Marie-Pierre:

Thank you so much for all your help over these past few months.  And thank you for making me & my girls feel GREAT on our BIG DAY:)
Jess

“Thank You” notes and emails make my day, THEY REALLY DO.  I adore my brides, all my local clients, and NOTHING makes me squeal with delight more than to hear back from them when all is said and done.  It’s like a gift.

Jess rocked her hair and makeup.  You should have seen her. WOW!  I can hardly wait for the pro shots.  If you missed my (non pro) photos taken on the day of here is the post.

Hope your Tuesday is off to a fabu start!  How was your 3 day weekend?

Doing some TRX then heading to the studio to meet Joanna. It’s a big day for her.  She’s getting a full head of Great Lengths Hair Extensions. By this afternoon, Ms. Sexything will be sporting some amazing locks!!!!  I’ll post photos soon.

GO OUT AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY. YOU DESERVE IT!

Last night after work Serena and I got busy. I had a few bananas turning brown, the obvious came immediately to mind.  As I was searching for a killer banana bread recipe I came across a peanut butter version.  I tweaked it a little bit, (used honey instead of sugar, added some whole wheat flour and threw in there a cup of chocolate chips) and there it was 70m later looking glorious.  It made for a scrumptious breakfast.

I can’t even to tell you how excited I was to receive my Z palettes ($20).  Fully customizable they can be fitted with pretty much any products in a pan of any size and shape  (blush, eyeshadow, lipgloss, concealer… etc.),  AND they have a clear window.  Genius!!!!
2 different sizes and cute designs are available.

My new 2

I got the large light pink and the leopard (8″L x 4.75″W x .44″ D). There’s black and zebra too.   These girls are made with eco-friendly recyclable materials that, according to the manufacturer, will not crack or break.

The design

Making my time more efficient with my clients is always a huge priority.  Fiddling around looking for stuff isn’t.  And despite the fact that I label my palettes, I still spend so much time opening them to see what’s really in there. The Z palette clear top is such time saver.

I equally  the endless ways of organization these offer.  Did I hear simplification too?   Let’s say you have 3 Mac shadows, 3 Makeup Forever blushes, and a couple of Stila concealers.  Just depot, stick in the magnetized base, and voila all consolidated!  Great no?

Many makeup companies offer their products at cheaper price when purchased in pans as refill without all the extra packaging.  I say YAY!  Great for our wallet and earth friendly!

Magnet could be stronger

The magnetized bottom could be stronger.  My shadows move around too easily in there, and some even felt out when I turned my palette upside down to test the strength of the adhesion.  To ensure a stronger bond, I recommend purchasing  pre cut magnetic Stickers ($4.30/40 pack) to put on the back of your pans before placing in the palette.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating A-

And for those of you looking to learn how to depot, here’s for my favorite method

DISCLOSURE: This item was purchased by Studio MP

Serena just started kindergarten and with that came a new habit….  Picking out a new hairstyle everyday.  Some kids choose their clothes the night before in our house it’s hair!  She is so into her hair these days that she even has her wedding hairstyle picked out!

At first I was reluctant.  I mean really, we’re pulling out hairspray and gel and  bobby pins each morning before school? Because I know, it’s not hectic enough as it is! Haha!  But she is so cute, I gave in.  And long as it doesn’t involve (for now) curling iron and red carpet hairstyling we’re good, I told her.

So she sits there as I brush, and spray and twist and pin down, totally thrilled, with hardly enough patience to run to the mirror. “Maman remember, I like my hair FLAT” (I finally discovered that flat means slick).  Then she takes the brush and methodically slicks her bangs to the side. Serena loves her bangs short, very short, and has been known to take matters in her own hands.  All while the primping is happening Jasmine 8, (my other daughter), and El Genio (Daddy) complain loads about the stinky smell of the hairspray.  It’s’ hilarious and of course we won’t stop.

“Oh I love it Maman, Thank you!” makes me melt every time. I love being a mom.

Jasmine

Hope you all have a great Thursday.   The weekend is right around the corner, I know you can’t wait!  We have a couple of weddings coming up that I am very excited about.

Can you feel the arrival of Fall in your part of the country?  Many of my Facebook friends were mentioning it this morning.  We’re still SUPERDUPPER hot down here in Key West, fall won’t be here probably until October.  It’s all good I love the heat!

Wanna try a new mascara?  Here’s your chance!  MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara 10 day giveaway is here!!!!!

The prize

“A two-in-one mascara that lets you choose if you want lashes to be naturally defined, or instantly combed and loaded for full-on drama. Easy to use dual-wiper system allows this lightweight formula to go on either way. One wiper refines the application for a clean sweep, while the other loads the lashes for greater impact.”

One lucky winner will get MAC latest mascara ($18)

Two ways to win

Two ways to win and you can do both to increase your chances.

1. Become a Fan of Studio Marie-Pierre on Facebook.

2. Second, leave a comment on this post and tell me what’s you favorite candy or candy bar? (I kill for See’s Candy!!!!)

I’ll choose the winner at random from among the people who enter by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday September 12, 2010. Please don’t forget to use a valid email address so I can reach you if you win.

Maika’i pomaika’i!

*DISCLOSURE: This product was purchased by Studio MP*

What’s your latest makeup purchase?

What a fun time we had yesterday getting Jess, the moms and the bridal party ready for a great wedding!!!!

Jessica came for her trial a few days before and really wanted a side pony.  Eventually she decided that a more sophisticated style would work better with her knock out dress. We ended doing something completely different.  Off to the side chignon with a finger wave swoop. We were both thrilled with the way her hair came out.  The make up was all done in the golden earthy tones. Her green really stood out.

Here’s a photo of one of Jessica’s darling BM who wanted a ballerina bun. The different color highlights and lowlights gave her bun great dimension.

Went to see “Eat, Pray, Love” last night it was very good. I still recommend to read the book though. The author’s writing is so delightful.
Hope you all have a great Sunday, I’m off boating with my family.

I picked up Benefit Erase Paste ($26) a while back. It sat on my desk for a few weeks, actually more like a few months. Me and concealers don’t get along that much, I find them annoying with their habit of settling into fine lines.  I know, I know plenty of people swear by them…  What can I say?  I much prefer using foundation to conceal, less chance to appear yucko.

First I tried erase paste on myself and have mixed feelings about it.  What I really like is the color, #2 Medium peachy salmon, a great shade to brighten and definitely make dark circles less obvious.  Magic it isn’t but very good at brightening no doubt.  The texture is where it went down hill for me.  It’s very thick, hence the name paste, making blending rather tedious, involving tugging and pulling.  No likey.  My fine lines were emphasized to the point that I felt like I was looking at myself through a magnifying glass. NO THANKS! Haha!  It did a good job though a hiding a couple of stubborn blemishes on my cheeks. That I digged.

Then I tried it on Amanda (we work together, I love Amanda! ) who is a lot younger.  I got completely different results.  The concealer made her under eye look refreshed (but then again this child has no fine line the paste could settle in) and brighter.  I think she was pleased with it.  Like many products erase paste isn’t a universal fit. Your skin type and age will make a huge difference.

The little jar comes in a box with a user guide and a spatula.  LOVE the spatula.  I used it to get a bit of the concealer out of the jar, placed it on the back of my hand before dipping my brush and applying. A sponge works well too.

The little pamphlet gives you  lessons on the different ways you can apply.  Aside from using it for blemishes, I didn’t dare using it as a brightener.  The thought of placing the paste on my face seemed less than appealing. Can you imagine what a pore clogger this would be?! Criiiiiinge.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: B-

Don’t you just love it when you come across something that makes your life easier???  That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon an article talking about lightboxes. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s a box with lights that is used to photographs up close small objects.  It has made a world of difference in the amount of time I spend shooting beauty products.  No more fiddling around with lights and angles, I get it right the first time.

Have you come across something lately that has made a task easier for you?

*DISCLOSURE: This item was purchased by Studio MP*

…  When a bride plans her wedding around your availability.  Thank you Julia I couldn’t feel more honored.  I loved making you even more beautiful than you already were with that gorgeous hair and golden skin .  Congrats to the two of you!

Dear Marie-Pierre,

Thank you for my hair and make-up, and help into my dress :).  Your talents and service were my only request in the whole wedding planning.  As I said, my wedding date was based on your avaialbilty.

Warmly, Jullia + Scott

What’s happening everyone?  Hope you’re all groovin!   I had a busy day at the studio.  No brides today, all my lovely local clients for some hair love.

I’ll be heading home in a little while to see the beautiful face of my two princesses.  School started yesterday, and it’s weird not to have them around.  I get so excited to get home and hear about their day.