10 Foods for a Wedding Day Glow

As a bridal makeup artist, my goal is to enhance each of my bride's natural beauty and joyful glow on her wedding day. Of course there are many tricks and techniques with makeup and day-of skin prep that I am able to use for a glowing complexion. There are also many skin care tips I share along the way to prepare for skin that is in it's best condition. In addition, there are several healthy practices to enhance this beautiful, bridal glow. Here is my pick of top 10 foods to eat for a healthy, wedding day glow...

1) TOMATOES

Tomatoes help boost collagen, are rich in Vitamin A, C and K as well as lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant. 

2) GREEN TEA

Green Tea is loaded with polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants. Drinking green tea regularly is also known to help reverse sun damage. Be sure not to limit consumption, it also contains caffeine which can ultimately dehydrate your skin. 

3) BERRIES

Berries are rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Anthrocyanin, an anti-oxidant that helps fight damage from free radicals and ellagic acid, which helps protect from sun damage and promotes collagen and elasticity are both present in berries. They also contain essential fatty acids which improve skin's hydration and reduce inflammation. 

4) AVOCADOS

Avocados are a great source of carotenoids which improve density, thickness, tone and overall general appearance. They also contain vitamins C and E and oleic acid which helps keep skin soft and hydrated. 

5) CARROTS

Carrots have vitamin C which helps plumpness and firmness of the skin. They are rich in beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A and helps with blemishes, pigmentation and oiliness.   

6) LEAFY GREENS

Leafy Greens such as kale and swiss chard are high in beta-carotene, helping to repair and renew skin for a healthy glow. Arugula also contains sulfur which supports collagen production. Spinach is also high in folate which helps with DNA repair. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamins A and C.

7) EGGS 

Eggs help to soften, firm and hydrate your skin. They help to protect skin from UV damage with lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs have amino acids that help in generation of new cells. 

8) ALMONDS

Almonds help to hydrate and soften the skin. They are high in vitamin E which helps prevent cell damage as well as damage from the sun. 

9) CITRUS FRUITS

Citrus Fruits help with sun spots, uneven skin tone and enhancing a radiant glow while rejuvenating your skin from within. These fruits are high in vitamin C and contain vitamin B6, folate, potassium, lycopene, niacin, magnesium, thiamin and phytonutrients. 

 10) PEPPERS

Peppers are high in vitamins A, C and K. They help with blood circulation and fighting blemishes as well as fighting oxidative stress. 

These 10 foods are just a starting point for a healthy glow for all of us, not just a bride. It is incredible what a healthy, clean and well-balanced diet can do for our overall health and well-being. Have fun and be creative with your food, it's truly one of life's simple pleasures.

Dry Shampoo...Should You Be Using It?

I was recently asked these two questions. It made me think about the number of times other women have asked similar questions about dry shampoo. So here is the breakdown and yes, you absolutely should be using it!

Let's start with the fact that dry shampoo has been around for centuries. Dry shampoo absorbs oils and odors from hair. It can be found in the form of loose powder, a liquid that comes from a pump dispenser or an aerosol spray. It's a super easy and quick way to freshen up your hairstyle. Apply it sparingly to the roots of your hair. If you are using a spray formula, spray at least 6 inches away from your roots. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, this allows the dry shampoo to absorb excess oils. Finally, brush through your hair and style. It's really that simple!

There are several good reasons to use dry shampoo. 

1) To avoid over-washing your hair, which drys out your hair and strips your color.

2) It refreshes your hair after the gym or before a night out.

3) It adds volume to your hairstyle.

4) Dry shampoo extends the life of your blowout.

5) It prevents hair damage since you'll be doing less heat styling.

6) Use it to add texture to hairstyling, such as with backcombing your hair.

7) Many formulas have added color and may be used to help conceal roots between color touch-ups. For blondes or platinum hair colors, white or regular dry shampoo will also help blend or soften darker regrowth. 

JKo Beauty's Picks

• Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is my Top Pick. Klorane is an award winning brand that offers a variety of formulas to address your different concerns or style preferences.

For additional options, check out these other great picks...

• Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

• Batiste Dry Shampoo

• Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Remember, dry shampoo is meant to be used sparingly and to refresh your hair and style. You should still regularly wash and condition your hair to maintain it's optimum health.

Happy Hairstyling! 

How to Prep for Your Spray Tan

Whether getting a spray tan or applying self tanner yourself at home, these tips will help prepare you for a longer lasting, more even tan.

Before Your Tan

• For hair removal, shave the day before and wax 48 hours prior to your tan.

• The previous night, apply a body moisturizer all over my maximum hydration.

• Exfoliate to remove any dead skin for a more even color.

• Be sure to have completely clean skin, no perfumes, deodorant, makeup or lotions.

• Apply lip balm to prevent color to lips.

• Schedule your manicure or pedicure before your tanning session.

After Your Tan

• Wear loose fitting, dark clothes.

• Do not get wet or sweaty. Sorry, no swimming or gym time until after you've showered.

• Allow your tan to develop as directed. It is not recommended to exceed the time instructed.

• Use daily moisturizer or a tan extender lotion for a longer lasting tan.

• Avoid harsh soaps and body scrubs.

• After showering, pat dry with your towel.

Happy Safe Tanning!

10 Tips for a Polished Look in 5 Minutes

We all have those days that we want just a few more minutes of our beauty sleep.  Here is a list of 10 tips to look polished in 5 minutes.

1. TINTED MOISTURIZER

Choose a tinted moisturizer with a SPF 30 or higher.  It should match your skin to even out discoloration.  I prefer to use one that also has additional skincare benefits, such as NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.

2. CONCEALER

This product is a quick pick-me-up.  Apply to any blemishes, lightly around your mouth, the corners of your nose, under your eyes and my favorite spot...under your eyebrows.  Applying here will disguise unwanted regrowth and give a lifted, defined look to your brows.  My go-to concealer is Cle de Peau, an award winning multi-use concealer.

3. GEL EYELINER 

Gel eyeliner is a staple for your makeup collection.  It can be used for so many looks.  For the 5 minute look, naturally, we are not going to try to attempt a winged eyeliner style.  This is the time for using your flat eyeliner brush and simply pushing a touch of the gel liner into your lash line.  Quickly, this gives you definition and the illusion of fuller lashes.  

4. MASCARA 

This is the time to reach for your black, full volume mascara.  A good coat or two on the top lashes is all you need.  Make sure you start from the base of your lashes, wiggle the wand slightly as you continue to apply in an upward motion to the tips of your lashes.  This motion will give you maximum volume and encourage a curl, opening up your eyes.  

5. BROW GEL

Brow gel is perfect for taming overgrown hairs for a more sculpted brow look.  It will hold your brows in place throughout the day easily giving them a more defined look.  If your brow hair does not match your hair or you have very fair brow hair, choose a tinted brow gel.  

6. BRONZER OR HIGHLIGHTER 

I know, I know...why "or"??  Because this is the 5 minute look!  My recommendation is to choose whichever feels right to you.  If you're feeling a bit washed out, go for the bronzer.  If you want a radiant glow, reach for your highlighter.  Keep it simple.  Bronzer applied lightly to your forehead and cheeks.  If your neck tends to be a bit lighter than your face, apply it there as well for a more even look.  If you opt for highlighter, apply to the inner corners of your eyes and on the top edge of your cheekbones, applying in an upward motion towards your hairline.  I love the options of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Collection. 

7. BLUSH

Think a subtle pop of color.  Apply a small amount to the apples of your cheeks.  For a soft and easy-to-blend blush with a beautiful color range, try Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush.  

8. LIPSTICK

Remember this is 5 minutes, lipstick only.  So we can cheat a bit here and go for a fat lipstick pencil.  Choose for a creamy formula with a complimentary pop of color.  

9. DRY SHAMPOO

This product is such a time saver.  Dry shampoo is used to absorb oils in the hair, creating more volume.  

10. EARRINGS

This is a fun tip to complete your look.  Choose a pair of earrings to coordinate with your lip and cheek color or a pair that makes your eye color pop.  

I know it's only a few minutes, but how we feel when we walk out the door sets the tone for our day.  I hope you enjoy these tips and have a wonderful day!

Dream Weddings Featured Wedding

Amanda and Philip

I had the honor of working with Amanda on her very special big day.  She was absolutely a stunning bride and their beautiful wedding was featured in Dream Weddings.  You can certainly feel the love just looking at their photos.  

Photo Credits: Epic Photography

Choosing Your Wedding Day Makeup Look

Congratulations!  You are now engaged!  Your mind is probably spinning with so many ideas and questions about the details of your Big Day.  I have created a simple guide to help you with choosing your Wedding Day makeup look.  I regularly meet with brides-to-be for makeup consultations and trials.  I find that ladies sometimes know exactly what they want.  While others think they know, but need to see the look on themselves to be sure.  Then there are the ladies who have no idea where to start.  This guide is for everyone and is easy to follow.   

Photo Credit: AGP Collective

Where to begin...There are a few key factors to know first.

Where are you getting married?  The location of your wedding and the time of day is very important in choosing your makeup look.  Are you getting married in a garden at 1:00 pm or in a cathedral at 6:00 pm?  For instance, a garden-style wedding usually has a softer, more romantic overall theme.  Direct natural sunlight in a garden-style wedding also intensifies the look of your makeup.  While a cathedral wedding tends to lean towards a classic, more glamorous style theme.

The season in which you get married may also influence your makeup look.  The season may help determine the flowers you choose as well as the color of your bridesmaids' dresses.  You want your makeup to complement you personally as well as the hues, tones and textures in your wedding.

The next step is to consider the style of your dress.  There are so many gorgeous styles available.  It is important that your hair and makeup work with the style of your dress to complete your look on your Big Day.  

Next is to choose photo inspiration.  

I always ask ladies to show me photos of themselves.  It helps me understand what makeup styles they feel their best while wearing.  I also recommend choosing photos of inspiration you may find online.  Photos are imperative because they create a visual reference.   For example, your idea of a smoky eye could be quite different from my idea.  A photo provides that visual reference so you can properly communicate your preferences and ideas.  There are a few things to keep in mind while choosing your photos.  First, search for photos with similar coloring and facial features to your own.  Also, you want to remember that most photos have been "enhanced" with photo editing, lighting and filters.  It is important that you look beautiful in your photos and equally beautiful in person.  Keep true to your personal style and be careful of following trends.  This is going to be one the most special days of your entire life.  You should always be able to look at your photos and feel the joy and love all over again.  You don't want to later feel any disappointment for having worn a look that simply just wasn't you or is completely dated and out of style. 

Final Touches

I highly recommend you schedule a consultation and trial for your makeup look.  Of course, you want to see the finished look but also how it wears throughout the day or night, how your skin feels and reacts and how your look photographs.  

This whole process should be enjoyable, fun and exciting!