2012's first shoot

I had my first photoshoot of 2012 on Jan 7th.  The model Gina was just as sweet as she could be. It was styled by another beautiful model Oksana. Hair was done by Lisa (yes there were 2 Lisas on the shoot),  the beautiful colorful nails by Titi and makeup by yours truly Lisa Carter-McPhee.  I'm so looking forward to all of the new opportunities that await me.

Great Shoot

Yesterday I had one of the best shoots. Everyone brought out their "A" game. From the hair, nails, clothing and jewelery to the photography and modeling everything was flawless. I had to take off work to do this shoot but, but it was so worth it. Since I don't have any leave due to the numerous doctor's appointments I have attended and need to attend, but it was so worth me working extra hours each day to makeup for it.  Now I'm not going bonkers trying to make it up all in one day or I'll be sick as heck. Nah I'm spreading it out over the next 2 weeks so I can pace myself and handle my priorities.  I wish I could give you more details on the shoot but, not until the magazine publishes the story. As soon as they do I'll certainly share the images. Well time to think up some new makeup face charts and think about my upcoming shoots.

Priorities

I tell you, trying to do this makeup thing the way I want to do it has been a challenge,  particularly since I've been dealing with complications related to my MS and Reiter's over the last 6 months. In any event, I decided that I wouldn't make any resolutions for the new year but, I would start to take better care of myself. Therefore, no matter how inconvenient, I'd make it my business to go to the doctor's, follow their advice and just make my health a priority. I've stuck to some of this but not all of it. Things come up and I've been eating on the go shoot for most of the new year. I have been going to nearly all of my doctor's appointments but, when I had the chance to take a doctor's appointment or to work a shoot; I had to go with the shoot. Of course my health is important, but, so is my mental health. Since I'd extended my vacation from makeup a bit longer than I'd planned, I was going crazy not doing one of the things I love. Heck makeup is just as much apart of me as eating or sleeping. Looking back I have no regrets and postponing the appointment for a bit wasn't going to kill me; not beating some faces on the other hand,  well that was driving me bonkers. Of course I'm still making health a priority, limiting eating on the go, and starting to get some exercise are all steps in the right direction. I'm even working with the doctors to come up with recommendation that will work with my lifestyle. Next up an editorial bridal shoot. I can't wait!

What I Did on My Winter Vacation

I'd like to say that my nearly month long absence from doing makeup was self imposed but that wouldn't be the complete truth. While I did plan a long vacation, I ended up starting it early and extending it a bit later due to illness. Actually I'm still partially on it. Since I couldn't makeup I had to figure out something makeup related to do or I'd go crazy. I was determined not to do excessive and frivolous makeup shopping so what's next?  As it turns out the time off helped me to think and I was able to come up with all sorts of creative ideas. Since I wasn't sure when I'd get the chance to execute my ideas I started a picasa web album. It contains all of my inspirational photos and I can add notes to the comments section that describe what struck me about the photo. The great thing is when I'm looking for inspiration later or I need to refer to an idea, I can log-on to my picasa account with my phone and viola, the photo is there. So I guess all in all my time off was well spent.  

Lash Out and Blush Baby: New Directions

Lash Out and Blush Baby: New Directions

New Directions

After much soul searching and thinking. I decided to change the focus of my makeup blog. I follow lots of blogs that focus on makeup, fashion, beauty and everything in between. I decided to make this blog more about my personal journey as a makeup artist. What make this special is that I'm a makeup artist with some pretty serious health issues and I've not let it stop me from pursuing my goals. The way I look at it is that everyone has some obstacles to overcome and by sharing some of mine maybe I can encourage someone else to push past adversity and not let anything stand in your way.

Although I decided to change the direction of this blog many months ago, I decided to wait until the new year since that seems to symbolize a fresh start with things. So without further discussion, follow the adventures of a woman that has MS, Lupus and Reiter's Syndrome push past all of that to live my life as a wife, software engineer and makeup artist. I hope my adventures will be an inspiration to you.

Presentation is Important

After having a conversation with a buddy a topic for my blog came to me. Presentation and how it can influence a client or colleague. I'd recalled seeing a fellow mua's kit. My first thought was I'll never let the touch my face nor would I refer them for a job. My decision wasn't based on their skills as an artist but on the way the kit looked. It was dirty as heck. I saw the brushes and wondered who hires them. This is but one example of how poor presentation impacts a persons decisions. Another instance is how a client behaved when I had to do her makeup. She was terrified to get a makeover. She had seen a. Few other artist that day and was and traumatized. The it took me 5 minutes to comfort her. I didn't have to convince her I could do makeup, but I had to convince her that I would do a look that's appropriate for her. Her fears were fueled by an artist with thick long lashes and clad in sparkling clothing and 4 inch heals. Now this may work for some situations but not when you are doing a 50 year old soccer mom. Let's face it, looks matter. As a makeup artist, ones look should reflect the clients they'd like to attract. This is not limited to clothes and makeup but your kit as well. If you want to make it in the big time, you have to look like you belong.