Miss B ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Happy Monday!! 

Are you afraid of how silly you might look trying to be sexy? It’s so much easier than you might think. I say this to all my clients that while the photos are unbelievably sexy, the process really isn’t at all. It’s very technical - I tell you where to look, where to place your hands, how to lift your chin (higher and higher). I tell you exactly how to breathe during the session so we can get these sexy faces. You DO NOT have to know how to do any of it before you come in. Coaching you is what I’m here for - and then I push a button on a camera. I’ve got your back - the only thing required from you is to show up and follow directions.  ;) 

Miss B came to us because she wanted to do something super special for her man who is deployed right now. I love that she incorporated his BDU's towards the end of the shoot - just proof that any outfit can fit into Boudoir. ;) 

Even happier than I could have imagined ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

"Sarah and Jeni are fabulous!! I went into this experience nervous, not knowing exactly how I felt about it, and very self-conscious of my body but these two made me feel right at home instantly! Sarah did my hair and makeup beautifully and as I had requested on the questionnaire prior to the shoot date. Jeni is amazing behind the camera! She helped guide me through the entire shoot and made me feel more than comfortable. I was confident the pictures would turn out great but even happier than I could have imagined with how they all turned out. They are absolutely beautiful and I owe it all to Jeni and Sarah! They are pros and I highly recommend this experience and with these two to anyone who is considering it!"

Makeup products i'm obsessing over.....

It's been a minute since I have done a makeup blog, so I thought that I would come on here and tell you about all the products that I am loving right now! There are always new products coming out and I feel like I have to buy all of them and try everything. Here are some of my favorites that I have been using on almost all of our boudoir clients lately...

1. Foundation -  Huda Beaut Faux Filter Foundation

"WHAT IT IS: A full-coverage cream foundation that visibly conceals blemishes and imperfections, for a filter-like finish.
 

WHAT IT DOES: Packed with a high percentage of ultra-refined pigments, the #FauxFilter Foundation visibly smooths and evens skin texture, diminishing the appearance of blemishes, scars, hyperpigmentation, and redness to create a flawless, airbrushed finish. Enriched with argan oil and centella asiatica—both known for their hydrating properties—this fade-proof formula blends seamlessly with skin leaving it matte, with a hint of sheen for a luminous appearance. Wear it alone for full coverage, or blend it together with the Huda Beauty Complexion Perfection Pre-Makeup Base Primer (sold separately) for an even more natural finish." According to www.Sephora.com 

2. Concealer -  Tarte Shape Tape

"WHAT IT IS: A best-selling, full-coverage, vegan, blendable concealer that instantly brightens, smooths & shapes skin.

WHAT IT DOES: Provides a flawless matte finish that won’t flake or crease, even if you have dry skin, fine lines, or pore problems – no setting powder necessary. Mango seed & shea butters naturally regenerate & illuminate all complexions, letting you play with light to lift your features." According to www.Tartecosemtics.com

3. Eyeshadow - Colourpop Super shock Shadows in Frog and Nillionaire

"Super Shock Shadow Our famous long-wearing crème powder formula with a unique bouncy-like texture. It's super creamy, insanely pigmented, and has one swipe intensity with zero fallout. According to www.colourpop.com"

4. Highlighter - Inglot Sparkling dust in 02

"This frosted loose powder is highly pigmented to provide the ultimate glow to any part of the body. Can be applied directly on eyes as an eyeshadow or mixed with lip gloss, nail enamel, foundation, moisturizer, or Duraline to add a touch of magic to one’s makeup." According to www.inglotcosmetic.com

5. Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel in 77

"Once applied, this buttery formula will not go anywhere. Boasting a smudge-proof, budge-proof, and crease-proof finish, this highly-saturated gel eyeliner has a continuing coverage that just won’t quit. " According to www.camerareadycometics.com

These have been my faves recently, hopefully, you guys can try them out and see how fantastic they are for yourself! 

XOXO, Sarah 

 

 

From beginning to end was amazing ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Miss T's session was nothing short of amazing. She made it a point to put herself first and we had a blast during her session. She wasn't afraid to try anything during her session! She is stunning and we loved every moment of her session and the weekend she spent here with us!! <3 

"If it were possible to give ten stars I would! From the moment you walk in Jeni and Sarah are so welcoming and friendly, they truly take care of everything! The whole experience from beginning to end was amazing & I can't wait to be a repeat customer"

Women are supposed to follow too many rules ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Have you ever just met someone and feel like you've known them your entire life?? That's how I felt about this client. When she walked through our door the first time last year, and then when she came back again less than 6 months later! There is a warmth about her and encouraging spirit unlike most. 

Since this was her second session within a year, we wanted it to look and have a completely different feel than the first. We went very dark and moody, this time. I absolutely love the mystery this evokes...

Read on to learn what this amazing woman had to say about her second session with us!

 

"Too often feminine beauty is either hidden or subjected. Especially when it comes to baring skin. Women are supposed to follow too many rules, all of them conflicting. 

With boudoir, there is only one rule: You are gorgeous, sensual and confident. And you deserve to be noticed.

Sound impossible? That’s why having the perfect boudoir team is paramount.

I will save you the time and hassle of researching the best boudoir experience. Jeni and Sarah are true enthusiasts in their professional fields with experience and a litany of success stories from moms to models, young to mature, shy to an exhibitionist.

 

Jeni is a gifted photographer with true talent and an amazing eye for aesthetics, which means she has this superpower of capturing beauty. Sarah is a brilliant artist who will transform your face and hair into the glorious likeness of a glossy magazine cover model. Really, the pair can be a bit intimidating at first, but you will be charmed into relaxation by their open and accepting manner. These ladies really are dedicated to making this an incredible experience for you. And they adore their work!

Boudoir can be vulnerable. These two know exactly what you need to feel comfortable and empowered. And that is exactly what you WILL feel when it’s time to take your clothes off and get to work!

 

After your shoot, the fun doesn’t stop. You have the opportunity to join a remarkable community of women. Grace & Lace have social profiles to encourage and connect women. They regularly post inspiring, honest and (of course) sexy material. You will have a lasting connection to reinforce the sexy goddess way you feel after your shoot.

No matter where you are in life, G&L are the ladies to make your boudoir experience sizzle. I am so proud of the images they created for me. I never thought of myself as sexy. Hard working, generous, inventive…but never sexy. Never. Ever. Now, a large print of one of my photos is displayed in my mother’s entryway. I live shamelessly!

So from me to you: You are stunning. Today. As you are. You are enough. 

Do the shoot. Trust G&L."

Stop right now and do it ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

When you get a testimonial like this from a client!!! I know I've said time and time again about how much I love my job, but seriously! I love my job!

"Stop whatever you are doing right now and book a session with Grace and Lace Boudoir. Seriously, like stop right now and do it. I just received my album from Jeni and I am having such a hard time not sending them straight to my husband. 


My entire experience has been amazing. Jeni is incredibly responsive and was so helpful with all of my questions in advance. The day of the shoot I arrived at Jeni's house and there was a cute little sign on the front of her door welcoming me with my name which was a nice touch. I was nervous so it was nice to make sure I was knocking on the right door. 
I am generally not a fan of getting my hair and makeup done because my hair is tricky and the makeup is always too heavy... well... I had not met Sarah yet. SHE IS A MAGICIAN. While I was being beautified Jeni and Sarah were telling me about themselves (Fun Fact: Jeni was a photographer in the navy) and getting to know them was so easy and effortless that it really helped with the nerves. They also helped me select my outfits from the options that I had brought and by the time I went to change into the first look I was barely nervous. 


Now, the photos... Jeni has this incredible energy and it is infectious. She is a kind, genuine human being and that translates when you start the shoot. She tells you exactly what to do: How to position your hands, how to move your legs, even down to how you breathe. Her guidance made all the difference in the world because you aren't having to try to "pretend to be sexy". 
Jeni has an amazing eye for capturing you in the most beautiful moments and looking at these photos of myself I really am able to see what others see. Being hyper critical I pick myself apart and this was an opportunity to really embrace everything about myself. Thank you, Jeni and Sarah, for helping me to see myself in a beautiful light. 


NOW GO BOOK YOUR SESSION!"

Couldn't have ended it better myself ;)

I'm still wondering if they are actually me!? ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

"I have never been a confident person with any self-esteem and after losing 40 lbs I decided to have boudoir photos done. I couldn't have asked for a better team to experience this with!

Hair and makeup...WOW!!!! What an amazing makeup artist Sarah is, she is so sweet and very talented! My makeup was so perfect!!! Sarah did a great job on my hair as well, it had just the right about of curl and volume. Then it was time for pictures. I'm not one to ever be seen in anything less than a 1 piece swimsuit and here I was. I felt SO comfortable with these ladies it was amazing! Jeni is phenomenal. She has you posing in a way that makes your features stand out. She is so helpful in telling you what to do and being sweet/kind and taking her time. I took so many outfits and they picked the ones that they thought would look best and they were RIGHT!!!!

I got my pictures back and HOLY COW.....i'm still wondering if they are actually me!?!?!? :) I am completely blown away by the images Jeni captured and I knew my makeup looked good the day of...I am speechless at how amazing it looks in pictures...Sarah is the BEST!!! I will recommend Grace and Lace to anyone and everyone that will listen. I want to show everyone my pictures and that is typically not me! :)

Scars are a badge of honor ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Scars are reminders and proof that you’ve lived life. No matter how big or small that scar is - it tells a story. Sometimes, a really cool story. I mean, this awesome and badass woman went through this terrifying ordeal in her life but she comes out and laughs while recounting the story to us?? That is pure strength right there!

Scars are never just marks on your body - wear those bad boys with pride, as a badge of honor. Because it is! Your body suffered a trauma and healed itself. How amazing is that?

And really and truly, how boring of a life have you lived if you truly come out of it unscathed anyway??

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” 
― Kahlil Gibran

 

 From the moment I walked into Grace and Lace, I felt like I was with lifelong friends. I was made to feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. Sarah is an amazing artist. She was able to capture my full potential. Making me look amazing while still making me look like me! Thank you, Sarah, thank you Jeni for giving me back a little bit of myself that I thought I had lost.

Jeni, I have no words! I knew she would make me look amazing! What I didn't realize is how she would capture my scars. She showed me that they are not meant to be hidden, but to be embraced and appreciated for the beauty that they truly are. After breaking my back at 17 and undergoing more than a dozen surgeries, one in which I had a stroke, Jeni showed me that they are more than just scares. They are a story of strength, courage, and unwillingness to give up. They are a thing of beauty that tells a story of a survival. The extra 25 pounds from the stroke is nothing to be ashamed, but are just part of a battle I am still fighting every day. Not to be seen as a negative that we all view our weight as, but to see it was part of a story I am still writing!

Thank you, Stacy, for having enough faith and trust in us to strut around here half-naked, and truly let your guard down to show how strong you are!! <3 

~Jeni