Maqpro, Paris France - a french day in the life of an MUA...

Earlier this month I traveled to Paris, France for business with my very good friend and fellow makeup artist, Tricia Sawyer. Before we left for our trip, another fellow makeup artist, Ve Neil, told us to pay a visit to an incredible makeup store called Maqpro. The Maqpro cosmetic line has only two locations -- France and England. We called, made an appointment and we were greeted by the two most wonderful people, Nine and Alain.

They gave us a tour of their store and lab and told us the history behind their product line. They are "old school," which is exactly what I love! The store was packed with a variety of cream foundations, eye shadows, cheek colors and lipsticks filled with amazing pigment. It was as if I had died and gone to makeup heaven!

Alain, who has been a makeup and special effects artist for many years, was kind enough to give both myself and Tricia a makeover. This was the first time I have ever had another makeup artist put makeup on my face! Now I know what all the fuss is about (just kidding)! But, it was great to listen and learn from an amazing artist trained in France.

Speaking with Alain about different special effects techniques was something I will never forget. He was so informative and showed me their entire line - including stage blood that washes out of wardrobe with cold water! I have never, until now, found an effects blood that didn't stain the skin or clothing! French makeup techniques are similar to the U.S., but their products are high above American standard, I mean after all, they are French!

Below are a few pictures for you to enjoy and know that I have stocked my kit with all kinds of French goodies to use on my next projects! It was just the most fabulous day in Paris!!!







Special Effects...a day in the life of an MUA

I love doing all types of special effects, be it injuries like cuts or gashes, bruises, tattoos, missing body parts, aging effects, gross teeth, etc., so I thought I would post a few photos from a couple of shoots I have done recently.

In the past year, almost every set I have worked on used HD, which means that when I have been asked to do some type of special effect on an actor/actress, I have to do tests prior to make sure the effect looks believable on HD. HD picks up every thing so my make-up technique has to be perfect and well blended or the final result will be horrible!

I also don't believe in the new make-up lines that are popping up with HD make-up. I have found that what I have always used is great on HD -- it is the make-up artist's technique that makes the difference! A sloppy make-up artist can get away with bad application on some shoots, but no longer if using HD!

I have posted the before and after shot for you to enjoy! The bruise shots are for an upcoming video that is for a private organization and I am not allowed to talk about it. Sorry. The aging pictures are from a student film (yes, I like to help out the up and coming Hollywood hopefuls). This girl was 17 and needed to look like an old "granny!" What a day!







Look Book Shoot - a day in the life of an MUA

I was up in Los Angeles last week to help my good friend and fellow make-up artist, Tricia Sawyer, with a shoot for a new clothing company called Keep Me.

Shot on a private beach in Malibu, California, these photographs will be used for the clothing line's "Look Book" -- which is what designers use to market their garments to boutiques or department stores.

Keep Me was created by Anne des Barres and Ali Kay who noticed a gap in the marketplace when it came to comfortable, indoor lounge wear. Anne started her fashion career with Marc Jacobs International and then became International and Domestic Production Manager for the fashion house of Diane von Frustenberg. Ali attended the prestigious Columbia University where she received her B.A. in Political Science while simultaneously launching the debut collection of Keep Me at Henri Bendel.

Keep your eyes peeled for this new line which is due to hit major department stores toward the end of the month!



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