Weddings are my life right now and I thought I would share some pictures of one of my favorite brides:

Jordan Carson has been a regular client of mine for a few years. She is radiant in both personality and beauty. Sometimes people ask me if I have "bridezillas." Jordan is the polar opposite; she was thankful and extremely joyful while we worked to create her look on such a special day. She married her very best friend, Kurtis. 

Studio 6.23 photographed this wedding. If you don't know of them yet, they are husband and wife team, Mindy and Ben Peterson. I love them and their work! You can check them out at http://www.studio6-23.com

Class of 2015 Senior Photoshoot in Chicago

Class of 2015 Senior Photoshoot in Chicago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXr0DzVyuR8&feature=youtu.be

Senior Makeup

I love to do makeup for teens! It gives me an opportunity to hear how they plan to make an impact on this world. One of my favorite photographers to work with is Jodi Jarka- J Photography. Jodi is an amazing christian woman as well as a talented photographer. Here's some of my current work with her 2015 seniors:

www.jphotography.com

Senior Makeup Tips:

Lips-
Glossy, Shiny, Color! Lips are best in reds, berries, and pinks. Make a statement but be careful to maintain contrast. Dark haired girls – darker colors, blondes – lighter colors. Even if you never wear lipstick, a little color goes a long way. As a bare minimum, at least bring lip gloss to put a little shine on your lips for great senior pictures.

Face-
The color of your face should match the neck and shoulders. Use a SPF-free moisturizer and foundation to prevent glare and reflections and use a translucent powder to set. Bring extra powder for touch-ups at the studio. Airbrush makeup is strongly recommended.

Cheeks-
Don’t be afraid to have a little color on the apples of the cheekbones. Peaches and pinks look best.  It brightens up the appearance of the face and gives a healthy glow.

Eyes-
Well groomed eyebrows are a must. Enhance eyelashes with black, waterproof mascara. Dark brown eyeliner is a natural alternative to black and compliments all light shimmery eye shadows. Please do not wear any eye make up with glitter in it – those sparkles take away from the own sparkle in your eyes! We don’t recommend liquid eyeliners of any sort. Bottom liner should not extend to the inside corner of the eye. It closes the eye down making it look smaller than it really is. Stop just past the iris of the eye when looking straight forward.

Allison Bower Grand Rapids Makeup Artist: Question and Answer

I get asked a lot of interesting quesitons, so I thought I'd share some of my answers:

1. What is one of your favorite pictures of a client you did makeup on?

This was one of my fun fashion shoots. The model is Kristen Carlson who is also a photographer in CA. I love using bright colors that stand out. 

2. What was one of your favorite weddings? 

This is a picture of one of my very best friends, Liz. What a honor to do makeup on someone you truly love. 

3. Have you done celebrities?  

I mainly do makeup on Michigan celebrities. This beauty is Jordan Carson, who works for Wood TV 8. I just did Jordan's makeup for her April 2014 wedding. I am excited to post those pictures, soon. I have done makeup for the Secretary of State, Governors, Major of Grand Rapids, News Anchors, etc.

4. What are your favorite brands of makeup?

Laura Mercier, Nars, Chanel, Kett Cosmetics, Urdban Decay, Bobbi Brown

5. What is your favorite style of makeup? 

I love a bold, defined eye with contoured cheek bones. This beauty is a high school senior.

6. Why do you like doing boudoir makeup?

I think it is very romantic. I love surprises and most of my clients do a boudoir shoot to surprise their soul mates. I love pretty, girly things and these shoots showcase them. Most of my clients want "victoria secret" style makeup that they are not able to do themselves. 

7. How many weddings do you do a year?

I average around 40-50 weddings a year. All of them are different and I get to experience the joyful energy before they walk down the aisle. I travel all over Michigan! I have clients in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Chicago, Detroit, Traverse City, Lansing, Charlevoix, Holland, Grand Haven, etc. 

8. What hair stylist do you work with a lot? www.jennifergracestylist.com

Jennifer Grace Unger and I are very good friends. I work a lot with her and I think her work ethic and styling is fantastic. I love working with people who LOVE what they do. Jennifer is always catering to her clients. Like my hair? Well, she is also my hair stylist. :)

What is your makeup personality?

Many of my clients tell me that they want to look like themselves but more enhanced. I think your makeup SHOULD reflect your personality and style. Many people are confused by this so I found a great online quiz @  Makeup personality quiz.

Makeup trends may come and go, but ultimately you'll stick with the make-up styles that are most YOU. That's because both our personality and our tastes dictate what makeup we like and, consequently, wear. Not everyone, for example, likes red lipstick but then, there is Marilyn Monroe to consider...

A makeup personality guide from celebrity red carpet:

I'm a nudist

Nude and natural-looking makeup is a definite trend this season. Everyone is wearing it. This fresh, natural style brings light to your face.

This style appeals to... women who are quiet and perhaps well-balanced. It also appeals to women who are confident in themselves and want to let their natural beauty shine. ThinkDoutzen Kroes, for example.

I'm blinded by love for smoky eyes

Smoky eye makeup is another favourite. You can wear it dark orlight or even in a reverse style. Yet in all it's diverse forms, this style remains smouldering.

This style appeals to... women who have a stronger character and who aren't afraid to draw (and hold) a little attention during the work day or when out at night. Smoky eye women know that they are sexy... think Bond girl Bérénice Marlohe, for example.

I'll never look back from retro makeup

If you are trying out retro makeup, it is the time to model your look after one of those iconic stars of old. Retro is classic and, thus, will never go out of style. When we say retro, we are especially talking about cat-eye eyeliner and vibrant lipstick.

This style appeals to... the most audacious women in the room. Retro makeup is for those who don't shy away from strong, eye-catching statements. Think Rita Ora, for example, or Milla Jovovich.

So, which style are you?