Austin Makeup Artist

Which makeup school should you go?

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:53:59 +0000

More often than not, many makeup artists that aspire to improve their knowledge and skills in makeup application would want to enroll in a reputable makeup school. But since makeup schools are highly specialized, only a few people know about their existence and can vouch for their reputation. And so the question remains, which makeup school is best?

Yes, choosing a makeup school is your personal decision. However, there are guiding and important factors that one must consider in choosing the most suitable makeup school to cater for what you need. To give you a wide array of choices, the following is a list of makeup schools in North America and across the globe.[i]

Blanche Macdonald Centre for Applied Design (Vancouver)

http://www.blanchemacdonald.com/

Cinema Makeup School (Los Angeles, California)

http://www.cinemamakeup.com/

Complections International Academy (Toronto, Ontario)

http://www.complectionsmake-up.com/

Empire Academy of Makeup (Costa Mesa, California)

http://www.empireacademy.com/

Joe Blasco Makeup School (Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida)

http://www.joeblasco.com/

Make-up Designory or MUD (Los Angeles and New York)

http://mud.edu/School-Site-2010/

The Studio Makeup Academy (Los Angeles)

http://www.studiomakeupacademy.com/

Tobi Britton’s Makeup Shop (New York)

http://www.themakeupshop.com/

Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts (Hollywood, California)

http://www.westmoreacademy.com/

Art & Technology of Make-up College (Australia)

http://www.makeupeffectscollege.com/

Fleurimon (France)

http://www.fleurimon.com/

Greasepaint Ltd. (England)

http://www.greasepaint.co.uk/

Media Makeup Academy (Australia)

http://www.mediamakeup.com.au/

Skin Art -3D Makeup Artistry School (Germany)

http://www.skinart-berlin.com/

The School of Professional Makeup (Canada)

http://www.promakeupart.com/

And here are a handful of questions that you might want to ask and inquire about each makeup school listed above before deciding which school you should attend:

What distinguishes the school from others?

Does the school specialize in specific area such as special effects makeup artistry or cosmetics?

Is the school’s curriculum comprehensive in all disciplines of makeup artistry?

Does the school have an updated curriculum? If yes, when was the most recent update? Does the school include new technology in its update? What particular technology does it accommodate? For example, HDTV, airbrushing, WorldWideWeb, etc.

Does the school offer on-site laboratories for after hour and between classes practice? If yes, how much extra help is being offered and charged?

Does the school provide business training for freelance makeup artists? If yes, what kind?

What is the track record of the school’s instructors? Are they fresh graduates? Are they working professionals? Do they have current working experience? Have they been out of the field for a long time? Do they have current experience with today’s makeup techniques?

Does the school prepare its students to be set-ready?

Does the school have any brand preference or recommendation for specific uses?

How big are the classes? How many students does the school accept for each class? Do they provide one-on-one consultation?

Does the makeup school provide valuable support for internships and job placement? Will the school help you look and land for a job?

In case these things still don’t give you that much information about which makeup school you should attend, why not try asking past graduates. I bet they have more valuable facts that they can impart to you. So, good luck! J

[i] Vicki Morgenstern’s Guide to Schools for Makeup Training

Top 10 Big Makeup Turn Offs

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:53:03 +0000

Although makeup artists work and give their best to make a woman look trendier, more natural and beautiful, men don’t always approve. They tend to be very picky with what their lady luck should look like on makeup. And for you to “please” your man here are the top 10 makeup dos that you should avoid at all cost as these make men cringe.

Les naturelle

Some women are born lucky to have beautiful facial features and skin that they hardly wear makeup whenever they go out to grab some milk or run errand. But there are also women that feel so wretched for having blemishes and skin imperfections that they would want to cover them completely with makeup. Men find it quite unnerving to see a woman all very (literally) natural with no makeup at all. It’s like staring at a naked person down the crowded street. Embarrassing, isn’t it?

Un-removed makeup

Forget about what men like. Consider what your skin feels like with un-removed makeup. Give your skin a break. Wash away your makeup before you go to bed. Let it breathe so it can refresh itself for another day of makeup do.

Neck-less make up

Ladies, you should remember what your makeup artists always tell you to do when donning your own makeup – include your neck to even out the skin tone lest you would look like a ghost with a detachable head. Come to think of it. Even other women would not want to see you like that.

Neon lights

Girls, don’t get men wrong. It’s safer to stay wearing makeup in neutral colors than those that shout hooker. As much as possible, avoid the ostentatious neon tones.

Tanners

Do you really want to look like Donatella Versace? Think twice. Generally, men flinch on fake and overly tanned skin.

Five O’clock Shadow

Stubbles on sexy women?!? Maybe she’s a he. For most straight men, this is a major turn off. Worse is when a woman sporting a hint of beard and mustache wears makeup that doesn’t match the natural color of her skin. Sorry ladies, how can I say it gently… it’s appalling.
Vampire

Get real. You’re not Alice Cullen or Lady Gaga. Exposing your gothic pale skin sans the technology of cosmetics won’t get you anywhere. Men will just think you need a good dose of vitamin D and that’s not sexy.
Pornstar

Donning the pornstar look is not that different from hookers sporting skimpy clothes and flashy makeup. Have you forgotten that too much is always a bad thing? Mr. Right’s conservative family and friends would find you odd and even doubt your reputation.

Porcelain doll

With their rosy cheeks, blood red lips and incredibly long lashes, porcelain dolls were popular back in the 18^th century. But for a 21th woman to imitate such look isn’t realistic at all. Why try to look like Chucky’s bride? It’s creepy and downright terrifying.
The world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter

Dr. Frank-N-Further of the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show might have been swept to stardom in mid 70s but for a fair young lady to emulate such makeup is horrific. Unless you want men to avoid you, this look is certainly a turn off, period.

To Be a Proxy Makeup Artist

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:52:02 +0000

If Leonardo da Vinci still lives today and he chose to be a makeup artist, he would have been a well renowned celebrity makeup artist. TV personalities, movie stars, models and public figures would be lining up to get that mysterious Mona Lisa look and smile, which they would love to be plastered on Vogue or Elle magazine.

Once excellent makeup artists are spotted by celebrities and are chosen to be their makeup artists, their status levels up and so their talent fees. Many average Joe and Jane also long to be dashing and beautiful on their most special day. But they can’t fix and accomplish that all by themselves. They need the expertise of a professional makeup artist.

However, more often than not, most people can’t afford to hire a fine MUA. It’s just plain expensive. But the good news is that there are countless of tips given by cosmetic and fashion experts so that anyone can create a natural beautiful look without overdoing it. And the most basic but most helpful and important tip to remember is the proper blending of colors.

With the correct blending of colors, you can create smoky eyes that can literally draw flattering attention to you. It can perfectly hide blemishes, spots, freckles and even bruises. Blending also helps you to match your skin color to the color of your makeup, or create a day or night makeup. Even without the use of brushes to apply makeup, when you know how to blend makeup colors, you can definitely highlight your natural asset such as lips, eyes, cheekbones or eyebrows.

Another valuable tip that most makeup artists and experts suggest is having the good set of makeup brushes. However, makeup brushes can be extremely costly and impractical. Thus, the most reliable advice is to be an expert or at least well practiced on makeup color blending. This sounds more practical and quite realistic.

Makeup artist or not, everyone must take good care of one’s skin not just for aesthetic value but for overall good health. Our skin is the façade of our physical wellbeing. A healthy, properly hydrated normal skin contributes to the creation of a beautiful and natural look whenever you apply makeup.

But dry skin indicates that our sweat glands are incapable of producing sweat to cool and hydrate the skin. This causes itchiness, wrinkles, age spots, skin aging, and ghastly flakes. And when makeup is applied, dry skin doesn’t complement any makeup blending or brush strokes you apply.

Tips on theater makeup application

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:51:17 +0000

Have you been chosen to do the job of applying makeup for a theater or stage play? This article might come in handy for such instances since listed here are some basic tips on theater makeup application. So read on…

First of all, you need to completely cleanse the skin to remove all traces of dirt, excess oils, dead skin cells and street makeup. Wash the face with a gentle soap or facial cleanser then moisturize it to get a fresh and clean canvas. This is done because makeup lasts longer and appears better and more natural when the skin is clean.

Identify the facial features and contours of the actor then highlight the areas that stand out. You can do it by blending makeup colors and through correct application of different shades of foundation.

Try to avoid making the face of the actor appear flattened and dull by applying foundation one or two times darker than normal. Remember that stage actors always appear on distance and the audience needs to see their faces as well as their facial expressions. To set the makeup, you can use translucent powder.

Powder rouge is a great help in blending so make the most of it. It also comes in handy in making actors look more realistic and not like mannequins.

To match up the skin tone of the face to the body parts that need to be exposed such as the neck, arms, shoulders or legs, use body foundation on a damp sponge. This will evenly spread the makeup sans smudges.

Remember, in any stage play, the eyes and mouth are the focal point of emotions. Unlike in TV or film, these two have to be exaggerated, emphasized and highlighted as much as possible since actors, again, almost always appear on distance and under constant bright lights and shadow.

For more emphasis and proper highlighting, use soft brown instead of black eyeliner in lining the bottom portion of the eye and then blotch it accordingly.

You can use false eyelashes to make the eyes appear bigger and more expressive. Curl the lashes to open up the eye area. Then apply mascara to the curled lashes one coat at a time.

Bear in mind to use matching lip liner color to the lipstick shade. Like the eyes, the lips convey emotion, too. Thus, they should be colored darker or brighter than normal in order to draw attention. Use lip brush in applying lipstick. Be careful not to smear other parts such as the teeth or the corner of the mouth. Be precise and controlled.

Theater Makeup Tricks

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:50:08 +0000

Portrayal of theater characters can be very tricky. It demands not only the actor’s ability to act it out. The overall physical appearance of a particular persona must also be epitomized with utmost authenticity. And this can be done and achieved with the use of cosmetics.

However, applying makeup for theater and stage plays requires ultimate precision and familiarity with the show, script and characters. In addition, the makeup artist must also communicate constantly with the casts and staff members to create a good working relationship.

Lighting plays a big role in all theater plays. Lights can make the stage appear gloomy, cheerful, solemn or tragic. In the same manner, actors can also be affected by the lights and shadows either positively or unfavorably. Thus, the makeup artists must be knowledgeable with the lighting effects on the actors and the whole play.

He must be familiar with the distance that separates the actors on stage from their audience. One should bear in mind that the actors’ makeup can’t be seen from all distances and angles. Hence, the features must be precisely made up lest they will appear drowned out by lights or overwhelmed by shadows. In that case, planning the final appearance of the actors is indispensable.

There are instances that an actor has to appear much younger or older, prettier or uglier, sporting scars or bruises and other bodily imperfections such as humps on the back. To create these various characters, special effects, props and makeup are needed. The makeup artist must allot an ample amount of time to research and study the character.

To completely accomplish all these, the makeup artists should be well equipped. Their makeup toolbox must contain the items they need such as makeup colors, sponges and puffs, makeup brushes, powders, foundation and different hues of lipsticks and lip gloss to name a few. But the most important makeup tools they need to have dependable, professional quality makeup brushes.

Synthetic makeup brushes and velour powder sponges are mostly recommended in doing theatrical makeup. That is because the actors on stage are constantly under bright lights or shadow, or appeared on distance. Thus, theater makeup tends to be heavier than daytime or outdoor makeup.

Likewise, these makeup brushes must also come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different uses. For example, a large brush is more suitable for powder rouge, while a small lip brush is generally efficient in applying lipstick to highlight the contour of the lips.

These may all sound very complicated and tedious. But the key to accomplish a very satisfactory result in theater makeup artistry is an eye for detail. A theater makeup artist must not only be talented and dedicated. He must be very meticulous in his job. After all, his judges are the highly critical

The making of a high caliber makeup artist

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:49:38 +0000

Makeup artists or MUA are much like painters. That’s what I always think whenever I see someone applies makeup on one’s face. With the stern and forbidding look on their faces, they take their job very seriously and with utmost reverence.

However, unlike painters, their canvas is not a clean sheet of cloth or paper that they can crumple down and throw whenever they don’t like the result or when they’re uninspired. Theirs (makeup artists) is even more exciting and challenging – the human body.

You see, you can’t just dismiss your client and find someone else if you don’t like her look or his attitude when dealing with you. Each client is unique and that’s the ultimate challenge for every makeup artist, amateur or pro.

Most makeup artists regard their craft as a form of art, and I believe it’s just logical considering the amount of talent, dedication, hard work, and creativity they have to possess and the training they must undergo.

Before, they don’t get proper and professional makeup training. Makeup artists in the past rely mostly on other makeup artists’ and even clients’ advice, recommendation, suggestion, experience and expertise. Many aspire to be great makeup artists, but if you don’t have the knack and gift for it, you’re not going to make it big. Plain and simple.

But today, several cosmetic schools are established across the globe, although most of them are located in Los Angeles, California in the United States. Many in the makeup industry consider Joe Blasco as the most famous makeup school. With branches in Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida, this private school offers makeup training in various disciplines such as special effects makeup artistry, theatrical, and cosmetic.

However, going to such specialized school isn’t cheap. Fact is that it is ridiculously expensive. You see, one must shell out at least $7,000 to enter and pay for the tuition. And this amount does not always include the complete professional makeup kit they need to use for practice between classes and use on jobs.

In addition to this, every makeup artist wannabe must have a professional portfolio that showcases the quality of his or her work. Without it, no client would book her for interview or line him up for possible job hiring. But when done properly and completely, a successful and superb makeup artist can earn at least $400 or $1,000 in a day!

Yes, the training, the portfolio, and the makeup kit may cost a fortune. But everything is worth it when one’s interest, dedication and talent are completely in it. That’s because you’re not just doing it for the sake of art, but most especially for the building of your career in the makeup industry.

Top 10 Summer Makeup Tips

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:48:57 +0000

Summer is in! It’s time to go out in the sun and hang out with friends, frolic in the sand, play some beach ball game, and put on that bikini you bought on sale last month. It’s really the best time to have some fun outside the confinement of your home.

Although it is sunny and hot, girls still want to wear some makeup and highlight their most attractive assets. But there is one problem that always surfaces during this time of year and bugs down fashionistas. That is their makeup doesn’t last long under the glorious heat of the sun.

You can be so sure that sweating will ruin your makeup, thaw your eyeliner or melt the moisturizer and foundation you applied just a few minutes ago. So to solve this dilemma, here are a few summer natural look tips in donning your makeup.

For a start, squeaky cleanse your face then apply tonic to hydrate it and to get the pores smaller. Apply face cream with higher level of SPF as this will shield your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Let it stand for about 10 minutes then rub an ice cube to close up the pores.

To prevent unnatural look, do not apply cream foundation. Instead use a product with matte finish and apply it very thinly to create a barely there makeup look. Use blush or bronzing powder with small shiny particles on your cheekbones, nose, chin and forehead to achieve a sexy, natural and tan look.

Remember in summer, it is not recommended to use dark eye makeup. A waterproof brown-black or brown mascara and eyes powder makeup in shades of warm chocolate, beige or gold will be enough to do the trick. If you want to be trendier, try using eye shadows in orange, green, blue, lavender, turquoise, yellow, pink or violet color as these are very popular for 2010 summer season.

As for your lips, do not overdo it but instead keep it simple and natural. For a more natural look, use lipstick and lip gloss with long lasting soft neutral stain.

Highlight your assets. Keep your cheeks rosy and in the pink. Curl your eyelashes and apply glossy dark shade to make them look longer as well as make your eyes look bigger. And to complete your summer look, have your eyebrows done by a professional. You’ll see, the look will be a stunner.

So go on. Follow these simple practical makeup tips before having a casual sexy stroll around the city! J

Makeup Artists That Shaped the Cosmetics World

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:47:54 +0000

Kevyn Aucoin and Trish McEvoy are two renowned people in the makeup industry. Both of them changed and shaped the face of the cosmetics world and in the process left an indelible mark to every makeup artist and client’s mind.

Kevyn Aucoin lived a relatively short life. He died on May 7, 2002 at the age of 40. Regardless, Aucoin remained as the most prominent, the highest paid, and the all time favorite makeup artist in history. That’s not because he had worked with hundreds of A-list celebrities and models and had transformed them into completely different personas.

He’s much loved by many because at the tender age of 21, Aucoin made a great and most surprising leap, he created a line of cosmetics that shatters the racial boundaries of a woman’s beauty. Before, there were makeup especially designed for white women and there were also those exclusively for women with darker skin color.

But by 1984, Aucoin launched The Nakeds, a groundbreaking line of makeup he specifically designed for all skin tones. Since then, all women of various skin colors use the same line of makeup. This paved the way to the creation of other cosmetic products that cater to empower women regardless of their race and background. True enough, Aucoin used his brilliance to help reveal the natural beauty of a woman sans the biases and prejudices.

Trish McEvoy, on the other hand, filled a void in the cosmetics industry. In 1970s, McEvoy recognized that there were a plethora of makeup products. However, she also noticed that there was an obvious shortage of makeup tools. In those days, there were very limited numbers and types of makeup brushes to apply makeup.

To satisfy this massive need in the makeup industry, McEvoy designed professional quality makeup brushes of all shapes and sizes, which were then later mass produced and marketed to the cosmetics world. Thanks to her canny observation, applying makeup became easy and is now a breeze. With these makeup brushes, makeup artists can effortlessly reveal a woman’s natural beauty in every stroke.

Considering that makeup application is a form of art, every makeup artist must be equipped with different shades and tones of cosmetics as well as complete set of makeup brushes so he can transform his canvas, which in this case is a person’s face and body, into a picturesque masterpiece. Thus, in every creation a makeup artist makes should somehow pay tribute to these two incredible people that influenced the makeup industry.

Air Brush Makeup

admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 03:04:13 +0000

Airbrush makeup is a great alternative to regular make up. The technique involves applying makeup through an airbrush sprayer which finely mists foundation onto your skin. The appliance looks like a pen, and applies the makeup completely and evenly.

Its advantages include thin and even application which results in a natural but flawless appearance. Airbrush cosmetics have also long-lasting coverage. The fine misting process allows subtlety in contouring and highlighting generally not possible with conventional makeup application.

There are special foundations especially designed for airbrush application. Foundations, blush and eyes shadow can all be used when applying make up using the airbrush method. Traditionally, the makeup sponge and brush sufficed for applications of makeup. With newer, smaller and portable kits, airbrush cosmetics are slowly taking over from regular makeup for personal use at home.

With the advent of high definition media, not only red carpet stars and models but also brides are shunning the caked-on look and streaking associated with regular makeup. Airbrushing techniques make it easier to not show creases. Furthermore, it can last much longer than normal makeup – up to 12 hours or longer in some cases.

Airbrush makeup is also an exceptional daily wear coverage for all ages. A water based product that is oil and alcohol free is safe for all skin conditions and ages. Silicone or alcohol based makeup is, for the most part, non-transferable, meaning that slight rubbing or brushing against something or someone will not cause the makeup to come off of the face. This techniques is often used by actors and models for long photo shoots. Other formulations make the makeup water resistant to sweat and tears and does not need to be touched up and lasts from 12 to 18 hours depending on the product. This is a reason why it is becoming the preferred choice for bridal pictures.

The fine spray process of air brush is especially beneficial for people with problem skin like acne, rosacea, scars, birth marks, unsightly tattoos or general facial discoloration. Airbrush makeup is available in a wide array of colors to suit all skin tones ranging from the very light for fair Caucasians to the darkest brown for African American skin, and all skins in between.

Airbrush makeup has seen great advances in recent years and is no longer just for celebrities and models. Advances in compressor technology mean smaller and easier to use air brushes. Improved manufacturing in pigments and foundations, means greater ease of use and choices for personal daily wear.

Discover the secrets of how airbrush makeup is a great alternative to regular makeup and uncover new products and techniques today.

Entering the World of SPFX

admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:46:28 +0000

Grotesque monsters, zombies, hobbits, giant trolls, dwarves, vampires and werewolves, these are all imaginary creatures brought to life in the silver screen by highly talented and very creative special effects (SPFX) makeup artists. Their world is much different than those involved in theater, stage modeling, TV events, and special occasions.

They might use the same makeup kit and tools, but SPFX makeup artists’ makeup toolbox is far more stuffed with various props, prosthetics, clays, adhesives and removers, fake body parts, body paints, and wigs. These things are needed to completely transform a normal person into different types of characters such as those mentioned above.

Because of their unfathomable creativeness, ingenuity and imagination, SPFX makeup artists are greatly regarded in the entertainment industry. They are highly paid and in great demand more than ever. In fact, their talent is recognized by various award giving bodies such as the annual Academy Awards.

Their job can be a very daunting one. Creating and completing a single character could last from 12 to 20 hours. But the reward is priceless once you see your creation featured on a film and told a riveting story. And when that happens, you can’t help it but be proud of yourself and your handiwork.

Many aspire to be SPFX makeup artists and make a career out of it. But the realization of their dream depends on their long term goals, determination, dedication as well as talent, creativity and skills. Reading books, attending school, trainings, workshops and conferences, and securing apprenticeship and internship on special effects makeup artistry also pay off considerably.

Like any makeup artists, SPFX makeup artists must also build portfolios of their works. They can do that by interning on movie sets and independent production companies, taking photos of masks, and running and watching videos on the process of applying makeup. All these efforts contribute to bolstering novice artists’ portfolios as well as enhancing their craft.

These also act as a way to network with other people in the same field including famous actors and actresses. Expanding your knowledge and skills in SPFX makeup artistry keeps you abreast of all of the new developments, technologies and updates in the industry. And as adage says, practice makes perfect. Thus every SPFX makeup artist is advised to practice as often as he or she possibly can.

The world of SPFX makeup artistry is bursting with colors, life and ingenuity. Truly, it is an amazing world that offers so much even to a neophyte makeup artist. No wonder many artistic and highly talented individuals are drawn to this industry.