Lena G in Bridal Tribe Magazine Whats your bridal style......Glitz, Glam or Gorgeous

Absolutely Gorgeous Brides Central Florida's Premiere Bridal Hair and Make Up Company featured at I Do Downtown Bridal Crawl

Absolutely Gorgeous Brides Central Florida's Premiere Bridal Hair and Make Up Company featured at I Do Downtown Bridal Crawl!

Visit us at www.absolutelygorgeousbrides.com or call 1.800.385.3624 x200 to book your complimentary consultation today!!!

RHOA Kenya Moores Make Up and Hair YAY OR NAY

image from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/02/real-housewives-of-atlanta-kenya_n_2065686.html

image from http://straightfromthea.com/2012/12/06/kenya-moore-walter-jackson-gay-rumor/kenya-moore-bad-skin-rhoa/
Has anyone else who watches Real Housewives or Atlanta noticed that Kenya Moore's make up seems a little unfinished at times or is it just called bad skin !

RHOA and former Miss USA Kenya Moore looks great as long as she's airbrushed in a magazine, but I don't think her or her make up artist was ready for HD TV!

What do you think...

I think ladies we need to remember that the TV talent and characters we see are sometimes an illusion.  Set your own standard of beauty, love yourself, embrace your look!!
Most importantly beauty stems from the inside...you have to start there!

Stay FABulous
Lena G
http://lenagraham.com

Make Up Trends: How can I get a Celebrity Make Up Look like Rhianna

www.studio277cosmetics.com

Picture from aoifedennehy92.wordpress.com

Rhianna's Skin looks absolutely flawless...try applying your liquid foundation with a fiber optics brush.

Her cheeks have just the right amount of blush and contouring .  Try Studio 277 Cosmetics blush Sangria or Navajo Brown these are matte blushes (www.studio277cosmetics.com) along with a concealer or lighter powder under your eye area.  Chocolate Burgundy Pigment (studio 277 chocoholics) on  the lid with jet black liner.

Her brows are filled in nicely with matte powder and her lips complete the look with a soft burgundy inspired gloss.

To learn how to achieve this look and more make sure you attend one of our classes or set up your individual consultation today!!! Call 1.800.385.3624 x216 or email info@studio277cosmetics.com

Janelle Monae New Covergirl - Official Press Release

Official Press Release
The COVERGIRL brand believes in helping women tap into what's uniquely special about them and working it with confidence – celebrating a style that only they can rock. So it’s fitting that the beauty brand that’s all about “doing you” authentically is partnering with Janelle Monáe for an exciting new chapter of her life journey. The celebrated artist, once called a “different kind of diva” by Vogue, just wrapped her first COVERGIRL advertising shoot, which is scheduled to debut in the September issue of that publication next week. Monáe, who is already a renowned style icon with her signature black-tie wardrobe and striking hairstyle known as a "Monae," becomes the newest COVERGIRL today, and she is on a unique mission to encourage women to use all their artistic powers to play, change, and transform.

“I believe it’s time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them,” said Monáe. “One of my core values is to help redefine what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman in the music and fashion worlds and to empower the wonderful things that make us unique. Becoming a COVERGIRL is truly an honor and a gift: it opens up a new platform for me to inspire women to feel stronger, braver and more beautiful inside and out.”

“Ever since Janelle made her electrifying arrival on the music scene, she has captured our imaginations, stirred our souls, and made us all move our feet,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, VP and General Manager, COVERGIRL Cosmetics. “Janelle is a true force of energy and a beautiful spirit who truly delights in her creative journey, not just the destination. We’re elated and can’t wait to show the world another dimension of her artistic ‘superpowers’ as a member of our COVERGIRL family.”

Janelle Monáe has been widely lauded by the music industry for her energetic performances, dynamic voice, genre-bending artistic sensibility, and visionary approach to songwriting. Monáe’s debut concept album “The ArchAndroid” was released to widespread acclaim. This epic “emotion picture” (a term she coined) earned her multiple Grammy nominations and accolades from Associated Press, The Guardian, The Chicago Tribune, and the LA Times, who all named “The ArchAndroid” the #1 album of 2010. In addition to these accolades, Janelle Monáe was a recipient of the 2011 ASCAP Vanguard Award and included in the first-ever Women Who Rock exhibit in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Most recently, she made a guest vocal appearance on the hit song, “We Are Young” with the band Fun. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard® Hot 100 chart and gave Monáe her first appearance in the U.S. Top 10, as well as her first MTV VMA nomination. Furthermore, Monáe is also a rising social innovator with her own non-profit organization Super7, which is committed to providing essential "Super Powers" to young women and young girls everywhere, focusing on their health, well being, and personal dreams.

Since its introduction in 1961, the COVERGIRL brand has been a beauty industry leader in providing women with the makeup tools to rock their everyday cover moments. The long list of famous COVERGIRLs has included Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Rachel Hunter, Tyra Banks, Niki Taylor and Molly Sims. The current roster of COVERGIRLS includes such icons as P!nk, Sofia Vergara, Queen Latifah, Drew Barrymore, Ellen DeGeneres, Taylor Swift and Team USA athletes Jennifer Kessy, Olympic Silver Medalist (Women’s Beach Volleyball) and Marlen Esparza, Olympic Bronze Medalist (Women’s Boxing).

Visit www.covergirl.com for more information on COVERGIRL’s extensive lineup of products for women of every age. Like CG on facebook.com/covergirl, and follow the brand on Twitter at twitter.com/covergirl.

Tips, Tricks and Tidbits ...5 Tips to give you healthy, vibrant skin!!

 Develop a regular skin care regimen.

You need to first determine what type of skin you have; oily, dry, normal or combination.  From there, find a skin care regimen best for you.  If you need assistance then consult a local esthetician or skin care expert.

                Exfoliate…Exfoliate…Exfoliate

It is so important to get rid of dead skin; use a gentle exfoliant at least twice a month.  This will give you a wonderful glow and allow your make up to lay correctly on your skin.

               

               Hydrate

I cannot stress it enough; make sure you are drinking plenty of water; hydrated skin equals happy and health skin.

                Remove blackheads and whiteheads properly

As much as you want to, DO NOT pop those pimples.  It may cause scarring or allow the affected area to spread.  Properly treat and remove pimples; if you need assistance consult a skin care expert; or in the case of extreme acne a dermatologist.

            Use SPF

We all need protection from the sun and any environmental damage that can be caused to or sensitive skin; make sure you are using an moisturizer or product containing SPF…you’ll thank me in 10 years!!!

Until Next time stay FABulous

Lena G

Visit www.lgcdinc.com

Call 1.800.385.3624 x200 to book your skin care consultation today!!

PowerBroker Magazine First Makeover of the Month Video

So exciting that one of my first projects as Beauty Editor for The PowerBroker Magazine was our Makeover of the Month.
What is Makeover of the Month, its a chance for you our readers and online subscribers to tell us why you deserve a makeover from head to toe!!
Keep watch on our  website and facebook page for more contest entry dates or email me directly at lena@powerbrokermagazine.com.
If you are interested in getting more information about hosting or sponsoring an event please let me know.

For more information about Lena Graham, Powerbroker Beauty Editor please visit her website or call 800.385.3624.

Have a FABulous Day!!

Studio 277 Key Artist Featured on Cover of Bliss Magazine

Studio 277 is a private image studio located in Winter Park Florida; we offer hair, make up and wardrobe services.  Visit us online at www.lgcdinc.com.  To book an artist email studiomanager@lgcdinc.com or call 1.800.385.3624 x201.

Lena G as New Beauty Editor for The Power Broker Magazine

Lena G will be serving as Beauty and Health Editor for the Power Broker Magazine.
www.lgcdinc.com
http://www.powerbrokermagazine.com/

The Power Broker is the "most read" magazine targeting African Americans on Florida’s west coast, according to data published by our fellow media outlets. Our reader network reaches 24,200 people across 6 media channels (print & DIGITAL). Our reach grew by 20 percent in 2011, adding 6,300 new readers to the family; and our audience of black high & middle-income consumers is the largest minority group on Florida’s West Coast. Our growth is keeping pace with their rapid climb in affluence and size.

Lena Graham known in the industry as Lena G, has taken Florida and much of the Southeastern region by storm with her fabulous sense of style and undeniable talents in the make-up and styling arena. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Lena G's personality and zest for life is infectious; not to mention her welcoming and warm-hearted smile.

With over a decade of experience she specializes in make-up for bridal, fashion and television, fashion is her forte. Lena G has worked on countless fashion shows and photo shoots. She has built a strong reputation in Central Florida as the "go-to" person for your fashion extravaganza. Not limiting her opportunities, Lena G has collaborated with some of Florida’s most talented photographers, fashion designers and fellow make-up artists; as a result, creating edgy and colorful fashion forward make-up looks that will leave you captivated. "I believe everyone should be sexy, soulful and sophisticated. We are all glamorous in our own unique way. It’s all about finding your angle; so, I ask my clients, what’s your angle?"

Currently Lena G is the Premiere Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist for Absolutely Gorgeous Brides a mobile bridal hair and makeup company whose main objective is to provide brides with pampering on their special day. The launch of her private imaging studio which is currently located in Orlando, Florida, includes services such as hair and make up for special events, corporate branding, personal shopping and styling.  She is estatic to be in the role as Beauty Editor for the Power Broker Magazine and can't wait to utilize her 13 years experience in the beauty industry to empower Power Broker readers!

Visit

www.lgcdinc.com for booking information call 1.800.385.2624 x201 or email studiomanager@lgcdinc.com

Information Provided by A.I.M.’s management

Bridal Beauty Trends: Consult Verses Consult

Consult Verses Trial

We get many of our brides who come into our studio not clear on what a bridal hair and makeup consultation or trial consists of.  Here are a few pointers to help you understand the difference:

Consultation –

ü  Generally a Hair and Makeup Consultation is 20 to 30 minutes with your artist or designer.

ü  It consists of going over your wedding day hair and makeup vision, communication with your artist/designer and going over pictures.

ü  Ordinarily at this time pricing is usually discussed.

ü  Usually no actual hair and makeup is done at the consultation and many companies offer complimentary consults.

Trial –

ü  Generally a Hair and Make Up Trial is 2 hours (an hour for each).

ü  It consists of reviewing your hair and makeup inspiration and actually trying 2 options of each.

ü  Ordinarily there is a cost associated with this service.

ü  Usually the bride takes this time to decide if this is the company for her.                                                                            

Absolutely Gorgeous Brides is a mobile hair and make up company.

Our services range from bridal airbrush make up to customized clip on extensions.

Your wedding day is truly one of the most important days of your life; let us give your red carpet treatment as you prepare to walk down the aisle.

Our multicultural staff can attend to your bridal party of any size!!!

Beautiful, Elegant, Fabulous....How will you be remembered? Absolutely Gorgeous!!!

For more information contact studiomanagert@lgcdinc.com, call 1.800.385.3624 x201 or visit us online at www.absolutelygorgeousbrides.com.

Until next time...Stay Sexy, Soulful and Sophisticated.

Lena G

Absolutely Gorgeous Brides offers Mobile Bridal Services





Wedding Season is in our midst!! Absolutely Gorgeous Brides is a mobile hair and makeup company that offers on location bridal hair and makeup services. Our services range from bridal airbrush make up to customized clip on extensions.

Your wedding day is truly one of the most important days of your life; let us give your red carpet treatment as you prepare to walk down the aisle.

Our multicultural staff can attend to your bridal party of any size!!!

Beautiful, Elegant, Fabulous....How will you be remembered? Absolutely Gorgeous!!!

For more information contact studiomanagert@lgcdinc.com, call 1.800.385.3624 x201 or visit us online at www.absolutelygorgeousbrides.com.

Until next time...Stay Sexy, Soulful and Sophisticated.

Lena G

Behind the Scenes Bridal Trends: Bridal Red Carpet Hair and Accessories to Match

We recently did a shoot for Bliss Magazine that featured some beautiful trends for spring brides.

With our cover model I made her skin flawless with one of my favorite new foundations by Graftiban high definition crème and I custom blended the colors for an exact match.  A crème blush, Ginger from our Studio 277 Cosmetic Bridal Collection allowed us to softly define her cheek bones without them being too chiseled.

We filled her brows softly with a blondish brown eye shadow and used velvety pastel colors on her lids; the concentration was strong liner to make her brown eyes sparkle.  We used a pink liner and deep pinkish coral lipstick along with a gold gloss for her lips.

We previously set her hair with hot rollers and went in with a curling iron to define the curl.  I am an advocate of soft red carpet hair so I manipulated the curls into a side bun and created a head bank from a belt we had in our wardrobe.  I wanted her to have a flapper look.  I also added on the fur vest for a slight flair.

When determining your makeup and hair look for your wedding day; think about the story you want to tell and how that will translate on to camera.  Don’t be afraid to go a little over the top, after all it is your special day!

Until next time, Stay Sexy, Soulful and Sophisticated

Lena G

visit me at www.lgcdinc.com

1.800.385.3624 x201

Oooops....We Did it Again!!!!

When one of my favorite photographers Claude Studios (www.claudestudios.com) messaged me about a shoot he was inspired to do; I was like no problem.  I made my way from all day shoot on Ormond Beach to Dynasty Studio in Winter Park. 

When I arrived I looked around for the model, couldn’t identify her at that time from the inspiration I had been given.  I soon realized our poor subject had just been bamboozled by a local “hood” salon.

Her gorgeous short locs had been replaced with a synthetic shiny lace front that looked like it had been purchased from Party City.

Her luck got worse, in addition she had recently been burned by some hot grease at her day job which was a local burger joint and she had just had a painful outbreak of acne.

Because she was just getting into the industry her wardrobe was very limited.

The photographer and I quickly made some adjustments so that we could accomplish our goal.  I remembered a black scarf I had thrown in the car and I was able to wrap it around her head.

We went totally dramatic with her make up in order to keep the fullness of her brows and bring attention away from the scarf.

I took my time to apply her foundation in layers with a variety of hi lighting and contouring techniques to chisel out her facial features.

We went with an implied nude to totally negate the wardrobe situation.

What we got….well it was lovely.  A true beauty shot.

You take a look and tell me….I say in the words of a popular song…..Oooops we did it again.

Until next time Stay Sexy, Soulful and Sophisticated.

Lena G

visit me online at www.lgcdinc.com

For more information call our studio 1.800.385.3624 x200

Prom 2012 Make Up Trends

Whether you decide to do your make up yourself, visit a local cosmetic counter or have your mom's best friend do it make sure that you choose the prom make up look best for you.

• First always make sure your make up is age appropriate.

• Remember Make up should enhance your natural beauty not cover it up!!!

• Your make up should work in accordance with your hair and dress.......

• Bring your makeup artist a visual so that she can have an idea of what look you want to achieve.

• Decide if you want to do false eyelashes.

• Communicate with your artist let them know what is important to you!

All of these things should contribute to a successful and stress free prom make up session.

Until Next Time
Lena G

Lena G featured at AWESOME Ministries Formal Exchange

Orlando Florida Professional Make Up Artist and Wardrobe Stylist Lena G worked along with AWESOME Ministries to educate and empower young ladies regarding choosing the appropriate prom dress for their body shape as well as going over hair and make up trends for 2012.

"If you give a man a fish he eats for a day, if you teach him to fish he will eat for a life time," says Lena G "in this case its young ladies and its not fish its make up." she finishes up with a smile.

One lucky gal won a total make over courtesy of Studio 277 Cosmetics, Lena G's private imaging studio nestled away in Winter Park Florida.

"We love helping the girls, they are close to my heart and being supportive to them is a priority!!!"

For more information about the company and services visit www.lgcdinc.com for questions regarding sponsorship and non for profit opportunities email studiomanager@lgcdinc.com with "Butterfly Effect" in the subject line or call 1.800.385.3624 x201 Yvonne.
- Article Provided by A.I.M.S. Management

Emily B's Make Up All Star Weekend

Recently I had the opportunity of doing Emily B (reality star of Love and Hip Hop) make up and hair for All Star Weekend in Orlando, FL.
I love this picture of her with Amber Rose from Friday night, we have her long loose wavy curls and a natural eye with a heavier creme liner, we kept her blush matte and hue was natural soft brown with a pop of pink on the balls of her cheek. We used on of our studio 277 cosmetic favorites Fuschia Fever to give her lips that extra uummmppphhh to last all night.
Until next time Stay FABulous.
Lena G
visit www.lgcdinc.com