My two favourite Halloween looks 2012

You've already seen my skeletal makeups that I LOVED for Halloween but these were also my two favourite looks this year.

2nd Favourite look

Artist Unknown

3rd Favourite

Artist Unknown

Illamasqua (review), my new found LOVE.

Illamasqua Matte Eyeshadow Review: 5/5

Yes, I have finally lost my Illamasqua virginity after being a wee MAC addict! I have to say these are fantastic eyeshadows, possibly the best as they are very highly pigmented. I only bought one to start with (I'm too cautious) but now I want to go back and buy heaps! They double up as a contour powder AND they are long lasting too! I re-apply always to get a strong colour and if you sweep (not DOT as I used to do!) with a dome shaped brush, it glides on wonderfully.

I'm in LOVE.

x S-J x

Halloween 2012, Skeletal Makeup.

HALLOWEEN 2012 !

A makeup artists favourite time of year

There are so many looks to choose from for Halloween but I opted for a skeletal makeup! I will take you through some of my inspiration for this look.

Artist Unknown 

The first being this photo which I came across on Google. I love the femininity crossed with the psychedelic mood which is conveyed through the use of strong contrasting that is simply striking in this image.

The second being the infamous Lady Gaga in her 'Born This Way' music video. The makeup is incredible, if only it had more attention at the time. You can see that on the black filled in areas, these have been brought out with a white powder (most likely a white eye shadow) to create more of a dimension. You can see it's much more detailed than the one above. Grey hues have been used to sculpt in and around the bones and to give the illusion of shading, I say a lighter tone was used first and then the MUA went in with a darker hue (softening as going along, best to use very small brushes). The shapes alone make the artwork distinct in my eyes, as it's more curvy and rounded than the one above. I'd also say the MUA would have used not a completely matte paint, but rather one with a sheen to bring it out and create that dimension, making it less flat. I suppose you could say it's the complete opposite from the one above. The detail on the ears, neck and hands (see hand on the right coner too) and also extrodinary, not to mention the male models painted on brain and teeth. This is true fine art. 

This looks like a source of inspiration for the video (unless the video was the inspiration for this!)

Remarkable, I think the teeth and the brain are more detailed and therefore more striking in the  music video photo but I love that you can see all the little cracks and subtle lines surrounding the mouth ( and have a look and the ears too!). Of course the body art is just simply astonishing, truly unique to be that talented. I would make an amazing tattoo. 

Hope ya'll liked my thoughts of these looks and took some inspiration away with you as I did!

x S-J x

First Born, 'L'Assenza'

Looking through the lens...

Received a very late desperate call from a friend (at 12 pm to be exact) to help out the makeup team on  'L'Assenza' two weeks ago so I kindly obliged (having to rummage and clean my kit haphazardly) and wake up five hours later! 

The team were all incredibly talented, hard working and lovely to talk to, I think the finished product is going to be outstanding. They shot in B&W possibly 35 mm, and it was set in the 1920s so it had a distinct period feel. 

The costume played a big part...

Also lovely to work with this cheeky chappie again - Stephen Mangan!

I had previously worked with him on 'Episodes' that is more known in the U.S and is due to film it's next series in L.A next year. 

Scrutinizing every move... 

Once more the producer, Carey Born, was more than accommodating and welcoming with her team and I truly wish to work with her again. 

They're set to film again in December and in Paris, very exciting. 

Watch this space- 'L'Assenza!'