A is for airbrush

I know I've blogged about airbrushing before, but I wanted to try to go in order and I can't think of a better use for the letter A. I've been using the airbrush for about a year now and I totally love it. You’d be really hard pressed to talk me into going back to traditional foundation. Airbrushing the foundation on is so quick and easy and I'm always hearing how relaxing the airbrushing feels. I've been doing a ton of film work and the airbrushed actors look great on camera and the makeup is perfectly imperceptible, even on the high definition cameras. I've tried a couple different types of airbrush makeup and my favorite is still Graftobian High Definition. I'm personally not a huge fan of foundation, I think it's important, BUT I don't like to feel like I'm wearing a mud mask all day long. I think that makeup should feel natural when you're wearing it, if you can FEEL it, something isn't right. That's another reason why airbrushing is awesome, it doesn't feel like anything, because it lays such a light layer over the skin it's really comfortable and it lasts much longer than traditional makeup. It actually lasts through sweat, dirt, tears and pretty much anything else you throw at it. Airbrushing has really come in handy whether I have a ton of actors lined up waiting for makeup or a huge bridal party in 95 degree weather. At this time I’d like to send a shout out to my airbrush….We’ve been through so much together, we’ve had our ups and downs, but thank you, I really couldn’t have done it without you!

O-it’s not all that great

Smashbox O-Glow review

When I heard about Smashbox’s “intuitive cheek color” O-Glow ($26), I immediately wanted to try it. I adore cheek color and until recently had a small addiction to cheek stain. I rushed to the nearest Ulta to pick it up…practically tore it out of the packaging and applied it. The product comes out clear and has the same silky feel as Smashbox’s Photo Finish foundation primer, but turns pink when it makes contact with your skin. The result was a somewhat disappointing very subtle light pink tint.

The plus- it’s super easy to apply, just a dab on your finger and rub it on and you’re good. You could probably apply it in the dark or while brushing your teeth-I’m a fan of multi-tasking. As opposed to cheek stains, cream blushes or more pigmented powder blushes where you have to be pretty careful where and how much you apply. Since there’s no brush needed it’s easy to stick in your pocket for on-the-go touch ups.

I felt a little like the product was a flop, maybe because I was used to the brighter rose cheek stain or because I was so excited to try it, maybe it was the 45 minute drive and $26 I spent. Unless another wonder product comes along I’ll return to my old friend, Lip & Cheek stain in rose from The Body Shop ($14).

www.makeupbyrachael.com

Ten Things I’ve Learned From Working on Film Sets

-Hand warmers aren’t just for your hands

-Just like tequila shots, one doughnut always leads to seven or eight more…(train syndrome)

-Sometimes working on a film set feels like a first date; you worry how your breath smells, you sweat for almost no reason and you’re very self conscious of any bodily noises.

-Every single person on set is immensely important, never forget that.

-Never underestimate the entertainment value of hangman and 20 questions….even played silently….thanks Stu!

-Any type of coffee is always better than no coffee at all. I’ve learned to enjoy Folgers instant, cold black coffee and even ridiculously strong coffee that inhibits sleep after an all night shoot (fist bump to my Nightshade peeps)

-When the AD says you have 10 minutes to get the actor through hair & makeup he really means 2 minutes but would be happiest if you finished in 30 seconds

-Turn off your phone the second you get to set, you’d rather cut off your own finger than have your phone ring in the middle of a take.

-Never get caught hungry…..this is why I keep a stash of granola bars with me at all times

-Golf carts add fun to any situation, if you’re dreading that upcoming family reunion, bring a golf cart, your family will talk about how fun it was for years.

www.makeupbyrachael.com


photography by Rick Walters and Becka Brebner

Lip Quickie

This quick fix will gently exfoliate and revive dry flaky lips. Mix a little olive oil and sugar in the palm of your hand and gently massage onto lips. Wipe clean and follow with nourishing lip treatment such as Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.

I use this trick twice a week to keep my lips soft and kissable.


www.makeupbyrachael.webs.com

Adventures in Filmmaking Land- week 1

I’m having the time of my life working on the independent film Half Empty. With a great script and an even better cast & crew, I am so happy to be a part of this process. We enjoyed working at four locations during our first week. Two days were spent in an office in Gig Harbor where we were spoiled by a big comfy sofa and TV so we could watch the Olympics in between takes. The second location was a pretty sweet bookstore seemingly run by cats. I love that there were signs posted on the door stating “Filming in Progress, quiet please” and more than once we heard people reading the sign aloud saying “oh, they’re filming a movie in there” and “oh, I wonder if they can hear us”. Yeah, we heard you and yeah, it made me giggle. From there, we ventured to the lovely town of Lakewood where we shot some of my favorite scenes. During the downtime I was lucky enough to be entertained by the cutest dog I’ve ever seen and a guitar wielding, cammo-clad, multitalented producer. We spent three very exciting days in an old military hospital which is now a combat medic training facility. Getting lost on the military base, emergency simulations right outside the set, firemen looking for the source of smoke, real combat footage shown during lunch and getting rushed with the fake guns were some of the exiting reasons for my elevated blood pressure that week. The final day of filming definitely held its own set of challenges, but it ended in drinks & food with good guys at the awesome Red House. I am a lucky girl.

www.oldloyalfilms.com

photos courtesy of Rick Walters

I heart my airbrush

I recently invested in an airbrush system. I chose the Graftobian Walk About system. It’s lightweight and really user friendly. I can either plug it in or use the rechargeable battery pack. It came with starter packs of Graftobian’s HD Airbrush Glamour makeup with the corresponding HD solid foundations.

I love love love airbrushing makeup. It makes application so much faster and it gives such a polished flawless look. It’s amazing, plus it’s specifically designed for use with high definition cameras, which most people are using these days.

The airbrush also allows me to stencil on temporary tattoos and even cover existing tattoos. BIG fun.

I love my airbrush and would never go back to regular foundation.

www.makeupbyrachael.webs.com

photo generously provided courtesy of LGImages
http://www.modelmayhem.com/625386

great things to come

Filming begins next month for my first feature length film, Half Empty. I feel so lucky to be a part of this film and I’m looking forward to working with this great group of people. I’ve spent hours going through the script, developing character looks, and prepping for the challenge to come.

Anyone who has worked with me before knows I’ll be buying a palette of granola bars before heading to set. Other than that purchase I think I’m ready.

I can’t wait.

www.makeupbyrachael.webs.com

what's in a name?

The Naked Makeup Artist.

No, I’m not actually naked. I decided on that name for my blog because I personally don’t wear much makeup on a daily basis. I usually just go for a little eyeliner and mascara, throw in a pinch of blush and I’m good. It feels a little odd considering how much I love makeup and what a big part of my life it is. I’m not sure if this goes along with the painter whose own walls remain neglected or the doctor who doesn’t take care of himself…oh well. Maybe wearing more makeup should be my resolution for 2010?

www.makeupbyrachael.webs.com

http://twitter.com/MakeupByRachael

New Product Haul…. E.L.F. & Smashbox!

I picked up a couple new palettes over the weekend that I’m pretty excited about.

I was wandering the makeup aisle at Target and was shocked to see E.L.F. gift sets. I’ve heard of this product line, but hadn’t seen it at Target before. What shocked me was not just seeing the products, but the prices. Most of the sets were $5.00 & under! So, of course I picked up the lip color palette and a false lash kit. I was skeptical and couldn’t wait to get home and try out the products. Well, I’ll just say that I paid a fair price for the lip palette. I chose the darkest of the lip shades to try out and after about 5 coats it finally started to meet my expectations. I’m all about lip palettes, I hate trying to contain all of the little lipstick tubes. All in all, it’s a great deal to add some variety to my kit.

Next I tried the false lash kit which was $3.00. The best part about this kit was the little lash grabber, the rest went in the garbage. I’d recommend the kit for the grabber alone, it’s worth $3.00 and it’s definitely going in my kit.

Next, I picked up the Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Palette from Ulta. This palette is AMAZING. It has tons of eye shadows (64!), cream eyeliners, brow powders, brow wax, lip glosses, blush, highlighter, bronzer & a few mini brushes. This palette was only $59. I really like Smashbox products and this just confirms why, the eyeshadows are super pigmented and go on really well. The cream eyeliners might just be my new favorite product, they go on so smooth & look gorgeous! Love, love, love! Go buy one before they sell out!

www.makeupbyrachael.webs.com

Cover Art

One of the best makeup moves you can make in your daily makeup routine is covering your blemishes. This is an essential step and it’s one of the first things I do for all of my clients.When someone looks at your face their eyes will automatically be drawn to any blemishes or discolorations. We want people to look at you and notice the beautiful features like your eyes & lips, not the blemish you woke up with.So, grab yourself a creamy concealer a tad lighter than your skin. Use one clean fingertip to lightly tap/press concealer onto the blemish, continue light tapping until blended. Follow with a little powder for a polished look.Now get out there….you’re blemish free and ready to be noticed.

www.makeupbyrachael.webs.com