NYFW SS 2019 - BACKSTAGE BEAUTY AT SELF-PORTRAIT

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

New York Fashion Week SS 2019
DesignerSelf Portrait
Makeup Artist; Thomas de Kluyver
Brand: Maybelline New York


Self Portrait's ultra feminine deigns and beautiful use of elaborate fabrics always makes for a memorable presentation. His spring 2019 ready-to-wear show was no exception as it further defined the designer's brilliant vision of the youthful, feminine spirit. 

Stemming from this fresh philosophy, makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver wanted to create a look that complimented the collection while using shades and products in an unexpected fashion. 'I wanted to capture that moment when you're experimenting with makeup in the safety of your bedroom or bathroom," said Thomas. 



SKIN 
Thomas wanted the skin to look youthful and radiant. To achieve that ideal complexion he applied Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation on the skin and used Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer for an extra boost to the skin. The final result looked healthy and fresh.

EYES
There was no doubt that the exciting element to the beauty looks at Self Portrait were the unique graphic designs around the eyes. Thomas used Eyestudio Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Cashmere White to create five unique designs framing the eyes. Strategic lines were placed along the brow bone, tear duct and upper lash line in an almost experimental fashion which highlighted the shape of the eyes. For a more dramatic take on this vision, Thomas created a starburst-like arrangement along the outer eye area as one of the looks.
Backstage Beauty Tip: Thomas explained that the tip of the liner is key to creating this look. He advised a sharpened point helps create clean fine lines where as a blunt tip is best for creating thicker lines and angles.

LASH 
Once the desired designs were achieved, he followed with mascara. Unlike the traditional application, Thomas concentrated Volum' Express The Falsies Washable Mascara to only the roots of the lashes which created subdued definition.

LIPS
Girls walked the runway in two looks - bare and bold. Models sporting the graphic white eyeliner designs were sent off with lips coated in Baby Lips in Quenched which created a subtle shine. However, those with bare lids were given a more statement-making pout which was achieved by framing only the upper lip with SuperStay Matte Ink in Romantic. This precision product made application a breeze as its applicator features a tapered, arrow-like design.





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Images Courtesy of Maybelline New York

NYFW SS 2019 - BACKSTAGE BEAUTY AT KITH

New York Fashion Week SS 2019
Designer: Kith
Makeup Artist; Grace Lee
Brand: Maybelline New York


While subtle beauty look often leave the ensembles as the focal point during a show, I love when models strut down the runway sporting bold beauty looks. This cool, dramatic graphic smoky eye look paired beautifully with the unique and darkly hued designs of the Kith x Versace collection  (one of four collaborations presented).

The collection, which featured an array of personalities, featured multiple beauty look created by Grace Lee, makeup artist for Maybelline New York. This specific look was all about fresh skin, feathery brows and ultimately focused on the ultra cool winged eye look. Using versatile Maybelline products, here's how she created this look:

EYES
To avoid any fallout or smudges on freshly applied foundation, Grace began the look by creating the negative space winged eye makeup. Using the Eyestudio Lasting Drama Waterproof Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Sleek Onyx, she lined the upper lash line and blended the product out into the winged shape.
Backstage Beauty Tip: To achieve that sharp, clean edge, Grace suggests holding a tissue along the outer corner of the eye whilst lining. If that appears to be a bit too challenging, a perfect shape can also be created using the Facestudio Master Fixer Makeup Remover Pen.

Once complete, Grace framed the look by coating both the upper and lower lashes in few coats of Volum' Express The Falsies Washable Mascara in Blackest Black.

SKIN
Moving on to the skin, Grace wanted the skin to look fresh and flawless without looking heavily concealed. To create that perfect complexion, she simply buffed the skin with Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation. Once applied, Grace wanted to sculpt the face much like the stunning 90s supermodels seen in George Michael's "Freedom! 90" music video and the Versace runway. To create  that iconic, subtle contour, she blended Facestudio Masterstudio Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick under the cheekbones.

BROWS
To create the lush, feathery brow look. Brow Precise Micro Eyebrow Pencil was used to fill in the lashes and the final shape was set with Great Lash Clear Mascara.

LIPS
For the perfect nude lip, Grace blended two shades (Driver and Poet) of SuperStay Matte Ink Un-Nude Liquid Lipstick onto the lips. For a muti-dimensional finish, Shine Compulsion Lipstick by Color Sensational in Baddest Beige was applied atop the nude lipstick blend.






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Images courtesy of Maybelline New York

Jane Iredale's Sunny Mission of Giving Back and Making A Difference

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Sunny PlayOn Lip Crayon | Jane Iredale
100% of profits to support various organizations that benefit women and girls


As a major fan of Jane Iredale, a natural beauty brand deeply rooted in philanthropy, I was so excited to get a chance to play with their new fall collection at this year's Indie Beauty Expo in NYC (more on that later). While there, I also had the opportunity to preview the brand's newest philanthropic launch.

The chic lip product, aptly named Sunny, is a lip crayon that softly glides on the lips and leaves behind a beautiful universally-flattering, creamy pink hue.

This product, which is part of Jane's newest charity initiative focuses on organizations which benefit women and girls around the country. It is a brilliantly bright campaign that promotes the positive progression of women through self-confidence and courage. Complete sales of this universal lip product will go towards female-centric organizations, which includes Look Good Feel Better, an amazing program which merges beauty and confidence in such a supportive and encouraging fashion. This exceptional organization is dedicated to women with cancer and helps create a brighter and more courageous future for each through beauty.

This wonderful organization is just one of the noteworthy programs included in Jane's Sunny charitable mission.While Jane's versatile, natural beauty and skincare range helps us put our best face forward, her latest beauty launch gives us a chance to let out inner beauty shine through generosity.


"Make your day a Sunny day and support a brighter future for women and girls"
-Jane Iredale


Image courtesy of Jane Iredale

The Beautiful Campaign Shining A Light on CHD Survivors

Friday, August 31, 2018

All proceeds to benefit the last photography chapter of the Scars Are Beautiful Project



As someone who has experienced a fair share of heart troubles, I was blown away when I stumbled upon the Scars Are Beautiful Project

This incredible initiative brings awareness to congenital heart defect (CHD) survivors. Founded by the inspiring Brigitta Zatko, this eye-opening project highlights individuals of various ages around the world who all have a striking chest scar marking life-saving open heart surgery due to CHD. 

The Founder
A beautiful lady both inside and out, Brigitta has created a project where those suffering and beyond can feel both inspired and included. Expanding on her own CHD experience, Brigitta has taken her brilliant photography talents to various cites to chronicle the stories of these brave heart survivors and photograph their beautiful scars. With so much stigma around the appearance of scars, Brigita's Scars Are Beautiful project has created a community that celebrates the signature zipper-like chest scar and gives a face to CHD.

Brigitta Zatko 


With my own personal experience with life-long heart disease and open heart surgery, it is incredible to see this thriving and welcoming community celebrating a scar I was once embarrassed by and reading the stories of fellow heart heroes of every age.  

Her Mission
A strong advocate for this cause, Brigitta's ultimate goal is to photograph 100 unique individuals with CHD who proudly wear their open heart surgery scars and compile these stunning images into a coffee table book. This brave collection of moving images is such a wonderful project that highlights such an important cause while eliminating the shame of scars. 

Brigitta Zatko


Fundraising Efforts
Due to its success, Brigitta has a designed a charming shirt promoting her passion project that is perfectly fitting for all. A fundraising effort that will only be live until September 5th, this darling shirt is a wearable memento that represents so many beautiful stories and raises awareness for CHD. All sales of this shirt will go towards funding Brigitta's last trip (Australia) on her Scars Are Beautiful photography mission. Whilst in Australia, Brigitta will visit four cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane) to photograph thirty individuals for her upcoming tome. A mission worth the spotlight, Brigitta is changing the conversation on scars and CHD by focusing on actual survivors and their unique stories. 


Contacting Brigitta Zatko 
Email: BrigittaZatko@gmail.com




All images courtesy of Brigitta Zatko



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