New work - Regents University Fashion Parade

I was recently chosen to be the lead makeup artist for the Regents University fashion show. Seriously flattered to even be asked, I was thrilled to head up the team of graduates from The Session School.

It very quickly became apparent that his was unlike any 'student' fashion show I have ever been involved in! The first step was to meet with John Watford, the show's producer, and the design students from the university to work out the look. Working in collaboration with one of the hair stylists from Electric in Marylebone, for hair they decided on a dishevelled 'wet-look' style. 

Close up of the final look we settled upon at the trial

The makeup look we settled on was ultra-dewy skin, a softly contoured eye with a hint of shimmer and a nude lip. I achieved this by using MAC Strobe Cream under very light layers of foundation. On some models I only used concealer and just let their amazing skin shine through.

Demonstrating to the team of graduates from The Session School

On the day, I demonstrated the look to the team on the first model to arrive. The vibe backstage was quite relaxed and enjoyable - a massive change from some other shows I have worked on I must say. We got through all the models in good time and even managed to have fun while we worked. Everything was so professionally organised and the models were of such a high standard, it was truly a pleasure to be involved.

In full swing ....

The final look - with hair

You can even watch the full fashion show below should you wish to see more! There are even some lovely male models .....

I'm so pleased with how it all turned out - my team were amazing and an absolute pleasure to work with. A special thanks to Catherine from The Session School who gave a much needed helping hand on the day as well as taking some amazing pictures. 

Making it in Makeup at The Session School

Recently I attended a super-useful workshop at The Session School called Making it in Makeup. It is aimed at people just like me, who have done the makeup training and now need to launch their careers. This can be a really daunting thing, and even more so if you have moved countries and left behind all your old contacts like I have.

Firstly, the vibe of The Session School and everyone who trains there is just so relaxed and welcoming. I was rather looking forward to the day and to the chance of catching up with Dani Guinsberg (founder), Karena Callen and Amanda Bell. 

Some of my recent work after graduating from The Session School

Karena took the morning session where we covered all aspects of social media and how to get yourself set up professionally on all these platforms. We were given tips on how best to use Twitter, how to set up a Facebook business page and tips on writing blogs (which I hope you will agree I have been using successfully!). I feel fairly confident on the social media end of things, but one of the main benefits I got from the morning session was how to approach agencies, beauty companies and magazines for work. 

In the afternoon Amanda took us through the business end of things, including tax, national insurance, how to invoice and expenses. I really needed this. I barely have my head around the Australian tax system, so to be embarking on freelance work in the UK is tough. 

Some more recent work

Since the workshop I have been slowly adapting the things I learnt in the way I look for work. I am now keeping a close eye on my out-goings and feel like i'm starting 2014 off on a very organised and methodical footing. If you are a recently graduated MUA looking for some business nous then this workshop is just what you need. You can contact The Session School here.

Mineral Makeup - Bellápierre

I touched on Bellápierre the other day in my foundation wardrobe post (which you can read here) but wanted to go into a little more detail. 

I don't have a good track record with loose powdered mineral makeup. I first tried it a few years back while I was going through a bad skin period. I had a consultation at my local beautician's with a Bare Minerals rep and bought their foundation and kabuki brush. As I used it, it seemed to just highlight all the imperfections in my skin. I didn't enjoy the buffing technique or the results that I yielded and then one day the lid of the jar malfunctioned and I lost half the powder down the sink. I hadn't gone near it since then. 

I was introduced to Bellápierre by the lovely Amanda Bell at The Session School. I was sceptical given my last dealings with mineral makeup, but as the day progressed I was impressed. This was such a better quality of powder consisting of pure pigment (no talc or nasties) which can be applied in a variety of ways - the aforementioned buffing it into the skin, adding it to moisturiser to make your own liquid foundation, using it with a makeup base to create a concealer consistency and more.

Here is the look Amanda Bell created using Bellápierre at The Session School

I was lucky enough to work on a fashion parade recently which was sponsored by Bellápierre and we were given a range of their products to use on the day and to keep after the show. Impressed once again after using the products, I decided it was worth incorporating them into my personal makeup routine. I must admit, the thought of having loose pigments flying around my predominantly white bedroom scared me but so far so good. The container seems sturdier than the Bare Minerals one so i'm confident I will have better luck with Bellápierre. I do find the quickest and easiest method for me is to buff it on after using the Bellápierre primer. I do this by tapping a small amount of the powder into the lid, swirling my brush into it, tapping off the excess and then applying it to the face in a circular motion. This method for me doesn't give a full coverage, but it gives enough to keep things looking natural, which is the look i'm after when i'm just going about my daily routine.

The backstage Bellápierre supply ....

I really love the blush in 'Desert Rose' which I have been using on my cheeks and also sweeping across my eyelids. The shimmer stacks are also amazing as you get 9 colours and they can be mixed and used in such a number of ways. I also saw some shimmer stacks heavily reduced in TK Maxx the other day so it is worth keeping your eyes out. 

Featuring blush in desert rose and foundation in ivory ... and some of their mini travel brushes which are a delight!

You can buy Bellápierre online here in the UK and here in Australia.