Traditions of henna as body art

When there was joy, there was henna.

Henna has been used to adorn young women's bodies as part of social and holiday celebrations since the late Bronze Age in the eastern Mediterranean.

This early connection between young, fertile women and henna seems to be the origin of the Night of the Henna, which is now celebrated worldwide.  The Night of the Henna was celebrated by most groups in the areas where henna grew naturally.

Jews, Muslims,Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and Zoroastrians, among others, all celebrated marriages by adorning the bride and often the groom with henna.  

Battle victories, births, circumcision, birthdays, as well as weddings, usually included some henna as part of the celebration.

Henna was regarded as having blessings, and was applied for luck as well as joy and beauty. Brides typically had the most henna, and the most complex patterns, to support their greatest joy, and wishes for luck.

My recent bride had the traditional Henna on her hands for her wedding celebration.

SOME TIPS FOR A QUEENSLAND SUMMER MAKEUP

1. Make time for primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. They're incredibly light & don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer. They really help hold makeup in place.

2. Swap foundation for tinted moisturizer. These sheer formulas look and feel airier on skin and are less likely to turn cakey on steamy days. If you need a little extra coverage try brushing powder foundation over the tinted moisturizer in spots where you need a little extra coverage on blemishes or areas of redness around your nose. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers.

3. Get a natural-looking flush before going outside by applying a light stain to your cheeks. Smile and apply directly to the apples of your cheeks. Rub it in to blend and look like you're glowing from the inside out.

4. Avoid a pair of the dreaded raccoon eyes this summer by picking a waterproof mascara that will stay on your lashes. Apply mascara from the base of your lashes to the end, wiggling the wand slightly as you make your way up. This method provides better coverage, and your mascara will stay on longer too.

5. Since heavy lip colors often feel like overkill once the weather warms up, many women opt for clear balm or skip their lips altogether. But just because you're feeling low-maintenance doesn't mean you have to look it. A simple swipe-and-go choice: tinted lip balms.

image used from google images

Fresh & Natural

More and more people are requiring great headshots for their portfolios, whether it be for Acting, Modeling but more commonly for careers.

Here are a couple of pics of a gorgeous girl I had the pleasure of doing her makeup.

photographer - Ashley Irvine
http://www.ashleyirvinephotography.com.au/

Royal on the Park Brisbane - Wedding Open Night

A great night was had at the Royal on the Park Hotel's Wedding Open Night.
Lots of happy couples through the doors
K ♥