Makeup, hair and the world of freelance
I spent a beautiful Miami Saturday last week with my favorite french girl, photographer Camellia Menard, styling by Kristina Kitchen and the beautiful models Amy and Jo from MC2 Models. I did both bold and soft makeup with loose, flowing hair. The Arts District provided the backdrop for our Urban Swim story. Thanks ladies~
Welcome back! After a long and rainy summer, season in Miami is upon us and big changes happening. I am now living right in the heart of the action in South Beach and I couldn’t be busier. Models and photographers have returned and Art Basel is right around the corner. Recently I had the pleasure of working with a lovely photographer, Camellia Menard from Paris. We decided to shoot lingerie in a suite in the ultra modern Mondrian Hotel and although our original model was a no show, we were able to get another girl at the last minute. Everything really does happen for a reason because our replacement was amazing! Her skin was perfect I decided to let it show through the makeup. I used a coral crème blush from Bobbi Brown on her cheeks, lips and eyelids. A trick I learned from my granny many years ago. Strong brows really pulled this look together and gave her both a mix of tough-girl and vixen. The models hair was a bit distressed from a recent color change so we decided to go with that texture rather than trying to hide it. I used a small barrel iron to achieve a Hollywood starlet silhouette. The ironic thing is that sometimes I spend hours trying to get this texture but today was a breeze. In the end the images were dramatic and beautiful.
I also had the pleasure of working with one of my favorite models, Sally Gibbs. We have worked together in Las Vegas and known each other for years and now as luck would have it we have both relocated to Miami. Sally has such a strong face it is hard not to do something edgy and editorial but todat we decided to go a little natural ala Ralph Lauren. The shots are beautiful!
You can now view my work at
Cheers all!
Hello friends of mcmakeup! Well, season has ended and after a week of glorious inspiration from Kate Middleton’s gorgeous wedding gown to Christina Ricci at the Met Gala, I was inspired to give some glamsquad updates!
The first images are from the Ocean Drive April issue. These are the current Latina “it girls” of Miami. In January I was priveledged to work with Vanity Fair photographer Jen Robbins and visit the most affluential people in their lavish waterfront homes. The ladies; all gracious hosts BTW, offered stories, sushi and REAL Cuban coffee all while taking in extrodinary views. Have I mentioned how much I love what I do and my new home?
February brought a few television gigs with amazing crews and talent for Bloomberg TV, Onboard Media, Canadian reality show Party Mamas 4, NHL Live and a week in Orlando for a live event, but today we will stick to fashion.
Next we were off to Jumbo’s, home of the best soul food in Miami for a full day of lifestyle shooting with Christophe Siegert, styled by the lovely Teddy Gunter and 4 beauiful Ford models. There was no A/C all day, so I spent the day on sweat patrol. Boo! Everyone shared laughter, magic tricks and awesome fried shrimp.
March brought 60 MPH winds and my fave test of the season. Stylist Andrea Kadler and Photographer Peter Russman braved the weather to test with me and a beach full of Portuguese Man-O-War jellyfish. Our model was stunning, which made up for the pounds of sand that ended up in every corner of my set bag. Worth it? Oh yeah…
Keep an eye out for upcoming projects for Bella UK Magazine and Oprah Magazine! Cheers everyone!!!!
Just a few thoughts that I can’t hold in. Rhianna cannot sing!! Over and over she sings live but that finger in your air and glaring at your sound guy isn’t helping. Stop letting her on stage! But I tell you who was music to my ears…Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars giving me rockabilly, Cee Lo Green and Gwenyth rockin Elton John and Kiki Dee. And Jennifer Hudson as always a class act. Would love to have heard my new favorite singer Esperanza Spalding. So happy for her win. Eminem, you are so talented but do you ever smile? And was Gaga’s cyst performance overshadowing her blatant theft of her idol Madonna? We’ll see what the small town drag show performer is doing in 30 years. Longevity baby!
Okay, got that out of my system, now let’s talk fashion, hair and makeup!
As Brad Pitt said to Juliette Lewis in Kalifornia, “Miley, put your titty away!”
Loved John Legend in Gucci…take notes Ricki Martin in your moon pants.
Nikki Manaj…okay, The out fit was fun, but that bride of Blackenstein wig you borrowed from SNL ruined it! And out of respect for Nanna, I have no words for Katy Perry. Amber Riley? What are your thoughts?
Gorgeous mentions go out to Ana Nalick, Paz Vega and Jennifer Lopez.
Best dressed/hair/makeup: Jennifer Hudson, Ciara and Florence Welch. All perfection!!!
Whew, I need an Oscar cleansing….
Recently a photographer turned me on to two things that I can’t live without! The first are MOO cards. They are so perfect for photographers, makeup artists & stylists. These cards start in a pack of 50 for around $21.00 You can show off your portfolio on your cards by having a different image on each card. You can upload up to 50 different images and they are double-sided for your logo and info on the back. So at the end of the shoot when it’s time to exchange cards you can fan them out and let your clients choose their favorite image. Cool huh? This is a great way to seal the deal for your next job! www.moo.com
The next gadget is the coolest thing since sliced bread and way smaller than a breadbox. It’s called Square and it’s AWESOME! It is a credit card reader the size of a quarter (except square-duh) and attaches to your iPhone, iPad or Android. Why do I love it? No monthly fees, the device is free and the set-up is idiot proof! It took 10 minutes. Add the app to your phone, then Square will do a small test with your bank and then it arrives in the mail and your ready to go! So cool, safe and EASY! When you sign up be sure to read all the terms so you and your client feel both safe and protected. Okay, it can’t be COMPLETELY free, right? Swiping a card will cost 2.75% of the transaction or 3.5% if you hand key the number. It’s the best way to get paid from your clients fast and it automatically sends a receipt via email to you and the cardholder. The money is deposited to your account and it’s done! I LOVE IT! www.squareup.com
What do belts, patterns and baby bumps have in common? That’s right, they are all the best dressed ladies of the 2011 SAG Awards red carpet! Best hair and makeup was dominated by the Black Swans…Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman. Always the modern day Audrey Hepburn, Natalie managed to pull off a very structured updo, smokey eyes, a visible baby bump, a sparkling Azzaro gown and $2,000,000 in Tiffany jewels without looking overdone! Not to be “out-swanned”, Mila, the newly single hottie of the night wore a gorgeous, floral Alexander McQueen dress, the sexiest hair on the carpet, sparkley, smokey eyes that are probably making MK wishing he wasn’t home alone and killed it with her tousled, flowing hair.
I can’t get enough of the belted gowns and neither could stylists for Diana Argon in Chanel Haute Couture, Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar de la Renta, Claire Danes’ Louis Vuitton and Mila Kunis.
Lovelies who made up for the Golden Globe misses are the hilarious and sexy siren, Sofia Vergara in Cavalli. And it goes without saying Annette Bening was perfection from head to toe…this kid was alright.
Statuesque gowns were plentiful and I loved it! January Jones in Carolina Hererra, Kyra Sedgwick in Thierry Mugler and Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci..literally bring sexy back!
Moments that make us cringe? Helena Bonham Carter’s bangs looked like mine from high school, circa 1986, Eva Longoria who usually brings it looked swallowed up by her gown. Jenna Fisher wore a Fendi gown that made me laugh out loud. Regardless of my love for Jane Lynch, I gotta talk about that Rahimi prom dress. Lea Michele did not look comfortable in her plunging neckline; girl coulda used some more Topstik for confidence but worst makeup has to go to Christina “Reba” Hendricks for her garish eyeliner.
Worst dressed? Hands down was Jenna Fischer in “mother of the bride” Fendi.
Last nights men for the most part looked like an audition for Reservoir Dogs with all the skinny ties but the men of Gucci and Prada got it right.
And for Mcmakeup’s pick for belle of the ball? The always on point Claire Danes in her belted, floral Louis Vuitton masterpiece! It fit like a glove and her hair and makeup was simple and fresh. I knew the second I saw it on the carpet that she would be my winner but she confirmed it when she gave her acceptance speech and the details of the gown took my breath away!!!! Go team Claire!!!
After a night of more hits than misses I think everyone really gets the importance of the right team of stylists; or maybe a fear of the wrath of Joan Rivers and the Fashion Police. Trends of the night included pink, green, and my favorite backless and long sleeves!
Hair was all over the board and so were my choices for best and worst. I loved the bangs on Olivia Wilde in contrast to her Marchesa cake topper ball gown but it looked dry in HD. I think maybe less mousse and more silicone shine product would help. Sandra Bullock on the other hand did it right! Old Hollwood glam is a safe choice but it’s what we want to see and the ladies who do it best? Anne Hathaway, Megan Fox, January Jones and Eva Longoria nailed it!
Biggest hair hit AND miss of the night had to go to my girl Scarlett Johansson. I loved her gown, makeup and her editorial hair from the front but the side view ruined it! Too much conehead for the red carpet for me. Who got it wrong or just doesn’t care about hair? Well the award goes to Annette Bening for her sculptural accident, Helena Bonham Carter who still is sporting her Mrs Lovett’s Sweeney Todd hair.
Makeup was lovely on almost everyone Elizabeth Moss who didn’t even bother with makeup or hair but the Donna Karan emerald gown was amazing. The stand-out faces of the evening were Anne Hathaway, January Jones, Eva Longoria and Megan Fox. Perfection on all counts!
Now for the fug gowns…. Now I embrace choices, personal style and risks as much as the next gal here’s where I draw the line. What has happened to Michelle Williams? She was on my best dressed a few years ago and now, although I love her Mia Farrow hair; that dress looked like it came straight out of the JC Penny prom department! Christina Hendricks was a repeat offender and if she goes any further over the top I am going to add her to the worst male list! I would be a liar if I said I liked the always stylish Natalie Portman’s Viktor and Rolf satin sheet toga gown. Glad she felt pretty and thrilled she is a glowing mom to be but I think from a profile her gown looked like a satin wrinkley sheet. There’s always the Oscars. And the worst dressed goes without saying… Oh Helena Bonham Carter, the Westwood was aweful, your hair was a mess. I couldn’t see your makeup for your Gina Davis shades and how could anyone not notice your mismatched shoes as you tried to stay upright on the red carpet. Just because it’s your style doesn’t mean its right!
Best dressed man was without a doubt Robert Downey Jr. in Prada who incidentally also wins for best speech! And the starlets who rocked it the best? Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive, Julie Bowen in Tadashi, Eva Longoria in Zac Posen and Megan Fox in Armani Prive but Anne Hathaway was perfect head to toe and the thing that made her stand out was that her look was on trend…Nailed it!
Finally, cool weather in Palm Beach! I’ve got the windows open, drinking an eggnog latte and my pumpkin candle is filling the air with warm goodness. I can smell the holidays so what did I do? Went shopping online for my kit and friends. Nothing says holidays like metallic makeup, sparkly palettes, gift sets and brushes.
So I have organized the 1 stop shop wish list for pro makeup artists. It’s accessible, affordable and it’s all Bobbi Brown!!! This is a great collection to start, build or even pair down your makeup kit.
Hope you love this week’s products. Share your favorites with me and happy painting!
Cheers glamsquad!! xoxo
It’s our first year in South Florida and as a hair and makeup artist ya gotta know Halloween is without a 
doubt one of my favorite holidays. And for those of you who know me, planning starts in January. Of course I change my mind 10 times throughout the year but that’s part of the fun! I went almost the entire year on the notion that Jeff and I would go as the Travelocity Gnomes; then visions of meat dresses swirled in my head. Usually my big Halloween pet peeve are girls who want to go as “sexy devil” or “sexy nurse”…listen up ladies, you just want an excuse to be slutty! There is no such thing as a sexy bumble bee! Having said that…we toyed with going as Russell Brand and Katy Perry; which could be fun, but no one wants to see us in tight clothing….I mean REALLY! The political satirist in me would love to dress as Christine O’ Donnell and don a witches hat or spray my face orange, poof my hair and paint some abs on Jeff and go as the obvious but I know there will be a million Snooki’s out there. Recently I couldn’t pass up the idea of me going as a tube and Jeff as a rescued miner but as it turns out the entire world had the same idea. I think saving for renovations to the new house is best…so for now I will put on a brown wig (already in gear) and a business suit and go as Jean Chatzky from Money 911 on the Today Show and save my $$$! So let me live vicariously through you guys and tell me what you are going as this Halloween! Boo! XOXO M
Well, that’s it. Not only did I get my AARP application in the mail this month, but last night as I begrudgingly watched the VMA Awards and found myself saying things like, “Back in my day MTV showed videos!” and “Artists aren’t talented anymore.” or since when is a meat bikini fashion?”
I mean come on… I know damn good and well you went to the plastic flower section of Michael’s, spray painted some gold leaves and hot glued them to your bad wig! Sorry Gaga, your still not the cool kids at the party! I had intended to review the fashions on the red carpet and performances at last night’s awards, but I wrote 2 notes and decided I had nothing to say. It was painful to watch the trainwrecked white carpet. No fashions, no organization and no stars! Funny how they change venues every year in an attempt to class up the show; it’s not working and we’re not buying it! The whole thing made me feel so old! I had only heard of like 3 of the nominees… In a not-so-ironic twist those were the same 3 that took home all the awards.
The only performances worth mentioning were Chelsea Handler’s Hot Tub VD Machine bit, Taylor Swift’s high school cat fight song to Kayne (it really was a good song) and the saving grace of the night, Florence and The Machine. I mean who is Robyn? Yeah, Pink called….she wants her look and that aweful imitation of her performance back…Then poor ole Rhianna should be thanking Eminem for rapping loud enough to drown out her tone-def performance! I’m not even sure how they determine these videos. It should be called the You Tube Awards because I don’t ever see videos on MTV. So where were the big names last night? The big talent? Guess they’re all waiting for the Grammys. Sorry MTV, you can take your moon-man, your Cribs and your “there-is-an-ointment-for-that” Jersey Shore and stick it!
Hmmm, turns out I did have something to say…
I am a freelance hair and makeup artist in West Palm Beach, Fl. I've been in the industry more years than I've changed my hair color and lived in Las Vegas, Dallas, DC, Tampa and Orlando. I specialize in fashion editorial and advertising with heavy experience in hotel casino advertising. Available for travel and resume available upon request. I'll be talking about work and dishin the dirt weekly. Check out my website or find me on Facebook and Twitter! Cheers!!
January 30, 2012
mcmakeup
