"STEEL" by Jason Laswell for JUTE Magazine

I showed up to my friend's apartment in Brooklyn a few minutes before the call time. We were going to travel out of the city to a home in the country. It was a chilly day and I was excited to have a day trip out of the city.

When the model showed up she had this dope, black suede jacket with long fringe, vintage of course, as well as an English accent coupled with a semi-raspy voice. The down to earth model was the icing on the cake to working with a chill crew.  I knew it was going to be a smooth and fun day.

We drove out to the shoot location and as soon as I got out of the car I could smell the earth aromas and took deep breaths. I didn't struggle to breathe. My asthma was to be serene throughout the day. Sometimes, you just need out of the city-no yellow cabs, no bright lights or streets filled with locals being annoyed at tourists. Just a mellow day surrounded by trees, green grass and a blue sky with the wind sending a cold breeze across our faces. My favorite type of weather.

The makeup for this shoot was rather simple. A soft brown smokey eye to enhance Emily, the model's blue eyes and a nude lip with rose and brown hues to accentuate her lips. I opted to keep the skin fresh and with minimal foundation and a subtle highlight.

Below are the images from the shoot as well as team credits:

Publication: JUTE Magazine
Model: Emily Steel @ MC2
Photographer: Jason Laswell
Wardrobe Stylist: Hellen Barbieri
Hair: Marcel Dagenais
Makeup: Maria Ortega using Marc Beauty

2015 Recap

                                                                       (Photo of me in Paris October 2015, inspired at an Art Gallery 59 Rivoli)

Yeah, yeah, I know, I am a little late to the game but I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone that helped me, referred me and worked with me in 2015 and also share with you my wonderful experiences of this past year.

My 2015 started off pretty shaky for me because those crazy winter  months are rather slow and for those of you that know me well are aware of my chronic asthma, so I was cooped up saying no to the seldom jobs I was blessed to be offered. This discouraged me but things picked up at the end of January and I was hopeful my year would be good.

This year was one of growth and discovery in regards to my art. For the most part of the year I focused on television and commercial work. It is hard to say no to work and I feel fortunate to constantly work but to be honest, I felt an extreme emptiness in me because I was not test shooting or doing any creative beauty. My biggest fear as an artist is to become monotonous in my work and bland. So, I realized that for me, I need to balance paid work and self gratifying work in regards to letting my creative juices flow. Both are so different and being on either set really makes me happy and brings me joy.

Below are some of my highlights of this work year:

* Joined the Local 798 IATSE union as a makeup artist

* Worked on Lottie's makeup team for fashion week in Milan. (major dream/goal come true)

* Was on the Maybelline Pro team under key artist Yadim

* Worked in Milan and Paris

* Interviewed in an international publication as an artist

* Two different publications interviewed me regarding a makeup look I did on a celebrity

* Fortunate to be key artist on a handful of national commercials and advertising jobs

* Did makeup and grooming on more notable personalities and celebs I could have imagined

* I was able to obtain new commercial clients, keep them, work with them on a continuous basis

* Did a handful of editorials for smaller scale print publications

* Dayplayed on episodics and I am a regular artist for TV jobs

* Practiced doing blowouts, not a pro but I have worked on my hair skills

I am so thankful to all the creatives that refer me and  pass my info along for gigs, this past year was excellent thanks to you all. I am also grateful to work with people that believe in me and have given me a chance. Excited and thrilled for what's to come this year! Wishing everyone a wonderful, and productive work year filled with love, growth and gratification.

Tip Tuesday: "But First Let me Take a #Selfie" No Filter Makeup

With the popularity of Instagram and #selfies on social media, it has made it harder for everyone to want to post a photo of themselves without some type of filter, skin softening, blurring effects, and some even go to great lengths as legit photoshopping their images prior to posting. This is especially true with the makeup gurus or Instagram famous makeup enthusiasts or junkies.

However, this past weekend I was at The Makeup Show and I saw dozens of women who's makeup was applied like the people the admire and follow, even idolize on social media. The problem is that this type of makeup looks less dramatic when they have special lighting sets god for filming videos, the use of several filters and retouching, not to mention specific flattering angles in which photo is taken from...usually sky high above to give the illusion of the slimming effect.

So for my Tip Tuesday:

If you don't want to go outside looking crazy, (unless that is the look you are trying to go for) make sure:
*you do your makeup in natural lighting or good lighting for that matter,
*blend your makeup and take a #selfie before walking out of the door

Analyze it and if you look good before the filter and don't need to rely on these beauty apps to smooth skin, blur out  and blend for you, then chances are you don't look crazy.  Good makeup on the everyday woman doesn't need a filter, or photoshop.

Back To Blogging!!! (New beauty work)

Hi everyone! After a long hiatus from blogging, I have decided to return to writing on my blog. I want to continue to upload my recent work and perhaps talk about certain products that I love and cannot live without.

Ultimately, I want it to serve as my makeup journal or diary and share my experiences on set with anyone who is willing to read up on my posts. Additionally, I want to continue to interview established as well as emerging artists.

Stay tuned to be flooded with my blog posts.

In the meantime, here are a few images from a recent beauty test I did.

Model: Ella Darr @ Q Models

Photographer: Jamiya Wilson

Hair: Andrita Renee

Makeup by Maria Ortega (me) using:
Murad Skin Care
Kevyn Aucoin: Beauty Beauty Balm, Sensual Skin Enhancer, Sculpting Powder, Candlelight POwder Highlight, Molasses Elegant Lip Gloss
Givenchy Brow Pencil as well as Anastasia Brow Whiz
Givenchy Powder Blush in In Vogue Orange
Inglot matte shadows on the neutral eye looks
Yaby Cosmetics eyeshadows on the more dramatic eye, a mixture of Midnight Blue, Butterfly Blue, Emerald Sea, Milk Chocolate, Cocoa Powder, Royal Brown and & Seashell

Interview with Sebastien Tardif and Veil Cosmetics

This past week I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and have a late lunch with an amazing person and friend of mine Sebastien Tardif. We met up in Colombus Circle and had great conversation about life, what's new in our careers and go over the questions I had prepared for the interview. This interview for me is very special because Sebastien, has played an important role for me in my career. I will explain how further into the interview, but I will always remain thankful to Sebastien for a great opportunity and friendship because although he has plenty of years of experience as a makeup artist, he is one of the most humble creatives you will ever meet. Just ask anyone who has ever met him. Read along!

Sebastien Tardif

1) How did your makeup journey begin?

Having always loved fine arts in school, I ended up obtaining my bachelor's degree with a major in Studio Arts. I always painted human faces loving to add more of an abstract feel to them using lots of light vs. shadow contrast and texture. During my studies, I also developed a keen interest for fashion, specifically runway shows and editorials. It all dawned on me upon graduating: faces on canvas + fashion = Makeup! That was 17 years ago and never looked back since.

2) Do you think that the makeup industry has changed from when you first began?

Absolutely. That is one of the main reasons why I like the industry so much, it is in constant evolution.

3)How do you think it has changed?

Easier access to professional makeup. Pro makeup trade shows did not exist at the time I began doing makeup and there are a lot more brands to choose from now as well. Textures have improved immensely in regards to cosmetic products, which I personally always deplored when I first began playing with makeup i.e. pancake and stick makeup were the way to go and now it’s all about HD and real looking skin which I love.

4)What key factors contributed to your success?

Coming from a small town and only speaking French, I knew from the get go I would have to export myself and learn English, and that’s exactly what I did at the age of eighteen. Additionally, hard work ethics is a must, never taking no for an answer.

5)Many makeup artists feel that they must live in cities such as NYC, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Paris to become successful...do you feel that is true?

It’s all relative to the scale and size of your dreams. All I knew is that I was going to travel for work and that’s exactly what I did. Careful what you wish for cause if you believe in yourself, it will happen.

6)What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle in your career? Myself.

7)Did you ever feel stumped or discouraged, possibly even contemplate quitting makeup? NEVER, not for one second.

8)What is your most memorable moment as a makeup artist? Certainly the launch of my makeup line Veil Cosmetics at New York Fashion Week. 

 

9)Have you made any sacrifices to pursue your career? I worked doing makeup, traveling around the world for 13 years straight, I certainly missed out on a lot of family and friends events and gatherings.

10)What advice would you give to makeup artists that really want to make it in the industry? Believe in yourself, keep an open mind and be curious; if you ever think you “have arrived”, that’s when your star will start to fade and die.

I personally am a true fan of your cosmetic line, Veil Cosmetics. It's funny because we met during your launch of Veil during NYFW a few seasons ago. I was fortunate to be part of your team at the Falguni and Shane Peacock show at Lincoln Center and it was instant attraction and love for the complexion fix pen. Now, they form staples in my kit for makeup on set, everyday women and men's grooming for television, print and special events. Tell us more about Veil Cosmetics:

Veil Cosmetics

1)How did the idea of  Veil come to be?

I developed a passion for skin, weightless makeup and refined textures while living in Asia for over 5 years. I was also inspired by how much women loved their skin care regimen (especially in Japan and Korea), and it made me want to fuse that with all of my makeup.

2)What separates Veil from the vast array of cosmetics out for purchase?

Weightless textures, staying power, and our fast beauty approach to makeup. (there are WAY TO MANY MAKEUP STEPS OUT THERE).

3)Where can it be purchased?

Mostly professional use like makeup studios, salons, spas, medi-spas, and of course www.veilcosmetics.com (see the location tab for more details) Can it be shipped outside of the US? We ship world wide!

4)Is it only for makeup artists or can the everyday woman use it?

We are loved by both makeup pros and enthusiasts.

5)Animal testing? NO

6)Any unique qualities or benefits from using complexion fix pen?

COMPLEXION FIX can be used as Concealer, Corrector, and Highlighter. Plus, it has skin treatment in it making it ideal for all skin types being hypoallergenic, oil free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating. Completely build able, you can achieve a seamless application no matter how much or little you use. It always looks like skin since we have 12 amazing colors: from porcelain to tan, in Neutral, Pink, or Gold undertones.

8)Since a lot of professional makeup artists can make great use of these magical Complexion Fix Pens, do you offer a pro artist program or a discount?

Yes, for the occasion, I would like to extend to all your readers the chance to join our Pro Artists Discount Program exclusively offering 40% off at all times on our website. Simply email us at info@veilcosmetics.com and we will honor your existing pro status with any other brands, just send us a picture or scan of the card!!!!

I will always be thankful to Sebastien and Veil Cosmetics as well as the artist that referred me via Twitter to be on the Veil Cosmetics team during the launch at NYFW. It was my first show for MBFW at Lincoln Center and it was definitely a memorable moment in my career as an artist! I am a loyal fan of Veil Cosmetics and the Complexion Fix Pens form staples in my pro kit. I think this is a great addition to pro artists kits as well as for beginners and any hair stylist wanting to get into grooming or basic makeup. I use the Complexion Fix Pen in 3N as a light concealer under my eyes because I love how it feels and makes me look super natural. So what are you waiting for, go sign up for the pro discount!