Behind the Scenes - A Week of Shoots

Last week was quite busy for me as I had three shoots scheduled. Two were tests with models and one was a commercial shoot.

The first of the week was with a model for possible stock photos (yay for $$$!) and also for portfolio building purposes.

Here is a quick behind the scenes shot of the first shoot of the week (stock):


We also did some on-location that day, but because I was helping hold the reflector, I couldn't snag some photos with my phone.

The next shoot of the week was with this GORGEOUS Australian model who relocated to Los Angeles and had the most gorgeous face. At certain angles she reminded me of Angelina Jolie.

We did some really clean looks and then we did a creative lip series. Since she has such fantastic lips, we did a look with some red glitter, super shiny iridescent gloss and one with about 7 or 8 different colors melded together. I cannot wait to get the pictures from this shoot back! I was so excited I didn't want to take any phone pictures as that would just not have done the looks justice.

Last but not least was a commercial shoot on Saturday. It went very smoothly and I think they will be a good set of commercials. Here are a couple of pictures from my vantage point on set:





(In the photo above you can see my lovely set bag. I love it so much! If you are wondering the brand, it's from Luxor Pro. It is so light but hold LOTS of products).

And there you have it! As promised, as soon (and I mean the minute they arrive in my inbox) I will post the lovely lip series from my mid-week shoot.

Lip Service

Hooray! I finally received the final pictures from a shoot I did about a month ago with Courtney. First we did some really clean looks, and then let loose with a fun beauty series focusing on just the lips, playing with color and texture.

I think they came out very well, and our lovely model Jolette did such a great job. I've posted them below.

As far as products, Surprisingly, I didn't use an actual "lip product" on any of the looks. I played scientist and mixed some products together to get what I wanted. For the pink and purple lips, I used my trusty Yaby eyeshadows mixed with Face Atelier transforming gel and topped with a clear gloss, while the yellow lips were actually Cinema Secrets creme makeup, and since it was super emollient, no gloss was needed.

Hope you enjoy the pictures! I will post a snippet about my quick and fun shoot today on Friday.

Picture #1 from "Nailed It" shoot

I was beyond excited to get the first photo from the shoot I mentioned in my "Nailed It" post this morning. I think it's gorgeous, but I will let you decide ;) I cannot wait for photo #2 :)

Nailed It

Last Thursday I was fortunate enough to do a shoot with Courtney, a beautiful model and a fantastic manicurist. It is truly rare to have a manicurist on set, unless of course nails will be featured or be a central part of the story. Other than that, I am usually required to have a mini manicure set on hand in case a little touch up is necessary.

Having Julie on board was fantastic! We did two looks, one with a vibrant turquoise nail color paired with long nails. We kept the look rather simple on that look with clean skin, no liner (just a few false individual lashes thrown in for a slightly more "oomphed" natural eye), groomed brows and no blush. Just a little contour powder and gloss topped off with slicked back hair. I think it turned out rather well with the nails and the lips stealing the scene.

The second look was pretty much the opposite. Jule trimmed the nails and gave them an "inverted half moon" shape topped with a shimmery granite color polish. It was fabulous! I created a smokey eye with slate and granted colored shadows as the lid and accent shades and contrasted the crease with a warm coppery bronze color. We also used extensions in black to give the picture a dark and mysterious mood.

I loved the way both the looks were executed and shot, and couldn't thank Julie and Courtney enough for the quick and fantastic shoot. These shots will definitely be going into my book. Below are some behind the scenes pictures of the shoot...Well, the first look anyways. My Iphone died sometime between the last picture and my completion of the second look. Enjoy!


Since we were shooting from the shoulders up, our lovely model didn't have to "strip down" and only needed to wear a flesh colored sports bra. Much easier to shop out :)

Below are some key products I used on the shoot. I am so happy to have them in my kit as they produced such stellar results.

Embryolisse 24 hour miracle cream


It truly is a miracle cream. Just a little dab on the 5 points of the face and you (or your model) will have creamy dreamy skin almost immediately. This product has saved my skin on more than one occasion.

Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder


While this powder looks to be an unusual shade, it is fabulous for creating natural looking shadows/contours. I've had more than one person call me a miracle worker because of this amazing powder.

Face Atelier Lip Glaze In Cameo


I thought I couldn't live without my Peach and Flamingo Lip Glazes from Face Atelier (Well...I can't!) and after the Makeup Show in March, I realize I can't live without Cameo either. This is a perfect shade to create the coveted "nude lip" in light medium to medium deep skin tones. Gorgeous!

Face Atelier Transforming Gel


What do we have here...another product from Face Atelier! It's a great line, what can I say? You might have noticed that gorgeous shade of turquoise on my model's lip. While I would like to say that I am fully equipped with every shade of lipstick known to man, my kit (and my back!) couldn't handle that load. So I do what any makeup artist who wants to really pare down their kit does: Carry this little baby! I actually mixed a Yaby eyeshadow and pearl paint together with the transforming gel and I instantly had a yummy aqua lipstick. Transforming Gel, I love thee!!

Yaby Pearl Paints


These little darlings are the basis of the fantastic range of colors in my kit. With my pearl paint palette, I have any color liner, lipstick, eyeshadow or whatever I may need at my finger tips (paired with my Face Atelier transforming gel of course!) One of my kit staples. Love them!

Stay tuned for some pictures of my last shoot and a behind the scenes from another shoot!