Nicoletta Daskalakis Los Angeles Bridal Makeup & Hair

So the other day I arrived home and on my door step waiting for me was…. The Victoria’s Secret swimsuit catalogue. It’s that time of the year again. The stores are filled with cute tropical summery dresses and skirts, brightly colored bikinis and gorgeous wedges and strappy sandals are everywhere! It’s the time of the year where my brides are looking to create fresh, and feminine makeup and hair looks. Bronzed, tanned skin is back! It’s super important to prep your skin and body for the summer in order to feel your best. For those of you who have met me and know me, you know I am in love with anything summer and know just about any product out there to create the perfect summer look! I have many brides who have booked me this summer and who are asking for me to spray them with my amazing airbrush tanning system. It’s not a good idea to bake in the sunshine in order to get that perfect tan before your wedding. This is not only aging, but you could peal or get really red and blotchy for your special day. It’s important to know how to prepare your skin for a faux bronzed look.

Here are 10 ways to a perfect self-tan and summer skin.

1. Go slow. I have sent a few emails to my brides on how to slowly achieve the tanned look they want. Opt for a moisturizer that gradually builds a subtle tan. Apply it every day after you shower and within a week you will see a slightly deeper color emerge. Note: It’s best to try a few different brands a few months before your big day. I remember trying a few of these self tan’s and lets just say, I smelt like I hadn’t showered in weeks, it was horrific and not fair on anyone sitting next to me.

2. Prep your skin. Shower and exfoliate a few hours before self-tanning. I like to make my own scrub at home. Olive oil and sugar. Being Greek, every time I visit Crete where my parents live, my mom makes me carry back huge heavy bottles of olive oil. It’s just not the same stuff that you find here in the stores U.S. AND olive oil back home is nearly as cheap as bottled water!

3. Moisturize at all times. I remember when I was about 15, I read an article about Naomi Cambell saying that she smothers her skin in Coco Butter Body Moisturizer after every shower. I am a true follower! I don’t think one day goes by where I am not moisturizing my skin. I don’t like feeling dry at all and here in LA the weather can be a little dry. So, focus on your elbows, knees and feet (don’t forget the feet) since those areas tend to be super-dry and can wind up being a little more darker than other areas.

4. Find the right formula. When I was looking into purchasing the right spray tan for my business, it was all about DHA! One of the formula’s I love to tell my brides to get is St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion. I also like their mousse formula too. Make sure you wear gloves! This develops into a beautiful deep bronze color.

5. Hard to reach. If you don’t have inspector gadget arms, ask your mom, friend or husband to get to those hard to reach places like your back and shoulder blades. If you don’t have any help, you can find sponge applicator pads on a long rod to help you reach there. Try the Xen-Tan Hard to Reach.

6. Bronzer. What’s the summer without your favorite bronzer in your makeup kit. My favorite is Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder. I don’t know why, but it’s just awesome! It never goes orange! There are many great bronzer’s out there. Try them and make sure though that it’s not too orange. You want to look natural and freshly bronzed.

7. Foundation Matching. It’s also the time of year when you will be purchasing a new foundation color. Most of us have a winter and summer color foundation. I love using a tinted moisturizer in the summer, my favorite being Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer or for a less expensive option, the Loreal True Match foundation is a great option. My go to foundation for my clients is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk which creates a gorgeous glow that lasts all day and it’s oil-free!

8. Cream blush. Change your powder blush to a cream blush. This is a great product to use in the summer. I apply my cream blush with two fingers and blend it in. I love the Makeup Forever HD cream blush, it’s beautiful!

9. Skin Finisher. If you are going to a special event or if you are a bride, I love using a type of shimmer spray all over the skin to give that slight glow. I love using Red Carpet Kolour on my lovely brides, it gives the body so much contour as well!

10. Ta dah! Slap on a gorgeous bright colored lip gloss and smile!

Summer really is such a fun season!

Stay beautiful… inside and out

^ Nicoletta.

Nicoletta Daskalakis is one of the top high profile makeup artists & hair stylists in the Los Angeles area. She is a makeup artist and hair stylist for bridal & wedding, fashion and editorial. Whether you are interested in wedding makeup services, bridal makeup or bridal hairstyling or even just interested in celebrity makeup and celebrity hairstyles and trend you’ve come to the right place to find out more!

 

 

So summer is now here. I am constantly being asked about what the best beauty products are for the summer. And oh boy, I am so excited to write lots of blogs in the next few weeks on all my favorite summer must haves for your makeup and hair kit! Before I even start on makeup and hair essentials,  here are five key must-do’s to make you feel more beautiful than ever this summer. If you follow these tips, I guarantee you will feel better than ever before!

Here are 5 tips that I would love all my gorgeous ladies to follow:

1. Drink water! I cannot stress this enough. My brides know that I am like a sergeant major when it comes to drinking lots of water before their big day, but this should be apart of your life too. I make sure I drink a minimum of 2 liters a day in order to feel my best and think clearly. Water helps detox and stops any unhealthy cravings. If you cannot stand drinking water, just try. Give yourself a week and I promise you that you will begin to crave it daily.

2. Start juicing. A few weeks ago I went to do makeup and hair on a client. She told me that she has been juicing ever since she read my juicing blog and not only does she feel great because of it, but also more full of energy and vitality. She was adorable! Juicing has so many benefits and you get all your nutrients in your body first thing in the morning. Talk about charging up for the day!

3. Exercise. Now that summer is around the corner, it’s always so much easier to get outside and go for that run or fast walk.  If you hate running perhaps buy that bicycle you always wanted. Whenever I see a woman running in the street and I am driving, I always loudly say to myself “You go girl!!”. If you have a great group of girlfriends, make a pact to each other to all get fit for the summer. Start a running club, or start bikram yoga, or each get a bicycle. I am subscribed to every fitness magazine you can find. Getting these in the mail and reading through the pages always inspires me to be healthier and get up off my behind. Whatever it takes to get you motivated to make a change and start exercising, just do it!

4. Start eating right. Eating all the right foods can seriously change your life. It is always easier to eat a little better in the summer months. Juicy watermelon, fresh beet salads, or grilled fish on a bbq. Start making your own food and having less take out. I always like to eat healthy as it gives me a little extra space to have a little chocolate afterwards     You are what you eat. Simple.

5. Be positive and smile. I tell this to myself each and everyday. It’s so easy to sometimes slip into a negative frame of mind, but when the sun is shining, it’s warm and the days are longer, it’s so much easier to look at the joys of life. I feel so privileged to have met such inspiring women through my makeup and hair business. Everyone has a story to tell or a positive word to say. I am constantly being humbled by what I do. Be kind and loving at all times because you never know what someone may be going through and smile, as this may positively change someone’s day!

And those are my must have beauty essentials for the summer! Once you do all these things on my list, you will be glowing from the inside out. Now all your need is a little makeup touch up’s here and there to add that extra gorgeousness! A beauty blog to follow.

Have a beautiful summer’s evening,

^ Nicoletta.

Nicoletta Daskalakis is one of the top high profile makeup artists & hair stylists in the Los Angeles area. She is a makeup artist and hair stylist for bridal & wedding, fashion and editorial. Whether you are interested in wedding makeup services, bridal makeup or bridal hairstyling or even just interested in celebrity makeup and celebrity hairstyles and trend you’ve come to the right place to find out more!

 

 

The American Country Music Awards took place at the MGM Grand Garden Area in Las Vegas last night. I think Taylor Swift looked absolutely gorgeous in every way. I have been anticipating the bronzy golden eye shadow looks for the new season, and this is definitely a look that we can all carry off and look beautiful in.

Taylor Swift

Doesn’t she look fabulous? Let’s start with her hair. I love this kind of wave, it’s just natural and flows in the right way. I like that it’s smooth and the color is just the perfect gorgeous warm ashy blonde. I much prefer her bangs like this as oppose to her usual side swept especially for the summer season. NOW her makeup is my favorite! I love the bronze metallic colors on her eyes paired with intense black eyelashes. This combined with nude lips and soft peachy bronzy cheeks made her look sensational!

Carrie Underwood

I think Carrie’s hair and side swept bangs look stunning and effortless. This is a perfect look for a bride who wants her hair down with a soft flower or hair accessory. I do think her hair color looks better a little more natural as it’s quite blonde. Her eye makeup is gorgeous. I love shimmery golds on her. She is a beautiful girl and therefore I would have loved to see her makeup a lot more natural and dewy. Her foundation is a little heavy especially underneath her eyes as this needs to kept hydrated and finely distributed. I love the pink lip and cheek color.

So ladies expect to be wearing lots of golds and bronzy colors this Spring! I did a bride over the weekend and we used a combination of lots of shimmery golds, mocha’s and bronze colors on her eyes, and cheeks. She looked stunning!! Bring on the summer…

Have a beautiful week ahead

^ Nicoletta.

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