My first white girl wedding. A lot of my friends have jokingly told me that I need to expand my portfolio by seeking out some white girl brides. Luckily, Kristin found me via Denielle (thanks Denielle!)! I have many Caucasian clients at work but in my bridal business, they have been scarce as most clients find me through word of mouth where one Asian girl leads to another. On Saturday I will be using Carrie and Christina as my inspirations for bride to be, Kristin and her friends.
I am SO excited to see the bridal party. Kristin has been telling me about the details of her wedding, including a fabulous peacock head piece to go with her custom made dress and bridesmaid dresses designed by a former costumer for Teatro Zinzanni in San Francisco. Sounds amazing! The wedding will take place at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland as per the request of Kristin's Star Trek loving fiance. Surrounded by stars, telescopes, friends and family, Kristin's wedding is sure to be out of this world!
Brows and Bobbi Bliss
Woohoo! I met Bobbi Brown today at the Palo Alto Nordstom! She stepped in during one of my appointments and introduced herself to me, asked me my name and asked for my ethnicity. She was really enthusiastic because she's visiting China in a few weeks and said she thinks Asian women are some of the more beautiful women in the world. I like Bobbi so I'm glad she likes me and my peeps! Gawk! (a photo of Bobbi taken in January at the San Francisco Master class.) 
She gave me a few tips and points on the eyebrows of the client I was working on (also Asian and in pure shock that Bobbi touched her face). It was a really neat experience... plus, Bobbi is short like me!
My new obsession has been eyebrows since mine are very sparse. Eyebrows are a very personal feature and I'm one of the first to run away from another artist who wants to darken mine! It's alright to be particular because it's your face! You too can be your very own brow expert...a few brow pointers I've picked up throughout the years:
- brush brow hair downward with a clean mascara wand to see the top of your brow line
- fill in with an eye shadow that is lighter than your hair color for a soft defined look
- avoid any shades that have too much orange or red. These tend to turn bricky throughout the day.
- use pencil if you feel you need more definition
- define more precisely right on the arch and along the top of the brow line
- extend your powder or pencil just past your natural brow "tail" for more frame (a tip from Bobbi!)
- brush brows upward again with mascara wand
- set with a clear brow gel or clear mascara- don't use a heavy hand or too dark of a shadow when filling in the fullest parts of your brow. You may end up looking like this...
Brows are one of the key things that can pull your whole look together, lift your eyes, and define your features. Master your brows and you'll find yourself using less makeup because you'll already look polished! Cheers to all my Asian ladies I've worked with, all with fabulous eyebrows! I think you gals are real purty too. 
My new obsession has been eyebrows since mine are very sparse. Eyebrows are a very personal feature and I'm one of the first to run away from another artist who wants to darken mine! It's alright to be particular because it's your face! You too can be your very own brow expert...a few brow pointers I've picked up throughout the years:
- brush brow hair downward with a clean mascara wand to see the top of your brow line
- fill in with an eye shadow that is lighter than your hair color for a soft defined look
- avoid any shades that have too much orange or red. These tend to turn bricky throughout the day.
- use pencil if you feel you need more definition
- define more precisely right on the arch and along the top of the brow line
- extend your powder or pencil just past your natural brow "tail" for more frame (a tip from Bobbi!)
- brush brows upward again with mascara wand
- set with a clear brow gel or clear mascara- don't use a heavy hand or too dark of a shadow when filling in the fullest parts of your brow. You may end up looking like this...
The Skin You're In.
Naked Face. What? Two blog posts in one week you say? I just had to write a little something about my Christmas present I just started using (thanks bf!). My skin is radiant, clear, fresh, hydrated and firm. I have been indoors for the past two weeks working on my Master's thesis and haven't seen the sunshine. What is this miracle product I've been using?
Not makeup or skin care at all! It's actually the Clarisonic. Basically what it does is exfoliate the top layer of your skin, most of which is dead or flaky anyway. By removing this yucky layer of skin, which can create a weblike barrier, you allow your skincare to penetrate the top layers of skin and act more effectively. It also removes oils (and my Asian skin is O-I-L-Y), dirt and makeup which get caught in fine lines. Traditional scrubs (like that awful apricot scrub) won't get deep down in your fine lines and often it leaves little scratches on the surface of your skin.
When I got the thumbs up from four co-workers, all who are estheticians, and my cousin who works at Sephora corporate who has been a long time user, I had to get my hands on one. My goal is to get my skin so flawless that I don't need foundation or even tinted moisturizer for every day. I'm hoping my Clarisonic will help me get there. It's been about a week and I noticed a huge difference in my skin in the morning. When I put makeup on, it goes on so smooth and I need even less concealer and foundation than before. Here's my face so far (don't judge me, I'm in study mode)...
Here's how it works: imagine an electric toothbrush, but for your face. An electric facial you can use at home every day. At first I thought it was a bit pricey but when I did the math on the money I would be saving from frequently getting facials I figured it was at least worth a try. I am usually sensitive to cleansers and skin care products but the Clarisonic allows you to use your own products (like toothpaste on a toothbrush!).
Simple skin tips:
- Treat your skin well by upping your water intake. You want to be hydrated inside and out.
- Make time to wash your makeup off at night, no matter how sleepy you are! Oils from makeup become rancid when they sit on warm skin or get rubbed in by your pillow case. Eew. Remember, not washing your face one night ages your skin two weeks!
- Avoid harsh scrubs or anything new leading up to your wedding.
- Use sunscreen.
The reason I write about this is because so many brides ask me how close to the wedding they can get facials (about a week before is good). Facials are great, but if you only get them once in a while and don't maintain the look of your skin, your skin is not going to look the best it can on the day of your wedding. And you also run the risk of breaking out from any irritating products. I think the Clarisonic is the perfect tool to invest in for the months leading up to your big day. I'll keep you updated on my skin progress!
Not makeup or skin care at all! It's actually the Clarisonic. Basically what it does is exfoliate the top layer of your skin, most of which is dead or flaky anyway. By removing this yucky layer of skin, which can create a weblike barrier, you allow your skincare to penetrate the top layers of skin and act more effectively. It also removes oils (and my Asian skin is O-I-L-Y), dirt and makeup which get caught in fine lines. Traditional scrubs (like that awful apricot scrub) won't get deep down in your fine lines and often it leaves little scratches on the surface of your skin.
- Treat your skin well by upping your water intake. You want to be hydrated inside and out.
- Make time to wash your makeup off at night, no matter how sleepy you are! Oils from makeup become rancid when they sit on warm skin or get rubbed in by your pillow case. Eew. Remember, not washing your face one night ages your skin two weeks!
- Avoid harsh scrubs or anything new leading up to your wedding.
- Use sunscreen.
The reason I write about this is because so many brides ask me how close to the wedding they can get facials (about a week before is good). Facials are great, but if you only get them once in a while and don't maintain the look of your skin, your skin is not going to look the best it can on the day of your wedding. And you also run the risk of breaking out from any irritating products. I think the Clarisonic is the perfect tool to invest in for the months leading up to your big day. I'll keep you updated on my skin progress!
Tips and Tricks?
Fresh from Spring Training! And back with new tricks, tips and fun things to play with. I'm so glad I was able to "brush" up on my skills and even learn some new ones. I was able to preview the new collections and get some inspiration for wedding makeup. I'd be happy to share new colors, thoughts or ideas for fresh Springtime makeup with you. Just ask! Here is the face chart I made yesterday in class. You all know how much I love black eyeliner and peony pink blush! 
I am in L-O-V-E with Bobbi Brown's spring campaign. I think her message speaks to the every day woman and the realities of a busy lifestyle. The campaign is so awesome because it includes multicultural women of all different sizes and ages. Finally, somebody got it right! By giving a few simple tweaks here and there she created looks for each model to make them feel "Pretty Powerful", the theme of the campaign (booklet pictured here, along with some of my new pink goodies!). 
It was also neat for me to see campaign material as I recognized some of the models as Bobbi staff members and even a Beauty Team artist I've worked with in the past! So, I can attest that these are real women, just like you and me, who would like to look pulled together in a pinch. So great, as my style is very practical, realistic and fresh. My everyday can't live withouts include sunscreen, black eyeliner, black mascara and a pop of pink blush. What are yours?
Flowers, Feathers & a Fuzzy Puppy.
happenstance designs Photoshoot, January. What a great way to start the year! I'm lucky to have talented friends. There is so much fun to be had when the right people come together. With a cute bungalow house as our set, unlimited handmade accessories to choose from, and a curious puppy sniffing the photo equipment, this shoot was bright and fun. You can't even tell it was pouring rain outside! First, a couple of behind the scenes shots: the designer Clarice and I prepping our model Alison.
Kona (the cutest Labradoodle!) likes to lick furniture. I guess he has a thing for texture.
Alison was an easy going model with amazing features- perfect eyebrows, full lips and fun freckles! And of course, the best hair ever. Look at the great feather headband and how it just pops against her dark hair. I don't know how she sat still for so long and kept that sweet smile. Yay for Alison!
I kept the look soft and natural. We tried to imagine the type of clients that would wear Clarice's accessories. Happenstance customers are easy-going, fun, pretty, and are able to throw on anything to give their look just a little extra pizazz. These looks were designed with a girl on the go in mind. After we polished Alison's skin with just a little foundation (really her skin was already flawless!), added a pop of pink blush and a natural soft pink gloss all we did between looks it change up the eyeshadow.
I love the flushed bridal face below. It was definitely my favorite look. If you're wondering, that's a Melissa Sweet bridesmaid dress Clarice wore for her sister's wedding. Isn't it cute?
And the easiest way to change your look from day to evening (perhaps you want a little more drama for your reception?) is to use a darker eyeshadow and thicken up the lash line with a heavier eyeliner. Be sure to blend and smudge your liner just a bit. Top it off with an extra coat of black gel based mascara to keep your lashes from flaking, then swap out for some sexy accessories and you're ready for fancy time!
The necklace is my favorite piece from Clarice's new collection. Imagine it with simple tee and a blazer for a night out. Or with a jewel toned cocktail dress as a guest to an evening wedding? So versatile!
Our photographer Paul Bothwell editted these next photos with a Poloroid finish in Photoshop. Try toning your own photos for that vintage finish! I thought the antiqued look perfectly complimented the fun feathery hairpiece and our cottage porch setting. The fabulous fabric flower belt made from ribbon, that is beautifully hand-beaded, can also double as a headband. A great gift for your bridesmaids- something they really can wear again!
All these beautiful accessories can be found at Lilac Boutique or Modern Mouse, both great little shops in our hometown of Alameda! Visit happenstancedesigns.blogspot.com to contact Clarice. Maybe she can help you design your dream accessory for your big day?
Alison was an easy going model with amazing features- perfect eyebrows, full lips and fun freckles! And of course, the best hair ever. Look at the great feather headband and how it just pops against her dark hair. I don't know how she sat still for so long and kept that sweet smile. Yay for Alison!
I love the flushed bridal face below. It was definitely my favorite look. If you're wondering, that's a Melissa Sweet bridesmaid dress Clarice wore for her sister's wedding. Isn't it cute?