For this week's What to Wear Wednesday I decide to take a break from showing you what to wear for your shoot but instead share this awesome info-graphic that can answer any commonly asked questions about doing a boudoir shoot with our studio.

Check out Miss "N" and her cute boudoir session! She brought some great lingerie in a variety of colors along with an awesome cowgirl outfit. I like to use my brick wall or tin wall for a cowgirl look.

With Easter right around the corner I wanted to feature a cute pink babydoll slip for spring! This outfit would look great in front of our new flower wall or on the cream bed.

Utah has been getting snow like crazy this week and I was having the spring time blues dreaming about getting a killer tan on a beach somewhere. Sunless tanner to the rescue! I’m obsessed with St.Tropez’s sunless tanning mousse, it is so easy to use and takes 5 minutes!

The bottle runs about $42 and lasts for a super long time (especially if you’re only applying it to the areas you see daily). I like to apply it to my arms, neck and face so I get that bronzy glow. My makeup looks way better afterwards and my skin looks more clear, win win!

Buy here:

https://www.sttropeztan.com/self-tan-bronzing-mousse

Do not skip on the special “oven mitt” as I call it. Totally worth the buy and saves your hands from being an orangey mess. (It’s $6.50) I just take whatever is left over on my mitt and run it over the tops of my hands at the very end of application.

XO, Kristen

Check out miss "N" and her cute boudoir session. She decided to do a 12 month calendar to give to her boyfriend. That's why all the images she selected are vertical. The calendar is a 11x17 vertical calendar. I wanted to feature this shoot because it shows off the raspberry damask wallpaper and red sheets. Those sets are not requested often so I wanted to show them off.

For this weeks What to Wear Wednesday I'm featuring a moss green colored teddy from Victoria's Secret. This is a great one piece lingerie without being black.

Opie is a very dear friend of mine (and an incredibly talented photographer!) who agreed to be my guinea pig as I demonstrated some techniques for my assistant Britt. So excited to share this fresh spring look with you today. I myself can't wait to start rocking some hot pink lips again! 

As promised, I used colors from my new eyeshadow palette and they are AMAZING! Product details:

EYES
MAC painterly primer on lid
Makeup Geek Rapunzel on lid and below brow highlight
Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie in crease
Makeup Geek Coccoa Bear to deepen crease
MAC dipdown gel liner with angle brush to wing
Ardell demi wispies 

Britt matching my winged liner on the other side.

FACE
MAC prolongwear concealer in NW15
Makeup Forever foundation in N110
Frankie Rose Our Lil Secret concealers in Angelic and Truffle to highlight and contour
Too Faced cocoa powder in Light to set (Opie likes a fuller, matte coverage)
Too Faced milk chocolate soleil bronzer to emphasize highlight
Too Faced chandelier highlighter
Too Faced Sweethearts blush on apples of cheeks 
Anastasia Beverly Hills soft brown brow wiz with MAC's texture eyeshadow pressed ontop (perfect for redheads!) 

LIPS
NYX Hot Pink Lipliner
 MAC Candy Yum Yum listick
Frankie Rose lipgloss in Lovely (the most gorgeous lavender color!) 

Opie doesn't usually add any glow to her skin but doesn't it look gorgeous?! 

Until next week my loves.

XOXO,

Kristen 

Check out Miss "H" and her rocking boudoir photo shoot we did last Friday! She did 2 makeup looks and we shot pictures with her Ferrari. Everything turned out awesome!

Check out my Adore Me unboxing video featuring a black bra and pantie set and a boho swimsuit.

Last week one of my clients emailed me with a special request prior to her photo shoot. She asked for fine art bodyscape images in black and white. I'll admit I haven't shot anything like this before but I was up for the challenge.

For this week's What to Wear Wednesday I made a video featuring an emerald green bra and pantie set from KissKill.

Struggling to find the perfect groom gift ideas? What if your gift to him was you? After all, he's marrying you because you are one of his greatest joys. So why not give him you for his wedding day gift? Boudoir is an incredibly intimate wedding day gift for the love of your life.

Personal story: I got married about a year ago, and was struggling to find the perfect gift for my soon-to-be husband. One day as I was scanning the internet for some inspiration, I stumbled across the idea of a boudoir photo book. Just the thought made me blush! As an incredibly shy and sort of insecure woman, I simply could not picture myself creating such a gift.

But as I gave it some time to sink in, I realized that giving my husband photos of myself is one of the most unique and personal gifts I could possibly think of. It creates a bonded sense of intimacy because it's a gift that only he can see. It's one that will guarantee a smile (and maybe a blush) when he opens it, one that signifies your commitment to him and him only, and one that will bring him back to that special day when you're old and gray.

I ended up doing it and don't regret it one single bit. And I cherish the photo that was snapped of my hubby's face when he first opened his gift. I think all brides should experience such a touching reminder: regardless of how a woman views herself, her man always sees and appreciates her beauty.

If you're even thinking about doing a boudoir shoot, here's a few tips from a fellow bride:

1. Get to know your photographer

If possible, set up a quick meeting before the actual day of the shoot to just talk on the phone with your photographer. Just having some casual conversation will make things less awkward for you during the shoot. While your photographer may have experience doing boudoir shoots, it's completely new to you. Do all you can ahead of time to make yourself feel comfortable and safe so your true nature can shine! 

2. Bring a friend

This is definitely not something you have to do alone! Once you book your shoot, find a close girlfriend who's willing to tag along. Two-on-ones can be much less daunting than one-on-ones. Pick a friend who can lighten the mood with some jokes and help adjust whatever needs adjusting (hair, makeup, lingerie, etc.). 

3. Pick something you're comfortable in

By comfortable, I don't necessarily mean cozy. Not all lingerie feels like something you would kick back and relax in. But what you wear should make you feel confident and sexy. You may need to spend some time trying on new things, but your final decision should ultimately be outfits that accentuate the parts of you that you want accentuated. Whether that means the features that you love or the features that your husband loves about you, make sure that when you look at your ensembles you feel good.

4. Plan your outfits

It can be difficult knowing exactly what to wear to your shoot. If your session allows for outfit changes, by all means bring a couple! You can switch between something wickedly sexy to something flirty and cute. Browse around on Pinterestfor some boudoir outfit ideas to get some inspiration. 

5. Have fun with it!

Don't get so stressed out about your photo shoot that you forget to enjoy it. The first couple minutes are undoubtedly awkward, but once you get going it's actually really enjoyable! Smile, laugh, have a glass of champagne. Your photographer will capture your naturally beautiful self. All you need to do is be you.

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For more information about boudoir (or just photography in general!) contact us . You can find more helpful tips and hints on our blog.

For today's Photo Shoot Friday we are featuring Miss "J" and her stunning boudoir photos. She wanted classic images and then some fighting images because she's a badass and fights. Forgot what type of fighting it's called....

I have 6 sisters. Yes 6. Crazy I know! While visiting some of them in San Francisco, one of my sisters witnessed me using my new Beauty Blender and was fascinated. “What is that magical pink egg?!” She asked. And thus, the pink egg obsession began. After sending one to one of my sisters, they all coveted the magical egg and wanted one for themselves. There’s proof in the pudding people, this patented beauty blender works wonders!

I’ll be honest, it’s a tad difficult to use at first. The first time I got mine, I tried to use it dry and thought it was the worst purchase ever. Clocking in at $20 I thought I had really wasted my pennies. Hence the reason I am writing this post- to fill you all in on how this crazy sponge works.

Step 1:

Fill a bowl with water or run the sponge under your sink. 

Check out Miss "B" and her stunning boudoir photo shoot we did last week for Valentines Day. Most of the outfits she is wearing are from our studio lingerie wardrobe. If you would like to use any outfits from the studio just ask!

There is nothing for classic then a black bra, pantie, and garter set with stockings. Today for our What to Wear Wednesday we bring you the most classic lingerie possible. A must have for every photo shoot.

Check out Miss "L" and her sexy boudoir session she did as a wedding gift for her groom. Is it already wedding season!?! She asked for classic and timeless images but wanted to wear the hot pink teddy as a pop of color.

Valentines Day is this weekend and I can't help but show off another red outfit. This one is a bustier that I would wear nude stockings with. My husband bought this for me from the website. www.journelle.com and I just love the lingerie from that website.

There's nothing more sensual and feminine than a woman's lips. This week is all about how to get that perfect pout for Valentine's Day. Extra bonus- this look is non-transferable! Schwing! 

Step 1:

Start with well moisturized lips!

Take a small amount of brown sugar and mix it with a touch of olive oil. Rub the mixture in circular motions over lips to sluff off any dry skin. Rinse with water and pat to dry. 

Step 2:

Lightly powder over the border of your lip line. 

Step 3:

Choose a deep burgundy (or red) lip liner. Make sure it's nice and sharp! I used my favorite drug store find- Jordana Easyliner in Cabernet. 

Start at your cupid's bow, then proceed with the rest of your lips. Shade in the outer corners of your lips with the liner to create depth. 

Step 4:

Grab your favorite lipstick and a lip brush. Using a brush will help you get crisp lines and even coverage. I used my Luxie lip brush (that comes with a cute copper lid!) 

I used two different lip colors for this look to achieve an ombre look. The darker lipstick goes on the outer corners and the lighter lipstick goes on the middle of your lips. This gives the appearance of more full lips!

I used my new faves- NYX soft matte lip creams in Copenhagen and Prague. 

Step 5 (optional):

While the lipstick was drying I used some MAC gold glitter and pressed it into the center of my lips. Voile! Let's flaunt those gorgeous pouts this year for Valentine's!

XOXO,

Kristen 

We've had a lot of red heads in the studio lately. Check out Miss H's sexy boudoir photo shoot! She asked for a lot of dark black and white photos and to keep the shoot classic and timeless. We did her shoot on Monday and ordered her valentines day album yesterday.

For this weeks What to Wear Wendnesday I want to feature a Ditta Von Tease style classic black corset. A corset like this can be found online or at the local lingerie store Blue Boutique. This one features a extreme sweetheart neckline. Always a classic lingerie piece.

Alright, so it's snowing for like the millionth time here in Utah and I'm dreaming about laying on the beach in Hawaii with a killer tan and no makeup. Unfortunately we have about 2 more months of this weather, so it's time to fake it til I make it. J-Lo glow here I come!

Here are a few of my top favorite products to get that glow!

Too Faced Candelight glow (The perfect mix of pink and gold)
(Great for blondes, or anyone with a warmer skin tone- used on my client above)

Purchase here: https://www.toofaced.com/p/face-powders/candlelight-glow-duo/

Too Faced Sweethearts Blush in "Candy Glow" used on the apple of your cheeks. 
(Great for all skin tones)

Purchase here: https://www.toofaced.com/p/blushes/sweethearts-blush/

Gerard Cosmetics Star Powder in "Grace" (A silver diamond finish)
(Great for cool-toned skin)

Now the big question- where to put it?!

I like to dust it on the top of the cheekbone, a touch down the bridge of the nose, a little on the cupids bow above the point of your lips, and some on the inner corner of eyes and right below brows. Here's my gorgeous client Trista bathing in that yummy golden glow (which I think looks great with that golden brown color in her hair!) 

How cute is the handle on this thing?! It is the perfect fan brush and is SOO soft!

Purchase here: http://www.luxiebeauty.com/luxie-rose-gold-large-fan-brush-540/

Do you wear a highlighter? Do you have a favorite that I must know about?? 

XOXO,

K 

Check out Miss "K" and her stunning boudoir session. I just loved her cream off the shoulder sweater. She decided to do 2 makeup looks and it was perfect for the outfits she brought. She traveled all the way from Colorado just for her boudoir session in Utah.

For this weeks What to Wear Wednesday I picked a red and hot pink bra, pantie, and garter set. The bra is a demi style soft cup and there is a cute red heart on the back of the pantie. You can wear the garter belt with red, hot pink, or nude stockings.

I love Tarte's clean slate poreless primer. It's great for people with sensitive and/or textured skin. It lasts all day long and has a really silky finish! ( A little goes a long way!) 

This one is my personal fave. It helps keep my shine at bay and also has an anti-acne treatment so that I don't break out. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! The finish is a bit more drying and the formula is kind of like a gel. 

Makeup Forever makes a great color correcting primer. This green primer is very light and doesn't leave any type of residue. It's even great for men to wear on a daily basis to cancel out any redness. (cue: grooms!) 

Too Faced Hangover Primer is great for people with dry skin. It has almost a watery finish and the coconut scent is divine! 

Places to purchase these:

Tarte (purchases over $25 get you free shipping and a free mascara right now):

http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-clean-slate-poreless-12-hr-perfecting-primer

Cover FX (you can try a mini one at Sephora for $16!):

http://www.sephora.com/mattifying-primer-with-anti-acne-treatment-P377612?skuId=1561240&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=stC9WUPLj&pcrid=49113167919&pdv=c&site=search&countryswitch=&lang=en&gclid=COnWtr-IxMoCFYMDaQodIZEOGQ

Makeup Forever:
Color guide
Cool Pink: for  yellow fair skin
Blue: for yellow red fair skin
Peach: for  fair skin
Yellow: for tanned skin
Caramel: for dark skin
Mauve: for yellow dark skin
Green: Redness preventing 

http://www.makeupforever.com/us/en-us/make-up/face/primer/step1

Too faced primer:

https://www.toofaced.com/p/face-primers/hangover-primer/

Stay tuned for my how-to on applying primers.

XOXO,

Kristen Packard