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Monday, December 20, 2010

Live the life you love


Amber Renae was put on this earth to style, so that is why she does exactly that as her chosen career. Sounds simple doesn't it? Well like most things the back story is a little more complicated. Even though Amber knew what she wanted to do from an early age, and made it clear to those around her that it was her destiny, it didn't stop some obstacles threatening to ensure that Amber's dream remained elusive. That is one reason I admire and respect this amazing women and just had to talk with her. Despite my knowing what I have always wanted to do I have twisted and turned along that journey so often that the desired end has rarely been in sight. I can learn a lot from Amber, we all can, and I'm not just talking about what to wear. Amber is a Civil Engineer by trade. It is a trade that runs in the family and one which mum felt comfortable knowing her daughter could secure a living with. However despite gaining these qualifications and working as an engineer for Leighton Contractors, fashion called and Amber wasn't hiding.

First stop, retail, but not just shop girl. Amber ran a chain of fashion stores in Brisbane for six years, gaining a local profile as the go to girl for fashion questions. This profile jumped to a national level when Amber appeared with more than a little success, on Project Runway Australia. Design remains one of Amber's first loves, however other projects are keeping her very busy at the moment. Amber presents at live events such as Fashion Pallet and is flying around the place styling people whose trust she has gained with her obvious depth of knowledge and of course style. However it is a role as presenter/interviewer on FTV that most recently caught my attention. It is a role which Amber finds very rewarding. The entire process from research to microphone. Amber's inquisitive nature helps a lot. Speaking with Designers about their creative process is more a love than a job. "Getting to talk to the guys from Manning Cartel" is always great. I really love the story they have to tell" Amber told me with unchecked enthusiasm. I am very jealous. I know what she means. Not just because I too long to do a 'job' that I love but because getting to interview someone like Amber is in itself rewarding and inspiring. Which brings me to why I am here, literally and otherwise, Make Up.

Is Amber a Make Up Maven or does she not care about coverage? "I am definitely a can't live without it girl." Great me thinks. Respect to those more prepared to bare out there but this revelation just makes me like Amber even more. I asked Amber what she feels her best feature is. Now I know what I think the answer should be, but just how aware is Amber of those killer green eyes of hers? "I would have to say my big eyes." That answers that question. How does Amber know what products and looks suit you best? What/who has been her teacher? "I have learned a lot from having my make up done. I really take note of what the artist is using and ask questions." Finally, Lipstick or Gloss?!! "I like lips shiny, so definitely gloss. However I rarely style someone with gloss, so I appreciate both." Amber I appreciate your time. I hope that next time we talk you won't be at the end of a telephone but instead the end of a make up brush.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Red Amber Green GO!!!


I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a lady that is fast becoming a style icon in this country. Amber Renae's big green eyes sucked me in when I first saw her on Project Runway Australia. When she left the series, like most guys I'm sure, I wondered where, if ever, I would get to see her again. Unlike most Guys I found Amber Renae on Foxtel's FTV. Amber has become the go to girl on the Australian fashion scene. That's a big statement, I know, with so many ladies possibly eligible for that title. However Amber's impressive CV covers a broader range than usual. Designer, Stylist, Retailer, Commentator, TV Presenter and MC, not to mention regular Fashions in the Field Winner. With this insight into all things fashion I just had to have a chat with Amber. I wanted to know how she gained success in her dream field despite starting out in a totally different one, a subject dear to my heart. I also chatted about make up of course and the art of interviewing. See it all in my next post.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Zanita Zanita


As the blogoshere is relatively new ground for me I thought I would ask around for some advice on how to succeed in cyber world. What is not new is my appreciation for a beautiful face. Couple it with a strong, independent and intelligent mind and I,m gone. Hence why I married my wife Michelle.




I have noticed this wining combination in a fellow blogger, a fashion blogger, Zanita Whittington, author of zanitazanita. Zanita happens to be one of those impressive souls who are blessed in more ways than one. Not only does she have a cool name, Zanita is a model and photographer as well as a successful blogger. So it was to she that I went for help.




Being a very beautiful women, I wanted to know about her make up must haves, but I instead focused on the subject at hand, blogging. Make up will wait for another time.




'So Zanita, how long have you been blogging?' 'I've had my blog for two years now.' 'What is your inspiration?' 'I find fashion exciting. It's always changing and evolving, You gotta stay in touch to remain relevant.' I know what she means. It's the same with make up. Each time a do a new course or masterclass there is a new trick, a reinvention of an old one or a rule to break in some inventive new way.

Model, Photographer and Blogger! Which brings you the most joy and satisfaction? That's a tough one! They are definitely all connected and I couldn't be successful in one without the other. I've been a model first and its been such an incredible ride and I've learnt so much from it but now photography is the thing that I'm most passionate about. That being said working as a model with an amazing photographer is such a buzz and can't really compare to being behind the lens. Its so different.



Does the aforementioned trinity feed itself in some kind of perfect circular way, gaining contacts and work from one pursuit and passing it on to another? Absolutely, I feel so lucky that my foray into photography has been so a smooth transition. It's essential to be known within the industry.


As a blogger what would you say has been your single best evidence of recognition from your followers? The comments I receive from my followers are the only recognition I need to motivate me to continue to blog and provide original content. Its the reason I do it and I'm so grateful.How many followers do you currently have? I really have no idea, a few thousand subscribers but possible more that check my blog irregularly.Can you please give me some advice as to how to best expose my own blog and increase the followers? Post regular and original content, network with other bloggers and give your blog an appealing layout. Having a look through my blog is there any advice you could give me? Probably just to develop your layout, readers respond more to imagery so include more pictures around. Observe some of your favourite blogs and websites and go from there.


So it's time to do as Zanita says and give you more pictures. For 2011 I am going to focus on getting gorgeous girls in amazing make up and taking great shots for my blog. Maybe Zanita will oblige as both photographer and model, on separate occasions. We'll see.




Sunday, November 21, 2010


Quite often you stories from other make up artists about the genesis of their calling to make up involving playing with their mothers or sisters make up. I can hardly remember my mother wearing make up. I do remember this bright shade of crimson lipstick she would wear on the the very rare occasion she went out. To me it was add odds with my perception of her so had rather the opposite effect to inspiration. My sister is younger than I am so no inspiration there either. My inspiration came from the impossibly distant images of Jerry Hall and watching Miss Universe on TV. My wife wears make up out and to work, but as little as she can get away with. If she didn't have to she wouldn't. So for as long as I can remember I have felt a bit like I'm on an island. But wait, on the horizon I can see a ship carrying long awaited hope in the form of my daughter, a girly girl for sure with any eye for fashion and a passion for make up. Oh and did I mention how beautiful she is!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Rock N Roll Rae



OK, so can life get any better? My recent adventure assisting Rae Morris is still putting a smile on my face. To spend time behind the scenes with a Make Up Artist of Rae's calibre is inspiring to say the least. For me it was life afirming. I know that working with make up is what I really want to do. Watching Rae not only put make up but also a huge smile on the faces of women is a wonderful thing. It is not only Rae's amazing and seemingly effortless work that has me and all others in the studio smiling it is Rae herself. Watching a person working with the likes of Jason Capobianco whilst her agent shows her a newly released o/s edition of vogue featuring her work and discusses her plans for a book signing in the city on the weekend, as celebrities walk through the door and hug her with warm familiarity and channel seven are on the phone to go over her appearance on the Morning Show is enough to overwhelm anyones senses, however Rae does it all with a mixture of precision, grace and most impressively sincere modesty. Being an observer of Rae's work, for a long time I have known she rocks, now having spent time with her I love the way she rolls as well.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

M.A.C. Aye!!!


I have been to the Edinburgh Festival and the Tattoo. I have worn a kilt to a Rugby match and my Grandfather was in the Scotts Guards but dare I say I have never been more in love with all things Scottish than with M.A.C.'s latest offering. I know I regularly rave about M.A.C. I am sure it has something to do with how enthusiastic Nicole Thompson is when I'm lucky enough to see her at the Paddington Store. This time is no different. M.A.C.'s Tartan Tale range has me doing a highland fling, och aye!!

Of course there are the gorgeous colour pallets. My faves are Pigment: Moon Light Night, Eyeshadow: Enviably Fun and Lipstick, Cut a Caper and Full Fuschia. I can't wait to play with these. I need to find me a red haired lassie soon and get some shots up for you.

The packaging is cool as always and the combination bags are a great idea.

Oh and boy oh boy I love the head shot of the model with heart stopping red hair. Thank you M.A.C. thank you!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Blondes have more fun


I can't believe I haven't written a post about my earliest and still favourite Make Up Icon, Marilyn Monroe. I didn't have posters from Big League up on my walls, it was all Marilyn Monroe and Madonna. I could stare at Marilyn's lips for hours. I remember at a Christmas party the other kids were watching the cricket and I was in another room watching a Marilyn movie marathon. Strangely enough though I am a gentleman that prefers red heads then brunettes. Although again I contradict myself when I admit that my two fave models of all time are Karen Mulder and Lilly Donaldson. Or is it Christy Turlington and Coco Rocha? I do have a soft spot for Cyntia Dicker, OMG that hair and those freckles.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

M.A.C.simum Impact


I receive emails from M.A.C. often, sometimes several per week, no surprise there, I did subscribe to them. Yet M.A.C. do always seem to have a little surprise in store in the form of a great graphic, a cool tip, a good deal or a crazy concept. The hello kitty range fell into the later for me. Even though I didn't rush out to buy any, I draw my girliness line at Make Up, Hello Kitty's way too far, I appreciated the pairing. Yesterday I received notification of their latest master stroke, Disney Villains. M.A.C. have always stood out from other houses with their cutting edge MUA vibe, not to mention their often confrontingly, in a great way, tattooed counter staff. So alighning themselves with some of animations cunningest bitches works for me. Check out their new window graphics on DJ's Castlereagh Street window.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Interviewing Technique


Having now completed my first ever interview and wanting to do more, I now know that I need some tips to brush up my technique. So firstly I need to find someone with great interviewing skills and secondly someone as a make up artist I would love to interview.

I know exactly who fits the bill.

Being a fashion fan I fell in love with Amber Renae on Project Runway and now regularly see the gorgeous Amber interviewing on FTV. So adding two and two together I thought I would make it my goal to interview Amber about interviewing. Whilst I'm at it I'll throw in some questions about make up. A girl with eyes like Amber's should definitely have some tips.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Rae Morris part 2


Wanting to know more about getting a toe behind the curtain at Fashion Week I pressed Rae for more information. ‘A lot of MUA’s take on assistants for Fashion Week’. ‘I remember when I first worked at Fashion Week as an unknown. It was one of those “What am I doing here” moments.’ ‘I remember girls flocking to certain artists wanting them to do their make up’

I’ve had that sort of experience myself, and not even in the rarefied atmosphere of FW, so I am buoyed by the fact that one of my idols has been there and done that too.

As for getting to assist at FW, or at any top gig, Rae’s advice is that ‘you just have to really want it.’ ‘There are a lot of girls (and guys Rae, don’t forget me) who think they want to be a top Make Up Artist but they just don’t have the hunger they need to stick out the tough times.’ ‘They need to make things, like assisting at FW happen.’

So what Rae is saying is that although we can all get a look in at great assisting opportunities, only those who are prepared to go the extra distance will get them, keep them and grow from them. It was about now that I had to sit on my hand to stop it flying into the air with a cry of pick me, pick me. That would have to wait. I had to continue behaving professionally and get on with the interview. After all, others were beginning to circle. They needed Rae to face her fans.

So how long does one need to spend as an assistant? ‘I think one year is enough, by then you should be able to step out on your own’ assured Rae. ‘I really judge it on when I feel my assistant is too good for me to expect them to work for free.’ ‘At first they will be getting coffee and cleaning brushes, just like I had to.’ ‘Then I will allow them to do lips or brows etc until they master it.’

I also wanted to know if working in retail cosmetics is the way to go. I did it very briefly for Giorgio Armani, but the GFC took care of that job. ‘Not at all.' ‘I didn’t go that route and a lot of girls who do become complacent and stay there.’ confided Rae. ‘What is valuable about it though is the number and variety of faces you get to work on, that is important.’

So basically I am on the right track, but I need to put the accelerator down and take a huge leap, so…..Rae, is there any chance I could assist you some time soon? …………….’Definitely Ray!’

How psyched am I?!!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Rae Morris


I promised when I commenced this blog that I would pursue my Make Up dream by calling on those who have achieved their dreams and currently operate at the highest levels of the industry. That meant an interview with Rae Morris. I’ve kept my promise, here it is.

I was fortunate enough to land an interview with Rae just before she went on stage to intro her new book Express Make Up. What I wanted to find out from Rae is if there is an Express Make UP Career path.

If you’ve ever had butterflies the size of jumbo jets circling in your stomach you’ll know how I felt heading to this interview. Getting to sit with your idol for thirty minutes may sound wonderful, but knowing you need to supply intelligent conversation and relevant questions that hold their attention for that time is extremely daunting. I’m not unfamiliar with undertaking activities that have me questioning my sanity. This felt a little like skydiving, not tandem, but in an interview there are no parachutes.

So it was in this state of anxiety that I walked up to Rae Morris and her Agent Lisa on Sunday to introduce myself. As soon as Rae greeted me the feeling of free fall subsided. Rae’s immediate and sincere warmth cushioned my landing. Rae is the consummate professional, no uber style bitch here I’m glad to say.

I wanted to know how Rae has risen to the status she has. Did she have to do seemingly endless free work to try to build a portfolio? “I did that for probably a year and a half.’ Assured Rae, which is comforting for us mere mortals, but she continued, “But there’s free work, like the Miss Wednesday competition at the pub and there’s assisting at Fashion Week.” My ears really pricked up at this comment. I’ve done my fair share of Miss Wednesday comps, all the while wistfully fantasising about being back stage at fashion week. So how do you get a gig assisting at a top catwalk show, please Rae tell me do!

I’ll share Rae’s insights in my next post.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Gucci Gucci Goo



I know this blog is about Make Up, however in my research on my favourite subject I see alot of catwalk shows online and FTV. One that has just blown me away is the Gucci Spring Summer 2010 show. The make up is flawless and chic as usual, but it was the shoes that drove me mad. If you are the least bity interested in shoes do yourself a favour and look at this show, they are perfection. I can't believe how amazing they are. They were the highlight of the show, and that is saying something because the clothes, belts and bags were simply incredible as well.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

30 Days of Nikki


Just like several other momentous, spectacular or thrilling occasions I remember where I was as clear as day, the first time I set eyes on Nikki Phillips. Well actually it probably wasn't the first time, it was just the first time that it was in the flesh and that I learned the name of the vision before me. If it sounds like I am going a bit overboard, then you probably haven't seen Nikki close up. If you have then you'll know what the fuss is about.

Nikki is like Bora Bora, The Mona Lisa and a dish by Maggie Beer, impossibly better in real life than in the amazing pictures you've seen.

It was at 30 Days last year and Nikki was milling around before interviewing Skye Bortoli. Dressed in black and white and sporting killer heels Nikki well and truly stood out from the crowd of fabulous fashionistas, and that is no mean feat.

I decided then and there that I would need Nikki in my portfolio one day. That day is yet to come, but in the mean time I can look through the new 30 Days spread in Sept Madison and hope one day I can be MUA on something and someone that beautiful.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Mag Watch


September Madison. The cover story is Kylie, "At 42 I've hit my stride". It's certainly a sentiment that rings bells with me. At 42 I've started this blog as a way of getting into my stride. I wonder if Kylie would let me do her make up. I know too funny for words, but you've got to dream big, little Charlene did.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Mag Watch


Is anyone else out there as scared as I am of Amy Winehouse's eye makeup? I'd love to understand the genesis of that look for her. I know soul singers have long been into long lashes and lashings of kohl pencil. Amy just takes it to another level.

Those of us that are a little more fashion conscious than Amy have interpreted it another way still. As with most things that hit the stage the filter that they pass through on their way to the street has refined this cats eye on steroids back to it's pretty past.

A recent shot of Kate Hudson featuring a little cats eye tweak made her leap off the page and me purr. This weeks grazia features a shoot entitled The Big Spring Reveal.

It features model Louise van de Vorst wearing alot of muted pastels and coupled with this she has a suitably subtle cats eye in white. The MUA is the fantastic Max May.

I work with a gorgeous greek girl who wears white eyeliner. On her olive skin, beneath her black hair it looks quite dramatic. In Grazia, Max has masterfully allowed Louise's eye make up to find a definition against her light skin and blonde hair that will have any girl purrring. Check it out

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Girls I Like


I have embraced the new trend of saving up all the episodes of a series and watching them back to back. TV in your time is so much better than having to watch when it's aired and then suffering the ads, although sometimes they are the highlight as we all know.

I have found that I have been watching some series that I wouldn't have normally, just because there aren't any movies I want at Blockbuster but their TV section beckons.

So what has this got to do with Make Up. in a nutshell, or maybe bombshell, Yvonne Strahovski. This star of TV series Chuck, is refreshingly pretty and a great female role model in so far as she can really handle her s@#t!

Yvonne plays CIA Agent Sara Walker. She always looks great no matter whether fighting or flirting. More specifically for me though I have become mesmerised by her mouth. As a Make Up madman I always look at lips. I automatically study the lip colour, texture shape and size. What I like about Yvonne/Sara, is her un LA like imperfection. Yvonne has a quirky feature with her front teeth that cause her lips to remain ever so slightly apart in the middle. It is very endearng, I hope she doesn't get any corrective work done. The role demands that her lips are a subtle nude, with a modicum of shimmer. Not usually attention grabbing, but on Yvonne, hell yeah.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Inspiration


Role models are a bit thin on the ground for a heterosexual Make Up Artist. So I was pleased to find out about Tom Bachik. For those not already in the know, Tom is Chanels new nail man. A graphic artist and skater from Cali, Tom started his manicurist journey in 1994. He has had a fabulous career and I find him to be a real inspiration. 'If only I had started my career in 1994' I say to myself head in hands. Oh well, it's all about looking forward. It's all about 'Making Up For Lost Time'.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Mag Watch

So why do I love the Maybelline ad, from my last post, so much? Apart from the fact that it features an all time fave, in Ms Turlington, it's the Red Lips that appeal. Having grown up with 80's red lipped icons like Human League and Jerry Hall, I got hooked young.

So after having endured what can only be described as a lipstick drought over the last decade, it is so cool to see a return to deep colour. Just this morning on the Bus to work a gorgeous young girl, very early twenties, got on wearing a deep blood red lip. It was a surprise, a very refreshing one. The trend is hitting the streets.

maybe I should be thanking Grazia. Their latest edition features a pictorial titled, A Vintage Season Page 62. Needless to say Red Lips abound. I'm flipping through it as I write this, and the sun has made a rare appearance through the window. The future is looking bright.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

maybelline



If Maybelline made make up as well as they make commercials the world would be a brighter place.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010


Australia's news stands have all just had a face lift. Thank you Sarah Oakes for putting Gwen Stafani back into our lives. Any guys dream and any MUA's glamour girl, Gwen has been MIA for far too long. Definitely in my top ten of faces I'd love to make up!

Monday, July 26, 2010


So what can you expect from yet another blog on make up? Sure I'm gonna talk about the latest looks as I see them. More than that though, I want to give you a window into the world of make up from my unique viewpoint.

In order to do this I am going to call on a stream of industry insiders to help this outsider to come to grips with just what it takes to succeed as an MUA in this town/world. So watch this space for all the tips and tricks and plenty of colour filled adventure!

First stop is one Artist I have admired from afar for some time. This is as much because of her own stunning looks as those she applies to her clients. I'm talking about the super gorgeous Rae Morris. I haven't asked her yet but that's the spirit of this blog, put it out there and take a risk.

Rae's got a new book out in October , Express Make Up, and I can't wait. I know you'll agree her last lived up to it's name, the Ultimate Guide. This new book looks the goods judging by the very hot cover, hopefully Rae might even give a hint of what's inside.

Now I just need to formulate my strategy to get Rae onboard. But first I need to decide what to watch tonight at 7.30pm, Top Gear with my son or Australia's Next Top Model with my daughter. Thank god for IQ!!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

I’ve wanted to be a Make Up Artist for as long as I can remember. I’m 42 and I’m not a Make Up Artist. Sure I’ve done courses, started to put some shots together and amass a good Kit, but I’m not a Make Up Artist.

There are a lot of people just like me. Like me in the sense that they are taking steps toward working as an MUA. However the vast majority are very different from me ie young, and either female or gay.

The female factor I’m not so worried about. It makes being served at a cosmetics counter a little painful as I’m often not looked at as a serious sale and therefore given little attention. However there are so many great MUA’s out there who are men that it’s not really a big deal.

The gay factor isn’t such a big deal either. I don’t care that people initially assume I am gay just because I’m working with make up. I am thankful that gay men have established such a strong male presence in the industry.

The age factor may be another story. It’s not so much that people think I’m too old to be an MUA. As has been proven, it is a job that can be done your whole working life, if you keep up with fashion. The fact that almost half of my working life has passed without any involvement with make up, however, is a concern to me.

Anyone who has thought they would like to be an MUA and gone out to make it happen will know that you don’t just get a Diploma and then a full time job as an MUA. You could count on your two hands the number of people that are that lucky. Even then they would tell you it didn’t happen overnight.

An aspiring MUA needs to go through lean times, just like anyone working in the arts, with the knowledge that making it to the top, or simply making it at all as a career, is reserved for the few.

Having a young family, a mortgage and two ravenous dogs makes going through years of artistic poverty not an option. I’m not shying away from paying my dues. I have done many a freebie for photographers both starting out and established. What I do wish to avoid is doing that sort of ‘work’ any longer. It is a great way to gain experience, but not a great portfolio.

So that is why this blog is so important to me. I see it as my way to, literally and figuratively, make up for lost time. I am putting the call out there to the worlds of fashion, beauty, editorial, theatre and T.V. to allow me to immerse myself in the amazing world of make up. I want to dive in over my head and access all areas. It’s way past time and I plan to report back to all who are interested in make up in all it’s incarnations and hopefully share some wonderful experiences.