It's Prom Time: Part Two!

We Heart Proms!!

If you didn't know before, now you know, The Team here at Ritchlie Beautiful LOVES Proms, as in L O V E S Prom! You could imagine our excitement when our Cousin Paula (We call her Teri) called on us to beautify her daughter Jordan for her Prom....we leaped at the opportunity!

We can remember when little Jordan was born (I'm not that old, so don't even think it, LOL), and here she was all grown up and ready for senior prom, sigh, where does time go?

For starters, I was so excited to work with Jordan because she is amazing.  It's very rare in life that you meet young people like her who are beautiful inside and out.  I must say, Mom Paula, and Dad Owen have done their due diligence with Jordan...and she gorgeous to boot!

This is Jordan before we started

As you can see from the photo above, Jordan looks great even without a stitch of make-up.  She wanted a look for Prom that was glamorous, but not overdone.  Her Parents, Dad especially, didn't want too much, and I understood that.  I mean, who really wants their child to step out for Prom looking like a clown?  No I said the cat!

Jordan's dress was this AMAZING Vintage, Old Hollywood Glamour type of Gown.  Pulling inspiration from that, I wanted to go for a Marilyn Monroe meets Robert Palmer Girl (A toned down version that is)....all while keeping it understated, yet undeniably glam...so I went to work.

Just getting started on Jordan's Transformation

I like to, when possible, lay my clients in a way where they are reclined.  This makes applying the make-up so much easier!  It's also very relaxing for the client. So everyone wins.  

Almost done with the eyes!

Creating the perfect look takes time, more time than most people think.  Before I knew it, I was hastily (Yet precisely) applying individual lashes and polishing off Jordan's look.  In no time she was in her dress, getting her hair refreshed and bustling through the door.

Kedesha refreshing Jordan's 'Do

 

I have to say, in the end, everything came together so well!!  Jordan looked AMAZING!!!!

 

She's Ready!!!

 

Jordan made a splash!! She was LITERALLY greeted with applause when her friends saw her arrive at The Limo!

 

Jordan and friends all ready for Prom!

 

 

Jordan's Date also made a splash!!  He was very well dressed in complementing colors.  They had an Old Hollywood Glam Style going on.  It was tres chic!! I even have to admit that I got a little emotional when I saw him greet her and place the corsage on her hand.  I'm such a sucker for these things.

 

 

Jordan and her date embrace!

 

 

He chose such a lovely corsage!

 

The Stunning Couple!

 

 

Overall, I am so delighted with the way Jordan looked.  I'm glad that we were able to create a look that not only Jordan appreciated, but her Mom and Dad did as well.  It's always a good day when everyone is happy and pleased.

 

 

Isn't she lovely!

 

Senior Proms are so special because this is sort of the last hurrah before graduation, and ultimately leaving home for the first time and heading off the College.  Our lovely Jordan is no exception....she'll be heading off to College this Fall.  We couldn't be happier for, or more proud of Jordan.

 

They look so happy

 

 

The College/Dorm Experience is challenging yet amazing.  I see it as a necessary step and a bridge to full fledged adulthood.  I'm happy that we were a part of this bonding experience between Mom and Daughter....just the look on my cousin Paula's Face as Jordan was getting ready...you could feel the love, and the adoration she has for Jordan. It was incredible.

 

Jordan and Friends

 

 

Of course, Dad Owen couldn't be left out.  He took a few moments to chat with Jordan before the limo pulled out.  We're not sure exactly what he said...but it must have been something special....the look on Jordan's Face was priceless!

 

Dad please, I got this...LOL

 

This is such a transitional period in  the lives of young people.  Here at Ritchlie Beautiful we see Proms and Graduations as more than just a time to get gussied up and celebrate...it's a time for parents to savor these moments with their children, to strengthen their relationships and help them transition into the next phase of life as smoothly as possible.

 

As I've said before, Paula and Owen have done an amazing job with their two children.  Jordan is the first to leave home, and her younger brother Owen Jr. will follow suit in two years.  The foundation which they have been given is solid.  I'm confident about their future and happy to witness their journey. 

 

 

Well Prom Season is coming to a close and graduations will soon be upon us.  We wish Jordan and Jhadee all the best as they lead up to Commencement.  We are so proud of you both!  Much love, and God Bless!

 

 

 Until Next Time,

 

 

 

I'm Marshana Dahlia, and I'm Ritchlie Beautiful

 

 

 











It's Prom Season!

It's Prom Time!!

I remember my prom like it was yesterday!!!  Picture it, June 1999...I know, I'm taking you all back to last Millennium,  LOL! There I was, custom, bridal-esque gown that I  made at home, and my sister and I hand beaded.  Replete with Egyptian Style Head Dress, I was Queen of The Night...did I mention that I also did an outfit change half way through???  I. Went. For. It!!!

Now, some fourteen years later, here I am resident Artisan of Fine Cosmetics at Ritchlie Beautiful, and I get to help today's young women feel their most Glam!!  It's so rewarding.  The team and I got to glam out a client for prom recently.  Here's a better look into her transformation.

Let's begin at the beginning...

Meet Jhadee!! She's excited for prom!

Jhadee is not just a client, but she and her mom are dear friends of The Ritchlie Beautiful Team.  We were delighted when her mom commissioned us to help her daughter transform for her Prom Night.  

The Ritchlie Beautiful Team!  Kedesha with hair, Raquel with nails and yours truly with Makeup

For Jhadee, who is admittedly a "Less is More" kinda girl, she really wanted to WOW on prom night.  The Ritchlie Beautiful Team went to work on her ENTIRE Prom Styling.  From the Dress, to the shoes, and everything in between, we hand selected. When you see the overall look, you'll see that months of shopping were well worth it.

First up our resident Hair Artisan at Ritchlie Beautiful, my sister, Kedesha went to work on Jhadee's Hair.

Kedesha working on Jhadee's Hair

Jhadee wanted a sophisticated up-do.  Kedesha added length to Jhadee's hair a few day prior, with the addition of a full length, Remi-Hair Weave. This helped add not just length, but volume to the hair for that full, lush, and thick bun.

Overall, the final look was just stunning!!

Some looks at Jhadee's Hair Before and After

Here's a look after the final jewels and ornaments were placed...

Simply Gorgeous!!

The pearls and jewels you see in Jhadee's hair are actually her earrings!  These earrings are just one of several that I collect while on my global travels. This particular pair come from an Indian Neighborhood in Birmingham, England...the guy who sold me them was too sweet!  Can't wait to go back and shop some more!

Another closeup of the earrings, they're so stunning!

While Kedesha was doing Jhadee's Hair, Guest Nail Technician and Full Specialist, Racquel worked on Jhadee's Mani and Pedi,  Jhadee wanted a deep, inky blue color on her hands and feet that would last.  Racquel applied a Gel Polish using an LED Light.  Gel Manicures are for superior and last longer than traditional polish.....and there is NO drying time! 

Racquel at Work on the Pedicure

The end result of the feet and nails really complemented the overall look!

Before and After of Jhadee's Manicure

After hair and nails were complete, it was now time for me to work my magic with makeup!  Now Jhadee, as I said before, is a "Less is More" kinda girl. However, this was prom, and the look that she showed me, was a "More is More" Look, after all, it had glitter!!!  So what did I do?  Happily oblige of course, and as I say, I Went. For. It!

Me in Action!

I have to say that I am very proud of Jhadee for taking a chance and stepping out on glam. This is Prom, this is a time to look and feel your best.  Looking like you do every single day, with the simple addition of Gloss and Liner will NOT cut it for prom!  Take a look at Jhadee's Final Look...

Eyes Closed shot!! You can see her sparkly Eye Kandy!

Jhadee wanted a hint of color under her eyes...so I added this deep purple gel liner underneath for added drama!

Here's a Before and After of the makeup

And one more Before and After 

Here's Jhadee and another of her friends posing before getting in The Limo

Jhadee's all Glam and rearing to go!  Here you can see her Crystal Bracelets!  These are from my personal collection as well.  I picked these up in Udaipur, India...they are my FAVORITE!!!

Jhadee and her BFF

Overall, Jahdee was GORGEOUS!!  We were really able to bring out her natural beauty!!  She's such a pretty girl, she doesn't even need makeup!!  

As much as we would like to take all of the credit for Jhadee's Prom Look, I have to say that we can't.  Really, all of the credit goes to Ms. Eve, Jhadee's Mom!!

Jhadee and her Mom, Ms. Eve

Jhadee's Mom goes SO hard for her daughter! This mom put her ALL into making her daughter's prom memorable for all the right reasons!  We are grateful that Eve recognized the need, and hired the professionals at Ritchlie Beautiful to get Jhadee ready for Prom. May she forever be blessed for making her daughter's dream come true!  

Another shot of Jhadee and her Mom, Eve

Most parents get most of the ducks in a row for prom...Dress, Limo, Shoes, Jewelry...but more often than not, they leave the Glam Squad off the list.  I cannot emphasize enough JUST how important a professional glam squad is!  In my honest estimation, this service is not an indulgence, but a necessity of epic proportion. 

Parents, Aunties, Uncles...don't let your daughters/nieces go to Prom any and any kind of way....LOL.  We encourage you, wherever you are, to seek a professional.  Hair and Makeup is just as important as the dress, don't leave it off the list!  Years from now when your daughter is looking back on her prom photos, she will thank you!  

Furthermore, if you live in the NYC, DC area or anywhere in between....feel free to reach out and book The Artisans of Ritchlie Beautiful.  We are happy to assist you in creating a look to remember.  We are currently offering Prom Specials.  Dates are still available...so e-mail us at ritchbeauty@gmail.com

'Til Next Time...

I'm Marshana Dahlia and I'm Ritchlie Beautiful

The Eyebrow Pictorial

  Eyebrows Frame The Face

In my experience as a Makeup Artist, the thing I get asked about most are my eyebrows.  Every one wants to know how I do them. If I'm honest with you all, I don't have much of an eye brow naturally.  I really have to work at creating the nice, full eyebrow I've always dreamed of.

So how do I go from this.....

My natural eyebrows

To This...

My Complete Brow Look

I'll show you how in the following pictures.  I know, I know, you all want video.  I tried to record this, but doing this on myself and recording was just not working out. I need to film myself doing this brow look on someone else in order for this to work...so if any of you lovelies want to volunteer your time, please e-mail me: ritchbeauty@gmail.com ...Now on to the pictures:

Step 1:

Apply AMPLE amount of Loose Translucent Poweder ALL over your eyebrow. The powder that I am using is not currently available. I recommend using Maybelline's Translucent Shine Free Powder in Medium.

Step Two: 

Using short, light, thin strokes...draw the bottom line of the brow to your desired shape. The powder base will give you more control of the pencil. You will notice that the pencil no longer goes on "Waxy".  Your brow will now have lasting power and won't easily smudge off.

Step Three:

Draw the top line of your brow and connect to two lines at the end.  The best way to get that SHARP edge and clean look is to repeatedly sharpen your pencil. I'm using the same pencil that I have used for years; Maybelline's Twin Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown. Remember, short, light strokes is the key. Pressing and dragging the pencil will give a very unnatural and hard look.

Step Four:

Fill in the space between the two lines.  Again, keep the point of your pencil SHARP!!! Use light, short and thin strokes.

Step Five:

Soften the starting point of your brow. No one's natural brown starts of with a harsh line. Using a spoolie or brow brush, gently brush the starting point of your brow.  Go in the direction that your hair grows. Use short, light strokes and be careful not to brush too far into the brow. Your goal is to create a natural fade/progression into your brow. At this point you can be done, voila! However, for an even sharper more defined look... proceed to step six

Step Six:

Add concealer to the bottom of your Brow. To do this I take a flat shadow brush and flatten it out between my thumb and index finger. I add NYX's HD Concealer in Tan to the back of my hand and add a LITTLE concealer to the tip of the brush. I place the concealer as close to the bottom line as I can. You need a STEADY hand for this step. Be sure to blend the concealer and smooth it over your brow bone.

Step Seven:

Highlight under your brow bone with the shadow of your choice.  Here I have chosen a matte nude/beige shadow. Now my eyebrow is Finally complete.  From this point out, I'll continue with eye shadow primer and the shadows to create my desired look.  

Here's what my face looked like when I was all said and done...

Full Face View

Another full face shot

I was so happy that I added lashes, they really complete the look!

Left Eye Close Up

Right Eye Close Up

Close Up on Both Eyes

One last full face shot

Well I hope that this helps you all out. There will be video soon, but as I said, I think that it is much easier for me to demonstrate and instruct while working on someone else.  So I will get that to you all in the coming weeks.  If you all have any questions, please some comments below, I'll be sure to get back to ya!!! Thanks for stopping by...

I'm Marshana Dahlia and I'm Ritchlie Beautiful

  

The Accidental Smokey Eye

The Cut Crease

If you didn't know, I am LOVE with the look of a Cut Crease!!  To me this looks just screams definition and  style!!!  It's not an easy look if you don't have the "Eye" for it.  If you're not sure what a "Cut Crease" is, allow me to explain.  

A Cut Crease                                        

In the picture above you see the darker shadow is placed above my natural crease.  This gives the illusion of a larger eyelid, and gives me more room to play with eyeshadow.  Also, it allows me to wear a thicker eyeliner, which covers mot of my eyelid. Typically, I can't wear a eyeliner this thick without covering all of the shadow I applied.  In that case what is the point???  If you wear shadow, you want to be able to see it.  Hence the Cut Crease.

Now I'm no expert at the Cut Crease.  This is a new technique for me that I am perfecting on myself.  I can do this look on others with minimal effort, but on myself, it's a challenge.  Just take a look at a cut crease I created for my Cousin Chivonne recently.  

End of Day Closeup on Chivonne's Subtle Cut Crease

A couple weeks ago I had a very special fundraiser to attend.  So I attempted a Cut Crease. It did not come out as planned.  Looking my best was imperative...so I had to save the look.  I opted for filling everything in with a deep charcoal gray and sporting another fave look of mine, The Smokey Eye.  The look was a hit!!  Here are some pics of the final look and all the cool people I met that evening.

Businessman Kevin McGovern of The Water Initiative and I

Malaysia Pargo of Basketball Wives LA and I

The highlight of my night, meeting THE Deepak Chopra, Swoon!!!

Overall, both the Smokey Eye (Though not what I set out to do), and the night, were a success!!!!  I met great people, met new clients and had a fabulous time!!!! Tomorrow I'm back to NYC to work with some talented ladies I met this night. I'm excited and can't wait!!!

Be Blessed and Happy New Year!!

I'm Marshana Dahlia and I'm Ritchlie Beautiful