MBFWA- Australian Fashion Week

WOW so, WOW. How cool is Australia, right?! Now that Ive been working at the PRO store Ive been lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Australias best makeup artists.. and those that were selected to be apart of MACs Fashion Week Team. Sadly, I wasnt on it this year but Im so proud of the kids that are.. cos they are doing some amazing stuff!!

With MAC doing the makeup for more than half the shows its great to see some really lovely makeup coming out. And lots of it is definately proving to the rest of the world- oz has def got its own style and vibe; whilst still holding their own against the heavy weights.

First show up was ROMANCE WAS BORN and Pauly B and Keira were amazing!! The look was all centered around Marvel Comics involvement with the brand- with their much more wearable collection complimented with flaming neon orange hair and structurely comic-y makeup.
 Key Artist Natasha Severino described the makeup as  "superhero and otherworldly with a sexy modernist twist," .



The team used Fix + Spray and Strobe Cream to prep the skin, Face & Body Foundation teamed with Studio Finish Concealer as the base, with Careblend powder (my fav!) and Prep & Prime Transparent Powder to set. On the eye was simply Cyan Blue Chromographic Pencil and on the lips was a mix of Red & Crimson Lipmix!

Brows were kept clean and brushed up. Pretty much, on trend with the 'Neon' element with very clean and uncompromised skin.

Amazing hey?

At MANNING CARTELL, Key Artist and Lara Bingle's number one man Max May won over the MAC team with his chilled, friendly approach. The makeup is inspired by Frida Kahlo and hot mexican summers. The models channeled the "wet-looking" skin thats trending at the moment with soft washes of colour all over the eye, withe the only structure coming through the brow..



The MAC products used were Face & Body foundation with no cheek colour, just the Gloss Texture Creme as a highlight. On the eyes was the new Extra Dimension eyeshadows we have out at the moment, in Havana, a pigment pearly highlight in the eye corner and a bit more of the gloss creme.
The lip were knocked of the colour, with the Lip erase balm applied all over to put emphasis on the eyes and brows.

BY JOHNNY had the mac kids raving! Cool edgy makeup teamed with Amber D's awesome keying- the makeup looked brilliant. A really boyish yet non-androgynous biker eye complimented the glowy, clean skin! Cream Colour Base's were the product of the hour- heavily used on the face and eye.



MAC Products Used are Face & Body foundation, Cream Colour Base in Antique Gold on the eyes, played with Steamy eyeshadow. Another highlight was used in the eyes corner and a soft brushed up brow using Clear Gel.

Ill post some more info on other shows over the next few days!

x

Artist Tip!

Well, at MAC Im very lucky to surround myself with lovely people. The girls and boys all have such different skills, that watching them and asking them questions allows me to grow and become a better artist.

One artist I have working on the floor with me from time to time, when she can tear herself away from all her celebrity clients (!) is Miss Francesca Neill. Really one of the nicest girls you'll ever meet.. which is a shame really, because with brains behind her (degree in psych) and looks that has her working, herself, in front of the camera- not just behind.. you just would love to hate her. But cant! And to extend her lovely ways she has allowed us a sneak peak into her world to understand what she does and how....

Francesca's has been freelancing as a MUA for 6 years now, and has worked within all areas of makeup over the years, but especially enjoys the TV and Music industry. Here she has built up a list of high profile clients including Craig David, Alesha Dixon and Nadine Coyle. She loves the creativity of the music videos and the impact you can create with powerful makeup. A snippet of her work below..

Another area that has drawn a HUGE amount of attention recently, in the beauty field and to Fran (who is trained in them) is HD Brows.

 "I have always been a complete brow obsessive but never really satisfied with the regular method of either threading, waxing or tweezing, so when i was introduced to HD Brows by the amazing Nilam Patel herself I was ridiculously excited. I went away and did my training and I have never looked at brows in the same way since!!! HD Brows isnt just shaping and tidying -  it is eyebrow artistry!!! This treatment defines your natural beauty through a unique and revolutionary 7 step high definition process. It can transform even the most over plucked brow into its perfect shape, dramatically enhancing your facial features and giving your face the structure you have always wanted. This unique procedure can only be performed by a highly trained and skilled HD Brow stylist." And that skilled stylist in London would be the be the lovely Fran! Below are some before and after pictures of the HD method.

I have been dying to get my brows done in the HD style, as it really does allow you to create a brow which you might not necessarily have. So for me, I really want to thicken and strengthen my brow- all of which Fran can do! So, I have to book in and get them done asap and show you the results. Fran and I have been trying to get together to get them done- soon!

Ok so now to talk about Fran's top 5 makeup products and why....

5 top products

1) Working within tv and music, where a good base is essential and has to withstand intense light heat etc .... I swear by MAC studio fix fluid! Amazing coverage, amazing longevity, amazing finish........ just an amazing product. Also looks great mixed with strobe to give luminous skin! Requires hardly any touch ups but still looks super natural.

2) Being the brow obsessive that i am one of my fav products that can be used on ALL clients without fail is the new HD Brows palette, it has 6 suit everyone matt, neutral shades for brows - but can also be doubled up as shadows and eyeliners. GENIUS!!!! Use a small angled brush ..... 266 from mac is perfect, and ur good to go. 

3) Fluidline ....... Essential product for any makeup bag or kit. Creates the perfectly defined eyeliner that doesnt fade or smudge but can also be smoked out to create a full on sexy sultry smokey eye. Again a fabulously versitile product that u should not be without.

4) Who doesnt love a juicy tube by lancome!!!! Such a great product, fab range of shades. moisturising, glossy, gives beautiful pout. Great shades inline with ss11 trends, soft pastels and also more vibrant shades for the more daring. LOVE..... and they taste good too ;-)

5) Finally ...... MAC skin finish in Soft and Gentle ..... and for darker skin tone gold deposit. Amazing product to manipulate texture..... so even if u have an oily skin and have to opt for a more matte finish.... just sweep a little over the cheek bones, down the nose and the cupids bow ....... and as if by magic .... hello glowy radiant skin. Great cheekbone enhancer.

If you wish to have the HD brows that Fran and all of the top celebrities swear by, give Fran a bell on the details below to book an appointment:

www.francescaneill.com

Mob: 07960200202

francesca@francescaneill.com

Hope yourve enjoyed the read!

x

I effing LOVE this Lady!!

Could she inspire and captivate me any more....! Pat Mcgrath's magic is usually spun when theatrics are involved. Through textures, textiles and talent, this woman has created some if the most insane looks for anyone worth noting.

This visual from Galliano's Paris S/S 11 show is classically French and classically Mcgrath.

#sigh#.....

Off to research....

x

Sigur Ros

This music takes my breath away. Makes me weepy infact.
I cant get enough of the album. Please indulge xx