What are You Thankful For?

This year has been the most amazing year of my life. My husband and I have overcome some life challenges (which we are soo thankful for), and have also enjoyed the most important moments of our lifetime (Our wedding). Today is Thanksgiving, a day to voice your appreciation to the world. This year my top 3 things on my thankful list are: James, God's faithfulness, and good health.

Another thing to be thankful for year round, is the arts: Photography, cooking, music, interior design, and yes makeup!

Liquid foundation, eye shadow, and lip color are all my mediums of art. The best canvas to create a masterpiece is the human face. I am so thankful for the women entrepreneurs like Leslie Blodgette,Bobbi Brown, and Marissa Shipman who have created quality cosmetics to work with. I am so thankful for tools like the Clarisonic, Tria, and the Opal that have paved the way for home skin technology. I am so thankful for Cosmetic companies like NARS, and MAC that give me motivation and inspiration to continue painting faces. Art is what keeps me going in life.




What are you thankful for this year, I would love to know?

Thanksgiving Glamour

Ladies lets take a moment to glam it up for this Thanksgiving Holiday- with false eyelashes! If you're like me working long hours, trying to find time to see your out of town best friends...OH and hosting Thanksgiving dinner...you're probably a little sleepy. False eyelashes can transform your image in less than seconds making you feel so fabulous you'll forget you were even tired.

I highly recommend MAC's #20 Lash. These are easy to apply on your own, offer an instant lift to the face, and comfortable for the entire day.

First, curl your lashes, than apply Yves Saint Laurent 'Volume Effet Faux Cils Noir Radical' Mascara. Squeeze a pea size of DUO glue onto the plastic lash container, than take the wood part of a q-tip to coat the false lash with glue. When applying the lash, make sure it's precisely on your natural lash line. WA-LAAAA, you're ready to mingle!

For all you ladies who like to keep it natural, take a look below...you can't even tell the lashes are there.


Ashley Maxwell Photography

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Magical Moments

Jennifer and Brian are very important people in my life. My Hunny and I love a night out on the town with these two. Brian is full of that Southern charm, and gives the best hugs...Jennifer is a true friend, and is always happy for those around her. Her beauty is something I am in awe of quite often, especially since she is always so humble about how stunning she is. I was ecstatic the day she showed me her ring, so I feel honored that she chose me to do her makeup for her engagement photos.

As a makeup artist, I feel a woman needs to be directed to new ideas yet she still needs to feel like herself...so I intensified Jen's normal look by adding the drama to her eyes. The most important thing she requested was that her face matched her body. Here is my secret for all of those who tan their bodies- Use a slightly darker foundation color on the outside of your face covering the forehead and chin, while using a lighter color on the nose and cheeks. Blend the two colors together and you will achieve the most flawless, picture ready skin ever.






Brian and Jen, James and I cannot wait for the day of your wedding! Congratulations! Check out their photographer Micheal. His use of lighting is so magical.

A Special "Thanks" to my Hunny

Recently my husband decided to buy me a Nikon D7000. He is a true best friend, because he is always pushing me to be the best that I can be. He is so good at spoiling me and helping me investigate my passions. I am so excited to pursue this new hobby, kinda nervous because their are so many buttons...options...and of course photography lingo to learn!

I can't wait to post some of the photoshoots I have lined up where I do the makeup and NOW I get to take the pictures. Instant gratification!

What passions and hobbies do you wish to pursue this year?


Here are a few pictures I have taken so far-feel free to critique me!





Cozy up with a Good Book...

When I am enticed by a good book, I have to finish it before I put it down. I love reading books written by women entrepreneurs who have changed the cosmetic and skincare industry. Whether you use it as a guide for your life, or a coffee book decoration, put one of these books on your Christmas wish list this year. Recommended Resource: If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, Guide to Career Education is a great place to find schools that offer a balanced mix of beauty and business classes.

Must Have Educational Book: Kate Somerville, Complexion Perfection! $27.95

Kate Somerville is a leader in the skincare industry, and known for developing the Skin Health Pyramid. She is personally responsible for the glowing complexions of some of the most photographed faces in the world. Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Sandra Oh and Debra Messing all depend on Kate for healthy skin and ageless beauty. When I first found this book, I couldn't put it down. I had to keep reading, I was so intrigued, she writes on more than just skincare, she links diet and exercise to healthy glowing skin. Most other books that are so "doctor like" seem to loose my attention, however Kate Sommerville answers all my skin concerns in a reader friendly book. After I felt motivated to try her recommendations!




Must Have Tutorial Book: Bobbi's Greatest Hits, Makeup Manual $32

Bobbi Brown earned a B.F.A in theatrical makeup at Boston's Emerson College. She began her career in New York as a free lance artist, while her big breakthrough was her first American Vogue cover. The image was shot by famed photographer Patrick Demarchelier and featured the soon-to-be-supermodel Naomi Campbell. She believes women should have a no-makeup look, and decided to create her own line of cosmetics to give women what they really wanted. Bobbi also supports the "Dress for Success" cause, which I think is pretty neat. I relate to her views, makeup can empower a woman and being part of her " ah-HA!" experience of realizing how important she really is, feels so amazing.



Happy Reading!