Another lovely Blend bride featured in the Washingtonian!

Kathy and I had such an amazing time working with Danielle and Chad on their big day! We're thrilled to see that their gorgeous wedding is featured in the Washingtonian. Wishing them a lifetime of laughter and happiness. Congrats, you two!

Click here to see the full article online

Vendors

Photographer: Leo Druker Photography via Two Bright Lights

Ceremony and Reception Location: Audubon Naturalist Society at Woodend Sanctuary

Gown: Enzoani, purchased at Love Couture Bridal

Hair: Kindle & Boom Salon in Rockville

Makeup: Blend Make-up Artistry

Bridesmaids Dresses: White by Vera Wang, purchased at David’s Bridal

Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss, purchased at Nordstrom

Invitation Designer: DwellStudio for Wedding Paper Divas

Floral Designer: Edge Floral Event Designers

Caterer: Occasions Caterers

Cake: Cakes by Carolyn

Surprise Entertainment: Charlene Kaye

Ceremony and Reception Music: DJ Flounder

Spray Tan Tips!

For those of us in the pasty princess club who've decided to spray tan this winter season, here are a few tips and tricks to keep that tan looking gorgeous!

Don't forget that we offer mobile tanning! Grab your girlfriends and make it a party... 5 or more ladies, and the hostess (with the mostest) tans for free! And who does't like FREE!?

Book Your Spray Tan Appointment!

Before the tan... 

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Exfoliating is a as simple as using a loofah or shaving during your shower. Pay extra attention to the knees, elbows, wrists and ankles as these areas have a larger amount of dead skin cells to shed. When you have finished exfoliating it is important to avoid using any moisturizers.

-Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing before and after your appointment. Tight clothing can rub against the fresh tan creating an uneven appearance.

-Avoid wearing any jewelry, as it will stop the skin beneath it from getting tan.

- Bring something to tie your hair back with. This will keep your hair from interfering with your tan.

After the tan...

- Sorry, no showering for 6 hours after the product is applied.

- Keep showers short and moisturize at least twice a day. This will keep your skin hydrated which makes the tan last longer. 

- After showing, make sure to pat yourself dry rather than rubbing your body with a towel.

Holiday Gifts!

Okay guys, we're giving you a christmas gift lay up for the lady in your life this year. Listen up!

Our clients LOVE our private make-up lessons! In 60 minutes of one-on-one instruction she will learn all the celebrity make-up tips and tricks in the comfort of your home. We provide everything! It's the best $99 bucks you will spend this year. 

Contact us for availability! Trust us, she'll thank you for it ;)

Oxford & Oysters Event

Blend Couture had the pleasure of being asked to set up a vendor table at Thursday's Oxford & Oysters event. Held at the absolutely stunning, and brand new Four Seasons in Baltimore, it was a night to be remembered!

Blend Couture made almost 50 lipsticks and glosses for the guests in attendance. We hope everyone enjoys their new product as much as we enjoyed making it!

Thanks to Sky Blue Events for being the barbie hostess with the mostest ;)

 With Sky Blue Events Coordinator, Jennifer Grove and head of Catering at the Four Seasons, miss Katie. Love to see gorgeous ladies in charge! 

 Setting up the table!

 Our Oyster inspired display :)

 Brand new Blend Couture customers!

 Photo booth fun. Duck face?? Eck!!! ;)

 Partners in Crime, Marquia Kinard and Ryan Krasney.

How to get Bella's Wedding Make-up Look!

Breaking Dawn makeup artist Stacey Panepinto shows us how to get Bella's wedding-day glow. 

"We focused on her eyes and kept the rest of her makeup soft and natural to compliment her hair and dress," she says.

Step 1: Apply a makeup primer, such as Sensai Brightening Make-Up Base, on the face to hold the makeup for long hours.

Step 2: Lightly cover the skin with a foundation, like La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15 in Peche, combined with a brightening power like Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder under the eyes.

Step 3: Prep the eyelids with an eye shadow primer to keep it from creasing later in the day.

Step 4: Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the eyelids to the brow bone. Panepinto used Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Winter Nights (1) on Bella. Then apply a dark eyeliner, like Lancome Le Crayon Khol Waterproof in Black (2), to the top lid. Blend in the darker shadow at the lash line, working your way up until the liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease. For the bottom of the eye use the pencil or shadows to draw the line and then smudge it. Finish with a couple of coats of black mascara, such as Dior Diorshow Waterproof in Black (3), to both sets of lashes.

Step 5: Brush a sheer pink blush on the apples of your cheeks for a hint of color. Bella wore Stila Custom Color Blush in Pink (4).

Step 6: Use a pink-toned lip gloss, such as Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 (5), to accentuate the lips natural shade and moisturize.

Step 7: To complete the look, set the makeup with a light powder, like Make Up For Ever HD Powder.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 hits theaters this Friday. —Stephanie Davila

Cyber Monday: Beauty Deals!

So... how amazing is this Cyber Monday thing? Remember: Blend Couture is offering $10 off of any Blend Couture Product! E-mail: blendeventdc@gmail.com to redeem!

Here are a couple of our favorite beauty steals and deals. Yup. You're welcome ;)

 Urban Decay is offering 3 of their palettes: Feminine, Dangerous, & Fun, for $19 – regularly $34!

Free samples with every order and there is also free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Spend $75 and get a free travel gift set that includes eyeliner & mascara. Pretty sweet!

Anastasia – 35% off any order with code THANKS. Offer ends 11/28.

Benefit Cosmetics – Free high beam mini with $35 order with code HLDYMINI. Free full-size thrrrob with $90 order with code HRTTHROB at checkout. Offers valid 11/22 through 11/28.

Bobbi Brown – Free 3 Best-Selling Treats + free standard shipping on all orders, from 11/22 to 11/29. No code required.

Elizabeth Arden – 25% off and free shipping on any order at FACE atelier – 30% off with code THANKS on 11/25.

Giorgio Armani – 20% off + free 2nd day shipping + 6 minis ($42 value) on $125+ orders with code GAHOLIDAY4, valid 11/27 through 11/29.

Murad – $25 off $100+ purchase with code BLACKFRIDAY on 11/25.

Shu Uemuera – 20% off plus free shipping on $50+ orders with code WISH2011 atthis link. Valid 11/24 through 11/29.

Smashbox – 20% off with code SBXFF11, expires 11/28.

Stila Cosmetics – First 500 to spend $25 on 11/25 will receive a 6-piece eyeshadow palette + free shipping with code BLACKFRIDAY. Up to 80% off warehouse sale starts 11/28 through 12/2.

TEMPTU – 20% off all TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System with code SYSTEM20. 10% off all POD makeup with code POD10. Valid only on 11/25.

Yves Saint Laurent – 20% off and free shipping on every order. Offer valid now till 11/26/11.

Give Your Wedding Make-up Staying Powder!

How-to: Give your Wedding Make-up Staying Power

It’s finally your wedding day! The centerpieces are perfect; the dress is altered and ready to go. You begin to apply your make-up in the bridal suite while toasting mimosas with your bridesmaids when a brief flash of panic sets in. You think, “I have to keep this look lasting for the next 12-15 hours and haven’t the slightest idea how to do it!”  If you’re on a budget, and hiring a professional make-up artist is out of the question, we’ve got the quickest and easiest ways to keep your wedding day make-up fresh and worry free for the entire day!

Prep your skin: Use a gentle exfoliant to free any trapped dirt, oil, or dead skin. A clean canvas is essential for an even make-up application.  Follow that with a lightweight moisturizer.  Try something oil-free, or gel based to help extend the wear of your make-up.

Start with the eyes: This is a great little trick! Most make-up artists prep the skin, and go directly to working on the eyes. This way when eye shadow residue falls under the eyes, simply wipe it clean. No redoing or fixing foundation or concealer!

Eye Primer: Using a primer on the eye (we love MAC’s Paintpot in ‘Painterly’) will completely alleviate any fear of creasing, and anchors the shadow for a look that will last all day and night.

Waterproof Mascara/Eyeliner: Sounds obvious, but is easily overlooked. When applying mascara and eyeliner, be sure to use waterproof! We love Maybelline’s ‘Great Lash’ waterproof mascara, and MAC’s ‘Blacktrack’ gel based liquid liner. Set creamy liners with matching shadow color.

Flawless Foundation: To make your foundation last, a primer is a must! (Are you noticing a trend here? Primers rock!) We love NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining primer because it’s oil-free.  A great way to achieve an airbrushed look without spending hundreds on an airbrush machine is to choose a lightweight foundation and buff it into the skin with a foundation brush. Start in the center of your face and blend outward and down to the neck.

Conceal: We know we’re throwing off your regular every-day make-up routine here, but trust us. The order is important! Only use concealer after you’ve applied foundation.  Your foundation will cover most flaws; only use concealer to cover what needs a little extra attention.  Using too much product is going to make your look cakey. Dot a bit under the eyes with your finger, and camouflage blemishes using a pointy brush.

Setting Powder: This is crucial for staying powder… er… power. Set foundation and blush with a light dusting of a translucent powder. Take this with you for touch ups throughout the day!

Luscious Lips: Let’s face it; on a day where eating, drinking, and kissing will be pretty prevalent; it’s going to be difficult to find a lipstick that lasts. Matte formula lipsticks have the most staying power.  Find your shade and a matching liner. Use the liner to fill in your lips. Apply lipstick on top of the liner, and blot with a tissue. Layer the look 2 or 3 times. Then add a small touch of gloss for shine.  Carry the lipstick and gloss with you. Sorry ladies, there’s no magic formula. Touch ups will be necessary.

Don’t forget to carry a small bag, or appoint a bridesmaid to carry your translucent powder, concealer and lipstick/gloss with you. It’s always a good idea to have a few Q-tips on hand as well. Use them to clean up fall out under the eye, or to apply concealer to a blemish.

Enjoy your beautifully long lasting look!

Blend's Favorite Veteran

Blend would like to thank all of our beautiful service women (and men) for their selfless and tireless service to our country.  Happy Veterans Day! 

It only seemed appropriate today, this Veterans Day, to profile a recent client we had, Miss Brittney Dalton.  We had the complete honor of glamming up Brittney last weekend for the Marine Corps Ball.  Brittney proudly serves in the Marines as a helicopter mechanic and hangs around some pretty important people.  She was super excited about showing her fellow workmates a softer-sexier side for the Ball.   Boy did she!  Brittney has a natural born beauty that just radiated (along with an infectious laugh and personality) when she walked into the room.  We loved her instantly! 

She chose a vintage look to go along with her amazing vintage dress of black lace.  Thomas Shelton styled her hair in a stunningly glamorous half-up do to rival any pin-up calendar.  I went with a nude eye, dramatic wing and smok'n hot, red lip.  Brittney was made for this era!

Thank you again, beautiful Brittney, for trusting us as your glam squad and for your service to your country.

xoxo  Kathy and the Blend Team

                                                                               

Boudoir Sessions for Christmas Gifts!

Okay sexy ladies, listen up!

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your hubby/fiance/boyfriend/partner? Boudoir photo sessions are SO hot right now (pardon the pun ;) they will have him drooling in his stocking! 

Erica Tait will be in town (Northern VA and Baltimore) late November all the way through early December to shoot Boudoir Sessions for the Christmas season (check the website for availability)! These photo sessions are a classically sexy way to celebrate how simply gorgeous you are!


Also hugely popular for brides-to-be (groom's gifts), birthday's, anniversaries, sending off your military man, or just because you work hard, you're gorgeous, and you deserve to be pampered!


The Blend ladies will be there to get you glam before the big shoot! What are you waiting for? Check it out!*Book with Erica and receive $5 toward any Blend Couture product or session!*http://www.taitboudoir.com/

Name our lipstick CONTEST!

Okay ladies and gents, Happy 1st of November.. it's CONTEST time! 

We need to name this lipstick for our Blend Couture ready-made collection!


Best name WINS this lipstick!


.....GO.....

Blend Couture- Custom Lipstick, Gloss, Foundation, Concealers!

“Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Welcome to a whole new world of cosmetics!

After years of working for major cosmetic companies, trying to help women find that “perfect” lipstick and foundation, Blend has come to a bold conclusion: One size does not fit all.

Think about it: we all customize our clothing, jewelry and hairstyles.

Why not customize cosmetics?

Get ready to think outside the make-up counter! 

Blend Make-up Artistry is proud to announce . . . Blend Couture

 At your Blend Couture session, your personal make-up artist works with you, while YOU choose your colors, base, toners, and coverage.  Even add a touch of glam with frost or glitter pigment! Take advantage of our skin-care additives like SPF, Anti-Aging, Botanical Extract, Oil Control, or Ultra-Hydrating Formulas.  All can be added to your products to suit your specific skin-care needs!

Imagine, creating your own go-to lip-gloss, or lip color for your special event. Oh, and the best part… YOU get to name it!

It’s uniquely yours. It’s Couture.

Blend Couture grants you the freedom to express your mood, recreate a favorite discontinued product, and follow the most current beauty trends before they hit the stores. Steering clear of mineral oil, petroleum, animal by-products and parabens, our products are mineral and botanically based for healthy, flawless skin. 

Blend Couture’s services include any or all of the following products:

Custom lipstick, gloss, foundation, and concealer. 

Don’t waste another minute in the department store!

Contact us to begin for your Blend Couture experience.

Here's how it works: Lipstick/Gloss

Choose your color pigment! From sexy red to a muted nude and everything in between, we can help you mix and match to achieve your look!

Next we measure your pigment based on the color you're going for! Want more red? Brown? Neutral? Just let us know!

After you choose your colors, we pick a base color that suits your needs. If you prefer more coverage and a longer lasting finish, matte base would be your best bet! More sheer, almost gloss-like consistency kind of gal? You'll love our butter base!

Add a touch of frost or glitter pigment for high-glam!

Add your choice of delicious smelling scents, and skin-care additives! SPF, Anti-Aging, and Hydrators can all be added to your lipstick to suit your specific needs!

Time to make a mess! Mix, mix, mix!

Now that you love your color, we pour the product into our mold.

Choose your lipstick casing!

Voila! Your brand new lipstick! 

Don't forget to name your gorgeous new lipstick! 

How it works: Foundation/Concealer

First we choose your base color. Select from Oil-Free (for oily skin), and Enriched Formulas (for dry skin) based on your skin-type. 

Next we select your toner. Have excess redness? We balance that with a green toner. Very olive skin? You could benefit from a bit of pink toner. Working on a tan? Yellow-brown could be for you!

Prefer lots of coverage? We can add thickener to give you a matte, full-coverage effect. Alternatively, we can thin out the product for a more sheer result. 

Don't forget the amazing skin-care additives! SPF, Pearlized Pigment, Anti-Aging, Botanical Extract, Oil Control, or Ultra-Hydrating Formulas can all be added to your products to suit your every wish!

We are SO excited to share this new venture with our clients. Now offering discounts for girls nights! Grab a group of girlfriends and let's talk make-up! Can't wait to hear from you.

www.blendevent.com