cheeks. Every Bride has something special. And the key to my makeup application is to enhance their look, not take away. There is something special about working with Brides. There is always something different, never a face the same ;-) "

Source: All makeup and pictures by FaceModeBrides

Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Beauty Buzz on SCS.. Your Perfect Eye Cream


How did I not share with you guys my review on Eye Creams! Please check out, 'Your Perfect Eye Creams' on SCS...

Source:Image and Article by Kelley D. Woods
Kelley D. Epps-Woods

This week on Beauty Buzz SCS -I'm Addicted to Beaute Cosmetics..

Beauty Buzz! bzzzz bzzz

BEAUTÉ Cosmetics on SCS!








Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Beauty Buzz at SecondCityStyle.com - YSL Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick

YSL on SCS!
Source: Illustration and Article by Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

My 'Product of the Moment'...

I haven't mentioned a 'Product of the Moment' in a while, so I wanted to let you know what I am loving. Even though it's been over a year since I have been using this I'm really loving the Lipgelee's by MAC . They have such a beautiful range of sheer, moisturizing, non-sticky colors. They can be worn alone or over lipstick..
I absolutely adore them, and everytime I wear it people want to know what I'm wearing. My favorites are Amber Russe ( a pretty soft plum/brown with silver specks), Goldensoft (a soft bronze with pearl). I may slip on Moonstone one day or Sapalicious the next.

For all of the cult followers of the Lipglass, that may not necessarily like the stickiness, try the Lip gelee's.. They will be your new best friend.

Lip Gelee, Mac Cosmetics (US $14), maccosmetics.com

Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Lancome ..hosting Book party for The Dress Doctor

Calling all fashionistas! Lancôme is hosting an exclusive book party for The Dress Doctor – Prescriptions for Style, from A to Z, an adaptation of the best-selling style guide by Edith Head. Head (1897 – 1981) is the most celebrated costume designer of all time and dressed some of Hollywood’s most influential style icons like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Elizabeth Taylor and countless others. Over the course of her career, she was nominated for thirty-four Academy Awards and won eight times for Best Costume Design, more than any other woman to date. The Dress Doctor shared style tips and dozens of entertaining anecdotes on her A-list clients and is back in print with striking sketches by fashion illustrator Bil Donovan. Beginning this weekend, Lancôme is hosting in-store events in celebration of the book at our boutiques. Schedule an appointment with one of our makeup artists at the locations listed below to create your own modern-day Hollywood look inspired by the book. Enjoy complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and take home your very own copy of The Dress Doctor with any Lancôme purchase of $100. Details on how to book your appointment are listed below, but hurry, reservations are limited! Readers can call their nearest Lancôme Boutique to book an appointment. (A $75 reservation fee is required and fully redeemable in product.)

November 15th VALLEY FAIR – 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 Phone: 408-244-8334
NORTHPARK – 8687 North Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75225 Phone: 214-750-9364

November 20th
SHORT HILLS – 1200 Morris Turnpike Short Hills, NJ 07078 Phone: 973-258-0790

November 22nd
UPPER WEST SIDE – 201 Columbus Ave. (at 69th Street) New York, NY 10023 Phone: 212-362-4858
BREA – 1102-a Brea Mall Brea, CA 92821 Phone: 714-671-0267


Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Sunday, November 9, 2008

My Weekend with Essence..

I'm back from a busy but an amazing weekend! Saturday I had to mentally and physically be ready because I knew I had one of my most busiest days ahead of me.
I started the morning at 7 am to do Ms. Dee Marshall's, TV Lifestyle Expert, makeup for the Essence Conference. Of course, she was up and ready to get glammed. We chatted, and soaked up the early morning, and with the last swipe the blush, I headed out for what was next on my agenda.
Getting dressed in the car, ( lol, I know) I got my game face on to get ready to work the Essence Young Women's Leadership Conference. This was going to be a 10 hour work day at the Conference, but I was ready!


The Conference was so inspirational, to see so many young women energetic and ready to receive everything they could from the Conference.
My whole day consisted of doing registrations, and running from sessions to sessions.. We had phenomal speakers such as, Vanessa and Angela Simmons (MTV's "Run's House"/ Pastry Sneakers and Apparel); author/media exective Amy DuBois Barnett (Get Yours! How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More), financial expert Glinda Bridgfort (Girl, Get Your Credit Straight!), music executive Shanti Das (Exectuvie VP of Urban Marketing and Artist Development , Universal Motown); Capricorn Clark (Global Brand Manager, Sean John, TV Personality, VH1's "I want to Work for Diddy"); and lawyer/TV host/interior designer Lauren Lake (HGTV's "Spice Up My Kitchen").


“It is important for ESSENCE to provide our younger readers with the tools and information necessary for a bright and successful future, “says Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief, Essence.
After 10 hours, and standing in heels, I was quite exhausted, but still amped... The conference was a great success, and so many young women left with a resource of information.
My moment of exhaustion had to be excused for a couple of more hours because I had to head to do makeup for a 30th Birthday Party.
So, I would say I had a great balance for the day.. Volunteering for something I believed in, as well as doing something I love.
This has been a memorable weekend..


Ms. Dee Marshall and I, after a long day at the conference..Her makeup is still holding though!

Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Friday, November 7, 2008

Nars the Multiple has gone Bronze..

The cult favorite Nars the Multiple has gone Bronze! Nars introduces three bronzing shades. Skin will radiate with an ultra natural sun-kissed glow. The sticks have easy blend-ability and makes for easy application on the face, lips and body.
I can't wait to try them, sometimes its hard finding the right bronzer, especially in powder form. I'm so glad to see a stick form that easy to apply and easy to blend.. That is definitely important. Nars here I come!
Nars the Multiple, sephora.com


Kelley D. Epps-Woods

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Pearls are a girls best friend! Pearls by Carol's Daughter

I have been in love with Carol's Daughter, since my cousin turned me on to her almost 12 years ago.. When she first started her creations in her kitchen, everything was handmade, packaged precisely in jars, and was so rich in textures and scents.
Carol's daughter has now many stores, as well as shelves of her products in Sephora. She still amazes me with her beautiful scents, and awesome products, so I was just excited to see the release of Pearls...
Lisa says: "When I create a scent the best part of creating it is sharing it with you. I love bringing you fragrances that are unique and unforgettable. Our new Eau de Toilette, Pearls by Carol's Daughter, is such a fragrance." - Lisa Price
Pearls by Carol's Daughter sparkles with lemon verbena and the luscious aspect of apricot and peach. The fragrance evolves into a voluptuous floral heart of intoxicating jasmine, rose and violet leaves topped off by warm vanilla and sweet caramel. In a word…delicious.
I cannot wait to try it. I'm so over the stuffy fragrances on the market today, and this looks like I can wear it everyday and it not be so overbearing....
**If anyone wants to know something to get me for Christmas.. *snicker, snicker*..lol
Kelley D. Epps-Woods