My 1st Photo Shoot!!!

Hello Divas,

I have been keeping busy lately between my  two careers.  Below are pictures from a photo shoot I have done recently.  I was asked by a local designer(Akosua F-Fashion Designer) who I meet while assisting for Fashion In Detroit to do makeup for a photo shoot.  So I jumped at the opportunity.  You can get a feel for people when you first meet them and know if you can have a working relationship with them.  Akosua is professional, down to earth and cool to work with.  She also has some fabulous designs.  She has a suit I need once I lose some more weight. The photos are untouched.

Akosua F-Fashion Designer
Models: Sierra Ariel, Sierra Marie
Brows & Lashes: Holliwood Lash
Makeup Artist: Belinda Campbell
Jewelry: Bridgette Odum
Photographer: Rob Will

(no photo editing or retouching)

I worked with a great team of people which is always a pleasure.  This was my first photo shoot and definitely not my last.

Review: MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

Pro Longwear Foundation

Pro Longwear Foundation is a lightweight liquid foundation that provides buildable medium coverage with a natural, long-wearing finish. this long-wearing formula provides the longest wear of any of our foundation formulas - up to 15 hours! once it is completely dried down on the skin, the colour remains the same for all 15 hours (TBC). the creamy formula feels comfortable on the skin and blends easily and evenly, with a generous amount of playtime. it conains specially treated micronized pigments that help give a smoother, flawless-looking finish on the skin and also contains ingredients to help control oil on the surface of the skin. it has an spf of 10 and pa++ protection that provides broad spectrum uv protection. it is transfer-, sweat- and humidity-resistant, derm- and ophth- tested, non acnegenic and for all skin types.

nc15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 42, 45, 50

nw20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50

I received this through a blog sale and I have to say I love this product.  I wanted to try it out and also use in my kit.  I tested the product on myself and also used it for my first photo shoot.  The model was a little lighter than me and it worked perfectly.  The color did not change on me or the model.  The shoot was for less than 10 hours so I can not verify if it lasted for 15 hours on the model and I usually wear foundation for 12 hours or less.  It did last for 12 hours on me with no color change.  It does not provide heavy coverage as stated by the description, but since I don't need heavy coverage it works great for me.  As far as my kit, this product works great.  Ninety percent of the models I have worked on don't need heavy coverage... maybe medium.  I actually prefer creams and then liquid foundations.  As far as MAC foundations... full coverage is still my favorite for myself and my kit. I also like to mix my foundations instead of purchasing the whole range of colors. Pro Longwear has a decent color range that I can work with. 

Compared to

      MUFE HD foundation -  A+ 

      MAC Full Coverage     -  A

      MAC Pro Longwear    -   B+( A- for being a light - med coverage with a great finish.)

Overall

Application:   A

Pigmentation: A-

Wear-length:  A+

Blendability: A-
Size: A
Price: B+
Ingredients list/info: A
Overall grade: A-      

IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 6: Day 2

Day 2 at IMATS was very educational and shorter.  As soon as I walked in the door I headed straight to hear and see KJ Bennett.  He was represented by Yaby Cosmetics this day and explained "you have to love doing doing makeup, you will make mistakes and you will learn and grow from them."  His whole kit he was using fit into a messenger bag.  He showed us six palettes that held his eye shadows, blush, bronzers, press powders and creme foundations.  He also stated it is best to use a self setting makeup remover in the eye area so that the makeup will not slide off.  He was using Embroylisse.  He also showed that using a flat top brush like MAC 212 brush... wiggling it along the lash line creates fuller looking lashes.  He also mainly added powder to the T-zone.  He created a gorgeous look for the holidays.

I stayed at the same stage to see what Stila's Dominick Briguglio had to show us.  His workshop started with models walking around the audience and one to the stage showing us the looks from the face charts that were placed in the seats with an eyeshadow.  He discussed the One Step products that Stila has come out with and applied them to another model while explaining the products to us.  One step correct only comes in 8 shades so it does not cover the darkest complexions(SMH).  The products look good on the model.  I just hope they come out with a wider color range of foundations for women of color.

I skipped out a little early to check out David Klasfeld of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.  He had a lot of great information also.  He advised 12-20 max psi for compressor and that you should not constantly run your compressor at the highest psi due to you can burn it out faster.  He also advised on holding off on the powder so you don't get powder build up on clients especially on camera.  He stated we need to learn to control the shine from within(during priming the skin).  Also when asked about doing detailed work with an airbrush... he stated fine detailed work is better by hand.

Roque Cozzette was the last presenter I saw of the day due to I had to get back to the USA early.  He talked about Cracking Couture: what you should and should not do in the fashion industry.  He advised assisting out MUAs, finding a photographer whose pics you like(makeup wise) and while backstage don't hand out business cards while assisting and don't over step boundaries.  If you are a great assistant you will get recognized and gain more jobs.  He also mentioned that while assisting under another MUA's name/company it is best not to use the images from the event on you website, etc... because they are the recognized artist of the event, etc.  Many times we want recognition and to rise quickly up the ladder, but some times you have to wait your turn.  Be patient and work hard because one day you can be the MUA with assistants. I learned that also from his presentation.  People see the work we do, but we have to go through the proper channels also.  :)  

I also saw the student showcase before I left.  The artist did some fabulous work.  As far as products, I mainly purchased brushes.  NYX is cheaper state side and so was NARS.  Being on the budget that I am on, I basically picked up what I needed... more brushes.  I am still deciding on an airbrush system also, but plan to get Temptu and/or OCC.  I still plan to get some Yaby shadows/palettes and more brushes.  I am already making a list for future shows.  I also wished I had the time to see Eve Pearl and Tom Savini.  Tom Savini is a wonderful actor, makeup artist and he founded the Tom Savini Special Effects Makeup program.  I loved him in From Dusk 'Til Dawn.  I hope I get a chance to see him and Eve Pearl at another show.  More pictures and videos to come on Youtube.  Overall a great 2 days of makeup that I must repeat yearly at least.  :)   

Review: Ebay 120 palette

Hey Divas,

I decided to try one of the 120 eyeshadow palettes for my kit.  I ordered one off of Ebay for .99 plus $14.89 shipping which totaled 15.88.  Not a bad price for 120 shadows and one of the lower prices on ebay when shipping was included.   The Seller:Member id fusenelectronic ( Feedback Score Of 21281) .  

 It breaks down to 13 cents per shadow. It was shipped on October 28, 2010 from Hong Kong and I received it on November 18, 2010.  I received it in great condition.  It was packaged very well.  It came in an envelope, with styrofoam casing and bubble wrap.  Each 60 eyeshadow tray was wrapped individually inside the main palette.  They made sure nothing would be broken during shipping.  I like the packaging.  It is just small and condensed enough to fit in my kit and also at most work stations.  If I want access to all the shadows I can just put one tray each side for access. 

Now on to the shadows...  As far as ingredients, there is nothing listed.  I did not receive a box but from my research online it MAY contain Talcum powder , Kaolin , Mica powder , Magnesium Stearate , Titanium White Powder , Colorant , and PearlLustre Pigment.  Other 120 palettes that are identical have these listed as ingredients but I still can not verify that they are the same.

I always try items on myself before adding to my kit.  I have allergies and try to make sure I cover all clients(sensitive skin to normal). The shadows do not irate my skin.  The shadows are smooth and creamy in texture but are not highly pigmented when used with UDPP.  They look more sheer.  I used NYX jumbo sticks and MAC Paint Pots on different occasions and the colors were more vibrant.  I also had to pack on more color than I do with my other shadows such as MAC, UD, NARS and  MUFE.  They also seem to wear ok and are a bit chalky.  I applied the shadows at 9 am and by 12 noon(1pm), I noticed creasing in the crease with the paint pot even though the colors are still vibrant.  At 5pm I noticed that the colors were almost off my eyes(not a good sign).  Overall I think it will be okay for my kit(use for a short shoot) due to the variety of colors and since I have the NYX Jumbo sticks and  MAC Paint Pots to compensate for the sheerness of the colors.  I don't plan to purchase another one.  Yaby cosmetics has shadows about the same size and have better pigmentation.  Yaby cost more but it is worth it due to less product/time is used to achieve a great look.  The 120 palette will never replace my MAC, NARS, MUFE, UD, etc. due to the fact they last longer and I have to use less product to get a better look on my clients.  When you have 15 minutes to make up a client or model this product may not work to achieve the best look. I feel it also is not the best if you do not have the option for a lot of touch ups.                


Grade (A-E)
Pigmentation:
           D(using UDPP)
           B(using NYX jumbo sticks & MAC paint pots)
Wear-length: D
Application: C
Blendability: B
Size: B
Price: B
Ingredients list/info: E
Overall quality: C-

New Looks coming.....

Hey Divas,

Since I am having trouble uploading my videos to Youtube, etc.. I will be posting some picture tutorials/looks on my blog.  I have done a few but connection issues are preventing me from posting... so until I get it fixed... I will post here.  I will also recreate some looks I did for some of the fashion shows I have done.   Stay tuned... 

XOXO
Tantalizing Eyez MUA

IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 5

Beauty Thesis and I

My main reason for going to IMATS Toronto was the workshops. While checking out some of the booths, I noticed I can get some things like NYX for cheaper in the US due to bogo sales, etc.  I still don't understand why as the US dollar has dropped compared to other countries like Canada, that the prices have not changed for those countries.  You would think that the prices would be comparable, but Canadians still have to pay more for MAC, NYX and some other brands.  I think that is unfair especially since MAC is a Canadian brand.  Reason I plan to wait until The Makeup Show Chicago and IMATS NYC to purchase some products that I really don't need right now but plan to get for my kit.  So off to more workshops....

 The next workshop I attended was Nadine Luke, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC Cosmetics.  She held a workshop on Fall/Winter runway trends.  We watched a short video of behind the scenes of some runway shows showing the trends and then she discussed the trends.  The four trends mentioned are:

Redd Velvet- Red lips of all colors...
Satin Eyes - liner, soft washes of color, brown smokey eyes, etc.
Voi Ve Veil - Gothy, Graphic, Art Forms...
Cashmink- skin 

She also stated tools make a difference.  Quality tools were mentioned at almost all workshops.  She also created the trends on a model.

 Next workshop I attended was Perfecting Each Brush Stroke with Koren of Enkore Makeup.  He is just as wonderful in person as he is on Youtube.  Pursebuzz was his model. Koren also stressed having quality tools and priming/moisturizing the client/model.  He gave out some excellent tips.  Checkout www.beautylish.com  for those tips.  Koren makeup tips.  Christina has some detailed information.

I actually meet her and ? at Koren's workshop.  It was great meeting her and ?.  They even gave me a Beautylish tee which I love.  

? and Christina T of beautylish.com

Beauty Thesis

I also finally meet in person one of my favorite bloggers and youtubers Beauty Thesis.  It was cool  meeting and hanging with her.  Her makeup was looking fabulous as usually. Before the day ended I also got a chance to meet Enkore.

Koren and I

IMATS Toronto 2010 Series Part 4

My 1st IMATS was great.  It took about 4 hours to get to Mississauga, ON Canada(suburb of Toronto).  I arrived Friday evening and checked into my hotel.  My mom and I decided to drive around and check the area out.  I decided to checkout the MAC Pro in the area.  The MAC Pro in Chicago is the closest one to me besides the one on Queen Street.  I finally got a chance to see The Bay store also.  It is very nice.  The whole mall was gorgeous.  I love the way it is designed.  I also love the food court being on the upper level.

MAC Pro store is very nice even thougt I didn't get a chance to see the area where the pro products are located.  I will have to do that next time.  I noticed that one of the MUAs in the store had on some fabulous looking makeup.  We were walking thru and I didn't a chance to find out what colors she had on.

The next day I work up early and arrived at the show around 8:30 am.  The parking lot had at least 30-40 cars on the side that  I entered.  Lines were already formed to pick up tickets.  As soon I walked in, I saw the fabulous Deepa Berar.  She has a great blog and Youtube channel.  She looks just as fab in person as she does in her videos and is so nice.  I entered into the show and headed straight for MUFE.  I had to see what deals they had.  The booth was already crowded and it wasn't even 9:00am yet, lol.  I didn't purchase anything from MUFE.  I have enough for now, but I should have bought the flash palette.  It was only $62 and I may never find it again unless on ebay way over priced.

I checked out all the other booths, and tested some products at Temptu while watching Dani Fonseca do a demo on a potential customer.  Dani looked like she had no foundation on(She had on Temptu of course) and her skin looked flawless.  MAC Pro was not selling any products, but they were signing up people for the Pro discount card on site and talking about the student kits.  You could actually go to the local Pro store and purchase products the same day with the discount!  The MUA I saw the previous day was there.  I headed over to Crown brush booth and purchased a few brushes for my kit before heading to hear my 1st speaker.  I didn't plan to see Kandee Johnson speak because she was having a Youtube Guru Q&A.  I was at the show mainly for skills and technique workshops.  I decided to get in the long line to hear her speak because I do like her channel and personality.  I am glad I did.

Kandee mentioned she condensed her kit down to her Zuca and normally carries 5 foundations and concealer to get rid of redness.  She was asked who was her favorite MUAs and of course Kevyn Aucoin, Scott Barnes, and Topolino was named.  She likes artist who think outside the box.  Makeup is an art form, fun and has no rules to her.  I agree with her view on makeup and her favorite MUAs.  She gave an inspiring speech and then had a meet and greet at Makeup Artist Magazine booth where she was giving away Cover FX, Dinar Airbrush and many other items.

I had to look up Topolino.

 "He is a self-taught, conceptual, make up artist who hailed from the late 80s.  He has produced influential, visionary work for Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. He’s inspired by everything, from trash to insects." 

I stayed at the main stage for the next speaker and one of the main reasons I came to IMATS, Kevin James Bennett, award winning makeup artist and author of the website www.inmykit.com.  I made sure I was upfront and center for his workshop.  How many opportunities would I have to hear and see an artist like him live and in person?  Not many... so free giveaways could not move me from my seat.

KJ Bennett as some call him is amazing, down to earth, and loves what he does.  He talked about using quality tools regardless of price(you can find great tools from low to high prices).  He also talked about durable makeup, creating makeup looks that last.  He stated even if the model/client states they have moisturized, etc., it is still best to start with a clean face so that the makeup will be durable/lasting.  He also talked about using the right makeup cleaner to clean up the eye area, etc. so that when applying concealer and foundation later they will not crease.  He used extra primer(Cover FX primer) to remove any fallout, etc.  Even though he his serious about his career in makeup, he stated makeup is fun and we should have fun doing makeup. He explained so much to us while creating a flawless look on the model.  

     
Before the Student Competition Award Show,  I headed over to Royal & Langnickel Brush Mfg. booth to purchase some the brushes he mentioned and were using.  The booth was busy and at first I could not find the brushes I was looking for.  Much to my surprise who walks over to assist me, while he is already assisting others... none other than the man himself, KJ Bennett.  I mention that I was in his workshop and that I was looking for some of the brushes he was using.  He finds all of them for me and even converses for a minute.  It was a great pleasure finally meeting him and being able to sit in not one but two of his workshops.  I hope I get a chance to sit in on a master class that he teaches for the Makeup Show or another IMATS.

Stay tuned for part 5... continuation of  Day 1 of IMATS.....