Innocent & Green Scene in the Concrete Jungle

Living in NYC, it's not often that we get to be surrounded by trees, plants and just an overall green scenery. It was refreshing to shoot in an area that made me question if I was still in NYC.  The mosquitos situation was mad real though. My legs have the scars to prove it lol.

The makeup look for this shoot was aiming for a fresh dewy look with good skin. It was a pretty hot day so instead of skipping out on powder, I did used cream highlighter and set her face with powder. We had initially prepped at a home studio and then drove to the location in one of the surrounding boroughs. So the drive there and walk from parking allowed for her skin to become dewy and refrain from becoming oily or allowing the makeup to move.

Model: Carlyle @ The Society
Photographer: Jordan James
Hair: Andrita
Makeup: Maria Ortega

Check out the rest of the images:

She's Got The Moves Like Jagger

I recently had the opportunity to work model Kailah at Major Models. She has an amazing hair cut and  a stunning face. I always love doing makeup and hair on models that can easily slip into an androgynous mood and pose like a dude yet still look beautiful. Kailah totally reminded me of an androgynous Mick Jagger.

Like I mentioned previously, she has dope hair and I opted to keep the same type of texture. When she arrived at the shoot her hair was a little wet and sweaty. So I opted to spray wet a little more, add some Kevin Murphy Body.Builder mousse hair mousse, dry with my T3 Micro blow dryer and a blow dryer "sock" or mitt diffuser. I then took my T3 Micro Whirling Wand and loosely spiral curled hair in different chunk sizes, alternating between going forward and backward with the curls. Her bangs were blow-dried with a boar bristle  round brush. Using my hands and fingers, I loosened up curls and had her shake hair aka whip her hair back and forth. I set flyaways with Kevin Murphy Session.Spray hair spray.

For her makeup we kept it bronze and smokey using Murad skin care to prep and Chantecaille Beaute on her face.

Skin: I used Chantecaille Future Skin foundation in Vanilla, Concealed with Le Camouflage Concealer under eyes, and to spot cover where needed. I applied Chantecaille Radiance gel bronzer to sculpt face, Demure cream blush and set with HD translucent pressed powder from Chantecaille.

Eyes: I used a shadow palette to apply shadow on lashline, Patchouli color on lash line and blend and smudge upward, Shale shadow on crease and outer edge and defined with Patchouli on outer edge and under eyes. a mixture of Shale and powder foundation on her lids. Mascara, two coats on top lashes.

Lips: I used Demure creme blush mixed the concealer and topped with Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream-all applied with a lip brush.

Check out the images:

Model: Kailah @ Major
Photographer: Jordan James
Wardrobe: Melissa Roca
Makeup/Hair: Maria Ortega 

Minimalist Beauty at the Beach

One of the most important things to do as a makeup artist is to be well prepared for on-location shoots, which is pretty much shooting outdoors: at the park, on the streets, on a rooftop, on a beach-anywhere outside, not in a studio.

Some important products that I carry with me (besides my basic kit and set bag)  for beach shoots are:

*Spray Sunscreen (everyone on set usually takes advantage of this too lol)
*Lip balm with sunscreen
*Sunscreen for the face
*Baby wipes
*Umbrella
* Hat & Sunglasses (for yourself)
*Paper Towels to blot off extra perspiration on models

I had a great time shooting with a fun team for this beach editorial. The model Alexa from The Society, is very fair so the products mentioned above aided in not getting sun burned.

To ensure extra protection, I used Murad Oil Control Mattifer Lotion with 15 Spf and Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum 30 SPF.

Model: Alexa @ The Society
Photographer: Jason Laswell
Wardrobe: Nicolas Eftaxias
Hair: Yianni Tsapatori
Makeup & Manicure: Maria Ortega (me)

Tom Bull for "LMAO" editorial for ADON Magazine by Greg Swales

It was a pleasure to do men’s grooming on the tall, handsome, and oh so sexy  Australian male model Tom Bull for the "LMAO" editorial for Issue 4 of ADON Magazine. He was charismatic and full of energy. By far, one of my favorite shoots to work on because we could all feed off of his vibrancy and enthusiasm. There was never a dull moment on this set. From dancing to playing around and even doing flips on set, this Aussie definitely knew how to “bring it."

Doing men's grooming on Tom Bull was a piece of cake. He already had a sun-kissed glow and tan. I prepped his skin and followed with a very sheer application of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty  “Sensual  Skin Enhancer” and brushed over with “Ethereal Pressed Powder.”  Rosebud Salve on his lips and clear mascara on brows.

To style his hair, I used Sexy Hair products. First I applied “Dense” primer spray and blow dried. I followed with “Rocked Out” styling clay.

Sylists Roy Fire and Tal Peer have an unmistakable sense of fashion and you can always tell when they style a model.  All the pieces and garments were young, fresh, eclectic and totally fit Tom Bull’s bubbly personality.

Without any further preamble take a look at the editorial:

“LMAO” for ADON Magazine Issue 4

Model:  Tom Bull

Photographer: Greg Swales

Stylists: Roy Fire & Tal Peer

Grooming: Maria Ortega using Kevyn AucoinBeauty and Sexy Hair

 

I hope you love the editorial as much as I do! The entire magazine is filled with dope editorials. You can purchase ADON Magazine internationally at select store locations. There is a limited amount printed so order one online to ensure you receive your copy before they sell out at store locations!!! To purchase online, visit the ADON Magazine website and “LIKE” them on Facebook!

Now, before I go, check out the silly and fun group shots we took after the shoot. We had so much fun!

 

Sophie @ ONE

I love models that have an adrogynous look. It is a wonderful form of unconventional beauty.  When I walked into the studio and saw Sophie, she reminded me of Elly Jackson from La Roux. I am a huge fan of the duo and love her look so I was totally delighted.

I opted to use purple colors to contrast yet compliment her ginger hair and skin tone. I used a mixture of purples and eggplant colors to contour her eyes and opted for a pale pink blush and wash of lip color.

On her hair, I simply used a Kevin Murphy Nght Rider Texture Paste and some of his Session finishing spray.

Model: Sophie @ ONE

Photographer: Nick Suarez

Makeup/Hair: Maria Ortega Makeup

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agniezska @ MC2 photographed by Leriam Gonzalez

I was beyond thrilled to finally be able to collaborate with young, talented and beautiful, Mexican photographer Leriam Gonzalez. Due to conflicting schedules, we had not yet had the opportunity to work together. We worked with fresh face Agniezska from MC2. It was a beauty shoot with a focus on a pop of color on the lips and a noticeable flush on the cheeks.

Both Agniezska and Leriam were a pleasure to work with. The atsmosphere at the shoot was calm and serene but fun. I am stoked to work with Leriam again, her talent is superb and has a definite vision in mind while shooting. Simply amazing.

Below are the images of the beauty shoot:

Model: Agniezska @ MC2 NYC
Photographer: Leriam Gonzalez
Makeup/Hair: Maria Ortega

*All photos copyright of Leriam Gonzalez*