Article: Concealers

My Article on Concealer Basics

For those of you wondering what these posts on articles are about, basically on Squidoo.com I can write articles on whatever I want. So I decided to start my articles on the basics of makeup. They will progress from there. I could write them on my blog, but my blog is more informal while my articles are more formal. :)

Industry Business Savvy Tip: Rolodex

It's probably been ages since you've seen one of these, but guess what, they are still around! It's the ever so handy Rolodex!

I really find this handy because even though we have phones, computers, and iPads, you never know when your technology will crash. Plus, with all of our technological gadgets, I hardly doubt you have the same information stored in all of them.

I have so little names and numbers stored in my iPad. I have all telephone numbers saved on my phone, but no emails. All the emails are stored in my computer. I have addresses stored in my GPS. So when a photographer texts me, asking me to email them something and to meet them at so and so, I have to look for their email on my computer, and then look up their address on my GPS! lol I have all my information scattered.

So my rolodex has saved my but, because I quickly look up their name, and I have ALL of their information in one place! And even if you are so amazing to have everything in your phone, you never know when that phone will stop working or be lost in limbo. And you don't want to miss out on an amazing opportunity when a client or photographer emails you to call them asap about a job and you don't have their number and have to email them asking for it and hoping they read it soon so you can call them!

Do yourself a favor and get a rolodex!
;)

Kim Greenes Makeup Tips from the Set: How to safely cover a picked pimple.

Kim Greenes Makeup Tips from the Set: How to safely cover a picked pimple.: "Recently I was asked about covering a pimple that had been picked or scratched. She was concerned that covering the pimple would cause an in..."

Review: NYX Face & Body Bronzers

NYX Face & Body Bronzers: (left to right) #1, #2, #3

When I was looking for bronzers for my kit, I wanted something affordable, but from a trustworthy brand. I love a lot of NYX's makeup, and when I saw how huge these bronzers were, I decided to go with these.

Pros:
Great price for the size you get!
Durable packaging
Medium pigmentation (for me this is a good thing because a streak of bronzer is not cute. These are very buildable and are natural looking.)

Cons:
For your personal makeup bag, it's probably too big to fit
Contains shimmer (unless you like that, BUT, once you get through the first layer of shimmer, it's almost as if it's matte. It then contains very little particles of shimmer)

As you can see from the photo, I have gone past the first shimmery layers of #1 and #3. The shimmer is VERY shimmering so you can use it as a highlight. You can even brush it away if you don't even want to use the shimmer and get straight to the bronzer.

I can't say I will repurchase these for my kit when I am through with them, but they are by no means a bad bronzer. They get the job done! =)

Sanitation: The Cleansers in my kit

We should always clean our brushes and makeup for sanitary reasons, but hey, let's not lie, we all slip and let our brushes go too far before finally cleaning them. I'm guilty with my personal brushes. 

But when it comes to my kit, I clean my makeup RIGHT after a shoot or after doing a client's makeup, and clean my brushes the same day, or after, depending on when I get home.

I use Beauty So Clean's Sanitizer Mist right after doing makeup. Might as well. Why wait till I get home. It takes a second to spray my makeup. 

It removes bacteria from your powdered makeup (eye shadows, blushes, etc), eye liners and lip liners. 

If I have to clean brushes DURING a shoot or wedding, I use MAC's brush cleanser. It's my favorite and I have found nothing to beat it. Not only does it clean amazingly well, but the most important thing is that it dries fast and doesn't keep your brushes wet. This is extremely important if I need to use a certain brush on the next bridesmaid in my chair. Now, I don't recommend using this to clean your brushes after every use. This is just for quick fixes. This product is alcohol based and can dry out the bristles on your brush. When I wash my brushes at home, I use anti bacterial soap. Shampoo is another great option. 

The last item in my "cleanser" section is not really a cleanser, but it's a great way of removing makeup which is a part of the cleansing process. It is Inglot's Waterproof Makeup Remover.

When I roam through makeup stores, it's no surprise I swatch every item on the back of my hand, so I constantly use whatever makeup remover the store has available to remove the makeup so I can then swatch more makeup on the back of my hand! lol

So while at Inglot, I was swatching all kinds of makeup, and when I used their makeup remover, it was the first time I stopped and thought, HOLY CRAP, this makeup remover is amazing! It took the makeup off in one swipe!

I bought it immediately. There is a down side though, it is very greasy, so I still use POND's makeup remover in my kit. But if I need to remove lipstick or waterproof makeup, Pond's won't do the trick, so out comes my Inglot makeup remover. I have used it on a shoot were I put red lips on a model and had to remove it to give her a nude, natural lip color! But with this stuff and a q-tip, no problem!!!

Sanitation is key. You do not want a client of yours to come back complaining of an eye infection from the makeup you used on her. 

What cleanser's do you like?

Why we love COCO ROCHA

The first time I heard about Coco Rocha was before my first ever photo shoot! The photographer said she wanted the makeup to resemble one of Coco's looks. As soon as I got home I immediately looked her up and found an amazing model. I have been following her ever since and what I love about her is that she is super fun and friendly (well, from what I can tell) and is active on her Facebook, Tumblr, and Vimeo Channel. Plus, the way she models is amazing. Here are two of her videos.

Elle UK - Fashion Issue from Coco Rocha on Vimeo.

FLARE - Award Winning Shoot from Coco Rocha on Vimeo.

Mini Haul/Makeup of the Day

Today I stopped by GBS Beauty and finally got the beauty blender! This has been on my list for a long time! I usually use non- latex triangle sponges, which I also got. They were only $3, might as well. I don't want to only rely on the beauty blender in case it gets lost. I also don't know if I can clean it after using it and quickly use it on the next person before it dries..... Do you guys know?








My makeup was actually inspied by Pixi2woo's YouTube Arabic tutorial which was posted today! I watched it in the morning and decided to go with that makeup look. Gold lid, black in the outer edge and crease, and red above the crease. It was gloomy & gray clouds here in Fort Lauderdale so the photos are a bit dark.
















After GBS Beauty we decided to go eat and we ran into a food fair which was really nice! Again, my husband the grizzly bear won't trim his beard till his basketball tournament, lord help me lol but my son loves rubbing it, it helps him sleep :)

-Makeup Artist Jessica Rivera

Behind the Scenes: Gretchen @ Elite

(July 26, 2011) I had a photo shoot with photographer Albert Manduca who is super fun and Gretchen @ Elite Models. Lesly was supposed to do hair but she got sick, we missed you Lesly! The agency really wanted some clean beauty shots, big surprise lol so of course I started of with the "no makeup makeup look". 

Because we had no hair stylist, Gretchen popped over to the hair salon across the street to get her hair slicked back. She was telling the hair stylist that she needed it done asap for a photo shoot. After her hair was done, the hair stylist asked her: You are going to get your makeup done after this right? 

Gretchen said she laughed inside and just told the lady YES. Little did she know that she had makeup on! =)

The second look was just a tad darker on the top lash line with purple and gray eye shadow, just to give her eyes a bit darker look, but barely noticeable. Albert already has one photo done, so here is one shot of the no makeup makeup look below.

I LOVE this shot, it looks so clean, pure, and beautiful. And I love that you can see the freckles on her nose. 

Albert was a pleasure to work with of course, I worked with him once before and he's so cool. And Gretchen was a sweetheart. We had a really engaging conversation and I wish her the best of luck in her life. 

PRODUCTS USED:

Eyes: Mac Paint Pot Painterly .17 Us Oz (Authentic)

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eye Lash Curler

Maybelline New York Great Lash Clear Mascara for Lash and Brow 110, 0.44 Fluid Ounce

MAC Chromagrphic Pencil Crayon Multi Use -- NC15/NW25 (Boxed, New) (water line)

Brows: Yaby eye shadow & Maybelline's Clear Mascara 

Face: EVE PEARL High Definition Dual Pressed Powder ~ TAN (foundation & concealer)

NYX LOOSE FACE POWDER MEDIUM BEIGE LFP12

Contour: NYX face & body bronzer #1 (hollows of cheeks, sides of forehead, underneath jawline)

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Blissful

Highlight: Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl Golden Pink (cheek bones, forehead, center of nose, cupids bow)

Lips: Motives Vitamin Lip Balm

NYX Slim Lip Liner Pencil 810 Natural

Dabbed light yaby eye shadow in center of lips

How To: Conduct a Bridal Trial

I am not here to give you a text book version of how to conduct a bridal trial, but there are certain things to remember, and certain things to stay away from.

Before you go in, make sure you know your prices. If you and the bride negotiated a cheaper price, make sure you know that price so that the bride doesn't think you are trying to cheat her.

Most likely you will be going to the brides house to conduct the trial so dress casual. Please do not show up in a shirt where your cleavage is hanging out for her soon to be husband to stare at if he's there for the trial!

If you need to make room for your makeup, ASK before you move the bride's personal belongings.

So far you might think these tips are common sense, but believe me, many makeup artists have forgotten these little tips of etiquette and it can cost you a client.

If you are using airbrush makeup, make sure you have a cloth wrap or towel to cover the brides clothing. She won't be happy when foundation has splattered on the clothes she plans on going out for the day in.

A little something extra is you can take a photo of the bride (before & after) and email it to her after the trial. This could be the clincher for hiring you because she can see what a difference makeup makes. When people have their makeup on for a while, they forget what the before looks like lol.

Be ready for all kinds of payment excuses. I have shown up for trials where the bride has no cash or check on her. Now luckily I have a credit card swiper from Square Up. If you are freelancing, definitely get one. They send it to you for FREE. They take 2 or 3% from what you charge, which is why I prefer cash, but if cash/check is not an option, at least you are still getting paid. Sometimes they will ask you to follow them to the nearest ATM. So just be prepared. Either come with change, or let them know before hand that you only accept cash if that's the case.

Biggest advice I can tell you is that you need to give the bride what she wants. You already know this right? Well, I have heard many makeup artists complain: She didn't like the eye shadow when it was perfectly fine! She's crazy!
Well guess what, this isn't like doing makeup on a model where they get no say, a bride gets every say she wants for her special day, so the best thing for you to do is to start off with light makeup (even if they ask for heavier) and if she wants it more dramatic, etc, then you can build up the makeup. I have had brides or bridesmaids tell me they want a bright pink or dark black, and hand pick the shadow themselves, and once they see the look, hate it and want something else. It's aggravating yes because now you have to take it ALL off. But if you start off light, you don't have to take it off, you can just build upon it!

Also,  make sure you write down all the products used on the bride in case she hires you for her big day. You don't want to scrounge through your kit trying to remember what you used on the day of the trial. But be aware that foundation color could change if they've had a tan or vice versa.

Have a bridal contract where it explains parking expenses need to be taken care of and that a 50% deposit needs to be paid in order to book the date. This is a win for you because if they cancel on you, which means you lose out on money that day, at least you got 50% beforehand.

Many brides I encounter do not wear makeup on a daily basis, so make sure you can explain to them what you are doing every step of the way in case they ask questions. Most of my brides tell me they want the makeup to look natural. The problem is that because they don't wear makeup, even natural makeup looks like they are wearing tons of makeup to them. So I try my best to explain that no matter what, you will look like you have makeup on because you do, but that the good thing is that you won't notice in photos. And photos are wear it counts because with no makeup on, you will look washed out in photos. This will usually reassure them.

Hope this was helpful! Any tips you guys want to add?

Artist Agencies here I come!

So I know my portfolio is not agency ready, but I do believe it's ready to be shown to the world! After my last editorial came out, (which is what I was waiting for) I was ready to make some phone calls. I want to share my work with them in the hopes of assisting one of their artists. I called four artist agencies here in Miami.

First was Timothy Priano. I started big, I know lol. Alix Priano answered and she was extremely nice and told me to email her my portfolio link, bio, and resume, and that she will be out of town for a week on vacation so she won't get my email until she gets back.

Second I called Artist Management. It went straight to voicemail which stated they are closed until August 3rd, opening again on August 4th. So I sent them an email since there was no option of leaving a voicemail.

Third I called Belle & Company. I called twice and it went to voice mail saying they were out of the office, so I left a message and wrote them an email.

Fourth I wrote Cielo Blue Pro. I didn't even call because I saw a pattern haha

.........did not go as planned lol only one agency answered and even then it was the fourth time of calling Timothy Priano that I got an answer! And the rest I was forced to communicate through email! Ah! I will have to follow up next week. I know that it is not season here in Miami but I didn't know that that meant no one would be around to answer the phones! Hahaha I hope I hear back from at least one of them! Wish me luck!


-Makeup Artist Jessica Rivera

Befriending other Makeup Artists

When I started getting more work in the industry, I was a bit confused with other makeup artists' actions.
I have had Makeup Artist/Bloggers delete my comments on their blog or Beautylish account, when my comments were complimenting their makeup, or saying how pretty they are.
I have had Makeup Artists in my area deny my friend request on Facebook because they think I am going to ask them for all their tips and tricks, which I would never do!
I have had Makeup Artists ignore me when they find out I have a child.

So many reasons why these Makeup Artists don't want to talk to me and none of them seem like good enough reasons. I guess I'm the complete opposite of them because I think it's a good thing to network and befriend other people in your field because although you may see it as competition, there is enough work for us all and you'd be surprised at how many makeup artists refer you when they are not available, or need a team of artists for big events. They won't be calling you if you ignored them now would they? Plus, another makeup artist is the only other person I can talk to about makeup for hours without them getting bored!

From the makeup artists that have befriended me, I have gotten many jobs when they were not available, and gotten to be part of jobs where more than one makeup artist was needed.

I love this quote and I think it is relevant to this topic. It is extremely import how you react to things. So if you choose to act judgmental and catty towards another makeup artist, well... don't be surprised when life doesn't give you as many opportunities. 

And because I am a professional and I don't delete people out of anger, I still get updates via Facebook or Twitter from the people who ignored or denied me and it's sad when I actually see them posting they are getting ZERO work! (I really have seen this, no lie) Maybe they should change their attitude. Send out positive energy into the world and positive things will come back to you.

Color Correctors: Article

Click here for my new article on Color Correctors

I love writing articles on Squidoo because you can share the articles on twitter and Facebook, right from the article! I hope you enjoy it! And here are some products I mention:

HD High-Definition Glamour Corrector Palette

MAKE UP FOR EVER 5 Camouflage Cream Palette - No. 1 N1

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microperfecting Primer 1 Green

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Color Correcting Anti-Redness Primer, 0.68-Fluid Ounce

WATCH YOUR BACK

IT'S ALL ABOUT EVE

"Ahh... ALL ABOUT EVE. It's a classic movie-and the epithet muttered when a junior coworker praises you, adores you, and then stabs you in the back. Some people don't play by the rules. Those colleagues usually develop hideous reputations and fade away. But some hang on tooth and nail and, with time, all is forgiven. As long as the stylist can produce or land a huge client, people usually won't care what the person has done to get there. There's not much that can be done about this. It's a reality. 

Rent All About Eve. It'll be the best education you'll ever get. And then recommit yourself to being an honest, trustworthy person." -Secrets of Stylists


I remember watching this movie years ago and loving it. It's scary because this happens a lot. But at the same time, you can't be rude and act above everyone and shut people out. The key is to spot these people a mile away. Watch how they do things. Are they sneaky about little things. Little things turn into big things. Are they working WITH you, or piggybacking off your success?

Just be smart and keep the eye at the back of your head wide open! lol And if this does happen to you, still keep your opinions and thoughts to yourself. You never know will spread the word that you are gossiping and might lose a job with a person who is friends with your arch nemesis! Be a great person and you will be rewarded. I really do believe that. In fact, yesterday when I was walking around South Beach, I saw this really cool book on how to get what you want out of life.















The book was called It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden. I really wanted to buy it but it will have to wait. But while flipping through it, I found a great chapter, and here is an excerpt:

DO NOT COVET YOUR IDEAS.

Give away everything you know, and more will come back to you.

You will remember from school other students preventing you from seeing their answers by placing their arms around their exercise book or exam paper.

It is the same at work, people are secretive with ideas. 'Don't tell them that, they'll take credit for it.'

The problems with hoarding is you end up living off your reserves. Eventually you'll become stale.

If you give away everything you have, you are left with nothing. This forces you to look, to be aware, to replenish.

Somehow the more you give away the more comes back to you.

Ideas are open knowledge. Don't claim ownership.

They're not your ideas anyway, they're someone else's. They are out there floating by on the ether.

You just have to put yourself in a frame of mind to pick them up.

Ugh, love it. This is definitely what I believe in. What about you? Do you think it's a good idea to share your ideas?

GUEST BLOG: I have 'Bacne' by Brianna

Beauty Confessional: I Have 'Bacne'

Hello everyone! My name is Brianna over from Brikasia Beauty Blog (brikasiabeauty.blogspot.com) & the Brikasia Youtube channel (youtube.com/brikasiabeauty), and the first guest blog from me will be all about bacne!

 ... A little too strong for my first guest blog, eh? But I feel as if the whole topic of bacne is almost taboo, and I know a lot of people have to deal with it, especially in the summertime. Well have no fear, I have no shame and am completely comfortable talking about my own struggles with bacne and how I have been able to overcome it. But before I start getting into the gritty details, I think a little backstory would be appropriate.

Ever since middle school, I have struggled with acne on my face. Fortunately, the acne was exclusively on my face, and no where else on my body, and for that I was completely thankful. This was around the same period of time that I discovered makeup and the art of it- and thus was able to cover up my blemishes and deceive the eye into thinking I have amazing skin. Isn't that lovely how that all works out? (ha) All of a sudden, this past March, my raging teenage hormones (I am eighteen years old) decided to start kicking in for kicks and giggles, and pimples just started popping up all over my upper back. Now, I live in Florida, and getting bacne is the LAST thing you ever want to get, because it is practically beach weather all year round. Especially when you live ten minutes from the beach. Now, this has seriously NEVER happened to me before, but I figured if I just left it alone, it would go away. Nope. It didn't go away. I waited until May until the pain from the acne was just getting to be too much for me. Yes, it was actually painful because this was like cystic acne. Gross, right? 

So I visited my dermatologist because I was sick and tired of these shenanigans with my back. My dermatologist recommended that I get the Murad Acne Body Wash and get a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream for my back and apply both twice a day. I did that twice a day for two weeks and saw significant improvement. After two weeks, I met with an esthetician at Ulta to get the MediBac Clearing Treatment, which I then got every two weeks. I can now tell you that now, at the end of July, I am practically bacne-free. Hurray!

If you are dealing with bacne, this is what I think you should try. Now keep in mind that you aren't going to see results immediately. To see major improvement, it is going to take  6-8 weeks. Invest in the Murad Acne Body wash, which is about $40, but totally worth it. Both my dermatologist and esthetician recommend it. It contains 1.0% salicylic acid in it along with triclosan and fine-grained date seed powder to exfoliate, deep clean pores and prevent future breakouts. I would put a small amount on a loofah and just gently scrub my upper back twice a day (morning and night). After this, I would apply a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream over my acne. You can use this cream up to three times a day. I used it about 1-2 times daily. I recommend Clean & Clear's Persa-Gel 10, which is about $6. Now I will warn you: let the cream dry completely before putting on clothes, because there is a chance that it will stain/bleach your clothes! That is basically the regimen I have been using the past two months, and it has worked wonders. In retrospect, I totally should have taken before and after pictures. But it really does work!

Then if you are willing to spend $65 every two weeks, go visit the esthetician at your local Ulta and get that Medibac treatment. I think that this is what really helped my back out. Basically what my esthetician did was put my back under hot steam for about 10 minutes to open up the pores, then extracted each individual pimple, then put a soothing seaweed infused mask on my back for about 15 minutes. Overall it is about a 40 minute treatment, and the results are completely worth it. 

So that is essentially how I have been able to cope with my bacne situation! If you have any questions about anything I have written here, feel free to contact me via my blog, youtube, or e-mail (brikasiabeauty@gmail.com)! Have a lovely and bacne-free day, and a special thanks to Jessica for giving me this opportunity! xo Brianna

Make Up For Ever HAUL

 (July 21, 2011) my sister and I had the day off. My sister started the overnight shift at Miami Children's Hospital and was dying to go out for a change. So to South Beach we went!

First we went to the MAC Pro on Lincoln Road (wasn't interested in buying MAC today). We ate and went to Ricky's NYC. I wanted to purchase the Dermacolor Concealer Palette but they ran out! They said they were not restocking them, so good bye to that idea!

We then drove over to Collins to check out Sephora were I finally bought some makeup! I've been meaning to get the corrector palette for darker skin tones, so I finally own it! Then I got three of their full coverage concealers because I didn't have anything in my kit that was full coverage. I only got three because I didn't find it necessary to buy all of them. With these three colors, I can mix the colors to get my desired shade! I got colors 6, 8, and 14. On occasions I have clients that are extremely pale, but I will use the Eve Pearl foundation as concealer in that case, since the color 6 isn't light enough for those clients.  I will be testing these products on Saturday. I'm doing makeup for a client/friend who looks soooo much like Jada Pinkett-Smith. Can't wait to test this stuff out!

I decided to test out the Make Up For Ever Full coverage concealer on my tattoo and with two coats it worked!

Here is my sister with my Son.

And me with my son!
Hope you had a great day!

Makeup of the Day! 07/22/11

Today my little family went to Jet Blue's Picnic in Snyder Park which is right by the airport. My husband and I both work for Jet Blue (that's how we met). It started raining right after we arrived! That's South Florida summers for ya!

I primed my eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion and used my ELF eye shadow palette. I lined my upper lid with my NYX eye liner pen (black) & went over it with a brown shadow. After curling my lashes I used Make Up For Ever's Smoky Lash Mascara on the top and bottom lashes. I put shadow underneath my bottom lashes as well.

I used the same elf shadow palette to fill in my brows. I primed my face with Cover FX mattifying primer/acne treatment. Then, I used Cover Girl's tinted moisturizer for my face and neck. I set it with MAC's mineralized skin finish powder. I used ELF's duo palette (Nars orgasm laguna dupe) to contour and for blush. I used my MAC studio sculpt concealer to hide 2 red pimples ;) and my Make Up For Ever HD concealer to cover the redness around my mouth. For the lips I used Revlon's twinkled pink with Cover Girl's watermelon splash lip gloss over it.

Hope you are having a great day!

-Makeup Artist Jessica Rivera