Inverted Fishtail braid into deliberately messy chignon

 Braids are classic, trendy, simple, elegant… and the list goes on. Have you noticed how much popularity  braids have gained lately?  Braids are forever chic and never go out of style.  Celebrities sports them in magazines and Red Carpet and have brought their popularity to an all time high it seems. And that’s a great thing in my book!

Braids can do everything from adding interest to an up-do to giving a hippie-chic twist to straight strands. There are MANY different types of braids and some of my favorites are the Boho braids especially when incorporated into soft, beachy romantic updo’s which are so perfect for Key West!  Here’s a few photos of some of my recent work. Different type of  braids requested recently by my brides and bridal parties.

Classic bun with a small braid wrapped around. This one was inspried after Molly Sims Wedding do.

Boho Style French Fishtail incorporated into a big bun

Inspired after Katniss in The Hunger Games — One of my fave!

 The gorgeous wavy waterfall braid.

 Are you a braid kinda girl?

I had so much fun with Shannon, oh my goodness, so much fun! Her style was right up my alley and I couldn’t get enough of her incredible blue eyes and peachy skin. Is it just me or does she resembles Jennifer Aniston?

Her makeup eye color was specifically chosen to enhance her goreous peeppers. Rosy cheeks to keep the freshness going with my all time favorite Nars Orgasm. I love a litle color on lips and this pink lipstick and lipgloss are just perfect.

(falsies are a must for all the brides )

Shannon had lots of hair and wanted to keep a realx feel to the overall look.
Congratulations Shannon it was so wonderful to be a part of your day!

I am a skin care fanatic! I love creams, lotions, potions, serums, cleansers, and anything with high-grade exfoliant power. Just recently, one of my local clients (thank you Elaine!) gave me a sample of Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. I’ve seen it all over the Internet, but I’ve never gotten around to trying it.

Now, ExfoliKate is getting a lot of use in my bathroom.  A salicylic-based exfoliant designed to brighten and decongest, I put a small amount  on the tip of my finger and apply in circular motions.  ExfoliKate has scrubbing microbeads and three powerful enzymes – papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin – designed to effectively clean pores. I leave it on my skin for up to two minutes, sometimes longer, and then rinse it off. I also like to use it in the shower because steam helps activate the ingredients.

The smell is earthy and spicy and rather pleasant.

As a side note, I was a little concerned with irritation. Some of the reviews out there had strong warnings about intense stinging and burning sensations. I’m happy to report that I did not experience that whatsoever. However, for those of you with sensitive skin ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment may be a better option.

I use it a two to three times a week depending on how my skin looks and feels, and I’m really happy with the results. I think my skin glows brighter and definitely feels smoother after each use.

The price is killer – 2 oz. for $85 – but thankfully a pea size of the product goes a long way.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: A

What skincare products have you been loving lately?

Melissa knew excactly what what she wanted for both her hair and makeup. Molly Sims inspried updo and very soft makeup with false eyelashes. She had come in for a trial a couple of month prior to her wedding.  I was looking forward to seeing her again on her big day.

Her wedding and reception took place at the Reach Resort in Key West March 10, 2012. I met her and her lovely mom in her room to get them both ready.

 I love the classioc chignon paired with a small braid. Braids are so in right now! The flowers add the perfect delicate touch to Melissa’s style.

Congratulations Melissa!!

We have some of the prettiest brides. Truly. And work with some phenomenal vendors. The outcome can only be spectacular, case in point Stephanie and Brian Key West Wedding video Filmed by the uber talented Michael LaFrance and crew.

Stephanie + Brian {Wedding Trailer} from LaFrance Films on Vimeo.

As you probably know from my past posts, this couple is close to my heart. When I watch this trailer I relive the experience all over again. Goose bumps!!

I met Christina early, on the  morning of her wedding, in her room at the Lighthouse Court. Christina was an absolute delight. Calm, collected and ecsatic to get married at the famous Hemingway home. If you’ve never been you should really consider a vacation down here in Key West.

Christina had gorgeous, long, thick, and shiny dark brown hair and wanted to wear it down with some Old Hollywood glamour waves. For the makeup her wish was to stay very soft and natural. She wanted to wear false eyelahses. I love that!

The birdcage looks amazing and totally completes the look.

Thank you Christina for the wonderful feedback. I had a great time being a part of your big day!

*** WINNER: The giveaway is closed now, and the winner is Danielle Murmes! Congratulations, Danielle! Thank you to all who particpated. And If you entered but didn’t win this time around, keep trying, and click here to enter any ongoing giveaways ***

In celebration of Spring Break, I took my girls to Orlando for a couple of days. Have you ever visited Orlando? It’s like a huge playground! On the schedule: Islands of Adventure, Aquatica, room service, and fancy mall shopping. We were all excited!

But then, something pretty tragic happened… The morning after our arrival, ready to do my makeup, I realized in complete horror that I HAD LEFT MY MAKEUP BRUSHES AT HOME.  Oh Geez, I thought, time to move onto plan B and use my fingers. The application of my foundation wasn’t too bad. The eyeshadows and blush, disastrous!

Anywhoo, we headed to the nearest shopping mall and I ended up purchasing Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Set Collection. That little set has everything a girl on the move needs. I threw it in my purse and, voila! We were ready for some fun! I love it so much that sharing the love was in order…

The Prize

One (1) Bobbi Brown Basic brush Set Collection ($175 Value) sent to the winner by mail.

Two ways to win

Two ways to win and you can do both to increase your chances.

1. Become a Fan of Studio Marie-Pierre on Facebook and leave a comment. A comment about anything at all, like, what was your very first makeup purchase? How many tubes of lipgloss do you own? What was the highlight of your day? What was the last thing that made you laugh? — you get the idea.

2. Second, leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

I’ll choose the winner at random from amongst the people who enter by 11:59 PM (EST) on Thursday April  5, 2012. Please don’t forget to use a valid email address so I can reach you if you win.

Terms & Conditions

Contest is open to USA residents 18 years or older. With these exceptions: Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21
The deadline to enter is Thursday April 5, 2012 11:59 PM (EST)
Entrants must enter using a valid email address to win.
A maximum of two (2) entries per person — one within the comments at the bottom of this post, and a second entry on Studio Marie-Pierre Facebook page
I will select one (1) winner at random from the entries either left in the comments at the bottom of this blog post or on Studio Marie-Pierre Facebook page
The winner will be announced here within 48 hours of the deadline.
Void where prohibited by law.

BONNE CHANCE!

I absolutely loved meeting Kim her siser and Mom! We got them ready in their room at the Ocean Key Resort on her beautiful day. Kim had several photos for her hair and makeup that she liked and I had no problem duplicating what she had in mind. She is stunning!

Thank you so much for the love Kim and congrats! And don’t forget to swing by if you’re ever in Key West again.

Daisy and Brian had their Key West destination wedding just a few weeks ago.   Daisy, her sisters, Mother and Bridemaids got ready at the Ocean Key Resort. Shawn H. Amanda and myself had a lot of fun doing hair and makeup to this lively group of women.  Enjoy the stunning images shot by Transier Photography.

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Some of the vendors who made this event a success

Hair/Makeup: Me:)
Photography: Transier Photography
Event planner: Simply You Weddings
Floral/Decor: Mama’s Flowers
Venue: Ocean Key Resort