SPRING CLEAN….

Been a while since I’ve blogged.. Well nothing better than a makeover to motivate me to clean out my kit!! Oh my gosh I really do have a lot of stuff..Had to throw out some products which were close to sell by date and some of  which had broken and were causing havoc in my makeup case…Let’s just say my little girl was more than happy to take some of the lippys off my hands! Really can’t get enough of the individual lashes for makeovers. You can go very natural with them or really plump up the volume!!

Here’s some pics of what a makeup artist has in their stash…This is not even half…Was some job to get through

Support for Debra Ireland

Hi all, I’m currently training for the half marathon and Dublin’ Mini Marathon.  Link to sponsor page : http://www.mycharity.ie/event/melissa__currans_event/

 I hope to have some more people running this with me also..Please take a look at this video which really explains why this is a worthy cause…Every little helps.
xx

Some pics I took on location…

Just going through some work from 2009 and thought I’d post some of my pics  up here (before the prof. photographers did their thing)  Here’s to 2010!!!

Seasonal Makeup – Some Fabulous Products at Estee Lauder…

Just a quick blog to say the party season is here and as well as the perfect LBD, we also need some fabulous makeup…

Here are some great buys @ Estee Lauder - This double wear  shadow cream in ‘Silver Star’  lasts for up to 15hrs and costs only €20.  It’s sooo easy to use ‘Simple Smokey’.. A must for party girls of all ages!!  Plus this shadow will still look great on you in summer…

Double Wear foundation lasts up to 15hrs..won’t smudge..Powder is optional..comes in lots of shades and gives good coverage without being a mask! Brides will love this product, so too will all of you who can’t be bothered retouching your makeup…How cool is that!!!

This Shimmer powder is a must for this time of year and can be used all year round for highlight to the cheekbone or brow bone. Or all over for a ‘holiday glow’…

Lip gloss set with 6 glosses and gold purse…Perfect way to complete your party look or gift for your nearest and dearest….

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! 

Shots from a short film – Mr White…

I really liked this look on Marian for the club scene. The eyes were created with liquid shadow and black liner. A gold shimmer slick stick was used to give highlight to the brow bone.

Red lips, gloss applied to centre. Pink Powder Blush.

This scene to the left was shot outdoors in the rain!!! Let’s just say my wellie boots are always in the boot of my car

Ooh bruising is always fun!!!!

Dramatic Smokey Eyes…

 

I came across these images and really love the makeup.  Smokey eye looks but rather than the usual blacks and greys being used, some colour has been injected. Love it!!

DRAMATIC EYES

Emerald Green and Aubergine!!

Green Liner and nude lips…

                                

 

 

  BLUE SMOKE                                                                                        

TRIANGULAR SHAPE !!

DEEP TEAL IN SOCKETS….

Lovin the finished product here to the right…Ideas for future shoots!!

Although these images are old, smokey eyes never go out…I find I’m wearing more and more black out at weekends, so I want to inject colour where possible. I’ll definitely start with the eyes!!

VIOLET DRAMA!!!

Lovin the drama of this look…

These looks are very much autumnal, although smokey eyes rock at any time. I’ll do some more looks for the party season soon. Mel

X Marks The Spot Calendar Shoot in aid of Cancer Research..

Friday 23rd October saw the calendar shoot  for the Irish Cancer Society kick off, owing to the  hard work and determination of the fabulous Niamh Fitzsimons (calendar girl). My beautiful models for the day were Lisa Nolan (Miss Antrim 2009) and Noirin Kelly (Big Brother 2009)…The shoot took place in The Morgan Hotel…The calendar will be available on pigsback.com and Dubray bookstores, so please please please buy one…

The theme was 1940′s/1950′s pin-up (facechart below for Lisa).  Brown shadow was used to contour above the crease with a light shadow on the lids and matt red used on the lips (slightly exaggerated on top lip to give that 1940′s perfect pout!  Brown pencil was used to fill in Lisa’ brows and extended at the ends a little.  Black liquid liner was also used together with the lashes and glue as below…

This shoot was very much a team effort with several photographers, makeup artists, models, hairstylists and last but not least clothing stylist - all lending a hand on the day and with such a large group needless to say a very fun and creative day was had by all.

Individual Lashes….

Just a quick blog on individual lashes… I’ve been practising my speed with individ. lashes  on my sis who loves her fake lashes She usually gets up to 2 weeks out of them as I use semi-permanent glue!!! Lashes can be great in phot0graphic situations and can really help open up the eyes…Haven’t used them much on my own eyes but for the practise and for something a little different, I did tonight. The above pic shows you the effect you can achieve. 

 

 These lashes are a great alternative to strip for all brides and can be applied with regular glue or semi-permanent for a more lasting effect.  I’m liking the effect, might have to put them on more often!!! As with all glue, it is imperative to do a patch test prior to use!!!

Oh happy to say my blog stats are growing, so don’t be shy and leave a comment

Shoot in Glen of the Downs….

Headed off early Friday morning and met with photographers David Frain and Stephen Wall Morris in Wicklow.  My beautiful model for the day was Patricia Ward.  As you can see she’s an Irish beauty who looks a little like Isla Fisher!!  We had a nice hike (20 mins approx) up to the ruins (well nice if you have no bags to carry !!!!

Steve’s idea for the shoot was to create a ferral, unkempt woman who has had no human contact.  His final pictures will be in black and white.

Trisha’ hair was slightly backcomed, some twigs added and the ends sprayed with water. I heavily contoured under her cheekbones and I used mainly grey and black on the eyes creating a dark, sunken effect.  Using the same colours, I smudged these into the lips and along the bottom lip.  I used a little highlight to centre of eyes and centre of lips.  Her dress was dirtied up as was her neck, arms, legs etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to  the above , I created a natural fairyesque look.  Considering we were in the forest and taking into account Trisha’ red hair, I chose green and brown shadows and brown mascara together with a little purple liner for the eyes which helped her hazel eyes pop.  I opted to use a rose liquid blush and pink natural lip colour.  I matched her brows up to her hair colour using powder shadow. Her foundation and powder were matched up to her skintone, followed by eye concealer. 

Trish - Fairyesque Look

Given that the shoot was a good trek uphill and I had done this once before, I had brought the wellies along and had to bring a limited supply of makeup!! Those that know we, know I love my trolley case but on this occasion I had to bring a small bag -hmmmn maybe I have too many products!!

Dave and Steve kindly allowed myself and Trish a little look through the pics and I can’t wait to see what they do with them. Will post a couple when I have them.  For the moment you’ll have to do with my basic snapshots!! Dave and Steve taught me some more about light and the equipment and its purposes. So a great day all in all.

X FACTOR 2009….

It has to be said I am a big fan of X Factor.  So much so I even managed to squeeze it into my holiday last weekend.  Luckily for me the bar owner was a big fan too so I got my weekend fix .  I love to watch it, not only for the singing but to see how each singer/group will be styled. 

The show was opened by singer Rachel Adedeji singing a Robbie Williams number.  I couldn’t concentrate on her singing as I felt her makeup and sparkly jumper were taking over!!! I was not one bit surprised when Simon said her makeup was ‘repulsive’. 

Tonight Rachel had to battle it out with Kandy Rain to remain in the show.  Although I like Kandy Rain too, I did hope Rachel would stay, purely just to see how she will be styled next week.  Although women of colour can wear bright colours, I felt Rachel’s vibrant  pink lips/cheeks and green eyes was very OTT and the cherry on the cake was the ’80s style jumper!! Hellooo, what was the stylist/MUA thinkin…

Another singer that had work done to her hair was Stacey. I’m a big fan of Stacey’ too. (Okay I basically like them all) But to be honest, I didn’t get her new fringe!! Perhaps others felt this way too. In tonight’ show not only was Rachel’s makeup altered so too was Stacey’ hair.  Stacey looked much prettier and I did prefer Rachel’ makeup but that jumper should be burned!! burned I say!!]

I couldn’t find any pics yet but check out her singing.   Anyhow that’s my rant over…