Q & A

Heeyyyyy.....

Thanks for checking out my blog this week! How is it already March 1?!?!

We have a LOT of things to cover! I asked for my followers to submit some questions that I could answer through my blog and you all did amazing!! I got so many great questions and such a great variety, and I think I want to split this Q & A into a few blog posts so it doesn't get too long.

So lets jump into it!

1. How did you get started with makeup?

To be honest, hairstyling came before makeup. In high school, I was always playing around with my friends hair and was always doing updos for friends for any kind of school occasion. I didn't really find my passion for makeup until cosmetology school. Then I knew I wanted to pursue both fields as a wedding hair and makeup artist.

2. What are some of the best brands of skin-care that are affordable and available at the drugstore (Target, for example)?

One of the product lines I have been recently trying that is available at Target is the Pixi by Petra line. They carry both skincare and makeup products and they are in a more affordable price range. So far I am really loving the products that they offer. Their skincare line offers toners, cleansers, masks, moisturizers, exfoliators, and more. Originally launched in London, this brand is passionate about its skincare line which is infused with a variety of botanicals and other beneficial ingredients. Check them out!

3. Favorite lip plumper?

I don't use lip plumpers very often anymore, but two of my favorite brands are BUXOM Full-On Lip Polish (this one has a million shades), and the Too Faced Cosmetics Lip Injection Extreme. (this one is clear)

They really get your lips stinging!

4. How do you feel about continuing education in your industry?

Continuing education in my industry is a must! Just like in any profession, continuing education helps you to grow in your skills so you never get bored or stuck in a rut. In my industry, trends are always changing, and its important that I know how to keep up! I love learning from the gurus of the industry, both about their technical skills and their business savvy skills. It helps keep me fresh and also helps me be able to give my clients the results they want.

5. Do you shave your face?

I don't shave my face, but I have waxed it before! I don't really need to do anything with the hair on my face; its not that pigmented, but if I needed to remove it I would wax it.

6. Black or brown mascara? Which is better and whats the difference?

I feel like brown mascara is a good option if you are looking for a really subtle look. It can be less bold than going black. Personally, I have never used brown mascara on myself. But for a relaxed, everyday look, it can be a good option. This same kind of concept applies when using black vs. brown eyeliner.

This choice can also depend on your skin tone. If you have darker skin, you may want to use black so it really pops on you, whereas fair skin will allow even a brown mascara to stand out. But this really all comes down to personal preference.

7. How do you keep your skin clear?

The process of keeping your skin clear and free of breakouts is different for everyone. I personally know my skin and know what works for it, and this may not work for anyone else. I try to exfoliate once a week with my Vanity Planet Spin for Perfect Skin brush. And I wash my face every night to get all the makeup off.

No matter what you do, you should never sleep in your makeup! This clogs pores and is bad for your skin. At a minimum, you should cleanse and moisturize your skin everyday and after working out. In wintertime, you may need to moisturize more than normal.

Additionally, you should avoid touching your face throughout the day. The average person touches their face 2000 times a day!! We often do this without even realizing it, but this can allow oils and germs and bacteria from things we touch to sit on the face. So next time you catch yourself touching your face, think about keeping your hands OFF!

Another thing you probably hear all over is don't pick or pop breakouts. This is true! Leave your skin alone! Messing with blemishes will only make them more irritated, and can lead to permanent scarring. Instead, try putting some Tea Tree oil on the bothersome spot and see if that helps. It has soothing and disinfecting properties that can help clear breakouts.

8. How did you come up with your business name?

This might sound funny, but I remember the word ethereal being a vocabulary word in my sixth grade class. I thought it was a cool word, and then I kind of forgot about the whole thing. But the word stood out to me then.

The word Ethereal itself means celestial or heavenly. When I was first starting out my business four years ago, I was creating a website, buying business cards, and having a logo made. But I needed a name! Somehow it came back into my mind and thats where the name came from!

9. What is your process from start to finish when working with a bride?

When working with a bride, or any client really, I want the entire process to be smooth. I usually receive and inquiry asking for pricing and more information. I send this along as well as letting the bride know I travel on location for her wedding day, that we can meet for a trial beforehand, and that she can reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns.

At the time of booking I require a deposit to secure the date. Upon meeting for a trial, we discuss all the bride's concerns and what she is looking for in her wedding day look. I walk her through the process and make sure her whole style is to her liking, making any changes along the way. I then write down the products I used on her and take photos of her style.

A week before the wedding I reach out to confirm date, time, location, etc. On the wedding day I try to handle all of the clients with ease and efficiency, making sure the bride doesn't have to deal with anything extra that will stress her out. It is my goal to make sure everyone receives their services in a timely fashion so they are ready to go when the time comes.

After the wedding, I usually reach out to the bride asking her to write a review of my overall services. This helps me to improve and make any changes to better help brides and other clients in the future.

10. What are some foundations that pair well with oily skin?

If you have oily skin, you want a foundation that will help to balance out the oil your skin naturally produces. So you should choose a mattifying foundation. A couple of my favorites are the Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Powerless Foundation and the L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation. I carry both of these in my kit and I love them. Another mattifying foundation that would help control oil is the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longer Foundation.

Basically any foundation that is matte will help keep those oils at bay!

11. What are your hobbies?

I love to read and work out and spend time outside (in the summertime ;) I enjoy cooking (and eating) and playing with my puppy, Comet.

12. What are some tips on covering blemishes?

As mentioned above, Tea Tree oil can be great for helping soothe those blemishes that are oh so obvious. Lavender is another essential oil that can help. If you have to cover up that acne with makeup heres what you do:

make sure the area is clean

prime the face

apply a concealer (if the spot is especially red, you may want to use a green concealer to cancel some of the redness)

blend out with a beauty blender

apply your foundation

use some kind of powder to set the foundation

Remember, less is more so don't feel like you need to cake makeup on the spot, that will only make it worse.

13. What is the part of working with your clients that you love the most?

I love working with my clients because each one is unique and my work never repeats itself. I am always touching different peoples lives and I love the time I get to spend with them, even if it isn't for very long. I love helping them feel beautiful. Reminding them why they are special is a big part of my work and I love being able to touch their lives in that way.

14. What is your favorite brow product? Why?

Currently my favorite brow product is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade. I've had it forever and it really works well for me. But in my kit I am loving the Morphe Brow Palette. The palette has 6 shades, a wax to set those unruly brow hairs, and a concealer to clean up any lines.

15. What is your favorite eyeshadow brand? Why?

My favorite eyeshadow brand at the moment is Too Faced Cosmetics. But this is a hard choice because in my experience with makeup I have found so many amazing eyeshadow brands out there. Too Faced just produces some great bendable and pigmented eyeshadows. I keep a lot of their palettes in my kit and they help me create some amazing looks.

But I also love the Morphe eyeshadows, as well as the Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadows. I couldn't pick just one :)

So.... what do you think of the first Q & A? Do you want to read more? I have some more great questions from my followers that I can't wait to answer in the coming weeks!

Have a question? Message me so I can include it in my next blog!

I'll talk to ya next week!