Category: Inspiration

Industry Insider- Celebrity Makeup Artist Tonya Brewer

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Favorite Products, Hair, Industry Insider, Inspiration
Hope you’re sitting down…Because this blog is a real game changer!
I’ve been busting at the seems to bring you an exclusive interview with the fabulous, stylish, beauty expert, celeb makeup artist & hair stylist…

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.

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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
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Obvi her style has been on point from the start! Rockin that denim like no other.
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[Tonya with Demi and crew on tour]
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[Visit Tonya’s website/blog to find out more on how to get Demi’s look]
+Favorite makeup/hair trends right now?
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.

+Any new makeup you are obsessing over?
Where do I began? I have to narrow it down to 3…
+Where does most of your inspiration come from?
 

Honestly, everywhere. But mostly from the runways, NY Fashion week & Paris Fashion week. Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 collection: Shut It Down!

+Piece of advice for up and coming makeup artists?

Make your own damn rules. I was never too fond of taking direction from others. I credit my strong will [as I like to call it] for where I am today.

+You’ve worked a bunch with the beautiful Bella Thorne, share the deets on the look you created for her:
For the makeup in this look I kept it simple. Clean cat eye. Lots of lash.
Dewy skin. {<<Tonya mixes Givenchy & YSL to get the perfect look}
I used the infamous Candy Yum Yum (by MAC) on the lips.
The how-to for Bella’s braid is to be released in a magazine soon, but I’ll share it with Loveleigh Beauty first…
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To recreate Bella’s fishtail braid you will need the following items:
*A few bobby pins
*2 pieces of thin ribbon( about yard of each color-more or less depending on your hair length)
*Clear hair tie
*Scissors
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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.
Thank you Tonya! 
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Love, love, the fishtail braid look. [For more hair-spiration visit my previous blog post on Braids, Buns, Top, Knots & Fishtails...]
I love that a red carpet look doesn’t have to be perfect. Messy is so glam!
You will be seeing more of Miss Tonya, as she will be Loveleigh Beauty’s celeb beauty expert.

Let me know if you have any questions for her. She’s pretty fab, right?

Love,

LL

xo

Tonsillectomy Recovery

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Favorite Products, Inspiration, Nails of the Week

I recently had a tonsillectomy; hence, my being M.I.A. lately. The feeling reminiscent to shards of glass stuck in your throat for a week kind of disrupts ones mood, I’ll be honest.

However, I’m exactly 2 weeks post-op and feeling better than ever. I owe it all to a fab blog I discovered The Healing Blossom. She is dedicated to health and wellness, and gives a play-by-play of her recovery from a tonsillectomy, as an adult.

I was so grateful to have read her story because it totally helped ease my anxiety. {AHHHHH!}

I followed pretty much exactly what she did and I can’t believe how quickly I recovered!

So remember this next time you find yourself in the market for tonsil extraction or any major surgery for that matter.

tonsillectomy-loveleigh ebauty
What I lived on for 10 days

>Aloe + Coconut Water, with crushed ice from Sonic ((Yes, Sonic sells big bags of ice for only $1.75. My beautiful mother drove across town to get me this magical ice and it is the best evs!!)) was my go to drink all day. I swear this it what healed me so fast.

Aloe has soooo many nutritional and beauty benefits:

+Can be used topically on skin to treat sunburns: nourishes and hydrates the skin.

+Boosts metabolism to promote weight loss

+Excellant detox for a natural way to cleanse your colon

+Combats free radicals that contribute to illness and anti-aging

+Reduces/prevents inflammation

[Read more in depth on the benefits of aloe vera at Livestrong.com]

 

What I also discovered during my recovery is that my mani/pedi was flawless for a whole 8 days! No joke.

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My recovery mani/pedi inspiration came from my fellow blogger friend Janesfashion Blog. Follow her, she’s a doll. I’m wearing Turquoise & Caicos by Essie and Pirouette My Whistle by O.P.I 

So if you want to preserve those beautifully painted digits, I suggest lying on the couch as much as possible, being waited on hand & foot, no dishes, no laundry, don’t deal with your kids, or fussing of any sort, and you’re good to go. Ha!

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My gorgeous orchids sent from my beautiful friend, Ahsue. Their color was to die for! And they totally brightened my week.

Well, I sure have missed blogging and all of you. I’ve been working on some great stuff and I can’t wait to share!

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
– John Muir

Love,

LL

xo

DIY Makeup Brush Holders

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Inspiration, Uncategorized

This DIY makeup brush holder idea is inspired by ones I’ve seen at Sephora. [I die and go to heaven every time I step foot in there.]

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Change the look of your bathroom and display all your makeup tools with these adorable holders. It is so easy-peasy and all you need is your own creativity.

You literally can choose any theme or color.

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I purchased the rectangle glass vases at Michael’s {on sale} for $3. I adorned a couple with a few accessories.

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Swarovski crystals for some sparkle
loveleighbeauty-DIY makeup brush-glitter ribbon
To change it up,  I decided to do one vase in glitter ribbon, wrapped in brown tulle.
loveleighbeauty-DIY-accessorie makeup brush holder
Adorning the rustic bronze piece with Swarovksi crystals using E6000 glue.
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All of these supplies found at Michael’s
loveleighbeauty-DIY makeupbrush holder
These are the poly-fil beads. They work, but are not as pretty as the glass beads Sephora uses.

**Super important when choosing the filling for inside the vases, make sure it is made of material that will not scratch your makeup brushes.**

I did some research and found poly-fil {which is used to fill dolls} and tested them to be the safest in making sure your brushes are not ruined…BUT THEN I discovered the actual glass beads Sephora uses [pictured below and found Save-on-Crafts].

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loveleighbeauty-DIY-makeup brush holder
See the difference? The glass beads are so pretty.

Wait…we’re not done organizing…

If you’re feeling extra crafty try this easy idea:

loveleighbeauty-DIY lip pencil holder

Use Modge Podge on the inside of the jar (a thick, even layer), pour your color choice of glitter, let dry. And violá[!], a jazzy new lip pencil [or whatever your little heart desires] holder.

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Container Store acrylic makeup organizer, new DIY makeup brush holder, and of course, my Clearcube.

Phew! It feels so good to be organized.

I mean think about it, we spend all this money on products just to throw them in a cold, lonely, and dark drawer. Display them beautifully and proudly for all to enjoy.

Happy organizing Loveleigh’s!

Love,

LL

xo

Hello 2013!

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Inspiration, Uncategorized

Hello, Beautiful Loveleigh’s!

Happy New Year! I hope each one of you had an amazing holiday. Mine was a little cray, but in a wonderful way! I’m feeling blessed more than ever.

I can’t get this song outta my head “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and I’m feeling gooood…”. [Imagine me sashaying down the hallway whilst singing.]

I’m so sorry its been so long since my last blog! Ay, Ay, Ay I’ve been having MAY-jor computer issues. Hopefully, I have all the kinks worked out (fingers double crossed) and I can get back to it.

I have so much to share with you in the new year. Inspiration for me has been everywhere!

But first, it’s that time of year again–where we make all kinds of redic promises to ourselves. But this year, I have decided to nix the uge ((short for usual)) of:

*stop biting my nails

*try the latest fad diet

*workout everyday for 2 hours minimum (um, yeah right!)

*blah, blah, blah [!!]

Let’s face it, life gets in the way and then we end up feeling worse than when we started.

This year I’m not setting myself up for failure.

So with that said, let’s pick one thing and make a change for the better. Create a positive habit. Every moment is a chance to achieve or at least strive for something greater.

Let’s quit placing importance on a singular point in time as a catalyst for change. That concept is so flawed! Be the change you want right now. Today. Everyday. Not just on January 1st.

So, my New Year’s resolution? Be PRODUCTIVE. I want to thrive in all aspects of my life.

I want to flourish in love, my family, my business, friends, health, fitness and all things loveleigh [duh].

What are some of your resolutions? Or shall we say positive changes of life?

xo

LL

Here’s a look back on my 2012:

2012-2

Industry Insider: Meet MUA Chandra + a Fall Bridal Look

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Industry Insider, Inspiration

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.

+What’s currently in your makeup bag?

CC: DuWop Lip Venom in clear, Orange Tempura lipglass by M.A.C. (limited, sorry because its really an amazing color),  Makeup Forever Duo Matte powder.

+Your #1 beauty tip:

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 Forever
Mixing 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. lashes
Cheeks: 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.

Love, LL

xo

Motivational Monday

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Inspiration

Happy Monday Loveleigh’s!

I am unfortunately a little under the weather. {sniff, sniff..} On the flip side to being sick, I have found more time to blog and reflect on all things beauty.

I know it’s cliché, but always remember true beauty really comes from within. It’s in our confidence, character, intellect, passion, kindness- which all comes from deep within each of our unique souls.

Obvi, I’m obsessed with makeup, skincare, and all beauty related products-but they don’t define me or determine my beauty or yours.

I know it can be hard to not freak-out over an annoying breakout [guilty, party of 1] or bad hair day.  Instead, try to direct your focus on being confident, loving yourself, and being happy. No amount of amazing foundation or the world’s best hairspray can fix that–only you can.

Love this. It should be everyone’s mantra!
My fav! I wish more of our society’s youth could understand this.
Classic

Today, think about your reflection of inner beauty and what it looks like to others from the outside.

Love, LL

xo

Falling for Fall-My Best Friend’s Wedding

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Inspiration

Fall. By far, my favorite time of year. I may be a little biased because I was born in the greatest month of Fall [Heeeyyy, October babies]. I love it.

My best friend Ahsue [pronounced Ah-sue, thank you]  got married last month and her choice of colors for a fall themed wedding were breathtaking. Everything was so sweet and I couldn’t help but be in awe of all the little details-they really set the mood for the whole day. It was truly loveleigh.

+Plus, my children were a part of the festivities and that might have added a touch more of amazingness too [just sayin’!].

The day was filled with so much love, laughter and culture[<<—my fav part]

Flower girls and the Persian ceremony setting. Pics don’t do it justice–everything was so ornate and beautifully detailed.
How gorgeous is this bouquet? It was hand made and included a tiny pic of her Grandma.
The bright, perfect for fall, flowers.
Fashion Deets: my reception dress found here
I will be posting Ahsue’s bridal makeup look soon and introduce you to one of SD’s amazing bridal MUA, Chandra Campos.

Get ready!

Love, LL

xo

Gluten-free beauty products-inspired by my daughter living with Celiac’s

by loveleighbeauty, posted in Inspiration

Celiac kid-glutenfree-beauty products-loveleigh

No one ever forgets the day you find out your child has a genetic, life-long, life changing autoimmune disorder.

Why did my daughter have to live a life that would now be “different” and more difficult?

Don’t get me wrong, I am completely relieved to know what is causing my daughter to feel sick, tired, and “fuzzy” as she describes some days; even better, that the illness is completely treatable by something as natural as a change in diet. No medication necessary.

Yet, I could’t help feeling such sadness the day we found out. It is a kind of sadness that I feel through my whole body; it starts in the middle of my heart and carries down to the pit of my stomach. It is very overwhelming emotionally.

Thankfully, “gluten free” has become a well know term, but navigating the ins and outs of finding safe food she can eat often feel like a part-time job. But if anyone can do it, this mama will. My pity party is over and I will nourish her back to health.

Research for Celiac is minimal, but some say makeup that contains gluten can trigger Celiac disease symptoms. My whole life practically has been dedicated to beauty and beauty products, so don’t judge me when one of my first thoughts were “what if she can’t wear makeup?”  That thought quickly turned into: what beauty products can she have? Hence, inspiration for this very blog post.

Gluten is a very sneaky culprit. Celiac sufferers are discovering that more than dietary changes are necessary because it can be found in lipgloss, hair-sprays, eyeshadows-everyday products that some don’t even think twice about using.

Gluten is used as a binder to help ingredients stick together, and to add moisture to products through gluten-derived oils.

Experts are split over whether people living with Celiac should really avoid cosmetics containing gluten. Some adamantly believe gluten-free beauty products are healthy for them and prevent further reaction or damage to their insides; while some researchers say that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin because the protein molecules are too large. Obviously, more research is imperative and needed.

Regardless, I will now be very aware as to what products do and don’t contain gluten for the benefit of my daughter.

These are ingredients in cosmetics that could contain gluten and are best avoided for those with Celiac:

avena sativa (Oat) kernel flour

barley extract

cyclodextrin

dextrin

fermented grain extract

hyrolyzed malt extract

hydrolyzed wheat protein

hydrolyzed vegetable protein

maltodextrin

oat (avena sativa)

stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl

samino peptide complex

phytosphingosine extract

triticum vulgare (Wheat germ extract)

Secale Cereale

Sodium C8-16 Isoalkylsuccinyl Wheat Protein Sulfonate

wheat germ

vitamin e

yeast extract

Here is my list (so far) of beauty products sans gluten:

Nars: All products are 100% gluten free

Smashbox: over 98% of products are gluten free and safe.

Mac: almost all products EXCEPT:

+tinted lip conditioner – wheat germ oil and soy

+amplified creme lipstick – hordeum vulgare (barley) extract, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract & soybean extract

+say SPF 15 light moisture – polysorbate 80 (wheat), biosaccharide

+fast response eye cream – wheat germ oil, barley extract and cornoil

+prep + prime skin-saccharide isomerate (wheat)

+satin, velux pearl, & velux eye shadows

+cremesheen lipgloss

+amplified lipstick

+plush glass

Estee Lauder Company Statement: 

“This is to hereby confirm that none of our lipsticks contain gluten, and they are not manufactured alongside products that would contain it.

While a formulation may contain no wheat, oat, barley or rye derivatives, for the benefit of our gluten-sensitive consumers who may have cross-sensitivities, Estee Lauder takes the extra precaution of including corn, rice and soy in our research. All Estee Lauder lipsticks contain either/or corn and soy with the exception of Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick which contains wheat, corn and soy.”

My journey to finding gluten-free products has just begun, so my hope is that more companies will follow suit and choose ingredients that are beneficial to all.

+If you find any gluten-free products that you love send them my way!

xo

LL