Shannon Caldwell
Dreamy Fall Styled Bridal Shoot
Dreamy Fall Styled Bridal Shoot
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Happy Balanced Skin with Sotoks and ODW

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On the first day of loveliness, my true love gave to me...
the happiest skin EVER!

This amazing combo of Limelight's Sotoks and One Drop Wonder have absolutely revitalized my skin and my clients, as well!  Sotoks is a fantastic serum that uses natural-based ingredients (Songyi Mushroom) to eliminate dark spots, lift sagging skin, and smooth fine wrinkles. The moisturizing base also works to hydrate and rebalance your skin cells. One Drop Wonder repairs damaged and aged skin cells and helps heal many common skin issues, including rosacea. Put them together and you have the perfect recipe for hydrated skin that makes the perfect canvas for makeup OR no makeup at all!

Every client that sits in my chair gets a quick treat of 2 pumps of Sotoks and a drop of "ODW" pressed into their skin. It never fails that they're instantly surprised at how instantly they feel and see the skin spring back to life.  "It's like you reconstituted a dried apricot!" is still my favorite response!  

I've fallen in love with a lot from the Limelight line...you should check it out, too

Order this amazing combo here: Sotoks/ODW Collection or go to the LimeLight page to explare the entire family of products!

Dreamy Fall Styled Bridal Shoot

This stunning shoot was featured on Utterly Engaged recently and I'm just getting around to sharing...http://www.utterlyengaged.com/dreamy-fall-wedding-inspirat…/

What an amazing group of vendors to bring this vision to life:
PHOTOGRAPHER Charla Storey Photography 
PLANNING & DESIGN Grit and Gold LLC
VENUE Brik Venue
FLORAL DESIGNER Oh Deery
STATIONERY & CALLIGRAPHY Letter Love Studio
CAKES Whisk Until Sweet
MAKEUP & HAIR Something You...Make Up Artistry
WEDDING GOWNS a&bé bridal shop dallas 
FURNITURE RENTALS RENT MY DUST Vintage Rentals
TABLETOP RENTALS Domain XCIV

I was reminded today...

I was reminded, today, of a favorite wedding back in 2011! While sitting in my studio talking with a colleague, photos from Amelias' bridal portraits popped up and I HAD to revisit this gorgeous day! 

This oilman & transplant surgeon were absolutely the sweetest and have just welcomed Baby Tower Two. 

Bryan and Amelia Tower married at Marty Leonard Community Chapel and had a gorgeous reception at The Ashton Depot Catering & Events. Florals were provided by Tami Winn Events with cake by Creme De La Creme. This event was beautifully captured by Jonathan Ivy Photography.

Lock it like its hot

First, I've got to thank Influenster for their generosity with the latest box I got dropped on my doorstep! Packed full of awesome from Kat Von D Beauty, it included two shades of the the Lock-It Concealer, the Lock-It Setting Powder and two super soft brushes. Of course I dove right in with abandon and LORD am I in love with this stuff. 

When #KVD launched this whole Lock-It line of products she did it with the quote "No one has to see what you don't want them to see!" and she stays true to this philosophy while addressing some concerns that go beyond the tube-insta-blog-esphere. 

The concealer is an oil- and paraben-free formula and is the ultimate secret weapon for a flawless finish. It works seamlessly on real people who aren't 23 with perfect skin and a proper sleep schedule. It's easy to apply & blend but locks down quickly without looking dry. I've had lots of favorite concealers but this one is joining the ranks near the top. I used the KVD Lock-It concealer brush and loved it even more...the fluffy synthetic fibers are beveled to really reach all the nooks & crannies while evenly applying product in all the right places. 

After I finished the rest of my face, I set the whole thing with the KVD Lock-it Setting powder and brush. This weightless translucent loose powder is formulated with Micro-Blurring Technology™, to set and perfect for a flawless, locked-in finish. The innovative formula uses delicate mica powders rather than the heavy, chalky binding ingredients found in other powders—reducing the weight by 30 percent. This silky, non-drying powder softly diffuses pores for a refined, camera-ready finish. Greatest news? This is formulated WITHOUT Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates. 

So there's the latest from here in #makeupland. I'm a lover of this cover & I'm not ashamed.

#KVDLockIt #lockitconcealer #lockitsettingpowder #katvondbeauty #KVD #influenster #beautyblogger #vodkaandeyelashes #something_youmuah#byobeautifulclasses

Creative Stretch

Every once in awhile I need to stretch my creative legs...don't get me wrong, I do adore weddings, but stepping back into a more editorial place was good for the cosmetic soul. 

Please enjoy this GORGEOUS sneak peek from the July 2016 installation of FABCO Dallas!

Credits:
Photographic art by Phaneendra Gud / Gud Photography
Model : Dakota Luevanos
Agency : The Dragonfly Agency
HMUA : Shannon Caldwell Dowling 
HMUA Assistant: Ashley Jane
Stylist: Britta Newton-Tarron / The Campbell Agency
Stylist Assitant : Amanda Willis Lanier

Another D Weddings+Something You sighting!

Lindsey+Jason had one of the most gorgeous weddings we've ever been a part of. So much so, that D Weddings has it gracing SEVERAL pages! 

http://dweddings.com/2015/…/21/lindsay-seidel-jacob-fleming/

Getting published never gets old...huge thanks to this amazing vendor team for the work that went into making this event a stunning reality:

Ceremony/Reception Site: Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center
Photographer: Jenny Martell Photography
Bridal Gown Designer: Matthew Christopher Bridal
Bridal Gown Retailer: StarDust Celebrations
Hair/Makeup: Something You...Make Up Artistry
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids Dresses Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Bridesmaids Dresses Retailer: Nordstrom
Flower Girl Dress Designer/Retailer: David's Bridal
Flowers: The Wildflower
Stationary: 5 by 7 designs
Cake/Desserts: Fancy Cakes by Lauren
Caterer: Culinaire International
Music: DJ JasonEsquire
Lighting: BEYOND
Videographer: CandleLight Films
Wedding Rentals: Suite 206. luxury event rentals; BBJ Linen; M&M The Special Events Company
Wedding Planner: Kimberly Rhodes, Hitched Events - Weddings & Celebrations
Wedding Designer: Hitched Events - Weddings & Celebrations and The Wildflower

What do the pros use?

People ask "what do you use?" all the time...my answer changes per-client/event every time except in ONE category. Eyes. The answer to that question is, unequivocally, Viseart Paris. Their shadows and brow palettes are the bar that I hold ALL cosmetics to.

Brilliantly pigmented, infinitely more blendable than anything I've ever used and hand poured with love by the lovely @anastasia viseart in Paris. 

If you haven't had your hands on these, you're missing out! Find the new collection at MUSEBEAUTY.pro!

Here's a ringing endorsement from @aileron_beauty:
"I again turned to @viseart . I am wearing mostly the #theorypalette minx version, but I did need to dip in the the cashmere version for my brow highlight. Since the minx was developed for medium to deep complexions, the highlight shade is a bit too dark for me. It's more like a base color on me. That being said, I do like these colors very much against my blue eyes. And I might have mentioned it before, but these viseart shadows are amazing. They are an absolute joy to work with and I feel that they have elevated my shadow game a thousand fold"

#vparis #viseart #viseartminx #viseartminxpalette #visearttheoryminx #visearttheory#viseartpalette #visearteyeshadows #warmeyeshadow #motd #makeupoftheday#makeupofinstagram #makeuplooks #makeuplook #eyeshadowlook #eyeshadowlooks#crueltyfreebeauty #crueltyfreemakeup #crueltyfree #crueltyfreecosmetics #eotd#eyeoftheday #makeupcommunity #beautycommunity #aileronbeauty

10 Commandments of Contouring

Ever since this blog was posted on Glossible (written by our very own Shannon Caldwell), we have seen it circulate on the internet like a cat meme. We thought it time we post it on our blog! 

Let it be known, if a southern woman is saying it's time to tone down the makeup... it's time. 

1. THOU SHALT NOT USE BRONZER AS CONTOUR.

Shadows are not tan, they have not been to the Bahamas.

 

Pro note: choose a contour shade slightly deeper than your own skin tone with a cool undertone. This best mimics a shadow.

2. THOU SHALT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE TIME AND PLACE WHEN CONTOURING.

Pageant? Drag show? CNN? Tear it up…go full Kardashian.

Class? Church? General Public?
Go easy and remember that actual people are looking at your actual face (with their actual eyes) 

Unless you want them to actually laugh at you, you should not look like you fell asleep on a Snickers bar.

SNICKERS FOR A SNACK, NOT ON YOUR FACE

3. THOU SHALT STEP AWAY FROM THE SPARKLY SHIT WHEN IT COMES TO THE HIGHLIGHTING STEP.

4. THOU SHALT BLEND.

And blend again. And, Sweet Cosmetic Jesus, blend again. Especially on your damn nose…it looks like you rolled an Oreo down the thing for fun.

5. THOU SHALT NOT USE INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST OR YOUTUBE AS REFERENCE FOR HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR FACE.

Call a pro, ask them how to best YOUR “bring your best face forward” and take some serious notes. And maybe some video. These girls know how to contour their own faces, not yours. Hire a pro!


6. THOU SHALT REMEMBER TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR “SCLUPTED” FACE WITH A LOVELY SHADE OF BLUSH TO BRING IT ALL TOGETHER.

And then thou shalt BLEND.

ONE MORE TIME, BLEND.

7. THOU SHALT STEP INTO THE GLORIOUS SUNLIGHT WITH A MIRROR AND TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHETHER OR NOT YOU’RE ACTUALLY PULLING THIS OFF.

And then thou shalt BLEND.

8. THOU SHALT ALWAYS CONSIDER THE TONE OF ONE’S OWN SKIN WHEN CHOOSING THE PROPER CONTOURING AND HIGHLIGHTING PRODUCTS.

One shade does NOT fit all. Ever.

9. THOU SHALT REFRAIN FROM TELLING THINE PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP ARTIST HOW TO PROPERLY DO THEIR JOB.

Especially when it comes to Highlighting & Contouring, lest their eyes become permanently lodged in the backs of their skulls rendering them unable to finish your ridiculous face.

10. NEVER DRAW A PENIS ON YOUR NOSE. EVER.

LET IT BE SO.

 

Make Me Blush

If you've been following along over the past few days, you may have noticed a pattern. I like to keep it SIMPLE when it comes to the make up routine. I'm a mom, a business owner, a venerable chicken with it's head cut off...I need to look awake & it needs to happen FAST. Since that's the case, most products have to double or triple duty to make the cut. Enter: Convertibles.

A "convertible" is a product (in this case, a creme) that can do two things very well (in this case blush and lip color). I'm a huge fan of stila cosmeticsConvertible Color and NARS Cosmetics Multiples. Both are incredibly pigmented but beautifully blendable to provide a gorgeous, sheer wash of color wherever they're needed. It's an easy technique that anyone can do! Just tap onto cheeks and press onto lips for a fast makeup fix anytime. If you're a fan of my bridal artistry page Something You...Make Up Artistryyou're likely to see it on every single face that graces the pages.

My favorite stila cosmetics color is Lillium, hands down. It's so easy to wear an works across all seasons. Get it here: https://www.stilacosmetics.com/products/convertible-color or at Frends Beauty!

If you're a NARS Cosmetics fan, go here http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/multiple and check out the stunning shade selection in stick form. My favorite is 413BLKR, which is perfect for the holidays!

‪#‎stilacosmetics‬ ‪#‎narsissist‬ ‪#‎frendswithbenefits‬ ‪#‎dfwmakeupandhair‬

Here Kitty Kitty

There is absolutely NOTHING I like better than a good kit. Even before I was a fancy make up artist I gravitated towards well curated collections of things that worked well together. In my early days as a MUA, I found myself very aligned with Trish McEvoy and her approach to make up and tools.

Until very recently, if a client came to me to streamline their cosmetic existence, this MakeUp Planner was my undisputed go-to. (I've since added some incredible options to my arsenal, but more on that later.) During my traveling days, it was my personal make up kit for this very reason. It puts everything in one place, making it easy to access and stow. That is a little piece of magic to me because, if I'm left to my own devices, I have some hoarder tendencies.

Here are some deets from our friends at Gus Mayer on how to make your make up planner work for you:
1. Pick your Planner: Depending on how much makeup you wear and whether you typically apply it at home or on-the-go, select a Petite, Mini and/or Large MakeUp Planner.
2. Pick Pages: Each Planner holds up to three pages. Get the Page size that fits your planner. I can put any pan from any manufacturer into their magnetized pages, and I do.
3. Pick Colors: Pick pans of eye shadow, bronzer, blush and powder for your Pages and choose your favorite makeup pens, pencils and lip colors to complete your look.
4. Pick Brushes and Tools: From a few multitasking essentials to the perfect brush for every feature, your Planner features four custom, elasticized pockets to keep your brushes in top condition.

Once you have all your things in one place, find a way to donate your un- or gently used cosmetics and personal care items to a good cause like Dress for Success!

You can get your Planner, Pages and Products at Trish McEvoy's site http://www.trishmcevoy.com/c-32-makeup-planners.aspx or at your friendly neighborhood Neiman Marcus!

You Da BB Bomb

To carry over from yesterday's Something You...Make Up Artistry Advent Calendar of Loveliness about staying hydrated, I want to talk about one of my FAVORITE products of all times, the BB Cream! Specifically Dr. Jart+ US Water Fuse!

So, you're probably asking "what IS a BB cream?" because they are the latest things and are literally everywhere {read: in every line} right now. A BB Cream (BB=Beauty Balm) was originally developed as a "post-procedure" cream to treat, hydrate, prime, protect, and camouflage. They're perfect for every skin type, especially those with sensitive skin, and are formulated to do it all! BB Creams treat the skin with high levels of active skincare ingredients; moisturize and smooth dehydrated skin; prime and perfect skin’s surface; camouflage and color correct the skin tone; and protect skin from the sun with SPF. They can be used as a last step for their skincare benefits or used on their own as an instant beautifier.

I typically recommend Dr. Jart WaterFuse to clients who are fair skinned, as they only have one shade, but have been surprised at how broad the spectrum of skin tones it can cover beautifully. I always suggest that one spend on skin care & foundation if there needs to be choice made and a high quality BB Cream takes care of both things at once.

Personally, I use mine as a "one step wonder" directly out of the shower and it's the perfect thing for the person-on-the-go, be it mommy, student or any carbon based being, really. A little mascara & creme blush...boom, wide awake!

You can get this (and many other amazing Dr. Jart products) at a friendly neighborhood SEPHORA near you or at
http://www.sephora.com/water-fuse-beauty-balm-spf-25-pa-P28…

Buh Bye Dark Circles!

Tis the season to be tired! People ask me ALLLLL the time about their dark undereye circles and I've just gotta tell you that there's a fabulous solution!

I've used a lot of things in my years and my current favorite, works-every-time, never-fails, just-a-dab-will-do formula is the It Cosmetics Bye-Bye Undereye Anti-Aging Concealer.

I could go on and on about it's numerous attributes (besides being crazy concentrated,crease resistant and just generally awesome), but I'll let you read for yourself here: http://www.itcosmetics.com/bye-bye-under-eyer-anti-aging-co… .

What I WILL go on and on about is the company itself...their founder, Jamie Kern Lima, was a newsanchor with rosacea who could never find exactly the right formula that would translate to HD without feeling and looking cakey. She researched and hunted for the very best until she realized that her best bet was to make the perfect formula herself. And we're SO glad she did!

So much of her line is amazing that we have it in our professional kits and recommend it to our private clients all the time. In fact, hardly an event goes by that we don't get asked about the "magic sauce" that makes people look refreshed and awake followed by an offer of money to take it home!

This is most definitely on the NICE list!!

 

 

Keepin' it Clean

Since yesterday's post was about brushes, I thought it only appropriate to make today's about KEEPING THEM CLEAN! Brushes aren't inexpensive and proper maintenance can extend their lives exponentially. In addition to that, a clean brush will ensure gorgeous application and will help in the fight against skin you hate!

There are 2 primary ways to keep your brushes up to snuff:
1. Daily Maintenance
2. Deep Cleaning

Let's start with DAILY MAINTENANCE! I'm a big fan of the JAPONESQUE® Makeup Brush Cleaner (Rosewater Scent is my favorite) spray for keeping your tools clean and ready for duty. It's a gentle cleaning solution for daily cleaning, conditioning and disinfecting fine brush hair. This environmentally safe cleaner dissolves all types of makeup products including powder, liquids, wax based and adhesive. After I'm finished with my make up application, I simply spritz 2-3 pumps onto a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth and gently make figure-eights until there is no more pigment left on the cloth. Then I stand them in their little cup until the next day. This is why I have 15+ year old brushes that are still as useful today as they were when I got them! It's at Ulta Beauty right now buy one/get one 1/2 off...get up on it here: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp…

About once a month (or more often, if you use a lot of moist mediums) your personal brushes should receive a DEEP CLEANING. I have been a devotee of London Brush Company's Chemical Free Brush Shampoo for as long as I can remember. It is a solid shampoo specifically designed to clean and condition your makeup brush with tea tree to add additional anti-bacterial elements. They have balanced their recipe very carefully so that the integrity of the brush hair is not disrupted. LBC Brush Shampoo cleans deeply and does not over condition. The developer of the original brush "cake" soaps, Siân's philosophy is amazing when it comes to her incredible brushes & shampoos and it truly makes sense to my sensibilities! All her ingredients are food grade and they smell AMAZING. To get a good deep clean on your tools, simply wet your brushes in hot water. Remove the lid and swish the wet brush around on the solid shampoo until it lathers - You'll see makeup lift. Gently work the brush through with your finger tips, or on the palms of your hands, then rinse clean. Press out excess water in a paper towel and leave to dry flat. Larger natural hair brushes will dry in around 35-40 mins, small brushes such as lip brushes can dry in 10 mins. (Synthetic brushes may take a little longer.) I like to buy directly from the source here: http://www.londonbrushcompany.com/collections/lbc-essentials

Some tips for successful brush maintenance:
-NEVER immerse your brushes in water. The handles can warp and the adhesive could be compromised. Use just enough water to moisten the bristles and create a good lather.
-Dry your brushes laying down. Standing them upright to dry (in a cup, for example) can allow water to seep into the bottom of the bristles where it can become trapped creating a perfect environment for mildew or worse...
-Do not use baby shampoo on your brushes. It's not as mild as you think and can easily dry natural hair brushes.

Hopefully this is helpful in your quest for better make up...if you ever have questions, you know where to find me! XOXOX

Spotlight: Brushes

There's just something about a fabulous make up brush that makes the daily ritual of painting your face even more fun. Trust me on this one...I have my PhD in make up brushes. (It's not a obsession, it's an occupation) 

The right brush can finish the face in a way that looks darn-near digitally enhanced, especially when it's clean. (Another post, but for sure coming) I'm could go on and on about my favorite brushes but I've decided, for today, to focus on a fantastic set from one of the most talented artists I know. These are the Roque Cozzette Infinite collection. They're downright awesome.

This 11 piece set is so comprehensive and thoughtful. There's a gorgeous wood handled brush for every task! These are made of synthetic fibers, which was against all that I believed in for the longest time. But Roque has figured out how to replicate the beautiful goat and squirrel fibers that I love in a way that is 100% cruelty free. They're made in the USA & Germany and are designed to work well for artists and real humans! The very best news is that they are $111.00 right now! Order them directly from the Roque at http://www.roquecozzette.com/pro…/infinite-makeup-brush-set/ and tell them Shannon from Something You...Make Up Artistry sent you! If you're local to the DFW area, swing by, we have them for sale in our studio!

Be sure that you're cleaning your brushes properly to ensure gorgeous skin AND application! And yes, there's a post on that coming soon! XOOXXOXO

Happy 2016!

HAPPY 2016!! Inquiries pour in daily and we are simply elated! Thank you SO much to all of our vendors, clients, friends & family that refer Something You... MakeUp Artistry and Hair Design!

Nothing is more important to us than ensuring that your special day is stress-free and stunning. The award winning artists of Something You...Make Up Artistry and Hair Design are exceptionally skilled at bringing your vision to life!

Please visit us at www.something-you.com/contact for booking information! We can't wait to make your wedding day even more beautiful than you EVER imagined! XO

Freeze Frame

Brows. A topic that can evoke passion from even the most mild mannered soul.... They frame the face, finalize the look, bring "it" all together. Yet, the current trend is a little over the top for the normal human. And it's intimidating.

So put down the tweezers and the Sharpie and read along. There is a better way, people. And we are here, along with Anastasia Soare the Fairy Godmother of Eyebrows, to help make sense of it all. 

Some time ago, this lovely little Romanian lady decided that there had to be a more logical and replicable way to let the brows carry the face. The Golden Ratio® was born. Anastasia discovered the easiest way to balance every face was through applying the Golden Ratio® to the brows. Her signature technique calculates the exact starting and ending points in conjunction with the ideal arch for each individual face. These three points are the first step in creating symmetry and proportion in the features. Following her dream to make this system accessible for everyone, Anastasia created a set of five patented Stencils that demonstrate the ideal brow shape for every type of face. No matter what features the individual possesses, the stencils work with the Golden Ratio® and natural bone structure to create an ideal custom brow for every person.

The five-piece Brow Kit contains the essential tools to help you create and maintain perfectly-shaped, beautiful brows on your own or between salon appointments. The slim pouch holds five signature stencils based on Anastasia Beverly Hills patented Golden Ratio® method; Brow Powder Duo; Duo Brush #7; Precision Tweezers; and Clear Brow Gel. There really is no better way to keep your brows "on fleek". 

Buy direct from the source: http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/5-element-brow-kit.html or at SEPHORA http://www.sephora.com/beauty-express-for-brows-eyes-P27791…

Read Our Lips

Let's talk about lipstick. We are out of the "glossy, nude" lip phase and are back to lipstick and I couldn't be more pleased. It's like when platforms transitioned back into a ladylike pump. (I'm old school like that.) Back to good, old fashioned basics.

That's kind of what these super versatile NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cremes are to me...the perfect balance between traditional lipstick and lip gloss but without being shiny, gloppy or smeary. They hold up really well and aren't drying like most high pigment lipsticks. Which, to me, is a win/win! Add to that that there are over 20 colors (my faves are Copenhagen, Istanbul and Asterdam) and that you can get them for under $7.00 at Ulta Beauty, Target or here: http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/soft-matte-lip-cre…/NYX_007.html and you've got the trifecta!

Nothin' But Coal

Mascara is a staple. Nothing finishes a look, no matter how simple or ornate, like a few sweeps onto perfectly curled lashes. So which one is "the best"? 

Honestly, there's no one perfect mascara so I'll tell you about my absolute, go-to favorite that's been in heavy rotation in both my personal and professional collections: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous in Carbon Black. Whether the waterproof or traditional formula, the fluffy brush and dark-as-night formula seems to catch each lash with beautiful, fluffy, fluttery payoff.

I've been a MUA for a really long time and have tried them ALL, this is the one I always go back to! To quote the fine people of Ulta Beauty "A unique formula of panthenol and ceramide-R builds and thickens voluptuous lashes while conditioning them, so they remain supple and healthy. An exceptionally plush brush is designed to glide on just the right amount of mascara without clumping or flaking. Non-irritating, fragrance-free formula is safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers."

There are several versions of the Voluminous formula featuring different brushes that help achieve Butterfly, Superstar or Manga lashes but all feature the same legendary goodness in the tube. Even better news, this is widely available at Target, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, CVS and other fine retailers near you for less that $7.00. Happy Fluttering!