Photoshoot

Having your first photoshoot assignment can be very daunting. The intimidating studio. The stereotypical bitchy models. The pressure to have your make up just perfect. The demanding stylist. The super sharp-eyes photographer that's ready to pinpoint your every mistake. A lot can go wrong.. or can it?

- I believe good preparation is the key. Have them send you their reference looks and concept, and openly discuss with the stylist before, during even after the make up is done. You're bound to have changes on the spot, and you just have to be ready for it. The good news is, sometimes changes can be good, especially when they like what you do to improve their concept.

- Have a professional attitude always, come on time or earlier even.

- Have a good set of makeup remover wipes. When you're rushing, this can be your lifesaver to save time..!

- Always bring a clean set of tools, whether that is your brush or sponges. I just think dirty messy tools scream lazy and unhygienic. You'll win points with the model and the stylist.

- Bring extra.. of everything. Extra brush, extra cotton buds, extra lashes, extra glue, extra whatever.

- Don't be surprised if your makeup look so different behind the lens. As we all know, lighting will affect how your makeup will turn out to be like. So don't panic, take it easy, just have your touch up tools ready at all times.

- Last but not least, be confident and just relax and have fun... It's not as daunting as you think :)

What? Hairstylist didn't show up? No worries, let's just do some simple hair styling updo..

 

Me with Cata that was having a major tummy ache that day, so instead of forcing her to sit through the gruelling hours, why not offer my lap and let her catch some sleep?

All done with Cata looking fierce and fabulous after her nap :)

Love,

A

Read More

Indonesian style VS 'Bule' style

Whoa! This is an all different thing to talk about here. We can even dissect the topic into a more focused discussion, and in the end we can talk about this for days, weeks, months, years.. who's counting?

With no offense to my western friends, I use the term 'bule' because I think it's easier for us to generalise the Western style, even though it may originate from different countries. So 'bule' here is a term we use to speak on behalf of American, French, Australian, Italian, English etc etc. Oh, btw, bule means Westerners in Indonesian. :)

In terms of make up, I believe without a doubt there's a HUGE difference of styles between these two. Let's just take a couple of random examples. We'll start this interesting analysis by showing a couple of famous bule icons:

And now, let's bring out a couple of well known Indonesian celebrities:

Okay then, where shall we begin? I'm sure all of you can see the 'subtle' difference of make up styles between the two?

I'm an Indonesian, and I live here, and quite honestly, seeing this thick make up, applied super generously on the faces of the women here doesn't even make me raise my eyebrow anymore. How do you say it? It's just their cup of tea, and slowly I've come to accept it too. Not to me, personally, but I understand it's what they mostly look for when they go to a make up artist to get their make up done.

Here's a quick recipe on how to get the Indonesian celebrity make up look. You need:

- Thick foundation (even better in cream), 1 to even 2 tones lighter than your skin.

- Even thicker powder. Acne scars? Zits? Moles? Gone!

- Really sharp, defined eyebrows. Not a hair out of place, if there is, pluck it!

- SHADING. I have this joke with my students. You're not a true Indonesian if you haven't shade your cheekbones AND the most important thing of all; NOSE. Your nose have to look super straight, super sharp and super curiously will make people ask themselves whether it's cosmetically enhanced.

- Fake Eyelashes. This is it. The secret. The motherload of all makeup ship. Without fake eyelashes, I doubt anyone of the Indonesian celebrities would dare walk out their door. I'm not talking just a pair. We're being modest with 2 pairs. Yes my dear obssesionistas, we're in a different league here. We're talking 3 pairs and above. Rumour has it that Syahrini wore 5 pairs of fake eyelashes every single time. Hence, the famous 'bulu mata anti badai' (anti storm lashes).

Here I'm demonstrating what I meant on how the same style of makeup, but with different intensities can look like (have your finger close one side when comparing to appreciate the full change):

left: typican Indonesian makeup (here I only used 3 fake lashes)

right: same style, but softer look (i use 1 fake lashes)

Okay, I'm not being critical on this. Like I said, living here and seeing this type of makeup on a daily basis, I've come to accept it that this is what the public wants. I'm not saying it's horrible, but it sure is different. Anyone who would like to step out in a different style is welcome to try this look. I guarantee, it will make heads turn. Finish it off with the famous blowdried bouncy hair wave, and I'm sure no one would question whether you are truly an Indonesian :)

Until our next analysis,

Love,

A



Read More