Studio Love

This most amazing thing that has happened to me so far this year is working in a studio with the most talented, professional people.  The energy that our team radiates while preparing for a shoot is entertaining and the results that we produce are miraculous. Transformers. Premium makeovers - Transformations is what we call the sessions. People walk in timid but before they leave, they are comfortable in their own skin; they let their hair down - they are transformed into self-expressed beings.  

 

Our Transformations sessions have been a success so far and we look forward to creating more memories; allowing people to develop their own identities, giving them looks that they absolutely love; and making them look and feel unbelievably beautiful.   

 

Caitlyn

 

Jameela, Bride-To-Be 

Energetic Jayde

 

 Tag Team! Terion and Karen perfecting the look with right before the shoot. 

 



Varsha

Sandy

HDMI is located in Atlanta, GA. For booking inquiries, please email mychokolatekisses@gmail.com

 

Kisses For Your Journey!

4 Ways to Brighten Up Your Makeup This Spring

Spring is here! What better way to show off some of your favorite spring colors than expressing them with your makeup! I love wearing bright colors, however, there is a right and wrong way to wear them. Read on for the best tips and tricks on how to brighten up your makeup to get a fun, flawless spring look!

 

1. Colorful Lips
Don’t ignore all the fun shades of pink! Bright, bold lips are a great way to brighten up your makeup. Find the perfect shades for your skin tone and rock those perfect lips! Try adding some lip gloss to your lipstick routine and give it a little shine. Be bold! Add some subtle blue and green hues to your routine.

2. Bright Eyes
Make your eyes pop. Don’t be afraid to wear colorful eye shadows! 

I am a big fan of introducing turquoise into your beauty rotation.  Make your lower lash line pop!

3. Highlighting
Highlighting is a great way to brighten up your face this spring! Highlighting is an amazing way to enhance your facial features. It will help give your skin a flawless look this spring! Follow this guide brought to you by Kevin Aucoin in his popular book, Making Faces.

4. Don’t Forget The Blush!
Most women forget to add blush to their makeup routine. Adding blush will instantly awaken your look. Don’t be afraid to use brighter blushes! Lighter blushes tend to fade as you blend your makeup. So start purchasing shades that have some color to them.

Be daring enough to try some of these fashionable tips! Get out of your comfort zone of wearing neutral colors and start being bright and bold for spring!

Happy Spring!

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

Date Night Makeup Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day means it's time to find the right look - everything from hair and makeup to a head-turning outfit.

Whether or not you will be spending the night with friends or someone special, here are some hair and makeup ideas that will help you find the perfect look for your night out.

If your V-day plans include getting all dolled up, sexy is def the way to go.

A sexy smoky eye a la Kim Kardashian or RiRi is the perfect sexy Valentine's Day look.

 

When choosing the right color for a smoky eye it's best to go with a dark color like charcoal grey or a yummy chocolate brown. Next, find your lip color. A bold lip color is too much when paired with a smoky eye so it's best to compliment them with a subtle nude lip color and a coat of clear gloss.  Finish the look by sweeping your hair into a loose up-do.

 Want to do a bold red? To prevent messy smears, try a long-lasting lip formula. Try Christina Aguilera's favorite, SeneGence LipSense in Blue-Red. It's an 18-hour semi-permanent lip stain.

Having a glamorous night with the girls? Then make sure to bring out the bold, bright colors and the vixen heels. For a fun and flirty night on the town try a hot pink or coral lip color. These shades are perfect if you want to make an entrance and get noticed. Don't be afraid to use bronzer. Bronzer will compliment these fun makeup colors and make your skin glow.

 

Pair your look with a bun or ponytail. This sleek and stylish hairstyle will accentuate your features and bring focus to your eyes and lips.

For a low key night out with friends or a night in with your beau, just keep it simple.  Makeup for a night in should be soft and subtle so add pink gloss to your lips and give your cheeks color with a few swipes of blush. Don't forget to pump up the lash volume with your favorite volumizing mascara.

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyday the 14th!

 

Blushgram

Having a Mundane Monday? Here's something to brighten up your day & make you blush.  For more Makeup Monday tips, follow me on Instagram.



 

 

 

Kisses For Your Journey!

 

Exercise Your Options - Working Out With Makeup

So the New Year brought about New Resolutions and Im sure yours was to get fit, right? It's always better to go au natural when working out, but some women still insist on getting glammed up before hitting the gym. Fashion aside, the question remains: Is it OK to wear makeup while working out?

 

Tyra Banks roughting it during her workout.

 

Kim K. roughing it druing her workout.

 

Decide here and now to excercise without makeup on.  Um, who are you trying to impress? First of all, let us just say that if you're going to the gym and working up a sweat, you have a right to look as bad as you want - we are big believers in hitting the gym to work out, not to win a beauty contest. Second, you dont want to be remembered as the girl with smears, drips and splotches of makeup on her face. 

 

Besides that, wearing makeup and sweating isn't a good combo. The reason for this is fairly simple. When we exercise, we increase the volume of blood to our skin and when we get warm, our pores open wider. Sweat can then get into the pores and clog them, and having foundation and makeup on top of that can spell d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r for our skin - causing bacteria build-up and other ugly side effects.

 

Ok, so, maybe you're meeting an old friend there (or hoping to meet that cute guy by the free weights), and you want to look your best. Or, perhaps you just like to look good no matter what you're doing - there's nothing wrong with that either!

 

Since you just can't bear to leave the house naked, we can help! Here are a few tips to help you get through your workout with a pretty face:

• Concealer - just wearing a touch of concealer under your eyes will hide a lot of flaws.
• Waterproof Mascara - this will save you from Raccoon eyes.
• Tinted Moisturizer - while you're working out, you want to put moisture back into your skin.
• Lip Gloss - using regular lipstick will only dry your lips; go with the gloss and glaze.

Whether you choose to look fashionable with or without makeup on, keep in mind that sweat, germy gym equipment and outdoor pollution can all clog your pores. So, after a good workout, be sure to give your face a good cleansing. As always, rehydrate with plenty of water as you exercise.  Your skin will reward you with a nice glow and luminous appearance.

For more ways to look hot at the gym, just be fashionably fit with new gym clothes.

Happy Sweating!

 

So So Def's 20-Year Reunion Concert in Atlanta!

 

On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, I was invited to be a correspondent for Celebrityitis Magazine for the So So Def Recordings Press Conference held at the Atlanta City Hall.  Jermaine Dupri and So So Def recording artists announced their 20-year anniversay concert.  Various past and present So So Def artists and music contributors, such as Bryan-Michael Cox, will come together on one stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

 

So So Def Recordings is the home of the most amazing platinum-selling aritsts including Jermaine Dupri, Xscape, Bow Wow, Jagged Edge and Da Brat.  They will celebrate 20 years of hit-making music, along with Bone Crusher, Dem Francise Boyz, Kris Kross and many more. 
 

Introduced by our very own, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed,   “Atlanta has a thriving music industry, and So So Def Recordings has been an important part of that legacy for the past two decades.  This milestone is another example of why Atlanta is the entertainment capital of the Southeast. I am pleased that So So Def has called our great city home for 20 years, and I wish the company continued success for many more years to come.”  Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, Da Brat, Kris Kross, Dem Franchize Boyz, Bonecrusher, Xscape, Dondria stood graciously on the platform.  Jermaine Dupri explained that the reunion concert will be a “rare moment in music”. 

Veteran music executive Michael Mauldin took the stage and explained why this anniversary means so much to the city of Atlanta and how it contributes to history, especially in Black History Month.  "So So Def Recordings will forever be recognized as a prominent leader and contributor to the music and entertainment business throughout the world and we are grateful to have done so in our home city of Atlanta, Georgia. We are proud to call Atlanta the home of So So Def,” Mauldin stated.

 
 

Mr. Dupri also took the time to acknowledge Kris Kross, not only are they pillars in the So So Def movement, they had everyone wearing their pants backwards and jumpin to "Jump" back in 1992.  They will be celebrating their 21-year anniversay for the record at the concert. 

 

The concert will have a series of events, including a private VIP dinner, a star-studded Anniversary party and a pre-concert reception. A 20-song (the irony) “Best of So So Def” compilation CD is also in the works for a June release.

The concert is slated for Saturday, February 23rd at the Fox Theater.  Concert tickets go on sale Saturday, January 19th and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of my fave artists from the 90's and the early Millennium. Take a look!

 

"Attenchuuuuun!" -Bonecrusher

 

"So let's take a ride with the Brat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat on that ass" -Da Brat

 

Lookin' good & smellin' good, Jagged Edge

 

Super Producer, B. Cox

 

"It's S-O-S-O-D-E-F dynamite!" - Jermaine Dupri



 

YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS - GET YOUR TICKETS!

 

Happy Reminiscing!

-Kisses

 

Are you addicted to celebrity news? Well, you've got the "itis"! Indulge! www.celebrityitis.net for events and celebrity buzz!

"Celebrity Indulgence At Its Best"

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.

Types of Beards - Grow The Right Style For You

November is slowly ending and your beard should be growing like crazy. Now what? What kind of beard should you shape it into? Puzzled about where to start? Find the style that suits you.  Here are some beard styles that you may want to follow.

Anchor
A chin beard that is grown long into a point and styled with an accompanying mustache to resemble the shape of a ship's anchor.

Anchor Beard worn by Zac Efron

Balbo
A wide chin beard that covers the chin as well as a small area beyond it, accompanied by a separated mustache.

Balbo Beard worn by Johnny Depp

Chin Curtain

A longer beard grown only along the lower portion of the face, covering the chin and following the jawline.

Chin Curtain worn by Abraham Lincoln

Circle Beard

Facial hair consisting of a chin beard and mustache connected by hair along the sides of one's mouth, thus forming a circle. Also called a "door knocker." Sometimes referred to as a "goatee," though technically the goatee refers only to hair growing on the chin area, not the mustache.

 Circle Beard worn by Kanye West

Full Beard

A beard characterized by coverage on all areas of the face: upper lip, chin, sides, and sideburns. A full beard can have either a styled or integrated mustache, and can be clipped close or grown long. There are many possible variations of the full beard.

Full Beard as seen on Duck Dynasty

Garibaldi

A wide, full beard with a rounded bottom and integrated mustache.

 

 Garbardi Beard worn by Rick Ross

Goatee

A beard formed by hair grown only on the chin area.

Goatee worn by P. Diddy 

Hollywoodian

A beard with integrated mustache that is worn on the lower part of the chin and jaw area, without connecting sideburns.

Hollywoodian Beard worn by Leonardo DiCaprio  

Soul Patch

A small tuft of hair under the lower lip. Also called a "royale" or a "flavor saver."

Soul Patch Beard worn by Mario Vanpeebles

Spade

A large, long beard, connected by sideburns, without a mustache. Also called a "Shenandoah."

Spade Beard worn by Freeway

Van Dyck

A goatee accompanied by a mustache; usually the two are not connected.

Van Dyck Beard worn by Colonel Sanders



Whats your favorite beard style??

Happy Growing,

Kisses!

November is National Beard Month

It's cold outside so I expect to see more grizzly faces this season.  

November is National Beard [Growing] Month.  Join the challenge!  Okay, so you may initial start off with a sloppy look, but hang in there. You'll get over it.  You'll be grateful for your patience at the end in exchange for a bunch of beard 4 weeks later! 

I asked my BF to join the challenge. Stay tuned to see the transformation.  Photo taken 11.05.12

Start here:

• Schedule your plan to coincide with your vacation to stay away from friends, family and coworkers.  This can get ugly.  If you must, keep your beard tapered once a week.

• Give your face a final clean shave to remove trapped dirt and make way for succeeding hair to grow evenly.

Want to grow a beard even faster? Try these!

• Eucalyptus Oil - It stimulates blood flow around the hair follicle to promote hair growth.

• Rogaine - (don't laugh) Even without FDA approval, many people used the “hair stimulant” property of the anti-hypertensive drug to induce hair growth. Be cautious when trying any drugs that aren't FDA approved for facial hair. If these products are consumed too much over time or rubbed in extra amounts, they can cause serious damage to the skin. It even induces severe side effects like a lapse in your blood pressure.  So be careful in choosing a product to grow a beard. 

• VitaBeard - Specially formulated to aid beard growth, this dietary supplement which contains B-complex, Silica, MSM and other vitamins, is not only reported to promote facial hair growth but also alleviate the "itchy beard syndrome".

• Biotin - This should sound familiar if you're a naturalista reading this.  Taking one capsule daily can increase metabolic reaction to strengthen hair root.

Will you join the challenge?

Happy Growing!