Makeup For Brides

I love doing makeup for brides and as it is often referred to as many artists ‘bread and butter’ I thought I would give you some points to think about if you are interested in getting into this area of makeup.

Use products for longevity – The makeup needs to go from day to night and continue to look flawless for hours so be sure to use products that are going to last.

Give basic skin care advice – Lots of people don’t know the importance of good skin care so be prepared to reiterate that looking after their skin in the run up to the big day will help them achieve the glowing radiant look just about every bride is looking for. If you have a good canvas to work from your job will be much easier on the wedding day too.

Don’t forget the rest of the body – Remember pictures will be taken by guests from every angel so check the makeup from all angles and be sure to conceal any blemishes on the chest or back if the dress shows some skin. Some body lotion and hand cream will bring the skin to life and make the bride feel even more pampered on the day.

Be confident – You don’t want to be pushy but having a confidence about you will put your clients at ease and give them confidence in you and your skills making them more open to your ideas and opinions. Your bride will also be more relaxed if you look like you know what you’re doing.

The trial – The consultation before the wedding is really important so make sure you never skip the trial. Meeting the bride before the day gives you both a chance to decide on the look so the wedding day runs smoothly and most importantly you can be sure that none of the products you use cause a reaction. If any irritation occurs it will have time to calm down.

Keep a book of tears – It is good to have a small book of makeup looks that you can go through with those brides that don’t have any pictures for you to use as a starting point. One bride’s idea of a natural look can be extremely different to the next so it is important to make sure you are both on the same page from the start.

Touch up kits – If a touch up kit is not included in the makeup package you should talk the bride through products that can be purchased to maintain their look, such as a powder compact for shine control.

You need to be good at gentle persuasion – You should never be pushy when working with private clients such as brides and always remember that at the end of the day they are paying you to give them the look they want. The bride owns their look and should always feel comfortable in their own skin. Never try to force a look you think is best on someone but a good artist should try to steer them into making the right choices and to try new things.

Don’t cheapen your skills – Google bridal makeup artists in your area, set your prices in line with those in your market and stick to them.

This is probably the most important day of your brides life so its your job to be a calming influence and get the job done to the best of your ability and with as little fuss as possible. Having their make done on the big day should be a fun relaxing experience.

Leave your thoughts on bridal makeup and dealing with brides in the comments section!

Nail Kit and 10 Step Manicure for Makeup Artists

As makeup artists our job doesn’t end once the face is done, the appearance of the body as a whole is our responsibility. When it comes to the hands and feet you should at the very least be making sure the nails are clean and tidy but a quick manicure or pedicure could be in order particularly when shooting beauty or if the models nails are in poor condition.

Here are some products you should carry in your nail kit:
Soft Toothbrush
Small Bowl
Nail Clippers
Emery Boards
Buffer
Cuticle Oil
Cuticle Pusher/Orange Sticks
Cuticle Clippers
Nail Polish Remover – Must be oil free and suitable for both natural and fake nails.
Lint Free Nail Wipes
Pumice Stone
White Nail Pencil
Sanitiser (available at beauty supply stores)
Hand Cream
Top Coat
Nude Polish
Red Polish
2 or 3 Trend Colours

Check out this fab Tweezerman nail kit as a starter set.

10 Steps to achieve the perfect manicure.
1. Remove any old polish. By using lint free nail wipes you won’t get little bits of cotton wool flying around which can get stuck in your polish when painting the nails later!

2. Apply cuticle oil and soak in warm soapy water if required.

3. Gently push back the cuticle using either a cuticle pusher or an orange stick and remove any excess cuticle with the clippers. It is probably a good idea to practice this on yourself so you don’t hurt the model or cause any damage to the nail bed when working on others.

4. Shape the nails with an emery board. Nail shapes change over the years so pay attention to what is in fashion.

5. Lightly buff the nails to prep the nail, remove ridges and bring out shine.

6. Clean off the nails paying attention to under the finger nails with your soft toothbrush and bowl of water.

7. For a natural manicure dip the tip of your white pencil in water and use to whiten the underside of the nails. You can follow with a dry cotton bud to soften the look or even transfer the white from the pencil to the cotton bud and use the bud instead of the pencil to whiten under the nail for a softer look.

8. Clean the nails to prep for the polish by wiping with an oil free polish. Use your lint free wipes to help you achieve a flawless finish when painting.

9. Paint the nails paying close attention to the sides so there are no gaps and follow with a top coat for added shine and finish.

10. Finish up by using hand cream to bring life to the hands and improve the general appearance.

As you know time is always of the essence when working so practice on as many people you can to get your speed up and remember to sanitiser your tools after each use as you would with your brushes!

Revlon Giveaway!

It may be a grey, miserable Monday morning here in London but I have something to brighten up your day....

Two lucky readers can win 4 pairs of Revlon Fantasy Lengths Lashes each this week and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me why you you would like to win the Revlon Fantasy Lengths Lashes!


The competition is only open to UK residents on this occasion and entries must be received by 10am GMT Friday 1st May 2009. The winner who will be selected at random will also be announced Friday 1st May 2009. The winner will receive a selection of lashes from the Revlon Fantasy Lengths range so the lashes received may differ from those in the picture above.

Happy Earth Day from What The Pros Do!

I hope you are all doing your bit for the planet even more so than usual today as it is Earth Day!

Why not take a moment to hop on over to The Coveted where Sonja has posted some fab Earth Day Beauty Deals for you to enjoy.

This gorgeous Earth Day illustration is by Helen Dardik who blogs at Orange You Lucky! so make sure you stop by and show her some blog love too this afternoon.

7 Do's and Don'ts for Networking Online

It is so easy to connect with other makeup artists, photographers, stylists, models and hairstylists now there are so many online networking sites you can join. Although networking online can be fun its important to still treat your online profiles as a marketing tool and keep some professionalism if you are using a profile to help grow your makeup business. I should also point out that an online networking profile is never an alternative to having your own website!

I think it really helps to concentrate your efforts on 1 or 2 sites and build your presence before joining yet another networking site. Networking online works best when you take the time to be an active member of the communities you join so I think it is important not to spread yourself too thin and build up the number of networks you contribute to slowly if you want to see results from online networking.

Here are some do's and don'ts that will help you if you are setting up a makeup profile on a networking site.

Do - Keep in mind your goals for being on the site and focus your networking to achieve those goals.

Don't - Set up so many different profiles that you don't have the time or energy to keep them all up to date.

Do - Be an active member of the networking sites you sign up to. This means spending 15mins or more a day to comment on other members work, contribute to forums and replying to those that have reached out to you. This all helps to get your name out there and builds your profile.

Don't - Turn your bio into an essay. Keep it short and sweet but make sure you get across who you are, what you do, why your on the site, how you can help the person reading your profile and how you can be contacted. That's it. Many networking sites are quite informal so you can be relaxed and light hearted with your bio but keep a professional element to it as you never know who's reading.

Do - Keep your profile positive. I see so many profiles that focus on what the person doesn't do, doesn't like and doesn't want to be involved with that you come away with a negative impression. No one wants to surround themselves with negative people so try to come across as someone others would enjoy working with.

Don't - Use a cute name for your profile always try and use your real name so people associate your work with you and nothing else.

Do - Edit your work in the same way you would edit your book, quantity doesn't equal quality.

Model Mayhem, Who Is Testing, Iqons, Dripbook, Facebook, Myspace, Net-Model, Purestorm and Twitter are all networking sites you can join but I would love to hear if you use any other sites for networking and which sites are working for you so please let us know where you are networking by leaving a comment.

I would also love to hear your tips so please share your do's and don'ts for networking online in the comments sections.

Blogs to Bookmark: {a glamorous little side project}

{a glamorous little side project} is a collection of fashion pictures and editorials posted by the blogger behind {this is glamorous}.

A great resource for inspiration {a glamorous little side project} is definitely worth a bookmark. Here are a few of my favourite shots posted recently...Enjoy!

Eternamente Inocente, Vanidad April 2009 by Esperanza Moya

Editorial: And God Created Woman; Model: Abbey Lee Kershaw; Photographer: Max Doyle; Stylist: Naomi Smith; Magazine: Vogue Australia May 2009

Editorial - Haute Bohème, Model - Inguna Butane in Vogue Germany April 2009

Stop by {a glamorous little side project} and let me if you feel inspired by leaving a comment.

Picture Source: {a glamorous little side project}

Prim Magazine

Apologies for the lack of posts this week! Why not keep yourselves amused until I'm back next week by flicking (virtually) through the new April/May issue of prim.Magazine.

This is my favourite editorial from the issue.... Enjoy!

Credits:

Photographer, Teneshia Carr

Stylist, Katie Burnett

Makeup, Maria Papadopoulou

Hair, Graham Tilley @ SLR

Model, Izzy Good @ Storm

Let me know what you think of prim.Magazine, its editor is only 14 believe it or not! If you have any favorite online magazines please share them in the comments section.

When Inspiration Strikes: Signe Vilstrup

Yesterday, Ez over at Creature Comforts, posted this beautiful collage showcasing the work of Danish photographer Signe Vilstrup. I thought these shots where so beautiful I just had to share them with you all here too.

Wouldn't you love to have work like this in your book?....I know I sure would.

Ez often features beautiful photography on her blog so why not take some time to explore Creature Comforts next time you need a little inspiration.

Let me know what you think of Signe Vilstrup's work and which photographers are inspiring you right now by leaving a comment.

Picture Source: Creature Comforts (Photographer, Signe Vilstrup)

Happy Easter!

I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend whether you are celebrating Easter, Passover or just gorging yourself on chocolate!

I have been using the long weekend to work on some new features, post ideas and a few changes to the blog design which are coming soon so watch this space...

This gorgeous Easter card design is available to download for free on Benign Objects.

Top 10 Pro Discount Schemes

As you can probably tell from the Building Your Makeup Kit posts, putting together a pro kit is a huge investment so its good to know that there are some really great companies out there supporting makeup artists by offering Pro Discount schemes.

Pro Discount
Here are 10 pro discount schemes that UK makeup artists can apply for.
(many are open to international readers too!)

1. Make Up For Ever Backstage Card - 35% Discount (contact PAM to apply)
2. Yaby Cosmetics Industry Discount Scheme - 20% Discount.
3. Bobbi Brown - Discount available via Selfridges London, Trafford Park and Exchange Square.
4. Aveda Creative Connections Programme - 35% Discount.
5. Louise Young Cosmetics - 25% Discount.
6. Dermalogica Insider Programme - 30% Discount.
7. Face Atelier Preferred Pro Programme - £40% Discount.
8. Camera Ready Cosmetics - Include your website when opening a new account to be approved as a pro and receive selected products at a discount.
9. Temptu Pro Artist Programme - Up to 30% Discount.
10. OCC Cosmetics - 20% Discount on cosmetics.

Many of these companies also run editorial credit programmes so if you're getting published don't forget to enquire about editorial schemes too!

Pro ID
When applying for discount you should expect to be asked to prove you are a working artist. In fact whenever I email a brand asking if they offer discount to pros I attach a call sheet and my union card before being asked to show I have a legit enquiry.

I know getting together proof your an artist can be tricky when your starting out (even though you probably feel you are most in need of a discount!) however it is possible to prove you are a makeup artist even if you're new to the industry.

Here are some items you can use to prove your credentials including tips of where to get proof as a new artist. You would usually need to provide 2 types of ID.

Business Cards/Comp Card - If you don't already have business cards you can get simple inexpensive cards online.

Tear Sheet - Supply a copy of an editorial page that has your name printed in the credits.

Call Sheet - A call sheet provides information such as your call time and location, listing everyone involved in the shoot, their contact details and department they are working with. Call sheets are also used in film and TV so working on a low budget short film can be a good way to get your hands on this item of industry proof when your a newbie.

Union Card - You can join BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theater Union) for as little as £10 a month which gives you entitlement to a whole range of benefits and your union card can be used to prove you are a pro artist. This is great if you are a new artist with no tear/call sheets under your belt.

Website - Several brands now accept a website as proof you are a pro as it shows you are more that just a hobbyist and are serious about your career. I have said before that a website is a must in this day and age for any artist especially now there are so many inexpensive ways to set up and maintain your own site. Now you have another excellent reason to set up a web page even if its still early in your career.

Programme/Press Material - If you don't have your name in print yet try volunteering at your local amateur dramatics society and get your name printed in the shows programme crediting you for makeup.

Letter of Reference stating employment on business or agency headed paper - In some cases you can get someone to write you a letter of reference. This might apply if you work in a makeover studio for example.

If you would like to share other pro schemes or your tips for getting pro id together please post in the comments section. If your posting from outside the UK please state which country you are getting the discount in so there is no confusion. Thanks

This information was correct to my knowledge at the time this was posted but is subject to change at any time!

Building a Makeup Kit: Part 5

The Building a Makeup Kit mini series looks at brushes today. Please take a look at Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 for more on what items to stock your kit with.

Brushes
Brushes are a personal purchase depending on the products and techniques you use in your work. Every artist will have their favorite go to brushes that they use on every job. You want brushes that feel soft to the touch so they don't irritate or hurt the skin when blending, you don't want brushes that shred lots of hair and you should get quality brushes that will last for a long time with a little TLC.

My kit has a variety of brushes from brands such as Kryolan, Ben Nye, MAC, Crown, MAP and Charles Fox. I haven't given any specific brush recommendations in this post but here is a picture of the staples in my kit to give you an idea of the shapes you should be looking for.

1. Foundation - I like a flat foundation brush for applying the foundation and a dual fibre brush for blending and buffing it into the skin for a flawless finish. I also have a small flat brush that looks like a giant eyeshadow brush for blending around the eyes and nose when needed.

2. Concealer - Small, flat, dense synthetic brushes for concealing under the eyes and a tiny thin brush for blemishes and more detailed concealing work.

3. Powder/Blush/Contour - Large tapered brush which is slightly flat for pressing powder into the skin, large rounded brush for blush and large angled brushes are perfect for contouring or blush.

4. Eyeshadow - You need a selection of eye shadow brushes, flat for pressing colour on to the lid, small and fluffy for blending and rounded brushes for contouring in the crease.

5. Liner/Mascara/Brows - You need to find the technique and brush that works for you when lining. I use either a small dense angle brush or thin liner brushes either straight or bent at an angle. You can use the tiny fan brush for painting the bottom lashes so if you haven't tried this trick for mascara give it a go. A grooming tool for coming the brows into shape is a must and a dense angle brush for filling in.

6. Lips - Find yourself the size you find easiest to work with which gives a nice clean line when working close to the lip line.

Don't feel restricted to use brushes only for the purpose printed on the handle. I have a shadow brush for lipstick, a lip brush for concealer....you get the picture.

If your building a brush kit from scratch a good place to start would be with a starter set from a pro store or good makeup brand that sells brushes. You can then build on your collection over time by adding different shapes, sizes and brands to your brush kit.

It is a good idea to have duplicates of your favourite brushes so you don't have to worry about cleaning between models but if you only have 1 set to start with make sure you have a good brush cleaner that sanitises your brushes and drys fast.

If you have anything to add on brushes for your kit share it with us and leave a comment!

Links to Love: TheMakeupArtist.com

Makeup artist Mary Erickson is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the makeup business. She kindly shares this knowledge compiling the answers to those burning questions you have when starting out in the industry. I definitely found this a great resource when I was finding my feet in the makeup world.

Mary gives her thoughts on topics such as choosing a makeup school, what's expected of you when assisting and how to find work. She has also put together an excellent resource of industry terms you should definitely get to know.

Building a Makeup Kit: Part 4

Part 4 of the Building a Makeup Kit mini-series talks through the extra little essentials you should carry in your new kit as well as all the disposables you will need.

Click to see Parts 1, 2, or 3

Tools
Good tools are a great investment as they should last a really long time. If you have to start out with the budget option look into investing in an upgrade when you have the money and you will see the difference in quality and performace.

Makeup Sharpener
Eye Lash Curler - I like the traditonal metal curlers. Try Japonesque or Boots/Sephora for a cheeper alternative
Tweezers - I think Tweezerman's wide grip tweezers are the best on the market and worth every penny. Get them in a bright colour so you can always find them in your kit.
Brow Grooming Tool - I like the C162 from Crown which has 3 tools in 1.
Spatula - for scooping out product. Available at any pro makeup or beauty supply store.
Scissors

Disposables
You will find you get through tons of disposibles so its great buying in bulk and restocking your kit from a supply at home as and when you need to. It can also be more cost effective this way.

Mascara Wands
Cotton Pads
Tissues/Kitchen Towel
Q-Tips

Extras
Small Hand Towel - I set my kit up on a small hand towel so I know I always have a clean surface to work from. It also protects the surface im working from and saves time cleaning my station at the end of the day.
Palette - The Yaby compacts have a palette to work from build in which I love! If your on a budget a white tile gives you a nice surface to work from and most places selling tiles have samples that would be perfect.
Hand Sanitiser

Nail Kit
A small nail kit is a great addition to your kit. I have a set I picked up in Sephora that rolls up which is perfect for travel. You dont need to do a full manicure before a shoot but you should be aware of the hands and make them look presentable.

A good remover is essential for your kit as often models will arrive with polish on from the previous days shoot so you need to be able to clean the nails at the very least. I always use a hand cream which makes the hands look more alive and if the hands will be in shot, particually for beauty work a file and lick of polish will add finish to your work.

File
Clippers
Cuticle Sticks
Polish - Clear, Natural, Red (I love Boots No.7 Nail Brightner which is a natural colour polish which also brightens to make the nails look really healthy)
Hand Cream
Polish Remover

If you have an essential tool or piece of kit you can't live with out share it with us in the comments section.