FAQ | Hair DO's and Hair DONT's

As a full-time hairstylist in a high end area, I feel like I’ve heard it all.  I thought I’d compile all the most asked questions to give you the 411 and leave more time to chat about the important stuff with your stylist- like your last date, your new shoes and your plans this weekend J

Q: My curls never seem to last! What am I doing wrong?

A: As a general guideline, prepping with great products is always a must!  Using a flexable hold mousse on wet hair before drying is a great way to build in a foundation of hold without feeling like your hair is crunchy.  My favorite is Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrocream Whip.  The product itself feels rich and creamy, and smells fantastic! It leaves your hair feeling soft, but gives it the hold it will need to keep your curls where you want them!

Q: I want to grow my hair long, so I shouldn’t get it cut for the next few months, right?

A: WRONG! Trimming your split ends is the best thing you can do to help maintain healthy hair, and to allow it to grow.  When women go months without trimming their unhealthy ends, those ends will break off on their own! This will leave an uneven perimeter in your haircut, which leaves you with scraggly ends- yuck!  When client’s come in for a cut while growing out their length, I call it a “dusting” of their ends- between ¼’ and ½’ is just enough to maintain a healthy head of hair, and still grow out those lucious locks!

Q: What can I do to protect my hair from all the fun in the sun I have planned for the summer?

A: Worrying about your hair’s health is no reason to pass on a fun daytrip to the beach!  Laying out in the sun or taking a dip in the poor is what summer is all about, but don’t forget about your hair while your enjoying that sunshine!  Before jumping in, whether it’s the pool or the deep blue sea, make sure to prep your hair- Pureology Essential Repair Colour Max is a lightweight spray-in product that is made for sun protection and leave in conditioning.  They even come in travel sizes- perfect to toss into your carry-on, on your way to your fun in the sun! 

Hope this answers some of your biggest hair care questions! With all the products, tools and techniques out there, it can be overwhelming trying to sort out what makes the most sense for you.  

Feel free to email Jen with any other questions you might have- I’m happy to help any heads of hair in need! 

XOXO,

Jen Hatcher | Hairstylist

Jen Hatcher is a hairstylist of many talents - she loves seeing her client's faces light up when they look in the mirror and is especially passionate about bridal hairstyling! Whether it's bride's bobs, layers, or lowlights, she's happiest when her hands are in some hair!

Jen takes clients in a great salon in Downtown Pleasanton, CA and is currently booking for the 2013/2014 wedding seasons. 

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her visit any of these links:

BRIDAL HAIR/MAKEUP: www.lisateller.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jenthehairgirl

STYLESEAT: https://www.styleseat.com/jenniferhatcher

Boudoir in the San Francisco Bay Area

I have been beautifying the "everyday" woman or bridal client for boudoir photoshoots for years! I have to say, its one or my favorite types of photoshoots to do! While I love transforming my bride's, boudoir looks are so much more dramatic and fun! I really enjoy bringing a client's inner beauty out to make them feel so glamorous! 

Boudoirs are really about empowering the every day woman to feel glamorous, beautiful, and sexy! 

I am not a perfect person, no one is really. We all at one point or another had self doubt, an imperfect body image, and negative things effect us. I truly believe an empowered woman is one of the most powerful forces! You are gorgeous, so free yourself of negativity, liberate yourself, and feel empowered!

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

What is a boudoir photoshoot like?

I've worked with several different boudoir photographers and their guidelines are all pretty much the same. It's all about what you are comfortable with! Any professional boudoir photographer will explain beforehand to go over the different options ranging from lingerie to nude and talk about your comfort level! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and beautiful!

How should you prepare?

Of course, having some nice lingerie is ideal! If you are spending the money to have a professional photographer take gorgeous pictures of you, wearing your everyday T-shirt bra and mismatched underwear just wont do! (Unless thats your theme!) If you are going a theme, I've seen cute ideas regarding their husbands (or fiancé's/boyfriends!) occupations like firefighters, construction workers, etc.

Are you getting your hair and makeup professionally done? Like with any special event involving this type of photography I highly suggest leaving it to a trained hand! Besides, it's part of the glamorous feel of the whole thing!

My Boudoir Packages

I offer two different boudoir packages based on your needs! The first, is a one look on-sight hair and makeup application! I will come to the boudoir photography location to do your hair and makeup, including the airbrush makeup and false lashes! This will give you that VA-VA-VOOM and sexy confidence to kind of get into character for this photoshoot! I then leave after the application to keep you comfortable.

The second option includes the initial look listed above but also includes touch-ups and hair/makeup look changes for the duration of your photoshoot. Not only does it include all the hair and makeup application, touch ups, and changes, but I will also help you with your wardrobe and accessories. Additionally I work with the photographer to help with posing your body in flattering ways!

San Francisco Boudoir Photographers

While most wedding photographers also offer boudoir photography, the options below represent who I've worked with on boudoirs and have a great working relationship with! 

Adeline & Grace Photography - www.adelineandgraceintimates.com

Ian Chin Photography - www. boudoirsbyian.com

Karla Bravo Photography - www.boudoirwomen.com

Remember that you are beautiful, have fun, and empower yourself!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Fool-Proof Guide to False Lashes

Wearing false lashes creates a fabulous effect for your eye, but putting them on yourself is a battle and one of the hardest things to do! If you've ever attempted at putting false lashes on yourself, but ended up gluing part of your eye shut and made a mess this guide is for you!

What you'll need:

False lashes - Strip or Individuals (Ardell lashes are one of my fav brands!)

Lash glue - I use Duo lash glue in CLEAR

Tweezers (Optional) - recommended when using individual lashes

Lash curler

Small Scissors

Mascara

Black eyeliner - preferably liquid or gel

Getting the Look:

Lashes should be one of the last few steps of your eye makeup application. This means your eyeshadow should already be done. The reason you don't want to apply your lashes before your eyeshadow is because the shadow will get caught on the top of the lashes and will lighten them, which is the opposite effect you want!

Once your eyeshadow is complete, do a thin layer of black eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. This will help conceal strip on the lash line and make them look more realistic!

Next, you'll want to take your lashes out of its packaging and measure the length of the falsies to make sure they fit your eye, this only applies to the strip lashes. To do this, simply put them up to your lash line as if you were gluing them on. Pay attention to where the lashes end on the outer corner of your eye, chances are they are longer than your natural lash line. You'll then want to trim the excess off from the outer corner side. Trim them so they are slightly shorter than your natural lashes to that they will feel comfortable when you apply them! 

Now you'll want to finish prepping your eye by curling your lashes and applying a coat (or two!) of mascara. Once the mascara is dry you'll be ready to start applying the lashes!

Applying Strip Lashes

Squeeze a pea sized amount of glue to a Q-tip, or you can even use a brush handle for this! Swipe the glue along the lash line of the false lashes so there is a thin layer of glue on the lashes. 

Now the trick here is to wait. Hold the lashes (or fan them) for 30+ seconds before applying. This allows the lash glue to become tacky /partly dry to create less of a mess and make then easier to apply because you wont have to hold them in place as long.

Once you're ready to apply stretch your eyelid as best as you can by looking as far down as you can while tilting your head up towards the mirror so you can still see what you're doing! Now apply them with the lashes vertically with the strip facing down towards your lashes. This will allow you to get as close to the lash line as possibly without (hopefully!) getting excess glue on your eye lid or lashes. Once you hit the lash line use your natural lashes as a shelf for them to sit on while your fixing the inner and outer corners. I like to start on the outer corner by gently pressing it down to the lash line and adjusting. Same idea of the inner corner. Once they start to feel secure run your fingertips on top of the lashes to blend them with your natural lashes.

If you find they are sitting too high and aren't close enough to the lash line, give them a gentle but firm pinch between your fingers and it should help to squish them into a better position! Repeat on other side.

Applying Individual lashes

Squeeze a pea sized amount of glue on the back of your hand. Let the glue sit for 30 seconds before attempting to apply. Use your tweezers (or lash applicator tool) to gently pull the individual lashes from the packaging and dip a small about in the glue. 

Apply them as close to the lash line as possible where ever you feel your lashes could use a boost! I suggest starting from the outer corner where your natural lashes are longer and working your way in. You can applying them across the full lash line or just add a few to the outer corners of your eyes to make them pop!

Final Touches

Once you've applied your strip or individual lashes and the glue has dried you'll want to conceal the lash line and add final touches! Go back over the lashes with your black eyeliner to conceal the lash line to make them look more realistic. Then apply one more coat of mascara, this will help blend your real and fake lashes together and help push the lashes up so they sit a little higher!

Now go out and bat those lashes! ;)

Remember: It will take some time and practice to perfect your application, so be patient and don't give up! You'll figure out what works best for you and then be able to apply them in less than 2 minutes!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

A Romantic, Blush & Gold Wedding Affair!

I love the soft and romantic feel of blush and gold in a romantic wedding setting! While blush colored dresses have become a trend, after being worn by stars like Jessica Biel for her wedding to Justin Timberlake, this trend can be used in decor and hair and makeup!

I can practically feel the warmth, glow, and smell of this color! It's fantastically girlie but soft and romantic at the same time! You can bring the same aspect to your hair and makeup as well! Using soft blush for a flush of color on the cheeks and lips and warm golden eyes! 

For spring bridal hair, I love that it's about using accessories like head bands, fresh flowers, and fun feathers that are so different then the traditional veil! I'm loving the flower crown bridal hair trend right now as well, its absolutely perfect for spring!

The feel of these colors are just timeless! We see many bridal trends come and go (remember the 80's!) but blush and gold is forever! Some of the current bridal trends right now are very bold using patterns and bright colors, however these colors just feel soft and are always in style!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Spring Wedding Makeup at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, Ca

I had the pleasure of meeting my bride, Sara, at her best friends wedding whom I was doing makeup for 6 months prior! Before Sara had even gotten out of my chair that day (or even looking in the mirror!) she had booked me for her wedding! Between my partner and hairstylist Jen Hatcher, our two assistants, and I, we beautified more than 11 ladies, from the bride and her mother to her entire bridal party and even some extended family members! Through smiles, several emotional and tearful moments, and dancing, Sara and her ladies looked fabulous all the way up to their late night In N Out snack!

Sara and Dan were married at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, Ca on March 23, 2013! All photo's are the property and courtesy of Jim Vetter Photography!

CONGRATULATIONS SARA & DAN!

Wishing them a lifetime of happy memories together!

Vendors: Photography: Jim Vetter Photography Venue/Catering: Palm Event Center Event Planning: Eventful Days DJ: DJ Sir EdgarBand: The Peelers Lighting: Enhanced Lighting Hair: Jen the Hair Girl Makeup: Lisa Teller Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero Photobooth: Smile City Photo Booth Chuppah: Under the Chuppah Smores Firepits: Vindeflame Florist: Delford West Flowers

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Great Ways to Thank Your Wedding Vendors

Every wedding has, on average, 10 (or MORE) different vendors! From catering, to the venue, flowers, wedding planner, photographer , hair and makeup team, there are so many important vendors that mak a special day for someone! If your vendors went above and beyond to create a truly magical day for you and you husband, then give them thanks by showing your appreciation! 

Tell them exactly what they did that you loved. 

After all of those emails, calls, brainstorming sessions, and, yes, the times that they saved your behind, express how much you appreciate them with a heartfelt card. Pay it forward by writing a positive review online, if you were happy with their services!

As a wedding vendor myself, the reason I love working with my bridal clients is because I'm such a huge part of their special day! As a makeup artist I know how important it is to a bride to look and feel confident in person and for photos, and when a bride really loves her look it fuels my passion more! I love to hear back from my clients!

Give vendors a shout-out in your toast. 

If you plan on saying a few words to welcome or thank guests at the wedding reception, mention all of the vendors who helped make your night (or day) a success!

Send them a photo with a thank you note.
If you send them a little thank you note and testimonial of their services, include a professional photo of you and your groom(possibly with them incorporated?)! Like with the DJ, or a photo of your hairstylist working on that gorgeous wedding hairstyle you had!) They will love to remember their clients and can share it with other future brides and grooms!

Tip them...a little extra.

Of course, this is a given, but if a particular wedding vendor really wow-ed you and went the extra mile, give them a little extra! Not sure which vendors to tip and how much? The Knot has a great cheat sheet to Tipping your Wedding Vendors!

Whether you do one or more of these, just make sure to thank the people who worked the hardest to make your special day as magical as it was! Enjoy these 25 Ways to Give Thanks at Your Wedding for even more ways to be thankful!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist
www.lisateller.com

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua

Spring Nail Trends Worthy of Paris!

Lavendar, mint green, and pale yellow, ohh my! I love these happy spring nail colors! It reminds me of light and delicious macaroons, pale pink tutu's, and springtime in Paris with the Jardin du Luxembourg in bloom! Oh, how I love Paris in the springtime!

These are from a collection called Colour Riche Versailles Romance  Collection. Each of these are accurately named too! From left to right: Pistachio Dream, Royally Yours, Lacey Lilac, The Palace Lift, Macaroon Me Madly & Creme Puffs! Yum!

Pick your favorite color then add some extra sparkle with a cute nail extras you can glue on! I love these cute bows below and you can get them here: Banggood

Happy Spring!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup Artist
www.lisateller.com

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2013/2014.

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

Stay connected:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lisatellermakeup

PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/lisatellermua/
INSTAGRAM: @lisatellermua