Welcome Skin Care!

What is more important than the makeup we use? The skin we put it on!!! So we thought - why not offer skin care services to all of our clients. We just recently welcomed Eleni Pertesis, a licensed Medical Esthetician, to our staff. She is by far the most talented and passionate skin care specialist I have ever encountered. Her knowledge is above and beyond impressive. Eleni, a graduate of Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, will be offering lash tinting, brow tinting, hair removal, a variety of customized facials and chemical peels.

We look forward to booking treatments for all of our clients! If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Eleni - please call 860.916.3231, email at larissalakemakeupartist@yahoo.com or post a message on our FB fan page: Larissa Lake Makeup Artist. All booking clients will receive a complimentary lip wax for the month of October!

Our Beauty Boutique

Little by little our studio is coming together! I was so excited today because I was finally able to take a few pictures of what I like to call our "Beauty Boutique." With original tin ceilings, crystals chandeliers, vintage furniture and 8 foot mirrors - this space is simply beautiful. As a previous boutique owner I was thrilled to be able to continue my style and put my past collection of timeless pieces to good use. Although small, our studio is perfect for accommodating our menu of hair, makeup and spa services/treatments. Due to high demand, we will be growing our retail segment of couture hair accessories and stunning jewelry findings this Fall as well.

Thank you for your continued support!

281 Main Street

Wethersfield, CT

The Skinny on Lash Extensions: Part 2

As promised, I wanted to deliver the final part to our discussion on lash extensions before any more time passed by. We have been having so much fun in the studio performing the service and are thrilled with how popular it has become amongst our clients! There has not been very much time for blogging lately so my apologies in advance! 

Just recently, one of our own received her very own lash extensions - and of course - I took pictures every step of the way! During the 2 hour duration, I wanted to capture the process to ease any uncertainty as well as broaden the awareness for our followers. Since most people are visual I figured this would be best! Enjoy and feel free to comment for any clarification :)

Laura - Before

Our lash room - nearly finished! 

Laura - After

So as you can see - there is a noticeable difference after the extensions are put on correctly. (Keep in mind this is with a clean face - no makeup applied). After the service was completed I had asked Laura her thoughts on how it was overall. Here are some valuable points she made:

1. Due to the fact that you are lying on a facial bed for 2 hours it is almost imperative that you bring ear phones and/or fall asleep to pass time. It is important that the lash extensionist focus on your eyes rather than conversation. 

2. Keeping her eye's closed for 2 hours was challenging so make sure you are ok/aware of that ahead of time.

3. Comfort - we have you lie down on a white leather facial bed that has extra padding. We also supply a covering/blanket as well as pillows to prop feet & legs. If you are one of those people that cannot lay down flat for a long period of time - coming in for shorter intervals (2 half sets) may be a better option.

4. An discomfort? None whatsoever. She was aware of her responsibilities of maintaining closed eyes throughout the entire process. 

5. Result - very happy! She was amazed with the length and curl she achieved as well as a thicker appearance overall. She understood that there were areas (inner lashes) that were too fine to attach to an extension - nothing a little bit of mascara wouldn't fix!

6. 3 weeks later - STILL LOVING HER LASHES!

For more information, pricing, & to make an appointment - please contact Larissa at larissalakemakeupartist@yahoo.com - thank you!!!

INTRODUCTORY OFFER! 

Mention this blog and receive a full set for $200 (originally $225) 

or a half set for $125 (originally $140).

Seasonal Depression Anyone?!?!?

This post was prompted from a conversation I had with my sister (who is expecting) about her case of the Winter Blues. According to The US National Library of Medicine, "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and may also feel depressed" - specifically with their self image. If this describes what you may be feeling - I may have a temporary solution! 

Obviously we all know that exposing oneself to UV rays is not healthy - although so many of us still do it. Say good bye to your Winter Blues and hello to Banana Boat's Sunless Tanner! This is by far my favorite treatment for transforming pale "Winter Skin" into a natural "Sun-kissed Skin." It can be used year round and for a little over $6 (at WalMart) - you can't go wrong!

Before using, exfoliate your body very well and moisturize. I always suggest applying 1-2 coats at night before bed. Make sure you blend well in the area of skin you are trying to brighten and wash your hands in between applications. Depending on your skin tone - Deep Dark Color is my ultimate favorite!

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any favorites you would like to share!

Recycled Couture - The Coveted Collection

(without birdcage veiling)

It has been almost one year since I launched Recycled Couture - a line of vintage inspired hair accessories for the eco-chic fashionista.  Since then I have had the privilege of creating multiple pieces for clients all over United States. My desire for designing these pieces stemmed from a demand for hair couture that was individualized and offered a bit of interest. 

As a makeup and hair artist - creating beauty is my forte. Unleashing my creativity with this collection was just another way of showing the world my passion for art. Recycled Couture - The Coveted Collection is comprised of everything from wearable clothing and accessories to intricately handmade hairpieces and veiling - all made from recycled remnants of the past paired with findings from today. 

(with birdcage veiling)

Please view my website for more images - thank you! 

To place an order or for more information: larissalakemakeupartist@yahoo.com

The Skinny on Lash Extensions: Part 1

I first heard about lash extensions while attending IBS back in 2004. I remember how intrigued I was at the concept of it all and wondering if I would ever be able to offer the service to my clients. 

What was once a pipe dream years ago has finally become a reality! Larissa Lake Makeup Artist & Company are pleased to announce that we are finally NovaLash Certified! Stephanie, one of our head makeup artists, and I, attended an intensive workshop given by NovaLash's CT, RI, and Puerto Rico Trainer this past Monday. With hours of lecture and hands-on training - we were taught the science behind the beauty as well as the technique itself. 

The Professional Kit! Just arrived today!!!

NovaLash is unlike any other lash extension company - in that it's award winning adhesive is the ONLY bonding agent that is water resistant AND oil resistant. Not to mention it is certified and physican-formulated to offer the utmost safety. Their adhesive is manufactured in a FDA registered facility in the US - something that is very uncommon with other companies. Their pharmaceutical-grade bonding agent is by far the best I have tested - and I have tested a handful! Xtreme and Evalash- just to mention a few are good in some aspects but overall I was most impressed with the NovaLash way! While Xtreme is similar to NovaLash it is not oil resistant -something that is very important when discussing maintaining the lashes. Evalash offers a unique interlocking V technique that is much quicker in applying but their adhesive is sketchy and imported - not something I would recommend when applying it so close to the eye region. Most reputable lash extension companies require a professional license as well as a certification that you successfully completed a workshop - EvaLash sold me their adhesive right on spot last year at IBS...hmmm.....stay tuned for more comparisons in Part 2.

Each lash extension is comprised of a synthetic polymer that is individually adhered to each lash- giving the most natural but glamorous appearance. They come in multiple lengths, thicknesses, and styles - a 10mm .2 being my favorite! 

Again - we are thrilled to be Certified NovaLash Extensionists and cannot wait to start offering the service in our very own "Lash Room" - almost complete! Please visit www.larissalakemakeupartist.com or message us on our Facebook fan page: Larissa Lake Makeup Artist for more information. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog - more comparisons, before and after pictures, and some images of our "Lash Room" located at Studio 281 in Historic Old Wethersfield, CT.

A Manhattan Wedding Story - Meet Rebekah

December 30, 2010

I remember receiving Rebekah's inquiry for bridal hair and makeup services and being so excited to read that she was planning to wed in Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge - I mean how creative! First of all, I never thought anyone could get married on the bridge or in the middle of winter for that matter. 

Rebekah and Matt, both lawyers from Alberta, Canada, went thru great lengths to even get into New York after the 20+ inches of snow we received. When plan A (their flight) got cancelled - they were left with no other choice but plan B...30 HOURS OF TRAVELING! Determination and a whole lot of patience finally got them to the great city safe and sound.

Due to the distance between us, a trial was out of the question so I consulted Rebekah via email with inspirational photographs and very descriptive wording. What a success! Everything from her custom built lashes to her romantic updo -Rebekah looked perfect.

Before getting dressed...her husband-to-be admiring her beauty...awwwww!

Her beautifully romantic updo.

After I finished one set of custom built lashes - what a difference!

Her fabulous accessories!

Married!

A big thank you goes out to Rebekah and Matt for giving me the opportunity to be a part of their wedding story. Images taken at The Affinia Dumont Hotel - East 34th Street and Lexington.