She just so happens to be my girl, and I couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.
What I admire most, is her dedication, hard work, attention to detail, and that a real passion is her driving force to succeed in life. It’s impressive.
Oh boy, is she a real spit-fire too! Countless memories filled with so much laughter, it hurts with this one.
Perfection! {Photo Credit: Flash of Life Photography}
+Hey doll, introduce yourself and give us some deets:
My name is Tonya Brewer. Born & raised in sunny San Diego. I didn’t grow up with much…just enough, but I always knew I wanted more. From a young age, I was always obsessed with beauty & fashion. I always tried to make new trends of my own.
Fast forward to my late teens, fresh out of high school I enrolled into cosmetology
school.
To pay what little bills I had, I also started working for MAC Cosmetics. MAC really helped me find my passion for the art of makeup. While working at MAC I never turned a job down; weddings, Quinceañeras, parties, family photos…you name it, I’ve done it. Eventually that turned into bigger jobs. Performers, photo-shoots for magazines, TV Shows.
Then, finally I got THE phone call. I was asked to be the MakeUp Artist / Hair Stylist for the Demi Lovato’s South American Tour. I literally dropped everything & my life has never been the same since.
After the tour, I was lucky enough to sign with an agency & I have had the opportunity to work with celebrity clientele ever since. Love my life. xxxo
Obvi her style has been on point from the start! Rockin that denim like no other.
Right now I’m obsessed with LESS, minimal everything. For hair I’m loving the undone look. One of the latest looks I did on my client, Bella Thorne, for her last red carpet was a messy fishtail braid. I threw in some cute velvet ribbon to keep it young & fresh like her.
As for makeup, I die for lash overload. Lately my go-to look is a boyish, smudged eye shadow, with a pink or berry lip stain.
+What one hair styling product are you loving?
Hands down can not live without Shu Uemura Volume Maker. Easiest way to add volume & texture.
This was a very fun red carpet look. Bella and I wanted to put a twist on one of our favorite hairstyles, which is a fishtail braid.
Exact Steps to Bella’s Fishtail Braid:
+For Bella’s fishtail braid we started with damp hair.
I applied Shu Uemura Fiber Lift Protective Volumizer from root to tip and blow dried the hair in large sections using a round brush.
This product is great for adding volume & protecting the hair from heat.
+Once the hair was dry, to keep the fishtail secured to one side, I braided starting at her right ear and continued the braid down the nape of her neck towards her left shoulder.
+You only take the regular braid to the nape of the neck. Doing this keeps the hair secured to one side.
+Before starting the next step, I lightly misted the hair with Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray. Bella and I thought it would be great to dress the braid up by adding some ribbon that complemented the dress. So I took the two pieces of velvet ribbon, one blue and one green, tied them together at one end, and I used a bobby pin to secure the ribbon at the top of what will be the start of the fishtail braid.
+The first step in creating a fishtail braid is to separate the hair into two equal sections. Keep one section in your left hand and one section in your right hand.
+The next step is to take a thin section of hair from the outside of the right section of hair and cross it over to the left section of hair.
+Repeat the process on the opposite side by taking a thin section of hair from the outside of the left section of hair and cross it over to the right section of hair.
+Now the ribbon we pinned in, I treated as if it were an extension of her hair and crossed it back and forth in the same pattern.
+Once you complete this method all the way down you want to tie the bottom of the fishtail off with a clear hair tie.
+Once the braid was secured, I took what was left of the ribbons and wrapped them around the clear hair tie, tied a knot, and cut off the excess ribbon.
+Once the braid was finished I loosened and pulled at the braid & ribbons to give it a slightly imperfect look.
+I then secured any loose ends with bobby pins and lightly misted the hair again with the Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer finishing spray.
The Bernardo Winery Faire turned out to be a huge success for both Chandra and I. We had a great time with the beautiful models in the fashion show and meeting so many brides-to-be!
They were some amazing vendors too. It made me want to re-do my wedding again. [sigh] I love meeting and seeing people so passionate about their business.
Artists at work! Collaborating on what bridal looks we want to create.The gorgeous Alisa. She has been a professional model for years and is truly stunning.
For Alisa, Chandra wanted to create a clean, yet elegant, look for her.
Eyes:
Bamboo (M.A.C.) in the crease for a pop of color
Vanilla w/ Grain (M.A.C.) packed on the lid for a limited sheen (mature eyes should stay away from too much shimmer. It can increase the look of fine lines/wrinkles)
False lashes, no eyeliner to bring out her eyes
Blush:
Blushbaby (M.A.C.)
Lips:
Whirl lipliner filled in with Snob lipgloss (both M.A.C.)
Loveleigh Beauty & Chandra Campos Makeup Artistry booth.One stop shop for all your beauty needs.
Nerium– the skincare everyone is talking about. Contact Chandra for more info.
The venue is so charming and quaint! I was in complete awe over the grounds and lush landscape. The rustic ambiance is a perfect backdrop for any San Diego Style wedding.
13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128 (858) 487-1866
Love,
LL
xo
Don’t be shy! Follow Loveleigh Beauty on Facebook, Instagram @lauraleigh_xo & Twitter @loveleighbeauty
It’s the beginning of wedding season! Bernardo Winery Spring Bridal Faire is the place for any bride-to-be. Some of the best wedding vendors in San Diego will be there.
Including the dynamic duo that is Loveleigh Beauty and Chandra Campos Makeup Artistry! Come play. Enjoy some bubbly, fine wine, makeup and a fashion show with makeup provided by yours truly.
We will also have a booth set up to answer any questions/concerns + share our bridal beauty tips/tricks.
I will def be blogging about the fashion show and experience, plus share the different bridal looks we will be showcasing for the season.
Also, I’ll be posting important tips like which foundation works best, tricks to make your lip-color last, and how preparing your skin starts weeks in advance.
I once heard that eyebrows are a sign of power. I’ll take it.
So, let’s talk eyebrows–bushy, thin, barely there, and all kinds of in between.
This blog is a long one! Grab a seat, a healthy snack, even a glass of wine[[<<yes, please!]] and let’s get the deets on brows.
Hands down, eyebrows are the most important facial feature for me, as a makeup artist. You can’t have a fabulous eye look without equally fabulous brows. [[ It’s like peanut butter without jelly, a ship without a captain, or cookies without milk. You get my drift.]]
And believe it or not, your brows play a vital role to the brilliance of your complexion. You know, that inner glow we so desperately need/want/desire/live for? Don’t be too quick to forget about our furry caterpillars or lack their of.
Mis-shapen brows can even make you look–brace yourself–OLDER. [<<GASP!]
Still not convinced? Ch-ch-check this out:
OK–this pic is a bit overdramatic, but it solidifies my point: your brows are everything.
I am VERY particular about my brows and trust only one person to handle their business.
I have been so excited to share with all of you my very own eyebrow guru:
Nikki Davidson-Saito
+ Introduce yourself and tell us a little about your experience/expertise:
NS: Hi my name is Nikki Saito. I have lived in San Diego for 15 years now, originally from Toronto Canada. I am a board certified esthetician and I have been shaping brows for almost 13 years & love every minute of it! With the help of Anastasia Of Beverly Hills training, eyebrow shaping has become my passion & something I truly believe I was meant to do! Every time I shape a persons brows I feel incredibly honored to have helped in the transformation of their already beautiful look! It is the most rewarding job I could have ever hoped for!
+Your brow philosophy
NS: Very simple – Eyebrows frame your face, I help shape the frame so you put your best face forward!
+How do you know what shape is best for your face?
NS: Every person is different and every face is unique. That’s what makes this so much fun. I look at your individual bone structure and take facial measurements to ensure your eyebrows fit you. No one wants eyebrows that look like they were put on with a marker, they should be natural and compliment your face. The best compliment I can have is when people say to my clients: “your eyebrows look great”!
+How often should we make an appointment to have our brows groomed?
NS: 4 to 6 weeks is the perfect amount of time depending on how fast your hair grows. Maintenance visits every 4 weeks will allow for just a brow clean up of unwanted strays without the shape being lost.
+How do you feel about tweezing vs threading vs waxing?
NS: My preference is waxing with tweezing to trim as necessary. It is almost impossible to remove all unwanted hair using Threading. With waxing all stray hair & peach fuzz is removed in one swipe, allowing for a smooth surface which is good for makeup application & a clean, precise look.
+What are the most common brow mistakes that women make?
NS: Over tweezing! I think it is safe the say that all off us at one point have butchered our brows! Whether it was in High School, an unfortunate Salon experience, or just an oops in general!
The other mistake that is most common is not knowing the correct brow measurements for your face shape. Meaning tweezing your brows to short, taking to much from the middle, or the biggest oops, putting your arch in the wrong spot!
+Are there any brow products or tools women should invest in?
NS: Yes! A brow pencil to fill in any sparse spots in your brow. Unfortunately we aren’t all blessed with a full, thick, perfect brow. But we can all achieve that look with the right brow pencil. My favorite pencil is the Anastasia Brow Wiz. This magical pencil is so easy to use & come out so natural looking! This fine tipped pencil is retractable, allowing for precise lines (like hair strokes) every time! Including a brow brush on the end for easy blending. A must have!
+Any brow trends you are loving right now?
NS: Right now, all the craze is big, bushy full brows! Think Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon! I love this look, it’s so natural & anyone can pull it off! Whether you have a naturally full brow or you fake it with a great brow pencil. A full brow is great for any makeup looks, natural, glam or bare faced. A full brow has a mind of its own, not needing much more then a daily swipe of clear brow gel to hold the look in place.
Brook Shields in The Blue Lagoon
+If you had to choose just one product for your brows, what would it be?
NS: That is a hard call as there is so many amazing brow products out there, but Anastasia Clear Brow Gel is by far one of the best products out there! As we all know, brows have a mind of their own & never want to stay in place! Brow Gel will hold each hair in perfect place, almost like a hairspray! The best thing about it being clear is no one will know its there! Almost as though you have perfectly tame, shapely brows, precise brows no matter what!
Isn’t Nikki amazing? And let me tell you, she knows her stuff. Even if you think you have no brows to work with, I promise you she can help.
Nikki’s adorable room located inside the JC Penney Salon in Fashion Valley.
Nikki actually only tweezes my brows because my skin is so sensitive to wax. Whatever your needs are, Nikki is there to listen and give you exactly what you want.
If you’re in the SD area and want to make an appointment you can contact Nikki at 619-297-2342. Be sure to like her ‘Brows By Nikki‘ Facebook page too!
And while your at it, have you liked Loveleigh Beauty’s Facebook? Don’t be scared.
Allow me to introduce my dear friend, Chandra Campos. She is one of San Diego’s elite makeup artist’s and specializes in bridal looks. Not only is she amazing (duh!) but her charm and wit add to her whole package. One convo with her and you’re liable to be laughing your boo-tay off with her one liners. 😉
Ch-ch-check her out…
One of our infamous self-portraits
+Tell us a little bit about yourself?
CC: I was basically born into the beauty industry; everyone in my family is either a business owner of a salon, spa, or has been in the industry for 30+ years. Needless to say, I know makeup and skin like the back of my hand. I started with M.A.C. cosmetics and soon realized I loved doing weddings, personal events, photo shoots, etc. I left MAC and started Chandra Campos Makeup Artistry. My business is growing and I’m very excited for whats to come in the future. I think my clients are in for a real treat.
CC: I find that most people don’t do their eyes before their foundation. By doing your eyes first, you’re not working twice by having to fix your foundation from eye shadow fall-out. [<<This is an excellant tip! Remember this loveleigh’s!]
+Foundation you’re obsessed with right now?
CC: Chanel Perfection Lumière. I’m currently obsessed with the glow-y, healthy-skin look. Chanel does just that, plus, gives a soft finish, with a natural looking feel. It’s as if you have nothing on!
+Favorite Skincare product:
CC: NeriumAD! My skin has never looked and felt better. [Visit her Nerium website and stay tuned for Chandra’s blog too]
+Quick trick(s) to spice up someone’s everyday look:
CC: To add something fast to your everyday look (without spending a lot of time) add a soft brown eye shadow to the bottom lashes–this will make your eyes look more polished. Extra mascara and you have a quick, easy, and finished looking eyes.(A few suggestions: soft brown, saddle, texture, all M.A.C. colors)
Also, add a mineralized highlight right above the cheeks to give that subtle glow and your look will be complete. ( M.A.C. mineralized skinfinish powders are beautiful as highlights)
Here is a perfect Fall Wedding makeup look Chandra created for our friend Ahsue:
Nanoo Gold (M.A.C.limited) & Hush (M.A.C.) & Nylon (M.A.C.) on lid
Saddle (M.A.C.) & Soft Brown (M.A.C.) in crease
Black liner–on top only (Makeup Forever in aqua black) Saddle lined on bottom lashes Mascara is Smoky Lash by Makeup ForeverMixing YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Illuminating Foundation with Chanel perfection lumier’ to create the perfect combo for her skin color.Using a Beauty Blender for contour color by Nars in Tahoe.
#34 M.A.C. lashesCheeks: Dainty with Peaches by M.A.C. to create that perfect, soft peach with a touch of pink. Lips: Have to have it lip liner by M.A.C.- YSL Rouge Volupté in 30 (Faubourg Peach) with Hue (M.A.C.) and Patty Cakes by Metal Edge.
+Talk about your vision for Ahsue’s bridal look. What inspired you?
Ahsue is naturally beautiful. Makeup is about adding, creating structure, or definition that isn’t there. Ahsue already has everything we love so I just played up her natural structure; with colors that are already in her palette. (i.e. warmer colors)
Ahsue is very unique and trend setting. I kept that in mind when I created her soft and clean makeup look that would match her style. I only wanted to enhance her already beautiful face.
So stunning, right? I know, that’s why I had to share with all of you.
If you’re getting married and want to consult Chandra, please visit her makeup website.
Happy Monday Loveleigh’s! To prepare you for the week, I wanted to introduce to you my own personal skincare expert/guru/specialist, Janee! Yes, she is fabulous and her skin is so amaze! Prepare to be real envious and read on dolls:
{Yes, her skin looks like this in real life! No filter necessary.}
+Tell us a little about yourself/experience in all things skin related:
JM: My name is Janeé Joyner Miranda and I’ve been an Esthetician for 12 years. I have experience in all avenues of the industry; from spa, owning my own esthetic business, and now working in a Dermatologist office as a Medical Esthetician.
My extensive training and hands on experience has helped me to really understand skin and help my patients achieve their “best skin”. I am truly fortunate to do something every day that I not only LOVE, but am so passionate about.
Through my relationship with my patients over the years, I have come to realize that skin is not just a physical thing, it is also emotional. The best part of my job is watching someone transform their skin and seeing the confidence and happiness being brought back to them when they are given the results they hope for.
People always ask: “What’s the first thing you notice about someone?” Over and over, you hear the same thing: teeth, eyes, smile, etc. But in actuality, the first “handshake” when you meet someone is their skin.
I am so excited to be a part of making someone feel good about that first impression!
+Skincare product we should never live without:
JM: The product I will never go a day without is sunscreen. Dermatologists recognize that the most potent product that can prevent, and reverse the signs of aging, is sunscreen.
Many people think of sunscreen as thick and greasy, with the potential of breaking their skin out.
My favorite sunscreen is Elta MD which can only be found in a doctor’s office. Elta MD is pharmaceutical grade, noncomedogenic, contains microfine transparent zinc oxide, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free.
{My fav sunscreen too! I use the tinted one under a light mineralized powder for everyday wear. Be sure to use a stronger one, like the SPF 50, if you will be in the sun for longer periods of time.}
UV rays are part of the invisible energy that comes from the sun. UVA (or what I call aging rays) account for 95% of our sun exposure. They cause skin to age and contribute to skin cancer. They penetrate deeply into the skin layers, damaging collagen and cells; which lead to wrinkling, hyper-pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. UVB, or burning rays, mostly affect the outer layer of the skin and cause sunburns and tanning that increase the risk of skin cancer and other disorders.
A big misconception women have about sunscreen is that the amount of sunscreen in their makeup is enough protection. Makeup wears off throughout the day and Dermatologists recommend that sunscreen be applied as a separate layer from other products to achieve maximum protection.
Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product you can buy and is worth every penny.
+Product(s)you swear by?
JM: There are 2 ingredients in skincare that I swear by: Vitamin C in the a.m. and Retinol in the p.m.
Vitamin C: an antioxidant that slows down the damage free radicals have on our skin. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals which not only will reverse damage but also prevent future skin damage. It is the antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin texture and elasticity.
Retinol: enhances the cellular turnover rate of the skin which gives skin a healthy and radiant glow. Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, has many benefits such as removing superficial skin pigmentation, fights acne and blemishes, and anti-aging properties. It aids in the formation of collagen to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Many over-the-counter products include Retinol and Vitamin C because there is such a high demand for these ingredients with all the education out on the positive benefits these two can have on your skin. The consumer must beware that not all dosages of these ingredients can be high enough for above mentioned results. It is recommended to purchase products from your dermatologist’s office to ensure high quality and concentration of Vitamin C and Retinol.
+A few skincare essentials every girl needs:
JM: Loveleigh’s, remember this:
The key to beautiful skin is achieving balanced skin.
Every girl’s skincare collection MUST include the following:
+ Cleanser: Use it twice when wearing makeup. The first cleanse will break down the makeup, and the second will clean naked skin.
+ Active toner: I recommend a toner in liquid or saturated pad form with Salicylic and Glycolic acid. If you have sensitive skin a 2% glycolic/2% salicylic combination is enough, but if your skin is more tolerant then a 5% glycolic/2% salicylic is perfect. This will keep the pores clean and help reduce congestion and blackheads.
+ Antioxidants: to protect, nourish and repair, such as: Vitamin C and Retinol.
+ Moisturizer: is key to beautiful skin.
When describing the balance of skin there are 3 types: normal, oil dry, and water dry. “Oil dry” skin is more dry and taut. A moisturizer that nourishes, maintains moisture balance, brightens, and restores a youthful glow, is vital to achieve optimal results.
Another misconception for oily skin or “water dry” skin, is that a moisturizer is not needed and will increase breakout. When a person is oily they use ingredients to slow down oil production in the skin but they forget to add hydration or water which will prevent dullness. You must find a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, to restore hydration and radiance back to the skin
For the lucky few that can describe their skin as normal, should use a moisturizer according to weather and comfort. If it is hot and humid then a sheer, oil-free moisturizer is perfect. If it is cold and dry, then one that is more emollient will do the trick.
+5 ways to improve your skin today(!):
Minimal Sun Exposure. This will lessen sun damage such as hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration.
Drink lots of water and keep alcohol and caffeine consumption to a minimum. Alcohol and caffeine will dehydrate the skin; which will make the skin look dry and increase fine lines.
Invest in good quality skin care products that include Vitamin C, Retinol, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This will keep your skin looking fresh and flawless, as well as, prevent signs of aging.
Properly wash your face to ensure the removal of all makeup and impurities. When you wear makeup, either start off with a makeup wipe and then cleanser, or double cleanse to break down the makeup. Not thoroughly cleaning the skin will lead to dehydration and clogged pores.
Get regular treatments from your Esthetician. This will deep clean and exfoliate the skin. Great skin is a combination of good skincare and professional treatments.
{Me, Janee & Chandra [<<<—stay tuned to meet one of the best MUA in the biz!]}
I recently had a Silk Peel treatment from Janee and my skin has never felt better! It’s a simple 20 minute procedure that delivers immediate results.
A silk peel is a non-invasive, dermatological procedure which exfoliates and stimulates skin cell growth. It is similar to a microdermabrasion but better for your skin and more precise.
A silk peel is used for hydrating skin, treating acne, and lightening skin.
Like Janee mentioned, skin must be maintained with hydration, moisturizers and sunscreens, to achieve the benefits of a silk peel.
If you’re in the San Diego area and want a consult with Janee, she can be found at Torrey Pines Dermatology, in La Jolla, 858-362-8800. She offers services in all things skin.