Dressing up Your Destination Bridal Do

The most glamluxurious hair accessories a bride can dream about has been seen gracing many Hollywood starlets on the red carpet. Jen and Jamie at Ban.do, two eclectic stylists based out of Los Angeles create the most fancy hair accessories. Some of their pieces remind me of what Carrie Bradshaw would rock. If you wanna feel a little Carrie on your wedding day, I am sure you will find many fashionable couture vintage pieces that can be worn down the aisle.

BAN.DO - girls just wanna have fun!

No. 24 (pictured above) $165
A halo of white silk ribbon wrapped wire adorned with a large silk spider mum and a spray of white feathers.

No. 110 (pictured above) $165
We created this gorgeous crystal applique after finding a similar vintage brooch in jen’s closet. The applique sits atop a satin headband.

No. 60 (pictured above) $95
For the greek goddess in you! Some call this spectacular beaded piece a feather and some call it a leaf . . . we call it AH-MAY-ZING! The piece sits atop a satin headband.

No. 115 (pictured above) $225
Can you say glam? Four unapologetically glamorous rows of Austrian crystal are finished with sparkly elastic to ensure a perfect fit. As Seen In LA Times beyond the veil.

No. 111 (pictured above) $130
A little corsage for your head. 3 darling off white silk flowers are hand sewn to a wire comb.

Words by New Orleans & Miami Celebrity Make-up Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

Sex and The City 2 meeting

Today's meeting was for The Sex and The City 2 Parties @whiskeybluenola next month. Jamielynn @jlscloset and I met inside The W. Hotel lobby. Miss Sassy @misssassy380 was suppose to meet up with us but last minute plans caused her to miss the meeting. The meeting went really well, Lisa @imnahay wit @whiskeybluenola was able to join us as well. I think we covered a lot on the first meeting.

Jamielynn in I had a few drinks after the meeting. I wanted Jamielynn to try my "Breakfast at Tiffany's" that you can only get at Whiskey Blue New Orleans. I luv @barcardi Dragon Berry used with it. Its a great girl drink especially for the spring time.

Now I just have to come home in clean up all my makeup...as always before going out I always make a mess, it's production...cocktails, hair, makeup everywhere :))))

Shoe Envy!!!!!!!!

Above is my shoe envy of the week. These bad azz beauties are Giuseppe Zanotti being rocked by Kim K at her recent photoshoot. They run for a pretty penny of $1300 and are a fun edgy look for this Summer. Gotta get these in my life..lol!

See ya!

twitter.com/MissSassy380

Poolside and Margaritas Anyone!

This Spring/Summer I've decided to indulge in a new weekend pastime. Since I can't travel to the beaches in surrounding cities, Ive decided to bring the beachy atmosphere to me, well at least the pool and margaritas. Me and the BF have been hotel hopping now that the pools are officially opened for the summer and checking out the roof top pool and bar areas throughout downtown New Orleans and The French Quarters. It's such a cool and relaxing way to spend these beautiful Saturdays and Sundays and not to mention very inexpensive. You can't beat some fun in the sun with a great drink to cool you off. My drink of choice is any type of margarita but I'm opened to any other great beachy drinks. So far the Omni Royal and The Roosevelt are my top picks, but I got plenty more to check out before the summer ends!

See Ya!
twitter.com/MissSassy380

Brandy's Bronzed Beautiful Brides

Doesn't matter if you are a blonde, brunette or a redhead, we all want that radiant bronze look. No more stained hands or baking yourself and the sun damaging your skin. For an instant beauty tan gratification that is healthy for you, I suggest using a bronzer to give a flawless Caribbean finish. If applied correctly bronzer can be a girl’s best friend. Even I don bronzer on my boogie down brown skin.

To create a natural goddess-like glow or a radiant sun kissed look just sweep a bronzer powder on the face, over your cheeks, eyes, shoulders, décolletage, or anywhere you dare to bare skin. Matte bronzers are great for the face and shimmer bronzers are great on the eyes, shoulders and body.

Some of my favorite bronzers are:

TheBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer, $19

Stila Stila Sun, $26

Smashbox Bronze Lights, $28

Josie Maran Bronzing Powder, $30

Lancome STAR BRONZER - Magic Bronzing Brush - Automatic Powder Brush for Face and Body, $33



On my bride I stroked her face with the Smashbox Bronze Lights. So, I won't tell if you don't tell where you received your tan...

Makeup By: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis with BGD Makeup Artistry
Wedding Photos by: Beebe Tran with Studio Tran

Basketball Wives

Last night I tuned into the Basketball Wives premiere not only because I love Shaunie Oneal, but because I also wanted to see how they would portray one of the women I met a few years back during Superbowl weekend in Tampa. Although the title is definetely misleading (since it seems to be more exes than wives) the drama that will unfold this season is not. There will be plenty of catfights, drink throwing, and just plenty of good ole drama, that this is a must see train wreck waiting to happen. Espisode one was a lil slow however, but it did shed light on the lil cliques in place and who the outcast will be this season -- Royce. Speaking of Royce, it was quite funny how they titled her as an ex dancer being as though her star center baby daddy has that iron clad gag order in place. I mean could they have at least said she was john doe baby mamma or something. LOL! Even though I know I should be turning away, I just cant help but look!

See Ya!!
twitter.com/MissSassy380

French Quarter Festival with Family

Today was family day at The French Quarter Festival well at least for us. We thought this would also be a great day for Envy friend Justin to come hang out with us. That way we could all get to know each other. I was hoping that @misssassy380 was going to join us but she was with her BF at the French Quarter Festival and not mama so that was out since he is not a fan. Could not ask for better weather on this day. Envy had to warn Justin that pictures would be taken every 5 mins. But she forgot to warn him that I would run into somebody I know every 3 step I take....he teased me about that.

First stop for me was the Little Tokyo booth so I could get my PO-BOY ROLLS. I was out of luck so upsetting so I had to get something else on the menu but I did manage to get the Southern Comfort Mango Freeze.

Baby girl Jamielynn @jlscloset had plan to meet up with us plus she wanted to meet Envy friend in talk about the prom with her...Justin passed her test. He's a great kid very well manner....I like him a lot!

Since my Southern Comfort Mango Freeze was so tiny I need to get another refresher. We went to get a daiquiri; Margarita & Peach Bellini mixed. We walked off our lunch so stopping for snacks wasn't going to hurt. The kids all wanted Cafe Du Monde. After 5 hours of walking, eating, and drinking it was time to head home. French Quarter Festival was a success!

French Quarter Festival with Hubby

After finish working with one of my favorite brides I went over to the office to meet up with hubby and we decided since we both finished up early enough we would go enjoy ourselves at the French Quarter Festival. Called Lane to see if he was at work @whiskeybluenola passed by to say hi since he's two blocks away from the office. Always hard working of course so he couldn't come out to join us on this beautiful day.

Lauren, one of the bartender at Whiskey Blue made me a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" it has @barcadi strawberry dragon berry in it. A flavor that helps to give it that girlie drink that I luv. So I took one for the road, as you know it's New Orleans you can take it to go. We grabbed dinner at The French Quarter Festival, I got my favorite, PO-BOY ROLLS at the Little Tokyo booth.

Easter Weekend In Florida

Since my schedule was very light this weekend I decided that this would be a perfect time to get away in enjoy some FAB time in Florida, my second home. I wanted to bronze up my boogie down brown skin for the beautiful spring weather. I luv when I am able to get a little quality time with the family. The only 2 people missing was @misssassy380 in her mother and @jlscloset was a few hours away somewhere else in Florida. I think everybody needed some beach in sun time. It was a needed weekend I enjoyed every GLAMXURIOUS minute of it.

GLAM LIFE OF A MAKEUP ARTIST...in New Orleans & Miami

http://twitter.com/BGDMakeupArtist

Fun Spring Makeup Look with Bold Lips

I was so excited when I received L'OREAL new HIP Studio Secrets Professional products. Being a L'OREAL PARIS Pro Artist I still get excited when new product come out especially anything from the HIP line. I knew I had a fun photo shoot coming up so I could not wait to use the crystal eye shadows, I selected *Darling #829 for this shoot.

To get the flawless look I first prep my model with L'OREAL PARIS Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base. It's the new primer that can be applied before or after but I prefer using it before applying foundation. I like to do eye makeup first so I cover the eye with the True Match Concealer that I will use on the model. The reason why I am placing concealer on the lid because I want the crystal eye shadow to stick on the model lid without falling out. I am also using a stiff eye shadow brush because I find the fluff brush does not hold the crystal shadows like it does wen applying the regular HIP eye shadows.

Because I want the lips to be my main focus for this spring makeup look I am keeping the eye makeup very simple. I lined the eyes with L'OREAL PARIS HIP Studio Secrets Professional Color Chrome Eyeliner in *Black Shock. I love the chrome liner...it has the look of a liquid liner but it's easy to work with like a pencil. Plus it's long lasting like the HIP cream eyeliner.

On the face I selected L'OREAL PARIS True Match Foundation in *Buff Beige N4 using a foundation brush. On the cheeks I applied L'OREAL PARIS True Match Blush *Sweet Ginger N7-8 then very lightly applied L'OREAL PARIS Bare Naturale All Over Mineral Glow in *Honey Glow.

The last item if you can believe is not a L'OREAL PARIS product...lol. I used one of my favorite lip product that I love to work with on photo shoots. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in *Safety Orange, a vibrant orange lip color.

So this is my fun Spring makeup look that is easy on the wallet, hope you guys luv it as much as I do.

Makeup By New Orleans Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, L'OREAL Pro Makeup Artist.

From Gossamer to Gorgeous – air brush makeup for brides

The new must have item for brides is a 10 year makeup technique that has been the beauty secret in the fashion and entertainment industry-airbrush makeup. As you know Hi-Definition (Hi-Def) has shown up everywhere from television and cameras to camera phones. Airbrush makeup is the only makeup that stands up well in Hi-Def. Airbrush makeup was a big hit on the runway and now it’s made its way down the aisle and on the beach for my destination brides.

Airbrush makeup gives a natural and flawless finish that photograph beautifully. With airbrush makeup, you can conceal blemishes and imperfections leaving the skin looking radiant and the bride stunning. If done correctly by a professional makeup artist, the ultra fine mist will leave no streaking or fading but still achieve a full-face application with very little makeup. The mist of silicone water-based & hypoallergenic should feel cool against the skin and actually very relaxing.

Over the weekend at Couture Designer Harold Clarke’s event “Weddings Couture”, I introduced the airbrush makeup to upcoming brides when I offered mini bridal consultations. Many of the brides have heard of airbrush and have seen it on television, but have never had the opportunity to experience being airbrushed. “What’s so special about airbrush?” was my most asked question.

With airbrush makeup you can contour, highlight, and even give someone a natural looking tan. If covering of tattoo is needed, move over derma blend because now brides and their bridesmaids can also have their tattoos covered still leaving a natural coverage. What I like the best about working with airbrush makeup on my brides is not having to deal with brushes. It cuts back on having to stop and clean my brushes on a large wedding group.

Models Gowns by Harold Clarke Couturier Atelier

Makeup by New Orleans Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis with BGD Makeup Artistry

Brandy Gomez-Duplessis is also a L'OREAL PARIS PRO ARTIST

Makeup for an Evening Bride

An evening destination bride always loves a glamxurious makeup look. An evening wedding allows for more of a dramatic makeup application. Brides with or without flawless skin can get away with a heavier foundation. Evening brides can indulge in bold eye shadow colors, eye lash extensions, shimmer, and high shine lip gloss.

When selecting an eye shadow for an evening dramatic eye, I like to use 3-4 different eye shadow colors. I always make sure to use a flat or matte color at the bottom of the eye to help make the shimmer colors stand out in pictures. (On the bride; MAC pigment in Vanilla, IMAN eye shadow in Nutmeg, MAC Pearlized Solar Bits Pigment Cluster in Black Ore, L’OREAL HIP Cream eyeliner in Black)

Eyelashes (strips or individual lashes) are an absolutely infallible feature adding definition to help bring out the eye. Strips are great if you want the lashes for the evening and individuals are great if you want them to make it through the honeymoon. (On the bride; ARDELL flare individual lashes).

Shimmer on the cheekbones is great for many reasons. I love how it photographs in pictures. Shimmer is also pretty on the skin giving it a glow as the bride walks down the aisle and as the candlelight in the room hits the skin. (On the bride; Illamasqua Bronzing Duo in Glint & Burnish)

Lastly, high defined glossy lips. An evening bride can wear both a dark eye with a color lip. I like to use a lip pencil, lipstick, and lip gloss when creating a sexy glossy lip. (On the bride; IMAN lip pencil in expresso, L’OREAL colour riche lipstick in Peach Fuzz, L’OREAL HIP lip gloss in COY)So brides don’t be afraid to get a little daring with makeup for your evening wedding. Your pictures will be stunning, your friends envious, and your husband happy.

Photos by: Beebe Tran with Studio Tran

Makeup by: Brandy Gomez-Duplessis with BGD Makeup Artistry

written by New Orleans & Miami Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis

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L'OREAL PRO MAKEUP ARTIST

OCC Spring 2010 Lip Tar Collection

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics just introduce 4 new lip tar shades just in time for SPRING 2010. I am such a big fan of my buddy David Klasfeld, the CEO and Creative Director of New York based professional makeup line OCC. I think the Lip Tar's is one of the best makeup items out there. I can't wait to get my hands on them. Check them out for yourself.


This season's collection, designed by New York based celebrity Makeup Artist Katie Pellegrino is a study in contrasts, each color having a counterpart that notes how a slight shift in color can change our perception of the wearer. The ultra muted plum/beige Complex opposed to the bubble-gum violet Vapid. The vibrant magenta Hoochie attracts a very different wearer than fuschia-rose Demure. Already a backstage phenomenon, Katie created Complex for Diego Binetti's Spring 2010 Collection, and Vapid made an early appearance courtesy of renowned makeup artist James Vincent at Bess's Fall 2010 Collection!

VaJazzle for the VA-JAYJAY

I was told about this new HIP trend while at a photo shoot, Vajazzle for the Vagina. It's the bling bling craze that all the girls are getting done. Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt was recently on Lopez Tonight January 12, 2010 and she was one of the first to share the new Hollywood trend by mentioning that she was currently vajazzled.

So, I am now curious to find out more about VaJazzled. I think I am pretty HIP and open minded, so maybe it's a cute thing for the young girls, or even a young bride. You know, a treat for their new hubby. I don't know, maybe next week in Las Vegas instead of getting a tattoo this may be the wild and crazy thing I treat myself to.

Miss Bryce Gruber at The Luxury Spot got Vajazzled at The Completely Bare Spa, check it out below.

Stay tuned to find out if I GOT VAJAZZLED :))))

Anti-Puff Eye Secrets for Him and Her

Here’s a little wake you upper before you walk down the destination aisle. After an all night party fest and before you become the new MR& MRS, you will need something to calm down the puffiness. Garnier & L’OREAL Paris both came out with a fun little gadget that is geared towards under-eye puffiness and dark circles.

Now, I have used both items on my clients for different events and I can say the cold ball feels really good on the skin and has actually calmed down the puffiness right away. I can’t speak for the fast results of the dark circles. Both items would need to at least be used for about 4 weeks day and night to start seeing any results.

Because your worth it, you should definitely carry this little item with you for one last touch up before you stroll down that aisle.

Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Roll away under-eye puffiness and dark circles for brighter, more radiant eyes.?While you sleep circulation slows down and causes fluid to collect in your lower eye area. Dark circles and puffiness appear. Skin Renew anti-puff eye roller is right for you if you gently want to stimulate micro-circulation around skin’s delicate eye area to decongest excess fluid for diminished dark circles and puffiness. Gently roll Skin Renew anti-puff eye roller under the eye from the inner corner to the outer corner, one to two times. Apply Skin Renew anti-puff eye roller as your daily care, morning and night. Clinically tested and reviewed by dermatologists and nutritionists. Instantly: eyes look renewed and refreshed.

Men’s Expert Hydra-Energetic Ice Colds Eye Roller

For men who don’t want the world to know they were up late. Men’s Expert Hydra-Energetic Ice Colds Eye Roller is a refreshing wake-up call that dissolves signs of fatigue like dark under eyes circles and puffiness. Lightweight serum absorbs quickly and the hands-free application is fast and easy. Men’s Expert Ice Cold Eye Roller is made with Vitamin C and Caffeine to help reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness.

written by New Orleans L'OREAL Pro Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis