I love my job in that I get to work with people from all walks of life. One adventurous avenue I partake in is makeup artistry, particularly bridal makeup. 

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to work with a couple of lovely ladies who were a part of a bridal party.  One of them (mother of the bride) hardly ever wears makeup and the other (sister of the bride) was there to do her supportive duty as a bridesmaid.  Both had come in for a makeup application. (Thank you, Jonathan from Salon Centri, for the referral)

Now let me tell you, around 8 or 9 years ago, I had barely ever picked up a tube of mascara, let alone purchased eye shadow or blush. (I was raised with two brothers, what can I say? I'm a tomboy at heart.) After esthetician school, I decided to further my education by attending Schweitzer Studios Makeup Academy to continue my education in makeup artistry.  (My artistry was...er...well, I wanted/needed to improve my, um, skills? I'll leave it at that.) Sharona Schweitzer had come highly recommended and is a very talented makeup artist, not to mention one of the most positive people I have ever met!  Love that lady! 

After Academy, I was prepped and ready to dive into makeup artistry and it has been such an awesome trip thus far!  Last summer I traveled to and got lost in Vancouver, BC to attend my first IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) to see all the wonderful, crazy makeup artistry out there. It's AMAZING! Some day I will dive into that realm of movie/theatrical makeup, but for now I love working with bridal parties. (I dabble a little in theater makeup, but that's primarily on my aerial ladies and gents.)

Bridal parties are one of my favorite groups to work with.  Most experiences are positive, but for the few who are having a rough go of it, we usually get to laughing so much that by the end of their time in my seat, they're much more relaxed and cheerful. (Oh family...we love each other and sure know how to push each others buttons don't we?)

Take it from me, hire a makeup artist for your wedding.  We'll keep your bridal party looking fabulous for those memorable moments.  P.S. I can help your groom get ship shape for those wedding photo's too. Acne gort of 2014 BE GONE!

Today I had the honor of observing Olympia's own burlesque troop, TUSH, rehearse on the grand stage of the Capitol Theater for the upcoming Valentine show. These ladies put in a  tremendous amount of work coming up with themes, costumes, designs, character, choreography, not to mention the physical aspect of their performance: hair, makeup, brow shape & body hair...every last follicle detail. (I love you all and am grateful for the privilege to work with you. Plus, you are a bunch of hotties.)

It got me thinking of how each lady has her support team behind her. Not only does she take hours upon hours of planning, stitching, dancing and rehearsing, she must also think of her stage presence and how she represents her character. Does she need to get her hair cut or colored....or possibly a wig? Is her skin in need of a treatment? (performance stress causes acne breakouts!) Does she do all this herself? What kind of support team does each lady need/have? This is all a part of their prep to create a show that is not to be missed!

How does this relate to the every day woman or man? We each have our rituals we perform each day. Shaving, combing, braiding, curling, tweezing, trimming...you know, the never ending list of grooming? As an aerialist performer in this upcoming show "LOVE: Nothing in Moderation", these questions occupy my mind. Along with "why do I not have 6 pack ab's, yet?!" Come on!!! I workout over 10 hours a week and that may or may not include a "Jane Fonda" workout! I have a wonderful group of people who help me to look and feel my best. Without them, my muscles would ache, my body would feel broken and my hair would be out of control! (I know it's Olympia people, but I'd rather not allow my mustache out in public)

Thank you to those who help me on my personal upkeep. Stacey (Spa Aneity), Jason (Spa Aneity), Joy (LMP), Dr. Dave (Chiropractor) Johanna (LMP) and my lovely group of aerialists at the Aviary who inspire me to constantly work harder. (ooo you aerialists with your never ending grip strength, ripped abs and biceps vein...I want all that!) Thank you. 

As a beautiful Burlesque dancer or a buff Aerialist who works hard to prep for her performance, the daily performance each of us impresses upon those around us, leaves us with something to remember. We each have our own unique strengths (I'm still working on those elusive 6 pack abs!) I am interested in bringing out the natural beauty and handsomeness within ourselves. 

What's your monthly grooming routine and who would you want on your team?

TUSH Burlesque show at the Capitol Theatre, Friday 9pm. Doors open at 8pm. Buy your tickets now at Rainy Day Records.

As I sit here on this airplane, (with the luxury of the middle seat, ahem) my thoughts are these, "I am thirsty. I can't drink too much water (middle seat remember) Ugh, my hands and face feel dry. I am really, really thirsty." Ever experienced these thoughts? I don't fly as much as some people, but I am usually flying somewhere in the US at least once a month. 

I touched down in San Jose and made my way to my hotel. Still feeling the dried out after effects from flying, I walked to a nearby grocery store and purchased some dinner items, including an aloe vera drink. I absolutely love those things, plus aloe is very hydrating. I quickly walked back to my hotel room to relax and prep for the following day of microcurrent training. 

Remembering I had planned ahead and packed a Vitamin C Masque, (Alleluia! Something for my dry skin!) I rummaged through my things to reveal the compact package. This is no ordinary Vitamin C Masque as it is not packaged in liquid form. Nor is it packaged in dry form. It is a single use masque infused with Vitamin C (antioxidant), Licorice extract (skin brightener), witch hazel, aloe and hyaluronic acid (hydrating & soothing). Perfect for traveling! 

The only work I have to do is tear open the package and lay it over my clean face for 20 minutes. I ended up leaving it on for 30 minutes as I zoned out to some Hollywood program on TV. (I don't have TV at home so I figure I can soak in as much drama-ridden programming as I want on my one night trip away without guilt.) As I remove the masque from my face, I notice there is still a bit of product left in it. I proceed to run the masque over my decollete, arms, hands, legs and feet. Wow! A whole body treatment with just one masque. What a lovely treat! My skin feels better and I feel totally relaxed and ready for bed. 

Thank you, Bio Therapeutic, for creating an awesome masque I can bring with me wherever I go without fear of it being taken away by TSA. Not only did it make my skin feel better and more hydrated, I felt like I was able to put my best face forward the next day when going out to train some ladies on their microcurrent machine. 

Side note: there are 5 masques made by Bio Therapeutic, Vitamin C, Collagen, Acne, Oxygen and Brightening. Not sure what would work best for you? Ask us at Mode Skin Care & Esthetics. We'll make a recommendation to suit your specific skincare needs.

Carpe Diem! Love thy neighbor, Let bygones be bygones, Turn over a new leaf...

These are things I hear frequently and thank goodness I do. I need a constant reminder that nothing in this world is permanent. The only constant in life, is change and no matter how prepared I think I am, I never quite know what's going to happen next. 

With life and all the experiences it has to offer, our bodies are morphed and shaped to whatever comes our way.  The result, what I see in the mirror each morning and night.  For example, sometimes my skin will look dull, or dehydrated with uneven texture and tone while other times it will look bright and shiny.  Of course I'd rather have the latter, but it doesn't always happen every day.

Using the appropriate skincare products, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and receiving regular skincare treatments is what I need to do to maintain healthy, vibrant skin.  And yes, I am guilty of indulging in my fair share of cookies and cake and not drinking enough water or getting enough rest.  (It shows up as blemish #1, goiter #2 and dry patch #3) UGH! 

Since all our life experiences reflect directly to our face, how is one to know what is best for their skin type?  This is where I come in.  (Here I come to save the day!)  As an esthetician, I work with individuals going through the motions of life, experiencing grief, joy, falling in love and the never ending abundance of emotions.  I work with each person for where they are in their life process and for what their skincare goals are. 

Sometimes we all need a little TLC and a relaxing facial is great for that.  What I'm interested in, is providing a results oriented treatment, while interweaving relaxation to nurture each person as a whole being.  I make simple product recommendations that benefit you and are easily added into your daily routine.  Each person is a whole being and I treat everyone as such. 

It's time to take the love you give freely to your friends and family and turn it inward.  Self love radiates to those around us and feeds harmony into the world.

Make time for self love.  You are worth every moment.  Your are beautiful.  Know this.  

In loving memory of Aaron Huff.  May your spirit live on through the hearts you touched.

For those interested in supporting Aaron's wife, Melanie Huff, as she brings their first child into the world this week, donations are being accepted at Key Bank.

"What is microcurrent???"  

This is a question I hear frequently when I suggest this treatment to my clients.  Definition of microcurrent : a low level of electricity that mimics the body's own electrical impulses and increases circulation and ATP within the skin.  In other words, using an external source of energy (microcurrent technology) under 400Ua, we are able to replenish ATP (adenosine triphosphate, aka energy) in our cells that diminish over time.  According to David Suzuki, an expert in microcurrent technology, our ATP can diminish up to 50% by the time we reach age 60. Hence, we are really running out of energy as we age!

With depleted ATP, our cells do not have as much energy to function at their highest capability, thus we see our skin age.  Microcurrent not only aids in replenishing our ATP, but it also increases both lymph & blood circulation as well as improves muscle memory.

The overall results with microcurrent treatments are: lifted, firmer muscles using muscle re-education techniques and smoother, softer, more hydrated skin from iontophoresis (product penetration). (Before & After Pic)

An effective, safe, non-invasive way to improve skin tone and texture with no down time? That's why I recommend microcurrent to my clients as an age management treatment.  It offers immediate results while remaining a relaxing, comfortable treatment. 

For best results, a series of 6-12, twice a week, is recommended to jump start that ATP production and improve muscle memory.  Then remaining on a program of once a month treatment. 

Karli Stewart is a Licensed  Master Esthetician & Licensed Massage Practioner and owns Mode Skin Care & Esthetics in Olympia, WA.  She is also a National Educator for Bio-Therapeutic in Seattle, WA.