VIktor Luna FW13 GALA Collection

I once again had the honor of working with New York City based designer, Viktor Luna for his FW13 GalaCollection lookbook shoot. This collection exudes luxury and sophistication. Viktor was inspired by the NYC nightlife and also by the “elegance of women who love to dress up and look radiant.” The GALA Collection is filled with rich and luxurious fabrics such Satin Dutchess, silk organza, crepe georgette and velvet burnouts. Viktor Luna is known for his detailing, some examples found in his past collections are unique prints of photos taken throughout his various travels, crystals, spikes and studs. For this collection, Viktor used many texture elements such as pearl beading, hand painting, braided rope, ostrich feathers, bamboo beads, along with custom cover button to finish some garments. In this collection you will see the color red showcased in many of his designs. "Red is a vibrant color that exudes sensuality", says Viktor. He also complimented other neutral colors in a form of monochromatic and color blocking, creating a timeless and simple modern palette.

 

 

 

Since the FW13 GALA Collection is the equivalent of eleganza, Viktor wanted a simple, clean  makeup look with a bit more emphasis on the eyes, subtle contour on the hallows of the cheeks paired with neutral lips. The hair was also kept minimal and opted for a soft, messy bun. I used Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics for makeup and for hair, I used Oscar Blandi. Both the hair and makeup were serene and complimented the elegant collection.

 

 

Viktor’s garments and past collections have been used on the Red Carpet for awards shows, featured in Vogue, Elle and Elle Girl and most recently seen on Ciara amongst other notable personalities. If you are interested in purchasing any garments from this collection, visit:

http://viktorluna.bigcartel.com/ .

 This is a group shot of: models Jackie G & Megan @ Wilhelmina, Viktor Luna, the adorable Mickey, and Me.

 

 *Photos taken by LendonFlanagan

MUA Vintage Dinner in Brooklyn

Although this blog is dedicated to makeup related topics, I could not resist blogging about a vintage dinner I hosted for my MUA friends and me.

 

 

 I am obsessed with anything vintage and honestly feel that I should have been born during the Motown or Rockabilly era. I love the innocence of that time period, the music, the life style and of course the fashion along with makeup and hair. Being from California, I grew up with the vintage influence. My younger brother Danny is a rockabilly at heart and rocks the pompadour. Growing up as kids, we listened to Motown music, oldies, and Rockabilly tunes. I think that California is a state that truly appreciates that time period and plays homage to it by keeping the style vivid and alive.

 

There is just something so timeless about that era’s makeup style. Clean and simple skin with a pop of color on the cheeks, defined brows, mascara and of course who could skip out on that wing tip liner! I am a huge fan of bold lipstick colors and red is one of my signature lip color choices. During that era, bold, matte, red lips were a perfect evening color option but also suitable during the daytime, for the daring woman. Many women opted to wear pinks and peach lips for daytime makeup. Eye shadow was usually kept to a simple minimum, primarily using matte, neutrals with a soft definition in the crease and outer edge.

 

The dinner took place at a vintage diner in downtown Brooklyn. Some of the girls showed up in pinup, others in a more vintage style and a few opted to wear modern clothes with a vintage feel. All of my friends looked gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

 I was very happy to see the different vintage inspired hairstyles my friends did. One did victory rolls, others had rolled bangs, pompadours, waves, and curls. I was very afraid to do my own hair. I am okay at styling hair on set, on models or on clients but not so great on myself. Since I already have bangs, I went with a classic curled bang and retro waves/curls a-la Bettie Paige hair style. For this dinner I wore a Bettie Paige brand black pencil-skirt type sleeveless dress with bows on the straps and vintage peep toe heels.

I went with a classic vintage makeup look.

Skin: Kevyn Aucoin airbrush liquid foundation

Blush: -Kevyn Aucoin “Isadore” cream blush topped with

      -Kevyn Aucoin powder blush (I mixed a matte baby pink and matte peach)   topped with
     -Kevyn Aucoin “Candle Light” powder highlighter.     

 Eyes: Mehron Celebre neutral matte shadow palette

          -Kevyn Aucoin white pencil eye liner for waterline

       -Motives gel liner for wing tip

        -Maybelline Falsies mascara

Lips: NYX 817 Hot Red lip liner all over lips

          -MAC “Ruby Woo” matte lipstick
         -Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics lip tar in “NSFW”

I love my friends and I am glad we got to have a vintage dinner together! xo

 

*Photos Copyright: Eduardo Acevedo

My Makeup & Skin Care Regimen

 

I keep my personal use skin care and makeup separate from my kit. I do not use what I have in my kit on myself or vice versa. Before I became a makeup artist, I was a makeup junkie. I loved to walk into Sephora and purchase all of the new makeup products that came out into the market. I have always been a lipstick lover. Now, I don’t use as much makeup because I am always busy and on set for long periods at a time and the last thing I want is to feel like I am wearing pounds of makeup during long shoot days or on early call times.

Skin care is something I am very passionate about and never skip out on. It is also a big part of the makeup application on others, I spend about half of my time on set making sure I go through a proper skin care prior to makeup application.

Skin Care Regimen:

When I use eye makeup I use Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes to remove it. I then use Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil to gently break down makeup and rinse. I follow with my Clarisonic and Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel. After patting dry, I use a cotton round to tone with Clinique 3 Clarifying Lotion (toner for combination skin).For eye cream I am currently using Philosophy Eye Hope. Next, I proceed with NARS Optimal Brightening Concentrate followed by DDF Moisturizing Dew.

Weekly skin care routines:

Boscia Black Mask,  Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion In A Jar (exfoliator)

 Everyday Makeup:

Nars Tinted Moisturizer or Cargo Tinted Moisturizer, Kevyn Aucoin pressed powder, Nars blush and highlighter. Anastasia brow powder in Brunette. I cannot live without bronzer and use Smashbox Suntan Matte.  I always wear bold lipstick. More often than not, I rock bold, matte lipstick colors. My favorite hues are bright red, orange, purple, lavender, hot pink and burgundy. The lipstick brands I usually use are: YSL, NARS, Kevyn Aucoin, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and MAC.  My favorite mascara is Benefit They’re Real and Maybelline Falsies.  White eyeliner in my waterline is one of my signature trademarks and I use Kevyn Aucoin pencil.

I also use eyeliner on top lid/lash line from time to time and use Kevyn Aucoin liquid pen liner or Lorac liquid pen liner as well.

 Foundation:

When I do use foundation I switch it up between my favorites: Nars, Givenchy and Chanel.  I also set these with Kevyn Aucoin pressed powder or the loose powder. Depending on my mood.

Shadows:
I am a neutral, matte eyeshadow kind of person. I use Bobbi Brown, Kevyn Aucoin, MUFE and Inglot shadows on myself and I also adore my Mehron Neutral Matte shadow palette. If I do opt to use shimmer on my lids I use Chanel and YSL eye shadow quads.

 

*Photo of me taken by photographer: Eduardo Acevedo

 

Professionalism Pays Off

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No matter how much I try not to, I constantly forget names but I always remember a face and how the person treated me. Professionalism in this industry is of extreme importance. Sometimes people will forget our names but our attitude and behavior on set will leave a lasting impression on those we worked with for the day.  How we carry and conduct ourselves on set can lead to others recommending us for other job opportunities in our respective fields.

Being punctual and respectful towards others is essential and of vital importance but are only a couple of the key factors in being a pleasant person to work with. How we receive constructive criticism on set and the way we react to having to make adjustments can be a determining factor in wether others decide to work with us again in the future or not. If we adopt a defensive or dogmatic attitude then it may push others away from us.

When on set, I always try to make the experience a pleasant one for those working with me. It is always important to know that although you can have fun on set and joke around, there is a time and place for everything. For example, if on a collaborative or test shoot, then most definitely a more bubbly personality and fun atmosphere is acceptable. However, if on set with a client or on a big production, time is money and every minute counts. If we lack professionalism and proper set etiquette, it can make us seem amateur. This doesn’t mean we cannot be ourselves or have fun.  There is a difference between making the models feel comfortable by chatting with them or the crew on set and being over the top loud and booty popping and dropping it like it’s hot on set. It is just a matter of balance. 

 

Last year, I was referred to a job by a fellow artist (to cover for them)  and was placed in contact with the production manager and went over details regarding the shoot the next day. That same evening, the artist who initially referred me, had a cancellation, and their schedule was opened once again. I was no longer needed to replace them. I was a little bummed because I had cancelled another paying job. Fast forward a few months later, I got booked for a pretty big job and when I went into the office to sign the paper work, the casting director and production manager told me that someone had referred me and mentioned the name. It was the production manager I never got the chance to work with. I called him after I left the building to thank him. He gave me extremely valuable information and tips. He also told me that he referred me because he remembered how professional I was over the phone and that even without meeting him in person or working with him, he knew I was the perfect candidate.

This is proof that they way we conduct ourselves can impact the referral of our services to other industry professionals. I am so thankful to all of the photographers, designers, and other fellow artists that constantly refer me for jobs. It makes me feel beyond happy and I appreciate all the love bestowed upon me. Professionalism on set pays off.

 *Image courtesy of Google Images.

2013 New Beauty

As artists, we need to constantly revamp our portfolios and add new images. Also, depending on the type of shoot, it allows for creative outlets for all parties involved. I made a promise to myself to try and test at least once a month. I need to improve my book and add new images to my portfolio. I have also done a couple editorial shoots and look forward to posting the images as soon as the publications they will be featured in are released.

Below are some images of my recent beauty work.

Tereza @ Marilyn, Photographer: Jessica Weiser, Hair: Mercedes C. Makeup: Maria Ortega

Angie @ MAJOR, Photographer: Nick Suarez, Hair: Sasha Bay, Makeup: Maria Ortega