My First Portfolio

Finally! The photos of our portfolio shoot are here.

Check 'em out!

Bridal

DAY 8: Kath

Okay, I've been MIA for about 3 days now. I'm feeling kind of lazy and somewhat disturbed because of this morbidly sick movie I've recently watched --- to the point that I can't even push myself to write. My mind has been floating ever since, and I think I'm experiencing the dreadful blogger's block. I'm sure you've heard about this movie, A Serbian Film, but please don't do the mistake of watching it (or clicking the link) if you can't stomach movies or stories such as this. Alright, I know I made you curious now. =)

But I won't talk about the movie. Please, don't make me. =/ Today's post is an overdue one. But it's better late than never, right?

As I've mentioned in my previous post about makeup school, on our last day, we had a portfolio shoot. We were given the chance to choose our own models for our finals, so we can carefully study their facial structures, features, complexions, etc. We had to accomplish two looks, bridal and avant-garde/fashion and apply the things we learned in all our lessons.

The first person I originally chose to model for me was no other than my sister, because she had previous modeling experience. We shopped for clothes, accessories and even some makeup suitable for her. But 3 days before our finals, she canceled because her final exams in school were also, unfortunately scheduled on the same day. I then found myself in extreme panic mode!

I've searched my phonebook, my facebook contacts, and business contacts. But I couldn't even choose. Until as if by divine light, I saw a comment on one of my blog posts, from none other than, my blogger friend, Kath of Dear Kitty Kittie Kath. So out of sheer desperation, I gave her a call. And she said yes! Thank God!

Fast forward to the day of our photo-shoot, Kath was the early bird at the studio. She even got there before me, and way ahead of the other models. Now that's very professional!

 

I wasn't able to take a lot of photos of her bridal makeup. I completely forgot all about it! But the official photos will be given out soon, so keep posted. =)

What my "bride" wore that day. =)

CERTIFIED: HD Makeup Studio and Academy + The 10 Most Important Things I Learned in Makeup School

May 7 to 17, 2012. Those were the days I attended the HD Fashion and Beauty Makeup Course at HD Makeup Studio and Academy. A lot of people have asked me why I went to makeup school and why I chose HD as my school.

Now to answer the first question. I initially wanted to learn more about makeup application and techniques and makeup itself. I always had this gut feeling that what we see in makeup tutorials in beauty blogs and YT are not correct (but some are good, too). I would always have something to say, or I would always have a nasty comment about how they apply makeup, but I cannot determine what's wrong. I just knew and felt that something is not right. Moreover, I also do not believe that makeup brands are what make the makeup. And since I'm a makeup addict, I wanted to know for myself what are the best types and brands to use, where to find them, and how to use them. And of course, makeup is my passion, that's why I wanted to bring it to another level. Take formal training.

HD Makeup Studio and Academy

DAYS 5, 6, 7: Cat's Eye, Avant-Garde, Bridal Makeup Looks (PART I)

The previous three days were the most toxic in makeup school. Hence, the lack of posts. I would always go home extremely tired and I would just fall asleep without realizing it. But it was all worth it because it was during these days that I learned a lot more, tested my limits and discovered that I can really be patient as well. haha. =)

Makeup school is 1% fun but 99% hard work, at least for me. The fun part includes my love and passion for makeup, my new found friends and new colleagues in the makeup industry, and the little breaks during class wherein I realize how stupid (forgive the word) I am when it comes to makeup application, that I end up laughing at myself. haha. =)

So let's go to Day 5 first. Our topic for that day was how to make The Cat's Eye. I am fond of using eyeliner on myself, but even if I've been doing it for so many years, I still cannot make it perfect. How much more if I'm gonna do it on another person?

When it comes to eye makeup application, one must know the basics very well. And when I say very well, I mean it. What you do on a normal eye, you cannot do it on prominent eyes, droopy eyes, etc. And that day, my model's eyes were not the easiest to do a cat's eye on.

Here she is.

DAYS 5, 6, 7: Cat's Eye, Avant-Garde, Bridal Makeup Looks (PART II)

Continuation from Day 5: Cat's Eye Makeup Look

Now let's go to Day 6, which was yesterday. Oh, it was a loooong day and I was the last one in class to finish my model's makeup. We were told to do an avant-garde look. But what is avant-garde anyway? Well, I had a few things in mind. Not really "things", but just one thing --- COLORS. Lots and lots of colors. I was really worried that I could not work this out because I'm not really the creative type. But then again, it went well.

Avant-garde in French literally means "something new". In fashion and the arts, it means it's new, original, unconventional and innovative, sometimes causing shock, because well, it's never seen before or is unheard of. It's not really a trend, or something that's just "in", because avant-garde does not come and go, at least in one form or another, because it keeps changing through time. With regards to makeup, avant-garde looks are almost always associated with bold, bizarre, absurd, striking and loud colors and accessories. And they are all put together to achieve one creative and "new" look.

My model that day was Josrene and she's fifteen years old. Before I started with my makeup on her, I showed her my peg for her look and she was very game for it.

She has medium skin tone with some blemishes and pimple marks as well. She has dry skin too so I needed to moisturize a lot than the usual. But apart from that, there were no problems. Here she is.

Josrene Before Makeup

DAYS 5, 6, 7: Cat's Eye, Avant-Garde, Bridal Makeup Looks (PART III)

Continuation from Day 6: Avant-Garde Makeup Look

Lastly is the bridal look. Today is Day 7 and the last day of our actual classes. Tomorrow, Day 8, will be our graduation day.

This is one look that every makeup artist anywhere in the world must master. I thought it's gonna be easy, but it's not. The bridal look is both relaxed and meticulous.

My model has a very interesting name --- Marimar. She's in second year high school and I find her very cute. She has a round face and combination skin. I was met with very few problems while working on her, just a few skin discolorations and old scars, but every thing else was fine. Plus I love her very expressive and bright eyes. Here she is.

Marimar Before Makeup

DAY 4: Makeup For Photography and Beauty Smoky Eyes

Hello lovelies. It's the fourth day of makeup school and I got home quite early. Everybody in class is quickly picking up their pace when it comes to makeup application so we get to finish our practice sessions on our models faster and faster each day.

Today I learned makeup for photography. In reality, we see people and things in three dimensions but on photos we don't. Images in photos appear flat. That's why as makeup artists, it's our job to make the image appear as real as possible. And how do we do this? By sculpting the face through contouring and illuminating.

Makeup for photography must be more intense, detailed and defined than regular makeup. Another thing, it should be free of imperfections and should always be balanced. Otherwise, the image would appear wrong.

MAKEUP TIP: Use matte or satin finish makeup (especially for eyeshadow) because they're easier to work with and registers well on photos. Avoid makeup with glitters or shimmers as these will just reflect light especially when using flash photography. Bronzers should not have shimmers or else that defeats the purpose of sculpting. Always remember that shine and shimmer widens the appearance of the face.

Color photography is similar to normal makeup but the colors should be more intense and should have more coverage. For black and white photography on the other hand, a few things must be taken into consideration. Color, brightness and contrast plays a big role in order to produce wonderful photos in black and white. Also, it shouldn't be too dark nor too light.

Red becomes dark grays to black in photos so be careful in applying red hues such as lipstick because it will appear black and may be rendered as "goth". We don't like that. Pink and purple both turn to gray so pink blush will never ever be seen. Blue and green are not advisable colors because it would turn to gray as well.

So what to do? Choose colors and blend them well in order to sculpt the face. Focus on the eyes, cheekbones and lips. I suggest using blacks and browns. Or beige for highlighting.

So here's my model for today.

Before Makeup

DAY 3: Makeup For Males and For Older Women

It's the third day of makeup school and I've learned and did so much today. From correcting and concealing techniques, covering tattoos, male makeup, and the biggest challenge of all, to apply makeup on an older woman.

First, male makeup or "grooming" as it is aptly called, is quite easy. You prep and prime the skin, dab a little foundation then cover some blemishes. The key here is to even out the skin tone. Contouring is also done on the jaw line and for some, if necessary, on both sides of the bridge of the nose. Males must be kept "groomed" as well during special events or on his wedding day, but not too much that he already becomes the "star" of the occasion. It should be the bride, no one else, right? =)

My model is a 20 year old male who has good skin with minor blemishes and marks. The only challenge I had with him was his skin gets irritated quite easily, that's why he had red marks on his face prior to and during makeup application. But over-all, it was quick and we're practically done in less than 10 minutes.

MAKEUP TIP: For males, makeup should be focused on evening out the skin tone on the face, neck and near the hairline. And since males have more oily skin than women in general, any shine on and near the face must be removed. Dabbing foundation using your brush, blender or sponge in a "pat pat" motion is the best way to do it. Afterwards, have them use blotting paper or sheets to remove any extra shine throughout the day. No need for re-applying foundation or retouching as most guys don't like to wear more and more makeup, do they? For lips, apply colorless lip balm (or petroleum jelly, I prefer Carmex) for a few minutes then blot it out completely. The lips should be matte, never shiny. Or else that would look unmanly. haha. =)

DAY 2: Evening Makeup

Hello everyone! Today is one very tiring day. Makeup class at HD Makeup Studio and Academy started early at 11 AM and ended at 5 PM. On my way home I was met with heavy traffic and more traffic still because I had to go to the airport in the evening. And at this moment, I'm too wasted to even finish my sandwich for dinner. But, hey, my fingers must have a brain and body of their own, that they just continue typing and typing. =)

Anyway, I learned a lot today in school. That includes concealing and correcting and my most loved part - eye makeup! Applying eyeshadow on a model is again, not easy and blending the right colors is really key. Plus you have to learn the different types of eyes - droopy, wide-set, protruding, etc. and you have to know the proper application techniques to make the eyes appear really amazing and beautiful with makeup - no matter what type.

We were told to do an evening makeup look. I gave it a good thought first. How do I want to look on a lovely evening? Well, almost always, I want my evenings to be laid back, relaxed and romantic. I'm no party type so I definitely won't go for heavy or smoky eyes. One of the things I learned in makeup school is of course The Golden Rule. When you put makeup on a client or a model, ask yourself how you'd feel if the same makeup is put on you. If the makeup that you did on a client is one that you personally don't find beautiful or satisfying or you generally don't feel happy about it, most definitely, your client feels the same. So that's why I was thinking about a romantic dinner and wine and how I'd put on my makeup when I heard "evening makeup". =)

Before Makeup

All Things New: Learning Makeup

I'm sooo back! I can't believe I've been gone for more than a month. I miss blogging and I miss everybody. I went through a lot the past month, a lot of decision-making, and that includes whether I'd still continue to blog or not. But everything was mostly mature stuff. Like law schools and exams and interviews, leaving business behind and separating my cats from each other for good.

But guess what. I was able to squeeze time for one thing that I've been contemplating on for too long. Makeup school! A few weeks ago, I enrolled in HD Makeup Studio and Academy (formerly Basement Academy) for their Hi-Def Beauty and Fashion Makeup Course and today is my first day of class.

On my upcoming posts, I will tell you about why I decided to choose this makeup school. I still have to wake up early for tomorrow's class at 11 AM sharp. I don't wanna be late for I don't wanna miss on a lot of things to learn. So I'm really sorry that I need to keep my comeback post short.