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Beauty, Bronzed             Getting Bronzed, or “spray tanned” is truly the way to go these days.   After a full winter of deep exfoliation, chemical peels, and laser to get my aging skin where it needs to be, I surely do not want to be sitting in the sun.   However, I do want to look beautifully bronzed.               We began doing this service at R.J. West a few years ago in a small room with a pop up tent, little ventilation and spa lighting.   We realized that it was really messy, and not always the best application due to the poor lighting.   When creating our new space I wanted clients to get the best service possible while also making sure that they would feel comfortable, would be able to move around, and breathe in deeply and confidently.   In our new home at R.J. West, we created a beautiful, well ventilated space with river stones at your feet, and side and overhead lighting allowing for the perfect application.   This way, clients of any age can feel com

Advice for all the Brides-to-be...

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Here are some important things to know when selecting an artist for your wedding or event. There is a lot of planning and there are a lot of expenses that go into putting together a wedding, we know this. I've often heard people offer advice like "try not to mention its a wedding to get the (real aka: lower) pricing" or "ask so and so's cousins, roommates sister to do your hair / makeup/ photography because you'll save money" (we'll call these "friendors") , but there are a few problems with these scenarios. I should mention that although this is mainly from a makeup artist standpoint, it can apply to other factors and vendors involved with events. First, lets tackle wedding pricing. Heck, lets just call it "special event" pricing. First think about why the pricing is different for a special event. It's a "special" or very important day! Maybe one of THE MOST important days you will experience in your lifetim

Are your products EXPIRED?!

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Use this handy chart to find out! #cosmetics #products #makeup #skincare #expired View Full Size

summer bronze eye how to

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A quick step-by-step guide to everyone's favorite summer eye look!

Here are my top picks for the start of summer!

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Want to know what I simply CANNOT live without this season? Click the pic to enlarge -

Bye bye winter dry!

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Well, it's here, we are in the heart of winter and I don't know about you but my skin gets super dry this time of year. Not just super dry, but itchy, tight and very uncomfortable feeling. Thank goodness I discovered the benefits of oil based skincare! Here are some of my top favorite products to help combat winter dryness. Laura Mercier Purifying Cleansing Oil - $40 This gentle cleanser deeply cleanses, removing all makeup and impurities and leaves skin soft and dewy. Superbly removes dirt, sebum and makeup including long lasting makeup and water-proof mascara all while replenishing essential emollients needed to maintain the skin's lipid barrier. I nfusion de Rose Nourishing Oil by Laura Mercier - $62 A true multi tasking product - Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil can also be used for multiple beauty benefits: -On skin and lips to provide soothing nourishment and moisture. -On hair to condition dry ends and tame frizzes -On nails to hydrate and soften

Get your pretty for New Years Eve - Get your sparkle!

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When I think about New Years Eve a few things come to mind - Times Square, champagne, snowflakes, streamers, glitter and so on and so forth.  What do all of these things have in common? They all sparkle! That's why my go to accessories and cosmetics for New Years are anything that glistens and catches the light. Some of my favorite products we carry at R.J. WEST that help me create a stunning party look are: -Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Shell  $22 : This little "pink" pencil is so versitle for any eye look you are trying to create, Use it to "lift" the brow bone, use it in the "danger zone" (the dark area int he inner most corner of the eye) or use it for subtle highlight for different areas of the face / lips/ cheeks. You cannot go wrong having this beauty in your cosmetic arsenal. - Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour $24 : Use them dry for a soft touch of shimmering color or wet for an intense foiled look. You can even wet them and use it as a