EYE CANDY

The one thing we always say when we take in something visually appealing to the eye is, that's "eye candy".
I have a slight fetish with lashes.  Eyelashes are the epitome of  'woman'. They are SOOOO  one of the staples of being a woman.  Lashes can be natural looking, or dramatic in color, size and shape.  Here are some of things you can ask your beauty provider to help you decide.

Indiviuals- Lashes can come in clusters or single.  If done by a professional they can last up to two weeks!

Strip-  Strips are normally used for a one time use, however, if properly taken care of, they can be reused.

Extensions-  Extensions are just that.  Individual human hair lashes are applied to your own.  They should be applied by a specialist!  This service may be pricey to you frugal gals, but they are fun, fun, fun!

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!

One of my favorite proucts is Bobbi Brown gel liner.  This liner provides a good finish!  It's smudge and water resistant and adds precise definition to eyes.  Excellent choice for day to evening looks and allows for makeup to stay fresh.  Comes in a variety of colors.

Skin Basics

With a slow economy, a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do to keep the skin beautiful and balmy.  One of the best treatments for those in between dermatologist or esthetician visits would be an at home facial.  You can prepare it right in your kitchen.  I recommend this easy to prepare facial to some of my bridal clients before their big day.  You can apply this mask after using a gentle cleanser appropriate for you skin type.  (note: if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, please do not try.)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of oatmeal
2 tspns of honey
water
1 egg (oily skin only)

Mix oatmeal, honey and water to create a paste.  If your skin is oily, add the egg.  Once the paste is created, apply to face, avoiding the eye area.  Allow facial to dry (about 10-15 minutes).  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.  Pat skin dry with towel.  Follow with a moisturizer that compliments your skin type.

Holiday & Special Occasion Hair

Holiday and special occasion hairstyles are festive, and fun. This can be the time to add a little ornamental sparkle to an otherwise blah hairdo.

You can get amazing ideas from bridal publications and celebrity red carpet looks. The trick to it all is adding hair ornaments and a little bit of imagination. If you're on a tight budget and want to try it yourself, you can go to a local specialty store for headbands, clips, combs, and pins. Otherwise, find a stylist that specializes in wedding updo's and or special occasion hair and book the stylist for a consultation. There may be a fee for the consultation, so be prepared for the cost of the consultation and the styling fee for your special occasion. In the end, the fabulous results will be well worth the cost.

Another way to add flair to holiday hair is adding hair extensions. There are several methods of adding luscious locks to your hair. My recommended methods are: Clip on, hair weaving and faux ponytails. The methods mentioned are recommended because they are less damaging to the natural hair. A bonding method that requires glue (over a period of time) can add stress to your tresses. Clip-on and faux ponytail methods can possibly be done at home. You can go to a local wig store and ask for help on the texture, and color that will best fit your hair. If you have hesitations, seek the expertise of a stylist. Weaving ( hair is braided and hair additions are sewn to the braid) is a method that will last for up to 2 1/2 -3 months.  A professional can take the time to go over pros of this method. Hair additions can range anywhere in price depending on the stylist, the chosen method and possibly the cost of the hair. Again, my recommendation would be to ask about the price for the consultation and actual service.

Whichever method of holiday hair you choose, be sure to have fun with it and wear it with confidence!

ECC Artistry offers special occasion updo's and weaving services. Contact for rates and consultation @ (312)376.7502 or eccarter@eccartistry.com.