Makeup Tips For Today's Confident Teen

Wouldn't it be great if there were a magic makeup product we could put on any teenagers face to make them feel beautiful, confident or make them immune to the worlds imperfections? I'd be the worlds first bazillionaire if I could invent it! lol While recording a foundation review , I realized my teenager was "I-spying" over my shoulder. I had to capture the moment as her shirt snapshots her personality perfectly.

Children are always watching, absorbing and emulating what they see and hear. Let's think about that for a second…. By now you realize this has nothing to do with makeup.

With social media continuing to grow in popularity and its major newsfeed contributors being fight videos, fire challenges, silly memes and police brutality shares; it's becoming increasingly difficult to shield the youth from the madness. If you add all of that to the constant makeup shaming, weave shaming, skin color shaming and body shaming onto an already emotional teenage journey to adulthood, you'll find it can be overwhelming. (I thank God Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc were not around when I was a teen.) Being a mother of 3 girls (one being a teenager), I try to fill them up with great mantras to think about daily to balance the worlds craziness.

Here are a few of my favorite mantra's I send my girls away with every morning!

Me and my teen

1. Own your awkward 
Never be ashamed of what makes you different. Own it and others will love you for it and those who don't never deserved to be in the presence of such "awesomeness" anyway.

2. Dare yourself to ask more questions
Everyone wants to be the one who know's everything but the truth is noone does. Be confident and inquisitive with everyone. The person next to you will silently appreciate it.

3. Be yourself
Why be anyone else? You're awesome!

4. You are only as beautiful as you make others feel
Make sure you leave all those that encounter you along the day with a smile. If your lucky you'll get the same in return.

5. Don't forget to be awesome
Whatever you do and however you do it, don't forget to be AWESOME!…..or at least try.

Did you find this helpful? I'd love to hear about your mantra's as well! Leave your comments below!


Remember…….

Nicole Rogers
www.NicoleRogersMakeup.com
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5 Tips To Conservative Non-Makeup/Makeup Wearers

Clean Full coverage makeup for a photo shoot (makeup by
Nicole Rogers)

Every time someone finds out I'm a makeup artist they have one of three responses "oh. I don't wear makeup, just gloss and mascara" or "I don't need that, it looks funny on me" or "Great! Where do I sign up". Out of pure curiosity, I ask reasons why not and it boils down to two main things. 1. They are applying it all wrong and have never had it applied properly or 2. They don't know what to ask for when working with a professional and end up disappointed.

Well here's some news….Not every makeup application has to look overdone with a super sculpted face and etch n sketch brows. We can reserve that for the entertainers and showgirls. For my conservative makeup wearers, here area few tips that will help!

1. "I want my makeup natural" - Although you may think so this is not as descriptive as you'd like to think. Your version of "natural" and say Dolly Parton's version vary……drastically. When working with a professional you should make note to mention how much of your skin will show through the makeup if any. Picture examples are a gals best friend.

Bridal makeup She's %80 covered with her natural
freckles peeking through (makeup by Nicole Rogers)

2. "Makeup is so heavy" - This may have been true for makeup in the 80's and limited drugstore finds but these days there are so many choices in foundation coverages and finishes. Odds are you are simply heavy handed or haven't found a finish you like. Try applying your concealers and foundations with your ring finger then blending out with a beauty blender or sponge. If it is still too "heavy" mix moisturizer in with the foundation and apply sparingly.

3. "I can't find any colors that work on me" - What's in your closet? I always ask my clients what color clothing do they wear most often. This is usually an indicator of what colors will work well or at the very least what color you might feel comfortable in or be able to contrast with. Lip colors are the easiest ti play with. Be adventurous and try everything until you find something you like. Remember, you can always wash your face later. It's just makeup!

Airbrush makeup (makeup by Nicole Rogers)

4. "All brows are not created equal" - Seriously this has become an epidemic when the men start noticing and commenting. Put the pencils down and back away slowly. First see a professional and get your brows groomed. If you must use a pencil use it only to fill in underneath the brow and the tail. The front of the brows tells how experienced you are in penciling in brows so if you aren't very, skip it. They shouldn't be overly square or look like they are looking for eggs to fertilize.



5. "I don't do Lashes. Lamb chop is not in this season"-
Please don't make "her" story your story. We've all seen the ladies with the "gone with the wind" fabulous lashes however this doesn't have to be you. There are lashes for every eye and every occasion.   They can be custom build and adjusted just for you. When choosing lashes decide first if you are looking to add volume, length, texture or all of the above. For my conservatives choose a natural lash thats shorter in length. Did you find these tips helpful?




I'd love to hear about your makeup follies and jollies. Leave comments below.

Remember SHARING IS CARING! 

Nicole Rogers
www.NicoleRogersMakeup.com
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The Makeup Show Chicago 2014: Recap

Congratulations to The Makeup Show for another successful run in Chicago! Both days were full of eager makeup artist and enthusiasts looking to expand their current knowledge of makeup and techniques.  The Keynote speakers were both informative and inspiring!

I spent most of my day doing makeup and hair for  The Makeup Light booth. (See photos below) However I was able to sit in on Renny Vasquez's seminar and speak extensively with Maurice Stein of Cinema Secrets. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to wish me a happy birthday! You all made it a great day!

Keynote speakers Ricky Wilson and Pati Dubroff with James Vincent

The Makeup Light Booth 

All of the photos taken at the booth were lit by The Makeup Light Vanity or Key light. These lights gave some of the most beautiful artificial day light I've ever seen without the need of a filter. 

I'll do a comparison post and link here at a later date. 

Photo makeup and hair by Nicole Rogers (lit by the Vanity by The Makeup Light)

Photo by Viola Nicholson

Photo and makeup by Nicole Rogers

(Vanity *left*, The Key light *right*)

Model Noelle Lynn (makeup and hair by me)

Mua's Sherita, Natali, Bao and a werewolf lol

Pro Tip: All day I was asked about my MUFE flash color palette and glitter I was using. I don't do lots of face paining but I can count on my hand how many times I've used either commercially in the Chicago market…..zero. It's fun to have around for occasions like these though. 

Were you at The Makeup Show? I'd love to hear about your day. Leave comments below! 

Remember sharing is caring!

Nicole Rogers
www.NicoleRogersMakeup.com
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So you are going to The Makeup Show : What now?

The Makeup Show will be gracing my wonderful city of Chicago this weekend and I thought I would give you guys a few last minute helpful tips to maximize your money and time. 

1. Review your kit
Make note of the products you loved, would like to upgrade, used up and need more of. Don't waste money on things you have no use for and didn't use up within the past 6 months.  

2. Set a "like to try" and "needs" budget 
…and stick to it! This is very important. If you arrive with an unlimited mind set you will spend until you can't spend anymore. 

3. Convenience list
Make note of items you would like that will make your work  easier, look better or improve on your convenience.

A few brands represented at the show this year

4. Familiarize yourself with all education classes
Read up on the keynote speakers, free seminars, hands-on classes and focus series session. Because many things are happening at the same time decide what you feel you need to learn and schedule accordingly. It's best to have this mapped out before you get to the show as things move swiftly and you might miss out chatting with friends. This year they've added a focus group session that features a focus on different areas of artist kit building. You will get to test a range of products to decide which items work best for your kit.

5. Network Network Network
Pass out cards, introduce yourself and remember the person you are passing by today could be the person deciding if you "get the job" tomorrow. This is our community and you have to remember to ensure its growth.


Pro tip: Smile A smile can get you a long way! Don't forget to have a great time!!!

I'll be at The Makeup Light booth all day tomorrow doing makeup. Stop by and say hello!   

Nicole Rogers
www.NicoleRogersMakeup.com
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"Pick My Brain" : Scott Barnes Hands on Workshop Chicago

Two of my favorite books for inspiration and instruction are "About Face" and "Face to Face" both penned by Scott Barnes. I've read them many times so you can imagine I was more than excited to hear he'd be bringing his hands on workshop to Chicago.

Scott first let the class know that he was all for video recording. This was quite refreshing as most instructors frown upon recording their classes. He did mention that he was sharing his most valued secrets and not to share them with those who did not attend though. So instead of spilling his secrets I'll be sharing my experience through photos. Enjoy!

I picked up all of Scott's Blushers and bronzers to test out. They were all very pigmented with the perfect colors for many skin tones. 

Scott Barnes line of Bronzers and Blushers

Application using Scott's technique and blush using Scott Barnes products

Scott Barnes with model before

Scott Barnes model after photo

Scott delivered very detailed instructions on how to complete a full face with glowing highlights and subtle contouring that remains fluid in appearance and last all day and night. 

We were then asked to execute what we learned on our models while he answered more of our questions one on one. 

Hands on portion of class with makeup by Nicole Rogers 

Pro tip: When taking classes always bring a note pad and pen, a camera with a zoom and an open mind. You may think you will remember what you learned but it's always great to review your notes, pictures and practice when you've had some down time.

Did you like what you read? Be sure to leave a comment. Remember sharing is caring! 

Nicole Rogers
www.NicoleRogersMakeup.com
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"Pick My Brain" Merrell Hollis Master class Chicago

If you guys read my first "Pick My Brain" blog post, you'll remember this is a series of post involving both upcoming events and classes I've attended involving education for makeup artist and makeup enthusiast. I've unofficially named myself the "guinea guru" of makeup classes.

I wasn't able to attend The Makeup Show New York this year. So instead of sulking, I decided to find some local classes to attend and avoid my instagram and FB newsfeed until The Makeup Show Chicago. lol I know. Silly right?  

My weekend began with Merrell Hollis leading celebrity makeup artist for Wendy Williams and Artistic director for Black Opal Cosmetics, Master class of Beauty. His class was a look and learn put together by Chicago Makeup artist and Event organizer Viola Nicholson.

Merrell Hollis 

(Clock wise makeup artist Tennia williams, Felicia Yvette,
Merrell Hollis and Reggie Wells) 

Makeup artist Deidre Carney

Merrell applied makeup to the model while encouraging attendees to ask questions about his process. My favorite point of focus from Merrell's demo was the foundation coverage, finish and glow. A very close second would be his highlight and contour technique. It was very specific in placement and you couldn't tell where one product began or ended. Flawless!

He shared a few favorite items that he uses in his kit and mentioned that most makeup artist carry black opal in their kits, it just gets repackaged. I can confess to that one. I've been using black Opal for years for my brown girls and I LOVE it. *side note* You guys should try their new Even True liquid foundation. It has medium coverage and dries to a satin finish and it looks gorgeous! 

During the class he mentioned makeup trends and the importance of knowing them for each specific market as well as how they've evolved.  As an added bonus Reggie Wells Celebrity Makeup artist ,and former MUA to Oprah, was also in attendance. He spoke on some of his experiences over the years and the importance wanting to be a great makeup artist first and a "celebrity makeup artist" never. 

"Thank you Merrell!" was the consensus of the attendees as he wrapped up and was happy to stick around a bit to take photos and chat with everyone.   

We also received gift bags with Black Opal Even True foundation, lip gloss, powder, shadow shields and a beauty blender with cleanser. Getting gift bags is great but when you get products you can actually use……It's AMAZING! 

 

Makeup artist Viola Nicholson

Of course the day would not have been complete without hanging with some of Chicago's finest Makeup artist! Check out my artist selfie session.




Pro tip: Networking is such an important and necessary part of this business. Events like this one are great to bond and catch up with fellow artist. 

Were you able to attend this event or have questions about it? Comment below. 

Stay tuned for more class reviews from my weekend….. Scott barnes workshop and Chicago Beauty Exchange

Nicole Rogers
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Americas Beauty Show 2014

I was able to attend the America's Beauty Show chicago this year and capture some video. Check out some of the creative styles and products I ran across.



I found so many great products and tools to try and even learned a few new hair cutting techniques.

I was busy working with International Hair Solutions doing makeup for  a couple of their models. Here are two snap shots of their after looks.

Did you attend the America's Beauty Show? What did you enjoy most about it? Comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

Pro tip: Always Always Always have a budget and list of things you'd like to get at any professional trade show. This will keep you honest or at the very least aware of how much you are spending.

So you want to pick my brain eh? (Invest in the best)

Don't get me wrong, this isn't really a post about picking my brain. This will be a series of post involving both upcoming events and classes I've attended involving education for makeup artist and makeup enthusiast. (Be on the look out for future "pick my brain" posts)

I understand that everyone needs a hand every now and again so I'm here to give it. You can consider me your personal guinea guru of makeup classes. I'll let you know whether you should invest, pass or visit youtube instead. Review to follow.


 Workshops by Marietta Carter Narcisse
This is a online makeup course designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and set. She currently offers two courses  (Script breakdown and set etiquette) and (Minding your makeup business). You can find more information on each class as well as payments in the link above. Some of her work credits include films Malcolm X, The Negotiator and Sparkle (2012).

Price $500 (for those of you who need it. That's 3 hours a day for 3 days figures around $55/hr) What a steal!

Pros: There is homework
         You can attend from home
         Loads of information including some not listed
         She makes sure you understand the information before moving on

Cons: There is homework *lol*

*My honest opinion: I took Marietta's (Minding your makeup business) this past quarter and I learned a bunch.  She was very knowledgeable and covered every subject listed on her site. There were other students in the class as well that were very knowledgeable. I mention that to say this course is great for the beginner to the well informed professional looking for a refresher and great for networking. While I have been known to travel for additional education, after having my last baby, I've had to curb my traveling a bit. Being a working mommy of 3, I really liked that I could take the course online in the comfort of my own home. I was literally cooking, changing diapers and checking homework at the same time! lol (I love to multitask) There were also times where I was not at home and I still was able to participate in class via my cell phone. We were given quizzes and homework assignments all geared to get our proper paperwork together for potential clients and ensure that we be ready for that next resume request or deal memo request. I gave this workshop 4 out of 5 stars…..simply because nothing in life is perfect….it sure was close though. *snickers*

You should Invest!!!

Upcoming workshops Chicago

For tickets contact Viola Nicholson (click here)

"Master class of beauty"….One day only!! *NEW DATE* May 3rd, 2-4pm at The Godfrey Hotel! Get ready for Merrell Hollis, Leading Celebrity Makeup artist for Wendy Williams and Artistic director for Black Opal Cosmetics. Artist of all levels welcome. Price $90

This is a master beauty class put together by Viola Nicholson. I had the pleasure of attending one of her previous workshops featuring Sam Fine : Another fine day . I had such a great time I blogged about it. Check it out in link above.

I love watching other artist work! You can learn so much just by watching. This is a wonderful opportunity to watch him work and ask questions! For $90 it would be foolish to pass up! I spend more than that on brushes. This too is a steal!

I'll be in attendance and would love to see some of my readers there. Be sure to find me and say hello!

Have you attended any classes this year or would like for me to attend and review? If so, how did you like them and let me know which ones and I'll check them out!

Pro tip: You should also check out Marietta's MUA Planner. This is a great resource for artist and contains savings plans, every trade show and event artist should know about along with a space for your 2014 action plans. I have one and it has been a life saver!


Nicole Rogers
www.NicoleRogersMakeup.com
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Annnnnnddd I'm Back (Concealer….every girl should own some)

It's been a while….well not that long if you've been following my Facebook page. :) I took a little time to get acclimated to having (the last of my tribe) my baby girl. Now that I've taught her how to entertain herself, got her nap times and feedings down to a science, I can get back to keeping my blog properly updated. Yay for me….and you for you too!

Behind the scene photo from my recent shoot Nicole Rogers Makeup and Hair

Photography by Andrew Thomas Clifton

When approaching a makeup application I always like to take a picture to see what the camera sees so I can know exactly what I want to disappear or add too. Camera's tell the tale very honestly. With this model she had very nice skin and I could tell she took care of it. She complained about her under eye area as being hereditary and I agreed. (See if you can guess her nationality. I tried and failed lol) For this shoot I was looking for a very soft, clean beauty look. As you can see concealing her under eye area really brightened up her look!

Although I'm not a "super" huge MAC fan I do LOVE the Pro Longwear concealer. I use this for myself when I only want to brighten up the area under my eyes. I do not put this anywhere else on my face. It's silicone based but also has some water in it. (I imagine its loaded with loads of binders to make that combo work)  So if you have super sensitive skin this might be pass worthy. I however LOVE it!

Pros: 1. It provides great coverage with the ability to be used in thin layers to keep the appearance of skin.

2. It's silicone based.

3. Once it dries it's not moving anywhere if powered properly.

4. It contains Glycerin in small amounts. This would be one of those binders I mentioned earlier. Well I personally love glycerin as its a humectant and helps to retain moisture but some of us with super oily skin might want to run away. lol (I still say try it. You can always take it back *snickers*)

Cons: 1. One pump for me is enough for 3 people. lol

2. It's silicone based. Some people have sensitivities to silicone so this will not be an ideal product for you.

Pro tip:  Let one layer of product dry before adding another using your ring finger in a light tapping motion. Remember working in thin layers will save your life! ….well maybe it won't do exactly that but you will definitely look like "you woke up like this"  lol

Have you tried any concealers that you found were great or not so great? What were they?

Nicole Rogers
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