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Tips, Techniques and FAQ's
Why should I hire Nancy Hathaway-Hopowiec, a professionally trained make-up artist, for my Wedding, Prom or Special Event?
What's the right look for me?
What colors will work best for my eyes?
How can I apply make up for my eyes?  Is there one look that works for everyone?
How can I achieve an Easy, but Classic Look?
How long can I keep using the same make-up; does it expire?
Q: Why should I hire Nancy Hathaway-Hopowiec, a professionally trained make-up artist, to do the make-up for my Wedding, Prom or other Special Event?
A:  Makeup is often overlooked when planning your wedding, prom or other special occasion.  People always remember their hair, but they don’t realize that to look good in your Photos, you really need to have good makeup applied for photographic results.  What you may not notice with your naked eye will be captured forever by the camera, possibly belying your natural beauty....Similar to other professions, makeup artists specialize within their discipline. The trained makeup artist understands how lasting images are created and uses the proper tools and techniques to achieve the best photographic results for your unique features and wedding setting.  Being camera-ready will produce infinitely more flattering and much more natural photographic results.  Nancy is trained in the art and craft of photography makeup, was featured on Cox television and has done work with speakers on public access television.  Nancy's makeup training began in 1992 and involved doing complete make-overs at area salons and she gradually became involved with local studios providing photographic makeup.  Nancy's training also includes working with with Bobbi Brown cosmetics and Este Lauder corporation.  Nancy continues to develop her talent in the latest makeup trends and techniques. 

 

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"My personal choice and philosophy is soft, subtle Make-up, to enhance your best features and make you look naturally radiant and beautiful on your big day.   My goal is to have people notice you, not your make-up.  When they look at you, they see you, your radiance, beauty and sparkle, not your makeup.  There are many women however, that like a more dramatic look.  If that is your style, please let me know so I can accomodate your needs."

Q: What's the right look for me? 

 

Getting the Right Look - How to find out what works

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Whether you're a beauty beginner or a makeup maven, hiring a professional makeup artist can be the answer for your look.  It's not too expensive, and it's the perfect solution for both extremes of the makeup spectrum (and everyone in between).  Here are some tips to finding the right look for your event.

Get a Sneak Preview
A trial run is a great way to see what you can expect for your big day!  Make sure to bring a trusted friend for that all-important second opinion.  Also, Nancy will take "before and after" pictures for you to see your results.  This is a great way to see how you and your makeup will photograph, and if you're comfortable with your look.  Doing your trial run a month or so in advance will allow plenty of time for any adjustments, if necessary, to get your look absolutely perfect.

Know What You Want
Clip photos from fashion magazines or grab shots of your favorite celebs to give the makeup artist an idea of what look you are going for.  It's a lot easier than trying to explain it all, and it will give Nancy a reference point to work from.

Stage a Dress Rehearsal
Happy with the finished results?  Not so fast.  It's a good idea to try on your dress to see if you like the look of your makeup and if it fits the occasion.  What works with your favorite white T-shirt might not look as good with your dress or special outfit.

Wear It Out
Take a close look at yourself a few hours after your trial makeover to see how the makeup wears on your skin.  Does it last or fade away?  Check for color changes or allergic reactions -- let your make-up artist know of your experience so that modifications and adjustments can be made if necessary.   Then you'll be good to go! 

Additionally, use these tips in the months leading up to your special day!  The first thing to get right is your skin and eyebrows.  I would recommend a proper skin care regimin at least 4 months prior to your special day.  This includes a gentle exfoliating masque, once or twice a week, such as our Skintelligence Facial Firming Masque.  This will greatly improve the clarity and texture of your skin.  Again, if your starting a new regimin, do so a few months before your special day, as it is common for your skin to break out and get worse before it gets better after any kind of new facial treatment.  This is especially true if you have never exfoliated before or if you have not exfoliated in a long time.  This result sometimes has to do with drawing impurities from the pores.  After the first month, your skin should be in good shape, with minimal to no breakout.  Eyebrows should be shaped and then cleaned up again, one or two days before the big day.


On the morning of your special day, make sure your skin is well moisturized about 10 minutes before applying your make-up. It is usually recommended that you have your hair done before your Make-up.

Q: What colors will work best for my eyes?
A:
Choosing Eye Makeup Colors
Find out which shades work best with your eye color.

 





 

Stumped about which makeup colors will bring your eyes into sharp focus? Check our cheat sheet for the best shades for your peepers:

 

If your eyes are: Blue Try: Brown and rose. Warm shades contrast the coolness of blue eyes, making them stand out. Apply from lashlines to creases and top with black mascara.

 

If your eyes are: Brown Try: Green and gold. Both shades will pick up the colored flecks found in brown eyes. Choose a slightly shimmery texture, and apply from lashlines to browbones, blending well.

 

If your eyes are: Green Try: Lavender and mocha. Purple shades contrast your color, making eyes look dramatic; warmer shades of mocha complement green, giving a natural effect. Wear mocha for day, lavender for night, and top both with brown mascara.

 

If your eyes are: Hazel Try: Deep green and pale yellow. Depending on your mood, choose a shadow shade that matches different flecks in your eyes. For a twist, apply shadow, then line eyes with the same color, using a liner brush dipped in water.

 

Anyone-Can-Wear-'Em Shades: Charcoal, chocolate, black. (Tip: Since they can look heavy on the lid, use these colors as liners to complement any shadow hue.)

Q: How do I apply make-up for my eyes?  Is there one look that works for everyone?
There is an EASY "No Fuss" way to apply makeup without the contouring and shading:
These 3 quick steps use a maximum of 3 colors:  light, medium and dark shades that work well together.
Step 1:  Lightest color is swept over the entire eye.  Especially used under the brow to highlight the brow bone and on the inside corner of the eye to open the eye.
Step 2:  Medium shade is applied to the lid and into the crease.
Step 3:  Darkest Shade is used as your line.  Applied dry with a eyeliner brush for a soft, smokey look.  Applied wet with an eyeliner brush for a more defined line.  
 
All women can follow the EASY eye make-up application above.  However, depending upon the shape of your eye, you may want to shade and contour your eye to make the eye appear larger or smaller, etc.  For these variations in shadow and liner placement, click here. 
 
 
Q: How can I achieve an Easy, but Classic look?
The Classic "Be Yourself, Be Beautiful" Look:  Easy, Fresh and You!  This look provides neutral colors that work great with all skintones.  Follow the basic steps for applying Eye Shadow (above):
 Figi Eyeshadow (light) - apply to inside corner of eye from lashline to underneath the eyebrow to highlight the brow bone using the eye shadow brush.

 

Bora Bora Eyeshadow (medium) - apply to lid with special double shader brush.

 

Espresso Eyeshadow (dark) - apply to crease, and just above lashline ">" and blend well into the medium shade using the small eye shadow brush. Then, using water to dampen your eyeliner brush, create a liquid eyeliner with this shadow applying onto the lashline; smudge if you want to soften the line.

 

 Rosetips Blush - applied on the apple of the cheek, then sweep up the cheek bone into the hairline toward the middle of the ear, then blended down.  You can also pick a second shade, one brighter with more intensity such as Spring, to add a "pop"of color on the apple of cheek.

 

Dusky Rose Lipstick - use this natural looking brownish pink lip color on lip for a matte finish.

 

Cameo Lip Pencil- applied to the lip as finishing touch, outlining, defining and preventing color from bleeding out. 

 

 Pink Clay Lipshine - a natural looking pinkish brown color, can be added for a glossy look.

Q: How long can I keep using the same make-up; doe it expire?
A:  Makeup bags contain products that are used often and can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Dermatologists say a messy makeup kit can lead to infection, allergic reaction, and even acne. The first step to ensure makeup looks great and skin stays blemish-free are clean tools. So, keep these tips in mind to avoid any potential irritations that may occur with dirty brushes and products.

 

You can't "clean" makeup, only the brushes. Wash your brushes weekly with a mild dish detergent or a specially formulated cleanser. Lay flat to dry and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away. Use one-use items like Q-tips or disposable sponges. Store makeup in a cool dry spot away from sunlight.

 

Now that your tools are clean, it’s time to look at the products you’re putting on your face. There is a limit to how much makeup you can use at any given time and makeup does go bad, so don’t buy more than you need. Don't share your makeup if you don't want to share germs. Bacteria can be found in used makeup, including staph, yeast and fungal infections. Mascara should be at the top of the “DO NOT SHARE” list as conjunctivitis (pink eye) is fairly contagious and viruses like herpes can be spread through shared lipstick.

 

General Shelf Life of Makeup:

 

Mascara: Mascara lasts 3-6 months and is the most prone of all makeup to harbor bacteria because the wand is constantly being dipped. A general rule is anything that is a liquid has a shorter life.

 

Concealer: Has a life of about 18 months due to emulsion (the ingredients will begin to separate). Also, remember you’re generally using concealer to cover blemishes, which can be more sensitive and prone to infection than other parts of your face.

 

Liquid Foundation: You should never use liquid foundation after more than one year. Always use clean fingers or a foundation brush to apply.  A sponge will soak up and waste a lot of product.  If you're partial to using a sponge, dampen it first; this will give you better mileage out of your foundation and a cleaner, even finish.  If the foundation separates or smells bad, throw it out.

 

Loose Powder: This item can last for years.

 

Eye Shadow: Lasts 12-18 months if it is a cream, 2 years if it’s a powder.

 

Lip Pencil: Can last 3 years due to the wood and wax. Remember to sharpen and cover between uses.

 

Lipstick: Can hold up for 2-3 years, but if there is a color change or rancid smell, throw it out.

 

Lip gloss: Don’t keep more than 18 months due to a different formulation chemical composition and the same dipping problem as mascara.

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I’m often asked “what colors will work best for my eyes?”  For the answer, we need to go back to elementary art class.  When you look at an artist’s color wheel, you can find your eye color and can simply choose whatever is the opposite. This would be the most "complimentary" shade.  It is also the complimentary shade, "opposite" shade on the color wheel.  The most complimentary shade for Brown eyes, is Blue. However, Brown eyed girls have it made since there are many variations of color that they can wear.  Don’t get so caught up in trying to be the exact compliment in your shade selection. If you have blue eyes you don’t have to wear only brown, but several variations of a brown from say peach, to orange based browns, to  would be stunning on you.

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