I'm looking to make a name for myself.

New to me

2012-01-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post about a new product find for me. I came across the C.O. Bigelow lip balms from assisting another makeup artist on set. I used them for touch ups, (while we were having extremely cold weather) and they worked a miracle. The celebrity talent's lips were getting chapped from the cold, after I applied the balm on top of the lipstick and they stayed minty and moist and soft even after the second wardrobe change. Might have a new kit staple to go along side my beloved Rosebud Salve.

Apparently these lip balms are reaching cult status among the makeup artists out there. I'm already a fan.

Test shoot day

2011-12-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I finally got to work with Frankie Batista, I was thrilled because not only was he just back in town from shooting overseas for 6 months, he had just relocated his studio to the Marina, which was closer to me! We did tests all day for 3 models from No Ties. It was a loooong day! I was doing makeup and hair for the girls, with a couple of changes. Cat Wennekamp was stylist, who's awesome. She had pulled a lot of clothes, I wish we had gotten to shoot more of.

These shots are a few of the whole series, more to come.

Clark

2011-11-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the images from my shoot with Michael Yates and model Clark. I recently had a few shoots with models from No Ties, and Clark was one of them. She was cool, I thought her look might be too commercial, but with some little tricks, I love how she turned more fashion. I lightened her brows (with some concealer) which helped to completely change her look and then I amped up her lips to balance out the heavy eye.

Her look was simple but detailed, I used MAC's new eye palette, a MAC pigment in a navy blue and dark forrect green, black liner, and black mascara. Her lips were a mixture of MAC pencil in Currant, and lipstick in a similar color, and deepened with MAC lipmix in Black.

Her skin was good and I wanted a matte/satin finish so I used Face Atelier foundation, and sculpted her face slightly with my Kevin Aucoin Skin Enhancers, and Smashbox matte bronzer.

More pics to come, still be edited.

photographer Michael Yates
stylist Shelley Buche
hair Nico Doniele

Muji

2011-11-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

I had heard about this brand from the Youtube community, more for makeup storage units like at home for personal use. Then I go to check out their website and see what they're really about.

Muji is a international company that caters to people needing stuff for storage, travel, simple clean items. I saw stuff from luggage to pencil holders. Think IKEA but on a more smaller scale. But the only downfall was when I checked out their US site, the items were different from the international one. The price of my items were dirt cheap! Just not what I was looking for. So I checked out the overseas site to see about ordering, after seeing the 20 something dollar tag for shipping, I had to quickly change my mind.

I was disappointed, looked like I would never get my new obsession items. But then I quickly decided to check Ebay and viola, they were being sold through a Japanese seller. I was hesitant at first, cause Japan doesn't have the best rep for cosmetic items on Ebay, so I ordered one and waited to see if it was gonna be up to par. I got it, love it, and quickly ordered two more palettes for my kit. Check out Muji, it's an interesting site!

Upcoming shoots

2011-11-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of working with two new photographers and one who we both have been trying to shoot something together again for a while. Frankie Batista and Conan Thai are two amazing photographers who I've been itching to work with and recently finally got to do some awesome shoots these past couple of weeks. I also got to meet some new awesome stylists and hair people. I can't wait to see how the shoots turned out, but just from seeing the images on set, I know they will be cool.

I've worked with cool photographer Michael Yates once before earlier this year on a 70s inspired editorial shoot that ended up be published in French mag Desirs. So we've been trying to shoot something again, but schedules were always off. Finally we got our chance, and got to do a 40s inspired shoot a couple days ago. I got to work with an awesome team and we all had a fun day. Here are some sneak peek images from Michael's shoot.

Natalie

2011-10-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished shots from my recent shoot with photog John Hong. We shot in his studio in Santa Monica, he also had stylist Johnny Chavez. I did makeup and hair on model Natalie. She's awesome, beautiful Russian girl with the best look. She came in with full on fluffy wavy/curly hair and John asked me to straighten it. Thought I was going to be doing that for hours! But I used my Buble & Bumble styling spray and then not to weigh her hair down too much I used a small amount of Aphogee Gloss Therapy and Aquage Detailing Cream to add shine and take down the flyaways.

We were shooting for b/w so I kept her face very monochromatic, but strong contour and solid matte colors. My new fav product for lips, especially when shooting b/w is MAC's Stone lip liner and matte lipstick Honeylove. Adds a nice color tone to the lips in b/w without making them disappear.

More photos available on my website.

photographer: John Hong
stylist: Johnny Chavez
makeup/hair: Me

Trejolie.me

2011-10-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to some videos I did the makeup and hair for. We shot these last year and they were for a production company doing video portfolios.

http://tresjolie.me/gallery

Updates

2011-10-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've been busy working on a feature film in Big Bear for almost a month, I just got back and already have a couple new shoots that I did. Being away had me itching for new work, so I was happy to shoot when I got back. Here is a sneak peek from my shoot just yesterday. Can't wait to see this one.

What I used on the model is Cinema Secrets foundation blended out with a Beauty Blender, also Kevin Aucoin Skin Enhancer for highlight and contour, NARS Bronzer Multiple, Kevin Aucoin powder contour, Smashbox Matte Bronzer, Becca Eye Tint, Illamasqua Cream Blush, Becca Skin Perfector, Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow, MAC lip pencil and lipstick, and of course L'Oreal Volumous Mascara and Extra Intense Carbon eyeliner.

Beauty Series

2011-10-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

I worked with photographer Helen Olds a couple months ago on a beauty shoot series. Several models, several hair and makeup people. It was a long day, and there was a lot of changes, but things turned out well. Things I loved that saved my models from irritated skin were my Bioderma makeup remover, and Comodynes wipes. I was waiting for all the images to be done before I posted, so here they are.

Lil Mama Mami Magazine editorial

2011-09-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the Lil Mama editorial I worked on a few weeks ago. It was a fun shoot with her, photographer Viktorija Pashuta, and stylist Mr. Bradshaw. We shot in Viktorija's studio in Santa Ana. Lil Mama was a lot of fun and full of energy which made everything go smoothly and a fun day. Mr. Bradshaw pulled some awesome clothes and I loved the new look he was trying for Lil Mama. The theme was "Alter Ego" futuristic, so I wanted a editorial look that didn't take away from her identity.

Some products used were Chantecaille foundation, Kevin Aucoin Skin Enhancers, L'Oreal Extreme Black eyeliner, MAC Sculpt, NARS blush, Yaby eyeshadows, and some Rouge Bunny Rouge bronzer and eye gloss.

Sha

2011-08-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

These are the finished shots from my shoot with Helen Olds and model Sha. We shot this at Helen's studio downtown and they are some of my favs. Sha was amazing and her face is a makeup artist's dream. Krystle was on hair and she is awesome.

I went for a smokey eye with a red sparkly lip for the first look, and then switched it to a strong cat-eye winged out liner and warm nude-y lip. Some products used were: Black Opal stick foundation, Kevin Aucoin Skin Enhancer Foundation, MAC Sculpt Powder, and Cream Color Base, NARS blush, Victoria Secret lip gloss.

photographer: Helen Olds
makeup: me
hair: Krystle

The new Marilyn

2011-08-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today I worked with new photographer Harry, and we shot at the awesome studio One Take. He wanted to do a urban Marilyn Monroe shoot with our very own tatted up "Marilyn". He had Maureen Van Mortis as the model, and she was beyond amazing. Also hairstylist Krystle worked the fastest hairstyle I've ever seen! I can't wait to see the finished images, hopefully trying to get them published in a mag too.

Beauty shoot

2011-07-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Quick shots from my beauty shoot today. We had like 9 models, and several makeup and hair people. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Updates

2011-07-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in the last few weeks on here, I've either been working, or had nothing new to share. But I've got a couple new shoots to post soon, plus I just got back from comic-con and that was once again the craziest thing I experience every year. Working with EW is like being in the hornet's nest, surrounded by activity and hectic-ness!

But I did find a new product discovery that I am pleased with, the L'Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eye Pencil is new new fav find. Heard about it from another makeup artist and I bee-lined for the drug store to see for myself. And I put it to the test yesterday on set for a long 11hr day, it lasted well on my client. It's carbon black and I only needed one or two touch-ups. I plan to get a couple more in case it's limited edition.

Whitney

2011-07-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

I finally got back the photos I shot with photographer Angela Marklew, and I'm very pleased how they turned out. I was referred to Angela threw Cloutier and it was our first time working together. Model Whitney was from Pinkerton and she had a wonderful look. We shot in Venice.

I kept Whitney's look simple and clean, Angela was looking for a more commercial feel and since everything was outside with natural light, I didn't want a obvious made-up look.

Products I used: I used Becca Luminous Skin Color because her skin was near flawless and we wanted her freckles to show. I concealed where necessary with Cinema Secrets foundation, and Elias Fass concealer pen. I mixed a lip color from my OCC liptars using their Memento and Trick. I love this Lancome eyeshadow that's duo-tone because it's a blue-green color depending on skin undertones, but it's a satin-ty/shimmery texture. Once again I love Becca's lip & cheek cream for blush and my fav, L'Oreal Volumous in Carbon Black. And still obsessed with Jemma Kidd's Dewy Glow Cream.

New Editorial

2011-07-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

I got to work on a fun editorial a couple months back, with photographer Frederic Carpentier, whom I've worked with before on another shoot. He was going for a color blocking story, which was right up my ally. Seeing how I love to work with color, and obsessing with bold lips and strong eyes. The photos got picked up by both the The GOODS mag and PAF magazine. I was surprised when I made the cover of The GOODS Mag for a second time, but I live for those surprises.

Photographer: Frederic Carpentier
Stylist: John Galang
Makeup: Me
Hair: Paula Peralta

Desirs Mag

2011-06-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the published story for Desirs Magazine. We shot this a couple months ago and I was pleasently surprised when I heard it got picked up.

Photographer- Michael Yates
Stylist- Consuela and Melody
Makeup- Grace Phillips
Hair- Melody
Models: April @Photogenics
Meghan @No Ties Management

Editorial

2011-05-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

So tonight I did a pretty late in the day editorial shoot. Stylist Cheryl Gray had some fun pieces left from a celebrity shoot a few days ago and she wanted to shoot with them. She contacted me and photographers Sockivision. The shots looked to be pretty cool and are going for submissions. Stay tuned to see the finished photos.

The look was all about the smokey eye. I did several versions, but kept the same shape, the I changed the lips and added a flash of color to the center, for a later look I darkened it, I also amped up the eyes with some fun duotone gloss, and then did a darker full lip later, and finished it off with a little sparkle and red-tone lip.

Natasia

2011-05-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

I loved Natasia's face as soon as I saw I would be working on her. She was amazing, and a sweetheart on top of it. I again had a lot of choices and narrowing it down, but they all came out great. I already have another idea to shoot with Natasia in mind.

photography by John Hong
hair by Maria Kazadi

Marie was amazing on hair, she took Natasia from her natural texture to big curls to super straight, all within the nick of time. I ended up using on her Face Atelier foundation, Inglot eyeshadows, Illamasqua cream blush, for a bold orange eye a Yaby peal paint eyeshadow, Cinema Secrets for concealer, Jemma Kidd dewy glow, Becca Eye Tints, and MAC pencils.

Briann

2011-05-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here are the final images from my shoot with Briann. We ended up getting a LOT of shots, I couldn't be more happy about how they turned out. Especially the ones from the beach. More pictures are on my site.

photography by John Hong

I kept it simple and clean with Briann's look, just Face Atelier foundation, because John wanted her natural skin to show through, I used Becca Eye Tints, Lancome eyeshadows, MAC eyeshadows, Becca Lip & Cheek cream, Makeup Forever flash palette for lips, and my all time fav, MAC Lady Danger lipstick.

Editorial Shoot

2011-05-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

I got a email from photographer Frederic about coming on a shoot he was doing for submission for a editorial shoot about color-blocking. I wanted the makeup to compliment the story and not take over. But also wanted it to stand out as makeup tying into bold, solid, colors without getting lost. We shot 3 different looks, and I got to change the makeup as to fit to the style. Some of the looks consisted of a bold yellow cream blended on the eye, and graphic black liner, and soft pale washes of color spread onto the lid and extended up. Plus I couldn't do the looks without some bold lips for the added final touch. Can't wait to see if the images get chosen, and hopefully will have a nice story to show.

Here are some sneak peaks from the shoot:

Yaby

2011-05-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you makeup artist in the know, you've already heard about Yaby Cosmetics, and probably have them in your kit. I've known about them for a while and bought a few of their Pearl Paint eyeshadows for my kit. While I had been doing film I never really used the bright blue, fuchsia, orange, and other bright colors I had bought when they first had caught my eye. Since recently doing more print work, I had to go back and reevaluate what they were about. I also bought some more of the matte shadows a week or so ago, because I was really curious about how they were. And I must say, I was not disappointed whatsoever! They are beyond pigmented, and go on smoothly for being mattes. I picked up a few brown shades, navy blue, couple purples, a melon-peach, and a hot pink. Yes they are small, but around 3 dollars a piece is not that wallet-hurting.

Now on try some of the liquid foundations that have been catching my eye.

The brand is simple yet efficient, it works for us in the industry and doesn't get you with nice-packaging-but-crappy product. I just wish the website would be updated with actual color photos of the items, helps a little more with color selection.

http://www.yabycosmetics.com

Nastasia

2011-05-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Quick sneak peak at shoot with uber wonderful model Nastasia. She's one to keep an eye on. Just got off the runways for Calvin Klein and Dior. Might definitely be planning another shoot with her real soon.

OCC Cosmetics

2011-05-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of receiving some OCC products a couple months ago, and feel bad for just now getting around to talking about how amazing they are! I have been hearing about this company for several years, mainly starting with their airbrush foundation. But people have made this company a cult following because of their awesome Lip Tars. They are what I like to call liquid lipsticks, they're creamy like a gloss but have the pigment and texture of a lipstick. If the color range doesn't get you, their fun and catchy names are winners. I got a few to play with and use in my kit, can't wait to get more, plus I'm a mixer! I mix everything up to get my own custom colors. I also got a few of the Loose Color Concentrates and they are gorgeous. I love these especially for mixing new shades that can be used on the eye, or add a mixing medium to create a liquid version of the colors. They are the most pigmented products that I have used in a long time, and my kit will be happy because I don't have to keep buying duplicates. (Sorry OCC, they will last forever!)

I had the opportunity to work with the funny and talented Emma Caufield, and all I can say is Emma can be seen as a mime sometime during the filming, but I used on her NSFW lip tar and it looks amazeballs!

Can't wait to test out OCC's new tinted moisturizer when it comes out. Got a feeling it's gonna be another kit staple.

test shoot

2011-05-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I had been thinking about contacting photographer John Hong again to see if he had any shoots lined up, and low and behold he beat me to it. He called me a couple days before he was doing a test shoot for a model. When I got to his studio I found out she had canceled, but even better was the new model lined up. She was a mixture of Cali girl and editorial looks. Bri was awesome, really fun and energetic. We shot some stuff at the studio in Santa Monica then took a drive up to Malibu to get some more swimsuit shots.

I ended up using on Bri, Face Atelier foundation because John wanted her natural freckles to show through. And kept it really simple and fresh with Illamasqua cream blush, Becca lip & cheek cream, Becca eye tint, MAC lipstick, and Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow, plus some Becca Skin Perfector. And can't do without NARS bronzer multiple. I'm still loving the sparse and bushy brow look, so I used some brow gel and mustache wax to hold her brows in place.

shout out to Becca

2011-04-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

I recently was sent some product from Becca to use for shoots and such, they sent me their Skin Perfector in Opal, and Eye Tints in Baroque, Gilt, and Vicuna. I have since used them on a shoot and I give them two thumbs way up. The Eye Tints are perfect if you love eye bases that are color-packed but sheer texture. I had been searching for something like that, now I just need the other shades. They dry to a matte finish, with some having a soft sparkle throughout. Gilt is oogle-worthy! And what more can I say about the Skin Perfector, it's seriously a kit must have. It's that perfect blend of shimmer and sheerness that dries in place but doesn't fade out. It will probably last a lifetime since you only need so little, and the bottle is huge! I have used Opal, Gold, Topaz, and Rose Quartz and can't decide on just one. Topaz and Gold are ones that I will constantly have as wonderful highlighters for women of color. They add a nice sheen with the perfect warm tones.

I have loved Becca for years, from their powders, to the concealers, and the Luminous Skin Color which I use myself personally.

70s style shoot

2011-04-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to work with photographer Michael Yates on a test shoot. The theme was 70s glam and colorful. April Love, one of the models is my new obsession! I fell in love with her face, plus she's 6' tall to boot! Her look is so versatile, already have a future shoot planned out with her. Melody the stylist was also doing hair, which was wonderful because she rocked the big waves and curls. Everyone was on the same page about colors in the coral, magenta, red, and orange family. I've been dying to work with the new trend colors for spring and more bold lips.

On the models I ended up using Face Atelier foundation and Makeup Forever HD Foundation, MAC Cream Color Base in Virgin Isle, Becca Lip & Cheek Cream, Makeup Forever Flash Palette (for lips), MAC Lady Danger, Illamasqua cream blush "Deep" (used as eyeshadow), Illamasqua eyeshadow, Lancome eyeshadows, Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow, Smashbox Bronzer, and some NARS Multiple Bronzer.

Kabuki master class

2011-04-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

So being a MAC Pro member has benefits besides a cool discount. I get to sign up for masterclasses. And MAC had a masterclass with Kabuki. www.kabukimagic.com. If you are a makeup artist, and don't know who he is, find out quick. His work is recognizable on sooo many different things. Some categorize him as a fantasy makeup artist, but he is capable of so much more!

We got to listen to his story from the beginning, and I swear if one more of my favorite artist says they started in the drag/club/theater scene, I'm inventing a time machine and going back in time. It has definitely played a role in a lot of top artists. Kabuki is a very soft spoken gentleman, who sort of tells it like it is (which I love), and doesn't try to glamorize the industry. I love how he shows that it's still work and he still has to deal with the issues that artists deal with, and how at any level you still have people who try to tell you how to do your job. If you're in the industry, he is totally relatable.

He uses a myriad of products, most I recognized, some were UK based only and unavailable, which sucks of course, but what's awesome is unlike a lot of newer artist, he isn't product or brand-obsessed. He uses what works, what he needs at the time and what's handy. And as I saw, we both have a love for cream products as our first choices. Some of his most used items were the Kevin Aucoin Skin Enhancers, greasepaint, cream foundations (they were pallet-ed, Studio Fix powder or powder foundation, Bondo or Pros Aide cream (love for blocking brows), plus Flexible Sealer, Bioderma remover. He pretty much did the whole face with just creams/greasepaint, and powders, and black liner. Awesome!

NUX clothes

2011-03-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

So I got to work again with NUX clothing. I've worked with them a couple times already and it's nice to work with people you know. They are a exercise clothing company, and I usually shoot with them twice a year for their new collections. It was breeze and we seemed to zoom through this shoot since we had two excellent models who knew exactly what to do. Can't wait to see how everything looks and what they're going to do for the cover this season. Plus I really wanted to walk away with the most comfortable and sweet looking hoodie that they added for the new season.

The photographer giving a hand. (actually he was goofing around and showing the model how her hand looked funny in the picture, it seemed to come out from nowhere.)

I ended up using Makeup Forever HD foundation, because I wanted coverage but not a high shine skin. Plus MUFE Full Coverage Concealer, I forgot my blush palette and cream blushes at home so my MUFE Flash Palette came to the rescue for blush, I love Smashbox bronzer for contouring a little, plus I'm loving all over again is MAC Studio Finish Concealer and Dermablend concealer.

My new favorite product is HAIR related!! LOVE LOVE the non clamp curling irons!! They are so convenient and I'm so converted. I want more in different sizes now.

The G.O.O.D.S Mag

2011-03-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the March issue of the GOODS magazine with my editorial spread. It was a long day with a lot of stuff going on that day! We had so many changes and looks, but everything turned out well in the end. And here is the final product.

http://thegoodsmag.com/march-2011/

Photographer: Frederic Charpentier
The G.O.O.D.S. Magazine - March 2011: International Women's Month
Models: Zara Song, Khadijia Neumann, Stacey Leberge,
Aliessa Badresia, Andrea Villareal
MU: Dari A. So, Ruby Gracey, Grace Phillips using Becca, Illamasqua
Hair: Jenn Taniguchi, Bianca Lauren
Wardrobe Stylist: Nataly Lastorta

Editorial: International Women's Day

2011-02-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

Big shoot yesterday! A lot of girls, a lot of models, and a lot of LOOKS! But all the hard work was worth it, because we got great shots.

I got a random call from a friend (whom I hadn't been i contact with for over a year), so let me be the first to say you never know where your next gig comes from, or who is watching your back and paying attention to your work. Anyway this friend put me in contact with the Creative Director of a magazine looking to shoot their next month shoot. He tells me they are shooting a International Women's Day story and were having several models from different ethnicities. I would be working with a team of other makeup artist and stylist and hair stylist. I checked out several of their old issues, and I liked what I saw.

Working the shoot was a blast, I met the two other makeup artist who were sweet and fun, a pleasure working with them both. And the stylist had some fun and pretty clothes. I'm not really the girly type, I prefer my leather jacket, combat boots, and tank tops, but the funky/girly clothes had me. So we all had our work cut out for us, and knocked out several looks that day. I can't wait to see the full story when the issue comes out. Plus getting another tear in a magazine, but first real editorial story and name credit. Simple things that make me love this work.

I'm trying to remember everything I used on the models, but honestly it was a myriad of products, but I loved using my Becca Lip and Cheek Cremes in Petal and Tuberose, and Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, plus Illamasqua Liquid Metals, and Intense Lipgloss. I love love LOVE these products, they always get pulled out of my kit first. Multi-purpose products for just about anything.

Test shoot

2011-02-18T13:49:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to work with photographer John Hong again, this time we were shooting a new model straight from Brazil who needed new shots for her new agency. Moara was gorgeous, 5'11 and sweet. She's only been in LA for a week, but is off to a running start. And I finally got a pic of my station at John's studio, I've been dying to show our battlestation as makeup artists.

I loved her skin, flawless, so I pretty much used on her, Face Atelier foundation, Face Atelier Sheer, NARS blushes in Taj Mahal, Exhibit A, and La Femme blush. I used those colors on the eye and Makeup Forever pencil on her lips.

Editorial shoot

2011-02-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

I got to work again with photographer Jean-Claude, and we were going to be doing a editorial test shoot. I got to meet stylist Irene, who ironically went to my same highschool! Small world! We went to this really cool location (which is a hidden secret), and shot at one point on this outdoor theater stage. The bugs were alive and known, I'm such a city girl at times. I got a couple pics, and one of the cool bleachers. All in all it was a beautiful day, I can't wait to see final pics.

I also got to finally try out a couple products from Beaute Cosmetics. They sent me several of their products, and I was waiting for the perfect shoot. I am in love with their Lip & Gel Stains, and I used a couple on the model. Perfection!

Jean-Claude http://www.jeanclaudephoto.com
Kelli Kickham http://www.kellikickham.com
Irene Manjarrez http://irenemanjarrez.wordpress.com/

Editorial shoot

2011-02-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Don't you love when you get nice surprises, like Christmas early, or packages in the mail. I got a nice surprise when I got back my images from my editorial shoot, about two weeks early. The look was similar to the Lindsay Lohan Muse spread, it had a fun, sexy, theme to it. It was my first time working with photographer John Hong, and stylist Alyssa Chrencik. More pics are available on my website www.purplegrapesmakeup.com

Beauty shoot images

2011-02-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

So here are the images from my beauty shoot from a couple weeks ago. I think they turned out wonderful and couldn't be more happy with the finished product. I had a blast with photographer Jean-Claude and hairstylist Andres Copeland. Check out more images on my website www.purplegrapesmakeup.com

Editorial shoot

2011-01-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

So I got another one of those 11th hour calls about a last minute shoot taking place on Saturday. I would be working on three models, (two female, one male) for a sexy editorial shoot similar to the Muse spread. I arrive to find out that we lost one of the original models, and the other makeup artist canceled. No sweat, I knocked out both girls with a wet, messy, lived-in smokey eye, and next-to-nothing lips. We did messy and dirty, lived-in hair that was straight. It was my first time working with photographer John Hong and stylist Alyssa Chrencik. Both were total pros and were a blast to work with. Can't wait to see how the photos turn out.

John Hong- photographer
Alyssa Chrencik- stylist

I got one pic of one of the models behind-the-scenes

Some of the products I used:
MAC Feline kohl pencil
MAC Smolder pencil
Face Atelier foundation
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
NARS Bronzer Multiple
Beaute Weightless Lip Cream

Lookbook

2011-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

So several weeks ago I was asked to do makeup for a lookbook. It was a new and different concept because the company I was working for wanted a motion lookbook. So everything was in video and we filmed it. Hopefully it catches interested and more people might want to do this concept, I'm waiting to see how everything turned out, but until then, here are a few snapshots from the shoot.

Some of the products I used on the models:
Makeup Forever HD Foundation
Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow Radiance
Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel Bronzer
Illamasqua Intense lipgloss in Hermetic
Illamasqua Feline eyeshadow
MAC Smolder pencil
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline

Skincare

2011-01-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

I have to keep skincare in my kit. It's a necessity, but it's not like the skincare that you would use at home. I'm not a dermatologist so I wouldn't know face washes, toners, acne products, etc to use on every face I work on. But I do keep the basics that are perfect for taking off makeup, or removing waterproof products, or prepping the face for makeup. Starting with the handy dandy remover, my go-to quick-grab products would be my wipes. I love a few brands, Starting with Comodynes, I love these wipes. They come in several varieties, ranging from Senstitive/Dry Skin, to Oily/Combination, to Normal. So you have some that cater to your skin needs. I also love MAC's wipes, I always get the bulk pack, but they last my kit forever and their removing capabilities are phenomenal. They're on the wetter sides of wipes, so they leave the face more moist than others, and there is a slight scent to them as well.

A staple in my kit for pretty much any face sitting in my chair, from the name celebrity, to the average woman looking for something new, they all get prepped with my top-ranked moisturizer Embryolisse. It's soooo rich, and I use it to help the driest of dry skins. It absorbs into the skin, so you want to let it sit and massage into your skin for a few seconds to have it come into effect. Don't over do it, you can. It can be a little rich for oily skin, but setting with a nice translucent powder can fix it. Oh how the many men I use this on (since most men wouldn't know how to moisturize their face if you stapled it to their forehead) have their whole face transform and come alive. I also gotta mention that I definitely keep Kiehls, I always have this around for the simple reason it kick ass and always will. It's more creamier and I keep the bigger bottle also in my kit for the body. And finally for the rare face that these two products are emollient enough, I will use my Aquaphor in those very dry and flaky places. Usually around the winter time, when everyone gets even more dryer.

I use to keep MAC Pro Eye makeup remover always in my kit. It was what I love to use for spot removing. I'd put it on a q-tip and it was perfect for fixing small oops moments. It could be a little strong for the eye area, so after I found my now favorite remover, I might not go back. I got Bioderma Crealine H2O Face and Eye Cleanser. It comes in a couple formulas, for Sensitive Dry Skin and a Mild formula. After a shoot I had to remove a white eyeliner for a black one on the waterline. No problemo and the model didn't even flinch! I can't get enough of it yet.

So unless you're licensed, and can do full-on skincare, the few products I will always keep around are a good pack of wipes, nice moisturizer, and a effective eye makeup remover that won't irritate.

NARStastic

2011-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

So a couple days ago one of my neighbors dropped off my package at my door. It had been late for over a week and I was afraid it had been stolen. But nope, the postal person dropped it at the wrong house! Thanks to my neighbor's kindness I finally got my NARS package without further delay. I have been dying to try their Multiples Bronzers, so I got Malaysia and Rapa Nui, and samples of their Brightening Serum and Eye Makeup Remover. Both are cream bronzers with a satin/matte finish. Meaning there isn't any shine or shimmer to them. They are VERY creamy and blend out like a dream! I have the Soleil Tan De Chanel cream bronzer in my kit, which I still lover and use on the regular, but sometimes it can be to orangey for some skin tones. What I love about the NARS ones are they are more sheer and you get a shade variety, so no strange fake-tan look. It's definitely buildable and blendable. Both colors look darker in the tube, but go on the skin like a second layer. Don't be afraid of them. I only wish the darker shades were so "light", they just blend right into deeper skin tones and you don't get any of the bronzing effect. Check out NARS for color descriptions. My fave of the two is definitely Malaysia.

Beauty shoot!

2011-01-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

So it seems I was working what could possibly be the busiest day of the year, definitely of January. Sunday, Jan 16 had not only some important game to football peeps (if you speak that language), the Golden Globes, and a makeup workshop with popular artist Mario Dedivanovic. I wish I could have been involved with all above, but I was working on a beauty shoot getting new pics for my book. I worked with the first time with photographer Jean-Claude, and hairstylist Andres. I had a blast working with the both of them and the models. We got a few looks apiece, and I can't wait to see the final images. Until then, here are the low res pics I took with my craptastic camera phone.

I used more products than I have in a while, getting to play around a little more with color, texture, and dimension. My current loves that I had fun with were:

Becca Lip and Cheek Cream (I LOVE these!! I have several colors and they all are the first cheek products I grab)
Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow Radiance Cream (LOVE LOVE love how this picks up the best light, for the prettiest glow on the face) I would die if this was ever discontinued!
Face Atelier Ultra Foundation
Black Opal Foundation Sticks
Makeup Forever full cover concealer
Illamasqua Liquid Metals (I couldn't get enough of these, I used them in just about every look we did, I was giddy that they are so amazing, and I used my fingers to apply)

New Stuff!!

2010-10-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

So I ordered a few things from a couple of my fav makeup brands, NARS and Illamasqua. I have been dying to try a few more things from Illamasqua, and my wishlist from NARS is seriously never-ending. The first time I got my Illamasqua stuff, I was hooked, I still use everything in my kit regularly, but not without practice. So this could also be an update on my Illamasqua purchase. I have to say that while I love the eyeshadow "Fatal", proceed with caution. I can be hard to work with sometimes, and can be a little powdery. But most purple eyeshadows are some of the hardest to work with. I love the lipsticks so much, and the intense glosses are nice, make sure your model or yourself have exfoliated lips that are smooth though. Or else it looks gunky.

I finally wanted to get the liquid metals, and while Solstice is my fav because it's the creamiest and color payoff is excellent, the other two are also great. Enrapture is a bronzy color and is a bit more gritty or less creamy, but looks great for a bronzy smokey eye and on darker skin, and Superior is a limited color with the Art of Darkness collection. It's a pretty royal blue color that comes off a little more sheer than it looks. But still a good color payoff. I also got eyeshadow in Sadist, a navy blue matte eyeshadow that I tried out in Sephora and wanted to order it. Finally I saw intense lipgloss Hemetic based how it looked online, it looked like a dark plum purple color, but when I received it, turns out there was a bit of a shimmer finish to it. I still liked it, but wish it had been a solid non-shimmer color. I can't wait to really give these products a real test drive on my next gig.

Now onto my NARS purchase. I used to be somewhat skeptical of NARS eyeshadows, while I love their blushes in my kit, and got their Sheer Glow Foundation for myself, and several other things that I use on set, I never wanted to buy their eyeshadows because I would always just buy MAC first. It was more convenient and cheaper and a couple of the eyeshadows I bought, weren't my favorite. But I scouted some out in Sephora and tried several on myself for fun. I fell in love with a few of the eye duos. Eurydice is so fab, it's a dark violet/purple/blue duotone color and a dark greenish-black on the other side. Tzarine is a champagne golden color and greyish-blue, Egea is hard to describe, you really should try it in person, because its one side that is a silverish-olive green, and a light mauve-ish purple. And Habanera is a silverish light blue color with a reddish-brown plum color on the other side. While they all are shimmer/satin formulas, Habanera, Tzarine, Eurydice all have one of the shadows with smallish glitter particles. Now I tried all these on and they're immediately going in my kit, they look different on your skin, so I suggest to try for yourself, because you never know what turns out to be gorgeous.

Photo shoot

2010-10-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

So on Saturday (Oct 2) I worked on a photo shoot. I got a 11th hour call the night before and was told 8am call time. That's how it goes! But it was cool, I found out I was working on Courtenay Semel, who was looking to add some new photos to her repertoire. She's a cool chick, and we got some great shots. I worked with stylist FelipeG and bluesteelphotography. All talented and professionals. After a company move to downtown we finished shooting with Courtenay and I was surprised with a model who showed up, to model some more of the stylist's clothes. I was told I had free reign to do whatever, but I was racking my brain to figure some looks out. After I saw the clothes, I wanted to try a couple looks that I've been plotting in my brain, and I think they turned out well. After a almost 11hr day I was wrapped and glad to head to my bed. Can't wait to see final images.

Legendary

2010-09-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day.....

A couple days ago I was called for a gig for an actor being interviewed on camera. Unfortunately he got sick and had to reschedule, but I was told to keep Friday open for another interview. So what do I find out the night before the shoot, the name of the actor coming in for the interview. And I couldn't have been more surprised, turns out they had legendary actor LeVar Burton! As many of us had grown up on this man, myself included, I was giddy.

The interview couldn't have been more fun, and LeVar was a class act. A real sophisticated gentleman. It was hilarious to see everyone in the room become a little starstruck and turn into real fans.We all got pics with him! LOL

Here is the video with his commentary for Audible.com

Emmy time!

2010-08-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Has it really been a year already?! This time last year I was doing makeup for an up-and-coming actress named Sasha Jackson. She was a blast to work with, and soon you will be able to check her out as the lead in Blue Crush 2. Well this time around I got to work with my EW peeps and got to work again with the uber fun Michael Ausiello. He was hold up at the popular Four Seasons Hotel. The hotel was buzzing with activity as dozens of people were there for the Emmys. A girl could get spoiled working out of places like that, the staff were working their butts off, but really nice also. Right after I left I checked my Twitter and saw Mike had posted a pic of himself en route to the show, everyone seems really excited and having a blast. Only bummer is going back and fourth tonight between Emmys and True Blood.

Blast from the Past

2010-08-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

You ever have one of those funny moments where you see something you never realized was there all along. Like when you buy a car that doesn't seem super trendy or popular, but as soon as you get it, it seems to be everywhere on the road. Well that's how I felt about my new purchase of a classic.....LaFemme blushes. They've been around forever and seem to be in every makeup artist's kit, because they really are that good. Very pigmented, like VERY, and the color range seems to cover everything from a bright orange, to a dusty pink, to even a plum purple. Like everything in the beauty and fashion industries, colors and styles always go in a out of fashion, good thing about these blushes is that they have colors that seem to always work. I re-fell in love after seeing celebrity makeup artist Samuel Paul use a gorgeous blush on one of his clients and I had to have that color. And then all of a sudden these blushes are popping up on everyone's YouTube channel and blogs.

I feel backwards because I've known about them probably since I started doing makeup, but never bought them. And their SUPER CHEAP to boot! But now I've had the chance to get several of the colors and you can't go wrong. I picked up Terracotta, Framboesia, Fuchsia, Magenta, Golden Sunset, and Russet. They price usually around 3 dollars, and are available for individual purchase or palette.

In lust with Illamasqua

2010-08-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

So I just got in the mail today my package from Illamasqua and I am already in love. If you aren't familiar with this new British makeup brand, check out their website www.Illamasqua.com, and do a YouTube search, you will find dozens of people reviewing them and also doing tutorials. So I ordered everything a few days ago, and was surprised shipping from overseas was pretty quick. I ordered a few of their clearance items, and several things off the normal inventory. They have new swatches up so you can see "somewhat" how the products look again a real person's skin, although they use a pretty fair-skinned model. I based some of my purchases on that as well as their color descriptions. My only gripe right now is that a good amount of their products are not able to ship to the US. Hopefully that changes! SOON! You can also pick up a smaller range of their line at Sephora stores now.

So I did fall in love after I swatched everything on myself and saw how everything is packed with color, and still really soft and creamy at the same time. The eyeshadows are amazingly soft, they feel like they could be a cream, but they are a matte powder. And pigmentation is pretty intense. Lip products were a little sticky and thick, but thats what I wanted for more stronger colors, and the sheep glosses are nice and sheer and smooth. The pencils are very pigmented, barely rubbed them on and they already showed color, but I was a little disappointed by the size. They are a little small, and I feel like I'm going to end up losing the cap instantly.

But this line has definitely gotten my attention now, I plan to order several more things, they do cater to makeup artist out there, giving a nice discount, you just have to show proof of work experience and you don't have to pay for it (certain other brands need to keep that in mind). I'm a fan!

In the pics I ended up purchasing: powder blush "Storm", intense lipgloss "Embroil", sheer lipgloss "Mina", cream blush "Deep", med. pencil "Flinch", eyeshadow "Fatal", eyeshadow "Wolf", powder blush "Create", eyeshadow "Feline", intense lipgloss "Absorb", intense lipgloss "Temper", lipstick "Encounter", lipstick "Obey", med. pencil "Hex".

If you are interested in getting my description on the exact colors of these products, please let me know!

Sorry for neglecting

2010-08-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been neglecting this blog, I really wanted to keep it live and fresh more often. I have been busy working, so that's good, but also I haven't really had any interesting to post about makeup/beauty/etc. Although I did go down to San Diego Comic Con to work for EW and got to work on and meet lots of peeps from film and TV. So my next blog immediately following this one will be about my new Illamasqua purchase that came in the mail today! I'm in lust!

my new crush

2010-02-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

As most of us makeup artist know, what you carry your kit in is as important as what's in your kit. You want something durable, functional, spacious, lightweight, and of course cute. I have done the whole gambit of cases from the early hardcover traincases that we all seem to get when we first start our career, but usually turn out to be too heavy and are garbage. I moved on to my trusty suitcase that has been my go to case for several years now. It works well for being so basic. It's lightweight, durable, and although it's basically a giant open case all my makeup containers fit and stay put. But as of late I have really been wanting something more sophisticated. So that is where my love of the ZUCA comes in. I heard about it on a makeup message board and was instantly hooked. I'm not gonna bore you with all the teckie details, there is the website for that www.zuca.com where you can read all the specs about it's size, how it can hold up to 300lbs, and the cool wheels for going up stairs, etc. This case is on my list and I definitely will be doing a blog about it when I get it.

inspiration

2010-01-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

You ever have one of those days where either you meet someone who inspires you, or see a picture in a magazine, or a piece of artwork? I believe I just had an inspirational moment that will change my thought process on how I will improve my makeup skills. So I was troling my Youtube subscription vidoes (I'm addicted!) and saw a new post by youtuber Scandalous Beauty, about makeup aritst icon Sam Fine. I've known about him for years, hopefully he will venture west someday and do a masterclass out here in southern Cali. After checking out the links she posted showing his blog, with these amazing pics of his work, and vidoes, something just clicked. I can't explain it, but you know when you see inspiration in front of you and now have to step up your game, I felt that. It just made me want to go out and practice and play and work. It's not like I've never seen his work, this was different. This was me taking something for myself and now my inner wheels are spinning a mile-a-minute. I recommend getting his video, he has a good book, but not so much info in it, the video shows some great techniques. Has that happened to you? Ever have one of those moments?

nailed to the wall

2010-01-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a new fan of the nail craze. They've been pushed into the forefront with everyone from celebs to little old me falling back in love with them again. I personally love brights, matte dark colors, solid metal-looking varnishes, and a lot of the elaborate designs. My go-to brand is Orly, their at my local Sallys, and they usually have nice choices. As a freelancer for MAC Cosmetics I also got to try on colors that I might not normally use. I like the MAC nail polishes too. My holy grail color is MAC's Naughty Nautical. It came out a few years ago with the Naughty Nauticals collection. It was a dark royal blue with a soft sparkly pearl coat. Sadly I never got a backup, but have found that O.P.I has a similar color.

My new fav on site was a neon pink color I saw in several pictures, I searched and found a color from Essie called "Pink Parka" that matched perfectly. But noooooo, it was horrible. It ended up being streaky and I had to add a few layers to get the color even. After adding a Orly top coat "No Chip" it still ended up cracking in literally a day. After most my nails chipped I wanted to touch them up, but it gets worse. So not only did it not last on my nails, but I have never had a harder time removing a polish. That just is wrong. I also bought a color called "Tangerine", which is a bright coral orange color. I'm afraid to try it! The colors look beautiful in the bottle, hopefully Essie has worked out better for you all.

new to me...

2010-01-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

I just got my package in the mail from Sephora for two products I ordered, and everyone I know, especially females love when we get stuff in the mail. Based on a good recommendation review from Pixiwoo (who I find absolute inspirations) I decided to pick up two blushes from Urban Decay that I wanted for my kit. Score and Quickie, I checked out the reviews on Sephora.com and they were all mostly glowing. I tried both them on myself last night and I'm still undecided. But that could have been because I wasn't wearing any base. Score is the more peachy color, that suited my skin tone, but personally I am not always a fan of shimmery blush. I loved the color, the payoff is strong, so definitely be gentle, it's a gorgeous product, I will have a second opinion after I prep my face. Now Quickie is fab, it's probably the most blue-pink blush I have come across yet. Perfect for women with fairer skin tones and women who have yellow undertones and flushed cheeks that don't want a warm colored blush to look like mud. I loved that it's more matte and although I couldn't wear it everyday, it would give me a doll look if I wanted that.

So working behind a makeup counter can have it's ups and downs. I don't have enough time to go into the downs, but one of the perks is always having a variety of brands to play with. I was given a product to try from the Shiseido girl, it was their Ultimate Cleansing Oil for Face/Body. Being a combo skin girl, I am a little afraid of oil-based removers, but after trying this for a couple weeks, I am a fan. It works by pouring a small amount into your hand and then massaging it into your skin, you rinse and it suds up a little, then pat dry. I didn't have any bad reactions, and it left my skin with a nice moisturized feel afterward. My skin looked the best it had in months. It kicked my skin care routine back into gear. Don't be afraid of oil-based removers, it was gentle and was the best at removing my mascara at night so I didn't have a ring-around-the-eye the next morning. I found this oil on Amazon.com, for some reason it's not on the Shiseido site anymore.

The fans of Prescriptives know that they are slowly leaving all dept stores and will now be sold online only. I never really learned that much about the line, but loved that they did custom blend foundations, which I believe most women truly do need. A friend at their counter turned my onto the new All Skins Mineral Makeup. It's a liquid that dries to a more matte finish, but is so lightweight and not grossly thick. It isn't full coverage, but that's what concealer is for. I love this stuff, no joke. It worked on my skin, which is combo. Now I did get some for my kit, I used it on a male interviewer, I recommend it for normal to oily skin. Dry skin wasn't the most flattering, it dries matte, making it look more dry, even after moisturizer.

EW.com and Elton John

2010-01-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

So I got to work a kick-ass gig a little over a week ago. Entertainment Weekly.com pulled some strings and secured an Elton John interview. And for those of us born before the electronic era, and even before that know the feverish talent that is Elton John. Those of you that follow American Idol know that he recently turned down the opportunity to be the replacement judge for Simon. And I'm one of the many who would have loved to see Elton give his honest and direct opinion. After listening to him interview and speak his mind about the awards season and then heartfelt onto his AIDS charity, www.ejaf.com I would be one to tune back into AI.

Now although I didn't get to work on Elton, I had the pleasure of meeting his sweetheart artist (who wanted to know the wipes I had in my kit) (Comodynes, BTW!). To be in the same room with a music legend, is indescribable.

We shot at the legendary Sierra Towers on Sunset Strip, which still claim to have units owned by Elton.

The unit we shot in had beautiful artwork on the walls.

2009 Emmy Awards

2010-01-25T16:55:00.001-08:00

Ok I know it's 2010, but I got to work on a young woman for the 2009 Emmy Awards and I couldn't have been more jazzed. Her name is Sasha Jackson, she's an actress, check out her website http://wwww.sashajackson.com. Plus a funny-as-hell import from Britain.

Products I used:

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre "24 hour miracle cream"
Laura Geller Spackle Primer
Cinema Secrets foundation pallettes (a mixture of several colors)
MAC Face & Body N5 (to match her neck with her tan body)
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Becca Lip & Cheek Creme (as blush) in Blossom
Makeup Forever Suntan Bronzing Powder
Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow Radiance Creme in Rose Gold
MAC brow pencil in Lingering and then Clear brow gel
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
MAC kohl pencil in Smolder, and Powerpoint pencil in Engraved, plus Fluidline in Blacktrack
I don't remember what eyeshadows I used, the majority of mine are MAC though, and I used a Makeup Forever Aqua lip pencil in a neutral fleshy pink color and a drugstore gloss and lipstick
A drugstore mascara, and Ardelle lashes.

Welcome to the 21st Century

2010-01-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have started a blog, I'm still figuring this out. I want to also begin making demo, product reviews, and tutorial videos, not sure how long before that's going to happen though. Stick around, kiddies!!