HAIR HOW TO ~ TWIST PONY

Another great hair tutorial from The Beauty Department...see full explanation here.

I LOVE MY JOB

Shot the most beautiful story with Kyla from Ice Models today.

Can't wait to show you.

ON TREND

It's nice to know we're staying on trend in our little neck of the woods. Here are two looks from New York fashion week...

Falguni and Shane Peacock

Prabal Gurung

Here is the look I created for Style Design College last year for their campaign shoot, which we used again for their year end fashion show.

[my old face chart showing the brow detail and little else!]

And here is the recent shoot I did with Anke;

Research and staying on tops of trends is so important in our industry....now at least I can justify the bandwidth I use ;)

MY WORK ~ MOURNING AIR

Last shoot of the year...not a bad way to send off 2011, right? It's the first creative shoot I've done with Jono and I hope it's the first of many!

The look on Kyla for this shoot was strong but needed to appear flawless and effortless...sometimes it's harder to edit and hold back on a look than creating something over the top.

She is quite tanned and we needed to tone her down a bit, so I used a lighter foundation and brought in the warmth through the contour. I contoured quite a lot and pulled all corners of the makeup up to emphasize Kyla's incredible jawline. The eye shadow was also pulled out and up and I used a fair amount of highlighter on the top of the cheekbones.

I sculpted the brows and filled them in so that they created a strong and defined framework for the face. I also gently contoured the sides of Kyla's nose to add more definition.

To finish the look, I used the MAC 205 mascara brush to apply a very thin layer of brown mascara to the top lashes. We didn't want it to look like Kyla was wearing mascara, just that she had definition...which this technique does beautifully.

Here's a little peek at the behind the scenes:

Photographer: Jono Nienaber from Pure Studios (Thanks for the BTS pics, Jono!)
Makeup & Hair: Candice Mac Nicol
Stylist: Adele Schmitz
Model: Kyla from Ice Models

SH*T FASHION GIRLS SAY DURING FASHION WEEK

CHIN UP BUTTERCUP

This industry is tough. We all know that. At some stage or other, each of us has experienced rejection, bitchiness, ignorance and loneliness. It is very personal as our work is a reflection of ourselves and our taste, so it's hard to separate business from personal. Judgement is often subjective as most clients and people outside of your particular discipline, don't have any technical understanding of skill or application. There is a difference between good and bad makeup/hair/photography etc. Not everyone can do it, otherwise everyone would be successful.

It is also an industry based on relationships...on set, people would rather work with someone that they know, or like or get along with....sometimes regardless of skill level. People grow up together and in a small, cliquey industry, they will end up working together. It's difficult to break into the industry as a newcomer and can be incredibly disheartening to have no one to talk to, discuss technique with or offer advice. If someone doesn't like you (for whatever reason they choose) they tend to influence people around them and it's hard to break out and work with new professionals.

Having said that I think these problems seem to intensify in a smaller, commercial market. From what I've seen online through blogs, twitter and facebook, international professionals are just that....professional. They work together, share skills and develop friendly relationships because they realize that a strong industry benefits everyone. Bad blood and hardships seems to permeate quickly through our industry...it's like karma osmosis...it brings everyone down.

I would like to create an environment of sharing, confidence and kindness. I often get emails from new creatives, trying hard to bust into the industry, filled with ideas and eagerness and I like to meet new people because enthusiasm is contagious and it makes me passionate about my work and our industry as a whole. Whenever asked about what products I used, or how I created a look, I'm happy to share...it's good for everyone. I'm confident in my skills (although I know I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go) and I know I am professional and reliable on set, so I don't get threatened when sharing info with people.

I don't believe that any client "belongs" to any particular creative. Sure, it sucks when you lose a client but  before you get depressed, ask yourself if there was anything you could've done to be more professional or offer a better service. If not, it probably comes down to the politics and personal relationships and unfortunately that is the nature of our industry. Don't take it personally, pick yourself up and get back out there. Work harder, smarter and hone your skill.

Our industry is all about business after all. You're never going to make it if you don't have the usual business skills, being a creative isn't an excuse and clients expect the full package:

1. Organizational skills (being on time, available to contact at any time, timely responses to emails etc,)
2. Admin skills (proper invoicing, being literate over email etc)
3. Marketing tools (business cards, website, social media etc.)

[editor's note: this is a particular bone of contention for me. How on earth, in an industry based solely on your portfolio, can you expect to get booked without a website? How can you network without business cards? It is not "uncool" to network...it isn't begging for work, it called being a business.]

4. Sales (networking skills, being able to manage yourself in meetings, knowing when and how is appropriate to approach clients etc)

So before you compare yourself to anyone else in the industry, make sure your business is set up correctly, that you have all the tools you need and that you not only have the creative skills to do a good job, but also the business skills to keep clients happy and coming back.

And if you ever feel like someone is gunning for you or if the industry is bringing you down, put your head down and work. Do a shoot that inspires you. Remind yourself why you love your job. Work with people who make you smile. Before you know it, the haters are a distant memory and you will have a portfolio you are proud of. No matter how long you've been in the industry, you can always learn something new, meet someone new and do better work. Your portfolio should be in a constant state of flux and improvement. If you don't feel the need to get better and learn more, if you don't feel challenged or inspired...give up your seat kiddo, you're on the wrong bus.

Moral of the story? We're in this together...let's make life easier for each other, not harder.

Oh and if you want to talk, need advice, would like to offer me some or have something to add.....drop me a line :)

BEHIND THE SCENES ~ RIP CURL SUMMER 12

Rip Curl is slowly taking over my beach-wear wardrobe...their product is looking hot and the brand is focussed on providing a quality product and amazing service.

I've worked with the team before and I was stoked to be asked to do the makeup & hair for their Summer 12 shoot.

We had 3 beautiful models, an incredible location and some sizzling hot sun! It really was the hottest day and I have a brilliant shorts-tan to prove it!

Due to the high humidity and excessive heat, I used the same long lasting makeup technique I used for Fox, but we kept the eye makeup natural and quite light....Rip Curl is all about emphasizing the models natural beauty.

I can't wait to see these images!

MY SKINCARE ROUTINE ~ LA MELLE

I've recently started a new beauty/skincare routine using La Melle products. I go for monthly facials with my amazing beautician and she recommended the Dermaheal range for me.

I started on the daily repair cream (which I used every second night too) and then added the ultra moisturising renewal cream a month later which I use at nights. The reason for the staggering start is that the product is jam-packed with "growth factors"...apparently some skin types might need time to get used to the strength of the product, but I had no adverse reactions and my skin has never looked better.

The gentle cleanser is a non-foaming face wash that leaves your skin feeling moisturised and soft. No tight, tingly sensation or dryness. It removes all my makeup and I'm thinking of adding it to my kit as part of my skin prep routine.

I've always had an aversion to sunscreens as they cause me to break out quickly and badly (I had a particularly bad experience with a Dermalogica sunscreen which I threw out after the first week!) but I have to use them as I'm working out in the blistering sun most days. I found one I loved from Nivea (DNAge Facial sun cream) a few years back which I haven't veered from but I promised to give the Lamelle one a try....I'm glad I did! It not only protects your skin from sunburn, it's also filled with growth factors so you're getting a two-for-one. It absorbs nicely and doesn't leave a greasy/shiny residue....and no breakouts!

The facials include a light peel which ranges from tingling to slight discomfort depending which product my beautician thinks is necessary for my skin (I've been 4 times and have used 2 different products are various strengths) and I have noticed that some pigmentation and light scarring has started to fade. After the first facial, I did experience some light dryness but it cleared after 2 days and there was no irritation.

I must admit, I started the facials due to a hormonal breakout (I was in the process of changing my pill) and although it hasn't stopped the breakout in it's tracks, my skin has healed quicker than usual and without the usual scarring.

Overall, my skin feels "rich", if that makes sense? It's super hydrated but not oily, my skin feels tighter but not dry or stretched...almost plumped up. In a good way.

It's not a drugstore brand but given what else is out there and the prices being charge, I believe it is affordable especially given the results I've seen. The packaging is amazing...the creams have a pump built into the lid so you don't contaminate the product by sticking your fingers in the jar and the air can't get in and oxidize the cream. It also means you get EVERY last little drop out! I know because I've just finished my day cream and after I'd taken the entire thing apart, it was dry....nothing left at the bottom or in the corners to waste.

Needless to say, I'm a happy chappy and unless my skin decides to undergo a massive change in the near future, this is where I'll stay. It taken me a long time to find something that works this well for my skin...every product works differently for everyone, it's just about finding what's good for you.

WE HAVE VIDEO NOW

I have succumbed to the pull of Youtube. I'll be uploading behind the scenes videos and random other things, but don't expect to see my mug offering tutorials or reviews. I'm a behind the camera type of gal!

So, if you're interested in meeting photographers, sneaking backstage or finding out which new beauty product models swear by, subscribe here.

SH*T PEOPLE SAY TO PHOTOGRAPHERS

I may not be a photographer but I have heard a lot of these on set!

MY WORK ~ EDITORIAL WITH ANKE

Here is the second part of our shoot with Anke. We decided to shoot something simple and clean which focussed on her personality and expressions.

Anke is extremely beautiful but we wanted to show her versatility too. Oh, and her ridiculous body!

Photographer: Vaughan Treyvellan
Makeup & Hair: Candice Mac Nicol
Model: Anke from Outlaws Models

MY WORK ~ BEAUTY WITH ANKE

Remember this behind the scenes with Anke?

Well, here are the finished images...love them!

Anke is always such a pleasure to work with and I am so glad to add her incredibly beautiful face to my portfolio.

Photographer: Vaughan Treyvellan
Makeup & Hair: Candice Mac Nicol
Model: Anke from Outlaws Models

MY WORK ~ LAST WEDDING OF 2011

First and foremost, these beautiful images are courtesy of Shanna Jones. Wedding photographer extraordinaire!

Andrea was one of the most amazing brides. Calm, passionate and creative....and stylish! Her bridesmaids looked incredible, but not quite as elegant as the lady herself.

Oh, and her shoes.....my goodness, her shoes!

SH*T PHOTOGRAPHERS SAY

This is doing the rounds. Rightfully so, it's funny ass!

MY WORK ~ SWIMWEAR WITH LAURA

Recently Vaughan and I were asked by Fiona from Fusion Models to shoot a quick, sexy and beautiful test with Laura. It was super easy working with such a professional...Laura is from Miami but splits her year between Cape Town and New York.

The makeup was very natural as we wanted all the focus to be on Laura's innate beauty and her amazing body!

There's more where this came from...Vaughan is still working on some images...so watch this space friends!

Photographer: Vaughan Treyvellan
Makeup & Hair: Candice Mac Nicol
Model: Laura from Fusion Models

BEHIND THE SCENES ~ VOLCOM 2012

This shoot was such a pleasure! You know when everything just comes together beautifully? I credit it all to the lovely Kayla from Models International...she's amazing! I have never connected so well with a model on set before! She's young but has a killer sense of humour, sophisticated maturity and modesty which is so refreshing.

BFF's FOREVER!! :)

Oh, and let me tell you...Volcom has some hot hot HOT product coming out soon....that royal blue bag is going to be mine!