by Sara Arrigoni | Feb 2, 2014 | Photography Happenings, Photography Philosophy
I am so honored to have been invited by my friend Davina Fear to be a part of a very special project. Davina gathered 25 photographers and writers to join together to offer simple, easy ideas to share your love with your family. After spending hours devoted to compiling them all, she has created a beautiful little book, “How Do I Love You?”. Included in this group are notables from around the world such as Brooke Snow, Josh and Jenny Solar, Elizabeth Halford, and people behind A Beautiful Mess. I admit I’m a little starstruck to be included in such a group!
This book is perfect for Valentine’s Day, with enough ideas to pick one for each day until February 14.
To get this book (free!) and find out more info, visit Davina’s blog post on “How Do I Love You?”.
by Sara Arrigoni | Nov 18, 2013 | Photography Tips
Prepping for your family or couples photo shoot can be stressful for a woman. The sea of cosmetics and beauty items can be confusing for people who don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, but want to look just a bit more polished for their photo session.
Today, I come to the rescue with 5 beauty products that can flatter every woman. That’s right; these 5 cosmetics work for women of any age, skin coloring, and style. Best of all, most are also budget-friendly and readily available!
For photo sessions, I like a “you-at-your-best” look–nothing too dramatic or far of a departure from your “norm” but just a little more refined and dressed up for your shoot. Just a little makeup can emphasize your best features, since sometimes on film we can look a bit more washed out than in real life.
Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Pati Dubroff Perfect Natural Eye Palette (Costco, $17.99): this palette is a steal! With ten neutral eye shades that work for every skintone plus a pretty brown eyeliner, this palette can be used to achieve a variety of looks. And at $18, you can’t go wrong!
It’s sold out already on Costco online, but check your local warehouse; mine still had this palette as of my last visit. (If you can’t find it, the newer Pati Dubroff star palette color collection or Stila’s In the Light palette are similar, suitable alternatives, but both are a bit more expensive than the perfect neutral, which remains my favorite.)
2. CoverGirl Lashexact Mascara Waterproof Black Brown 935
, (Amazon.com or drugstores, $7): this is my favorite drugstore mascara. Affordably priced and akin to the popular (and much more expensive) Chanel Inimitable mascara, Lash Exact lengthens and thickens lashes. My motto with mascara is “go big or go home,” and Lash Exact doesn’t disappoint.
3. Stila Color Me Pretty Convertible Color Palette, (Amazon.com, $28): I have been a Stila fan since I first beheld their lipglaze pens in a movie. Of their products, their convertible colors remain a favorite. The Color Me Pretty palette contains five shades to flatter any skintone, ranging from peachy-pink to the neutral pinky-nude Peony to my personal favorite, Petunia. If you want the naturally flushed look like Natalie Portman or Kirsten Dunst (both of whom have used the Stila convertible colors in their movies), then look no further. These can be used on lips or cheeks, adding some bang for the buck.
4.. Orly nail polish in Taffy, (Ulta.com, $8): Orly’s Taffy is my favorite nail polish for photo shoots. A sheer soft pink with just a hint of sparkle, Taffy makes your nails look gorgeous… AND since it’s a soft, natural shade, it translates well in black & white photos as well. Some of the trendier shades that are popular right now (black, dark purples, navy) can look unattractive if photos are switched to black and white, so opt for a more natural shade for your photo session.
5… plus 1 extra: Cetaphil moisturizer & Ecolips lip balm (Cetaphil, best price Costco; Ecolips, available at Whole Foods or other natural food stores): Okay, so I promised 5 items, but I just couldn’t leave either of these off.
You know what’s not too camera-friendly? Dry, scaly skin and lips! Remedy those rough spots with these two great products. Cetaphil is a very cheap and effective moisturizer and is suitable even for most people with sensitive skin. Cetaphil is great for face and body.
And I first tried Ecolips when they were handing them out for free at a Dave Matthews Band concert, but once I tried it, I have purchased many more! It is simply the best lip balm I’ve ever tried… and I’ve tried many lip balms. Apply your lip balm before your gloss or lip color and your lips will look their best!
So now, tell me… did I miss any of YOUR favorite beauty items? What are your “go to” cosmetics when you want to look extra special? Or are there any beauty questions you have for your next photo session? Let’s keep chatting in the comments!
* Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links for Amazon.com for some products.
by Sara Arrigoni | Jun 6, 2012 | Educational Events
Just a reminder in case you didn’t see my Facebook post… Tonight I am honored to be the guest speaker at the inaugural meeting of the Tacoma Clicky Chicks! The Clicky Chicks are a group designed to gather women of all ages to learn about photography, share great tips, and meet new friends! Tonight I will be sharing on “Telling the Stories that Matter.” I am SO excited!
Details:
When: 6-8 p.m., May 6, 2012
Where: Forza Coffee (back meeting room), 2209 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, WA
The Clicky Chicks are planning on meeting on the first Wednesday of every month. Check out their website for more updates if you can’t make it tonight!
