Skin Care: The Basics

Corianne Cowan April 13, 2016

When was the last time you updated your skin care routine? If you don't have a routine, it is time to get started. And if you have been using the same thing for 5 years . . . It's time for a change. I often advise my clients to choose skin care over makeup, "If you have to choose between investing in skin care or investing in makeup, choose skin care." Flawless makeup always requires beautiful skin.

Our skin is the largest organ we have and most of us need to do a better job taking care of it. This doesn't mean you need to have 5 products you use in the morning and 8 you use at night. It simply means protect, nourish and pamper your skin.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their skin and this can be based on your location or climate, skin type and even your age. It's important to assess your skin (or speak to a professional) before choosing the right products.

Once you establish a skin care routine, you must be consistent. Only change things up when necessary; like when the seasons change or you notice a drastic difference in your skin type.

The most common question I'm asked in regards to skin care, has to do with the order in which products are applied. Generally, serums are applied first, then gels, lotions, and creams. You want to start with the thinnest consistency. And if you have extremely dry skin, finish off with an oil.

What is your favorite skin care item that you own? And what would you like to add to your current routine? Comment below and feel free to ask any questions!

Stay beautiful! . . . Inside and out.

Bride Yvonne: Modern Downtown Atlanta Wedding

Corianne Cowan March 8, 2016

Last year, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing young woman, Yvonne. Not only is she absolutely gorgeous (with stunning red hair), she has a beautiful spirit and is so much fun!

Yvonne and her husband Clifton got married last May, at an amazing location in Atlanta, Georgia. Studio No. 7 is where they chose to hold their celebration; it's a creative space that includes an art gallery. I was so excited to work with Yvonne after speaking with her about her bridal style. She knew she wanted Hollywood waves for her hair and she would be changing into a jumpsuit during the reception! I'm all for a bride who decides to switch it up a bit during her wedding day.

*Image provided by 2nd Truth Photography*

I was honored to work with both Yvonne and her mother, providing hair styling and makeup for the wedding. We began our bridal glam session at Twelve Centennial Park Hotel, an upscale hotel in downtown Atlanta. It has an modern feel and gorgeous views of the city.

The amazing Janel Elise Events was there to ensure everything ran smoothly. Colleen of 2nd Truth Photography photographed Yvonne and Cliff's engagement photos, and was there to document their wedding day as well.

There are so many things to love about this wedding! I always enjoy seeing first looks, if the bride and groom choose to have one.

The emotion and love is so evident.

Here are a few more of my favorite shots from Colleen.

*Image provided by 2nd Truth Photography, Floral design by Victory Blooms*

And the gorgeous bride! . . . Who enjoyed every moment of their day :-)

Such a beautiful couple with an authentic celebration full of love and laughter! What's your favorite detail about this wedding? For details on the awesome vendors involved in this wedding, check below.

Stay beautiful! . . . Inside and out.

Photographer: Colleen of 2nd Truth Photography / Venue & Catering: Studio No. 7 / First Look Location: Studioplex & Living Walls mural by MOMO, Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta, GA / Designer & Wedding Planner: Janel Elise Events / Florist: Victory Blooms / Hair & Makeup: Corianne Elizabeth / Invitations:Minted / Pie Bar: Fredrina Bomar / Gold Linen: I Do Linens / Ghost Chairs, Linen, Tables, Chargers, Silverware: Event Rentals Unlimited / Lighting: Liquid AV / DJ: DJ dLux / Chalk Artist: Dayle Bennett / Metallic Place Cards/Favors: Klepac & Co / Gold Leaf Guest Book: Paper Jayne Books / Cocktail Napkins & Matchbooks: For Your Party / Ring Box: West Elm / Candle & Succulent Containers: CB2,H&M, West Elm / Candles: Ikea / Geometric Floral Centerpiece: West Elm / Bride’s Dress: Winifred Beanfrom The Sentimentalist / Shoes: Charles by Charles David from DSW / Belt: Hushed Commotion from The Sentimentalist / Rings: Anna Sheffield / Earrings: Borrowed / Backdrop Necklace:DeniseJewelryDesigns / Reception Jumpsuit: Missguided / Nails: Minx rose gold by Buff Nail Bar / Groom’s Suit & Shirt: J. Crew / Shoes: Allen Edmonds / Band: Blue Nile / Cufflinks: Jos. A. Bank / Bowtie & Pocket Square: The Tie Bar

Wedding Planning: Bridal Beauty Research & Inspiration

Corianne Cowan February 29, 2016

Happy Leap Day! Welcome to our Leap Blog!

Enjoy the great ideas, tips and inspirations as you Leap along through the blog leap.

You may just be starting the blog leap or may have come from Katie Snyder Photography. If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you make sure to see and learn from all of the articles featured here today.

Getting engaged can be such an exciting time, and for many, it's when your obsession with Pinterest begins. Most of my brides hire me as soon as they choose their bridal gowns, and this is essential because your gown, hair, makeup and accessories are all a part of your bridal style.

When I speak with my clients one of the things I ask them to do is send me their bridal Pinterest boards or to create a board of hairstyles and makeup looks they want for their wedding day. This helps me as your artist to better understand what you desire: as your version of "natural makeup" may not be what I interpret as "natural makeup." After years and conversations with many brides and many clients, I want to offer you some advice, so that you are pleased with your bridal look and beauty experience.

Think about the season and your venue - Be sure to keep your venue in mind when looking at photos. For example, if you are getting married outside in a botanical garden will you want all of your hair down? The answer will be different for each person, but keep things like this in mind.
Your complexion - When looking at photos of different makeup looks, look for individuals who skin tone is similar to yours. If you have very tan, olive skin, it will be difficult for you to picture yourself with certain looks if you're pulling a lot of photos of models/brides who are extremely fair.
Your day-to-day look - Consider how much makeup you wear on a daily basis and how you typically wear your hair. To go from no makeup to "smokey eye, contour, red lip," is too much for most people. This is not to say it never works, just consider your comfort zone.
Hair color and thickness - For sometime now, braids and whimsical updos, have been quite popular in the bridal world. The intricacy of braids show up best on those with blonde, light colored or highlighted hair. A braid can be incorporated into almost any style, but may have a very different feel depending on the color and length of your hair. The same is to be said for thickness. A messy, whimsical updo works best on those who don't have thick hair.

Most importantly, remember that YOU are beautiful. Your features, your hair, your eye color is what makes you beautiful. We live in a world where just about every photo we see has been edited somehow. I can't tell you how many times I've had clients ask me why they can still see their pores, when I've completed their makeup look. It's important to understand that the photos you see on Instagram are highly edited 90% of the time. It's unfortunate that even most makeup artists edit their photos so much, you are unable to really see the quality of their work. But real people have pores! . . . And there is nothing wrong or unattractive about that! My job isn't to change what you look like, my job is to enhance your beauty and to help you make YOUR statement as a bride.