Halloween Purple Elf

Happy Halloween!!!

Purple Elf

Photography by: Tiffany Smith
Model: Jessica
Event Hosted by: PhotoChimera
Makeup: Yours Truly Naiyana

What did I use: 2 coats of Snazaroo Electric Purple (881)
and the Black Detail is done with Ben Nye Black Paint

How: Paint model Purple, 2 coats look better so the skin does not show trow the paint, add details black detail (inspiration form the Indian Henna Designs), spray the model with hair spray to avoid the paint form cracking and excessive dryness, cut up an old dress so to give it an extra edge, spike hair with get, give model and axe, and walla! Got you yourself a Purple Elf.

Mentor in Makeup!

As some of you know, one of my main form of Art is Makeup.
I love to create new fantastic designs that compliment an individual face or body, I love browsing and searching for the latest new tool, eye shadow, or lipstick.
I spend a great deal of my time researching and shopping for products that that can make my visions a reality.

I promise to post more of my work and perhaps give tips on how I achieved a particular look or where I got the inspiration from.

Now I am happy to announce that I was given the designation on Makeup Mentor by the Model Mayhem community to which I am part of.
So here is my pride and Joy.

Oscillation Vibrating. Infinite. Powermascara.

It’s finally out (on my birthday) the first vibration Powermascara by Lancome this Mascara had a waitlist of 21,000 people!!

This Powermascara by Lancome can 7000 oscillations per minute!!

Good things:

No more zigzagging the brush, this mascara is applied in gentle strokes straight stokes.
Two coats makes lashes look like they got extensions.
A few more strokes and you are ready to perform on Broadway.
No over-pumping the wand, the brush has more than enough for multiple coats.
Long lasting and lashes appear extended, separated and visibly multiplied.

Not sooo Good things:

The Powermascara has a light buzzing sound a light tingly feeling once the brush touched the lashes, not uncomfortable, but something to be aware of. The idea of anything vibrating near the eye can be a bit unnerving to say the least, but the amazing length and luscious lashes make the mascara well worth it.

Practice makes perfect!

2009 Hot Pirate Babe Calendar

Photographer: Tiger Lee

Model: Gretchen Anne
Makeup Artist: Naiyana

I worked on the Cover!!!

For Sale now @ http://www.hotpiratebabes.com/

Monday Wisdom....

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science."

Albert Einstein

Fab Photographers I have worked with...

Craig Alexander

Image Aces

After so many years in the industry I can honestly say I have met some really cool people, and some not that cool…
Of all the people, one stands out in my mind for more than just a photographer but also a friend, Craig Alexander.

Craig is a Southern California photographer that has been shooting professionally for about 10 years. His passion for photography includes all aspects of it, form the setting up and organizing, to the post-production process, and finally the finished result.
He believes in natural and real beauty, finding the aspects of the subject that has been over-looked or neglected and making it flourish, immortalizing it forever with his camera.

Craig is a fun person, with an easy smile and a helping hand, he can be silly during a photo-shoot or event, but still maintain his professionalism. He is always ready for a good challenge and takes everything with a “can do” attitude.
Craig is a strong believer in “It takes a second to loose a reputation it took a life time to build”

Interview….
So here I go with my usual questions…

NM: Where are you originally from?
CA: I born and raised in Dayton Ohio. (He is a man of few words...)

NM: You got a blog…..what is it called I want to read it?
CA: No blog short bio on web site and MySpace.

NM: Tell me something special about you...aside form being Crazy and Black...I want to write about you in my blog....add some images...the whole deal...Make it fancy!
CA: I shoot more of a person’s personality. I hold myself back on shots looking for the edges that model don't see in them selves.

NM: How do you fell about Photoshop??
CA: I want a person to see beauty without a ton on editing.

NM: Do you think I am Crazy?
CA: …….. (There is a strange quiet…this is the moment he looks at me like I am Crazy!)

So here are a few of the places you can see Craig's Work.

http://www.myspace.com/calexander003

http://www.image-aces.com/

http://www.modelmayhem.com/CAlexander

Fantastic New Online Outlet Store!!!

BRANDLET.COM

“Brandlet is an online retailer that sells only authentic name brand products at outlet prices. We start by buying the same products that are found in high-end department stores. While those stores mark up the price to cover their huge payroll, rent, and other overhead costs, we sell direct from our warehouse, which saves you up to 60%. Our online shopping interface is easy and safe; we ship quickly; and we offer a generous return policy. The Brandlet experience combines the quality and service of a department store with the ease and price of an online outlet.”

I have recently purchased 1Jacket, and 3 shirts, at Brandlet.
The transaction was super smooth, and the best part was I never had to wonder where my package was. Brandlet sent me updated info via email on the Fed Ex package all the way form shipment to delivery!! I placed the ordered on Friday, and got all my stuff on Tuesday!! Fed Ex boxed arrived and Whoa!!! The items were perfect and exactly what I ordered, the package was so pretty I took pictures so I can share…last time my clothes where packaged like this I have purchased them at Nordstrom!!

Great Product!
Great Prices!
Great Delivery and Follow-up!
So I highly recommend it!!

Monday Wisdom....

One of the many obsessions I have is for books…not all books, usually the very colorful ones, the ones on makeup, psychology, art (drawing, painting, manga, etc), vampires’ novels and some other fiction, and the small books on spirituality, self help and so on…

My last little book purchase was “Everyday Wisdom for Success”, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer….
I must say that it’s and inspirational little book….

So I decided to share:

“Even if you don’t know what you should be doing or what your mission is, you need to practice creating that vision anyway.” By Dr Wayne W. Dyer

Juicy Glee Crystal Clear Lip Gloss

Juicy, Juicy sooo Juicy and with a delicious crystal shine!

Juicy Glee Crystal Clear Lip Gloss from Lancome it is an adorably packaged pot gloss that has a spongy, gel-like texture and a somewhat thick, slightly syrupy application that feels surprisingly non-sticky and the jelly texture melts onto your lips for a perfect smooth finish.

The translucent, fruit-themed colors may look too bold and bright in the package, but each goes on very soft. Great for trying colors without looking to “made-up”.

Available in multiple sweet shades served in the adorable jelly jars!!

Approximate Price....$18.00

Fab Photographers I have worked with...

Normad

Working with Normad…a.k.a. Beltran

Normad or Mr. B, as I like to call him is a very unique photographer, Easygoing, and Fun to be around.
When I asked him where you are originally from?

“Me: I'm from everywhere ... isn't that the curse/blessing from modern times?I was born in Venezuela, but I also spent 4.5 years in Spain as a kid and I've been here for like 7 years now ... so that's why my accent is so messed up :P”

He is also one of the smartest people I know….just be very, very careful to ask about what he studies…this is the condensed version…he did try to explain it to me once… (Keep in mind English is his second or third language), thankfully his lovely Wife Jennifer came to the rescue and got me out of the quicksand!!!



So here is what he said to me… (Condensed version…)

“I study a weird thing that is called computational science ...it's a mixture of math, computers and some other field, which in mycase happened to be biology. It’s interesting, but at a times it'sa pain too, which is why I started doing photography :D”



Style of Photography...
Unique, Crazy, Modest and completely off the wall, he is no typical photographer
He enjoys life as a series and storyboards- his images have a defined meaning, form the title to the colors he is expressing an idea, a feeling, a concept.
He spends lots of time creating, researching, and evisioning a project.
He is very Expressive with his hands- he would walk around rolling his index fingers in the air, like as if he is a musical conductor and the is a full orchestra in form of him!
He has an extensive knowledge of Asian Styles and Mythology…I am not the only one that lives life as a cartoon…I think he does too.


What he has to say about me….
“Hey readers don't miss your chance and make sure you work with Naiyana. Not only she's creative, fun and competent, but she's punctual and reliable. She'll work with you whether is an "on the fly" project or a "planned and discussed with storyboards" one. In either case you'll be happy with the results :)”



Where to contact him??? Try mm…I think he lives there
http://www.modelmayhem.com/brm

Fab Photographers I have worked with...

Tiger Lee

Some month ago I had the pleasure to work with Tiger Lee.
I can still remember the excitement I felt when Tiger agreed to work with me...

At the time Tiger was working on a 2009 Calendar...

http://www.hotpiratebabes.com/

I took 2 weeks, 3 phone-calls, something close to 12 messages on model-mayhem to coordinate the phooto-shoot, that led to one of the best images I have in my portfolio!!!

And my first Published Work!


So this is how it went...

I googled the address and still got lost...when I finally arrived at the home/studio I dragged myself and my kit out of the car and rang the bell. I arrived prior to the Model and her Escort/Friend (Tiger has not problems with escorts/friends/audience etc...) Upon arrival I was greeted by Tiger and he led me to a small bathroom/changing room attached to the garage, and I started setting up.
Tiger has set up a whole Universe inside a garage!!!

Rows of clothing, weapons, Rum bottles and other pirate related props, even a souvenir form "The Black Pearl" from the movie!!!


All the magic happens in front of a white back drop with strategically placed lights a small black fan, and Pirate Rap from Captain Dan.....
http://www.myspace.com/captaindan


The model arrived and we started to create the magic!!! Once Makeup and Wardrobe was done, the model stepped onto the white back drop and the music started! 2 hours later and 3 check late we had the images ready for review.
The greatest part was the finished image was ready for viewing approximately 72 hours later!

So about Tiger Lee:

Tiger is a very unique individual and an extremely savy entrepreneur.
He is a Master of Pirate Pinup Photography and fantasy images. Tiger combines digital photography with PhotoShop manipulation, to create unique and fantastic Masterpieces.
Tiger Lee is also a Winner of two Guru Awards from the PhotoShop World Conference Writes the regular column "A Siren's Call" for Pirates Magazine Taught Advance Image Manipulation at the Art Institute of California - San Diego Creator of the Hot Pirate Babe Calendar


Where can you find him:
http://www.mollyroger.com/
http://www.hotpiratebabes.com/
http://www.pirate-portraits.com/ http://www.tigerleephotos.com/
http://insearchofpiratewenches.blogspot.com/








AND HERE IT IS!!!!

You can purchase a copy on...

http://www.hotpiratebabes.com/calendar2009.html

Were can you find Tiger Lee now....

On his front yeard Teaching Sword Fights with a Cutlass, at diffrent Reinassance Fairs all over the Country or perhaps on his way to the Virgin Islands...

Little Girls and pink makeup!!!

So here we go, today we look at little girls and pink makeup.

This past weekend I met with Stephanie (fab. photographer) and Nancy (super sweet model) we decided to do a candy doll like shoot.

So here is how I prepared…
I went to work in the morning 11am (I teach basic makeup for actors in training), at 2 pm class is over…I get a text form Stephanie reminding me of the 3 pm shoot with Nancy.

So I run home grab my makeup kit (Heat is bad for makeup, it makes things melt, causing chemical reactions that not only smell bad but are not good for the skin) and make my way to the US Midway Parking lot.

My Kit…
Since the theme was pink I stoked up on all the pink I could find…
Lipstick, shadow, lip liner, blush, some glitter (that should not be used in pictures since if it does how it looks bad…but it looked great in my kit), and some gold shimmery powder, I am not a believer in a “one brand can do all” so I carry different brands all the times, this gives me flexibility.
Once on location we set up in a nice shaded, grass area by the parking lot…
Set up the stool and worked out of my bag (note to self to purchase small foldable table).
Again I took 50% of my time setting up the base foundation and powder; to me this is the most important part of the makeup application. A good base sets the perfect stage for a good makeup job.

Then the cutes things that happens was a group of 4 little girls (ages 4 to 8) came by and just watched, giggled smiled and told Nancy how pretty she was, and how much pink there was all around them (working out of a carryon suitcase means I will spread out on the grass...I like to look at my stuff…)
They stood there for something like 5 minutes looking, their parents a few feet away waiting patiently. It was adorable!!!
It was i

n my mind the most flattering compliment.

So thank the universe for little girls and pink makeup!

Fab Photographers I have worked with...

Stephanie Pierce

Stephanie Pierce is a Sweetheart!
I absolutely love her!

She is one of my favorite local San Diego photographers (not for long since she is moving), Her style is...beautiful, she has a good eye for colors and composition, and even when she calls herself an amature none would not be able to tell by her images.

Ok, so what do you get when working with Stephanie Pierce...

A female photographer on the petite side, with a great personality, sense of adventure and always ready to feed the models...and makeup artist...and anyone else around her.

She has stated that she does not work hungry!
She Believes in Makeup Artists and always tries to include them in all her photo shoots.

She is also very fast and detailed, she does not abuses Photoshop (her models are still natural and human looking), and she processes and deliver images fast, so there is not 2 months wait to see what your work looks like. She is also one of the few photographers that does not assumes to know what you want for your portfolio, she believes in choices.

I had the pleasure of working with her several time, and every single one was a blast, and the results were a guaranteed success!

She is Unconventional, Creative, Easy Going, and Very Very Modest...

So here goes...
I asked her the same questions I ask every one...

NM: Where are you from?
SP: She says: "Michigan"
NM: "What is special about you?"
SP:..."Nothing"
NM: "Nothing??? I am doing a bit of a "review" on the fab photographers in SD..and well you are one of them."
SP: Thanks :) I don't find myself that fab- but, hey, i never mind good references ;-) "

NM...in my heard: She is extremely cute in her view of the world...



Then There Was the usual question....Would you recommend me???

SP: "Yes, i have recommended you to some out-of-town photographers that were coming in town and were shooting some models. I'm not sure if they ever called- but aside from that I also haven't worked with a lot of photographers i could send over. - and you know if i feel you're a fit for a model I'm shooting, I call you :) "



Where to find Stephanie...

http://www.modelmayhem.com/SPierce

Books on Make-up and Beauty…Must Have!! And Wish list…..

BOOKS........BOOK....and More BOOKS.

The world of Makeup and Beauty is ever changing, like the in the world of Fashion, Looks and Styles depend on Seasons and the Winds, but the basics stay the same.
Books are one of the ways I keep up with my Knowledge.

There are so many Makeup and Beauty books out there.
So what do we choose?
I have compiled a list of books that I found useful at one point or another in my career, some are references others are inspirational.....there are many more out there....so this list is by no mean complete.

No.... I do not own all of them, but they are on my wish list.
I am looking to create my very own Beauty Library.


Beauty and Pretty Stuff:

• Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin
• The Art of Makeup by Kevyn Aucoin
• Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin
  http://www.kevynaucoin.com/
  
• Makeup Your Mind by Francois Nars
  
• Sonia Kashuk Real Beauty by Sonia Kashuk
  
• Makeup: The Art of Beauty by Linda Mason
  
• Makeup by Damien Dufresne
  
• Beauty by Bobbi Brown
  
• Beauty Evolution by Bobby Brown
  http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/
  
• Vogue Make-up by Juliet Cohen
  
• Make-Up: Fresh Ideas for Fantastic Looks by Bernadine Bibiano and the Body Shop
  
• Complete makeup artist by Delmar

References:

• Makeup by Felicity Everett
• Stage Makeup by Richard Carson
  
• Plastic Surgery without the Surgery by Eve Perl
• A Complete Guide to Special Effect Makeup: Conceptual Creations by Japanese Makuep Artist by Tokyo SFX Makeup Workshop
  
• Makeup Artist Handbook:Techniques for Film, Television, Photography and Theatre by Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall
  
• X-Ray by Francois Nars
  
• Make-up Designory's Character Make-up by Paul Thompson
• Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary by Natalia Michalun and Varinia Michalun
  
• Kryolan Maku-Up Manual
  
• The Technique of the Professional Make-Up Artist by Vincent Kehoe
• A Fashionable History of :Make-up and Body Decoration by Helen Reynolds
  
• High Performance Beauty: Makeup & Skin Care for Dance, Cheer, Show Choir, Pageants &
• Ice Skating by Christine Dion
• The 1940's Look: Recreating the Fashions, Hairstyles and Make-up of the Second Worls
• War by Mike Brown
  
• Face of the Century :100 Years of Makeup and Style by Kate De Castelbajac, Nan
• Richardson, and Catherine Chermayeff
  
• The Complete Guide to Make-up by Suzanne Le Quesne
• Body Shop Make-up by the Body Shop
  
• Professional Make-up Artistry by Julian Conway
  
• Image Makers: Professional Styling, Hair and Maku-up by Lee Widdows and Jo McGuinness
• The Power of Makeup by Trish McEvoy
• Fashions in Makeup: From Ancient to Modern Times by Richard Corson

Specialty Ethnic:

• The Beauty of Color by Iman
• Asian Faces by Taylor Chang
  
• Face Painting by Reggie Wells
  
• Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women by Taylor Chang-Babaian and Yoko Ono
• Asian Bridal Look Book: The Essential Guide to Gorgeous Hair and Make-up for Your
• Special Day by Nilpa Bharadia
• Beautiful Skin of Color: A comprehensive Guide to Asian, Olive, and Dark Skin by Jeanine
• Downie, Fran Cook-Bolden, and Barbare Nevins Taylor
  
• The Face is a Canvas by Irene Corey
  
  

Day One

Fist Day of Blogging.
So today I decided I should start a blog...this happened in part due to a friend that suggested in.
He claims I got something to say and it will be good therapy...like I need therapy!
So I'll give it a try and hey maybe it will work, so here I am writing.

What do I write about?
Well what I love, art, makeup, body art, henna, dogs, cats, vampires, my many jobs and adventures, and perhaps the greater wisdom that comes form all of that.

Who am I? I am me, some know me as Naiyana the Makeup Artist, some just know me.

Enjoy!