A few blog posts ago I mentioned the hair and makeup I did for the lovely Summer Rayne Oakes for her L.A. book launch party of her book "Style, Naturally". She posted some great pictures and gave me a nice little shout out on the blog, so check it out here:
http://www.summerrayne.net/index.php/2009/03/18/style-naturally-la-launch-party/
Also, one of the shoots I did last year or so was posted on the Behance Network, and when I stumbled upon it I thought you lovely readers would like to see it :) So here is a link to that:
http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Beach/180069
I did a shoot with my most favorite photographer Courtney Dailey about a week and half ago, so once she finishes editing them I shall post them for your viewing pleasure.
I may post a blog tonight about some new Smashbox products I bought...stay tuned!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Luster In My Eye
Spring is here...the flowers are in bloom, the birds are singing and it's time for me to purchase a few new color products from Spring/Summer collections to add to my kit to keep it current.
Since I've been doing quite a bit of event makeup and commercials, much of my work needs to reflect the trends of the moment, rather than the upcoming fashion season.
I've found a few little gems that I am absolutely loving and so I thought I'd blog about them here for your viewing (and perhaps purchasing) pleasure :)
Too Faced Cosmetics Luster Liners
While these little pencils have been out for a couple of months, I somehow recently noticed how a couple of these colors are perfect for the Spring trends for lips...and to add that I absolutely adore the finish and feel of the product. It has a slight cooling effect and they go on quite opaque.
These are advertised as lip liner, but they are chubby and you can easily use them like lipstick. They also come with their own sharpener so you can keep them sharp and sanitary for your clients.
My current favorite colors are South Sea, Caspian and Akoya. Gorgeous!
NARS Summer '09 Collection
So while I love all of my NARS products, I am really excited about some of the new products and color combination that NARS came out with for their Summer color collection. What found it's way into my kit (and dare I say...my heart?)
NARS eyeshadow in Tropic. What can I really add but that it's a truly gorgeous shade of teal. Not too green, not too blue which means it will look absolutely fantastic on everyone. *yay!* Don't let the tiny sparkles fool you. This will not turn into a hot glittery mess. It gives a subtle sheen that looks marvelous on set as well as "in real life".
NARS Falbala Lipstick
It's just a pearly gorgeous bronzy/beigey shade that will look hot paired with any vibrant shadow that is so in for Summer. Truly beautiful.
NARS Outsider Lipstick
It's pearly in consistency and copper in color. Could you really want anything else in a lipstick for Summer? This shade will go perfectly with bronzed eyes (or cheeks!) and will look lovely on medium to dark skin tones. *Love!*
For a little twist I am also adding a drugstore foundation find that I recently tried and decided that I love!
Max Factor Pan Stick Foundation
This little gem has been a cult favorite since it's release in the 1940's. I had a coupon for one, so I decided to give it a whirl. Wow! Was I impressed. The consistency, opacity and finish reminded me of my Gerda Spillman ( the foundation of choice for the American Idol makeup artists) although I must say the Max Factor is slightly less "dewy" and imparts a very nice satiny matte finish.
While I don't usually suggest buying drugstore foundation for one's kit, I understand there are instances in life in which emergencies happen (my good friend once had her car broken in to and her entire kit was stolen, and when she went out to go ready her kit for her 6 a.m. shoot, she discovered it was gone) and you need a reliable foundation that will do in a pinch. I can confidently recommend these foundation to anyone who finds themselves in a situation like that and can't get to a pro store, or can't find one that is open (let's face it, Walgreen's is open 24 hours...Frend's not so much).
So for the week, these are my new loves and I hope to discover (and report!) some others in the coming days :)
Since I've been doing quite a bit of event makeup and commercials, much of my work needs to reflect the trends of the moment, rather than the upcoming fashion season.
I've found a few little gems that I am absolutely loving and so I thought I'd blog about them here for your viewing (and perhaps purchasing) pleasure :)
Too Faced Cosmetics Luster Liners
While these little pencils have been out for a couple of months, I somehow recently noticed how a couple of these colors are perfect for the Spring trends for lips...and to add that I absolutely adore the finish and feel of the product. It has a slight cooling effect and they go on quite opaque.
These are advertised as lip liner, but they are chubby and you can easily use them like lipstick. They also come with their own sharpener so you can keep them sharp and sanitary for your clients.
My current favorite colors are South Sea, Caspian and Akoya. Gorgeous!
NARS Summer '09 Collection
So while I love all of my NARS products, I am really excited about some of the new products and color combination that NARS came out with for their Summer color collection. What found it's way into my kit (and dare I say...my heart?)
NARS eyeshadow in Tropic. What can I really add but that it's a truly gorgeous shade of teal. Not too green, not too blue which means it will look absolutely fantastic on everyone. *yay!* Don't let the tiny sparkles fool you. This will not turn into a hot glittery mess. It gives a subtle sheen that looks marvelous on set as well as "in real life".
NARS Falbala Lipstick
It's just a pearly gorgeous bronzy/beigey shade that will look hot paired with any vibrant shadow that is so in for Summer. Truly beautiful.
NARS Outsider Lipstick
It's pearly in consistency and copper in color. Could you really want anything else in a lipstick for Summer? This shade will go perfectly with bronzed eyes (or cheeks!) and will look lovely on medium to dark skin tones. *Love!*
For a little twist I am also adding a drugstore foundation find that I recently tried and decided that I love!
Max Factor Pan Stick Foundation
This little gem has been a cult favorite since it's release in the 1940's. I had a coupon for one, so I decided to give it a whirl. Wow! Was I impressed. The consistency, opacity and finish reminded me of my Gerda Spillman ( the foundation of choice for the American Idol makeup artists) although I must say the Max Factor is slightly less "dewy" and imparts a very nice satiny matte finish.
While I don't usually suggest buying drugstore foundation for one's kit, I understand there are instances in life in which emergencies happen (my good friend once had her car broken in to and her entire kit was stolen, and when she went out to go ready her kit for her 6 a.m. shoot, she discovered it was gone) and you need a reliable foundation that will do in a pinch. I can confidently recommend these foundation to anyone who finds themselves in a situation like that and can't get to a pro store, or can't find one that is open (let's face it, Walgreen's is open 24 hours...Frend's not so much).
So for the week, these are my new loves and I hope to discover (and report!) some others in the coming days :)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Getting Back To Business
I have said it before, and I will say it again - I am a bad, bad blogger. I sort of have an excuse. I've been quite sick and I am just feeling better so here I am getting back into the swing of things, and most definitely back to business!
So as promised, here is the roundup of Day 2 of the L A Makeup Show
It was certainly much less crowded on Day 2. I think that fact that it was Monday and 2/3 of the Sunday crowd had to go back to work.
My artist friends and I started off the day by taking in K.J. Bennett's lecture on ensuring makeup on-set lasts. It was a little loud on the sales floor, so the closer you were to the stage, the better.
When then proceeded to buy more cosmetic goodies and see if any "extra show" specials were to be had. I purchased more Face Atelier glosses (at 3 for $23, how could I not? That's better than the 40% off discount I get!) and I bought some more velour puffs for on-set needs.
I was also finally able to get some more Crown Brushes (it was virtually impossible on Sunday) finally bought some coveted Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder (LOVE it!)
We were there a considerably less amount of time since we had done most of our shopping on Sunday, but it was great to meet up with and see friends, and of course make new ones. The amount of cosmetic companies there was great, and there truly were some great show deals on alot of the merchandise.
Friday I have a shoot at CBS studios, so I shall blog about that and I have a couple of product reviews coming up. I promise to be a better blogger for those who actually read my blog ;)
So as promised, here is the roundup of Day 2 of the L A Makeup Show
It was certainly much less crowded on Day 2. I think that fact that it was Monday and 2/3 of the Sunday crowd had to go back to work.
My artist friends and I started off the day by taking in K.J. Bennett's lecture on ensuring makeup on-set lasts. It was a little loud on the sales floor, so the closer you were to the stage, the better.
When then proceeded to buy more cosmetic goodies and see if any "extra show" specials were to be had. I purchased more Face Atelier glosses (at 3 for $23, how could I not? That's better than the 40% off discount I get!) and I bought some more velour puffs for on-set needs.
I was also finally able to get some more Crown Brushes (it was virtually impossible on Sunday) finally bought some coveted Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder (LOVE it!)
We were there a considerably less amount of time since we had done most of our shopping on Sunday, but it was great to meet up with and see friends, and of course make new ones. The amount of cosmetic companies there was great, and there truly were some great show deals on alot of the merchandise.
Friday I have a shoot at CBS studios, so I shall blog about that and I have a couple of product reviews coming up. I promise to be a better blogger for those who actually read my blog ;)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Day 2 of the LA Makeup Show to come soon!
I know I promised a few days ago about part 2 of the makeup show, but I am still waiting on some pics, so I will update when I get them :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Summer Days and Nights
I know I promised a round-up of Day 2 of the LA Makeup Show, but I decided to leave that until tomorrow and post about Summer Rayne Oakes today...since I mentioned her first a week or so ago.
As I had blogged, I was attending the launch of Summer Rayne Oakes book "Style, Naturally" and she also asked me to do her hair and makeup for the event.
It was a beautiful day in Venica, CA when I arrived at the house of her friend she was staying at. It was such a lovely sunny day that we decided to soak in some rays and do her hair and makeup outside. It was definitely a good call!
Summer Rayne's dress was a beautiful black cocktail dress that had a very archetictural structure to the front and we really wanted echo that in the hair. Whatever style I decided on, she had one request: Beachy waves! So I decided to bring the front of her hair up and over to one side, and had a couple of levels of height in the front that ended in a cascade of waves.
For her makeup, we decided a smoky look would be best since it was an evening event and she is a pretty natural girl normally. Breaking away from that and going glam was definitely a change!
After I brushed and teased and pinned and sprayed and adjusted and sprayed some more, and blended and curled and added more shadow and then blended and couple of more times, she was ready. She looked and herself and loved it. I was so happy with the way the look came out and complimented not only her naturally gorgeous features, but the style of her dress and shoes.
Here are some pictures from the event:
Now for the product round-up! To get Summer Rayne's look, here are the products I used:
I airbrushed two coats of foundation using Temptu S/B Foundation
I then set the foundation with Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
I gave Summer Rayne's beautiful cheeks a peachy glow with Tarte's Powder Blush in Flip Flop. Unfortunately these babies are discontinued, but you can still get them on Tarte's website under "memory lane".
To highlight her face, I also used Make Up For Ever's pressed Shine On Powder
I always prime the lids with my favorite Primer Potion by Urban Decay
I couldn't do without my pearl paints! Summer saw my palette and immediately exclaimed "Oooh! I love those colors! Let's use those".
I also used Yaby brow powder on her lovely arches.
I *love* these Aqua Liners by Make Up Forever. For Summer's look I stuck with basic Black.
And last but not least, I fnished the look with two coats of Bourjois Say Oui! To Volum Mascara.
I had such a blast working with Summer, and I hope to have to opportunity to do so again!
As I had blogged, I was attending the launch of Summer Rayne Oakes book "Style, Naturally" and she also asked me to do her hair and makeup for the event.
It was a beautiful day in Venica, CA when I arrived at the house of her friend she was staying at. It was such a lovely sunny day that we decided to soak in some rays and do her hair and makeup outside. It was definitely a good call!
Summer Rayne's dress was a beautiful black cocktail dress that had a very archetictural structure to the front and we really wanted echo that in the hair. Whatever style I decided on, she had one request: Beachy waves! So I decided to bring the front of her hair up and over to one side, and had a couple of levels of height in the front that ended in a cascade of waves.
For her makeup, we decided a smoky look would be best since it was an evening event and she is a pretty natural girl normally. Breaking away from that and going glam was definitely a change!
After I brushed and teased and pinned and sprayed and adjusted and sprayed some more, and blended and curled and added more shadow and then blended and couple of more times, she was ready. She looked and herself and loved it. I was so happy with the way the look came out and complimented not only her naturally gorgeous features, but the style of her dress and shoes.
Here are some pictures from the event:
Now for the product round-up! To get Summer Rayne's look, here are the products I used:
I airbrushed two coats of foundation using Temptu S/B Foundation
I then set the foundation with Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
I gave Summer Rayne's beautiful cheeks a peachy glow with Tarte's Powder Blush in Flip Flop. Unfortunately these babies are discontinued, but you can still get them on Tarte's website under "memory lane".
To highlight her face, I also used Make Up For Ever's pressed Shine On Powder
I always prime the lids with my favorite Primer Potion by Urban Decay
I couldn't do without my pearl paints! Summer saw my palette and immediately exclaimed "Oooh! I love those colors! Let's use those".
I also used Yaby brow powder on her lovely arches.
I *love* these Aqua Liners by Make Up Forever. For Summer's look I stuck with basic Black.
And last but not least, I fnished the look with two coats of Bourjois Say Oui! To Volum Mascara.
I had such a blast working with Summer, and I hope to have to opportunity to do so again!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Day 1 Of The L A Makeup Show
Today I attended day 1 of The LA Makeup Show hosted by the Powder Group. My friend Chris Guerra (www.christinaguerra.com) and I headed over to Downtown LA where the show was being held and met with a few fellow artists from our makeup/hair forums at the cafe across the street from Cal Mart. The food was delicious and the conversation was quite enjoyable. We got to met Sue (http://www.smmakeup.com/) a lovely makeup artist from Australia, Verity ( http://www.modelmayhem.com/verity ) who is also from Australia but moved out to LA in September, and Angela (http://www.angela-renee.com/) from Sacramento.
After gorging on breakfast we headed to the show, where sadly the checking in process was horribly slow and disorganized. We waited about 45 minutes in line just to get in.
We saw Billy B. (http://billybbeauty.com/) give a lecture and demonstration first. He was really friendly, funny, (and most importantly) honest about the in's and out's of the industry and how even to this day he works for free at times and is still reaching goals he never though he would accomplish.
Here are a couple of pictures from the lecture:
.jpg)
Afterward, we hit the booths to do some shopping. I was amazingly surprised that the only cosmetics I purchased today were some fabulous Face Atelier Lip Glazes (I mentioned them previously in a couple of my posts). They had a great show special, so I picked up three that I needed in my kit as I just ran out of Flamingo and wanted to have a backup of Peach. I also bought Cameo which is a luscious nude...I may buy more colors tomorrow ($28 for three is an incredible deal!).
Other than replacing the Face Atelier glosses, I didn't need any other makeup for my kit *Did I just say that?* so I focused on the basics that I love to buy in bulk at the shows.
I grabbed a big bag of Alcone sponges *LOVE these sponges* and a bag of smaller velour puffs for when I am on set.
My favorite (And most exciting) purchase of the day was the portable airbrush compressor by Sparmax. I airbrush ALOT (like 90% of all my jobs) and I have grown to hate lugging my Silver Jet compressor. Granted, it's not THAT heavy...but it is another piece of equipment to carry (Especially when I have to do hair...I have a backpack for all my hair stuff, my train case for my makeup AND a bag for my airbrush compressor and accessories. It's alot to carry!!). So, needless to say when I researched portable airbrush compressors, this one stood out in my mind:
Not only does it come with a carrying case I can clip around my waist *GASP! I don't have to actually hold it? Sold!* it comes with a hose for the airbrush gun, a battery pack (with charger) or a connection to use if I am near a plug. No more fumbling with my airbrush bag?? Be still my heart!
Chris and I went to lunch with my friend the talented Rachel Rose (http://rachel-rose.com/) who happened to be working at the OCC Cosmetics booth. We had a gab fest over really fattening fast food *we really needed our sustinence ;) * and overall had a great time.
Tomorrow, my friend Laura Judson and I are hitting the show and we are going to listen to our friend KJ Bennett (http://kjbennett.com/) who works with Make Up For Ever give a seminar and then do more shopping!
I have to pick up some Crown Brushes (if we can even get through! That booth was crowded and busy all day!) and I may pick up the set apron from Make Up For Ever. As I have mentioned a few *hundred* times, anything to make my life on set easier is a huge plus for me. I have a little set bag, but the pockets don't always fit what I need perfectly (pockets are either too big or too small generally) but it does the job. The set apron is something you can either attach around your waist OR sling over your shoulder. It has room for brushes, hairspray, brushes, combs, powder, puffs...literally anything you would need to carry on set with you so you can leave your kit in the makeup room. They ran out today *pooh!* but they may have more tomorrow so I am crossing my fingers and I will report tomorrow if I get it or not.
Tonight was a mixer/afterparty for the makeup artists but being the old lady fuddy-duddy that I am, I came home and crashed. Open bar or no, I needed to unwind and relax from walking all day.
I will report day 2 of The Makeup Show tomorrow. Stay tuned!
After gorging on breakfast we headed to the show, where sadly the checking in process was horribly slow and disorganized. We waited about 45 minutes in line just to get in.
We saw Billy B. (http://billybbeauty.com/) give a lecture and demonstration first. He was really friendly, funny, (and most importantly) honest about the in's and out's of the industry and how even to this day he works for free at times and is still reaching goals he never though he would accomplish.
Here are a couple of pictures from the lecture:
.jpg)
Afterward, we hit the booths to do some shopping. I was amazingly surprised that the only cosmetics I purchased today were some fabulous Face Atelier Lip Glazes (I mentioned them previously in a couple of my posts). They had a great show special, so I picked up three that I needed in my kit as I just ran out of Flamingo and wanted to have a backup of Peach. I also bought Cameo which is a luscious nude...I may buy more colors tomorrow ($28 for three is an incredible deal!).
Other than replacing the Face Atelier glosses, I didn't need any other makeup for my kit *Did I just say that?* so I focused on the basics that I love to buy in bulk at the shows.
I grabbed a big bag of Alcone sponges *LOVE these sponges* and a bag of smaller velour puffs for when I am on set.
My favorite (And most exciting) purchase of the day was the portable airbrush compressor by Sparmax. I airbrush ALOT (like 90% of all my jobs) and I have grown to hate lugging my Silver Jet compressor. Granted, it's not THAT heavy...but it is another piece of equipment to carry (Especially when I have to do hair...I have a backpack for all my hair stuff, my train case for my makeup AND a bag for my airbrush compressor and accessories. It's alot to carry!!). So, needless to say when I researched portable airbrush compressors, this one stood out in my mind:
Not only does it come with a carrying case I can clip around my waist *GASP! I don't have to actually hold it? Sold!* it comes with a hose for the airbrush gun, a battery pack (with charger) or a connection to use if I am near a plug. No more fumbling with my airbrush bag?? Be still my heart!
Chris and I went to lunch with my friend the talented Rachel Rose (http://rachel-rose.com/) who happened to be working at the OCC Cosmetics booth. We had a gab fest over really fattening fast food *we really needed our sustinence ;) * and overall had a great time.
Tomorrow, my friend Laura Judson and I are hitting the show and we are going to listen to our friend KJ Bennett (http://kjbennett.com/) who works with Make Up For Ever give a seminar and then do more shopping!
I have to pick up some Crown Brushes (if we can even get through! That booth was crowded and busy all day!) and I may pick up the set apron from Make Up For Ever. As I have mentioned a few *hundred* times, anything to make my life on set easier is a huge plus for me. I have a little set bag, but the pockets don't always fit what I need perfectly (pockets are either too big or too small generally) but it does the job. The set apron is something you can either attach around your waist OR sling over your shoulder. It has room for brushes, hairspray, brushes, combs, powder, puffs...literally anything you would need to carry on set with you so you can leave your kit in the makeup room. They ran out today *pooh!* but they may have more tomorrow so I am crossing my fingers and I will report tomorrow if I get it or not.
Tonight was a mixer/afterparty for the makeup artists but being the old lady fuddy-duddy that I am, I came home and crashed. Open bar or no, I needed to unwind and relax from walking all day.
I will report day 2 of The Makeup Show tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Busy Days
I've been bad. Really bad. I haven't updated my blog in over a week! Bad blogger! Bad!
Ok, now that's off my chest I'll explain why i've been M.I.A. I not only work on set, but I also do many weddings each year. In fact, I have my own bridal beauty business that is separate from my freelancing and it really picks up after Valentines Day. I can confidently say that the Spring wedding season is in full bloom. My week was jam packed with scheduling previews with brides, conducting previews with brides, and making sure my lovely freelancers who I send out to weddings I cannot personally do myself, have those previews and wedding scheduled in their books. It's pretty exhausting.
This next week should be a little more calm (but I'm sure that will change come Monday morning!) as it seems I have just one commerical set for this week and on Thursday I am doing Summer's hair and makeup for her cocktail party that my dear photog friend Courtney and I are attending. Pretty easy week and I am looking forward to it all.
I wanted to post a story from late last year (December 2008) as I found a couple of photos I took of all the pretty hats and accessories. Enjoy!
Ok, now that's off my chest I'll explain why i've been M.I.A. I not only work on set, but I also do many weddings each year. In fact, I have my own bridal beauty business that is separate from my freelancing and it really picks up after Valentines Day. I can confidently say that the Spring wedding season is in full bloom. My week was jam packed with scheduling previews with brides, conducting previews with brides, and making sure my lovely freelancers who I send out to weddings I cannot personally do myself, have those previews and wedding scheduled in their books. It's pretty exhausting.
This next week should be a little more calm (but I'm sure that will change come Monday morning!) as it seems I have just one commerical set for this week and on Thursday I am doing Summer's hair and makeup for her cocktail party that my dear photog friend Courtney and I are attending. Pretty easy week and I am looking forward to it all.
I wanted to post a story from late last year (December 2008) as I found a couple of photos I took of all the pretty hats and accessories. Enjoy!
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