JoChowMakeup

2.26.2014

Melissa's H&M Trial!

Who: Melissa

What: Wedding Hair & Makeup Trial

Where: San Jose Home Studio

It was such a pleasure meeting Melissa and her mom the other day for Melissa's trial. It's truly incredible what a small world we live in and finding out we have mutual friends! Melissa already had a makeup look in mind so we didn't have to discuss that too much. We spent a little more time talking about what type of hairstyle she'd like for her special day. Here's the complete look we came up with!

MAKEUP

Before and After #1

Before and After #2

Before and After #3

Before and After #4

HAIR

Melissa wasn't sure if she wanted to do a half up/half down look, or have all of her hair in and updo. After looking at pictures of the shape and detailing on her wedding gown, I suggested going all up. Before pinning all her hair up though, I pulled Melissa's curled hair into a quick half up/half down look so she could get an idea of what it might look like. The decision is ultimately the bride's! It's good to get a snapshot of the different options though :)

Before, During, After

Profile, Front, Back

Thanks for coming in Melissa! The story of how you and Alex met is so cute! One that I'm sure is always fun to tell :) Looking forward to working with you on your wedding day!

Mother and Daughter are both dog lovers! Cody had fun with you ladies.

1.27.2014

Lydia's Wedding H&M Trial!

Who: Lydia

What: Wedding Hair and Makeup Trial

Where: San Jose Home Studio

Working with Lydia was a hoot! She came in with lots of beautiful happy energy and we had a good time chatting, as well as creating her wedding look together. Her students are lucky to have her as a music teacher, and I'm sure they all have tons of fun together! :)

MAKEUP

Before and After #1

Before and After #2

HAIR

So this was a first! I'm so excited about how it turned out :) Lydia had e-mailed me prior to the trial to see if we could try for a updo during the ceremony, then change it up with something more relaxed during the reception. Although I wouldn't be staying with her throughout the wedding day, I told her I'd certainly try to work something out so she could manage the two different hairstyles. Here's what we came up with!

Ceremony

Reception

Before and Afters (Ceremony and Reception)

It was perfect that Lydia's mom was able to join us later on during the trial so that I could explain what we were doing with the hair. On the wedding day, Lydia would have extra help and hands with the switching of the hairstyles!

We had also bounced around the ideas of the hair with no accessories, attaching a veil, or using a few different flower accessories to see how they would look. Lydia actually had a veil appointment later in the day and was able to send me a photo with the veil in her hair.

No accessories vs. Romantic Flower and Feather Pin vs. Three Flower Pins

Thanks for coming in Lydia! Looking forward to working with you on your wedding day!

You two have such a precious mother-daughter relationship with one another! What a blessing :)

12.14.2013

Janette's Shanghai Transformation!

Who: Janette

What: Transformation

Where: San Jose Home Studio

So I'm grinning from ear to ear as I write this entry, and I can't stop giggling! Janette and I both taught 3rd grade next door to each other 6 years ago. With her Hawaiian themed classroom, hilarious asides, and crazy ideas, it wasn't such a surprise when she approached me and brought up a Shanghai Transformation proposal. It was just a matter of WHEN it would happen :)

She had seen one of my earlier posts titled "Transformation: Jaime --> Shanghai Poster Girl, Circa 1030's" that I had done. Click here to read that entry and see all the photos!

It had also just so happened that she and her boyfriend, Norm, had recently gone to Chinatown and picked up a fancy Cheong Sam! She thought it would be a hoot to surprise Norm with a transformation of her own, and be able to wear the Cheong Sam at the same time.

Fast forward six years and we FINALLY were able to work out a time for the Transformation. There would be a dual purpose this time around. The first being a surprise for her boyfriend: Janette had e-mailed and said she wanted to put a photobook together for Norm to surprise him for Christmas. She'd finally be able to wear that dress and get all dolled up! Fun right?!? The second being a form of support to women going through relational transitions: Within those six years, Janette has also kept herself busy with founding Compassionett. Here's a message from Compassionett's website:

"The goal of Compassionett is to help women find their way, with compassion and empathy, as their life takes unexpected turns. We are a "by women, for women" network who have experienced one of life's most significant changes and are proof that not only can you get through it, but a better, fuller life awaits you on the other side."

Janette herself is a mother of three beautiful ladies and had gone through a divorce some years ago. Through this Transformation, and so many other activities Janette has going on, she's living proof that there's more to life after unexpected relationship turns.

Onto the before and afters!

Before and After #1

Meet Janette's alter ego: Shanghai Suzy!

Before and After #2

HAIR

Before starting on Janette's makeup, I used a straightening iron to pin curl all her hair. Once makeup was done, I released the pin curls, and adjusted the curls into place. This was slightly challenging due to Janette's shorter length of hair. We made it work! Yeah!!! I saved the front bangs for last to create a semi "S" shape.

MAKEUP FOCUS:

- Bold brows that extended dramatically down

- Double up on the already doubled lashes (They were VERY heavy!)

- Exaggerated eyeshadow contouring (Janette's reaction, "I look like a drag queen!") - hahahaha!

- Bright blush

- Reshaped upper lips to look fuller using deep red colors and liners

- Super contouring along cheeks, nose, and jawline

GALLERY