As an agent I live vicariously through the artists that I represent.

Not having been blessed with the ability to draw, paint, sing or dance, it is all that I can do.

In this case, it is my makeup artist Uzmee Krakovszki who recently collaborated with photographer Adriana Curcio on a test.

I'm excited to see Uzmee stretch as an artist. Please enjoy the images. 

You can view the rest of Uzmee's work at Crystal Agency, and Adriana's at.

–– Crystal

This just in.. Crystal Agency Team photographer Kevin Michael Schmitz, make up artist Uzmee Krakovs zki, and hair stylist Norma Blaque recently joined forces to create a remarkable photo shoot for 944 magazine's September 2008 issue, titled "Internal Affair". Inspired by the Emmy Award winning television series Mad Men, the group concocted a 1950's style spread, which included $110,000 worth of wardrobe! Goodness graci ous, if only I had that type of budget for my personal wardrobe--that'd be the life!

However, what really stood out most to me were the models glamorously painted faces. So I sat down with make up extraordinaire Uzmee Krakovszki and begged her to spill her secrets.

Q: What make up tips can you give us to achieve the 1950's looks you created?
A: I used all MAC Cosmetics. Let me break it down for you with each facial feature.
Face: For the 50's look you have to have a very matte face. Use only matte foundation as well as matte powder. I had to use a darker powder in order to accentuate the model's facial structures. Of course shimmery powder or foundation would've been easier, but they didn't have those type of products at that time.
Eyebrows: I created very nice, exact, clean drawn eyebrows--not to wide and not too thin. I also made them a little darker than their natural colored brows.
Eyes: Again, I used only matted eye shadows. A white color for the brow bones, brown for the eye crease, and beige for blending the harsh edge of the brown shadow. Most importantly, I drew a thick black line across the lower lid, close to the lashes, using a gel eyeliner.
Mascara: I used black mascara and applied it numerous times to create a very thick lash. The color choice is optional. For example if you have blond eyelashes, then I would recommend a brown mascara. I also used individual false eyelashes to create a more intense look for the eyes.
Cheek: I used a matte pink blush to bring out the lip color which was an orangish, red color. Pink toned blushes will give you a youthful look.
Lips: I used an orangish, red matte lip stick. Using natural tones is another good option.

Well there you have it. I'm holding on to these tips, for my next big night out on the town!

Check out more photos HERE!

"So, so what I'm still a rock star,

I got my rock moves,

And I don't need you..."

Oh hey guys, sorry about that, but I cannot seem to get rock star Pink's recently released song "So What" out of my head. Lucky for us, she's putting out a lot more new and fresh songs on her upcoming album titled Funhouse, which hits stores October 28. And even though we have a few more weeks to wait, I got a sneak preview of her new looks for the CD.

Crystal Agency's amazingly, talented fashion stylist Hollie Williamson did a job well done with Pink's new looks. Hollie described her collaberation with photographer Deborah Anderson as, "We were aiming towards a vintage 20's type feel. It was a lighter look for Pink, but still over the top with feathers, sequins, and gems giving off that wild, showgirl vibe". Absolutely stunning!

I hope you guys can hold out till October 28 to see more of Pink's brand new photos!

Making a sharp turn around the bend, as I promised, we made it to Talladega, Alabama for another "For Race Fans Only" QVC special.

Up to the mic again, is host Dan Hughes, with guest appearances from NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Juan Pablo Montoya. And who's there to tackle these men for their touch ups on the big screen? Well, makeup artist Linda Thacker, of course--(pictured above)!

When interviewing Linda, I loved the way she summed up her "men makeup", "Race car drivers don't like to wear makeup (big surprise), so for them I applied only a light coat of powder to knock down the shine and even out their skin tone - which is typically what I do with men to keep them looking natural".

Round and round and round we go, next stop for Crystal Agency nobody knows! To be continued...

One coat of mascara on your upper lashes will your give natural lashes more tack, allowing the false lashes to stick better.

DRY RUN:
Take a few dry runs using lashes without glue. To get your placement right, apply the lashes to the center on the eye as close to the lash line as possible, and pull the corners toward the inner and outer corners of your eye with your fingers.

APPLY GLUE:
I recommend dabbing the glue onto the base of the lash with a toothpick for a fine line. Wait 30 seconds until glue becomes tacky before applying.

APPLY LASHES:
With your eyes open, apply the center on the eye as close to the lash line as possible, and roll the corners toward the inner and outer corners of your eye with your fingers. Hold for 10 seconds until glue sets.

CORRECT THE PLACEMENT:
If it's not as close to the lash line as you'd like, try to gently wiggle the base of the lash into place. If that does not work, take it off and try again.

CURL:
Use a detail lash curler to curl your faux and natural lashes together. This will blend them together for a more natural look.

APPLY MASCARA:
A few coats of mascara will help to further mold your natural and false lashes.

And there you have it, remember practice makes perfect!

Start your engines racers! Crystal Agency has raced down south to Charlotte, North Carolina with makeup artist and hair stylist Jami Svay. The QVC event "For Race Fans Only" is traveling across the United States and the Crystal Agency is right by its side. Svay spruced up Nascar Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and QVC's host Dan Hughes.

"This event was so much fun. The area was jam packed with eager fans. And the energy was great, making for an awesome day!" stated Svay.

And Crystal Agency has won the race. Next stop Talladega, Alabama see you at the finish line!

The Crystal Agency may be stationed in sunny Los Angeles, California, but I bet you didn't know that we work with artists across the United States. Yup that's right Crystal Agency is sweeping the nation. And I am going to keep you guys updated with our "On the Road Jobs".

We'll start with "For Race Fans Only", located in Daytona, Florida. Makeup artist Paula Abraham and Kristin Nugent dolled up the host of the show Dan Hughes and the very famous race car drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Childress. The girls both had a great time on the job and said it was a breeze.

Check out the photo of Dan Hughes above and stay tuned to see where the Crystal Agency travels to next!

Hearing positive feedback from a client is always a good thing. Recently, Crystal Agency’s fashion stylist Lauren Smith performed incredibly on one of her first jobs with the agency; as a result she got the satisfaction of receiving such praise. When talking with Lauren on the phone, I can see why Andrea Wilson of RKD Music Management was more than satisfied with her work. Lauren styled music artist Javen Campbell for his upcoming album cover.

Lauren summed up her styling tactics as, “You want to stay true to the client’s personal style, but also be able to add your own twist because it’s your work of art”. So true, so true!

Below is the thank you letter from the client (edited for brevity):

Hi Crystal, I want to thank you so much for your services with Javen's photo shoot. We have a website coming soon and would like to add Crystal Agency as a partnered affiliate. We plan on working with you in the future with our other artists.

God Bless, ––Andrea L. Wilson

Way to represent Lauren!

I'm no different than anyone else. I can't do without my laptop either. But today is a good day. Today I picked up my laptop from the Apple Palace in West LA near the Westside Pavillion, and it DID NOT cost me a fortune.

I was turned on to Apple Palace by Art Mix Beauty manicurist Melissa Bozant who after taking her Windows laptop in to get it fixed emerged as a MAC devotee like the rest of us creative people. And thank God, because I didn't know where to take my sick MAC. The poor thing had a broken power jack, the DVD player didn't work and I had no sound.

3 days later everything works and i could still afford an apple martini. I'm just sayin'.......

They have a ton of used MAC's of which I plan to buy another G5, and parts everywhere for just about any machine. Leo is the really handsome technician who got my MAC working, and answered all of my questions.

Apple Palace aka Computer Graphics & Networking is located at 2335 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca 90064. The phone number is (310) 441-4771 and they're open Mon-Fri. You can email them at cgn@cgnusa.com.

Sincerely,

Happy to have my MAC back!