Tag Archives: pampering

Live A Life That Delights You: Photoshoot 101 – Just Be Your Best Self

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Yep. This is actually a selfie, and I'm pretty sure it's my new headshot. Here are my tips on how to ace a photoshoot, when you're not a photoshoot veteran.

Yep. This is actually a selfie, and I’m pretty sure it’s my new headshot. Here are my tips on how to ace a photoshoot, when you’re not a photoshoot veteran.

I have a friend who is being photographed tomorrow for a big honor she is receiving. I am so proud of her! But, she’s nervous. Really nervous. See, she’s not used to being the center of attention or pampering herself, or heck, being photographed, really. So, she reached out to me for some advice. “Where should she get her hair done? What about makeup?” While I was happy to offer all those recommendations and more, I was even more happy to offer my top tips when it comes to being photographed.

Let your vision be known.

Let your vision be known.

1) Let your vision be known. Take along  your favorite pictures of you at your best, where your hair and makeup was on point. Don’t have one? Look on Pinterest for celebrity inspiration, or even use Facebook pictures, when you’ve seen your friends looking their best. Take them to your hairstylist, makeup artist, and even the photographer, so you can accurately express your vision. By being clear about your vision, you’ll have a little more control in the photoshoot than if you don’t have one.
Practice makes perfect.

Practice makes perfect.

2) Practice makes perfect. People – even my agent – always say that my selfie game is strong. While it’s not something I really aspired to be good at, I realize that it’s become a mastered skill set for me. Here’s how I mastered it. Take a slew of selfies on the days leading up to the shoot. Try photographing yourself from different angles, in different lighting and in different outfits. Learn your best side, the best angle, the best lighting, and the best colors that work for you.  By the time you get into the studio, you’ll know yourself – and feel comfortable in expressing – what best works for you. As for me? My right side is best. So I either turn my face ever so slightly to the left (so the right side is front and center) or have the photographer shoot me from the right.
Be the best version of yourself.

Be the best version of yourself.

3) Be the best version of yourself. More than anything, what you really want to capture in a photo is the best, most comfortable, most beautiful version of yourself. This is not the time to try to be someone else. So, don’t experiment with hair, makeup or clothes that are different than what you usually do. Just find a way to polish what is already shining inside of you, so it shines vibrantly on the outside. You are being photographed because they want to capture what is uniquely YOU. So, be sure to let your true self shine through, so the world can see it.
Pamper yourself.

Pamper yourself.

4) Pamper yourself. On the big day of the photoshoot, be not only gentle with yourself, but pamper yourself. Feed both your body and your soul. Eat a well-balanced breakfast, with a mix of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. If hair and/or makeup isn’t provided, treat yourself to either one or both. Take music along that will help you feel confident during the shoot. Do whatever you need to do to help you feel your best and most beautiful. Still feeling nervous? Have a small glass of champagne or white wine to calm the nerves, or enjoy a cup of chamomile tea.
No time for negative self-talk.

No time for negative self-talk.

5) No time for negative self talk. The day of the shoot, make it a point to refrain from criticizing yourself. If that vicious guy known as Insecurity starts to rear his ugly head, replace the negative thought with a positive one. An example? I’ve always struggled with body issues, so if an insecurity comes in, where I think “Ugh. I am chubbier than I’d like to be right now,” I replace it with, “Look at that glowing skin! I’m so grateful that my inner light shines through!” Do not allow ANY negative self talk the day of the shoot. This is a day to feel your most confident, even if you have to fake it. Insecurity and self-doubt have no place at the table when it comes to a photo session.
Just be you, because nobody does it better, my friend.

Just be you, because nobody does it better, my friend.

Wishing you luck, my friend. You know who you are.
xoxo, Dawn
Dawn Do? Drink double the water you usually drink in the days prior to the shoot. Also, years ago, I heard that corn really makes skin glow. So, I recommend having a big bowl of steamed corn the night before a shoot, to get that skin glowing.

 

xoxo,
Dawn

*Hair in all photos above ℅ Lorien Meillon of Olive & Livinia at Ken Paves Salon in Los Angeles.

Reward Rosy Day

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As with many inspirations in my life, it started unexpectedly…with a text. From Rosy (accompanied with pictures): “Do you know of a salon with a good colorist? I’m looking to change my look a bit.”

Oh, Rosy, you don’t even know the heavenly hornet’s nest you just stirred up.

If you checked out my post yesterday, you learned all about Rosy Garcia – a very inspiring girl and special friend of mine whom I met through my involvement with Step Up Women’s Network, an organization that I just love to bits. That one innocent text led me to deciding that instead of just taking her to afternoon tea, as I had planned, to celebrate her hard work and UC Berkeley acceptance, I needed to give this girl a day of pampering before she took off to begin her new collegiate chapter.

But I knew I couldn’t do it alone. So I gathered some of my top-tier beauty friends and salons, who were excited to help, and we ended up giving her a day to remember. As much as I had meant for it to be a gift for her, it ended up being an even bigger gift for me.  I got to spend a day with Rosy and get to know her not only as a mentee and Step Up alumna, but also as a friend. Learning more about Rosy led me to respect her even more than I already did, and made me very giddy about the future she has ahead of her. Now, every time she texts me or posts on social media, it’s like connecting to a member of my family. The pride I feel for her accomplishments? There’s nothing like it. Pure joy.

Here’s what Rosy experienced on Reward Rosy day, thanks to my talented and generous friends in the beauty world. Let it inspire you to take a “Reward You Day” of your own at these, a few of my fabulous beauty meccas.

Tuesday, August 19th, 2014: Reward Rosy Day

#EverythingsComingUpRosy

8 am Gagik of Uber started the day off on the right foot by picking Rosy up at her home in an Uber Black car.

The queen has arrived! Reward Rosy Day begins with the help of Uber

8:30 am Then he dropped her off to meet me for a quick breakfast at Blu Jam Cafe, where we had the sweetest waitress, Chloe, who made sure the breakfast was a delight! Rosy needed to fuel up for the big day ahead! And I, unfortunately, had to hot-step it over to Santa Monica to record some voiceovers for Marshall’s!

Rosy and I at Blu Jam Cafe for breakfast

9:30 am  I dropped off Rosy for 3 hours of pampering at Zenii Skin and Nails, where the ladies of Zenii made her feel like a queen. I’ve been going to Zenii myself for a while for all sorts of services. So what keeps me going back? It just feels like home. It’s comfy, quick and everyone’s courteous and, thankfully, creative. On the agenda for our girl, Rosy? They started with their Classic Laddi Facial ($60) by esteemed esthetician, Candace, whose facials and waxing are SERIOUSLY legendary. She was left with clean, gorgeous and glowing skin – just what a UC Berkeley student needs to get her on the right path of a lifelong skincare regimen. Next, they shaped her brows, giving a defined frame to her already beautiful face. And lastly, she enjoyed a gel manicure ($40) and a Classic Ladii pedicure ($25).

And, lastly, those lovely ladies of Zenii gifted her with a beauty kit of her own to maintain her look, complete with exfoliating gloves and nail care kit. Zenii is zeee best!

Queen Rosy getting her Ladii pedicure at the fabulous Zenii Skin and Nails. What's she thinking, you ask? "I could get used to this."

Rosy getting her gel mani at Zenii Skin and Nails

12:30 pm Next on Rosy’s agenda? The hair she was dreaming about at Maven Beverly Hills, with my friend – and fellow southern belle – Meredith Morris. After consulting with Meredith and showing her Rosy’s ombré inspiration pics, she decided to do some of her famous melted highlights and ombré to create Rosy’s dream look. Now, here’s what you have to know about Maven Beverly Hills. It reminds me of the salons I grew up going to in Dallas…except, well, a bit more chic. Besides Meredith’s visionary talent, when it comes to the coifs she creates, her design aesthetic is straight off of my favorite Pinterest inspiration boards. So, not only are you getting a great color and cut, but you’re doing it in the most pretty, pristine environment in town. And Meredith’s beautiful blue eyes and charming accent certainly don’t hurt.

Here is Rosy, PM (Pre-Meredith):

Rosy: Pre-Meredith (side)

Rosy: Pre-Meredith (back)

And during. (I had to include this, y’all. Rosy sent it to me with this caption, “I feel like Storm from X-Men!!!”)

Storm, er, I mean Rosy during her Maven experience

Aaaaaaand Post-Meredith (PM). Oh shoot, I already did that! Okay, we’ll go with Post-Meredith.

Post-Meredith: Rosy with melted highlights and the ombré she craved

After this pic, Meredith moved on to her next appointment (she's a busy gal) but she was kind enough to let our next surprise take place at her studio!

2 pm: In comes my friend – and suuuuper talented makeup artist, and all-around sweet gal – Colleen from Pixi Beauty to give Rosy a makeover.

Colleen pixifying our girl, Rosy at Maven Beverly Hills

And not just a makeover. Pixi also gifted Rosy with all of the beauty essentials she’d need as a busy UC Berkeley babe! Here’s Rosy with her favorite Pixi shadow palette!

Rosy with her new friend and beauty guru, Colleen from Pixi. Just LOOK at those brows!!

3 pm: I had planned one last surprise for Rosy – afternoon high tea at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. And, it was a treat for me too because I’d never had afternoon tea there before in its entirety! It was luxe, y’all. But the more luxe part was getting to just sit…and relax after a busy day…and really catch up and connect with Rosy. For more of what we talked about, read yesterday’s post. Be sure to read what Rosy has to say about why she’s one of the most confident people I know. I promise it’ll inspire you, like it did me. As for the yummy stuff? Ohhhh. It. Was. Good.

Teatime with Rosy. Cheers to many more! At The Peninsula Hotel's Afternoon Tea with Rosy on Reward Rosy Day

No big deal. Just Rosy and I sipping some tea and showing off our gorgeous Zenii gel manis.

Um, did I mention that it was yummy?

6 pm: Now, here’s the thing. It was time to take Rosy home. But, well, I didn’t want to. Nope. Not yet. No, I’m not talking about kidnapping, but it did feel like a shame for her to be dressed up with no place to go. Soooooo…

6:30 pm: We went to The London West Hollywood rooftop pool! Not just randomly. I had an American Brand Project event to attend, and I had the prettiest date in town! We took in the sights of the city and snapped a few pics before taking Rosy home.

I thought I looked like Cher from Clueless in this pic. Rosy LOVED it. I think because it's funny? Or ironic? Or both. But now, I love it, too. Because it's the perfect pic for the end of our perfect day. Really. A PERFECT day. When can you say that?

And I have to tell y’all this. Sorry to out you, my friend, Rosy. But my favorite part of this whole day? Rosy just couldn’t stop looking at herself in the mirror. She’s a humble girl, so don’t get me wrong. But it speaks volumes about what an impact Zenii, Maven and Pixi Beauty had in making her feel her best as she headed off to UC Berkeley that week. At one point, I was asking her a question repeatedly, and she was so distracted by her own beauty, she didn’t even hear me. My heart just melted.  It really was my favorite moment because I knew we’d made something special happen, which is exactly what I wanted for this girl, Rosy, who makes special things happen for everyone all the time.

The note I wrote for Rosy on the Cover Girl Inspiration wall at a VMAs event the next night.

xoxo,
BF

 

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: Sensai by Kanebo Intensive Hair Mask

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If it were up to me, we would all have a spa day for ourselves once a week. Just a reminder that we need to take time to pamper and nurture ourselves as much as possible. While we can’t all afford to hit an actual spa once a week, there is a world of tantalizing treatments out there that can enable us to do just that.

That’s why In-My-Tub-Tuesday is proud to feature one of my favorite hair masks – Sensai by Kanebo Intensive Hair Mask ($57).

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: Sensai by Kanebo Intensive Hair Mask ($57)

 

This nourishing mask features ten ancient oriental herbal extracts to repair hair – leaving it smooth, shiny and sexy. And while many masks weigh hair down with their conditioning agents, this one does the contrar – shine for miles and volume to spare!
Ideal for severely damaged hair, it can be used once or twice weekly following a shampooing.

 

Rocking my newly hydrated and pampered 'do at Santa Anita Racetrack - thanks to Sensai by Kanebo Intensive Hair Mask

Another beautiful bonus? The fact that it will make you smell super sultry with its fresh, floral scent!

In just one self-hosted spa day a week, you’ll feel utterly pampered with this miraculous mask!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How do you pamper yourself? 

Main Event Monday: Beauty Bus Beauty Drive 2013

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I am a big fan of the Beauty Bus foundation – an organization that brings dignity to terminally ill patients and their caregivers. So I was delighted when I was invited to attend their Beauty Drive this year at the Annenberg Building at the California Science Center on Sunday, May 5th.

On the orange carpet in my orange ensemble at the Beauty Bus Beauty Drive event

 

It was a fun day filled with a delicious Cinco de Mayo brunch, beauty & primping stations featuring hairstyling by InStyler and makeup applications by NYX Cosmetics, a Men’s lounge with haircuts and nail buffs, a Kids Korner (with glimmer, tinsel and feather application, face painting and a creative volunteer station), a silent auction and a semi-private access to the Space Shuttle Endeavor!

Sippin' a Cinco de Mayo margarita at the Beauty Bus Beauty Drive event

In between margaritas and mexican fare, my hair got gorgified thanks to InStyler!!

Getting gorgified thanks to the InStyler Pro at the Beauty Bus Beauty Drive Event

These curls were bouncy and voluminous and held for hours and hours! Even into the next day!

Hope & I ham it up in the photo booth

 

The Beauty Bus organization is a non-profit that brings a little pampering and A LOT of compassion and dignity to those suffering with terminal illnesses and their caregivers. The age of their clients ranges from 3 to 101 years old. There are no social, class, age or race boundaries. Beauty Bus is for everyone.

The Beauty Bus Foundation was founded in loving memory of Melissa Marantz Nealy who passed away the age of 28 from a degenerative neuromuscular disease. Melissa loved a good day at the spa. When her ability to leave the home became compromised, Co-Founder Alicia Marantz Liotta (Melissa’s cousin) was able to schedule in-home beauty services through her connections within the beauty industry. Witnessing the hope, happiness and respite these services brought to Melissa, Alicia and Co-Founder Wendy Marantz Levine, (Melissa’s sister) were inspired to launch Beauty Bus Foundation.

Beauty Bus creates a culture of compassion everyday through the following beautiful programs:

*In-Home Beauty & Grooming Services: from haircuts to manicures to facials to makeup applications, Beauty Bus’s in-home service brings the salon to those who are too ill to leave their home. They receive services, social interaction and a little peace of mind for no cost to them at all.

*Pop-up Salons: Created to provide patients and caregivers complimentary beauty and grooming services in a setting that promotes support and serenity.

 

 

*Bag of Beauty Program: Beauty Bus gives complimentary Bags of Beauty filled with pampering products to remind patients and caregivers that they deserve to look and feel beautiful.

Each patient can receive up to 12 services in a 12 month period. Meaningful donations are accepted and appreciated and they are based solely on what you want, and can afford, to give.

Here are a few testimonials about Beauty Bus that can’t help but warm your heart:

“Mom passed away on Wednesday morning. It was a heartbreaking time for us but I wanted you to know that she still had her Rose Pink nails that you gave her. It was the first time in a few years that she had her nails done and that I had seen her smile. I thank you for both of us for the wonderful experience.”
– Eileen C., Caregiver for her mom

“The simplest idea of someone coming to your home to pamper you at a time when all your energy is being expended to fight a personal battle, is much more than just feeling good about how you look. Beauty Bus gives its clients renewed internal strength to keep fighting.”
– Karen O., Former client, Breast Cancer survivor

It’s a beautiful thing. Thanks for the invite, Beauty Bus! I can’t wait for next year and hope I can get more involved with Beauty Bus this year!

*For more information on how YOU can volunteer with or donate to Beauty Bus, visit www.BeautyBus.org

Friday Favorites: Beauty Bus Beauty Drive at House of Blues

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I am honored that my good neighbor-friend, Jennifer and I were invited to attend the Beauty Bus Beauty Drive 2012 brunch & awards ceremony at House of Blues Sunset Strip last Sunday sponsored by InStyler, OPI, Beauty Collection, Joico, Bosley, Qosmedix and more.

BeautyFrosting & Jennifer at Beauty Bus Beauty Drive

At this very special event, hairstylist, expert & personality, Dean Banowetz (The Hollywood Hair Guy) received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his big heart, never-ending generous spirit and tireless dedication to Beauty Bus and its clients. His heart is as big as his talents and it was my pleasure to meet him!

Fun at the Beauty Bus Beauty Drive event with Dean Banowetz

Jennifer and I had such a wonderful time talking to Dean! And, it was extra fun to get our hair worked on by professional hairstylists using the InStyler. Yay! Now I know how to use mine! I think…

Jennifer enjoying her gorgeous, InStyler-styled hair!

I first found out about the Beauty Bus organization when I was looking for the perfect place to volunteer earlier this year. I thought that with all of the beautiful excess in the beauty industry, there must be an organization that works in getting extra products to those who need it.

Well, I found something even better.

The Beauty Bus organization is a non-profit that brings a little pampering and A LOT of compassion and dignity to those suffering with terminal illnesses and their caregivers. The age of their clients ranges from 3 to 101 years old. There are no social, class, age or race boundaries. Beauty Bus is for everyone.

The Beauty Bus Foundation was founded in loving memory of Melissa Marantz Nealy who passed away the age of 28 from a degenerative neuromuscular disease. Melissa loved a good day at the spa. When her ability to leave the home became compromised, Co-Founder Alicia Marantz Liotta (Melissa’s cousin) was able to schedule in-home beauty services through her connections within the beauty industry. Witnessing the hope, happiness and respite these services brought to Melissa, Alicia and Co-Founder Wendy Marantz Levine, (Melissa’s sister) were inspired to launch Beauty Bus Foundation.

Beauty Bus creates a culture of compassion everyday through the following beautiful programs:

*In-Home Beauty & Grooming Services: from haircuts to manicures to facials to makeup applications, Beauty Bus’s in-home service brings the salon to those who are too ill to leave their home. They receive services, social interaction and a little peace of mind for no cost to them at all.

*Pop-up Salons: Created to provide patients and caregivers complimentary beauty and grooming services in a setting that promotes support and serenity.

*Bag of Beauty Program: Beauty Bus gives complimentary Bags of Beauty filled with pampering products to remind patients and caregivers that they deserve to look and feel beautiful.

Each patient can receive up to 12 services in a 12 month period. Meaningful donations are accepted and appreciated and they are based solely on what you want, and can afford, to give.

Here are a few testimonials about Beauty Bus that can’t help but warm your heart:

“Mom passed away on Wednesday morning. It was a heartbreaking time for us but I wanted you to know that she still had her Rose Pink nails that you gave her. It was the first time in a few years that she had her nails done and that I had seen her smile. I thank you for both of us for the wonderful experience.”
– Eileen C., Caregiver for her mom

“The simplest idea of someone coming to your home to pamper you at a time when all your energy is being expended to fight a personal battle, is much more than just feeling good about how you look. Beauty Bus gives its clients renewed internal strength to keep fighting.”
– Karen O., Former client, Breast Cancer survivor

It’s a beautiful thing.

*For more information on how YOU can volunteer with or donate to Beauty Bus, visit www.BeautyBus.org

Thank you, Franny of Siren PR, for inviting us to this magical and memorable event!

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: We all need a little pampering sometimes. What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself?

BeautyFrosting-approved Deal: $5 Manicure on Lifebooker today!

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Hi Los Angeles beauties,

Don’t you deserve a little pampering this Spring and Summer? If you’re too busy to even entertain the thought, then you DEFINITELY need this!

There’s a great deal at Lifebooker.com today for a $5 manicure at D Spot Salon on Melrose (max. purchase: 2).

I have gone to D Spot and received a wonderful pedicure and manicure and now you can too for only $5.

Not a Lifebooker member yet? Here’s your personal invite from BF:

Join Lifebooker for Beauty Deals & Steals in LA, New York, San Fran and Chicago