We Are Published!

So this week I have so many things I want to blog about, but THIS must be blogged first!  Collective Creations is published in Eco-Weddings 2011 winter edition! I am so thrilled as this is a first for my own work to be published!  This shoot was done in beautiful downtown St. Pete at the Nova 535 event venue. I worked with Vicki of Anglo Coutoure, Lauren Grove of Every Last Detail, shoot designer and Jason Mize photography inc.   The theme of the shoot was dark; Grays, blacks and lots of lit candles for a romantic glow. Lauren did an amazing job making every detail in this shoot flow perfectly. This is a very gorgeous palette for a 2012 winter wedding ladies with TONS of DYI ideas.

For hair, I did a full side-pony with loose curls and an elegant, sweeping fringe around the models face.  For make-up we did airbrush for a clean, flawless and porcelain look with bold black and grey shadows for a dark smoky eye and of course a full set of lashes.  On her cheeks I gave just enough color to bring some color to the shots.  And lastly, her lip, we kept them nude with a light reflecting gloss.  Check out the amazing results of the shoot. Enjoy!

Eco-Beautiful Weddings

As always, Have a Beautiful Day!

Xoxo

Marissa Bernal- Lead Artist, Collective Creations

A Country Chic Wedding

    Who doesn’t love a well done country-style wedding?!  For this particular one our bride, Allison Bailey decided to go big or go home!  So picture this; rustic country-chic, pinks, browns, and lively greens, a barn filled with hundreds of twinkling lights flickering away, an October breeze and of course cowboy boots!

  This was the scene of an amazing wedding planned and coordinated by the Cross Creek Ranch.  Most of her arrangements, decorations and so on were either handmade or handpicked by her and the fabulous design team at the ranch.  From each detail to her hair and makeup everything blended stunningly. Below are some photos from her wedding back in 2011. As far as hair and makeup went, working with Allison was very easy to begin with as she is a lovely girl.  For her makeup we decided on a natural eye with definition in all the right places. We used light and medium tones of browns and pinks for a soft elegant look on both her eyes and cheeks.  Alison and I made a last minute decision on a bold brick-red lip and it was perfect! For her hair we went with an all up style with volume at the crown and loose curls bundled to one side.  This soft elegant style was perfect with her stunning dress and her venue.  Alison’s mother and sister also had hair and make up done by yours truly and they were both just amazing to work with!  Mom had lots of volume and a soft french twist with neatly placed side bangs. Alison’s sister and maid of honor wore her beautiful long hair,  in a low side pony with curls. Enjoy these inspirational photos courtesy of Kismis Ink Photography.

Have a beautiful day!

Marissa Bernal, Lead Artist-Collective Creations

Lash Extensions

Today, I had quite an experience! Like any other beauty service women schedule, I woke up anxiously awaiting my appointment to get LASH EXTENSIONS!  Yes, lash extensions Similar to the idea of hair extensions; lashes can add length, fullness and shape along with definition to your eyes.

Our newest member of Collective Creations and founder of Eye Candy Lashes, Lisa Marques is brilliant in her craft. With a steady hand and a great eye, she individually applies each human-like hair to the appropriate area on the lash line. She does this so delicately you feel nothing, hearing only the spa like music in the background and relax as your transformation takes place. As I lay on the long, white, body sculpting table I thought  about what my lashes would look like. Would people notice? Would I need mascara? Would I look like a drag queen!?! Oh man, I thought about a lot, while I patiently waited to see the end results.  It took Lisa about an hour to apply a full set and when finished she said, “Ah…they look great!”  I was literally nervous with excitement as I sat up anxiously to checkout my new look.  Wow!  That was all I could say as I was shocked with the results. They looked like they belonged to me!  As if I grew them over the last hour while I laid there.  It was like an instant Latisse or a miracle medical procedure. I realized very quickly I was hooked.  I couldn’t find my lashes, they blended unbelievably well. Like I said, it looked as if I grew them myself.

Once I was done admiring myself and indulging in the flood of endorphin-released vanity I was feeling, I said, “Ugh…when can we schedule the fill!” I was absolutely beside myself and I couldn’t wait to share my experience with my clients, family,Facebook friends and my husband. He was the true test, as a man who appreciates natural beauty he would be the voice of truth. When he came home that evening I had actually forgotten that I had the lashes done earlier that day (you don’t even feel them –what a bonus!). He came inside the house and walked over to give me a kiss and asked about my day. As he walked away he hesitated and turned back around. “Did you have that lash thing done today or something?” Oh no I thought, he noticed! That can’t be a good thing. Yes, I replied I did it this morning. He said, and I quote, “they look good, very natural.”  Yes! That was what sealed the deal for me.


 Some frequently asked questions and answers:

How long does it take?   Anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half for a full set to 45 minutes for a fill.

What product does she use?    Butterfly lashes

How long do they last until I need a fill?   Everyone’s lash cycle varies, but most women get fills every 3 weeks.

Do I need to wear mascara?   No, that is the beautiful thing about them. However, if you need to wear it you can. There is special mascara that doesn’t disturb the bond (glue substance) that Lisa can order for you.

Can I wash my face as usual?   Yes, nothing changes. You just have to be more gentle, use oil free make up remover, and no shower for 24 hours following the procedure.

How much is a full set of lashes?   A full set runs anywhere from $175-$200

How much are fills?   Fills are anywhere from $55-$65

Can you feel them once they are on?   Nope, not one bit.

Do they have varying sizes?   Yes, the lashes come in many sizes and can be applied custom to your specific preferences.

Will I lose my lashes by doing this procedure?   No, Lisa is a licensed esthetician who has many years experience in the industry. She has taken several classes to extend her education and has mastered the process.

 Have a beautiful day.

XoXo Marissa Bernal

Lead Artist, Collective Creations

Here’s me, just a little eyeliner and my new lashes, no other eye makeup!  Love them!!  Thank you Lisa!!

Long Lasting tip

Happy Blog Day Everyone!!!   I’m so excited to share with you all one of my favorite products ···· wait for it ···· PRIMER!  Yes, that fabulous key element on making your makeup last! Today we are talking about Face Primer to be specific.  Face Primer is the  first step in having that fresh faced look all day, it’s the glue that holds your makeup on!  Trust me, whether you are just dusting on some bronzer or putting on your full face you need to use primer!  Have you ever noticed your eye shadow doesn’t stay on or doesn’t look like the same color on your face as it does in the container, that’s because you need…say it with me PRIMER!

Now for my recommendations, and I have several that should reach everyones price point.

Victoria’s Secret VS pro airbrush fix face primer, SPF 20:  $18.

Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting primer: 15$

MAC Prep and Prime : 28$

Urban Decay Complexion Primer: $ 30

Well there you have it, what time is it . . . PRIME-Time :) !!

-xoxo Crystal Eller

Lead Artist

Jess Waldrop – Makeup Artists

The Beauty Blog by Studio 2

   So some of you may be wondering…who is Studio 2?   Some of you may know:)  Well, let me fill those of you in who are questioning this new name!  Some time ago, I was asked to do hair for a model on a photo shoot at a local venue.   As I waited for my time to do hair with the model, I watched and chatted with a Makeup Artist I had never met before.  As she worked her magic, I not only was drawn to how beautiful her artistry was, but how personable, down to earth and easy to talk to she was (something you don’t always find in artist in this industry!)   We ended up having a great time together and I just knew that I had not only found a fun, new colleague to work with but a friend for life! 

  A few years later, Jess Waldrop of Jess Waldrop Makeup Artist(s) and I, are not only the best of friends, but we are very excited to be joining together under the name Studio 2 to bring you tons of tips, vendor spotlights, product and service reviews and much, much more!   Now don’t get it confused, we are still separate entities, but you can just think of  us as sister companies who love working together!  From time to time you will hear from Jess and I and other artists on our team, but the stunning and oh so knowledgeable ladies on this blog will be none other than our 2 Lead Artists!  So without further ado, Jess and I would like you to meet our 2 top leading ladies, who will be the ones running this wealth of information new little blog of ours:)  And trust me, you are going to love them!

First up, Crystal Eller!  She is the Lead Artist for Jess Waldrop Makeup Artist(s) and has energy and spunk for days!  Honestly, I don’t think I could keep up with her if I tried:)  She brings so much positive energy and personality to our team, we don’t know what we would do without her!  She loves makeup and hair and is very passionate about what she does.  

And Last but certainly nowhere near least is the Lead Artist for Collective Creations, Marissa Bush…oops…I mean Marissa Bernal (she recently was married!)  Not only does she love weddings, since she recently tied the knot:), but she loves all aspects of hair and makeup!  She loves what she does and you can feel that when you are with her !  Her drive and knowledge of the industry and what she does makes her a huge asset to our team!

So there you have it, folks!  Just a quick intro into an amazing 2012 of beauty knowledge coming your way!  So stay tuned…you don’t want to miss what we have for you this year!

Holly Nazario

Owner/Team Coordinator

Collective Creations