PLAYPLAY CREATIONS IN ELLE OCT 11

It's always a privilege and so exciting when Elle asks me to contribute to a feature! The latest one was about make up brushes....which ones to choose, how to use and care for your brushes.

My second tip got a bit lost in translation - I don't hang the brushes to dry, I lie them on a flat surface with the bristles hanging off the edge. The brushes dry quicker this way and more thoroughly.

I love the fact that Elle is asking actual make up artists for advice and I must admit, I am honoured to be in such good company. There are a couple of names in there that I would gladly give my left foot to assist!

Thanks Elle for the continued support and love!

MY WORK ~ HYPER COLOUR

Yes, it was a fun day. Yes, it got messy. Yes, it was totally worth it.

I stumbled across Andrew McGibbon's work on facebook and was instantly drawn to his colourful and carefully crafted style.  We met for coffee and a chat and it was great talking to some so passionate about his work. We brainstormed some ideas and planned the shoot for a week later.  Just like that. Anyone who complains about not having enough time for unpaid, creative shoots is copping-out. Make it happen. We did.

Chanel and Skye from Ice Models were our phenomenal models and it is always amazing working with them. Always! Skye went home green and Chanel went home blue - such good sports!

This is some of my favourite beauty work and I am so proud of it. I am also loving working with new people and growing my portfolio. There's lots more to come!

Photographer: Andrew McGibbon
Models: Skye & Chanel from Ice Models
Make up & hair: Candice Mac Nicol

[editor's note: I apologise for the annoying watermarks on the images but unfortunately I have had issues in the past with people using my images or claiming them as their own. Although it's not fool-proof, it is a deterrent. I will not watermark my advertising or commercial work, only my personal shoots/tests. Thanks for understanding.]

BEHIND THE SCENES ~ HYPER COLOUR

Such a great shoot. Andrew has an amazing eye for setting up a shot and he's as passionate about his work as I am...which shows in the images!

Final shots coming soon :)

NYFW Spring 2011 Makeup

More coming soon :)

Source: Talking Makeup

LINK LOVE ~ ATELIER VERSACE FALL 2011

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

BEHIND THE SCENES ~ CREATE HOPE

RODARTE SPRING 2012

I love me some Rodarte.

Here's their make up look from their Spring 2012...sigh. Because everyone's tired of a smoky eye...so let's update it!

              

Full lits of products and application here.

More 2012 make up looks and face charts coming soon :)

BEHIND THE SCENES ~ THE SPACE

MY WORK ~ THE SPACE SPRING 11

These are just some of my favourites but you can see the full catalogue here.

I loved the concept and the graphic colours. The flash and treatment took a lot of the colour off her face, so I used quite a lot of blush and shied away from too much contour because Kyla has such beautiful cheekbones already and I didn't want to over-emphasize them.

I used my OCC Airbrush system because of the strong flash and various close ups they were planning to do. Combined with Kyla's amazing skin, it creates a flawless finish with no bumps or streaks for the flash to pick up.

Due to the consistently strong lip (which I mixed and matched according to each outfit) we decided to keep the eyes natural and then build up to a soft, brown smokey eye. Too much of a good thing can be.....well, too much!

The original idea was for very bohemian hair, but we decided to go with a more loose and messy style once we'd started shooting. I had made tons of plaits and colourful extensions which I am super keen to use on more shoots....loving this hair experimentation!

It really was a fun day with a great team! I love working with people and clients that know exactly what they want and aren't afraid to push the boundaries a little.

Photographer: Sean Laurenz
Stylist: Kelly Chrystal [Modern Museum]
Makeup & Hair: Candice Mac Nicol
Model: Kyla [Ice Models]

NAILS

There are some incredible trends for nails happening and I'm loving this new outlet for my creativity.

Here's one example with a good tutorial...

See the full tutorial here

I'm going to give it a try myself, so watch the twitter for pics :)

METALLIC SMOKEY EYE [VIDEO]

Source: Lisa Eldridge Youtube

Q & A ~ TO FASCINATE OR NOT [from MEGAN]

"Hi Cands :)

Got a question, I want a fascinator veil for my wedding but not sure what type of make up I should do then as it is naturally quite attention seeking to the face, so bold or not? 

Megan"

Hey Megan,

I generally only have one rule with regards to wedding make up: Look like yourself....a more polished version, but it's always a bonus when the groom recognises the bride. Be true to your style and your personality!

There is a second part to this rule: Be timeless.  These memories (and the photos) are going to last forever, so make sure it's a lasting and true reflection of yourself.

My point with all this, is that I think fascinators are wonderful. Effortlessly chic yet still wedding appropriate. They also allow the bride the opportunity to show her personal style, especially if you're not a veil person like yours truly (nothing against them, I just can't see myself wearing one....even though they look so amazing on everyone else!)

The make up depends on the style of your fascinator, but the only thing I recommend is not going with a strong eye and lip. With the added attention of the fascinator, that's a lot going on!

As per your usual style of make up, either go with a strong lip (it doesn't necessarily have to be red, there are some beautiful pinks out there too) and a defined, lined eye OR go with a bold, contoured eye and a nude or light pink lip.

If you plan on taking your fascinator off later, you still want your make up to look amazing on it's own, so it is all about finding the balance between your make up and accessories.

I hoped this helped! Send me pics of your fascinator, I'd love to see it ;)

Thanks,

Cands xxx

[editor's note: I'll post one Q & A each week. If you have a question or need advice, please use this form and I'll be sure to answer as soon as possible!]

MAKE UP & HAIR ASSISTANTS NEEDED!

Image sources: Here, here and here.

SO HOT RIGHT NOW

Sources: Polyvore, here and here.