How to: Hair...

One of my numerous New Year's resolutions is to increase my skill with hair.  So, in trying to get a early start (Doooo Gooder!), here are some interesting videos I found...

Rouching Curls



Summer Wave

GHD have disabled the embedding function *small tantrum*, so link to the video here.

Hopefully I'll be learning a lot more about hair, so if anyone has any tips, send them my way!

Merry Xmas...

Image: Weheartit

Too cute...

Image: Imgfave

MY WORK ~ LASHES BEAUTY SHOOT

Here's the recent beauty shoot I did with Vaughan.... I used my new OCC Airbrush system which is a game changer! I made all the lashes myself which was an odyssey but I wanted them to be the focus of the shoot, so I kept the hair simple and clean.

The models were Chanel (Ice), Ellen (Ice) and Coco (Models International)...and they were amazing! Incredibly professional and kind, they each added their own unique vibe and beauty to the shoot.

I was so busy all day that I didn't have time to take any behind the scene pics, but let me assure you, it was one of the best days ever and these images are testament to that!

Thank you to the amazing models who were patient and stunning. Thank you to Vaughan...without your skill, patience and vision...my life would be a boring grey compared to the vibrant kaleidoscope it is.

What a brilliant way to send off 2010...watch out 2011!!

Online Library: Styling...

After my post about my online makeup library, I figured, why not share even more? With that, here is my list of fashion/styling sites I peruse weekly:

Websites
(good for fashion and beauty)

Refinery 29
Dustjacket Attic
Fashion Gone Rogue
Fashionising
Popbee

Street Style
(a fantastic way to keep your finger on the pulse for fashion, beauty and hair)

The Satorialist
The Streethearts
Trendy Crew
Style Guide Cape Town
Cherry Blossom Girl
Pop ya collar
Fashion Toast
Jak and Jil
Lookbook.nu
Mr Newton
My Daily Style
Le Blog de Betty

Once again, feel free to add your faves to the comments!

Random thoughts...

Images: Imgfave

Makeup Monday...Perfect eye liner wings...

I know so many people who love this look and so few of them get it right. So, here is an easy video from the incredible Rae Morris (whose book I featured here) showing you exactly how to do the liquid eye liner wings...

Online library: Makeup...

It amazes me how much information is readily available out there, just waiting to be used! It also amazes me how many people don't realise this....I've often been asked where I learnt a little trick or how I found out about that new product and people are so surprised when I tell them.

It's all about sharing and improving the quality of our work and the industry, so here it is, my list of websites, blogs and Youtube channels that I check daily:

Youtube channels
(some of the specific looks might not be useful, but there are usually tips and tricks within the video)

Goss Makeup Artist
Rae Morris
MAC
Kandee Johnson
Makeup Geek
Michelle Phan

Blogs

Bella Mumma
Jessica Jean Meyers
Talking Makeup
Sebastine Peplar
In my kit
Spoiled Pretty

Reference & Inspiration

Hunter & Gatti
Fashion Gone Rogue

If you would like to add any sites you think are useful, please leave a comment with the details.

{editor's note: Huffy has a list of online stores too, however none of them deliver to SA. If you'd like this list published too, please leave a comment.}

DON'T PUT THE "ASS" IN ASSISTING

Recently, I worked on a job that required many assistants. I was only able to work dailies due to budget constraints and due to my own busy schedule, I unfortunately wasn't always available when they needed me. So began the cycle of trying to find other assistants for this particular job.

Now, anyone in the industry knows that when you recommend someone for a job, you are basically putting your name and stamp of approval behind them...so, when they let you down, it really sucks. Luckily, I was 3rd assistant for this job, so the onus of finding replacement assistants didn't really fall on my shoulders and thank the heavens for that! Of the approximately 6 additional assistants that were found for this job, 2 cancelled late in the evening, 1 walked around set with no shoes on and the rest varied from mildly uninterested to severely inexperienced.

This is just one unfortunate example of assistants letting the key MUA down. I know a few other key MUA's who have lost work or pissed off their clients due to their unruly, inexperienced assistants.  There is a great blog post regarding assisting in the makeup industry here (in fact, any aspiring MUA should read Jessica's entire blog!), but I'd like to add my own thoughts below:

1. There will always be someone you can learn from. Never consider yourself above assisting...it is the best and easiest way to learn new techniques and product tips.

2. As an assistant, you are an extension of the key's brand and work. You are there to make their work look good...whatever that entails...make yourself useful!

3. Do not use assisting as an opportunity to promote yourself or mingle...rather let your work speak for itself.

There are a lot of new MUA out there, trying to start up and make a name for themselves. There are also a lot of established MUA's who are more than willing to help you out, but please make sure you handle yourself professionally. There is nothing more annoying than a newbie whining about a lack of work but then being unreliable or unwilling to put in the hours and work.

Nothing is going to land in your lap without you working for it or making it happen...be aware that sometimes, you may have to work as an unpaid intern...sometimes you may have to fetch coffee...often your job will be cleaning brushes...take everything as a learning experience and grow from it...or, get comfortable where you are, because that's where you'll stay.

As Jessica says, if there are any established MUA reading this....I am always ready and willing to assist!

UPDATE: Here's another great blog post (from Joy of Makeup Junkie) about breaking into the makeup industry!

Justin Wu...nicely done, sir...

Justin Wu is a Parisian photographer with a difference...although his work is clean and styled, it was his photo journal and videos that snagged my attention.

This man seems to have a gift for looking past the obvious and he finds the small moments backstage or behind the scenes. He obviously has a relationship with models and clients that morphs into friendship, which allows him to capture the character of his subject.

He also seems apt in getting people to adopt certain characters...the mark of talent...Just like the recent New York Times Magazine "14 actors acting", Justin has realised that photography does not necessarily mean standing still...the evolution of art....ain't it grand?

Watch this space kids, Mr Wu is onto something.


Boys & Girls of New York Fashion Week SS2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo.


Justin's photo journal...his website...his video channel...

MINKPINK...

Forever New can suck it. Whenever I walk in there I feel like my gran is chasing me around trying to get me to wear a recycled Biggie Best curtain. There is such a thing as too much pastel and pink and ruffles. Hopefully they stay right on trend and modify their offering, otherwise a whole lot of aunties will be visiting their muted store.

My point...I seem to say that a lot...is this - PLEASE CHECK OUT MINKPINK! Recently added to Stuttafords, it is an eclectic selection of bohemian, classic and chic. Granted, Stuttafords stock such a small portion of their range it's laughable but there are some gems and it's worth a look. It ain't cheap but then neither is the YDE regurgitated crap or the aforementioned pink-hemorrhaging Forever New.

The website is a safe haven for people like me....whatever that may be....offering beautiful images and videos...the styling is EVERYTHING.

Suffice it to say...

Images: MINKPINK

Come here, let me coach you...

This year has been an incredible journey for me...learning, growing, discovery and becoming stronger and wiser for it all. I feel invincible and yet more caring at the same time.

I've had my fair share of nay-sayers and bitches-be-hating but I feel like I've passed them while still maintaining my integrity and work ethic. I look around and see the high school pettiness and I figure, later alligator!

Next year is going to be the year of excitement and exploration...watch this space if you'd like to see it all go down...hey, if you'd like to be a part of it, drop me a line!

Truer words never spoken, Mr Wilde.

Image: Imgfave

My work...Saltwater Girl Dec 2010

Here are some of the pics from my latest editorial in SWG magazine. Unfortunately the scanner messed up the colouring a bit but I'll hopefully get the pics from the photog soon and will do an update.

Shevonne was the model (from Models Int) and she was such a pleasure to work with...she's a bit young, so Bourne and I are waiting until she's a little older so we can do a test with her...I think she has huge potential!

I get a little nervous about being perceived as endorsing products in magazines shoots/spreads, so unless it expressly states that I've endorsed the product, don't take it as gospel.  I guess anything I promote via magazine will be posted on the blog too, so that's a pretty easy way to keep in the loop.

Just remember, I will never promote or endorse anything unless I completely believe in it and have tried and tested it. I buy all my own products and won't give a positive review for anything that doesn't deserve it. Brands cannot buy my testimonials with cash, free product or trade exchanges...my integrity does not have a price and is not for sale.

{editor's note: Huffy and Bourne refuse to work with models under the age of 16 years and they always ensure that the tests/shoots they do with models are age appropriate.}

Just 3 words...

Images: Polyvore

Attention Models!

It's always tough starting out in this industry and it's even harder to stay in it and remain relevant, so I understand the sheer desperation that sometimes seeps out of people's pores....however, it is important to be aware of the people around you and your impact on them.

One of the most influential people on a shoot, is the model. Now before you let this get to your lollipop head, remember that it takes a team of experienced professionals to get you camera-ready...and these professionals can make or break your career.

As a makeup artist, stylist and art director, I've worked on shoots with many different models and I've had the opportunity to sit back and watch....and I've developed an understanding for what works on a shoot and that which tears it apart. So here is a little list of my experiences and advice for models...

1. The professionals on set are not there for your convenience. Photographers, Art Directors, Makeup Artists and Stylists are carefully chosen for each shoot due to their experience and expertise. Chances are they've worked with bigger names than you and there is a huge possibility that you can learn and grow from working with them. Also remember that their opinion is usually respected by the clients, so they generally have some clout as to what the client thinks about the shoot and the models involved...and whether they'll be used again.

2. Listen. Always listen to what people say to you. If someone has to ask you to do something (or stop doing something) more than twice...you really shouldn't be there. If the photographer asks you to stop pouting, it's probably because it looks dumb. If the makeup artist/hair stylist tells you not to touch your hair, even if the wind is gusting, don't. If the stylist asks you not to lift your dress or pull on your sweater, it's usually because that distorts the product or makes you look short/baggy etc. These people are here to make the images look good...your looking good is secondary to that. I guarantee you that the photographer/makeup artist/stylist will not do anything to make the images look anything less than amazing. This is their reputation on the line. Trust them.

3. Learn. When the photographer or art director keeps asking you to move your body in a certain way or hold a certain pose, pay attention and realise that it's more than likely because that's how your body looks best (unless it's FHM and you're in the crawl-and-growl-crotch-shot position). This is especially true for lingerie and swimwear shoots. If you're not sure about anything or don't understand why they're asking this of you...ASK. There are so many factors that influence the quality of an image...lighting, makeup, styling, the crop of the image...so if you can learn and understand these aspects, trust me, you'll never stop working. There is nothing better than a professional model who understands her body, lighting and makeup.

4. Be prepared. Research your client and understand the difference between a Sports Illustrated swimwear shoot and a commercial swimwear shoot. Ask the client or photographer for reference, google past advertising for the brand, visit their website and find out whether it's a sexy/cute/young/sophisticated brand. If you know who the photographer is, visit their website and see which type of lighting they prefer. If you are doing a swimwear shoot in the middle of winter (which often happens due to schedules and product drops), use your brain and know that there is the very strong possibility that you are going to have to get in the water. If you get booked for a lingerie shoot, please please please don't rock up at the shoot and delay it by hours because you're just too shy. Once the shoot is done, be very aware that you might be "the face" of the brand or a brand ambassador, so behave accordingly.

5. The Basics. I find it almost embarrassing that I have to add this but I have actually worked on shoots where some models have forgotten the basics, so here they are:
* Please ensure that anything that needs to be waxed/shaved has been. Not the day before, as there may still be some skin irritation, but rather 3-5 days before the shoot.
* All of the following should be with you on every shoot you do: nude underwear (a thong, not boy shorts!), nude seamless t-shirt bra, nude strapless bra, chicken fillets.
* Nails should be clean and short - fingers and toes! If the client requests a specific colour then ensure you have it, but usually the makeup artist would be responsible for this.
* Don't spray tan unless the clients has specifically requested it and organised it.
* Once you have been booked for a job, please don't do anything drastic to your hair/face/body without letting the client know.
* If you have any birthmarks/scars/bruises that you are worried about, let the makeup artist know about it. Don't be shy, they have seen everything and it's better to advise them of any situation while they're doing your face than surprising everyone while shooting.

6. Don't be a diva. Sure the shoot might not happen without you...but it also wouldn't happen without any one of the other professionals on set. It might not be convenient but it just might be easier to replace a drama-queen model than put up with any rubbish.  This industry is nearly completely based on reputation and word of mouth, so be professional, kind and work hard. Super models aren't discovered, they're made.

A models job does not start and end when you arrive on set. Working, professional models know that there is so much more to the job so don't insult your peers and the industry by being an ill-prepared brat who needs an attitude adjustment...because one day you might end up on a set where someone is more than willing to help you out with that.

Image: Weheartit

Just 2 words...

Fantasy Wardrobe...

Images: Polyvore