Monday, June 23, 2014

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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Thursday, June 12, 2014

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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Sunday, June 8, 2014

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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Friday, June 6, 2014

"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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