Riven

Photographer: Robert Billings
Model: Destiney Davila
Makeup: Risa

Creation

It's been said time and time (and time) again by makeup artists everywhere that they love what they do because:
"they make people feel beautiful"
"enhance beauty"
"boost self esteem"
etc

Well, I stick my tongue out and offer a rasberry to that response. Don't get me wrong, working retail I definitely liked being able to "help" people. But that's not what I've ever loved about nor been drawn to regarding makeup. In fact, that's what I hate about makeup. It can and often does create a dependency for some. The number of people I've met who simply cannot and will not leave the house without makeup on is ridiculous. I'm embarrassed to admit I was a member of that club 7 years ago. I even did my makeup while I was doped up on morphine in the hospital. Talk about the BS we're taught to subscribe to. But that's a different topic for a different time...

Now, I don't really know jack about fashion. I can't tell you which shoes have red bottoms, though at least I know ones with red soles are special! And while I can strut in 6's with the best of them, I choose chucks 99% of the time. However, I've always been drawn to more shall I say "abstract" creative makeup. And it just so happened that generally that kind of makeup coincides with fashion and beauty.

I still feel very much like a toddler finding their legs, navigating through this new world where "success" seems to be based not only what you know, but talent, hard work, tears(heets) and who you know. (Realize that "what you know =/= talent" They are no where near the same thing.) And although I'm still new at all of this I can tell you that the way I view the fashion industry, is everything that I love about makeup.

Every single shoot I work on leaves me utterly exhausted and satisfied. It's almost better than sex. It's a merging mesh of creation coming from every angle you could imagine. And thus far, everyone's egos have been left at the door, allowing for unadulterated entanglement of everyone's creative energies. Which, in turn leaves a very sweet aftertaste on my tongue. Needless to say, I'm addicted.

See, regarding makeup in fashion, it's not about making anyone pretty or beautiful. It's building off and transforming the beauty that's already there. Notice I said nothing about enhancing, for transformation is what's key. Most fashion models seem to be interesting looking and have chameleon like capabilities.

The entire thing is a creative collaboration between photographer, model, makeup artist, stylist, hair stylist etc - all coming together to create an image that is nearly always "weird" in some way, but makes you feel something. At least that's how I see it. So to be a part of that, in any which way, is like a drug to me.

There's definitely something to be said for creation. Which is why artists of any kind thrive in a way that those who don't utilize their creative energy do not.

This blog entry has been sitting here for well over a week, waiting for me to hit "Publish post". I wanted to add so much more, but I'll leave it as is for now...

Demoness? Geisha? IDK... Halloween Makeup

Use it for whatever you like, it kinda works for both :P





Products Used:

Eyes
Primer Potion - Urban Decay
Red and Black Flash colors - Makeup Forever
Charismatic Glitter - Tony & Tina
Carbon Eyeshadow - MAC
Black Liquid Liner - Prestige
Flirt Faux Lashes - Sugar Cosmetics
Black Mascara


Face
HD Primer - Makeup Forever
Stila Perfecting Foundation Stick
NSFW Lip Tar - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
Carbon Eyeshadow - MAC

Lips
Red Lipliner
Tarred Lip Tar - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
NSFW Lap Tar - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
Charismatic Glitter - Tony & Tina

Greek Goddess

I'm SUPER late to the Halloween game...Good thing you only need a sheet, a $2 trip to the craft store and makeup for this look:


sans Flash


With flash

Products Used:

Eyes
Primer Potion - Urban Decay
Blend Eyeshadow - Senna Cosmetics
Gold Powder - Mehron
Gold glitter cream- NYX
Reflects Gold Glitter - MAC
Vanilla Pigment - MAC
#10 Aqua Eyes Liner - Makeup Forever
Black Liquid Liner - Prestige
Black V Faux Lashes - Shu Uemura


Face
HD Primer
HD Foundation - Makeup Forever
Ultra Pro FOundation - Face Atelier

Recent Work

I met Melody in Miami this summer at Swim week and instantly fell in love with her...look, movement, presence and attitude. 3 months later, she's finally in NY and we made an impromptu shoot happen. On the other hand, the talent behind the lens I've known for years. He makes me wanna explode with amazement at how he seems to truly capture a person's essence. Every. Single. Time.





Photographer: Robert Billings http://www.fracturedminds.net
Model: Melody K (One Model Management)
Makeup: Risa


Elly was so playful and full of life...Our whole morning was filled with laughter. MG's creative style and easy going nature is always a breath of fresh air.







Photographer: Mg Oania
Model: Elly T. (Direct)
Stylist: Griffin Direction
Makeup: Risa

Artist OCD

I often wonder if I'm too OCD with my work. I sat down to edit a tutorial and when I got to the blush/contour application part, I realized that I had placed the makeup COMPLETELY wrong and way too high. How had I not noticed? It's so overtly obvious...if I end up deciding not to care and post the video, you'll see. But in everything I do makeup wise, whether my own or anyone else's, I'm rarely happy with it. I nit pick and can see a million mistakes.

During Miami Swim, Lottie told me she had been looking at the images from the previous night. I hadn't realized they'd post that quickly so upon hearing this, I got on a laptop the moment I could to examine my work. Obsessive much? And while they don't look bad, I still see mistakes. The worst/best is shooting with my friends who are photographers. They don't make me wait long to see the photos. We often edit them together, deciding which poses we like, lighting etc. But it also means I get to see my work completely unedited. And there has yet to be a time where I haven't seen at least one thing that I wish I had done better, differently or cleaner.

And although I know my portion of the work isn't yet perfected, I can't help but to pick the photograph as a whole apart as well. There are definitely times where I'm 100% happy with the model, composition, lighting, styling and editing. Yet there's just as many times where my OCD bleeds over into territory that isn't mine to control. I see editing mistakes and cringe considering if I should even use the photo in any kind of portfolio. As I'm present for the entirety of a shoot, I know what was shot and often wonder why photographers choose the photos they do to edit and send. Even models have "bad angles".

However, that's when I check myself. Until my own work is perfected, I don't really have room to even pick apart anyone else's work. Are all artists (regardless of craft) this OCD about their work? I'm curious...

Sharing the Blog Love...

Last night, while dancing around Williamsburg, smashing a pumpkin and attempting parkour, I was shown photos of the hair at Alexander McQueen. I had no clue that Laurel even kept a blog and while I don't generally read too many blogs, I have to say I'm a fan of hers. She's also a Millner and has created pieces for the likes of Lady Gaga and Taylor Momsen. Chances are if you were a Gossip Girl fan during season 1 and 2, you've seen Laurel's creations on the show.

Anyhow, check out this photo from McQueen and click it to see/read Laurel's post:

This time babbyyyyyyyyy

I will be getting into Halloween tutorials this week. I've recorded several and I'm editing them. Before I jump into those, here's something I HAD to do when I saw it. And I'm shocked no one else has done it...or at least I couldn't find anyone who had through youtube's search engine. I LOVED the makeup in this video: click (embedding is disabled :/)




Anyhow, here's my take:



Products used:

Eyes
White & Green from MUFE Flash palette
Gesso Eyeshadow (MAC)
Velvet Moss Eyeshadow (MAC)
Lime Eyeshadow (MAC)
Fascinating Eye Khol (MAC)


Cheeks
Hoola Bronzer (Benefit)

Lips
Coral and Yellow from MUFE Flash Palette

Makeup Workshop

Most of you know I've never actually taken a makeup class aside from those required when you work for MAC. I'm not quite sure why though it could be because I'm skeptical of spending money on something that may not actually teach something I don't already know, or couldn't learn on my own. (DIY personality type here!) It could also be because with makeup as with everything else in life, there is always more than one way to accomplish something.

Often I feel inadequate when surrounded by other artists going gaga over *insert celeb's name here* cover shoot of *insert magazine name here*. I don't read fashion magazines unless they're laying around in a doctors office or a friends house and I'm bored. And for whatever reason I don't generally research other artists or look through their portfolios either.

That said, there is 1 and only 1 artist that I have followed from the beginning and continue to admire and support to this day. You've probably seen me mention her name, but if you haven't, she is Lottie Stannard (http://www.lotstar.com). We "met" years ago on Livejournal through one of the makeup communities. Her work blew me away. And unlike the egotistical catiness that can infiltrate makeup communities online, she was not only humble but genuinely supportive of other artists. Skills aside, it was that humility and friendliness which kept me, someone who rarely keeps in touch with anyone, in touch with her to some degree. It wasn't until years later that we sat down and she shared her story with me. It was only then that I became aware of the fact that when we "met" she had just been starting out in the makeup world. She worked her normal 9-5 job to make ends meet and busted her ass working overtime every single weekend to get her portfolio together. That, ladies and gentleman, is passion and dedication. She took a risk, and gave up what she knew and was comfortable with, to pursue something she was passionate about. In as little as 7 years, she has had countless covers and tears, multiple national ad campaigns, keyed quite a few shows and is part of Pat McGrath's team. Can you see why I admire and respect this woman?

If there was ever anyone I would take a class from, it's her. That said, I wanted to make you all aware of an event that's happening in November in DC. I'm not sure if I'll be in attendance just yet as it depends on finances but if you can be there, GO. I've been lucky enough to be on her team for NYFW and Miami Swim and I can promise you that you will not be disappointed by this class.

Click this link :) - http://elevateartists.com/index.php/lottiemakeupworkshop

Karat Couture - Editorial Makeup Tutorial

The tutorial is based off of this look I did on Nana:








Products Used:

HD Foundation - Makeup Forever
Gold Grease Paint - Kryolan
Gold Leaf
Currant Lip Liner - MAC
247 Black Waterproof Eye Khol - Urban Decay
Black Liquid Liner - Prestige
Faux Lashes (3 Pairs)
Black Mascara - Maybelline

Bronzeray Bronzing Stick - MAC
Deep Brown Paint Stick - MAC

Currant Lip Liner - MAC
Purple Prose Lipstick - Prescriptives
Gold Grease Paint - Kryolan

Rihanna Rockstar 101 Music Video Inspired Editorial Makeup

Products Used:
Baselight Paint (MAC)
Existential Paint (MAC)
Carbon Eyeshadow (MAC)
Reflects Transparent Teal Glitter (MAC)
Black Liquid Liner (Prestige)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Spice Blush (MAC)
Tarred Lip Tar (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics)

The Makeup Show NYC 2010 Vlog

Smoked Olive

Products

Eyes
Embryolisse Lait Creme-Concentre
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Velvet Moss Eyeshadow (MAC)
Femme Noir Eyeshadow (MAC)
Dress Khaki Liquidlast Liner (MAC)
Sumptuous Olive Eyeshadow (MAC)
Black Liquid Liner (Prestige)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Loreal Voluminous Black Mascara
Dark Taupe Brow Pencil (Senna Cosmetics)

Face
Embryolisse Lait Creme-Concentre
#110 and #130 HD Foundation (MUFE)
HD Powder (MUFE)
Bronzeray Bronzing Stick (MAC)

Lips
Violet lipliner
Hoochie Lip Tar (OCC)
Tarred Lip Tar (OCC)
Vapid Lip Tar (OCC)

The Makeup Show NYC 2010 (Sunday)

Photo story (for now).
Photos by Annette Polanco



MUA Katherine Hernandez and I making our way inside.


Painted clothes!




We LOVED his futuristic Boy George vibe.




Makeup Artist and founder of Senna Cosmetics, Eugenia Weston, showing Kat how to use the Mineral Mix Foundation.


Eugenia was SUPER sweet.






Body Painting @ MAC


MUFE Body Painting


Exhausted and ready to leave!

Christina Aguilera "Not Myself Tonight" Music Video Makeup Tutorial - Look #6

Products Used

Eyes:
Primer Potion(Urban Decay)
Yellow Flash Color(MUFE)
Chrome Yellow Eyeshadow (MAC)
Juiced Eyeshadow (MAC)
Primary Yellow Pigment (MAC)
Yeyo 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Crystal Avalanche Eyeshadow (MAC)
Gorgeous Gold Eyeshadow (MAC)
Filagree Eyeshadow (Senna Cosmetics)
Dark Taupe Eyebrow Pencil (Senna Cosmetics)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Black Liquid Liner (Prestige)
#119 Faux Lashes (http://www.eeyelash.com)
Black Mascara (maybelline)

Face:
#110 HD Foundation (MUFE)
HD Concealer (MUFE)
Taupe Blush (MAC)
Dame Blush (MAC)
Shell Pearl Beauty Powder (MAC)

Lips:
Walnut lipliner (MAC)
NSFW Lip Tar (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics)

Christina Aguilera "Not Myself Tonight" Music Video Makeup Tutorial - Look #6

Products Used

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion
Taupe Blush (MAC)
Naked Lunch Eyeshadow(MAC)
Vanilla Eyeshadow (MAC)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Black Liquid Liner (prestige)
101 B Black faux lashes (http://www.eeyelash.com)

Face:
04 Bare Skinlights (Revlon)
#110 HD Foundation (MUFE)
HD Concealer (MUFE)
Taupe Blush (MAC)
Light Hyper Real Pressed Powder (MAC)

Lips:
Nightmoth Lipliner (MAC)
Tarred Lip Tar (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics)
NSFW Lip Tar (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics)
Moistly Lip Gelee (MAC)

Christina Aguilera "Not Myself Tonight" Music Video Makeup Tutorial - Look #1

Products Used:

Eyes

Bare Canvas Paint (MAC)
Greystone eyeshadow (MAC)
Carbon Eyeshadow (MAC)
Naked Lunch Eyeshadow (MAC)
Crystal Avalanche (MAC)
Vanilla Eyeshadow (MAC)
#7 Faux lashes (MAC)
Lower Faux lashes (MAC)
Cut up pieces of Halloween lashes
Dark Taupe Brow Pencil (Senna Cosmetics)
Black Liquid Liner (Prestige)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
#23L Aqualiner (MUFE)


Face
#110 HD Foundation (MUFE)
-0 Ultra Pro Foundation (Face Atilier)
Taupe Blush (MAC)

Lips
Garnet Lipliner (MAC)
Rococco Lipstick (MAC)
Clear Lipgloss (MAC)

(Greenish )Turquoise & (Reddish) Violet - Detailed and Dramatic

Products Used:

Eyes
Love Lavender (Sappho Cosmetics)
Eyeshadow #146 (Yaby)
Eyeshadow #631 (Yaby)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Beautiful Iris (MAC)
Nocturnelle (MAC)
Shadowy Lady (MAC)
Pink Opal Pigment (MAC)
Emerald Dragon(Yaby)
Reflect Transparent Teal Glitter (MAC)
#23L Aqualiner (MUFE)
Pop Iris Liquidlast Liner (MAC)
Black Liquid Liner (Prestige)
Luxe Black Faux Lashes (Shu Uemura)
Black Mascara (Maybelline)

Face
Select Moisture Cover (MAC)
HD Concealer (MUFE)
Saint Germain Lipstick

Lips
Purple Rain lipliner (NYX)
Saint Germain lipstick (MAC)
Like Venus Dazzleglass (MAC)

Turquoise & Violet - 3 ways

Products Used:

#1
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Electric 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Zero 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Dark Taupe Brow Pencil (Senna Cosmetics)
Black Mascara
Beigelite Accentuating Cream (Senna Cosmetics)
Violetta Lipstick (MAC)
Purple Rain Lipliner (NYX)

#2
(all products for #1 plus...)
(more) Electric 247 Liner (Urban Decay)
Shimmermoss eyeshadow (MAC)
23L Aqualine (MUFE)

#3
(all products for #1 & #2 plus...)
Blue Peep Fluidline (MAC)
Aquadisiac eyeshadow (MAC)
Shag eyeshadow (MAC)
#029 Blush (Yaby)
Brill eyeshadow (MAC)
Pink Opal Pigment (MAC)
Aqualine Liquidlast Liner (MAC)
Black Liquid Liner (Prestige)
Vino Lipliner (MAC)
Saint Germain Lipstick (MAC)
Opal Lustreglass (MAC)

Vibrant Violet

Products Used:

Eyes
Primer Potion - Urban Decay
Dark Taupe eyebrow Pencil - Senna Cosmetics
Eyeshadow #553 - Yaby Cosmetics
Silverbleu Shadestick - MAC
Static Loose Color Concetrate - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
Psychadellic Caterpillar - Yaby Cosmetics
Eyeshadow #146 - Yaby Cosmetics
Sketch Eyeshadow - MAC cosmetics
Zero 247 Liner - Urban decay
Black liquid Liner - Prestige
#3 Lashes (x2) - MAC cosmetics
Fascinating Eyekhol - MAC cosmetics

Face/Cheeks
NW25 select Moisture Cover Concealer - MAC Cosmetics
Light 3 HD Firming Radiant Makeup - Senna Cosmetics
Petticoat MSF - MAC Cosmetics
Stargazer Double Dose Blush - Senna Cosmetics

Lips
Vino Lipliner - MAC Cosmetics
Show Orchid lipstick - MAC Cosmetics
Katricia Lip Tar - Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

An Interesting Concept

What is the Monkeysphere?

"One death is a tragedy. One million deaths is a statistic."
-Kevin Federline

What do monkeys have to do with war, oppression, crime, racism and even e-mail spam? You'll see that all of the random ass-headed cruelty of the world will suddenly make perfect sense once we go Inside the Monkeysphere.

First, picture a monkey. A monkey dressed like a little pirate, if that helps you. We'll call him Slappy.

Imagine you have Slappy as a pet. Imagine a personality for him. Maybe you and he have little pirate monkey adventures and maybe even join up to fight crime. Think how sad you'd be if Slappy died.

Now, imagine you get four more monkeys. We'll call them Tito, Bubbles, Marcel and ShitTosser. Imagine personalities for each of them now. Maybe one is aggressive, one is affectionate, one is quiet, the other just throws shit all the time. But they're all your personal monkey friends.

Now imagine a hundred monkeys.

Not so easy now, is it? So how many monkeys would you have to own before you couldn't remember their names? At what point, in your mind, do your beloved pets become just a faceless sea of monkey? Even though each one is every bit the monkey Slappy was, there's a certain point where you will no longer really care if one of them dies.

So how many monkeys would it take before you stopped caring?

That's not a rhetorical question. We actually know the number.

... Read the entire article here: http://www.cracked.com/article_14990_what-monkeysphere_p1.html

Irish Green Saint Patricks Day Makeup

Products Used:

Omnipresence in Photography

A reflection of the Path I've walked thusfar.



A reflection of my perspective.



I believe artists (of any kind) are people who were born with a more fine tuned "sixth sense" than some. They are more in touch with their intuition. Photos are a reflection of a person's perspective; what they focus on, what they include and what they leave out. The energy that a photographer puts into that moment when the shutter snaps, is what gives the photo "life", or not. (Also the energy put into any post work)

Red-violet, Yellow-green Complimentary colors

I have to add the products and photos later because I have to run! But someone help name this puhleaseeeeeeee! :) TIA

Brooklyn Blog (video)

I'll post photos too when I get the chance. :)

Look from my Blending Basics Video

Products Used:

Eyes

Untitled Paint (MAC)
Pink Vivid Pigment (MAC)
Burnt Burgundy Pigment (MAC)
Delphic Fluidline (MAC)
Parrot Eyeshadow (MAC)
Beautiful Iris Eyeshadow (MAC)
Pink Opal Pigment (MAC)
Black Liquid Liner (prestige)
Maybelline Mascara
Dark Taupe Eyebrow Pencil (Senna Cosmetics)

Cheeks
Porcelian Pink Mineralized SkinFinish (MAC)

Lips
Little Tease Lipliner (MAC)
Heatherette Lipstick (MAC)