My Current Obsession

I recently took a trip to LA to visit one of my oldest friends, and while I was there I was able to hop into a Lash Extension Training!  I have been meaning to get certified now for quite a while and it seemed like it was meant to be this time.  

Luscious Lashes is the original Lash Extension Salon based out of Orange County. I met one of their technicians on the flight back to AZ from NY Fashion Week (so I figured it was fate).  Their training space is so cute and Heather Love (Master Trainer for Luscious Lashes) is amazing.  She is such a pro and seriously knows her stuff.  

After training and driving back to phoenix (6 hours...) I didn't want to sleep, just do lashes.   So I did.

For those of you that don't know me, I am a Pure Barre Instructor for Pure Barre Chandler, Scottsdale, and Phoenix.  So needless to say I had plenty of guinea pigs (fellow instructors)

Consensus:  I am still obsessed, its been a month already and I would do them all day, everyday if I could!

Thinking about trying them for the first time?  

What You Need To Know Before Taking The Plunge

Benefits: 1. If you have short, blonde, or sparse lashes, extensions are a great route to take before turning to an eyelash perm (sounds terrifying....).  2. You just cut a significant amount of time out of your morning beauty regime because you no longer need mascara (It will actually shorten the life of your extensions when applied to them) 3. The adhesive is strong enough to last through swimming, exercising and showering where false lash strips and clumps mostly likely wont last.  (They can be worn for only a few hours to a day or so) 4. You are able to use Lash Enhancement products such as, Latisse in combination with lash extensions!

Common Misconceptions:  When applied correctly, Lash Extensions will NOT pull out your natural lashes.  The process is one extension applied to one natural lash with adhesive.  Natural lashes are damaged when an extension is glued to more than one natural lash, because each piece of hair grows at a different rate.  The extension will pull on the slower growing lash, in turn making it fall out prematurely.  The only other source of damage will come from pulling, rubbing, or attempting to remove extensions yourself! 

So I HIGHLY recommend doing research or going through word of mouth when looking for a lash technician or lash salon!  It is the same thing I always say when it comes to Makeup Artists, there are just as many BAD makeup artists out there working constantly as there are talented ones.  You definitely don't want a bad lash technician.  We love our lashes, we want to keep them!

Forethought: Always book your extensions application and extension removal with a Certified Lash Extension Professional only.  For the sake and longevity of your natural lashes. The process of applying and removing lash extensions is extremely gentle, do NOT attempt to remove or pull out extensions, you will take your real lash with it!  Consider what type of "beauty personality" you are, high or low maintenance? Constantly touch or playing with your eyes?  These are things you have to be aware of when looking into Lash extensions.  The better care you take of your lashes, the longer you will be able to go between application sessions.  Having said that! Most will find they need touch-ups every two to three weeks.  Touch-ups are the key to keeping beautiful lashes!

Lashes of all shapes and sizes, or lack there of (below) will not prevent you from getting lash extensions! So weigh your options!  I say, Try them once, you will never go back!

Information regarding pricing, aftercare instructions and other services can be found on my website: www.bryannacasey.com

MM6 : FASHION WEEK FALL 2013

MM6 : Maison Martin Margiela FALL 2013

Hands down, my favorite show of the week!  Every piece in this line I want in my closet stat.  But it was the combination that really won me over; the clothing, the presentation and the Hair and Makeup.

Stylist, David Vandewal (@mrdavidvandewal) is a wonderful human, and an amazing stylist.  I worked with him on this MM6 presentation as well as the Siki Im show (which will be posted ASAP).

Anyone who knows me can confirm that my style, which I openly exclaim, is what I like to call "Homeless" which consists of layer after layer of clothing.  I LOVE LAYERS.  Well, apparently so does MR. David.  

I will say he is way more qualified in the art of orchestrating layers, so I will take notes.

The combination of pieces that he put together I think is genius.

To get on to more geniuses that were a part of creating this presentation is yet again James Pecis, Key Hair stylist for the line.

James came fully loaded with not only product but needles and thread.  The look was entertaining to watch as it transformed from tiny twists pinned into sections all over the head and set to dry, to the super edgy and kinked look you see above.

James, stitching the hair to finish this creative look!

The twists were set to dry while the Makeup Artists beat away! (Drag term! #Dragqueenslang) Once the hair and product had set, the twists were then unpinned and James wrapped a small piece around the neck and stitched the hair around the back!  Brilliant.

One of James' Assistant starting phase two of the Hair look!

LAYERS! Thank you David Vanderwal

photos courtesy of D and V Management and Fashionising.com 

MATHIEU MIRANO : FASHION WEEK FALL 2013

MATHIEU MIRANO FALL 2013

Keeping it in the family!

D and V management was all over this show, representing both Key artists for hair and makeup for Mathieu Mirano's fall 2013 line.

I have had the pleasure of working with both Benjamin Pukey (Key Makeup Artist) and James Pecis! (Key Hair stylist), both are incredible artists and so the vibes backstage at The Box @ Lincoln Center, were very positive and laidback! (which doesn't happen often)

The Makeup was of course a combination of perfect complexion (Benjamin is known for creating perfect skin) and white liner surrounding the eyes.  A solid combination of edgy and soft.  

Key Makeup Artist Benjamin Pukey, final touches

James did not disappoint with his hair creation for the show,  the look consisted of a part straight down the middle and hair slicked about 1/2 to 3/4 down the head.  The Hair from below the ear was then texturized to create more volume, which you can see below!!  Both hair and makeup complimented themselves and were able to elevate the clothes.

James Pecis, Key Hairstylist discusses the inspiration for the look in a live interview!

The Final Look, Mathieu Mirano Presentation @ The Box, Lincoln Center

photos courtesy of D and V Management and Fashionising.com 

JEN KAO : FASHION WEEK FALL 2013

JEN KAO FALL 2013

Absolutely in love with this line, dark and gritty with some serious abstract shapes.  Not to the mention the hair and makeup to go with it!

I had the privilege of working with James Pecis, the Key Hair stylist for the show.  His look was created by diagonally sectioning the hair, braiding the hair and then twisting them into the pattern below.

James and his assistants at work, finishing the look

Makeup Look created by Makeup Artist, Yadim

The Hair for Jen Kao Fall 2013

The Master at work, James Pecis

Photos courtesy of D and V management and Fashionising.com

DUCKIE BROWN : FASHION WEEK FALL 2013

TO KICK OFF FASHION WEEK, DUCKIE BROWN FALL 2013

I had the pleasure of working with my favorite Makeup Artist, Ralph Siciliano for the Duckie Brown Show @ Industria Studios!
Sponsored by Murad Skincare (their products are amazing by the way).  Ralph created a clean and natural look with glowing cheekbones!
Who doesn't love glowing bone structure.

(photos courtesy of D and V management and Fashionising.com) www.dandvmanagement.com www.fashionising.com

Ralph, putting the finishing touches on the models!

Last Looks before heading down the runway! (my hands made it into the photo!)

Champagne Celebration, Duckie Brown Fall 2013