The Tranformers

Sunday was our first time working in the studio.  Sandy Darrell was our first client.  She's an emerging fashion stylist who has spent her early life in New Jersey, moved to Bermuda to start her family, and now currently living in Atlanta.  Her style is classy and chic. We spent a total of two hours transforming her entire look. 

I started off with sculpting Sandy's brows. She normally gets her brows threaded, but unfortunately I forgot my threading tools at home [grrrr...I didn't think that I would need them], so I shaped her brows by tweezing. I normally don't like to shape brows by using tweezing as my only method, but because Sandy isn't new to the pull by threading, she was a trooper with tweezing. 

Before applying makeup, I used a primer. Although Sandy's skin is free and clear from blemishes and harsh lines, primer was still necessary for keeping the oil from her skin at bay to provide a smooth canvas for the foundation to stick to. I used a concoction of Iman and MAC products for concealing and for her full makeup coverage. I chose warm, gold hues for her eye shadow, since she planned on having numerous wardrobe changes. Then switch of the lip was the best move. I started off with a bold red lip for her black & cream dress. I used MAC Ruby Woo as a thick liner and added a touch of MakeUp Forever Aqua Cream in red for dimension. To complement her peachy dress, I went for a nude lip with NYX Creamy Beige. Sandy's final ensemble consisted of an all black dress complemented by a Cosmopolitan Fascinator Hairpiece, so I had to end it with a banging oink hue, Matté Sweet Pink by NYX.

Sandy's skin remained perfect throughout the shoot; with just a couple touch ups on her blush here and there, her makeup remained in tact.

It was a pleasure creating the look for Sandy that she absolutely loved. The transformation was amazing. It brought out something in Sandy that she already knew she had - self-expression and true beauty.

It's great to work with the most humble and talented artists I know. It's been a long time coming, but we're finally here  - specifically at 614 N. Valley Brook Dr., Decatur, Ga. 30033.

The Studio: HD Media

The Hair Stylist: Terion Montgomery

The Photographer: Steve Darrell

The Makeup Artist: MyChoKolateKisses

The Model/Stylist: J'Adore La Mode

Love & Kisses,

Karen

Hello Winter!

Brrrrrrr...Fight dry winter skin. Since your skin produces less oil in the winter due to the absence of sunlight and heat, you’re left with dry skin.  There is less humidity in winter air, which causes any moisture you may have to evaporate right off of your skin.

 

Here are some usesful tips to ensure your skin looks healthy and radiant in frigid weather.

 
Tip #1: Exfoliate

Take the extra step - it’s worth it! It’s important to exfoliate during the winter because dry skin will clog your pores resulting in breakouts. Some scrub cleansers can be harsh on dry skin, so try baking soda.

Tip #2: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

You need a heavy moisturizer this season. Have no fear! You can go back to your beloved oil-free moisturizer in the summertime, but you need a heavier moisturizer infused with humectants to draw water from the atmosphere into your skin. Hydrate with honey! See the benefits of honey here. Not convinced? Try Organic, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil paired with Pure MSM Cream - your skin will look instantly plumper and firmer.

 

Tip #3: Avoid Harsh Acne Products

Avoid alcohol-based products in the winter.  They can be too drying and can backfire by intensifying redness in your already sensitive skin.   Reduce the dryness. Buy a product made with witch hazel rather than alcohol to avoid stripping the skin. If you have a breakout, use Tea Tree Oil. That pimple will be zapped overnight!

Tip #4: Bring the Humidity in Doors

Invest in a humidifier.  Air is naturally drier in the winter and since we spend most of our time in doors during this season and getting dried out by heating systems.  So humidifiers are a must.

Happy First Day of Winter!

Engagement Season Is Here!

 Makeup by MyChoKolateKisses Makeup Artistry

'Tis the season! Did you know that it’s officially “engagement season"? Did you know that 1/3 of couples do get engaged from November to February? Maybe it’s the family gatherings. Maybe it's the family portraits. Maybe because it's getting cold outside. Whatever it is, there is something in the air that makes this the season for engagements.

According to The Wedding Report, December is the most popular month for engagements. There are many reasons why the holidays have grown to become the most popular time for engagements; family is in town, everyone can be involved, everyone is in the holiday spirit, love is simply in the air…um, and sales LOL.

The holidays are a perfect time to propose, which is why it is the most popular time of year to pop the question.

If you are considering MyChoKolateKisses as your Makeup Artist, give us a call at 770-820-5927 or shoot us an email mychokolatekiss@gmail.com – don’t be shy.

Happy Holidays!  Kisses!
 

Last minute touch ups before Stephanie walks down the aisle!

 

Last minute touch ups before Fatima walks down the aisle!

 

Visit www.mychokolatekisses.com for Karen's portfolio.

MyChoKolateKisses Makeup Artistry Backstage at Bronner Bros. Int'l. Hair...

I was honored to be a part of the nation's most leading African American hair and skin care companies. The show comes to the Georgia World Congress Center twice a year. People of different backgrounds, cultures, shades and preferences had one thing in common - hair. This year, the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show celebrated it 65 years serving the hair and beauty industry with its products and giving us the best show. It is considered to be the world’s largest beauty and trade show of its kind, the event will includes a comedy show, church service and a legendary “Barber Battle.”

So here I am backstage at the hair show. Three days of creative hairstyles, makeup and wardrobe.

Here's a #picstitch of some photos that were taken backstage. Makeup done by yours truly :)

If you love Chokolate, Click. Like. Fall in Love & Share with a Friend!



Until next time,

Kisses!

Skin Magicians

For a model, a good skin care routine should not only be personal, it is important for a career move. Get your complexion ready for close-ups with these photo-ready tips, tricks and crisis solutions.


Flaky, patchy skin and acne are not a girl's bff, especially when you are a model. Okay...so, computer programs can work its magic on pimples and baggy eyes, but there's no program in the world creative enough to generate real healthy, radiant, even-toned skin. Everyone isn't lucky enough to be born with radiant skin. Some of us have to work at it but it can be achieved with proper skin care. Models who lack proper skin care regimes present a number of obstacles for makeup artists. Not only are we faced with the usual challenges of creating gorgeous makeup applications that will last and not melt under hot lights, we also have to ensure that our work doesn't show up blighted on a beautiful model who has unflattering skin.

The makeup artists who specialize in photo shoots and fashions shows have a few tricks up their sleeves for presenting neglected skin to make it look its absolute best. Their biggest tips are no secret - just your normal back-to-basics tips that are very effective and easy to promote healthy, flawless skin.

Below are a few tips to get your skin photo-ready:

Cleanse - Your face collects all kinds of particles. Besides the particles in the air, your face is also exposed to chemical substances found in makeup. Since your face takes up a lot different facial beatings everyday, let's ensure that we keep it youthful and glowing. Cleansing is one of the best ways we can keep your skin as healthy as it can be and is one of the most important processes your face must go through everyday.

Tone - Toners close and tightening pores. Since you probably wash your face with warm water, which opens the pores to cleanse them, toner helps to close them back up. It prepares the face for a smooth makeup application.

Moisturize - Normal cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and flaky. A good moisturizer is essential no matter what type of skin you have. Try a light, oil-free moisturzier for oily skin. Use cream moisturizers for dry skin and apply it twice a day. Water-based moisturizers work best for combination skin types. Use a high spf during the summer and double up pn moisturizer during winter months.

Exfoliate Once a Week - Exfoliation is an excellent part of maintaining healthy, balanced skin. It prevents the skin from becoming clogged and congested. It keeps your skin looking fresh and glowing. Look for products with natural ingredients.

Get a Facial - When was the last time you treated yourself to a facial? Facials are not only a great way to relax, they give your face a deep cleaning, promoting circulation and stimulating a nice glow to your complexion.

Keep Your Climate Under Control - To ensure that your skin is hydrated, besides drinking plenty of water, invest in a humidifier. It locks in the moisture and prevents the skin from drying out. When the skin is dehydrated, lines become more visable.

Remove Makeup Before Going To Sleep. It is not okay to leave your makeup on overnight. Any makeup left on overnight clogs the pores, forms comedones and results in skin that looks and feels bumpy. Acne is not your bff. The dirt and oil stains your pillow cases and leaves behind all kinds of bacteria.

Care For Your Skin - Get back to the basics with a simple cleansing regime - cleanse, tone, moisturize. Prepare your skin for beautiful photos. You worked hard bookng the event so make sure your skin is as beautiful as it can be - naturally.

Although makeup artists are talented at finding the right foundation to fit your skin; colors that compliment your beauty; concealer to hide unevened tones; we can't magically fix what is going on inside. Beauty is definitely skin deep because it starts from within. You know the saying "you are what you eat" - this not only relates to weight, but to how your skin reacts to what you consume. The foods that we eat are processed, full of sugar and all kinds of synthetic substances. It influences hormone levels and effects the skins overall look. Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water keeps your skin fresh and beautiful.

When it comes to skin care, some people just don't realize what affects the weather, pollution and diets have on their skin. Plenty of water and a balanced diet can help some, but a good skin care routine is essential to healthy, fresh and vibrant looking skin for everyone.

Happy Cleansing!

In A Rush? Apply Mascara, Gloss & Blush!

This one is dedicated to all of my divas-on-the-go. Like you, I find myself rushing to get out of the house for work [or the gym] and I only have 5 minutes left to apply makeup, grab my keys and head out of the door. For a quick glam look, apply mascara, gloss and blush to your face. My favorite mascara is Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

What you'll love about:
• Lush collagen-enriched plumping formula and Mega Brush instantly build 9X volume, without clumps!
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested!
• The brush is washable!
For Best Results: Sweep brush from root to tip to plump lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water.

The gloss I cant live without: Co Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine.

I discovered this tasty gloss while waiting in line at Bath & Body Works years ago. This gloss lasts for hours without re-applying. Most of all, it smells and tastes great! Its super infused with Co Bigelow's clasic Mentha that refreshes your breath with a tingling sensation.

For my Blushing Beauties, try MAC Hushabye. Im not sure if they sell it anymore (im sure you can find it on ebay), but I love it. This is the perfect raspberry blush. Its sheer, natural and has lasting power. I wear it evryday.

So there you have it, Dolls: makeup in 5 minutes. Dont get caught putting makeup on in the car. I think its great because of the natural light, but officers and bad timing are against me. Putting makeup on in the car can be dangerous. Save yourself a ticket and a fender bender.

Eye Was Made For This Industry

I was MADE for this industry. Thanks to compliments on my makeup from strangers and friends alike, I decided to get into the makeup industry. I've always had a passion for makeup, especially eye shadows. A friend asked "why don't you just do makeup". I guess because I never gave it much thought. I just did it for me - for fun.

Just to give you a little background about me: After studying Criminal Justice, I enrolled in Cosmetology school where I obtained my license for my first passion - hair. Worked in salons here and there but I never got the clientele that I desired, I guess because I worked full-time as a legal assistant, it was hard for me to focus on hair. I lost the passion for hair but found a new love when I moved to Atlanta. Still with perseverance I gave the hair industry another chance. I enrolled in hair school AGAIN to complete my hours for Georgia's requirements. I started working in a salon/barbershop until a promising job fell thru. Don't get me wrong, there is money in the hair industry but its a tough world out here when they put you in the front chair, like ya boy on Barbershop, and everyone is thinking "Uhn uhhh, she aint touching my hair; I don't know her like that" Okay its really not like that but you have to have that hustle inside to get clientele and you have to put yourself out there. #notinterested.

So I start researching and soul searching and found that I could make more money without standing on my feet for a couple hours, just to turn around and give the owner %30 of what I made that day. I could simply transform blemishes to beauty within an hour and send my client out with a blushing, pinkberry smile.

Doors keep opening and Ive made so many connects within 3 months. I started my own makeup line, I'm currently working on a short film, and working on some upcoming fashion shows. I look forward to exploring what this industry has to offer. I'm ready, I was made for it.

-Kisses!