TOP 5 REASONS CLIENTS HIRE A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST

• Avoid the "face one color, neck a different color" issue.
An experienced and trained professional makeup artist will utilize techniques learned in workshops and classes and not allow this to happen.

• Not all foundations are designed the same.
Professional formulations do differ from those sold to consumers.Titanium Dioxide and SPF are in most makeup today (including mineral makeup)...this can result in a ghostly looking face due to the flash on most cameras.

• Don’t pay your photographer extra for retouching!
A professional makeup artist knows the types and shades of makeup that will photograph best. So use our knowledge to your advantage. Save money by avoiding this additional cost with your photographer… hire a professional makeup artist so you can feel confident that you look your best in photos from the beginning.

• You probably won’t have all the tools necessary to get the look you want to achieve. Hiring a professional makeup artist is a fraction of the cost of purchasing all the products yourself. Professional Makeup Artists invest heavily in the best of everything-from brushes to brands. Many cosmetics are only available to artists that can make or break your look. Trade secrets ensure your look is polished, flawless and lasts as long as you need it to.

• Be aware that many self-proclaimed "makeup artists" may not tell you that their real job is to SELL you makeup.
This is how they many "makeup artists" make their money. What this means to you is that their focus may be on how much they can sell you, not necessarily on what is best for you. Jennifer Ballard and her assistants will NOT attempt to sell you any makeup. Our only job is to make you feel beautiful and relaxed that day...we will tell you what products we used but will never pressure you to buy anything.

To use the kind words of many of our clients, Jennifer and her team will make you feel the way every woman (or man) is supposed to feel... beautiful, confident, and special.

Caution:Nano-containing sunscreens

Here is an interesting article I thought we should all be aware of:


Consumers should be cautious of nano-containing sunscreens, says Friends of the EarthNanoparticles of zinc or titanium do not increase the protective power of a sunscreen and they pose health risks, according to a recent Friends of the Earth report. The environmental group is warning consumers to be cautious when it comes to nano-containing products and calling on the industry and government to instigate pre-market testing. Friends of the Earth’s report details eight reasons why consumers should be wary of nanomaterials in sunscreens as well stating there is no evidence that they improve protection. “Consumers must be aware that nanomaterials are being put into sunscreens with very little evidence about their safety and relative efficacy,” said one of the report authors and Friends of the Earth’s health and environment campaigner Ian Illuminato. A large number of sunscreen products use nanosize particles of the physical UV filters, zinc and titanium. This allows them to spread more easily, giving better coverage without leaving the white film traditionally associated with high SPF products. In addition, according to some suppliers nano-titanium dioxide and -zinc oxide are more effective at blocking UV rays than their larger counterparts. The Friends of the Earth report cites a study in 2007 by the Consumer’s Union that concluded there was no correlation between nanomaterial content and sun protection. This conclusion is in contrast to that of fellow consumer organisation Environmental Working Group which stated back in May that the benefits of nanosize UV filters outweighed their risks. Nanoparticles behave differently According to the recent Friends of the Earth report these risks include the affect their small size has on the particles’ properties, namely their ability to penetrate the skin and the body’s systems. “In the body, nanomaterials have much greater access to vulnerable organs and tissues,” the report claims. Although the report recognizes that studies to date show little, if any, skin penetration, it claims that in damaged skin penetration could be much higher. It also highlights potential dangers for workers involved in the manufacture of nano-containing products as well as the environment. The report calls for government and industry to demand testing and approval of nano-containing products before commercialization, for products containing nanoparticles to be labelled as such and for extra support for research into the impacts of nanoparticles on human health and the environment.

Mineral Makeup Question and Answer

Do you use mineral makeup on your clients?
I do not. I feel that mineral makeup has it's place, but not for photography. I also do not like the way it settles into pores and "peach fuzz" and can look cakey.

Why do minerals have that unnatural 'glowy' sheen ?
A few popular mineral cosmetic lines mix a chemical called bismuth oxychloride into their products. Bismuth oxychloride leaves the products with a highly silky look and feel. Unfortunately, this chemical leaves a strange, undesirable "glowy" look to the skin.

Why do some mineral makeups make my skin itch! Why? The majority of mineral cosmetics use the natural ingredient mentioned above, bismuth oxychloride, in their formulas. Though natural, it is known to make the skin itch.

Temptu at Sephora

The temptu airbrush sold at sephora is for CONSUMERS. It is not designed for, nor is it cost effective for the pro artist and it is NOT intended for that market. (You cannot mix colors with this unit and you are getting a 1/2 ounce of foundation for $45) You can get the same compressor and a gun that is designed to be used for mixing color, tanning, etc directly from Temptu. (www.temptu.com) Sephora is a consumer outlet. And yes some of you use makeup on shoots that comes from sephora, sephora is STILL a consumer outlet!

New photos...

MAC 2009 Trend Reports

MAC A/W 2009 Trend Reports: Makeup Looks
17th July, 2009
Look #1: Lid Viscous
FaceMoisturizer: Moisturelush CremeFoundation: Studio Sculpt SPF 15Concealer: Studio SculptPowder: Prep + Prime Transparent PowderEyesBrows: Defined but natural in toneBrow Highlight: Mineralize Skinfinish NaturalEyelid: Carbon Eye Shadow blended over Smolder Kohl. Silver Fog Pigment through the inner corner on upper and lower lashlineCrease: Carbon blended very sheer with strength through the inner and outer cornersEyeliner: Smolder, set with Carbon Eye Shadow, upper and lower lashlineMascara: ZoomblackCheeksMineralize Skinfinish Natural for a soft contourLipsPrep + Prime Lip with Lip Erase in DimLook #2: New Romantics
FaceMoisturizer: Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15Foundation: Studio Sculpt SPF 15Concealer: Studio SculptPowder: Loose Blot PowderEyesBrows: Defined, but natural in toneBrow Highlight: YogurtEyelid: Smut and Texture, inner and outer cornerCrease: Smut and Texture, inner and outer contourEyeliner: Smut and Texture Eye ShadowMascara: PlushblackCheeksDainty Mineralize BlushLipsFunshine SlimshineLip Pencil: Beurre Cremestick LinerLook #3: Who’s That Girl?
FaceMoisturizer: Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50Foundation: Studio Sculpt SPF 15Concealer: Studio SculptPowder: Prep + Prime Transparent PowderEyesBrows: Defined, and kept as straight as possibleBrow Highlight: Copperplate and Ground Brown Eye Shadows blended through inner corner onlyEyelid: Copperplate and Ground Brown Eye Shadow blended with strength through the inner cornerCrease: Copperplate through inner corner and diffused outwardCheeksMineralize Skinfinish in Medium Dark or Deep for a soft contourLipsMorange Lipstick followed with a laquer of Pink Poodle LipglassLip Pencil: MagentaLook #4: Sculpture Club
Moisturizer: Strobe CreamFoundation: Studio Sculpt SPF 15Concealer: Studio SculptPowder: Prep + Prime Transparent Powder through the T-Zone onlyEyesBrows: Beguile Brow SetBrow Highlight: Mineralize Skinfinish NaturalEyelid: Pearl Crème Color BaseCrease: Fluidline in DipdownEyeliner: Fluidline in DipdownCheeksMineralize Skinfinish Natural in DarkLipsFetish Lipstick applied with a lip brushLip Pencil: Hodgepodge

Makeup tutorials!

Hey- If you all are interested in learning some techniques on how to apply makeup like a makeup artist, check out these great sites:

Girlyvue.com

utube.com

Marian's Weddding

Finally getting a chance to post some pics from Marian's wedding. Summer gets so busy. Enjoy!
Right now I am loving Phenomeyes masacara by Givenchy and trying out Coastal Scents Warm Palette. Will report back soon

Airbrush Pro's and Con's

What is so remarkable about this classic technique is that the most refined droplets of foundation are directed and deposited on your face through an air delivery system. The resulting finish is flawless skin with natural looking coverage. When the air fuses with the foundation, it oxidizes it into a high opacity…you get maximum coverage with a breath of product, a girl’s best friend!

The last thing the skin needs is to be weighed down with too much product, collecting in areas that exaggerate flaws instead up minimizing them. This is a strategy that any good makeup artist strives for in an application; perfect skin and undetectable foundation. However, it gets better!

The longevity of the water or silicone based airbrush foundation is good for ten to twelve hours. Brides can now dance on into the night knowing they haven’t budged or smudged. Dare to wear that short skirt that’s loitering in your closet? Have your legs airbrushed with a water base formulation. Not only will you take years off them, but with a shade adjustment, you can bronze them up to carry through that sultry summer tan.

• THE PROS OF AIRBRUSH MAKEUP:
  Maximum coverage with minimal product
  Delivers a natural and translucent look
  Great for oily skin
  Fantastic for overly active skin that tends to "eat" makeup
  Lasts ten to twelve hours - excellent for bridal makeup, it's a bride's best friend
  Does not require powder, which can be aging
  Some foundation formulations are silicone based
  Silicone is as smooth as silk

• THE CONS OF AIRBRUSH MAKEUP:
  Set up fee for airbrush makeup artist/technician: $500 to $800. Requires a skilled technician/artist or a lot of home practice
  Airbrush make-up session $80 to $200
• Beauty airbrush is slowly making its way into the television and the film industry. With the transition of high definition television, it's definitely a makeup artist's and television personality's new best friend.

Eye Makeup Tips

One version of a basic, but beautiful eye needs two colors, one light and one dark for contrast. The darkest color usually takes the focus and attention of the eye treatment, therefore placement is everything. Most of us are privy to the fact that if you have slightly wide set eyes (Oprah) then you should focus the darkest color towards the middle and inner corner of your eyes. If you are close set (Babs) then go in the other direction, softly putting emphasis on the outer corners. If I’m boring you I do apologies. So here are some universal, no brainer recipes that look good on most of us.

Eye Make-up Technique 1A - Close set gals, and most of their pals - general population:

(The simplicity with this treatment works correctively with close-set bombshells or balanced bells. With a fresh lid and shading on the outer corner, the darker shading will add incredible dimension to the lids with a bit of lift and extension at the same time.)
Apply an off white, cream, or a pale milky pink to ¾ of your upper eyelid starting at the inner corner. Take the second darker color, and with a small brush shade the outer lid with your chin slightly lifted in the mirror (let them make their own breakfast). Shade from the outer corner inwardly. And for God sakes, line the top eyelid with some eyeliner liner to finish it!EYELINER SEGWAY:

Do's

Do line just the top lash line.orDo line both top and bottom lash line.

Dont's

Don’t line just the bottom lash line - it drags the eye down, looks bottom heavy, and has the look of the top ten worst music videos of 1982.

Eye Make-up Technique 2A - Wide set wonders or slightly turned down / droopy eyes:

(This little classic design keeps the viewer focused at the center of your peepers, where the most flattering focal point of your eyes reside)
Apply a light to medium light, fresh color on you entire top lid. With a slightly fluffy, medium size crease brush, initiate the second, darker color in the middle of the eye socket. Rock the brush back and forth, creating a half moon in the crease area, slightly approaching the inner corner. Although the darkest color is traveling towards the inner corner, it must be delicate and tapered as it arrives. The finished eye contour must look centered detracting from the “ outward problem”.

Shopping for Colors
With regards to what colors to choose, the highlight colors mentioned early are neutral enough due to the fact that they are highlighters. My only caution is if you have pink lids because of veining or skin sensitivity, stay away from pink highlight shadows.
When choosing a dark contrasting color, there are many approaches. Here is one. Choose an accent color that is opposite of your own eye colour. The two colors side by side (your natural eye color and the eye shadow) intensify each other instead of competing. The opposite color doesn’t necessarily mean you work with it in its purest form.

If you have blue eyes, I’m not suggesting you plaster your eyelids with pumpkin orange. You could choose a dynamic gray that has a breath of orange in it. Recognize the difference between classic shades (straight colors) and contemporary shades that contains nuances of a second supporting color whispering through.

Blue eyes: Try a “ browny orange “ the amount of orange may be extremely subtle but effective in popping those babies.

Hazel green eyes: Perhaps a pimento brown – this contains a subtle red undertone that is cooled & tamed by the dominating brown.

Hazel green eyes with yellow flex will dance when accompanied by grays & taupes that have a soft violet support.

Brown eyes: What shade of brown are you winking with? Do you see yellow brown? A speckle of green?

Once you determine the other supporting colour that makes up the brown in your iris, grab the colour wheel and go shopping. At the very least take this concept to the boutique or makeup studio with your next visit. Remember, there is always a little magic when opposition works harmoniously.

These eye makeup techniques were originally published in B Magazine, November 2007 and Behind the Eyes Enhancing Eye Make-up Techniques By Robert Closs