Dear diary: I'm writing a book!

Soo yeah did I tell you guys I’m writing a book?

I have absolutely no idea where this year is taking me, last year I was studying I had work experience in films and photo shoots, I travelled to LA last year for IMATS there, special workshops learning from the best and the experienced, it was also the first time I went overseas. Last year was a great year for me, I was busy I was studying and practicing something that I loved.

This year though, I felt a lot was going to change, it was the year that my life would sort of get started if you get me. This year has definitely been about growing up and figuring out what I really want to do and make some serious decisions that would affect the rest of my life.

I had absolutely no idea that this blog would be doing this well, or the fact that I was even going to start blogging, a huge surprise for me and a happy one too. It’s something I definitely look forward doing, chucking my thoughts out there and sharing some makeup and beauty tips we all love and of course this crazy world we call life in there as well.

So as a part of wanting to become not just a good makeup artist, or a great one, not just an ordinary one but I want to be amazing. I feel even though yeah okay I have my certificate I’m qualified to do make up, but I was only taught basics and I think there is a huge difference between getting your certificate in makeup and being a makeup artist.

A makeup artist puts in that effort, they give that bit more,  I’m not talking you just do amazing makeup I’m talking about everything, the whole deal.Skin care, skin prepping, knowing your skin types, knowing what products suit what person, how to deal with contra-indications, recognizing every contra-indication there is out there, the ingredients found in makeup and beauty products, what is it made of or what is it in general, understanding the skin’s pH balance, oil and water based products, face shapes, corrective work, eye shapes, the use of lighting and how it will affect your makeup, black and white photography, seriously I could go on.

 There’s so much we need to know about makeup, it’s not as simple as slapping on concealer and foundation, it’s about what products can we use to get that makeup to last longer to work for you. I think that’s why I was definitely turned off doing makeup on film sets, people are really mean and they treated makeup artists like we were nothing, that we’re all about being pretty and if only people could see what I see and that is every element in a film set needs to work harmoniously with one another and it’s a shame, it was great experience, but it was shocking, I know rude but that took rude to another level. You’d be surprised at how bad that would make you feel.

I want to be that makeup artist where people ask me anything and I’ll have an answer for them right away. I want to be able to fix problems on the spot and not to be afraid of what if they don’t like the look I do for them. So yeah because of ALL that (sorry about the rant, couldn’t help myself) I’m writing a makeup guide book, everything you need to know and more. Another project for me but it all works to becoming an extraordinary makeup artist, that and even if it doesn’t get anywhere it’s my makeup guide, I’ve put a lot of effort into it and learnt so much along the way.

Right now I’m still on chapter 1, all about skin care, there is a lot to it but I feel like I know even more now. 

A lesson in curling lashes

Okay, it might be simple but there’s more to it than just curling them with your eyelash curler. Like how long should you curl it for? Or what type of curler is best?

Curling those lashes of yours can do so much. It gives your eyes an instant lift and opens them up just that bit more.

For flirtier lashes, try this:

1. Using a traditional eyelash curler, curl the base of your lashes and hold for 6 seconds, trust me it’s enough.

2.  Curl the middle section of your lashes and hold for 3 seconds

3.Curl the tips of your lashes and hold for another 3 seconds.

4. Apply 2-3 coats of mascara to the top lashes ensuring there is no dry time between the             process

5.  Repeat steps 1 -3

6.  Apply mascara on the bottom lashes for a dramatic look.

7.  Apply black eyeliner to your waterline

For an everyday look:

1. Comb eyelashes through with a clean and product free mascara wand

2. Curl base of lashes and hold for 6 seconds

3. Apply first coat of mascara by zigzagging from the bottom to the tips (this helps to separate the lashes and coat every hair)

4. Apply the second coat of mascara just to the top for a simple look or apply to the bottom lashes as well for a more defined look.

It can be a bit risky curling lashes after mascara is applied using your traditional eyelash curler, try investing in a heated eyelash curler, this way there’s no clumping of your lashes and less chance of ruining your mascara.

Types of eyelash curlers:

Traditional – great for all lashes

Got this as a gift from a friend,pretty sure it's MAC

Heated – one of my favourites, less risk of clamping your client’s skin and great for those who freak out when it comes to eyelash curlers.

I bought this at a Korean makeup store for $20

Classic without the edge - perfect as it allows you to grab more lashes and having no edge, clamping of your skin is avoided.

This Tweezerman eyelash curler costed me $17.50

A little goes a long way

Like most girls, I LOVE makeup, I love the idea of waking up in the morning and applying that little bit of mascara or eyeliner just to brighten up my eyes. But have the pressures of today and society itself made girls feel that insecure about themselves where I see makeup applied where I just want to wipe it all off?

Although I love makeup, it’s important to not forget who you really are. There are arguments about the REAL meaning of makeup, some argue that it simply enhances the features you already have, others disagree and argue makeup is the art of transforming and creating a character. Whilst I agree with both arguments, it depends on the look you are trying to aim for. But why is it then that girls apply foundation so heavily when they are just going out to the shops? Is it insecurity or the constant pressure of feeling you need that much makeup to be perfect?

 I understand the need for makeup, the feeling you get when you’re all made up and ready for a night out, you find a new found confidence, you feel beautiful. However, makeup as apart of your everyday life shouldn’t be about transforming the way you look to a point where you forget who you are, rather enhancing what you already have and remembering that not everybody is the same and nobody is perfect.