Photo shoot - Practice

I did a practice photo shoot today in preparation for my final photo shoot, I used my blue themed face chart and my mood boards which I have already posted for inspiration. I then created a completely monochrome blue themed look, using my model Lalia. I decided to use studio lighting, which I set up before hand, using a standard lighting set up. I was shooting in RAW, on manual, shutter speed –  1 over 60, ISO- 100, an aperture of F8 and a white back drop.

I wanted a shoot with attitude and a rock chick vibe, the colour blue was chosen because it is cold and reminds me of the ocean which is ruthless but playful. I think I achieved what I have planned successfully, and am very proud of the results. But I plan to improve further on what I have created and shot today when it is time for my final shoot in two weeks. 

Lips and Eyes.

Lips and eye make-up

                     Equipment:  natural eye shadow pallet, highlighter, rounder eye shadow brush, angle brush, powder, concealer, lipstick pallet, mascara, clear gloss, eye brow gloss.

Eyes:

·         Prime and conceal around the eye.

·         Powder eye a lot

·         Place thick powder underneath the eye increase of any eye shadow splashing under the eye, it makes it a lot easier to just blow away rather than smudging  it across the face.

·         Highlight the indented areas of the eye, above and under the eyebrow and underneath the eye.

·         Use the rounder brush to work on the inner and up to the brow using a lighter brown shadow.

·         Then start working in a darker shadow, around the outer part of the eye, lifting softly.

·         Then use eye liner around the edge of the eye lid right up to lash line blending to create a less harsh look, and then repeat at the bottom lash line.

·         Put a small amount of brown brow pencil at the edge of the brow and comb through with brow gloss creating a natural look.

·         Then using a black eyeliner coat both sets of lashes but not heavily for a natural look.

·         Brush away powder for the finished eye look.

Lips:

·          First coat lips in carmex to give then a smooth base to work with, especially if they are slightly dry or chapped.

·         Then I used a light pink lipstick using the angle brush to apply it in smooth strokes.

·         Then apply a clear gloss to finish the look off.

Lecturer example 

finished look

eye shape chart

my model had "Small eyes"

Face charts

I have created these face charts using a colour wheel as inspiration,they show the different way you can use a colour wheel as a artist or a makeup artist. 

I may be using these when I create my final Elizabethan look. 

Katie Price and Kate Middleton.

When comparing Kate Middleton, the beautiful Duchess of Cambridge with the TV and tabloid star Katie Price there are alot of obvious differences. One is a member of the Royal family and the other a page three model. But both have many fans and what do fans want? To look and emulate their idles. So I am watching two make-up tutorials,one of Katie Price the other of Kate Middleton  and comment on  what impression their chosen make up gives. 

Our most recent practical lesson taught us about contouring. Contouring is a huge part in both these looks. One look is very harsh and strong, the other is soft and natural. 

Katie Price 2013

Kate Middleton 2013

I decided to compare these two characters because they actually have a few things in common surprisingly enough they are both in there thirties, Katie Price is thirty five and Kate Middleton is thirty one, they also both got married recently. Both there looks represent such different thing, where Katie price wants to give off a sexy,sultry and very dirty bad girl vibe, then on the opposite end of the scale is Kate Middleton  who wants to achieve a friendly, pretty, playful and sophisticated vibe. 

Poppy xxx

Blue Photo shoot Inspiration - Mood Boards.

During my digital image production classes i have been planning and creating a blue themed photo shoot. i have been looking into all the objects,nature and fashion inspired around the color blue and also into different poses from fashion photographs which will inspire me in my photo shoot.

blue inspiration 

pose inspiration

These are my images from my practice photo shoot: 

Red

The red of my lipstick on my mug,which was placed on my copy of 'The Dead Peots Society' that also has a very red orientated cover, it reminded me of the red lipstick which was so big in the Elizabethan times. 

Contouring and Blusher and Color Contouring

Contouring and Blusher.

Equipment:

Foundation    Skin prep equipment.

Blusher           Powder

Concealer

Technique:

Prepare skin. Base and conceal. Don't put powder on.

Use concealer, one shade lighter to highlight. And one shade darker to shade.

Lighter goes above the bone.

Darker goes below the bone.

Highlight along top of eye area and cheekbone, ears, jaw, beneath eyebrows , down nose and blend into the rest of the face.

Shade under the cheekbone, sides of forehead sides of nose, , neck and blend.

If you aren't using grease blusher powder now. If you are using grease blusher does blusher first the powder.

Get client to smile whilst applying blusher and make sure it’s blended nicely.

Color Contouring

In Lara's lesson we were taught how to do color contouring so it would a) make it easier for us to remember where to highlight and where to shade and b) to start experimenting more with extreme color make-up all over the face. Here is my face in stages when being made-up and also my final piece on my models face. 

No Make-up

Areas which you should highlight

Blue areas are to shade

Red areas are shaded, green highlighted

Teachers example

Base Make-up

MAKE-UP

Foundation 

.Base is the most important part of creating a make-up look

.Mix colours

.Place in outer aspects of face and let it disappear into the skin

.Assess skin type i.e dry/oily and make a foundation decision based on colour tone and skin type

.Grease based foundation is good for dry skin

.Tinted moisturiser is the best choice for male skin due to texture

.Apply with foundation brush

.Apply concealer after foundation for a smooth finish apply with a brush

.Pay particular attention to redness around features

.With pinky tones in skin use a beige based concealer

.With blue tones in skin use a pink based concealer

.With olive skin use a yellow based concealer

.Ensure concealer is one shade lighter than foundation

.Apply make-up to ears and under fringe

Remember

. Use grease based make-up with other grease based make-up

. Use water based make-up with other water based make-up

. Powder sets make-up to make it last and look perfect

. Satin primer gives a glow

. Matt primer gives matt finish to make-up

. For a natural make-up only apply primer to T-Zone

. Be very aware of the T-zone

http://www.balleralert.com/profiles/blogs/ballerific-beauty-before-and

The above are my base practice on my model Georgia. 

CLEANSE ,TONE AND MOISTURISE

There are 4 major steps in skin care

1. CLEANSING

2. TONING

3. MOISTURISING

4. EXFOLIATING

A CLEAN FACE = CLEAN MAKE-UP

.Always use sensitive skin care products

.Make sure skin is completely clear by cleansing thoroughly, especially around the eye's

.Toning freshens and tones the skin

.Moisturising this keeps the skin healthy and provides a good base for make-up

http://www.43things.com/things/view/1032888/cleanse-tone-and-moisturise-my-face-daily

Poppy xxx

Contemporary Elizabethan Make-up inspiration

In Order of Photo: http://lailahamidi.blogspot.co.uk/

http://framptonwiki541a.wikispaces.com/Group+Three

http://stocklandmartelblog.com/page/94/?em_x=22

http://www.weltec.ac.nz/make-up-artistry-work/p_album/renaissance%20-%20elizabethan/slides/Make%20up%20&%20Hair%20by%20Melanie%20Keay%20(on%20Holly).html

http://elizabethscrapbook.wordpress.com/

Health And Safety

Health and safety

·         When applying make- up to a model you must consider the health and safety aspects of being a make-up artists.
·         Firstly insure that all your brushes are completely clean from the last time you used them, and have no ruminants of make-up on them.
·         Always check your models skin before applying anything to check for dryness, oiliness or any skin condition which could affect the make-up or there health, asking them questions about their skin care etc.
·         Disposable brushes - Disposable tools come in various forms like foam eye shadow applicators, mascara wands in different shapes, lip brushes, lip gloss applicators, blusher brushes and eye liner brushes and are amazingly hygienic tool when using make-up especially mascara.
·         A few common skin diseases which can be caused by cross contamination:

·          Conjunctivitis: The inflammation of the conjunctiva – the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. The infection can cause a red and watery eye with sticky secretions. Most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infection, but can also be caused by an allergic reaction e.g. hay fever or cosmetics.

·         Impetigo: A highly-contagious bacterial infection of the skin, more commonly seen in school children and those who play contact sports. Causes dry, honey-coloured crusty spots with reddened patches. Is often found on the face, arms or legs. Caused by Staphylococcus aureus and sometimes byStreptococcus pyogenes.

·         Stye: Also known as a hordeolum. A stye is caused by the infection of a sebaceous gland at the base of the eyelash follicle, resulting in a painful red swelling that develops on the inside or outside of the eyelid. It is usually caused by staphylococci bacteria, though a blocked oil gland can also trigger a stye. Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) may increase the risk of styes.

·         Non-infectious skin diseases which could also create discomfort and would need you as a professional to take extra care when applying include dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne and alopecia.

·         Wash and dry your hands properly before you start a makeup, and again after you finish. Be seen to be washing your hands – it is good for clients to know you care about hygiene. Drying your hands is equally important – damp hands spread germs. Finish off with a quick dab of hand sanitise in front of the client.

·         Always ask a client if they have any allergies or known sensitivities before you start a makeup.

·         Do not blow on your brushes or makeup.

·         Avoid sharing makeup. For one-off clients where you are using your makeup kit, use a clean implement (e.g. spatula or brush) to remove a tiny amount of product. For long-term clients (like on a TV series), use individual containers per person.

·         Don’t double dip. Double dipping means going from a product to a face then back in the product.

·         Sharpen pencils after use. Once you’ve done a nice bit of liner, sharpen the pencil before putting the lid back on. This keeps the lid cleaner and also preps the pencil ready for use, so you don’t have to fiddle with sharpeners in the middle of a makeup.


·         Do not share towels. Use clean/freshly washed individual towels or disposable towels.

·         Don’t keep makeup beyond its shelf life.

·         These are just a few tips to follow when being a make-up artist to create a safe and healthy environment for you and your clients. 

Summer Project - Wallis Simpson

The whole image shows a scene of pure angelic elegance. Without the back story of the image you’d think it could be a fashion press shot, which conveys the famous lobster dress created by Salvador Dali and Elsa Schiaparelli. But as you look deeper into the history of the image, the model and the location, you become engrossed by the real story this image conveys.

The photograph was set up by Wallis Simpson as an attempt to convey a more innocent appearance toward the public. During the time she was considered a controlling woman, which I learnt after watching “Wallis and Edward”, a documentary made in 2005 showing the ins and outs of Wallis Simpson’s and King Edward VIII’s relationship. In the image everything is placed purposely to convey the angelic icon, that she wanted to show the public she was just a woman in love. She is holding the pussy willow, which could be a metaphor for the British wildlife and flowers, as she needed the public not to think of her as a “Tacky” American but as a “Classy” English woman.

The image contrasts the combination of the surroundings with her choice of dress. This dress was created by Elsa Schiaparelli, but the lobster motif was painted by Salvador Dali. He thought of this as an approach he called “Critical Paranoia”, symbolically he had thought that this lobster could have represented an aphrodisiac or a cannibalistic woman, like a “Man Eater”. So as Wallis attempts to depict this innocent angelic appearance, her dress, much to her blind eye, conveys a much more sexual message and as a result it slightly defeats the images purpose, as the lobster is much like a fig leaf reaching up to the precise part of her anatomy which caused the abdication crisis which came to head on the 11^th of December 1936. They then married in 1937, which is the same year that this photograph appeared in Vogue, who dedicated an eight page spread to the photographs.

During the time they would not have had retouching of photos available so instead of retouching photos afterwards, they set them up right down to the finest detail and this is an example of one of them. Her facial expression seems to express a slight sadness in these images, as if looking into the distance asking for empathy and an insight into her private life with the King, desperately hoping for acceptance from both the Royal family and the nation. During the beginnings of their affair Wallis was married to Ernest Simpson. When King George V passed away, this gave the throne to Edward, suddenly thrusting them both into the public eye even more than they already were, thus resulting in newspaper reports claiming an affair. At the time Wallis’s husband was also having an affair, which made the decline of her marriage and divorces an “easy” decision for both parties.

After reading into and learning about Wallis Simpson, I can understand why she would want to portray this pure appearance to the public. During the time she spent running away from the press she received bags of hate letters from the public; women hated her because of their jealously and men because of her “stealing the King”. It was seen as an outrage that Edward was to love someone who was not English or upper class, which to me seems unfair and cruel. In the film, it is asked “Can’t a man marry whoever he loves?” and the response is “He is not a man, he is the King “. I have lot of respect for Wallis and Edward after reading into this photograph. When the photo’s where published in Vogue, they were accompanied by this quote, “Since I can’t be pretty, I try to look sophisticated”. Vogue continued to celebrate her style into the Sixties.  So although the photo contradicts itself and did not mend public relations as intended, it is a beautiful portrayal of a woman’s love that was stronger than any money or power and of a fashion icon.

 http://twirlingclare.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/lobster-dress.html

Poppy xxx

Summer Project - If I Would I Could.

If I Could…I Would!

After extensive research into the list of make-up artists you have given me, I have found myself returning to a classic favourite of mine, Alex Box. Her combination of timeless yet contemporary hair and make-up designs are very much head of the game in the make-up industry. Shocking people with her stunning creations, using the skin as a blank canvas.  

The first look I have chosen is a combination of a futuristic yet glamorous and classic make-up and hair. This was created for vogue Italia; this look expresses what inspires me about Alex Box because she can create such a drastic eye catching design but it still looks beautiful in a unique way.

This look inspires me because it was created for an editorial fashion shoot for Italia Vogue, in the future I aspire to become an editorial make-up artist. If I could…I would give myself this look for a double date with Noel Fielding and Marylyn Monroe and venture back to the 1950’s to a rock n roll concert, this look expresses my personality because it is a combination of vintage/retro and high fashion both of these influence me in everyday life and style.

My second look which Alex Box created is a more 1950’s styled creation; it depicts an Alice in Wonderland style of make-up with hints of pin-up girls from the 1950’s through the look. The short fringe and jet black hair are both reflective of pin-up girls from around the era with a modern edge.  

This look also reflects my personality because of its vintagesque style. This was also created for an editorial fashion shoot which inspires me as a make-up artist. If I could…I would give myself this look to embark on a private woodland production of Alice in Wonderland accompanied by Tim Burton. 

http://thealexbox.com/

Poppy xx

Cleanse,Tone and Moisturise.

Cleanse, tone and moisturise.

•          There are three major steps in skin care, cleansing, toning and moisturising.
•           A Clean face = clean make-up as my lecturer told me.
•      Making sure the skin is completely clear of all make-up is harder than you would think especially        around the eyes, where getting cotton bud to the eye is very common.       
•           Toning refresh’s the skin to create a blank skin canvas with no impurities.
•       Moisturising keeps the skin healthy by giving it much needed moisture.In many peoples cases if they have oily skin with blemishes they avoid using a moisturiser, because they think it will make their skin worse, when in most circumstances  it helps clear there skin because it is a different kind of nourishment which the skin needs.

•          To broaden my knowledge as a make-up artist I have been researching 3 well known skin care brands, and what they say on their websites about cleanse, tone and moisturising.

• Clinique - three step induction kit - £20

"How does 3-Step create great skin?"

·         Because its 3 custom-fit steps give your skin exactly what it needs. Gentle, thorough cleansing. Exfoliation to sweep aside dulling flakes, pollution, build-ups of oil. Moisture to smooth, comfort, support skin's barrier against impurities. Each step prepares skin to get maximum results from the next, helping the others to work better. Result: skin that's clearer, healthier, vibrant." - http://www.clinique.co.uk/cms/product/franchise/3step_system_detail_tabs.tmpl
      Clinique are world wide famous brand, any one that uses there products will have heard of the three step routine, because it made them into a famous skin care brand. 

• Liz Earle – Cleanser, toner and moisturiser kit - £43

    Cleanse tone and moisturise, twice a day, every day for healthy-looking, beautiful skin. Remove all traces of make-up, dirt and oil with our Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, refresh and brighten with our alcohol-free Instant Boost Skin Tonic, then soften and smooth with your choice of moisturiser." - http://uk.lizearle.com/cleanse-tone-moisturise

• Simple – Cleanser, toner and moisturiser - £9.77

·           http://www.simple.co.uk/simplesense

•          After looking into these three different brands, they are a wide range of prices and quality, Simple being a high street brand, Clinique and Liz Earle they are slightly more highly recommended.

•          So as an experiment I have decided to test Liz Earle and Clinique against each other, I have got testers from each brand of cleanser, toner and moisturiser and will be using Liz Earle on one half of my face and Clinique on the other. I will start this experiment tonight and document my findings as to whether the extra money really is worth it when it comes to your skin!

Poppy x 

Art Gallery

we went to see this painting in the guildhall art gallery today, i chose this painting to write about as it was my fave one in the gallery, because of the odd mix of things within the painting, it has a children birthday card bunny combined with a Indian flower. i love it because it is so happy that is makes me feel slightly uncomfortable, and it gives it a slightly creepy feeling. 

Anna Cuspinian - Portrait Presentation.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lucas_Cranach_d._%C3%84._-_Portrait_of_Anna_Cuspinian_-_WGA05692.jpg

·   As we are studying the Elizabethans at university at the moment, we have been looking into Elizabethan portraits and the symbolism which is used in the paintings, to show their status and wealth.After trolling through portrait after portrait, this one in particular caught my eye it is of Anna Cuspinian and was painted in 1502 by Lucas Cranach the Elder.  It caught my eye because it is slightly different to the others I saw, using slightly different shades of colour and the deeper you look into the portrait the more you see.

•          I have cut and zoomed into different sections of the painting and discovered what those symbols would have meant back then.
• 
  
•        The Parrot - the chastity of the Virgin remained an amazing thing to married women for many centuries. The image of the parrot on the tree, the call of the bird was thought to be "Ave", the Angelic Salutation, since the middle Ages it had therefore been considered as, a sign of the innocence and purity associated with Mary.
• 
  
•        The Fire and the Women – The nine women washing, bathing and carrying water in the middle distance between this painting of Anna and the painting of her husband which stands alongside this portrait as they were create for their wedding, appear to be the nine Muses.
• 
  
•         The symbol for women is water, which is intended to be balanced out by the fire behind Anna Cuspinian. Perhaps this symbolises the different genders: according to my research, fire was male and all of these symbols seem appropriate for a wedding painting.
• 
  
•          The fire is eating the burning bush, which was used as a symbol for the Immaculate Conception during the late middle Ages because it "burned with fire" but "was not consumed", just as Mary had remained a virgin even though she was pregnant.
• 
  
•       The framing of the portraits by trees and the darkened sky is said to have been conducted by Cusinipian himself, who was inspired by the Pico della Mirandola's "Poetica Theologica", and Marsilio Ficmo's doctrine of divine mysteries.
•    
•       He concludes that the various images disguise used in the background disguise an example of the artist's secretive use of symbols, turning them into "occult" figures.

·         After researching all these symbols used within the painting it intrigues me more than it ever did when I first saw it, and I am still finding out things about Anna, there is barley anything actually about her I have discovered there is a lot about her husband, but she is a unknown character looking out from the blank expression of the painting.

Poppy x

Film Inspiration

Elizabeth, This is a film of Queen Elizabeth The Firsts Life made in 1998.it is a film of the early years of her reign and what it is like learning to become a monarch and the things it stops you from doing like being in love.
i found this film very inspiring toward my project as even though it is only early on i watched it as soon as i found out the project brief. It not only amazed me with the costumes, hair and make-up which is fantastic throughout the whole film but it made me able to relate to Elizabeth and the troubles she had with men, the country and the up's and downs of her young life.

Illamasqua Distinction In Make-up Artistry Awards 2013

So yesterday me and three of the girl friends took the long coach journey up to London from Southampton to the Illamasqua Make-up Awards at Bafta! It was such an amazing and inspirational experience. Watching three different categories from non-professional,student to the pro's create fabulous make-up on beautiful models, watching it all come together in front of your own eyes with only a hour to do so. They where then judged by a panel of esteemed judges, including my favorite make-up artist Alex Box. 

The day was a absolutely majestic experience, which also included free pastries (which is never bad in my books) free tea and i also got my make-up done by one of the illamasque artists. 
Will Defiantly be going again next year! 

Poppy xxx

Contemporary Elizabethan Make-up Inspiration.

Whilst i was at the illamasqua make-up awards yesterday i came across this inspirational contemporary take on an classic Elizabethan make-up and hair design, after talking to the make-up artist who created this about the look, she told me that she had done much research into the Elizabethans and wanted to create a dark twist on a classic. Watching this make-up be created on stage was such an inspirational and amazing experience. i would recommend The Illamasqua Distinction In Make-up Artistry Awards 2014" to any budding make-up artist or just someone who loves make-up!
Poppy xxx

Project Brief Introduction.

After reading through the project brief given to us for the on-going term about The Elizabethans, I have been very excited to start creating these looks, and practicing within the studio and in my flat. I have been experimenting a lot within this brief, looking into the surreal beauty habits of the Elizabethans and Queen Elizabeth herself.  So overall I am incredibly excited about this project and I am very happy to have begun research and practical’s.