Last week the cancer research branch of the World Health Organization elevated the use of tanning beds to a "carcinogenic" risk - the organization's highest cancer risk category. Surprise, surprise.

Now, I'm just as guilty as the next person for sitting out in the sun for longer than recommended and I've done my share of bed tanning (couldn't get used to it though, the buzzing sound just made it seem all wrong!). I can't deny my love for how a tan gives you a healthy youthful glow, but of course I can't deny how overexposure to the sun increases the risks of melanoma and premature wrinkles! Makes for quite the trade-off.

Thankfully, there are make-up solutions around this scenario! Enter bronzers. I'm huge on bronzers for the instant glow and slimming effect they provide. I use my bronzer all year round, and especially in winter when my skin is at its palest!

Hands-down my favourite bronzers are from NARS. These bronzers glide on smoothly and evenly for a natural looking application. Long-lasting and well-pigmented - they're worth every penny! (See more of my favourite bronzers here).

To apply:
Use a large buffer brush (i.e. MAC's 182 Brush) or a large powder brush to distribute the bronzer on the face. A larger brush will help to evenly distribute the bronzer on the face and thoroughly blend it to avoid a streaky look.

Apply the bronzer on the areas of the face that are more prominent (where the sun would naturally hit). I like to use a "3-shape" motion: apply in a continuous swipe along the temple, back and forth across the cheekbone and then down along the jawline.

We haven't had much of a sunny summer in Toronto, so make the most of that bronzer sitting in your make-up stash! The benefits of bronzer are easy and instant without the risk to your skin!

Slightly biased I know, but I love this set! Our gorgeous model, Izabella, was the perfect chameleon for the multitude of looks we did with her. (But really, just look at her - the lady can pull off pretty much anything!)

We did three different hair and make-up looks, along with three jewelry changes (the beautiful hand-crafted pieces are courtesy of 3 Shahs). Nadia was behind the lens working her magic once again and Fabs was on hair duty. The amazing results of the shoot are direct results of the amazing contributors!

Go Team-a Cheema - can't wait to see what we do next :)

Check out the rest of the set at artistrhi.com!

Check out artistrhi.com for the results of a beautiful e-shoot session with the talented editorial and wedding photographer, Claudia Hung. (Insert infinite positive adjectives about Claud's work here).

Congratulations to the wonderful couple, Stacey and Rob! You guys rocked it!

Just a quick update on what's going on at artistrhi since I've been a little MIA from blogging (it's been an amazingly busy summer!):

1. Clients are loving airbrushing! There's been a great response to this service ever since picking it up early this summer. ( View details of service and rates here). Future post on its benefits to come in August, but it's amazing what inquiring clients already know about it! (Sephora is even set to offer a commercial airbrush kit this season. Yes, I'm curious to try it too!)

2. Gearing up for 11 weddings in August, including one in Las Vegas! (Can't wait). On a very important side note: yes, I am available for destination weddings :)

3. Hint: Stay tuned for contests/product giveaways in the next month!

4. Chugging away at creatives: check out my talented pal, Ms. Cheema - we'll be doing it up again towards the end of the month!

5. E-shoots are a hit. Well, editorial wedding photographer Claudia Hung is a hit! For brides-to-be, check out this special collaboration as posted in Toronto Wedding Professionals:
I think that's it for now. Stay tuned for more beauty tips and product reviews in August as well!

The "no make-up" look actually takes a little effort to achieve, but the results are simple and stunning. To get Kristine's natural flawless finish, try the following tips:

1. Balance out the skin.
Great make-up always starts with a great base. When your skin is glowing, the rest of your make-up shines as well! Use a foundation to balance out the overall skin tone and a concealer to camouflage those areas that need a little more attention (i.e. undereye circles, blemishes - which in Kristine's case - I didn't have to worry about at all!)

2. For eyes, cheeks and lips, stick to pinks and neutral (close to skin tone) shades.
Pinks and neutrals are great shades for achieving the natural look. Pinks brighten the eye area, give a rosy glow to the cheeks and highlight naturally kissable lips. Neutral colours work well to subtly define the eye area and add contour without looking harsh.

ARTIST TIP: For professional photos, your make-up will stand out better if you get a little heavy-handed. In the photo above, I could have gone a couple of tones darker to really make things pop. Always try to get a sense of your photographer's style and take note of the lighting being used, so you know how intense to do the make-up.

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ENGAGED | Kristine & Gino