So I think we have all been there, especially with makeup....same thing, every day. In the dark. With our eyes closed. Barely conscious of what we are doing. It looks good. People compliment it...but geez how monotonous.
So most people can relate to that on their own face. I do it on other people. The same look. The same products. And everyone loves it! Which is great....but boring.
Next enter my client this evening. I have done her makeup on multiple occasions and I always leave her feeling like I love makeup more than ever! Firstly, she is beautiful and she is African American, which matters only because I don't get the opportunity to do ethnic skin often and they are able to wear a whole different color scheme. PLUS- she loves color. She loves makeup. And she loves me doing her makeup. It just sets up for a wonderful experience. Today she walked out in a tan, black and teal shirt with teal feather earrings. We did teal the last time...I could do it again but-'NO!' screamed the bored makeup artist inside me. 'I need something different!!' My mind starts wandering as we chit chat and it hits me- blow the dust off the pigment bag and pull out Sunpepper! ---Now for those of you of whom I just lost: Pigments are loose powder color in a jar. Because they are loose, the colors are much more vibrant, three dimensional and highly pigmented...hence the name. Sunpepper, in particular, is a two-toned color that is mahogany and teal. If you think that sounds hideous- you can be right- if it's on the wrong person. But dark skin- bring it! Albeit, not something I automatically pull out for the 'O So Natural' gal.--- And off we go: Tilt in the middle, with Sketch (ok ok, that's an extremely overused color in my life), Carbon and Patina. (if that was Greek to you, don't worry, it's not really important) Can I even tell you how pleased I was with the result!? As was she. A definite plus.
When she left, I looked at the 84 eyeshadows I travel with...the favorites are clear: well worn down, some with holes etched in the middle. And I thought, maybe it's time to pick new favorites, new combos and even choose a pigment for a bride. Who said the client had to present me with a skin color or look that pushed me out of my comfort zone? So, tomorrow I have 2 bridal consultations and I'm so excited to be doing makeup re-inspired and re-invented.
So, pick up a product you haven't used in...well, you can't remember the last time you used it. And work it in. Become engaged with your look. Think. be inspired. :)
Makeup is all just powder and wax...what you do with it can be magical. I hope that you are inspired to enjoy makeup, find a new way to express yourself with it, and learn a trick or two in the process!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Trash the dress!
Andy Martin Photography did a photo shoot with a lovely lady and a wedding dress. The big day is over...might as well have one more fun day in that dress before it gets archived to the back of the closet to never be seen again!
This is a great opportunity to do with any formal gown you may have in the back of the closet. Get decked out- fashion style. Get some fierce makeup done, fabulous hair and go out and have some fun, in a dress that you've only wore (and intended to wear only) once. Sounds like a great time for all!
If you are interested in getting in on the action: Let me know!!
Check out Andy's other work: http://www.andymartinphoto.com/
Also, I thought I'd post some other of my fave Trash the Dress photos...as much as I'd love to claim these photos, I can't.....just some inspiration for future projects! :) Enjoy!
This is a great opportunity to do with any formal gown you may have in the back of the closet. Get decked out- fashion style. Get some fierce makeup done, fabulous hair and go out and have some fun, in a dress that you've only wore (and intended to wear only) once. Sounds like a great time for all!
If you are interested in getting in on the action: Let me know!!
Check out Andy's other work: http://www.andymartinphoto.com/
Also, I thought I'd post some other of my fave Trash the Dress photos...as much as I'd love to claim these photos, I can't.....just some inspiration for future projects! :) Enjoy!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Why your husband, fiance, or boyfriend is the wrong person to ask about your makeup.
Originally, I was going to write this about bride-to-bes bringing their fiances to bridal consultation, but then I realized- this is something that everyone can benefit from. :)
Let's start with an analogy- your significant other comes to you and says- 'Honey, look under the hood of this car, what do you think of the engine?' Being the great girl you are, you walk out and look under the hood. You have no idea what you are looking at, but you know this means a lot to him, so you say- 'It looks great to me babe.' He says- 'Really? The car won't start.'
It's the exact same situation reversed when you say- 'Honey, what do you think about my makeup?' He doesn't know, but he going to try to be helpful and say- 'Oh babe, I like you without makeup. But you look great as always.' It's meant in a nice way; he thinks you're beautiful. But all the sudden all the doubt and self-consciousness within us over rides good judgment. As women we are more effected by this then men are. We want to look pretty and feel good. If that's not enforced (especially when we ask for it), our brains fog up and we can't see clearly.
If your significant other doesn't like a lot of makeup, you probably already know that. So, you either go along with that or you don't (and if you don't- definitely don't ask)
Here's my opinion. If you want to know if it looks good- ask another girl. They will tell you- 'Lighten up on the black eyeliner' or 'That is a great blush color.' or 'Your skin looks great!' Things that are constructive feedback because they know the dynamics of makeup in the first place. Just remember- it's not that your guy doesn't like it or doesn't care....it's just that he doesn't know what he's even looking at. So do your thing- he'll love you for it! ;)
Originally, I was going to write this about bride-to-bes bringing their fiances to bridal consultation, but then I realized- this is something that everyone can benefit from. :)
Let's start with an analogy- your significant other comes to you and says- 'Honey, look under the hood of this car, what do you think of the engine?' Being the great girl you are, you walk out and look under the hood. You have no idea what you are looking at, but you know this means a lot to him, so you say- 'It looks great to me babe.' He says- 'Really? The car won't start.'
It's the exact same situation reversed when you say- 'Honey, what do you think about my makeup?' He doesn't know, but he going to try to be helpful and say- 'Oh babe, I like you without makeup. But you look great as always.' It's meant in a nice way; he thinks you're beautiful. But all the sudden all the doubt and self-consciousness within us over rides good judgment. As women we are more effected by this then men are. We want to look pretty and feel good. If that's not enforced (especially when we ask for it), our brains fog up and we can't see clearly.
If your significant other doesn't like a lot of makeup, you probably already know that. So, you either go along with that or you don't (and if you don't- definitely don't ask)
Here's my opinion. If you want to know if it looks good- ask another girl. They will tell you- 'Lighten up on the black eyeliner' or 'That is a great blush color.' or 'Your skin looks great!' Things that are constructive feedback because they know the dynamics of makeup in the first place. Just remember- it's not that your guy doesn't like it or doesn't care....it's just that he doesn't know what he's even looking at. So do your thing- he'll love you for it! ;)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Pretty Boudoir...
So boudoir is making a comeback. Black lace clad ladies rolling around on a bed with big hair and dark smoky eyes. Right? We've all seen it. Some are shocking- which makes me wonder: How does the recipient of these photos really feel about them? Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of men who love it and even more women who like to get dolled up and model for them. But what about the woman who isn't so...whats the word...raw? I mean we all weren't built to look like Raquel Welch! I did this shoot yesterday and I thought- well, this is a nice alternative. There's something just as beautiful and sexy about these photos, but in a different way...what's the word...honest.
Photos by BVphotos
Model: Marissa Nguyen
So boudoir is making a comeback. Black lace clad ladies rolling around on a bed with big hair and dark smoky eyes. Right? We've all seen it. Some are shocking- which makes me wonder: How does the recipient of these photos really feel about them? Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of men who love it and even more women who like to get dolled up and model for them. But what about the woman who isn't so...whats the word...raw? I mean we all weren't built to look like Raquel Welch! I did this shoot yesterday and I thought- well, this is a nice alternative. There's something just as beautiful and sexy about these photos, but in a different way...what's the word...honest.
Photos by BVphotosModel: Marissa Nguyen
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How did we get to this?
Here's the scenario-
MUA: So, tell me a little about what you'd like your wedding makeup to look like.
Client: Well, I don't what to look like a clown.
(Really? Ya don't say!)
MUA:
'I have no intention of making you look like a clown. Tell me about makeup's role in your life.' ***If you are in a MUA's chair who does not ask you a question like that- get up and get out, fast!***
Why? Because I normally get one of two general responses-
Client 1. I don't wear much. Maybe some mineral powder and mascara. Liner if I'm going out.
Client 2. I love makeup. I wear a full face every day and when I go out, I add lots of liner, and mascara. Oh and I love blush.
If I proceed to do an evening look that Client 2 would love, on Client 1....well, let's put it this way- I won't have Client 1 as a client any longer. Basically the answer this question gives me is the individual's definition of 'Clown.'
***If the MUA asked this question and still made you look like a clown, chances are they don't know what they're doing.*** Just saying.
But honestly, almost everyone who sits in my chair can relate a horror-story experience about having their makeup done by someone who clearly didn't listen to them, or think twice about who they are. Whether they didn't care, didn't know how to listen, or just plain doesn't know how to do makeup- well, it doesn't really matter. A tragedy is a tragedy.
Here's some pointers on how to make sure the MUA and you are on the same page:
1. Most importantly- get yourself a good makeup artist. Don't go to the mall and expect to get anything but product. Are there talented MUA's at the mall- yes. Should you assume they're talented?- Absolutly not. Best method- Ask friends or use Google and look at their pictures.
2. Know what you wear on an every day basis, and what you do to 'bump it up' for evening. (This shouldn't be hard considering you do it every day)
2. Know what your 'vision' is for you makeup on the occasion that you are getting it done. Do you want to achieve a different look? Do you want your normal look, just executed professionally?
3. Bring pictures. Magazines, online, anywhere. Look for people who have similar features- hair color, skin color, age.
*A note about photographs: If it looks too go to be true, it probably is- thanks to Photoshop. Remember to keep your expectation reasonable.
4. Think about adjectives that you would want people to say about you when you are wearing the look. ie: Pretty, flirty, romantic. vs. Sultry, sexy, gorgeous.
Here's the scenario-
MUA: So, tell me a little about what you'd like your wedding makeup to look like.
Client: Well, I don't what to look like a clown.
(Really? Ya don't say!)
MUA:
'I have no intention of making you look like a clown. Tell me about makeup's role in your life.' ***If you are in a MUA's chair who does not ask you a question like that- get up and get out, fast!***
Why? Because I normally get one of two general responses-
Client 1. I don't wear much. Maybe some mineral powder and mascara. Liner if I'm going out.
Client 2. I love makeup. I wear a full face every day and when I go out, I add lots of liner, and mascara. Oh and I love blush.
If I proceed to do an evening look that Client 2 would love, on Client 1....well, let's put it this way- I won't have Client 1 as a client any longer. Basically the answer this question gives me is the individual's definition of 'Clown.'
***If the MUA asked this question and still made you look like a clown, chances are they don't know what they're doing.*** Just saying.
But honestly, almost everyone who sits in my chair can relate a horror-story experience about having their makeup done by someone who clearly didn't listen to them, or think twice about who they are. Whether they didn't care, didn't know how to listen, or just plain doesn't know how to do makeup- well, it doesn't really matter. A tragedy is a tragedy.
Here's some pointers on how to make sure the MUA and you are on the same page:
1. Most importantly- get yourself a good makeup artist. Don't go to the mall and expect to get anything but product. Are there talented MUA's at the mall- yes. Should you assume they're talented?- Absolutly not. Best method- Ask friends or use Google and look at their pictures.
2. Know what you wear on an every day basis, and what you do to 'bump it up' for evening. (This shouldn't be hard considering you do it every day)
2. Know what your 'vision' is for you makeup on the occasion that you are getting it done. Do you want to achieve a different look? Do you want your normal look, just executed professionally?
3. Bring pictures. Magazines, online, anywhere. Look for people who have similar features- hair color, skin color, age.
*A note about photographs: If it looks too go to be true, it probably is- thanks to Photoshop. Remember to keep your expectation reasonable.
4. Think about adjectives that you would want people to say about you when you are wearing the look. ie: Pretty, flirty, romantic. vs. Sultry, sexy, gorgeous.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Before, and After....but what about during?
I have a lot of people tell me: 'I can't do a smokey eye on myself.' I can understand this thought. I have had that moment of dread- This is going to look awful. I have learned in my years of doing lots of makeup. You can call it a mantra, I suppose.
Keep on going and keep it simple.
A smokey eye is not a lot of work, and it's not made with many colors. It's just dark. And when you place the black eyeshadow on your eye for the first time, it's scary. And it's scarier when half of the powder ends up on your cheek bone. Again keep moving. Work with small portions of product and blend and soften. Work from the lash line up and know when to stop...just above your crease. Too much more and you will have a black eye- literally. When you are done, clean up under the eye with makeup remover and continue with foundation and the rest of the face. Do not judge your overall look until your whole face is done. If you 1. Didn't go too high, and 2. blended, you will most likely look at yourself at the end and say- Wow! I'm hot!
Example: note how stark that eyeshadow is. It's not blended and looks overdone and out of place. Then look at the finished product- balanced and beautiful.
Sometimes it's best to step back from the mirror, take a deep breath and keep on going. Give it a shot!
Keep on going and keep it simple.
A smokey eye is not a lot of work, and it's not made with many colors. It's just dark. And when you place the black eyeshadow on your eye for the first time, it's scary. And it's scarier when half of the powder ends up on your cheek bone. Again keep moving. Work with small portions of product and blend and soften. Work from the lash line up and know when to stop...just above your crease. Too much more and you will have a black eye- literally. When you are done, clean up under the eye with makeup remover and continue with foundation and the rest of the face. Do not judge your overall look until your whole face is done. If you 1. Didn't go too high, and 2. blended, you will most likely look at yourself at the end and say- Wow! I'm hot!
Example: note how stark that eyeshadow is. It's not blended and looks overdone and out of place. Then look at the finished product- balanced and beautiful.
Sometimes it's best to step back from the mirror, take a deep breath and keep on going. Give it a shot!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fashion Week: from New York to Tampa!
Welcome to my Blog!
Friday night I attended Tampa Fashion Week. After primping Laura Hunt of Fashion Forward, I was donned a press pass and shown to my seat in the front row! It was grand fun and it was also a reminder of the importance of being inspired. After the show, I raced home to my computer and started scouring the net for pictures of the 2011 Spring Collections of New York Fashion Week. Then I realized- I have nowhere to put all these great pictures and information!!! A blog, right, I'll start a blog! So, I'm going to use this to keep myself and hopefully others inspired by faces and the fun things we like to do to them!
First Task: Fashion Week- from New York to Tampa:
NEW YORK:
The Orange Lip: This trend is almost 3D! The lip color of the season is as vibrant as your can possibly imagine and completely MATTE.... don't dare lick your lips! And Orange choice is a color that a lot of people can wear and look great in, so this is a trend I would definitely look into.
Lela Rose, MUA: Sara Lucero
Jonathan Saunders, MUA: Lucia Pieroni
The Metallic Eye: You choose the shade. Honestly, if you want to wear green up to your forehead, you would have fit right in with Z Spoke for Zac Posen! If you aren't so daring, the brassy browns and golds are in as well as the soft platinums and silvers.
Z Spoke for Zac Posen, MUA: Charlotte Willer
Monique Lhuillier, MUA: Val Garland
Anna Sui, MUA: Pat McGrath
The Coveted:
These are just looks that I was stunned by. Regardless of whether I'm looking forward to putting this on my face or not, I still love the creativity and skill these makeup artists have.
Vivienne Westwood, MUA: Gordon Espinet
'Imatation', MUA: Nadine Luke
Marchesa, MUA: Talia Shobrook
Marc Jacobs, MUA: Francois Nars
Z Spoke by Zac Posen, MUA: Charlotte Willer
TAMPA:
Understandably, Tampa's Fashion Week was on a slightly smaller scale. However, we still saw lots of the same stuff. I do apologize for the lack of picture quality...they were moving and I was using an iPhone. ;)
JCAGUA showed neon bathing suits paired with a bold lips in odd color choices and matching graphic eyeshadow combos.
APM Images had a little hint of that metallic.
Wade Simpson took Essence Flowers to a whole new level of beauty. Not only was the collection luscious, and completely wearable (if they add a few inches to the hem line), the hair and makeup brought the Doll House inspired look to life. Hat's off to this team- they definitely came out to play! (And they won)
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