I am happy to announce that I just recently launched a website (I designed this all by myself!) strictly for my bridal clients called, “Bridal Makeup by Meli.” Besides a bridal makeup video look book, I have testimonials that were written about me on The Knot.
I apologize for not updating this blog as much recently, I have been juggling a few projects all at one time including the the completion of this website which I’m happy to share with everyone!
PS – I’m also really sorry about the random youtube advertisements that are popping up on my blog pages. I’m trying to fix the problem and haven’t figured it out just yet.
I’ve been wanting to address a topic that had been brought to my attention from a blog reader, whom writes:
“On Thursday I went to visit the Make-Up Designory [MUD] in the city because that is where I plan on going to school, and I left feeling so overwhelmed. Where did you go to school? Do you have any advice for me on how to figure all of this out?”
I actually went to MUD immediately upon graduating from college because for one, I knew that my Psychology degree would not get me far in the beauty/fashion industry and although makeup artistry is definitely something one can be self-taught, I wanted the professional training. I also wanted to pursue the field with full force and really learn as much as I could from makeup artists that were already immersed in the makeup world.
This is what the MUD campus in Soho looks like (at least when I attended). You wouldn't even realize it was a makeup school.
Although makeup schools can be very expensive, I believe it is worth every penny. I cannot imagine not going to makeup school! There is just so much to learn and it’s necessary to have the hands-on-experience.
What People Don’t Realize About Makeup Artistry:
People do NOT realize the extent of precision, attention to detail, color knowledge, and artistry that goes into doing makeup. It is a field that requires a lot of patience and a lot of practice, just like learning how to play an instrument.
I always explain that going to school and completing a program will NOT make you an instant makeup artist overnight. Some artists could say that it did, but that is not possible in my opinion. One cannot be a true makeup artist without the extensive practice and thorough education.
Funny story…My First Visit to MUD…(Clearly it wasn’t my last)!
A day before my move-in day for my senior year of college AND last semester may I add (I graduated college in 3.5 years instead of 4!), I decided to go to the city by myself and had made arrangements to take a personal tour of the school. Upon discovering their website, I was already pretty sold on the idea of pursuing makeup artistry as my career (and totally give up pursuing counseling if I were to stay in the Psych field), but I just needed to see it for myself.
I’m far from being impulsive, it’s really not a strong personality trait of mine, but the moment I got into the school, I just knew it felt right. I cannot explain it, but I just felt like I belonged there. Even when I was just waiting in the lobby area observing my surroundings, it hit me that this is where my life was going and it was an amazing feeling.
After the tour, they said in order to hold a spot, I just had to put down a small deposit. I already had my checkbook on hand in case I decided I would do it right then and there. Sure enough I did, even before consulting my parents!!! (Then again, I’m naturally pretty independent, so it came natural to just go for it)!
I remember calling my mother, whom was working in NYC at the time, right as I was leaving the school and saying, “Hey mom, guess what, I’m just leaving the Makeup Designory now, I’m going to be a makeup artist! I signed up already!” She was in total shock on how impulsive my decision was and how there was definitely no turning back at that point because my final decision had already been made. She also questioned how I was able to enroll. I explained that I put down a deposit and was all set to start in January! Although still in shock, she was also very excited! My excitement was contagious over the phone!
Styling Confession: Prior to attending MUD, I truly thought I knew a lot about makeup already. I mean, I naturally had an artist background and always wore makeup, wasn’t that enough? Nope, NOT at all. I can tell you honestly that going to school really opened up my eyes and made me realize there was a lot to learn. I had thought it would be smooth sailing and it would come very natural to me, but it really took time for me to develop the skill level. That is one of the things that makes makeup artistry such a fulfilling career, it is a field that allows for you to constantly grow and express your creativity.
Here is a photo of myself with my beauty makeup teacher on my last day of school.
I hope sharing how I broke into the field was interesting and inspiring! I plan on writing in the near future a post regarding my thoughts on essential qualities needed in becoming a makeup artist. Stay tuned!
[Does anyone have any makeup school experiences they'd like to share or recommend other schools besides MUD?]
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! I just want to take the time to appreciate my mom and all the beautiful mothers out there! I am all about holidays based around the APPRECIATION of the people we care most in life.
This is my absolute favorite photo of myself with my mom. I don't know the exact year, I was in second grade at the time so this would have to be in the early 90's. We were on a cruise for vacation. I love the outfit I'm wearing with the poofy headband and my mom's style as well...big hair, red lips, dramatic clip-on earrings (neither of us have our ears pierced!), and fun clothes...all key elements of my mom's signature style captured in this photo!
To my one and only Baby, I love you more than words can ever express! Thank you for your unlimited support in everything I do and guiding me in the direction towards a bright future. I wouldn’t be the strong, driven, beautiful, energetic, and stylish woman I am today without you being a part of my life! Besides these great gifts you have given me, you have also taught me the value of this life proverb:“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Or in your words, be a fisherWOMAN for life! LOL :) I LOVE YOU MAMA!
I hope everyone takes the time to appreciate a mother, whether it be your own, a friend, or even a soon-to-be mom. Today I spent Mother’s Day going out to lunch with both my parents at McCormick & Schmick’s, followed my a shopping day with mom where we found some fashion finds at Arden B. Then later that evening we went out to The Sands, which was really a fun time and great way to end the holiday!
This is definitely a subject matter that I can probably write a book about (hey, you never know, maybe one day!), but I will condense the information into this blog and share all my beauty and health tips! I think it’s great to be able to share what works for me and I truly believe that it is never too late to turn your lifestyle around into a very healthy one, it just takes some conscious effort.
For starters, a healthy lifestyle starts with the principle of, LOVING YOURSELF! You must truly cherish your well-being and soul and WANT to take care of it throughout your entire lifetime. I find many people that are young take their health for granted and do not begin really taking care of themselves until they need to or encounter a serious health problem. You should ALWAYS, ALWAYS be taking care of yourself, no matter what because health is everything and by making the right health choices, you can control the destiny of your overall well-being!
Besides being in a profession where I believe it’s exceptionally IMPORTANT to always look good, living a healthy lifestyle comes natural for me, because I LOVE myself enough to know that I DESERVE to be treating myself right. I take care of myself for ME, and not for anyone else! Besides enjoying the health benefits, I can also reap the beauty benefits! ;)
I truly hope that this blog will not only give you some ideas on how to start living a healthy, beautiful lifestyle, but also give you a positive outlook on achieving your health goals. It just takes some good discipline and dedication! You can do it, I know you want to! :)
So here is a look at some key elements that contribute to my healthy lifestyle…
FITNESS: I am pretty passionate about fitness and exercise to begin with. I consider it not only a part of my lifestyle, but also a hobby. I enjoy running, going to the gym, and staying active. In an ideal world, I’d work out every single day of the week, but realistically, I make time about 4-5 (sometimes 6 if I’m lucky) days a week. I try to switch it up and always do different things that incorporate a good mix of cardio and strength training. As you already know, both are really important for maintaining a nice physique!
Even if you are not into working out in a gym setting, even going for walks or finding an activity you enjoy (tennis, golf, volleyball, swimming, etc.) still counts as a good workout!
Personally, I cannot live without my Ipod when I go for a nice jog. Here is a song I discovered on XM Radio’s BPM station that I am absolutely obsessed with! Great workout (and dance) tune! All my workout music is quick paced, it keeps me moving!
DIET: I believe that you are what you eat. So if you choose to eat doughnuts everyday, sure enough you’ll start to resemble one! (It’s terrible to have to say that, but it’s very true)!
I usually eat an apple a day!
I try to create a balanced diet that consists of fruits (apples, blueberries, etc), vegetables (carrots, broccoli, etc), protein (egg whites, lean chicken, fish, nuts), and good carbs (oatmeal and cereal with fiber). I would say almost all the food that I eat is cooked or prepped by me, unless I am going out to eat that is. I also enjoy eating smaller meals throughout the day.
I always eat breakfast every morning shortly within waking up and feel that a good breakfast in the morning definitely provides fuel throughout the day. This is the one meal that should not be skipped!
Anyone that knows me, knows I’m a total health nazi when it comes to what I eat and I like to stick with mostly natural foods. I also find that for me, eating healthy has a bigger impact on my health and physique more than working out ever does. Studies do show that diet plays a stronger role on your weight than working out. MEANING, you can workout for over an hour, but if you choose to still make poor eating choices with high levels of sugar, carbs, fat, (pretty much any bad stuff), then that will kind of take away from the fact you put time towards a good workout. Which is why, a healthy diet is CRUCIAL!
Teavanas Matcha Green Tea powder
BEVERAGE: I pretty much only drink tea and water. I actually really don’t enjoy drinking water all that much and when I do, I always like adding some lemon for flavor. That’s why I usually drink tea throughout the day. Plus, most teas have added health benefits such as providing energy, detoxifying, boosting your immunity, and other great things.
Yesterday, I finally invested in a small tin of Teavana’s Matcha Japanese Green Tea powder. I actually really do enjoy the taste and had some this morning thrown into a smoothie!
THINGS I AVOID COMPLETELY: Smoking, drugs, tanning, most processed foods, soda, coffee (sometimes there are exceptions when I go to an event, but I actually don’t enjoy the taste of it. Keep in mind coffee in moderation can serve some health benefits. I just avoid it because for many it’s addicting and too much caffeine is usually not a good thing).
My Absolute Health Weakness: Hey, no one’s perfect, and eating healthy 100% of the time is not only unrealistic, but I also feel people should be able to indulge in moderation! For me, my biggest health weakness is that I have a sweet tooth!
Besides chocolate, chocolate covered nuts (any kind) is one of my guilty pleasures!
I don’t really crave french fries, pasta, pizza or bad carbs, but if there is a plate of cookies (especially ones baked from scratch) in front of me, it is very difficult for me to look the other way!
I am also OBSESSED with chocolate, I could eat it everyday and usually find a way to enjoy a little each day, but try to stick to the darker varieties for the antioxidants. For me, it feels heavenly eating chocolate! I wish it didn’t have that effect on me, but it definitely does!
Although I have tried to make a few attempts to give up sweets completely, I have come to realize it is one of the few unhealthy things I enjoy and it’s OKAY. I allow myself to have something sweet everyday in moderation (or certain days, I actually can stay sugar-free) and allow myself to over-indulge for special occasions.
This weekend was filled with holiday cheer as I threw my first Christmas party at my home (it’s hard to believe I have been living in my condo for almost a year now!) and I also attended another holiday party at my friend’s sister’s home in the beautiful Smoke Rise community in Kinnelon, New Jersey.
Here is a look at my Christmas tree! Although I very much admire a real tree, I decided to go with a fake one as its just easier to maintain and I know I can use it every year. It came with the built in colored lights and I added candy canes, a gold beaded garland, gold glittery ornaments, and a big red bow on top.
My first Christmas tree!
I really wanted to get a star for the top of the tree, but I honestly did NOT find one I was 100% in love with and I’m not going to just settle for any old star unless I knew it was perfect. Instead, I decided the bow was a nice finish (hard to see in the photo, but it also matches with the red decor theme of my living room).
Here are some photos taken from my holiday party along with the other party I attended this past weekend:
Here is a look at some appetizers I put together for my guests that included lox on petite toast (I LOVE lox!!!), fruit, cheese/salami with an assortment of crackers, and an asiago artichoke dip that was to die for.
I thought it would be a nice gesture to give out holiday goodie bags to my guests which included a shower gel, hand lotion, or candle and mixed chocolates/mints.
Here is a photo of one of my best friend's and I exchanging gifts. She arrived hours before my party officially started and came all the way from Connecticut! I only get to see her a few times a year so her presence was seriously a holiday gift in itself!
A beautiful view from Kathy's home in Kinnelon, New Jersey
Look at their main Christmas tree...it's 14 feet tall! Stunning!
Here is a photo take of me with my friend Maria (in the middle) and her cousin Lia (on the left). We love to dress up!
stylebymeli
