Ashton Gardens West Houston Real Wedding

 I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite makeup clients, Doni.  All of my clients are near and dear to my heart, but this girl lights up a room with her joy.  I have never seen her as happy as she was on this day last October!

Makeup by Keri Ann's happy bridal client, Doni & her groom on their wedding day

I am usually the last vendor to be booked, but for this wedding, in October of 2019, I was actually one of the FIRST vendors booked for this wedding! I have had the opportunity to do Doni's makeup, and her family members' makeup, multiple times for several of their special events.

And while I only usually post professional photos, I am including these cute cell phone photos because, they captured the big day so well.

Wedding Day Beauty Preparations

Megan Malone, helped create the perfect hairstyles for Doni and her mom!

The ceremony space at Ashton Gardens West Houston makes you forget you are in the city.

While Doni loves makeup and color, Doni's mom does not. So we did an "au natural" look for her.

Introducing the very happy couple!!

Congratulations, Doni! 

May you always dance with joy in your marriage!

Thank you so much for once again inviting me to play a special part of your wedding day memories!

(This is one of the few weddings I was also invited to attend as a guest, so honored!)

I am blessed with the best clients!

Makeup by Keri Ann would love to be of service to you too!

Please email me at Info@makeupbykeriann.com

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Flight Attendant Appreciation Day is May 31

Most people see flight attendants (aka FAs) as the hosts and food servers, but they are actually the first responders in the sky.

May 31 is Flight Attendant Appreciation Day and I know so many FAs would appreciate a little love.

Due to this "pandemic,"  many flight attendants have been working to help people get to their destinations safely. Many flights were humanitarian flights, getting university students reunited with family members or bringing expats home.

Some FAs have been grounded at home, and those who have been working have seen reduced hours because of fewer flights.  They also have to deal with stressed travelers who are not used to the very limited, or non-existent, services provided on flights.  Many FAs have been worried about their health, and the health of their loved ones while flying.

If you want to brighten a FAs day when you travel on the 31st, here are a few ideas:

• Individually wrapped chocolates are usually appreciated
• A cute tin of mints is nice 
• A small bottle of hand sanitizer will put an instant smile on a FA's face these days
• A few dollars on a gift card to Starbucks is always a treat

If you want to show a FA you know well some love, here are some good ideas:

• A Fly Girl Box - a gift box for girls who travel!
• Ruby Slippers - because I think every girl needs a pair!
• Custom luggage tags - Etsy has so many to choose from!

And to all my fellow flight attendants, "THANK YOU!"

Of course flight attendant love to be pampered and I could treat a special flight attendant in your life to a makeup refresh appointment!  

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Little Details in Professional Head Shots

Makeup by Keri Ann Head Shot by His and Hers Foto

I recently had some new head shots taken by His and Hers Foto and I was reminded, once again, about the importance of having a person on set with you to help you perfect the details in your photo.

In the first few test shots, I borrowed 1/2 of the His & Hers Foto team (Kristi), to be a “model” for me.  After Kristi stepped back into her photographer role, she noticed I had something sticking out of my jacket pocket - something I didn’t realize was in my pocket and something that would not have been noticed if Kristi had not been looking on with an objective eye.

Notice anything?  Once Kristi left my chair, she spotted it right away!

I have had the opportunity to accompany a few photographers on their on-location head shot portrait sessions.  I am hired by the photographer/client to provide makeup touch up services (touching up under the eyes, eliminating shine on faces and heads, brightening cheeks and lips and taming fly away hairs).   

But, I also add additional value, as another objective set of eyes.  I often spot check for lint on clothing, straighten necklaces, make sure wrinkles are out of jackets, and see that ties and scarves are properly in place, etc.

I have always discovered little things in my own family portraits that were overlooked just because no one was behind the camera to help perfect and refine the details for me.  Photographers are concerned with lighting, shadows, and the composition of the photo.  

When booking your head shot portrait session, find out if there will be a detail person on set or if you need to bring your own objective eye to get the most out of your photography investment.

Makeup artists can be that objective eye for all photography clients, not just makeup wearing clients.

I would love to be of service to you for your next professional head shot session!

Email me at Info@MakeupbyKeriAnn.com

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Burbank Trip to Besame Cosmetics

I have been meaning to write this post for some time and, unfortunately, many of the products I have purchased and feature in this post are being discontinued.

Besame Cosmetics in Burbank Welcome Sign

Last spring, I had one of the longest and most splendid over nights in Burbank, CA.  The weather was fabulous. I needed exercise and new makeup (I had just changed my hair color), but I didn't want to go to a store I could go to in Houston.  

So, with a little help from Google, I found this great vintage cosmetic store I could walk to, called Besame.  

What a charming surprise!  Before you open the door, you are transferred to a much simpler time.  

Once I stepped inside, I could picture my grandmothers shopping at such a quaint store - everything appeared to be a storefront you would imagine visiting in the 1930s or 1940s.

The Besame cosmetic line is not overwhelming, but they offer a great assortment of products and everything is packaged with a vintage flair.  

They are able to offer cosmetics with Disney license, which has earned them quite a following with Disney fans the world over.

I am so fair, I have a hard time finding a foundation that will match my skin tone right out of the packaging.

I know how to custom create foundation, I do it for every one of my clients, but honestly, I am too lazy to do it for myself.  I was hoping to find a true vintage pancake makeup, but those are more elusive to find than a true porcelain color of foundation.

Besame actually had a perfect shade of foundation for me! 

Besame Cashmere Foundation Stick in Natural Beige

It is called Natural Beige - I have never been a beige skin tone in my life!!! 

The Cashmere Foundation Stick sounds and feels creamy, but my sales consultant warned me the cream to powder formula would be too dry for my skin, and sadly, it is.  I love wearing it, and apply plenty of moisturizer before application, but by the end of the day my skin feels too dry. 

I had to invest in the Vanilla Brightening Powder, because powder is the perfect way to polish off your makeup and this one smells like Vanilla!  I just love the little details when opening this powder!

Besame Brightening Vanilla Face Powder Packaging

The shade of blush looks subtle, it is called Sun Kissed, but the pigment was surprisingly intense and my first application resulted in me attempting to soften it with powder brushes, cotton balls and Kleenex.

I love the vintage packing of this blush, but I found it was terribly hard to open - one morning it finally flew out of my hands and broke.  If the container had been metal, as the original design was probably made of, I suspect I might have had an an easier time opening it, but I am not entirely sure.

Besame Translucen Blush in Sun Kissed, Besame Chocolate Kiss Lipstick and Travel brush and my makeup after applying all of my new Besame Cosmetics

The lipstick is a beautiful shade of red, called Chocolate Kiss.  It is a true replica of a popular lipstick in 1970.  I love how creamy the lipstick is and how it does not seem to dry out my lips.  I had lost my favorite travel lip brush and was so excited to see they carried one too - I just had to invest!  I also snagged a new eyeshadow brush, because you can never have too many of those either.

I am waiting for another Burbank overnight so I can visit this great little cosmetic store again!  The price point is very affordable.

If you find yourself on Magnolia Boulevard, I highly suggest you stop in, browse for yourself, and then be sure to let me know what treasures you found!

Makeup by Keri Ann the Flying MUA discovers Besame Cosmetics in Burbank, CA

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Simple Tips to Apply Makeup and Work Out

How to Work Out and Stay Made Up with The Fit Fifteen Podcast

I know many people have made New Year's resolutions to get in shape and go to the gym.  Catherine, the owner of Fit Armadillo and hostess of The Fit Fifteen podcast, asked me to share some easy tips to help incorporate a beauty regimen into your fitness routine.

All it takes is a little planning.  I hope you find these tips helpful.

Listen to our podcast by clicking here

Show notes from this podcast can be found by clicking here

You can find the Fit Fifteen on Facebook, and Instagram

I'd love to hear about how you incorporate beauty into your fitness routine, favorite products you use, etc.

For more topics on beauty/image, travel and lifestyle, be sure to stop by Makeup by Keri Ann again
OR follow me on:
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Special thanks to Teresa You Photography for the photo credit!!!

Email me at Info@MakeupbyKeriAnn.com

La Torretta Resort & Spa Experience in Montgomery, Texas

I recently replied to a FB post inviting event planners and bloggers to an event hosted at La Torretta Lake Resort on Lake Conroe.

The several times I've serviced my makeup and bridal clients at La Torretta, I always have left wishing I had a reason to stay and explore the property.

Little did I know that my FB reply was going to send me on a one day staycation at La Torretta!

The event was called Weddings At The Lake.  

Wedding and Event Planners & Bloggers were invited to experience VIP treatment compliments of La Torretta.

After working on a styled shoot all day at a brand new venue in Montgomery, TX on Monday (details on that for another post..), I checked into La Torretta.

I was taken to the 19th floor where my room faced beautiful Lake Conroe!

Photo credit Sweet Tea & Linen

Before I could even explore my room amenities, I received a knock on the door.  The hotel was delivering champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for me to enjoy!  

La Torretta Strawberries and Champagne

(Just in case you are wondering, the 4 flavors of strawberries were chocolate, coconut covered chocolate, hazelnut covered chocolate and white chocolate covered chocolate - YUM!!)

I had a great 2 bedroom suite - more than enough room for just me!

Photos of my suite at La Torretta Lake Resort

The highlight of my evening was taking a bubble bath in the massive bath tub - I was floating in it!  The bathroom counter was nice and long too - plenty of space for makeup and hair products.

The morning view was amazing!

Morning view of Lake Conroe from the 19th floor of La Torretta tower

I had an appointment at The SPA at La Torretta  at 9am where Connie treated me to a reflexology foot massage.  I thought I knew what to expect, as I have had foot massages before, but the Satori chair and sound system that gives you a massage using sound waves made the experience divine!  Since I was the first appointment of the day, I got to visit with therapists Connie & Crystal and they gave me a tour of their numerous treatment rooms - several of which are designed for couples.

Just a glimpse of my visit at The SPA at La Torretta Lake Resort in Montgomery, TX

The SPA is surprisingly large. It can easily host a large group of ladies.  You can work with catering to have beverages and lunch brought over for your party too.  This spa is perfect for a bachelorette party.

The SPA also has a full service salon for hair, makeup and nails.  If a bride or client needs more personalized, on-location services, a free-lance makeup artist (Me!) will need to be hired.

After my foot massage I enjoyed the beautiful walk back to my room and enjoyed some much needed quiet time sitting on my balcony!

View from my suite at La Torretta Lake Resort

This is the beautiful lunch that was laid out for us at The SPA.

These Berry Infused and Peach Infused waters were a hit with all of us.

At 2pm, the La Torretta Lake Resort staff met us on the second floor of the tower to give us name tags & flip flops.

(I loved the print on the chairs!)

We then began a tour of the property.  I learned that all of their rooms are king or queen suites.  This makes it perfect for couples AND families.

Here is the view from the pool side suite.  I know kids love it, but there are plenty of pools and hot tubs for adults to enjoy too!

Then we were taken to the Presidential suite on the 20th floor.  If a bride and groom is staying at the hotel, they will upgrade them to the largest room available for their stay (based on availability, of course), so a few lucky couples will find themselves enjoying the very spacious Presidential suite!

The staff at La Torretta wanted to showcase their various options for wedding ceremony sites.  All of them included great views of the lake.

Wedding Ceremony Locations at La Torretta Lake Resort: Between the 2 Palms, The Beach Location, Lake View and The Versailles Ballroom Location (this was my favorite place to sit and enjoy the sunny weather).

Our venue tour ended with a cocktail networking reception (aren't my hostesses & Wedding Cake Cocktails beautiful?!?!).

The preferred vendors at the reception were:

Tap Snap

Cork This! Winery

Photography by Niki

Mandap Creations

PB&DJ

Events to Remember

Bakery & Cakes

SD Photography

A Different Bloom

Sweet Tea & Linen

Our evening concluded with the most beautiful progressive dinner:

Soup and Salad was served in the Americas Ballroom 1 with styling done by Sweet Tea & Linen and florals provided by A Different Bloom.

We were served the Entree Course in the Americas Ballroom 2 which was styled by Events to Remember.

Our Dessert Course was served in the Americas Ballroom 3, which was styled by Mandap Creations

I loved my 24 hours spent at La Torretta Lake Resort and I can't thank them enough!

I highly recommend La Torretta Lake Resort to anyone:

• looking for wedding venues
• looking for a vacation/staycation resort
• needing a relaxing and professional spa
• looking for a space for party/celebration
• looking for a family gathering space

Beautiful gift from La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa

**Margaritaville purchased this property sometime after this post was written.  You can now experience Margaritaville in Montgomery, TX

A Note About Bronzer and The Color Orange

I agree with Mr. Sinatra.

Orange is a very bold and cheerful color.  I love to wear bright orange colors!

As a makeup, there are more than several ways to sing Orange's praise - here are just a few:

• Orange can be helpful camouflaging imperfections.
• Orange also creates perfectly peach cheeks.
• Orange creates alluring lips.

But nothing is more obscure and obvious as orange skin. 

I have been helping women select and blend foundations for over 20 years.   I can attest that humans come in many skin tones and pigmentations, but bright orange is not a natural skin tone!

A completely orange face usually is the number one indicator of a fake tan.

Orange foundation lines beg to be blended in.

Orange bronzer randomly applied and left on prominent parts of the face, leaves makeup looking incomplete.  

Some women believe they look better with an orange forehead and jawline, but every time I see blatantly orange bronzer I cringe.  I see orange streaks on Facebook and Instagram photos and cringe.  If I see orange bronzer in person, it takes great self-restraint not to mention the need for blending and correcting.

If you absolutely must wear bronzer, I beg you, for the love of Orange, please:

• choose a shade without so much orange in it
• select a shade just a few shades darker than your natural skin tone
• take time to BLEND bronzer into your skin, hairline and jawline
• apply powder over your bronzer
• BLEND again
• take another look in the mirror to make sure everything is well blended
• if you see any orange streaks, please repeat the above steps until the bright orange lines are gone