Boho Wedding – Weddinc

INTERVIEW with Tara Dowburd from Make-Up Therapy

Taryn Henry-Latham — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 19:52:57 +0000

Today we are meeting with sought after Make-up Artist Tara Dowburd, the owner of Make-Up Therapy. Tara and her Beauty Team specialize in Make-up application and hairstyling for celebrity and high-end weddings, the red carpet, TV appearances, special events and photo-shoots. They are known for creating styles that are both effortless, chic and trendsetting elegance, however natural or glamourous. We are very honored to present our latest interview with Tara...

WEDDINC: To get things rolling today, we’d love to know…How did you get started in the business?

TARA: Well, I’ve been enamored with beauty and fashion since I was 7 years old. During those early years, my father would buy me magazines such as Vogue and Bazaar, and as soon as I would get them, I would tear out my favorite looks and then create folders for each of them. In addition, my mother would have a professional Make-up artist come to our house to help her get ready for a galas or events. Every time the artist would come, I would run down the hallway, plant myself on the sink area and watch with excitement and curiosity. I would always ask the artist many questions, as I loved the beauty she created with the brush strokes and colors she used. As a child, I was never really into wearing make-up, however, I absolutely loved watching the application and transformation.

WEDDINC: In your opinion how has make-up style changed over the last decade?

TARA: In the past 5 years, both celebrity personalities and Pinterest images have had a huge influence on the styles of make-up and the way my clients want to look. With so many avenues of social media, it gives us access to so many options, which has actually made our clients more savvy as to the products and details they want. Often times, they share several images with us, more than ever before. For instance, someone may find a current celebrity they like on Pinterest and newly discover the affect of contouring and hi-lighting the face and then specifically ask us for just that. Ironically we always use some form of a contour method in all of our applications, no matter how subtle or dramatic, whatever is best to enhance our client’s features. Having the various avenues of social media are wonderful, however, they can often confuse or overwhelm our clients with too many options, so we are always sure to help them focus and guide them on what look will suit them the best.

WEDDINC: What gives you the most joy about your job?

TARA: I genuinely love every aspect of my job, it is truly rewarding, fun and unique. What gives me the most joy is creating amazing relationships with our clients and all of the fantastic people that we are fortunate to work with. In addition, there is nothing better than giving my client the mirror when I finish taking care of them and see their reaction. I see the light in their eyes, this heir of confidence comes over them and they smile. To know that I had something to do with helping them feel their most beautiful self is everything.

WEDDINC: What is your favorite makeup product?

TARA: The Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick. I absolutely love love it. It’s the perfect consistency, as it is held together with beeswax and when it’s applied on well primed skin, it doesn’t look heavy and gives the face a gorgeous, even, glowing finish the looks both flawless in person and on camera. Great face make-up is about matching the skin-tone (try to match your decollate and then apply a bronzer if needed to give you a perfect match) and Bobbi Brown offers such a wide variety of skin-tone correct shades. Because the Stick contains skin-tone correct pigments, your face is left with a skin-like finish no matter how little or how much you use, as the consistency is build-able.

WEDDINC: What is your favorite brand of cleanser?

TARA: I actually have two. Kate Sommerville Daily Wash or Murad Daily Cleansing Foam. I find that neither of these cleansers strip the skin of it’s natural moisture, they clean the face and remove make-up very well, leaving your face feeling refreshed.

WEDDINC: What is your favorite makeup tool?.

TARA: I actually have two brushes that I love. First, the Chanel Blending Foundation Brush #7. I use this brush to help give the foundation application an airbrush type finish without looking heavy or mask-like. My 2nd favorite brush is the Shu Uemura Kolinsky #11 eyeshadow brush, it truly applies and blends eyeshadow beautifully.

WEDDINC: In your opinion, how important is it to have a facial prior to having your services and how many days/hours before?

TARA: If you’ve never had a facial, I feel that it’s best for you to not doing anything too invasive (i.e.. extractions, intense skin peels, etc) the week of your wedding in case you have any bad reactions and need healing time. I am however a huge fan of having an oxygen facial that week, even the day of, for your skin to have a gorgeous glow. In addition, I recommend facial waxing to be done at least 3-5 days before your wedding day, again, just in case you have any reaction and Make-up tends to not adhere well as well on freshly waxed skin. Make-up can help even out redness or dark pigment on the face, however, it’s difficult to cover texture.

TARA: We are like a family. I absolutely love my beauty team and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, I am so grateful for each and every one of them. I tend to gravitate to old souls and they for sure have that nature. They are genuinely very loyal, kind, talented, professional and are calming yet have a great sense of humor. They are likable and easy and fun to work with.

WEDDINC: What does a day in the life of Tara Dowburd look like?

TARA: Every day is generally so different, I can be working with a bride on her wedding day or with an art director on a photo shoot. I could be taking my clients shopping for make-up/skincare/brushes or getting clients ready for a special event or a television appearance. That said, I’m all about balance in life so I try to do as few make-up jobs on Mondays and Tuesdays, so that I can meet with my Studio Manager to work on “behind the scenes” and also spend quality time with my friends and family.

WEDDINC: Make-Up Therapy is such a great name. How do you introduce the therapy element into your service?

TARA: Thank you, I chose that name for my company Make-Up Therapy, because it’s truly therapeutic for me when I am applying Make-up on my clients, it’s my “Zen” and clients have always told me that it’s a therapeutic experience to sit in my chair, saying things like: “I didn’t realize I was this pretty” or “you put me at such ease”. They would give me this heartfelt feedback and I would get choked up. The additional therapeutic benefit for our clients is that we always listen to them. It’s not about us it’s about them. The “listen” part is so important because we care what they think about what they feel, what they like and what they don’t like before we begin doing their Make-up and/or Hair. When our clients feel heard, they are then comfortable and relaxed and happy to be taken care of.

WEDDINC: Having makeup applied is such a relaxing experience in and of itself. Do you find that people open up to you and tell you interesting stories or secrets that you can tell us without giving names?

TARA: I’ll have to say that I have to keep professionalism, and loyalty to my clients and not really answer it directly out of respect to my clients but they need to trust me and I will say that they can and do maybe tell me TMI but I’ll always protect their privacy.

WEDDINC: Are there any beauty product launches this year that you are super excited about?

TARA: I love that Charlotte Tilbury is now available at Bergdorf’s and Nordstrom’s and will be going into Bloomingdale’s in Century City. I discovered her in Bergdorf’s this year in New York City. She has amazing products.

WEDDINC: What is the one product every woman should have in her bag?

TARA: I feel like it has to be two, if that’s ok. I couldn’t just pick one, the first one is a good pressed powder because it removes the shine and leaves a smooth finish on the skin and the second one is a good lip color.

WEDDINC: What do you currently have in your beauty bag?

TARA: Some of my favorites that I’m using now are…

– Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

– Christian Dior Diorshow Brow Styler

– Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick

– MAC Lip Pencil

– MAC Lip Color

– Bobbi Brown Blush Brush

– Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss

– Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner Pencil

– Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

– Cover FX Pressed Powder

– Bdellium Smudge Eyeliner Brush

– Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

– Cover FX Pressed Powder

– Bdellium Smudge Eyeliner Brush

WEDDINC: What are some of the most common beauty mistakes women make?

TARA: Not putting on enough blush, using too much shimmer all over the face, going to heavy filling in the eyebrows and not using lip liner correctly (over-lining and under lining).

WEDDINC: How do you prep your client’s skin?

TARA: I make sure it’s hydrated properly and primed properly. Also that they are using the correct product for their skin. I tone their skin, moisturize it and use eye cream. The un-primed skin won’t last no matter what the brand. If the skin is not hydrated, even the best makeup will sit on the surface rather than the skin. It’s like priming a canvas for a painting. The art of makeup is really not much different than the art of painting is to a fine artist.

WEDDINC: What would be the one best piece of advice you would give to someone who would like to get started in the business?

TARA: I would say go work for a Make-up Artist brand, such as: Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, NARS, Smashbox or Charlotte Tilbury to get hands-on training- there is nothing like it. When you work for an Artistry brand it gives you the exposure to work with all skin types, all skin tones, all ages and all ethnicities and that is a priceless experience to help you feel confident and comfortable no matter who you are taking care of in your chair.

WEDDINC: What are some of the personality traits you need to be a makeup artist?

TARA: That’s a good question. You always want to like your vendors but you should be very comfortable with your make-up artist. She needs to be someone you could also go get a cocktail with too. She must listen to her client and be patient. If she’s not patient, everyone has a bad time. Someone confident, without an ego and calm at the same time, professional and not dramatic. Someone who wouldn’t put red lipstick on someone who doesn’t like red lipstick just because she like it. Someone who has a positive upbeat personality who is able to create an amazing experience for each and every client.

WEDDINC: You have an extensive portfolio of work – it includes bridal, celebrity, red carpet events, etc – which one is your favorite and why?

TARA: That’s a tricky one. Honestly, I personally LOVE doing all of the above! I will say, however, when I do weddings I still get butterflies of excitement and as a company, weddings is the largest part of our business.

Tara Dowburd or any of her team members can be reached under “contact” at Make-Up Therapy – Home OR by calling 323 536-1389 OR by emailing them at studiomanager@makeuptherapy.com

10 Boho Bride Essentials

Taryn Sheppard — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 23:48:27 +0000

In the fashion world, the word “bohemian” refers to a romantic, unique, or free-spirited feel. Boho style is gaining in popularity quicker than you can say “I’ll have flower crowns with that”, and for good reason. Weddings have become more and more individualized and bohemian style caters to couples who are free-spirited and value uniqueness. That said, if you’re a #bohobride, do you! However, we do have a few essentials for you to think about if you’re planning a bohemian wedding, gorgeous inspiration photos and a few options for you to consider.

Say Yes to the Boho Dress

You won’t find many ball gowns around here! Boho brides are most often seen donning a relaxed, A-line dress. Relaxed and casual? Yes. Boring? No. Boho gowns feature gorgeous and unique details inspired by 70s’ fashion. More on the evolution of bridal style here.

Image by Ciara Richardson

A few of our favorite gowns with some serious boho vibes…

2. Top it Off

While a beautiful flower crown is an obvious choice, it’s not the only choice! Top off your wedding day digs with a gorgeous lace veil for a 70s’ chic look. Pop in a beaded hair piece for a more glamorous boho look. If you do go for the tried and true flower crown, it’s best to have your florist create it with fresh flowers that coordinate with your other flowers.

Image by White Ash Photography

A few fab boho bridal headpieces…

3. You Are Cordially Invited

Your invites will be your guest’s first peak at the relaxed vibe of your bohemian wedding. Invitation wording can be so stuffy! All those rules about how to address whom and where? You can throw those out the window in lieu of wording that is meaningful to you and your family. From rustic to romantic and everything in between, you’re sure to find an invitation design that wows everyone on your guest list.

Via Love of Creating on Etsy

Very different (and very beautiful) takes on boho invites…

4. Not the Dress

It’s not the dress, but it’s a dress more important than many dresses you’ll wear in your life. Lifelong memories, remember? A little white dress is maybe the easiest clothing item to find, but no, not all white lace dresses are created equal! When shopping for this dress, look for unique designs and details.

STONE FOX BRIDE . For Jessica

Speaking of white lace dresses with unique details…

5. Mixing and Matching

Dressing the dudes isn’t always simple. Just like your bridesmaids, they’re likely going to have different body shapes and style preferences. This is where a bohemian wedding is. the. best. The undone look of mix and match styles in a similar color palette really suits the free-spirited, laid back vibe of a bohemian wedding.

Image by Marion Heurteboust

Pick and choose from unique accessories like these…

6. Decor and More

An outdoor wedding really plays well with the woodsy, romantic vibe of a boho wedding. The beautiful nature will add more to your decor than any amount of tulle ever could! One thing you will need — heaps of flowers. Wildflowers with lots of greenery will mesh well with the surrounding nature. Other than that? Feel free to add fun vintage touches like macrame wall hangings, suitcases, rugs, or even dream catchers!

Image by Chris Wojdak Photography

Vintage touches you just don’t see every day…

7. The Perfect Place

While an outdoor venue is a beautiful option, it’s not your only option. Wherever you live, try thinking outside of the box when searching for the perfect place to to tie the knot. With enough space and the right rentals, any location can serve as a wedding venue. For example; an old theatre, your grandma’s back yard, an old warehouse, a museum, a library or even a greenhouse.

Image by the Visual Partners

In case you can’t quite imagine these unique venues…

8. Gowns for Your Girls

You didn’t think we forgot about your #bridesquad, did you? Your ladies will love that you’re having a boho wedding. You could pick one gorgeous gown with a boho feel or just give your girls a color scheme to stay within and set them free in Free People! Result? A deconstruct look and happy pals!

Image by Alexandra Grace

Get inspired by a few of our favorites…

9. Aesthetic Goals

Yes, even your cake can be boho. Aesthetic goals. Leave the icing florets at the bakery — boho cakes are simple and romantic. Details like flowers and cake stands will add something special to your delicious dessert. More “naked” cakes here.

Image by When He Found Her

Three variations on a simple and romantic cake…

10. Kiddie Approved

Can’t forget the little ones! We’re quite positive the children in your wedding will approve of the laid back vibe of your boho wedding. There are so many cute touches you can add here and they will eat. it. up. Click here for even more inspiration for the little ones.

Image by ANA NYC

Three different takes on boho style for the little ones…

Dreaming of a bohemian wedding yet? Yea, we thought so! What aspect sold you? The decor? Venues? Clothing? Let us know in the comments!

8 Bridal Hair Trends Every Bride Should Try This 2016

Krystal Polonia — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:56:16 +0000

We are in bridal season glory and we couldn’t be happier. However, we have our eyes set on a very important aspect of the bride and that’s her gorgeous locks. After all, when you are walking down the aisle you want to look beautiful from head to toe.
Although, traditional bridal hairstyles such as curls and updos will never go out of style…

This year we are looking at a more modern take on bridal hair trends. 2016 has been the year of the contemporary modern bride when it came to fashion and bridal hairstyles is no exception. From veil alternatives to fun pieces and more low key looks this year’s hair trends feel more energetic and revamped. Here are 8 bridal hair trends that every bride will want to try this 2016.

1- PonyTail

Photo credit left-bridalmusings.com photo credit right-bridalmusings.com

The 2016 the name of the hair game is low key. We are looking at hairstyles that are more low key than we have ever seen them before. This year brides have opted for pony tails as their bridal hair. The reason being pony tails are easy and fun to wear while they can be dressed up or down for whatever theme your wedding may be.

They can be worn down low, up high or even to the side. However, if a ponytail seems too casual for you, you can always add flowers, braids or even hair accessories to dress it up.

2-Middle Parts

Photo credit left-momtaznews.com photo credit right-indulgy.com

By now middle parts have established themselves as being part of those trends that is back with a vengeance. Long gone are the days when you tried to avoid a middle parting your hair instead now you want to have a middle part to be on trend. Influencers such as super model Kendall Jenner have been seen sporting a middle part at different events.

The best part about the middle part is that it can be worn with multiple looks. You can wear it with a ponytail, a bun or even with your hair in waves. The options are endless. If you want to dress it up, you can always go for a classic updo and just change-up the parting in your hair.

3-Loose Waves

Photo credit left-modelleri.mobi photo credit right-indulgy.com

While waves and curls have traditionally been a bridal go to look. We are now looking at an upgrade for this do. While it has always been customary for brides to have curls in their hair for their special day it has always been a tighter curl.

This 2016 we are expecting to see loose waves as the most popular bridal hairstyle. Not only will we see loose waves as one of the hottest bridal hairstyle trends but we will see it in different shapes and styles. The loose waves style will be in updos, with headbands, or flowers even incorporated in braids.

4-Braids

Photo credit left- hairstylo.com photo credit right-weheartit.com

Oh how we are loving the braid trend. Braids have truly taken over 2016 with a storm. They are being incorporated in everything you can think of. And bridal hair is no exception. We are expecting to see a more mystical look when it comes to braids. Not only will the braids be more low key but they will have accessories in them like Baby’s-breath, jewels and flowers of all kinds.

The great part about incorporating a braid in your hair for your special day is you have so much versatility. You can have a full braided updo, or you can choose to incorporate a braid in your hair with waves the options are endless. They can be transformed into so many styles they go with every wedding theme you can imagine.

5-Floral Accessories

Photo credit left- powerapple.com photo credit right-weheartit.com

If flower crowns were the trend for 2015 then floral accessories are the trend for 2016. Flowers have always been a big part of weddings regardless of the theme there are always flowers incorporated somewhere. However, this year they are coming in a big way when it comes to incorporating them into bridal hair styles.

Since veils are not as big anymore in bridal gowns many brides are choosing to use flowers in their hair instead. Or they are using them to accessorize their veil. Not only that but flowers are also being used as part of the hair such as in an updo, a loose wave or even in a braid.

6-Headbands

Photo credit left- powerapple.com photo credit right-momtaznews.com

Since veils have become less popular, headbands have become the modern form of a veil. It adds a little touch of sparkle to your hair and it can be integrated with almost any hair style. You can wear your hair up and have a beautiful headband or you can wear your hair down.

Headbands also come in different shapes and sizes so you can choose whichever works best for you. It is important to remember that all though headbands are not as traditional they can also be incorporated into your veil if you choose to do that as well.

7-Half up & Half down

Photo credit left-theweddingdale.com photo credit right-gxbyw.com

Having your hair half up & half down has always been a bridal hairstyle. However, now it is getting a bit of an upgrade by incorporating all the trends in one. When you choose to have your hair half up & half down you can incorporate flowers, a beautiful veil, a headband or even curls. With this hair style you get to choose exactly what you want and how you want it.

This bridal hairstyle has become such a huge trend because you get to have your hair up and out of your face. If you are a bride that is considering the ponytail trend as your hairstyle but think it is too casual you can always choose this trend. As it is less low-key and casual while still being effortless and beautiful.

8-Hair Clip

Photo credit left-freshideen.com photo credit right-jbcnews.net

We get it. Looking through multiple bridal magazines and Pinterest boards can be overwhelming especially when you are looking for something specific and don’t find it. We are here to tell you that if you cannot decide what to do with your hair on your special day you can have the perfect look with a hair clip. You read that correctly hair clips are coming in a big way as you can build-up on them and have more than one or just one.

The beauty of using hair clips is you get to incorporate your wedding theme and colors as they come in multiple sizes, shapes and forms. Let’s not forget they also work well with all hair lengths from a pixie cut to the longest length. The versatility and laid back factor in hair clips is what makes it such a huge trend for 2016.

Choosing your hairstyle for your wedding can be a tedious task as you want to look your very best while still having a style that will go well with the theme of your wedding. Next time you are looking for bridal hairstyles to take to your hairstylist show them one of these. Please let us know in the comments below which trending bridal hairstyle is your favorite.