Cosmetics & Cupcakes - Gives Back

I teamed up with my gal pal Sarah De Lachica from Sugar Shack Cookies and Cupcakes for a pretty, tasty afternoon.

We treated our guests to champagne, cookies, cupcakes, skincare & makeup. They received the best of feeling good as they took home their treats and treatments and we donated a portion of their purchase to Child Advocates, Inc.

Help-Portrait

Giving someone something that will make an impact in their lives.

Giving beauty, giving a memory, giving friendship... these are all Help-Portrait.

You Can Smok'em Out!

The last time you darkened the doorstep of your eyelids trying to create that perfect smokey eye, did you find yourself wondering who that prize-fighter was staring back at you in the mirror? If so, this is for you!

You will please the audience after your "smokey eye" lesson. Learn the go-to colors that work for you and how to apply them. Grab a gaggle of your girlfriends or make it private. Contact me for details on this complimentary lesson. You'll be a knockout!

You're Gifted

You can win the role of fantastic and functional gift giver this year because the sarimotley cosmetics gift guru is here with a few ideas.

You might not be able to tie a bow around younger looking skin, but...

Pair do-over daily moisture creme with co-q 10 with dollface nourishing night creme , and you'll get miraculous moisture, anti-oxidants and a well kept secret to great skin. And NEW for body, try smooth-operator creamy body buffer and velvety body lotion to smooth and soothe beautiful body skin.

Smoke'em out

Create a traditional smokey eye "kit" with these three richly pigmented mineral shadows: volcanic ash, titanium & platinum.

Don't be a tool

Great brushes can take an ordinary makeup look to extraordinary! Find great tools to make that next makeup application a sensational cinch.

For more ideas on skincare and makeup gifting, or to create something personal - send an email to sari@sarimotley.com

Less IS More

Friday night after sushi happy hour I had my little friend Jill perch herself in my chair...

I selected three colors from my favorite contouring pallet and went to town. We ended with a slightly sheer red lip, a neutral feathery lash and a few photos in the dark.

Foursome

This marvelous little pallet is sure to be a hit this holiday season. It's perfectly portable, go-with-you-anywhere style will keep your lips lovely and cheeks charming. This limited edition purse pal is only $30. Get one for yourself and one for someone else. For info: sari@sarimotley.com.

Making The Band

Halloween was full of treats, one of which was working with these lovely ladies - Heather and the Heatherettes - who transformed from everyday girls to KISS.

Five colors, four ladies and a fabricated album cover!!

For a look that rocks, contact sari@sarimotley.com. XO

Professional Makeup For Photography, Part II

Last month I blogged about photography makeup and the benefits of hiring a professional Makeup Artist. However, it is not always feasible to hire a professional, so here are some important tips for having your skin look its best on camera when going at it on your own.

First, know that less is more! Piling on extra makeup wont make you look your best; it's likely

to lead to a cakey mess. Also, makeup that looks great in real life may not look as good in photographs, you may want to experiment a bit.

Always start with clean, moisturized skin. Then prepare your skin with a makeup primer. Primers are so important in photography because they help to smooth skin and give the makeup something to hold onto for a longer-lasting application.

Once you have prepped and primed, it's time to work on the "look" you want to create. It may be a natural look, something glamorous, a boudoir photo session or your bridal portraits. Play with color that accents your favorite features. For eye shadow, use colors that flatter and remember to blend. Do not use shadow that has too much shimmer or frost; these do not appear as flattering on camera.

Apply foundation evenly over the face, blending into your neck. Make sure that the foundation matches your skin tone appropriately. Remember that your skin is not one-dimensional; this is where contouring comes in handy. Contouring is great for helping define the natural dimensions of your face. Use a darker color that your foundation, but one that is tonally correct. Apply under cheek bones and other areas you want to sculpt.

Finally, use a lip color that makes you feel comfortable. The color should be at least a shade deeper that your natural lip tone. Avoid colors that are lighter than your lips since this will make them appear washed out on camera.

For more information on professional makeup application or to schedule a makeup lesson, contact sari@sarimotley.com.

Skincare Without Hair

As we are fast approaching Halloween, I wanted to share a little treat that will help you "do what what do without messing up your doo!"

Meet tassi!

Keep your hair out of your face when washing, applying makeup, getting a facial and more. This little fast-friend is incredibly inventive and a must-have for only $15. Get one for yourself and another for a friend, www.sarimotley.com.

Panty Party

Some one awesome had a great idea...

I have been working with a fabulous and talented photographer, Sara Catherine Photography, and she is offering a special rate for group boudoir photos. You get your own camera time (30 - 45 minutes), the advantage of special set pricing and a little girly party time to boot!

What a great idea for birthday party, bachelorette party or when you can't decide what to surprise your favorite fella with next. So grab a few of your bff's, the ones who you don't mind seeing you a little scantily clad, your beverage of choice, some snacks, your favorite lingerie and your favorite Makeup Artist - yours truly.

Custom packages are available, contact Sara directly for more info: sara.schoenfield@gmail.com. You can also visit her boudoir blog at www.getexposed.wordpress.com.

Professional Makeup For Photography, Part I

Not everyone is a professional with makeup. Many women know the basics, but a professional makeup artist is fully equipped with tools and skills that are essential for looking your best in pictures.

A professional makeup artist can effectively hide blemishes and scars, and knows the right tricks to emphasize your best features, while diminishing the less desirable ones. Additionally, she/he will have insight on how to create the right look for the theme of your photo shoot.

For more information on professional makeup application for photography, contact sari@sarimotley.com . Check back soon for Professional Makeup For Photography, Part II -Tips for creating the perfect look on your own.

Photo: Sara Catherine Photography

Sneak Peak

Here is just a tiny sneak peak at a really fun photo shoot with bigsara. Check out a few more pictures here.

I Once Read

"By age 20, you have the skin you inherited; by age 40, you have the skin you deserve; and by age 60, you have the skin you've earned!" (July 1998, Smart Skin Care)

Take care of your skin, it's never too late.

Purple's Reign

Last month's ALLURE magazine had a great article on the wearability of purple and reported, "Wear it soft, wear it strong, wear it with shimmer or liner or all smoked out; there's is no eye-makeup color as universally flattering." And it's so true. I've been playing with purple on just about everyone that sits in my chair to see how amazingly perfect these heliotrope-like colors are. Purple is the perfect blend of beautiful blues and robust reds; some warm, some cool. Here are a few pics on purples, more to come in September.

Purple speaks to all skin tones, you just have to listen. Two of my sarimotley favorites are hyacinth and nova, a perfect pair to meet your violaceous needs. For more information on how purple can work for you send me an email at sari@sarimotley,com or go to the contact form.

Having It Just So

This before and after "bridal pictorial" stars the one and only Sara S.

Sara is a gal who knows what she wants, and will have just that! When she thinks her brow color might be too dark, and all-the-while I'm wondering if it might be too light; magically, she and I on the the same page. Her desired look: eyes-neutral, liner-black, lash-simple and the lips-just so.

I've wanted to post these for a while, and now that wedding has come to pass, enjoy these bridal portraits courtesy of Holly Hoyt Photography. Holly has a passion for capturing a "story" that reflects personality, life and emotion... her work is truly lovely.

Tool Of A Sculptor

In an earlier post (Naked & Brazen) I touched on brows being sculpted, and left a little dangling carrot about an upcoming and useful accessory...

Without further ado, let me present the mysterious brow designing tool, brow sculpt.

This defining, accentuating and setting tool of the trade will have your brows in perfect shape. Available in two shades (brunette & blonde) and cleverly packaged, this all-in-one creation is a makeup bag necessity. Get yours today!

Wink, Wink

This before and after pictorial theme, featuring Louisa Hamlin of Houston: sexy, simple eyes.

Just like any great look, this one starts with clean, fresh, hydrated skin. We created a very "nude" smokey eye with color from the new Fall 2009 collection that oozes soft and simple. And added a lash that, ever so delicately, says "come-hither".

Louisa Hamlin is a Houston area Style Consultant whose mission is "to make strutting out the door with confidence as easy as possible." You'll find Louisa shopping with the likes of brides-to-be, H-town's savvy single set and dolling-up young professionals for galas, luncheons, interviews and more. For more information on Louisa visit www.louisahamlin.com.

An Apple A Day...

Dear Brides and Lovelies seeking a bounty of boudoir attire,

I read, heard and had seen a buzz about this new Houston lingerie boutique - The Glossy Apple (web site might not be up just yet), and popped in for a visit Saturday. In short: the boutique--fabulous, selection--beautiful, staff--lovely. The store carries so many brands, styles and prices; it's hard to focus on just one.

If you are planning a "photo shoot", getting ready for the BIG night or a big night, stop by, let them share and help; your result will be nothing less than the sexy you imagine. For more information contact The Glossy Apple's Galleria area lingerie boutique at 713-621-0808.

Now on FaceBook

Become a fan of SARIMOTLEY COSMETICS on Facebook!

Fanship has it's privilages.

Standing @ Attention

Collection photo of sarimotley for your skin, dig in: www.sarimotley.com

Use This For Great Feeling Lips

Looking for super-smooth lips my friend? Your answer is here in this little clear jar, amazing lip polish! You too can have the perfect "go to" treatment for kissable, soft lips. Get yours now, it's amazing.

Priorities

A great review...

"I did a trail run with my fantastic makeup artist Sari Motley, and what she did was amazing. First of all, getting a makeup artist was a top priority for both my wedding day and bridal portraits. I am 24 years old, yet forever mistaken for high schooler, and I still break out a lot. With pictures being taken and all eye on me, of course I want to look my best. The best part about Sari is that she sells her own makeup line of awesome products, and she can work with you to find the right shades of everything. And, if you're not savvy with makeup, she can also give you some makeup tips for everyday use. Bottom line is she is so sweet and I lover her work and her products: am so glad that she's agreed to travel to do my makeup. If you live in Houston defiantly check her out: www.sarimotley.com!"

Read the full story at weddingchicks.com.

Naked & Brazen

Fall '09 preview with sarimotley...
If you're in Houston, Texas you know it's a hot, sticky mess out here. But that doesn't stop fashion from happening right before our prettified eyes. So here's a sneak peak at what's in store for Fall's fashion-face.

That barely there look becomes nearly naked as true nudes (like washed peach and soft spun gold) break down those barriers creating an intentional coquetishness, all the while your brows are sculpted and facial dimensions are precise. Stay-tuned for new brow specific tools and more.

And on the flip side of naked, meet brazen; this is where Fall 2009 says "welcome", but with a flashy and purposeful color story (impressive plums, regal navies, commanding titaniums). Think 80's but with a goal...

Be ready when the season arrives: learn the art of contour, use your makeup brushes to apply everything and don't forget to make a statement.

Batter Up Lash Lovers

Knock onlookers out of the park; wink, wink... Fun, flirty and fabulous lashes, that's the best way to describe what's in store for your peepers. Yes, you guessed it, sarimotley has the best offerings for your lashes, so make these tools yours my friend. Shop now...

What's your pleasure?

• Want to grow darker, richer, longer lashes? Give BioLash Beautiful a try. This lash enhancing formula will improve the length, strength and fullness of your lashes with one simple nighttime stroke. This safe and natural formula, made from 100% natural algae complex and ginger root extract, will lavish the lashes that will soon be the envy of others.
• Mascara Much? Meet HD... this formula sends an invitation to every lash to come into sharp, high-definition focus.
• Piece De Resistance: Pick your pair, any pair. When building, curling and builing some more is not quite enough, find your favorite pair here. Enjoy false lashes that are natural, fun & flirty.

Houston Brides Magazine

Red My Lips
Ruby-red kissers are back en vogue, according to the newly re-branded sarimotley cosmetics (713.292.6711, sarimotley.com)... visit modernluxury.com to read more on trends to try or pick up a copy of the magazine here when you stop by for your scheduled appointment.

SPF (Staying Pretty Forever)

In case you missed the email, here is a little press re: sarimotley from www.julib.com (houston)

sun set

"it's been a little more than four years since H-town-based sari motley launched her clean skincare collection (read: recognizable ingredient list) chock-full of toners, facewash and moisturizing prods. now, motley is adding an antioxidant-packed, non-greasy, non-whitening sunscreen to the mix ($21). available online at www.sarimotley.com

Brow Coiffure

As I continue in my 2009 series of "before & after" stories, I want to introduce you to lovely Laurel. Laurel came for a "brow lesson" tonight, let me share.

First off, there aren't many women who feel complete, without paying a little attention to the brows; so Laurel, you are not alone.

Powder is a great and natural looking way to fill in (sparse) brows. I like the mineral matte shadows in sand, dusk, cashmere or twig. The powder is more likely to stick to the skin, not the hair. If you don't have a lot of hair, shading in the skin where you want a fuller brow is ideal. I picked two shades for Laurel to find the most natural look. One color was very similar to her own brow color, and the other was slightly deeper.

After we had the shade selections, we prepped the brows. You can do this with a brow comb or clean mascara wand. Next, I showed her how to fill in the scant areas using a combination of our two colors and an angled brush. Short, feather-like strokes applied in the same direction the hair is growing gives a more natural appearance — think of it as creating a feathery line to mimic hair.

Last, we finished with a clear brow gel to help keep brows and color in place.

From Girl to Girly

I had a makeup lesson with Jena earlier this week, the results - nothing less than perfectly beautiful.

Jena came to me for a "how to" on just about everything. Since her present routine entailed sticking her head out of the car window for a blow dry, we started with the basics. First, the importance of skincare. Next, lash curling - this is a step often neglected, but so worth doing. I think Jena now agrees. Then we covered foundation all the way to finishing touches. It's a lot of information when you are new to makeup, yet seeming crucial when you really want to put your best face forward. See Jena before and after.

To schedule a makeup lesson for yourself or someone else, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit my contact page.

Summer's Must-Have Makeup

With Summer comes longer days, lighter fabrics (weight and color) and LIGHTER makeup. Try these tips for sizzling summer days or sultry summer nights:

I find that most gals like to keep their makeup simple when it's hot outside. Try this easy-as-pie routine for a day-time look, it's perfect.

• Sheer foundation. I love this one with spf 20, and it's packed with antioxidants as a great-for-your-skin bonus.
• Bronzer. This is a "must-have makeup", it will enliven any complexion. Swoosh a little over the areas of your face where the sun would naturally highlight your features – forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin.
• Lips. Try your favorite color in a sheer shade or gloss - somethings that says "airy smooth", not "barely moves".
• Mascara. You can add definition to your eyes without color. Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler. Black mascara works for most, but fair should opt for brown. Sweep the mascara brush back & forth (like a windshield wiper), then one horizontal swoop to evenly distribute the color.

For Summer nights it's OK to "glow" for the glam, here's how:

• Eyes. To create gorgeous eyes that speak for themselves, apply a medium-toned shadow lightly over the lid, and blend a darker color into the crease.
• DO NOT forget mascara at night. Remember, mascara is your WOW factor for the eyes.
  Curl lashes with an eyelash curler. I like black mascara at night. Start at the lash base and move up beyond the tips to lengthen, wait a few moments then add another coat. If need be, use a lash comb to remove clumps.
• Highlight. Glow ahead, you can do it... my favorite sheer mineral skin treat will have you literally luminous.
• Cheeks. Look for blush colors that say, "I love to vacation" sans the sun damage.
• Bronzer. When bronzing for evening, follow the same steps you would for day, but add a little extra on collar bones, back, etc. go on now, get glowing...

xo, sari sari@sarimotley.com

Allure Says

I happened upon an ALLURE article, and wanted to share. It's called: The 10 Beauty Mistakes That Add 10 Years. I found the information so valuable to looking great and being timeless. Here are six points that really spoke to me, and I added a little sarimotley adaptation:

Foundation is Too Thick
When your makeup is too heavy it can draw attention to features you are likely trying to diminish. Go with a sheer foundation, like the sheer mineral tint (with spf 20). Cake may be tasty, but looking "cakey" is no real treat.

Foundation is Too Light
Here you go: note to self, go warmer as you get older. When foundation is lighter than your natural skin tone it can magnify fine lines. Also, incorporate a little luminescence. Try the sheer mineral veil, its light reflective minerals will have you looking gorgeous, not gloomy.

Too Much Concealer on Dark Circles
It's apparent that under eye skin gets thinner as we age, so applying thick concealer will only accentuate what we are trying to hide (conceal). Keep this area light and bright by using mineral products and always apply with a brush. With a brush you are better able to get the product right where you want/need it.

The Big Apple... Of Your Cheek
There was a shift in blushing, suggesting that applying to apples of the cheek created a more youthful appearance... And it does when you are 20!! When we age, and gravity is more apparent (sagging skin), applying blush to the apples will likely draw attention to gravity's work (sagging skin). Apply color (my new favorite: coral sun) on the highest point on your cheekbones, and not too close to the nose.

The Migratory Pattern of Lipstick
As we age, the natural lip line begins to fade, which causes feathering and bleeding. Trace lips with a nude or clear lip pencil to keep color in its intended place, your lips. My favorite lip "tools" are: nude lip pencil for recreating that vanishing lip line, and the lip volumizing gloss in five sheer shades. When used regularly (3 x day for 29 days), this gloss will help increase lip volume, reduce lines and improve lip moisture.

Shimmering Shadow
If you're like me, then you probably love a little shimmer... But as we age, it's best kept to the inner corner, center of lids and just under the brow bone. Create your best look with a combination of eye shadow textures from matte to a slight shimmer.

Read this ALLURE article in its entirety at: http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/makeup-skin-care-hair/staticslideshowallure.aspx?cp-documentid=19543405&GT1=32032.

Bridal Event = New Friends

Today was our Business Collective's Afternoon of Bridal Indulgence. This special event welcomed brides-to-be to an intimate party at the sarimotley cosmetics private showroom. Our guests were able to meet one-on-one with members of our small business group offering services and goods ranging from hair and makeup to flowers, photography, videography, jewelry, and more.

Our four-hour gathering included light bites from Midtown’s Farrago, samples from Sugar Shack Cookies & Cupcakes, jazz piano from Henry Darragh, door prizes, and a fashions styled by Louisa Hamlin.
A big and generous thank you goes out to all of our vendors, hosts and hostesses and our new firends.

Our Collective: The Bayou City Business Collective is a private Houston-area group of young women entrepreneurs that provides support, inspiration, and networking opportunities for its members. Through bi-annual events, members collaborate to market their goods and services to the public and within their personal networks. For more information about the Bayou City Business Collective, contact Louisa Hamlin.

Four Days Away

In conjunction with the Bayou City Business Collective, I am hosting a Bridal Party at the SariMotley Cosmetics private showroom. This event will feature a fashion show with style consultant Louisa Hamlin, lite bites from Farrago, sweet treats from Sugar Shack Cookies & Cupcakes , makeup tips and tricks from yours truly, sarimotley and more.

The private event has reached an RSVP max, so we are looking forward to a very busy afternoon; pictures to follow. For additional information about this event, please send me an email (sari@sarimotley.com).

Be You, Be Beautiful

When deciding on your bridal look, don’t lose your true beauty... Makeup that takes away your uniqueness is not the way to go. Remember, enhance to romance.

For more tips on your Wedding Day makeup, contact sari@sarimotley.com.

Image courtsey of emily and monkey tree photography.

Favorite Night Treatment

Change the way you feel about your skin overnight...

One of the new players on my skincare team is dollface nourishing night creme. If you long for poreless, porcelain-like skin that has people convinced you’re ten years younger, dollface nourishing night crème will be your new best friend. This highly effective crème—with non-toxic, natural multi-fruit acid complex—removes dead skin, increases collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines, sun damage and hyper-pigmentation. Wow!

If this is not already on your must try list from sarimotley cosmetics, send me an email (sari@sarimotley.com) today.

Exfoliation: No More Rubbing You The Wrong Way

Exfoliation is a method used for removing dead skin from the face and body. Once the dead skin is removed, “exfoliated”, new, smoother skin is more noticeable.

Our skin is constantly exposed to destructive influences from environmental aggressors like over exposure to sun, pollution and second-hand smoke, as well as the off-putting result of poor diet, alcohol and smoking. The effects from all of these influences are likely to decrease with regular exfoliation. But mind you, this is no invitation to sunbath, smoke cigarettes and booze it up, thinking exfoliation will prevent your skin’s demise.

Exfoliation works by reducing the likelihood of clogged pores and further preventing them from becoming blocked. It allows the skin to release natural oils, and helps stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in a more youthful you. Also, exfoliation helps lessen the appearance of age spots (you know, those unsightly brown spots that emerge over time). And another advantageous benefit, your skincare products will work more effectively because they are better able to penetrate the skin, providing ultimate nourishment and truly meeting your skin’s needs.

Don’t just long for fresh, smooth skin, get it! Here are two genius ways to go from dull and flakey to silky and soft skin that resonates luminosity:

polish skin-smoothing microdermabrasion creme
A truly natural microdermabrasion crème that improves skin’s circulation while whisking away dull-making flakes for a luminous, more polished you.

welcome reviving sugar scrub for dull & flakey skin
A simple, sloughing and smoothing sugary scrub—packed with healing raw honey and dead-skin dissolving fruit extracts—turns skin from dull into desirable.

amazing lip polish
Looking for the perfect pout? Pucker lines are no match when this luscious treat meets your mouth. The results, nothing short of savvy-smooth, kissable soft lips; truly amazing.

Choose your way to softer, smoother skin today: http://www.sarimotley.com/.

What is "Natural"?

This one of my favorite articles from newsletters past...
The idea of “natural” skincare has become increasingly popular. Some people are choosing natural products because they have a growing concern about ingredients they are putting on their skin. Or they like the way it feels. And others because, well, because it’s becoming increasingly popular.

A product may be touted as “natural”, yet still contain ingredients that are artificial, synthetic and non-renewable (meaning it cannot be re-made, re-grown or regenerated compared to its consumption). When you are choosing natural skincare, no matter what your reason, choose wisely. Here are a few tips that might help with your natural skincare selection.

• Look at the ingredient listing. The product should contain many natural ingredients.
• Do not be swayed by technical-sounding names. While they may be hard to pronounce, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires product labels to contain scientific names. If you see Boswellia carterii in your moisturizer… eeek? No, this is the botanical name for frankincense, whose essential oil is helpful in rejuvenating the skin. So do not shy away from odd sounding names before you do your homework.
• Know the skincare company and what they believe. This may not be easy when you pop in to the supermarket or drugstore to pick up a moisturizer. But many of these companies have public knowledge available online.

Sarimotley cosmetics always welcomes your questions about ingredients, formulations, etc. For inquires send an email to sari@sarimotley.com.

Be wise and be well. Sari

Welcome

I wanted a place to share information with you, a place you could go to in your underwear (if you wish) and read about caring for your skin or finding a great lip color. Whether it’s something I formulate or find, I will share with you what you desire to know for pretty amazing skin. For more info about me, check out the 411 on my website at www.sarimotley.com.

Belive that you are worth taking care of. We all have an inherent value that deserves to be honored and by taking good care of yourself, you can do that. If you agree, I welcome the opportunity to serve you. Come back often...

XO,
Sari