emily j. - hair +makeup

New Blog and Website!

2011-10-14T11:38:00.002-05:00

Greetings! Please visit the emily j. hair + makeup team at www.emilyj.com and www.emilyj.com/the-gab.

Blog Hold

2009-12-09T11:15:00.001-06:00

Greetings! As you can see I have not been updating the blog. I am having my website redeveloped and along with that a brand new blog. I am excited to launch this and it should be ready soon after the New Year. Stay tuned!!!

Happy Holidays!

Emily

New Skin Care Regimen

2009-09-07T15:16:00.002-05:00

I recently started a new skin care regimen by Keys. I wanted to try something a little more "green." And that is what I got. They are all natural, gluten free products. And when I say natural, I mean natural. The ingredient list includes Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Carrot Seed Oil, Cumin Oil, Aloe Vera and Rosemary Extract to name a few.

I ordered from Organic Diva the Wendy's Day Time Skin Care Regime because I was able to get face wash, eye cream, a day time moisturizer with SPF and a nighttime moisturizer in a value pack for $69.95.

So far so good. No major breakouts after the change and it has been over two weeks. I will keep you updated on the progress. I think I made a wise move.

MN Bride Party!

2009-08-12T16:27:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos from the party at the Varsity Theater!

Lisa of Flora Bella + Maribeth of Red Ribbon Studio + emily j.

Molly of Apiary Design + Joy of Joynoelle + emily j. + Lisa of Flora Bella

emily j. + Mike (my fun, supportive & loving husband!)

Metro Update

2009-08-12T15:51:00.004-05:00

I have been doing some editorial hair and makeup work for Metro Magazine for the past year or so. Photographer Eliesa, owner of Photogen-Inc, creates the magic for this Self-Styled column. Here are the covers and images from the past 3 months and some photos taken of what happens behind the scenes. Enjoy!

Eleisa working it....

Mary O'Regan - Style Editor

emily j. beautifying....

August

July

June

Che Bella

2009-08-03T10:19:00.002-05:00

Friends of emily j. -- Make sure to check out the Fall/Winter issue of Minnesota Bride magazine “Best of 2009" wedding vendors feature. emily j. hair + make-up is honored, as is our good friend, Che Bella Boutique, voted best Attendant Gifts in Minnesota. Che Bella is an incredible source of handcrafted bridal jewelry and hairpieces, and has just launched a selection of bridal dresses that are “perfect for the style-minded bride with a smart budget.” Check out their fun attendant gifts as well as a signature line of bridal accessories online at http://chebella.com/index.html or visit their beautiful new shop located on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul.

Braids are Back

2009-07-17T09:14:00.010-05:00

A braid framing your face is a great style to try – especially for summer. The look can be easy-going or classy, stays in place, and works well with all different types of hair. Braids are also a stylish solution for keeping hair out of your face, especially for controlling unruly bangs.

How to style it: Begin by parting you hair to the side. Gather the section framing your face in a piece approximately one inch thick (take a thinner or thicker section of hair depending on how thick you want the braid). French braid sideways across the forehead and secure the end with a bobby pin above your ear or near the back of the hairline at your neck.

Here are some looks to try:

For a casual windswept look (perfect for a day at the beach), try the Hills’ Lauren Conrad’s loose braid – casual but still flattering – that she wore to an event at the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last April.

For a slightly more formal affair, try making the braid a little tighter and neater while also slightly curling the hair to give more body as Jennifer Aniston did for her trip down the red carpet at the 2009 Academy Awards.

For a special event, such as a wedding, where you want your hair up, but also unique, try a braided updo. A braid sweeping into a side chignon is a very chic option. You can vary the size of braid for different looks – from a single large section to many tiny braids gathered and swept to one side. Nicole Richie opted for a larger braid above, while Jessica Alba pulled off a smaller plait at the 2009 Academy Awards.

The Herringbone braid is another option for dressing up a look, especially for those with long hair. Hair gathered loosely at the top makes for a more unstudied and romantic effect.

Tip: For these stylish looks, use a light gel before braiding or mist with hairspray to avoid frizz and flyaways.

Thank You!

2009-07-14T10:34:00.003-05:00

I am writing with some wonderful news! In early spring many of you voted for emily j. hair + makeup to be honored as a Minnesota Bride magazine’s “Best of 2009" wedding vendor. Lasts week Minnesota Bride hosted their awards ceremony at the Varsity Theater and announced the finalists and winners.

Thanks to all of you and your support, emily j. hair + makeup won for Best Hair and Makeup!

I wanted to share the great news and thank you for your time, support and excitement for emily j. This is such an honor.

To see a complete list of the amazing finalists and winners head to www.mnbride.com or pick up your copy of the latest Minnesota Bride magazine at many of our local book stores and grocers.

The Perfect Pucker

2009-06-19T16:59:00.010-05:00

Cosmetic Challenge: Lipstick - Lipsticks, and even tinted lip balms, wear off too fast and they can look pasty and unnatural. Long wear lip color might sound like the answer, but a majority of brands make lips feel too stiff and dry. If you want a little bit of shine, you end up slathering on the glossy stuff only to have it smear off on your teeth, face, clothes, etc…

Solution: Lip/cheek stains give lips and cheeks a sheer, fresh, and natural look while also being comfortable to wear, water-proof, and kiss proof!

How to Use: If desired, exfoliate face and lips to slough off dry skin and ensure an even application. Apply stain to lips using the provided applicator or a Q-tip. Follow up with a clear lip balm for a more casual effect , or apply gloss to dress up the look.

Note: You can use the gel as a blusher as well – just apply 3 dots of stain to the apples of cheeks and rub them into skin using circular motions. Apply another coat until desired color is reached to compliment your skin tone. Set the gel with translucent powder for a natural look, or try shimmer powder applied to cheekbones to further highlight and accentuate.

Products to Try:

A big favorite is Benefit Cosmetic’s Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain. Available at Sephora in poppy and rose colors ($28 for 0.4oz), it comes with a brush applicator.

· Winner of Real Simple magazine's "can't-live-without-products-hall-of-fame" award

· Winner of Marie Claire's "Top 25 Products that Changed our Lives"

· 2008 Women's Health Beauty Awards - "Beauty all-star: Best cheek color"

· Voted "best blush" by Elle magazine in 2006

Also available at Sephora is Lorac's Sheer Wash in sheer raspberry, rose, and bronze ($20 for 0.3 fl oz), which comes with a roll-on applicator. Bonus – it contains Sodium PCA, a naturally occurring component of the skin that helps absorb moisture and reduce oil/shine.

Word to the Wise: Screw on the cap tightly – a leaky gel can really stain a purse or cosmetic bag!

Sister Fun!

2009-02-24T14:19:00.006-06:00

Last October I was hired to be Liz's makeup artist for her wedding. She found me through her fabulous photographer Shawna Noel. This past weekend Liz's sister Katie had her wedding reception and I was honored to be back with the family. I love it when I get to see my past brides again. Thanks Katie and Liz for having me back!

Below are some photos from this past weekend after getting ready with Katie:

Katie + Liz (check out those blue eyes!)

Below are some photos take by Shawna at Liz's wedding:

First Dance

Prep Time

Mimosa Time!

Valentine Love

2009-02-16T21:58:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday, I was thrilled to be part of Sara's day. Sara and her bridal party filled the room with stories and tons of laughs. Everyone, including grandma were adorned with some extra lashes! Below is a photo of the beauties of the day.

Vote for emily j.

2009-02-08T09:39:00.002-06:00

Greetings!
I hope this note finds you well.
I am writing to ask your help in getting emily j. hair + makeup honored as Minnesota Bride magazine’s “Best of 2009.”

I appreciate your support!

Here’s what you can do:

Go to www.mnbride.com and click on the large “VOTE” icon on the front page.

Please note that for your vote to count you must complete at least six of the categories.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Custom Dress Maker - Joynoelle

Accessories - Che Bella, Penny Larsen

Florist - Flora Bella

Invitations - Apiary Designs, Pulp Fashion

Bridesmaid Dresses - Flutter, Joynoelle

Attendant Gifts - Che Bella

Photographer - Photogen-inc, Adrienne Page, Shawna Noel, Patrick Clancy, Emily Steffen, Nicki Gordon

VOTING ENDS ON MARCH 1, 2009

Please forward this email to friends, family, and your wedding party attendants too.

Thank you in advance for your time!

Talk of the Salon...

2009-02-06T11:26:00.004-06:00

A few photos of my youngest client ever!

Noah Joseph.... what a sweetheart.

Royal Winter Wedding...

2009-01-26T21:53:00.003-06:00

This past Saturday, January 24th, I was honored to do Sally Kidd's makeup for her wedding day. We had so much fun getting her and her bridesmaids ready at the hotel. Mimosas for all and tons of childhood stories were told. What an amazing group of women!

Sally did however choose one of the coldest January days in 2009. I am not sure it got above 2 degrees. However, that did not stop them from enjoying our MN winter. Sally and her now husband Sam were featured in the Pioneer Press on Sunday because they also took part in our famous St. Paul Winter Carnival. They had there their very own photo session with the 2009 King and Queen in Rice Park. What a fun memory to have!

Below is a photo from the article in the Pioneer Press and the link to the story:

www.twincities.com/stpaul/ci_11547377?nclick_check=1

Foiled Again Announces....

2009-01-21T20:44:00.002-06:00

Their new Blog: http://foiledagainsalon.blogspot.com/

This is a great way to stay tuned with what is new in NE Minneapolis and at our shop.

Foiled Again Salon is where I hold chair hours to cut and color hair. I also do most of my wedding hair and makeup consultations at this location a well.

Ask the Expert!

2009-01-13T19:44:00.001-06:00

A quick note to share some exciting emily j. news. Minnesota Bride magazine approached me to serve as one of its new beauty experts. You can read my latest expert advice, “Creating a More Dramatic Eye on Your Wedding Day,” at www.mnbride.com. Click on “Ask the Expert” and scroll down to the Beauty section. Enjoy!

Che Bella + emily j.

2009-01-12T09:32:00.005-06:00

On January 4th I was honored to help out Jennifer of Che Bella at the Mpls/St.Paul Magazine Bridal Party. The event was at the Depot downtown Minneapolis which included an abundance of wedding vendors and a fashion show. Many of Che Bella's beautiful custom hair pieces and jewelry were featured at the runway show.

At the Che Bella booth, Jennifer and I were featuring her custom jewelry and hair pieces along with other bridal gifts and accessories. Jennifer also featured two wedding gowns she will be carrying in the shop this year. We met many brides-to-be and I was able to do a some quick updos on a few to show them the versatility of the hair pieces.

To all the brides-to-be out there... A traditional veil is always beautiful. However, I would also suggest looking into some hair pieces to add to your look. This is something you can wear with a veil or instead of one all together. If doing a veil and a hair piece, the jeweled hair piece can look stunning peaking through and then when you take the veil off after the ceremony you still have something special in your hair. They also make beautiful heirlooms.

Che Bella specializes in customizing any type of hair piece or jewelry. Bring a photo of your dress in and together with Jennifer, you can create your ultimate look.

Below are some photo from the show. Enjoy!

Want a greener YOU on your wedding day?

2008-12-12T12:46:00.004-06:00

I am having a “green” wedding and want to continue the trend with my skin care and makeup. Where can I find the best organic products and information?

Ann Garrity, is an amazing Minnesota local resource on “clean” and organic skin care product. She tells it all on her website, www.organicdivas.com. If you want to be educated how to have a “cleaner” beauty regimen, this is the site for you.

Suki, After Glow and Jane Iredale are a few examples of skin care and makeup brands she sells through her website. Also, one of the website’s best resources is its list of synthetic ingredients used in many beauty products. These ingredients have been studied and found can potentially cause cancer, birth defects and/or alter your endocrine system. This is a useful list to compare the ingredients of your current products and see what you might want to keep or toss.

One of my favorite products is the Jane Iredale Lip Gloss. Become an Organic Diva today!

Let It Stick

2008-12-02T12:27:00.004-06:00

One of my new favorite products. Urban Decay's eyeshadow primer. It is applied with a lip gloss wand, which is really easy to use. It dries clear, so there is no under tone color to worry about either. I have never used a better primer. Your shadow isn't going anywhere!

Tip: If you find your liner or shadow bleeds a little under your eyes too, try dabbing a little below your lower lashes before you do your liner for extra control.

This purple potion can be purchased at Sephora. Enjoy!

Che Bella + emily j.

2008-12-01T13:52:00.005-06:00

I am so excited for this weekend's event. I am joining Che Bella boutique and Adrienne Pag e for an evening of holiday cheer. Come learn some holiday hair and makeup tips and find yourself a new gloss for the season.

Recap

2008-11-28T23:07:00.008-06:00

So I admit, blogging was not my 2008 summer and fall past-time. It is now December and my last posting was in July. Horrible. My New Year's promise is to blog more. I am excited about this and hope this keeps me and you inspired.

Since I was clearly not keeping busy by blogging these past few months, I thought I would share some photos from a few weddings that did. (40+ weddings for 2008!)

July News!

2008-07-08T10:50:00.008-05:00

Back in May, Eliesa of Photogen Inc asked me to help her out with some hair and makeup for our local Metro Magazine. I was really excited for the opportunity to work with her! She is an amazing photographer... Check out her work at http://www.photogen-inc.com/

July's issue is now here...

This is the final photo they chose of William....

And then Metro asked me to be a contributor for this issue...

August and September to come!

Emily J.

Entering....

2008-07-03T08:56:00.003-05:00

I am now entering the world of blogging... I figure why not? It will give me the opportunity to discuss my latest favorite products, highlight some of the recent weddings/events I have done and even give out some answers to beauty questions that swirl around us. Let the blogging begin!