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!

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

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. 

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!

 Lush Cosmetics on SCS!

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.

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

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!

Alexandra Neel, Platform Velcro Boots $597

Kelley Epps-Woods

..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

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

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

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.

Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2008 Makeup in Review..

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!

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...

Check out Second City Style!!!
Designers Sketch Inaugural Ball Gowns Suggestions for Michelle Obama

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

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!

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. ---

Beauty Buzz. Contoured Blushing Cheeks, Easy as 1-2-3

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