Lash Out and Blush Baby

2012's first shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:07:00 +0000

I had my first photoshoot of 2012 on Jan 7th. The model Gina was just as sweet as she could be. It was styled by another beautiful model Oksana. Hair was done by Lisa (yes there were 2 Lisas on the shoot), the beautiful colorful nails by Titi and makeup by yours truly Lisa Carter-McPhee. I'm so looking forward to all of the new opportunities that await me.

Great Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:10:00 +0000

Yesterday I had one of the best shoots. Everyone brought out their "A" game. From the hair, nails, clothing and jewelery to the photography and modeling everything was flawless. I had to take off work to do this shoot but, but it was so worth it. Since I don't have any leave due to the numerous doctor's appointments I have attended and need to attend, but it was so worth me working extra hours each day to makeup for it. Now I'm not going bonkers trying to make it up all in one day or I'll be sick as heck. Nah I'm spreading it out over the next 2 weeks so I can pace myself and handle my priorities. I wish I could give you more details on the shoot but, not until the magazine publishes the story. As soon as they do I'll certainly share the images. Well time to think up some new makeup face charts and think about my upcoming shoots.

Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:27:00 +0000

I tell you, trying to do this makeup thing the way I want to do it has been a challenge, particularly since I've been dealing with complications related to my MS and Reiter's over the last 6 months. In any event, I decided that I wouldn't make any resolutions for the new year but, I would start to take better care of myself. Therefore, no matter how inconvenient, I'd make it my business to go to the doctor's, follow their advice and just make my health a priority. I've stuck to some of this but not all of it. Things come up and I've been eating on the go shoot for most of the new year. I have been going to nearly all of my doctor's appointments but, when I had the chance to take a doctor's appointment or to work a shoot; I had to go with the shoot. Of course my health is important, but, so is my mental health. Since I'd extended my vacation from makeup a bit longer than I'd planned, I was going crazy not doing one of the things I love. Heck makeup is just as much apart of me as eating or sleeping. Looking back I have no regrets and postponing the appointment for a bit wasn't going to kill me; not beating some faces on the other hand, well that was driving me bonkers. Of course I'm still making health a priority, limiting eating on the go, and starting to get some exercise are all steps in the right direction. I'm even working with the doctors to come up with recommendation that will work with my lifestyle. Next up an editorial bridal shoot. I can't wait!

What I Did on My Winter Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:36:00 +0000

I'd like to say that my nearly month long absence from doing makeup was self imposed but that wouldn't be the complete truth. While I did plan a long vacation, I ended up starting it early and extending it a bit later due to illness. Actually I'm still partially on it. Since I couldn't makeup I had to figure out something makeup related to do or I'd go crazy. I was determined not to do excessive and frivolous makeup shopping so what's next? As it turns out the time off helped me to think and I was able to come up with all sorts of creative ideas. Since I wasn't sure when I'd get the chance to execute my ideas I started a picasa web album. It contains all of my inspirational photos and I can add notes to the comments section that describe what struck me about the photo. The great thing is when I'm looking for inspiration later or I need to refer to an idea, I can log-on to my picasa account with my phone and viola, the photo is there. So I guess all in all my time off was well spent.

Lash Out and Blush Baby: New Directions

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:03:00 +0000

Lash Out and Blush Baby: New Directions

New Directions

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:56:00 +0000

After much soul searching and thinking. I decided to change the focus of my makeup blog. I follow lots of blogs that focus on makeup, fashion, beauty and everything in between. I decided to make this blog more about my personal journey as a makeup artist. What make this special is that I'm a makeup artist with some pretty serious health issues and I've not let it stop me from pursuing my goals. The way I look at it is that everyone has some obstacles to overcome and by sharing some of mine maybe I can encourage someone else to push past adversity and not let anything stand in your way.

Although I decided to change the direction of this blog many months ago, I decided to wait until the new year since that seems to symbolize a fresh start with things. So without further discussion, follow the adventures of a woman that has MS, Lupus and Reiter's Syndrome push past all of that to live my life as a wife, software engineer and makeup artist. I hope my adventures will be an inspiration to you.

Presentation is Important

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:22:00 +0000

After having a conversation with a buddy a topic for my blog came to me. Presentation and how it can influence a client or colleague. I'd recalled seeing a fellow mua's kit. My first thought was I'll never let the touch my face nor would I refer them for a job. My decision wasn't based on their skills as an artist but on the way the kit looked. It was dirty as heck. I saw the brushes and wondered who hires them. This is but one example of how poor presentation impacts a persons decisions. Another instance is how a client behaved when I had to do her makeup. She was terrified to get a makeover. She had seen a. Few other artist that day and was and traumatized. The it took me 5 minutes to comfort her. I didn't have to convince her I could do makeup, but I had to convince her that I would do a look that's appropriate for her. Her fears were fueled by an artist with thick long lashes and clad in sparkling clothing and 4 inch heals. Now this may work for some situations but not when you are doing a 50 year old soccer mom. Let's face it, looks matter. As a makeup artist, ones look should reflect the clients they'd like to attract. This is not limited to clothes and makeup but your kit as well. If you want to make it in the big time, you have to look like you belong.

Yayyy For Ashley Boalch Miss DC 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:24:00 +0000

This June I had to pleasure of meeting and doing the makeup for Ashley Boalch. She was a contestant for Miss DC and on of my favorite photographers Monica True was shooting her head shots. She was beautiful and a pleasure to work with. During the session we made light conversation. As we finished I said I hope you win. I'll be rooting for you. I wasn't able to attend the pageant but I still was rooting for Ashley. I got the news on Monday that Ashely was in fact the new Miss DC. How cool is that? Now to root for her in the Miss America pageant. Below is a photo of Ashley. If you want to know more about her check out the Miss DC Home Page.

Red In Times Square

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:52:00 +0000

Earlier this month I had the great pleasure of shooting a fantastic editorial with Monica True, Kahlil Oliver, Karin Elgai, 3 lovely models and some of Monica and Karin's friends to help out. The editorial was called Red in Times Square. This shoot took place over night. I actually went to my 9-5, worked 10 hours took the 7pm train to NYC then started doing makeup at 11:30. We wrapped at 5:30 am and i was on the next train leaving NYC to DC. I was home by 10:30. Here one of photos from the shoot:

Macro Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:59:00 +0000

I am starting to love playing with color. Here's one of the photos from a recent shoot where I did just that.

My First Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:39:00 +0000

On June 1, 2011 the first cover I worked on came out. I had the pleasure of working with Monica True's amazing team for I Am Modern Magazine's cover contest. In addition to the cover I got to meet some interesting and beautiful women who are also in the magazines. Each contestant was a modern woman that's was not only beautiful but, smart and interesting. Here's a shot from the cover:

Just Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Sat, 21 May 2011 23:48:00 +0000

Here's one of the shots from a shoot I did with the amazing Ajani Truth, the talented Christol Williams and the beautiful Carla Reed. I fell in love with this photo.

Prom Makeup Special from Makeup Artist Lisa Carter McPhee

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:11:00 +0000

HD Makeup Is Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:15:00 +0000

I'd originally sent this with a makeup message group and then I thought this would be great information for anyone whose a makeup artist. I wanted to share something with you regarding HD makeup. I know we've heard a lot of talk about it but, some of are thinking how does this effect me. I've heard some say I do print work or I do bridal. Let me tell you, HD video does impacts every makeup artist. These days photographers are shooting videos as well as stills and the video is HD. I had a shoot last night and on Sunday and both shot video as well as stills. I had no idea there would be video. Fortunately I had a quick HD refresher on Saturday at IMATS so I was able to avoid some potential mistakes. I said this to say be ready to make sure your work will stand up to HD no matter what type of shoot you are on.

Prom Makeup Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:56:00 +0000

Prom Makeup Specials from DC/MD/VA Makeup Artist Lisa Carter McPhee

Lesson Learned

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:38:00 +0000

Something happened this weekend and I just have to blog about it. I learned a very important lesson this weekend. While on set I learned that a model was allergic to latex. Well, I only carry a latex based glue for eyelashes so needless to say, she couldn't get lashes. She tried to negotiate with me but I had to stay firm. While her reaction may have been delayed or not very bad, it was safer to stay away from using latex altogether. After this I made a few decisions for the future, one I'll carry a hold harmless agreement in my kit and two, I'll have some non latex based eyelash adhesive. While I could have used the glue for individual lashes, I know the fumes can be irritating and I didn't want the model to have red watery eyes in the photos. Now my quest to find a non-latex based glue for use on set begins.

It's about what you want in this business

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Hello,

I've been away for a while. Resting then working hard. I closed out the year with some of the best assisting assignments of my life. This year started out slowly for me. Of course I wanted it to but now that I'm back to work, I'm so busy that I may need to schedule sleep.

Well I have had a a few questions come up about makeup artistry training and well I figured I'd revisit it. I feel that everything I want requires an investment. Be it time, money, paying dues by working for free or whatever is required of me.

So I'm always asked questions about one thing or another. Often times my answer isn't liked. I may tell someone to read, to take a class or to spend time researching the subject. More often than not the person seems to be disappointed. The reality in this business is that it will take all of this and more to really make it.

My take is if I don't know how to do something I look it up or take a training class. While I know taking classes are expensive I have to sacrifice. Be it no new purses, clothes, shoes, movies, drinks at the club, lunch and dinner out or what ever. Sad part is one cheap thing any of us can do is to go to the library or google a topic but often time, I get asked so many questions it's like the person doesn't want to read for themselves. One of my new years resolutions is to stop doing the leg work for people when I have a long way to go to meet my own goals. So my answer may be google it, check this person for that class or there may not be a response. Let's face it you really only remember and appreciate that which you work.

If you want success you have to do the things successful people do; like it or not. You can think that there are shortcuts to the top. Now all of this is just my opinion and not law but, these thoughts have helped me to become an Java Web Application Developer that's in demand and I'm thinking it will likely do the same for me as a Makeup & Lash Extension Artist

Assisting Assisting Assisting

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:14:00 +0000

In my opinion assisting other seasoned makeup artists one of the most important things a makeup artist can do. While going to school is one part of learning nothing takes the place of hands on experience. I think that both formal training and assisting go hand in hand to make one a great makeup artist. I know there are many self taught, never assisted MuA's out there and if that worked for them cool but formal training and assisting other artist is the path for me. I had the great fortune to assist wonderful artist like Jenn Quin, Ildiko, Victoria Stiles, Suzanne Patterson and Frank Rogers on some very important jobs. I tell you I learned so much from each of them. I've refined my skills over and over as a result of seeing how they did things. I'm so thankful to each one of them for having taken a bit of time out to show me how to do something or just allowing me to work along side them. I've worked on jobs that I would have never gotten on my own.

On thing when looking for someone to assist is to think about what it is I'm interested in doing in the long term and try to assist artist who are already there. One cannot base who they will assist purely on photos of an artist work but, on the artist body of their work. There's no point in primarily assisting someone who does pageants if your goal is to do FX work. While you'll learn some straight makeup skills, you'll benefit a lot more from working with a FX artist. Doing a good job on a shoot is more than just doing makeup but setiquette plays a huge part you some booking you again. When I've assisted others, I can observe how they handle difficult situation, people and deadlines. Without having this as a foundation, I can see myself freaking out when some says can you do somehting in 15 minutes that takes 45.

One thing for sure you must seem like you want to assist and not appear to be a person who will try to take over at the first chance you get. There are rules to being a good assistant and it is important to learn them. For instance not giving out your business card to the clients of the person you are assisting. If they want you they can contact you through the artist that hired you. This is a total violation of trust and belive me you will not be asked back and they will tell others so you may not get a chance with another artist either. This example is just one tidbit knowledge one should have before assisting but most things come with time and experience.

No matter how long I do this I'll always seek out other MuA's that I can assist. It's always something to learn and no one person knows it all.

A New Favorite Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:44:00 +0000

Back in July when I attended KJ Bennett's workshop, I was introduced to Cover FX. I'd seen the ads and I even have some of their concealer but I'd never tried the foundation. I finally was willing to give this product a try when I took Kevin's bridal class in November.

I was wanted to cancel out some of the discoloration under one of my model's eyes and Kevin had me to use his Cover FX foundation. Not only did it cover but, the model's skin was gorgeous to boot. After that I was hooked. Now don't get me wrong my Graftobian, Makeup Forever HD foundation and Face Atelier will still be used in my kit but I just have an additional tool to make anyone that sits in my chair flawlessly beautiful. I know that no one product is the answer for everyone so adding this will allow my kit to be well rounded.

I only have one complaint I sure with the product came in pro friendly packaging. Don't want to carry around a bunch of compacts so I'll have to depot them and put them in a palette. It's not a big deal just time consuming.

I'm looking so forward to using the product in my shoots. I'm thinking if this product can stand up to the camera, will certainly work on the everyday woman who just wants to look flawlessly beautiful.

Let me know what you think about Cover FX.

Makeup Discounts

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:25:00 +0000

Urban Decay is at it again. They are running a 25% off sale. Since there isn't a formal pro artist discount I am always on the look out for this friends and family sale. I had to get my eyeshadow primer and I just love the pencils. Maybe you can pick up a few of your favorites.

Thinking Remembering Last Week @ This Time

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:44:00 +0000

As I sit back and think of all that I”m thankful for on this thanksgiving, my mind goes back just to last week. I recently took a special effects makeup class taught by Suzanne Patterson. As a result of taking the class she blessed me with a huge opportunity. I got to assist her on a shoot for a commercial. This was my first time working on a commercial. While I was there I got to observe everything. I met the other great FX artist in the DC area Frank Rogers.

Both Suzanne and Frank were a delight to work with and a wealth of information. I’m so thankful for Suzanne. Not only does she go the extra mile in her classes but, she also continues to follow her students. We worked a 13 hour shoot and although we were outside in the cold, I had a ball. She was just as patient at hour 13 as she was at hour 1. That is so good given that we were working outside all that time. I can see why everyone on set loved to work with her. I’m so glad that I decided to expand my makeup artistry skills and learn basic special effects. As a result I’m doing things that I could never have imagined. I can make a person look frozen. How cool is that!

I can’t help but to be thankful for all that God has done for me. My pastor talked about this being the year of beyond beyond, I must say it certainly is. If I get any more blessed I’m going to have to learn how to say thank you in a few more languages. I started the year with my first shoot in NYC and as the end of the year draws near I have assisted Ildiko on a major cosmetics campaign and Suzanne on a commercial and Graftobian’s HD makeup 101 video.

I’m excited to see what the next year will bring but until then, I’ll continue to be thankful for all that has happened.

Assisting some of the Makeup Greats

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:34:00 +0000

I was given the opportunity to assist Ildiko on a major cosmetics shoot in NYC. The experience was better than any class I could have taken. I learned so much from watching her and observing how things really flow on a major cosmetics shoot. I learned that every location will not be ideal and you just have to roll with the punches. Another great thing that I learned is that just because this is a cosmetics ad, you don't get hours to do makeup and there will be times that you will have to do a face in 10 minutes. Learning the flow of a shoot is so crucial. Things seem to move a lot differently in my market so it took some learning on my part. I'm so glad that I had this opportunity.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better I was blessed with the opportunity to assist Suzanne Patterson for her the Graftobian Cosmetics HD Makeup video shoot. I even got to do hair on the shoot. This was Suzanne's first instructional video and I got a chance to see it come together and to be apart of it. How cool is that? I learned so much from her but that always happens. When I left I wasn't tired from working but, my brain definitely got a workout with everything that I saw. I can say that this video is fantastic. I guess others agreed. The video debut at IMATS Toronto and it sold out. Again this experience is something that I couldn't have gotten in class.

I was so blessed to have theses opportunities because I've started to change my approach to foundation, lashes, eyeliner ok, everything. Each time I think of this I need to pinch myself because I think that I'm dreaming.

New Products Lines

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:13:00 +0000

Today I was reading a few papers on cosmetics news and I ran across a few cosmetic lines that I'd never heard of. Gosh Cosmetics and SUQQU. Below is some info on these brands from their websites. I have to get my hands on some of these to test them out. If I do I'll be sure to let you know what I think.

SUQQU
The name SUQQU was derived from the Japanese word sukku-to meaning "posture with attitude". Our Japanese cultural tradition of inner composure and serenity is echoed by the SUQQU range. Beginning with the innovative, nurturing facial 'GANKIN MASSAGE' through to the gentle luxuriousness of our products.

With a modern enriching lifestyle comes a generation of women with experience and confidence. The sukku-to woman makes time to take care of herself, enhance her natural beauty, keep her composed style, and nurture that sense of inner peace, serenity and wellbeing.

SUQQU is your life partner, the "keeper" of your radiant style. Follow the Japanese tradition of loyalty and longevity with a SUQQU bright complexion to enhance the richness of age.

Our classic SUQQU brand was created to nurture and enhance the sophistication that is the award of maturity

GOSH Cosmetics

GOSH® Cosmetics is a Denmark-based hip and trendy cosmetics, bath & body, and fragrance company. GOSH®, relatively new to the United States and the rest of the Western Hemisphere, is already a sensation in the fashion magazines of Europe. It has been turning heads for over 25 years and is currently selling in over 60 countries. GOSH® has already enjoyed mentions in various U.S. publications such as In Style, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Fitness, Redbook, and Mademoiselle.

The backbone of GOSH® is a color cosmetics line that offers a vast array of colors to keep up with the latest trends and fashions. GOSH® Cosmetics brings iridescent effects makeup with shine, shimmer, and dazzle, brightly colored mascaras and liquid eyeliners, pencils and nail enamels with the subtle sensuality of glitter, and a complete assortment of waterproof or semi-permanent makeup.

GOSH® Cosmetics is proud to be the principal cosmetics provider for 10MinuteManicure locations thoughout the United States- a growing chain of express nail salons located at airports, malls and downtown commercial areas.

GOSH® also offers a variety of fragrances and body care products, all remaining, as young and hip as the cosmetics line.

Communication

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:19:00 +0000

Knowing how to beat a face is but one aspect of being a successful makeup artist. Another essential aspect is communication skills. I've taken seminars and workshops from a variety of makeup artist and they all had the ability to speak effectively. Let's face it if a client doesn't understand you then it is unlikely they will hire you. Although some would say that makeup isn't corporate America, I'd say in some aspects it is. You're expected to arrive on time, look professional and speak effectively. These are the same expectations one must meet to make it in the corporate world.

In addition to speaking effectively, one must know how to write. This includes using proper grammar. I had the good fortune to work as an assistant to a fabulous makeup artist doing a shoot for a major cosmetic company. One of my duties was to document how the looks were achieved. If I couldn't write effectively this would have looked bad for me as well as the lead who hired me. I know we all relax our speech when talking to friends but, slang and profanity is sadly becoming the norm.

In addition to taking makeup application classes I think that one should take a business of makeup class. Workshops such as Crystal Wright's packing your portfolio or any business communication class should be a priority as well.

I don't know about you but, while I'm working on improving my makeup application skills, I intend to improve my communication skills so that when the time comes to do business with major cosmetics companies, I'm not overlooked because I'm perceived as some ignorant chick with a makeup kit but no brains

Speed, Speed, Speed....Is A Must

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Carter-McPhee for Flawless By Lisa Makeup Artistry) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:13:00 +0000

So for the longest time I couldn't figure out how to move faster when doing makeup. While in class last week the ever gracious Ildiko showed us how to beat a face in 10 minutes. I've practiced that everyday since and while I'm not down to 10 minutes, I've significantly decreased my time. It went down so much that while I was working yesterday, the photographer walked by me. I think he was going to step away for a moment but, I had to say please don't leave she'll be ready in a minute. He was shocked and I was pleased. Speed and accuracy is a must when doing makeup. Studio time is expensive, day-light doesn't last forever and finishing the day's shot list is a must. Having this skill under my belt, will help me to move faster for head-shots, weddings, portraits and commercial gigs. I will still continue to work to get my time down to 10 minutes and to improve my accuracy.