A Day in the Life of a Make-Up Artist

I love love love what I do. Yesterday I had a commercial gig in fountain valley, which is in Orange County, CA about an hour drive with LA traffic from where I live.

I had a call time of about 11 a.m., which gave me the morning to prepare my makeup kit, shower, get ready, eat some breakfast, and get on the road. Pretty exciting morning I do have to say. Lol

As I was going through my check list making sure I had all my favorite brushes, sponges , powder puff, Kleenex, and towel I was also doing my own makeup and hair and then I had to fly out the door.

I was surprised that it only took me about 54 min with traffic!!!! A great way to start the day.

When I got there I was told that we where doing 3 commercials in one day with the same spokesperson. This job is so exciting because you never really know what they are going to throw your way. My main concern was how the three commercials will look…. So I talk to John, who is the director, and asked what kind of look did he want for all three commercials.. We both came to the conclusion that it was going to be a simple, all natural makeup and simple curls for the hair. We didn’t have to change the look because of the simplicity of using the same actress for all three commercials … We didn’t have time to waste since we only had ONE day and THREE commercials to shoot!!!!

I had about two hours because of the delay within the studio time slots .. So this gave me enough time to do hair and makeup on Lana my actress.

I decided to start with Lana’s makeup first, then move to her hair.

I started out by first prepping the skin for the makeup with some MUD primer. Once that was all dried, I moved over to her eyes and I decided to do a natural brown eye on Lana. I started with two colors from crown brushes eye palette in order to cover the entire eye. I then used MUD senna eyeshadow on the crease of the eye making sure to blend it perfectly so no hard lines where visible. Then I mixed two MUD eye shadow colors together and placed it on top of the senna color on the crease. I had to make sure it was perfectly blended before the proceeded. The next two colors added were wheat and honeysuckle, which were placed on the highlight and inner corner of the eye to give the eye a soft look The last part of getting Lana’s eyes make-up ready was adding the cakeliner, Mascara, and fake lashes.

To finish Lana’s look I had to mix two color that matched Lana’s skin perfectly. I used my Ve Neil foundation brush and a sponge. Once the foundation was dry … I worked my way up the contour of her face. First the cheek bones with some MUD bronzer called sunshine, then I placed this right under the cheek bone and brushed up, then I added the cream blush as a highlight on top of the cheek bone. Blending is the key y’all make sure that there aren’t any harsh lines!!!! Than I set Lana’s makeup with buttercream powder.Lastly for Lana’s lips I used a light pink gloss called cupid.

This was one exhausting yet fun afternoon can’t wait to do another commercial, show, or anything for that matter!!! Make-up is my life.

Thanks for reading,
Ann

How to Apply Fake Eyelashes

Step 1: Pick out the pair of lovely lashes that you want to wear for that day or for a night out. Got them … Good, let’s get Started!

Step 2: Take the Lashes that you picked out. Carefully detach the lashes from the case. Be careful not to pull too hard because that can rip the lashes.

Step 3: Next you want to measure the fake lash and see if it is a perfect fit. If not you will want to cut the fake lash to fit your lash line. Make sure when cutting the fake lash to cut right in front of the knots that you want gone, NOT behind! Dont worry if you mess up it is a leaning experience 🙂

Step 4: Apply a coat of mascara to both eye lashes once they are dry you can apply the fake lashes.

Step 5: Now you need to pick out your favorite lash glue. I have two brand that I like to use while I am on set. DUO eyelash adhesive and EVE Pearl eye lash glue! REMEMBER if you are allergic to latex get the nun latex kind, you don’t want to have any bad reactions around the eye area..It is a super sensitive spot!

Step 6: Pick up one of the fake lashes and your choice of eyelash glue. With the lash glue you want to squeeze a little bubble of glue. Now take the fake lash and drag it through the bubble of glue. Let the glue on the lash get a little tacky. Once its gets to this point you are ready to apply the lash.

Step 7: Applying the fake lash, that has glue, on your lash line. You want to bend the fake lash making sure to tack down the middle of the lash first than move over to the inner corner. Once you get that down move to the outer corner of the eye. If you are having trouble tapping it down, take the end of one of your brushes and push down the lashes.

Step 8: Repeat step 6 and 7 with the second lash.

Step 9: You will want to apply a second coat of mascara once your fake eye lashes. You want to do this in order for the fake lashes to become one with your actual eye lashes. This second coat will help with that.

Step 10: Enjoy and if you have any questions please ask! Good luck 😛

Eyelashes Gone Wild

I have been thinking all day about what to write for you guys, and I was having some serious writers block, hate when that happens, as I was walking to the gym I thought of the most brilliant topic to address.

I LOVVVVE fake eyelashes. Get ready for some wild, entertaining, but always fun eyelashes from Make-up Forever. I will show you the greatest pair of lashes you will just HAVE to get.

Lets get all dazzled up!

The Victory Lash – When I saw these lashes I totally went into a freak-out moment! They are so super cute. These would be perfect for the baby doll or a sexy farmer’s girl photo shoot, or even just to jazz up on a day where you are feeling a little down! Who wouldn’t want to wear these amazing lash!?!? Think of all the adorable outfits that could go with this…. totally great for a themed party!

The 115 Erin Lash– Come in a pretty shade of pink and black, which makes them super fun eyelashs to play around with. These are great for a hot date-night or a girls’ night out, let’s face it every girl needs one. These lashes aren’t just for a fashion shoot, I would totally rock these bad boys out to a club or a night out on the town!

141 Jo – Happen to be some very patriotic feather eyelashes. These lashes are great for the Fourth of July parties and parades. I will be grabbing some pairs for the holidies, as well as for my make-up kit! These are also great for those dance or pom pom teams that dance in the Fourth of July festivalies!!!

140 Artemis – Are very classy eyelashes. These are perfect for those glamorous scenes on a movie set, or a vitage like photo shoot, but ladies lets get REAL!!! You can wear these beauties anywhere you go! Every lady needs a little bling to sparkleup their life … Why not use these lashes to make your inner diva come out???

144 Mariam – Need a little flare in their life?? Then these lashes are for you. I would totally Rock these out at the dance club on a Saturday night out! These are amazing lashes to cultivate that Rock n’ Roll feel in your photoshoot !

145 Janis – These blue and black lashes are one dangerous obsession. These would be totally great for naturally blue eyed girls, it really makes them pop and resonates well ont he camera.

SAG Awards Top 5 Looks to Die For

Last night marked the epic SAG awards show. I was so happy and excited for Jennifer Lawrence, homeland, Downtown Abby and so much more!!! But everyone knows the best part of any awards show is the make-up and wardrobe!!!

Julia Stiles- Julia Stiles really hit this one out of the park! Her intense eye color and coal shade lips make her a drop dead knockout. I am glad to report that this is one happy make-up artist.

Amanda Seyfried – And the prize for the natural look for the evening wear, goes the talented Amanda Seyfried. Natural mak-up is really hard to find these days and Amanda pulled it off with no problem. This is the perfect balanced of skin tone, eye, lips, and cheeks. She really encompasses the full package.

Tina Fey- The song brown-eyed girl describes Tina Fey’s make-up to a tee. I love that her eyes are boldly emphasized and that her lips and cheeks are so soft. The contrast between the two makes her looks beautiful. This was one perfect make-up job.

Kerry Washington – This is a great look for Kerry Washington she has such a glow to her make-up. Just stunning.

Kelly Osbourne- I love seeing Kelly Osbourne all dressed up wearing bright red lipstick, the red really compliments her fair skin and dazzling purple hair! Love it!!!

Choose the Color of your Lips

Lipglosses jammed in the corner of every purse I carry, drawers full of lipsticks in every shade possible; I think it can be confirmed that I have an obsession… I love me some lip TARS you can never ever have too many colors! NEVER!

I love OCC, which stands for Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics they are 100% vegan, which is awesome. As a make-up artist you need to have supplies for everyone, some clients prefer a certain brand because of its texture, color, feel, or even the fact that is not animal tested. That is why you always have to be prepared. With that said, I am going to show you 5 of my favorite lip tars from this amazing line!!!

Though I am a BIG BELIEVER that anyone can rock any lip color if:
A. They own the color like it’s their job
B. They have immense confidence, which you always should!!!

All of OCC LIP TARS are very vibrant colors enjoy!!!
*Note: apply, blot the lips, apply again, blot, and you’re good to go!

It’s so difficult sometimes to find an amazing RED color, but let me tell you the OCC has it down! This right here has saved me so many times on set! This color is called STALKER it is a classic red, but vibrant at the same time. Love love love!!! It is prefect for those 50s photos shoots!!

A lot of make-up brands don’t carry the color black, so when I found out that OCC did I just got super excited. Now I will not have to mix colors on set in order to get that perfect black, let’s face it time is precious. TARRED is great for that vampire look or gothic look! I can’t wait to put my order in to get it !!! Eeeeek, that’s the sound of a super excited make-up queen.

I have been a pink girl since I was little!!! So it’s no shocker that I have a pink shade to share with you! This lovely pink is called ANIME, so perfect for those sweet, soft, moment looks. This shade looks amazing when it is done with soft neutral brown eyes.

You’re probably wondering why I have this awesome blue called RX in my list. This is a fun color to play with while in your everyday life or on set.

Sometimes you have to live a little and have fun, why not with blue… We only live once right? So try it! You won’t be disappointed!

This color almost like a light neutral pink is called BRIDAL NEUTRAL, how appropriate hahaha. It’s super pretty for that big day!!!!

FEATHER is such a lifesaver!!! You can add it to any color and it dulls it down! It’s great for those days where you really want to wear that amazing color, but it’s just a little too intense for the occasion. A must have for all make-up artists!

You can purchase all these lip colors online at http://www.occmakeup.com/ or if you live in New York stop by there store 174 LUDLOW STREET | NEW YORK, NY 10002

Looks of the Week

TGIF everyone!!! This year I was so excited for the Golden Globes. Looking at all those beautiful dresses, shoes, jewelry, and of course make-up and hair!!! This is my top 5 list of the sexiest make-up looks for the evening. Let me know what you think!!

1. Zooey Deschanel- I love this make-up on Zooey Deschanel, the lip and cheek color are just perfect for her skin tone and compliment her dress. This is a very classic make-up look on a very classy lady.

*Watch Zooey Deschanel on New Girl, Tuesdays at 9/8c

2. Jessica Alba – I am in love with her lip color and softly made-up eyes. They always say, if you want to emphasize a feature on your face pick one feature. Jessica did just that! Aka her LIPS!!!

3. Jennifer Lawrence – The beautiful Jennifer Lawrence with her stunning natural make-up is breathtaking, and this picture shows it of! As they always say, LESS IS MORE LADIES!!!!

4. Jennifer Lopez – The curvy and always gorgeous Jennifer Lopez has such a glamorous look! I love the shadow on her cheek bones and her intense eyes. The combination gives her such a FIERCE look. Watch out ladies on the red carpet, there’s a new queen in town.

5. Adele- I adore her eye-opening look. It really brings out her beautiful eye color, and her natural lip color makes her look like the total package!

BLOOD TUBING!!!!!

If you can’t already tell, I am super excited to share my secrets of blood tubing with you!!! For those of you who don’t know what blood tubing is, if you ever saw somebody get cut open in a movie, sliced, or jabbed the blood that is gushing from their body is made possible by the effect of blood tubing. It is important to note that this can be done in sooooo many different and creative ways. I wanted to share with you my experience, but feel free to comment on ways that you blood tube!!! Would love to hear from you.

I did a short film called A Girl At The Front Door a couple of weekends ago. These are the simple and easy steps I followed.

1. The first step to this process was to get the prop (in this case a knife) from the assistant director, because they were using the knife for a couple of scene before the initial stabbing.

*In order to execute blood tubing to the best of your ability, you have to give yourself enough time to prepare, test out the prop, and also to have room for accidents in case something goes wrong.

2. Next you are going to need to get the long tube (where to get it and what kind, will be specified at the bottom of the article).

3. After you have the tube you will need to cut it so that it becomes the length of the prop, in this case a knife, so that the audience or viewers won’t see it. What’s the point of stabbing someone without it looking real, right???

4. You’re probably wondering what should I put the blood in .. Right! Well you will need something durable. In my case I used non spermicide condoms. I KNOW who thought condoms would ever be good for something other than sex hahaha. Condoms are great because they are durable, they are stretchy but you want to get one that doesn’t have all the gooey gross lube or spermicide incase the actor has to taste it. OHHH yum lube for lunch.

5. Now you want to put the tube inside the condom and tape it around the tubing tight.

6. The next step, you want to place the tubing on the backside of the knife. The condom will be placed in the actors hand. As the actor slices down, he or she will also want to squeeze the condom, and the blood will come out as fast as they want it to.

SO……..Where can I get the materials?!?!?!

TUBING: As a make up artist it’s all about the resources. For the tubing I go to Lowes and get a couple of yards so that it will last awhile.
BLOOD: For the blood there are two options for you to choose from –
*ONE is to buy pre-made blood form the makeup stores such as Frends, Nigel’s, Cinema Secrets and Naimie are all located in Hollywood. When you walk into these stores there are so many different brands of fake blood to pick from. But my favorite fake blood is called MY BLOOD. Please note if any of this blood is going into the actors mouth, make sure to get the blood labeled mouth blood . The other one is for the clothing, floor, etc.
*TWO is making the blood yourself. Instead of running to the makeup store you are on your way to the grocery store, that’s right ladies and gentleman the grocery store! On your grocery list put down food coloring, make sure that you have all four of the primary colors and an extra red if possible. the next thing on your list is the Corn syrup and Hershey’s chocolate syrup for the flavor and darkening of the blood. Then you will mix everything in a large bowl. Depending on how light or dark you want the blood, you will need to add less chocolate for a lighter color and more chocolate for a darker color.

Please note that blood can stain your outfit and your skin. Have no fear if this happen make sure that you wash your cloths right away, but if you can’t get to them right away, you can use shaving cream to get the stain off your skin and clothing. I always have some in my makeup kit when I am on set. You never know when you will need it. 🙂

Make-up by Ann Beckette, Art and Cosmetics all in one

5 FAB Make-Up Must haves for Artists

Whether you are an actor, make-up artist, model or just someone who loves just LOVVVVESSS to put on a little magical wonderfulness in the form of make-up than you have come to the right place. I love trying out new brushes, finding that perfect tool to craft the most accurate and effective look. It can be hard to find something that is a good price and works. Soooooo….I have compiled the 5 TOP BRUSHES!!!! The best in the biz, the beautiful wooden instruments that make my life as a make-up artist just FABULOUS!!!!

1. MUD Make-up Designory Brushes – because they are soft and pretty 🙂

my favorite brush is their fan brush! It great for putting on just the right amount of blush and shading of the cheeks

Where to buy: LA and NY MUD stores http://shop.mudshop.com/brushes

2. Ve’s Neil Brushes – Ve’s Neil was the make-up artist who did Pirates of the Caribbean!!!! How exciting is that?? Super amazing to work on all different sizes great for spfx

Where to buy: http://www.veneill.com/

3. Crown Brushes – is my back up brushes

Where to buy: http://www.crownbrush.com/

4. Tarina Tarantino – are awesome brushes these where my very first set up big girl brush my mom and dad gave me…. And there PINK

Where to buy: http://reviews.sephora.com/8723/P254913/reviews.htm

5. Elf brushes – I know that they are super cheap but they do get the job done! And if your pocket-book is a little low these are great! 1-3 dollar brushes … I use they a lot when I do a lot of special effects makeups

Where to buy: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/makeup/brushes

Dream Out Loud!!

Now that you know all about me let’s get down to some business. Being a make-up artist in LA is not easy, the constant competition, rigorous market, and of course the scheduling can have anyone going crazy. So of course it was a total shock when i was selected as one of THREE interns to take part in a movie called Dream Out Loud, a short documentary film directed by Juliet Landau and Deverill Weeks on the life of the brilliant make-up artist Kazuhiro Tsuji. EEEEK!!! I was so excited I couldn’t breath, I mean me little miss St. Louis, me, I am going to be interning for a documentary featuring one of the world’s greatest make-up artists. It was, like many things around here, a dream come true!!!

It only got cooler from there, being put on a “street team” was just the beginning of the ride. My top priority was to personally invite every make-up school and make-up company in LA to this once in a life time event. With piles of flyers tucked under our arms, loads of cards bursting from our purse, and smiles bigger than physically possible we started on our ways towards the streets of Los Angeles to cordially invite the best per our request.

As the event was drawing near my blood was pumping faster, the rush of excitement just tickled my bones. Who would I meet? Did we get everything done? Would a lot of people show? All the questions were circling in my mind like a roller coaster or a merry-go-round. It was exhausting but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world, as cliché as that sounds. I was ready for the IMATS and boy was it going to be fun!!!!

It was SHOW TIME!!!! As i arrived at the Pasadena convention Center I was mesmerized by its size. I mean just a few hours from now this place will be crammed with some of the best people in the industry, celebrities, and talent. I took a breath to inhale the sweet smell of my surroundings and then it was time to set things up, someone has to do it and I was more than happy to be a part of every piece of this amazing project.

Getting to work with Kazu was the probably the best part of this whole experience, I mean the man can do art like no one can. Working with the director and actress Juliet Landau, formerly on Buffy and Angel, was like a star struck moment. I mean how many people can say hey I worked with someone on BUFFY!!!! Yea sorry Twilight but somebody already did the vampire thing and it was waaaayyyy better. What was interesting to hear was the fact that both Juliet and Deverill believed in the new generation of make-up artist but expected to take risks, to se the bar high, and to explore. It all reminded me of an article I had read in the New York Times about Henny Garfunkel and her fresh intake on photography, her sadness that everything was being ruined by publicists, no one was taking risks, and everything was becoming planned and static.

The event came to an end on Sunday. It was bitter-sweet, exhausted from the whole endeavor, but so overwhelmed with happiness. Now as I sit in my quaint apartment writing this I can’t help but to think what’s next? New challenge and definitely new risks.

Thanks for reading, don’t forget to follow or like to read more,

Ann

*All content is written and edited by Bat-el Miller for more information or to contact Ann don’t forget to visist the website www.makeupbeckette.com

Introduction

Hey my name is Ann Beckette, if you couldn’t tell already from the title of my blog hahahaha. I hail from the great city of St Louis, Missouri. And that is where my love affair with theatre and the fine arts began to blossom. I decided to pursue my dream at the University of Indianapolis. My experience there was crazy, thrilling, and loads of fun. Stage managing, acting, and so much more. I met some amazing people and made some long-lasting friendships but I kissed Unidy good-bye in May 2010.

And then I was off to the gorgeous city of LA to attend Make-Up Designory (MUD) and start on my way to becoming hollywood’s most notorious make-up artist. Since completing the program I has submerged myself in the market gaining experience working in film, commercial and print. And just like every crazy kid that comes to LA for with the hopes of making it big, I live each day as if it is a dream. People say I’m talented, I’m creative, but most of all I’m fun. I am easy to talk to and love to laugh.

Read all about my crazy adventures in LA from TV sets to modeling runway shows!!! The best part is it is not over yet, with just the beginning of my career and so much to look forward to ahead, I hope you will join me in my journey. Whether you are an actor, model, director, photographer, or just a fun blogger I look forward to hearing all about you, your thoughts, and most of all how I can help.

Thanks for reading,
Ann

*All content is edited and distributed by Bat-el Miller for more information or to contact Ann check out her website www.makeupbeckette.com