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Embracing YOU

Ahhh, Valentine's Day!  Love is in the air, friends!  But I’m of the opinion that whether or not you have a partner, love should start with yourself every day of the year.

Self-love comes in time with learning to be mindful of your needs, and intentionally choosing and protecting those needs day after day. It’s easier said than done, that’s for sure. But there are several things you can do to help yourself along: practice self-care such as a nice relaxing facial and massage or a night out with friends you haven’t seen in a long time, daily affirmations à la The Help (“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”), and being as forgiving and understanding of yourself as you are of others. This means both mentally and physically. How often do you find yourself complimenting a friend’s beauty, but getting down on your own? There’s a practice to improve this, too - do a boudoir photo shoot!

Photos: JRMac Studios
Hair/Makeup: The Makeup Curio Beauty

Hear me out: Yes, boudoir art has long been considered to be “naughty,” “scandalous,” or “faux pas.” Originating in French bedrooms of the 1920’s, models frequently posed nude - oh là là! BUT as the genre gained popularity and transformed, pinups were soon at the forefront with just the illusion of nudity rather than actual nudity. Today, there’s a new movement: everyday people are posing in sexy lingerie, cheeky vintage jewels, or even oversized sweaters.  It’s a movement that doesn’t explicitly say “come hither,” but rather “I’m here, I’m beautiful, and I’m me.”

For many, this statement is hard to say, and even harder to believe. Self-consciousness diminishes our confidence daily. With the beautiful Hollywood bombshells of the world constantly in view, it’s too easy to compare and hold ourselves to impossible standards. Well I have a new, achievable standard for you to consider: Rather than thinking in terms of the old-fashioned Boudoir genre, or the newer Hollywood standards - change your perspective. Shift your thoughts to realize that you are whole as you are. You deserve to feel beautiful, you deserve to feel sexy, and you deserve to be loved. This is incredibly empowering. The experience of a photoshoot, while on the outside can feel intimidating, is completely about embracing YOU.

The Makeup Curio Beauty is all about enabling people to see themselves more confidently. We do this through esthetics and makeup artistry. Did you know 60% of women don't wear makeup? And while it isn't necessary for everyday use for many, it can be transformative when you a confidence boost. Men and non-binary folks - we see you too! We work regularly with photographers around the Capital Region to make sure every person who sits in our chair is loved, cared for, and transformed into their best self, no matter what size, color or gender. We are celebrating you. You should too.

If you're interested in doing a boudoir shoot, we recommend the following photographers:



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