Lena Clark Beauty

Chicago Makeup Artist

Behind the Brush w/Lena @ The Natural Hair Bride

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Hey Beauties!

Remember when I blogged about my experience at my first styled bridal photo shoot? If not, you can read it here. Ro’Shunda Russell of The Natural Hair Bride worked with me to style the models in their bridal attire. We had such a blast working together with all of the amazingly talented professionals involved and it was a fabulous shoot.

black bride with romantic makeup

ROMANTIC BRIDAL MAKEUP

Anyway, I’m so excited to tell you that Ro’Shunda reached out after the shoot to give me an opportunity to write a guest blog post about the makeup look I designed for our shoot. [Read more…]

Behind the Brush: Bridal Photo Shoots (PART II – Kit Additions)

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Kit Additions

At the time of of my “Modern Breakfast at Tiffany[‘s] Blue” styled photo shoot I hadn’t really done a full revamp of my kit so most of my products, tools, and techniques were the same. I did, however, finally get to use my absolute favorite eyelash: Pixie Luxe from the Premium Luxe collection by House of Lashes. You may know already from my FAQs page that I LOVE LOVE LOVE these lashes. I have also developed a love for the Noir Fairy lash, also in the Premium Luxe collection. The lashes in this collection are extremely glamorous and make the eyes stand out in photography. Because of the stacked style of these lashes the bands are relatively thick so I don’t think they are necessarily suitable for inexperienced lash wearers. For that reason, I’ve only ever used these lashes on one client and she was definitely not new to wearing lashes.

Pixie Luxe - Aren't the beautiful?!

Pixie Luxe

[Read more…]

Behind the Brush: Bridal Photo Shoots (PART I)

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I recently had the pleasure of – and all of the work associated with – planning two styled bridal photo shoots. I am so happy that they were both successful and yielded some really beautiful images. I can’t wait to share them. I usually like to use photo shoots as a time to try new products, tools, and techniques so that I have an understanding of their best uses when a client sits in my chair. These two shoots were no different. A lot of time goes into the planning stage of a photo shoot but I won’t bore you with any of those details (unless you want me to). Instead, I’ll be sharing a few images now; and then later I’ll discuss some recent kit additions/techniques and how they performed.

Modern Breakfast at Tiffany[’s] Blue Styled Photo Shoot

This shoot involved a whole team of talented people. As this was my first time planning and managing a styled bridal photo shoot some mistakes were made and some lessons were learned, but I thank God for allowing this experience.

black bride model with natural makeup

Model #1
Unedited image from my digital camera

black bride makeup with natural makeup

Model #2
Unedited image from my digital camera

Team:
Photographer(s): Isi, Isi’s Photography; Matt, Black Tie Wedding Photography
Makeup/Hair: Me, Lena Clark MUA
Wardrobe Stylist: Ro’Shunda, The Natural Hair Bride
Models: Kimika & Erin
Wedding Planner: Fisayo, One Look Events
Stationery Design: Alero, Vividesigns
Assistant: Ajene’, Bonafide Trend Diva
Venue: City Point Loft [Read more…]

BACK TO THE BASICS: Kissable Lips

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With the arrival of the warmer weather you are probably looking to update your makeup look.  Assuming you have your daily 5 minute face routine down to a science, the quickest and simplest way to freshen your look is with a new lip color.  Goodbye vampy lips (deep purples, browns, and burgundy) and hello bright pink, purple, orange and nudes! [Read more…]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CurlBox!!!!

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Good Morning beauties!

I hope you are all well rested and ready to tackle the day. Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week.

Happy Birthday CurlBox!! I’m not a subscriber myself, however I do follow…um….stalk the founder & CEO of the company on Instagram…and Twitter (when I can figure out how)…and FaceBook. Lol. Anyway, she shares a wealth of knowledge and inspiration (both business and pleasure ). I stumbled upon a “vintage” blog she posted that lists her 5 reasons for NOT sleeping in. [Read more…]