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What does it look like “Behind The Scenes”

August 23, 2017

Whenever I post images or “bts” images on my social media pages, I get flooded with text messages from “hey, how can I become one of your models” or “what really happens behind the scenes?” I thought for my next blog post it would be fun to share some of my experiences.

For the past four years I have worked with a client helping create the looks for their spring and fall bridal campaigns. When I think back to our first campaign together, I can’t help but be reminded just how far we have come as a team. I can’t emphasize the word “team” enough because it truly is a group effort.

There are so many preparations that go into executing a successful shoot. A lot of creative energy and communication goes into. One of our first steps is our creative team will send emails and photographs of inspiration. After several meetings and inputs from everyone, they will usually confirm the mood and the process of building our sets start to take place.

While our set is starting to slowly be brought to life, the photographer will usually send his/her inspiration for lighting. I can’t tell you how important lighting is. It’s everything. You can have the most beautiful model, on a perfect set, wearing a gorgeous gown. If the lighting is off then everything is off! No pressure, right?!

Once we have all agreed on a lighting that is appropriate for our inspiration, we start brainstorming hair, makeup and styling looks. This can be from choosing a model with the right hair color, down to the color of their natural lips. Does she have freckles? How will they photograph? Does she have a birth mark on her back? Can our team of editors get rid of it and will it be expensive to do so.

From there we start our search for the perfect models. This process can be a long and draining process. They not only have to fit the image the creative team desires but they need to be the exact height and measurements as the sample sizes as they will not alter them.

These are really just a few but most important steps in bringing a vision to life. As I mentioned it’s truly a team effort. I always look forward to these shoots because they allow me the opportunity to work with such creative people whose passion for art and excellence is contagious.

Love,

Deanna-Your Beauty Chick

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Q & A with Model Alexandra Schafer

July 12, 2017

Being in the beauty industry has many perks. From working on exciting projects on sets to meeting the people behind the scenes that help bring everything to life. All aspects of it have been an exciting journey. However, my personal favorite thing about being in this business has been all the talent you get to meet and learn from.

I have had the pleasure of meeting some really fascinating people. And although it’s always exciting to meet your favorite celebrity or work with a high profile client, there is nothing more exciting then working with other people who share the same passion and creative energy as yourself.

Alexandra Schafer (@lamakeupalex) started her career as a model. After traveling the world to walk high fashion designer shows and working as the face of Ralph Lauren in the 90’s, Alex decided to go back to what she originally intended to do from the beginning and that’s working behind the scenes. You have probably seen her work in national campaign’s for designers/retailers such as Bebe and Guess.

I was able to ask Alex some questions about her life in the industry today and thought I would share this with our C & S readers.

Happy Reading!

Your beauty chick,

Deanna

How did you end up in the beauty industry?

Through a class I took in my late teens, which led me to modeling and then back to beauty. It was all the amazing artists I worked with over the years that inspired me to approach makeup full time.

Working with celebrity clients must leave you nervous sometimes. How do you deal with it?

I don’t really get nervous, rather excited to collaborate and meet creative’s. Creative energy is exciting and everyone is coming together; and when it really gels, it’s magical. When you have a “difficult personality” to deal with it sometimes is a challenge, but you just breathe and keep on believing in yourself and remind yourself they only want is best as well.

What’s the most common beauty mistake you see in people’s work?

They don’t enhance and frame beauty, but rather they cover it up and mask it; or the base is too heavy.

Alex doing makeup on Katie Wee of Return of the Mac

If you had to pick just one product to recommend everyone keep in their makeup bag, what would it be?

Bronzer or blush, depending on skin color.

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Contouring and All It’s Hype

April 12, 2017

With the help of social media, contouring has become one of the most popular trends. You can’t walk into a cosmetics department today and not be bombarded by sales associates asking you to “check out” their contour palettes. Contouring has become the number one request from my clients. Here’s something that may surprise you: you actually may already have the product in your makeup bag to help create this contouring trend – it’s called bronzer, ladies!

The advantage of contouring is that it gives the illusion that you have a more defined facial structure that accentuates your cheekbones. While it may photograph beautifully, the downside is that contouring can easily be mistaken for bad makeup. Here are a few simple tricks to help you create those great cheekbones while giving the impression that you know exactly what you are doing!

Choose The Right Color

Choosing the right color bronzer is just as important as choosing the right foundation. The key for a natural, contoured look is to look for a bronzer that is no more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This will help prevent you from looking orange or muddy. I typically do not choose bronzers with a shimmer, since you are trying to keep your face as natural-looking as possible.

Blend: It’s All In The Wrist

When you apply bronzer, make sure to apply it where the sun naturally touches your face and remember to include your neck. You don’t want your face and neck to be two different shades…not a good look! I suggest doing this by sweeping a little of your bronzer downward from your jawline to your neck to make the transition seamless. If you are wearing your hair up, don’t forget to get the ears and back of the neck.

Have The Right Tools

I can’t stress this enough. Good makeup brushes and applicators are worth the investment. If you’re going to use a liquid bronzer for contouring, a makeup blending sponge works best. If you’re going to use a powder bronzer, an angled-brush or a flat-brush is best for giving your cheekbones that coveted depth. If you really want that contrast, think about applying a powdered bronzer over a liquid bronzer; make sure you properly use the blending sponge when using this technique.

Makeup can be very intimidating for a lot of women. Remember, it’s not permanent; you can always wash it off. You don’t need a professional makeup artist to give you a flawless look. It just takes quality makeup, good tools and some practice. You would be surprised how quick and easy this can be, even for you mothers who are on the go!

Happy Contouring!

Your Beauty Chick-Deanna

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Ready! Set! Glow!

February 28, 2017

Dewy and fresh skin requires serious hydration. It’s time to begin the transformation from dull and dry, to hydrated and glowing!

As your wardrobe changes each season, your skincare should change as well. Would you wear a wool sweater in the summer? Essential skincare begins with finding a moisturizer that works for your skin type.

For Oily Skin:

It’s important to use a moisturizer that is oil free or has some oil control. Being dewy does not mean looking greasy! An oil free moisturizer will help control any of the excess oil your skin produces during the warmer climate. A favorite for my clients with oily skin is Kate Somerville’s Oil Free Moisturizer.

For Dry Skin:

Try a face cream that is hydrating and works best to plump up fine lines and wrinkles, however, use only a nickel size for the entire face. You will be adding additional layers of moisture as you add texture onto your skin from skincare to makeup. Try out LaMer’s Soft Moisturizing Cream for that radiant look!

Once your skin is prepped and ready, apply a tinted moisturizer. One of the best tinted moisturizers on the market is Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. This gives your skin the perfect amount of coverage with a beautiful finish and works for all skin types. It doesn’t hurt that it has SPF! Applying tinted moisturizer with a makeup brush means your application will have no wasted product in comparison with other makeup tools such as a Beauty Blender or sponge which can soak up too much liquid. A translucent powder (again Laura Mercier makes a great one) can counteract any shine, applied with a brush lightly to your t-zone. To finish, a bronzer swept across the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin will result is an effortless way to add a sun-touched glow. Add a pop of color on the cheeks, such as Tawny by Bobbi Brown, and 2-3 coats of mascara. Lip balm, and light handed touch of bronzy eyeshadow such as Charlotte Tilbury Marie Antoinette will have you ready, set glow in no time!

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Xo,

Deanna

Beauty By Deanna