Makeup artistry is something I take a keen interest in but hold no formal qualifications for and I do not claim to be an expert! The industry itself is said to be ‘portfolio based’ and I am still keen to learn and develop the basic skills I have which is in terms of applying my own makeup, be it for daytime, evening or special event including dance competition makeup and perhaps taking it further. My goal for next year is to take a qualification but in the mean time, practising, watching tutorials, reading as much as I can and researching courses is what I am currently doing.
I was offered an amazing opportunity to practice the basic makeup skills that I do have and work to a 1950s brief for a planned photoshoot which was a personal project for a friend of mine, my Dance Teacher and Professional Photographer Fredric Frennessen. Over the years I have had a series of photos taken by Fredric …. dance photos, family shoots, portrait shoots, fun theme shoots but this time I had the chance to actually apply the makeup to the model in question for his professional 1950’s shoot! I was going to be ‘Makeup Artist for the day’!
Using Pinterest , youtube and general internet sources the ideas came together and I needed to plan what makeup I would be using and how it might look on camera! This was something I had no vast knowledge of ….. knowing how products behave on the skin under photographic light may not be my expertise, but I at least have an idea!
Luckily for me, the model, Camilla, is also a friend of mine who I know through dancing so you could class it as having perhaps a ‘soft audience’ in terms of excusing my ‘trial and error’ kind of approach as I had a few options on products to use and made up my mind as I went through!
The experience itself was a learning curve in that there were products that I thought would work really well…that really didn’t! This wasn’t necessarily due to the product itself but when applying makeup to someone else rather than myself, getting in on angles with things like eyeliner for example is different! It just happened to be that the 1950’s eyeliner was pretty much one MAJOR focus of the makeup…no pressure there hey??
1950’s style makeup is very classic. Camilla really suits this era and her skin tone and full lips provide a perfect canvas to work to script.
Face
1950’s was all about flawless skin and powder was a big thing! Liquid foundation plus powder to set is still providing the ultimate base makeup today but I wanted to be careful about not making Camilla’s face look flat on camera, yet still achieve a look that didn’t involve more recent makeup trends like over contouring and highlighting with shimmer!! Following a primer, foundation and setting powder, I used a bronzer to ever so lightly contour under Camilla’s cheekbones to give a bit of definition and complete it with a pop of a pink blush.
Products used: Niod Photography Fluid Opacity 12% / Estee Lauder Double Wear / Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer / Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ‘Dim Light’ / Mac Pro Longwear Blush ‘Whole Lotta Love’ / Mac Bronzing Powder
Lips
Think 1950s, think Maralyn Munroe and Audrey Hepburn … that bold, full, classic red lip. Together with the eyeliner, I think the lips are essentially the makings of this look!
Products used: Model Co Lipstick in ‘Stiletto’
Eyebrows
Brow shape and thickness has really gone through the most dramatic of changes and in my view, still continue to do so!! Brows in the 50s were full yet shaped. I followed Camilla’s natural brow shape but filling in and adding a bit of volume and a subtle highlight in the arch of the brow to give the higher arched look.
Products Used: Shavata Eyebrow pencil and Arch Enhancer pencil
Eyeshadow
With the focus being on the bold eyeliner of the time, I kept the eyelids minimalistic with a very light eyeshadow on the lid and a warm crease colour to again give a bit of definition to the eye shape.
Products used: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
Eyeliner
This was where I learnt about the products I was using and their ease of use. My initial thought was to use my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner and a brush … this proved quite difficult in achieving the correct shape and definitive point on the flick. Urban Decay’s Razor sharp eyeliner however saved the day which given this is my go-to eyeliner, looking back I should have started with this!! Liquid eyeliner, coupled with the thin brush allowed for easier and more fluid control!
Products used: Urban Decay Razor Sharp Eyeliner in ‘Perversion’
Lashes
Lashes for such a bold eye look require length and volume. This was achieved using an enhancing mascara and finished with some false eyelashes for that full on fluttery effect!
Products used: L‘Oreal False Lash Superstar X Fibre Mascara / Eylure Lashes 083
With thanks to Fredric, here are some of the finished images from the shoot.
So that’s my first attempt at makeup application on a model for a professional shoot! What do you think?
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think in the comments box below or on my facebook page. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook….links below🙂
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Photography: Fredric Frennessen / Instagram
Dresses: Louise Rose Couture / Instagram
Flowers: Busy Lizzie’s Florist
I really love that red lip! The whole makeup look is so classic. Amazing job 🙂
Emma | Rosy Disposition
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Thank you!! xx
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Amazing work! The model looks amazing and the makeup really stands out in the photos. Well done you x
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That’s lovely of you to say!! Thank you!! xx
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Beautiful work! I really enjoyed reading this post! You’re very talented! xx
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Thank you lovely xxx
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You’re welcome xx
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You did do well. The make up looks stunning. I love the bright lip. I know what you mean about someone else’s Face being difficult, when lily asks me to do her Make up the contours of her face are so different from mine it’s like a landscape you’re not used to! my eyes aren’t the right shape for a flick sadly, just looks weird!
Lovely post and gorgeous photos. Love it. Xx
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Thank you so much 🙂 Yes, it’s really odd…I couldn’t quite figure out how or where to stand to get the right angle then it’s like my hand is in the way of where I think I should be! Hahaha!! 😛 xx
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what a pretty makeup! I love this kind of retro looks, beautiful!
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Thank you! Thanks for reading xx
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Such a classic look – great job!
Carla x
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Thank you xx
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STUNNING!! I love it so much!!
Sophia xo // https://sophiaaaxo.com
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Thank you lovely xx
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Very glamorous and the eyes are fab. It was a very stylish era.
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Thank you! Yes, a very classic time with makeup…I love it…and it suits the model so well xx
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The green dress is my favorite! I wish I could pull off a bright bold red lip, but I always feel it ages me.
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I wish I could too!! Whenever I wear bright red I feel I have to tone it down! haha! xx
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So cute! This look suits you nicely- i bet it was awesome to dress up in that style for the day. So classic!
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I was actually just the makeup artist for the day …. I’m not a trained MUA so this was my first attempt at some practice before I train!! Thank you, it was a fun shoot and the era really does suit my friend xx
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Ahh brilliant! I am not sure it’s a look I would personally get away with but I might try it one time for fun 😛 xx
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Great photography and I think you have become an expert in the makeup skills area.
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Thank you very much!
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Lovely and beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing this important tips and creativity. I got Canon 6D but what i always lack is creativity.
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The photographer for these was using a Nikon 610. How about Pinterest for ideas to give you some creativity? Just a thought x
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This is such a great post and what a fab experience you had! I love the finished look and the photos are gorgeous!
Ellie x
elliesbitsofbeauty.wordpress.com
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Thank you for reading 💕 it was definitely a great experience 💕💕
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I love your layout, everything is easy to navigate through, and the read is awesome. I was checking out your products and was curious if you wanted to throw Avon in the mix, if you havent tried our products yet, I highly reccomend them, we have awesome prices and our line is tried and true and so versatile.
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Thank you for your feedback on my blog 🙂 I have used Avon a lot in the past. I don’t think I have anything at the moment but am also on a spending ban until my holiday in October! I may look at some bits after that 😛 x
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No problem at all I totally understand sometimes I tell myself I need to go to AA Avon anonymous I’m literally my best customer I think that’s how it goes pretty much for everybody when they sell something they love if there’s anything you have questions about or if you’re looking for any special discounts for sales just let me know and I look forward to reading your blogs
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I think you’ve done a wonderful job. She looks classy and elegant and the makeup itself is just on point! Well done ❤
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Thank you so much 🙂 xxx
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