MUD Blog

HIGH FASHION SMOKY EYE

2012-05-21T21:04:58+00:00

If you missed our free workshop last weekend in LA and NY, here’s how to create a high fashion smoky eye using the Pretty Up Collection. Don’t forget to complete the look with a soft cheek and lip application!

Eyes: For a long wearing eye treatment, prep the eye lids with a sheer application of MUD’s Cream Foundation or HD Air Foundation and Brush 940. Set the foundation with your favorite MUD Loose Powder for maximum blend-ability. Begin the eye shadow application with a highlight on the brow bone from the outer corner to the inner corner with the Dulce de Leche Eye Color and Brush 330S. For a burst of color, stipple the Pacific Eye Color on the entire lid.

Tip: To add intensity, apply a wet application of the Pacific Eye Color on the lids.

Apply the Pacific Eye Color on the lower lid with Brush 810 and blend out for a soft smoky look. Use the Cajun Spice to warm up the crease from the outer corner to the inner corner in small circular motions with Brush 800S. Line the upper and lower lash lines with the Black Eye Pencil. Transfer the pigment from the Black Eye Pencil to the 810 Brush to smudge the upper and lower lash lines. Use the Black Eye Pencil to draw “arrows” pointing outwards (< >) that connect the crease to the lash lines. Blend the outer edges of the arrows with Brush 810 while leaving the inner part of the arrows untouched, and follow the crease toward the inner corner. The color should taper, soften, and blend out as you glide your brush toward the inner corner of the crease in small circular motions. Use Cajun Spice and Brush 800S to soften areas where needed. Line the inner water line with the Black Eye Pencil. Layer the Black Cake Liner on top of the Black Pencil closest to the upper and lower lash lines with Brush 210S. Blend with Brush 810 to complete an intense, smoky look. Finish the eye treatment with a couple coats of Volumizing Mascara.

To complete the look:

Cheeks: Apply Rose Petal Cheek Color with Brush 710S.

Lips: And apply Rose Clay Lipstick with Brush 310S.

A YOUTHFUL YOU: MUD HONORS MOTHER’S DAY

2012-05-14T14:09:42+00:00

MUD celebrated Mother's Day last weekend at workshops in L.A. and N.Y. We covered quick professional makeup tips for looking younger. Here’s what you missed:

Face: Ladies, if your skin is lacking moisture and looks a little dull, here’s a great tip for a youthful look. Prep the skin with our Face Primer and Brush 940S or a Professional Sponge. Then mix our Cream Foundation with the Face Primer and evenly apply on the entire face. In areas that need more coverage, spot conceal with a Corrector and the #300S Brush.

Cheek: For a look that is both suitable for younger skin and amazing on mature skin, use Sweet Cheeks, Tulip or Sun Rose Color Crème Cheek Colors. Start from the center of the cheek bone – near the hair line – and follow downward with circular motions to the apple of the cheek with the # 940S Foundation Brush, a sponge, or your finger tips.

Tip: If necessary, LIGHTLY powder with a Loose Powder and the #710 Brush. You don’t always have to set the makeup with powder. Sometimes a little glow can be quite forgiving!

Eyes: Fill in eye brows with an appropriate Eye Color or Eye Pencil, and blend with Brush 210S to create a stencil for the eye treatment and to frame the entire face. If you have unwanted texture on your eyelids, stay away from shimmers and play up the mattes. For a soft natural look, start by using the #330S Shadow Fluff Brush, and highlight the brow bone with Bone Eye Color. For medium to darker skin tones, use the Apricot Eye Color as a highlight. Use the same brush to dust the Apricot Eye Color or Wheat Eye Color on the entire lid. To create a soft edge, gradually build the Canyon Eye Color in the crease with Brush 800S from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner of the eye in a back and forth motion. For added dimension, build the Sienna Eye Color from the crease and blend into the Canyon. The darkest area should be toward the outer corner. As you move inward, sheer out and taper the color. Keep the eye lifted. DO NOT exceed the outer corner of the eye. Don’t forget to line the top and lower lid for definition. Use Brush 210S with the Espresso or Onyx Eye Colors and hug the lash lines as you softly create a beautiful definition. Finish with a coat of Volumizing Mascara.

Tip: If you have texture on your eye lids and you just can’t kick the shimmer, try mixing a shimmer with a matte to create a more subtle look.

Lips: Use your choice of Lip Pencils to define and lightly fill in both top and lower lip. For a precise application, load both sides of the 310 Portable Lip Brush with a matching Sheer or Satin Lipstick. Start from the outer corner of the top lip, hug the outer edge of the brush to the lip line, and glide the brush to the center of the lip. Flip the brush over, repeat on the opposite side, and meet in the center. Reload the 310 Portable Lip Brush and use the same technique on the lower lip.

Tip: Using a lip brush will help from stretching the lips during application, and prevent the product from bleeding.

SALON CENTRE TWO DAY MUD TRAINING

2012-05-13T12:56:19+00:00

Salon Centre is our Canadian distributor with 4 locations that cover three provinces that pride themselves on their excellent customer service and education on the most advanced product that the beauty industry has to offer.

Cosimo Minnella, the founder and CEO of Salon Centre invited Yvonne Hawker and myself to Winnipeg Canada to conduct a two day training for their Canadian retailers. The training included product knowledge on our full color cosmetic line, retail business training, and various make-up applications including airbrushing that are related in the salon and spa world.

The training was an overall success and we received wonderful feedback from the distributor and their retailers. Thank you to our friends and family at Salon Centre!

To check out our distributor and retailers, visit us at http://www.mudshop.com/stores.html

BARRY KOPER: LEARN THE ART OF MAKEUP, KNOW IT, AND APPLY IT

2012-05-05T10:28:06+00:00

In the world of makeup, the industry has become a very specialized field to work in. Mr. Barry Koper came to speak to us at the “Industry Speaks” event with valuable advice on how to be a successful makeup artist. “If you want to be in this industry, you have to want it more than the person sitting next to you; you have to eat, sleep, and breathe makeup.”

Barry has over 38 years of experience in the field of makeup. He got his start in Santa Barbara doing a total of seventy two Theatrical stage productions before moving to Los Angeles where he worked at Universal Studios doing a Makeup Show called “Land of a 1000 Faces” where two makeup artists would makeup two guests from the audience and turn them into Frankenstein and his Bride!

During this time, he apprenticed with Oscar winning makeup artist John Chambers, who won an Oscar for his makeup on “The Planet of the Apes.” Mr. Chambers recommended Mr. Koper to run the Makeup Effects Lab at CBS Studios where he spent the next 15 years -- 9 of which he spent as Head of Makeup. After his 15 years with CBS, Barry left to do feature Films. Some of his credits include Addams Family Values, Island of Dr. Moreau, Alien Resurrection, Holloman, Scary Movie 2 & 3, Bubble Boy, Syriana, Departed, Indiana Jones 4, Coach Carter, Dinner for Schmucks, We Bought a Zoo, X-Men First Class, Thor, And Michael Jackson’s “This is it.” He is best known for his vey natural makeup work on Tim Allen in all 3 Disney “Santa Clause” movies, in which he transformed Allen into Santa. He has been nominated for nine Emmy awards, and he has been awarded two. Mr. Koper was also the creator of the column “Out of the Kit” for Makeup Artist Magazine, which he wrote for over 10 years. A firm believer in education, he also taught many classes for Local 706, The Makeup and Hairstylists Union, including Airbrushing, Color Theory, and Prosthetics Application. Mr. Koper currently holds over 40 US. Patents in Commercial Cosmetic design.

After 15 years of working primarily with beauty makeup, he began working on mostly effects jobs, which were different from what he had worked on in the past. Despite the major difference in makeup, his experience in beauty gave him a solid foundation and helped him tremendously as an effects artist. After specializing in effects makeup, he found that through the years, makeup artists have become replaceable in the area of special effects. Due to the more frequent use of CGI (computer generated images), he is finding that production companies are saving money by replacing an actual makeup artist with computer effects. By creating effects through computers, not only do they save money, but directors also feel they have more control over how they want certain things to look.

There were three things that Barry referred to when talking about which elements determine how a makeup will go: the script, the budget, and the director. As a makeup artist, it is important to read and break down the script ahead of time so you know the best ways to achieve the needed looks, and what material might be needed to achieve these looks. When working with effects makeup, having knowledge of the different materials that are used to create the prosthetics will be extremely helpful when dealing with the lab technicians who create them. Barry found that through his experiences, he is now able to determine what types of materials will work on specific projects, and which ones won’t. Because this industry is always changing, Barry stated that “makeup artists who are worth anything are always striving to become better artists.” Stay up with the trends through makeup artist magazines, trade shows, and networking with fellow makeup artists.

There are a few different ways to make money as a makeup artist. One of them is becoming a “personal.” This is established through relationships. If you work with a celebrity and they like you, they may ask you to be their personal makeup artist, using you throughout their career. Never assume you are their friend, you are there to be of service to them. Another great way to make money in the industry is to have as much knowledge as you possibly can. Know what products are out there and make it a point to be an expert! Walk the aisles of local beauty stores, pick the products up, and read about them. On your off time, get a part time job in cosmetics and offer to stock the shelves. There is no better way to learn about the products that are currently being sold. Barry closed his time with us by stating how important appearance is in this industry. “Always dress professionally and properly groom yourselves; directors and producers will notice you if you look professional.” Keep your work stations clean and organized no matter what. And lastly, “don’t give up; perseverance is key.”

THE NATURAL SMOKY EYE

2012-04-27T05:59:33+00:00

Last weekend at MUD’s Free Saturday Workshop in L.A. and N.Y., we created a soft professional smoky eye for work and/or play.

Here’s how:

In any eye color treatment, I prefer to start with a highlight. Use Brush 330S to mix the Bone and Honeysuckle Eye Colors. Apply directly under the eye brow with a light sweeping motion. After the highlight application is completed on both eyes, load the brush with the Galaxy or Spanish Gold Eye Colors. Make sure to turn the brush on its side (flat sides facing up and down,) and place the brush on the outer corner of the lid. Lightly brush the pigment over the entire lid and blend a soft edge just above the crease. If necessary, use a Professional Sponge to soften the edge. You do not want a hard line above the crease. Next, connect the outer corner to the lower lash line with Galaxy or Spanish Gold and Brush 810. Taper the lower lash line as you move toward the tear duct. For a softer appearance, blend the edges in the crease and lower lid with Brush 800s. For added definition, smudge the Rich Brown Eye Pencil on the upper and lower lash line with Brush 810. Complete the eye treatment with a generous coat of the Cream or Volumizing Mascara.

Finish the look with a Soft Peach Cheek Color and the Cantaloupe Lip Glaze, or the Sweet Cheeks Color Crème with the Magnolia Lip Glaze.

CRYSTAL WRIGHT “PLAN YOUR WORK AND WORK YOUR PLAN”

2012-04-24T06:50:12+00:00

Crystal Wright “Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan!”

MUD welcomed Crystal Wright as our special guest speaker for our Industry Speaks event on April 18th. Crystal is a self-help author, educator, motivational speaker, and advisor to freelance styling professionals. She is an internationally recognized expert on the subject of career building and marketing for beauty professionals, and regularly appears as a guest speaker and educator at fashion and beauty trade shows and events. To change things up, Crystal decided to format this event as a question and answer time for the attendees.

Q: “If you had to start with just one marketing tool, what would it be?”

A: Crystal’s advice is to start out with an online portfolio. With an online portfolio, you can include your still shots with your moving images and have them all in one place. The second most important thing to consider is a Meta tag. Meta tags should include any words you may use to describe yourself, and your profession. The word “makeup” must be included in the Meta tag, and it should be spelled out all the different ways people may spell it. Also included in the Meta tag should be every location you are willing to work in. Lastly, Crystal talked about the importance of your branding name. Once you decide what you want to be called “you need to own it; do not change it.” Make sure you choose wisely, what you want to be called, before you start branding yourself (with business cards, website info, etc.)

Another extremely important thing to have in marketing, that Crystal talked about, is to own the rights to your own name. She advised the group to purchase their names for a small annual fee. In addition to owning your own name, Crystal added how important it is to set up an email account with something easy to remember, as this is something that will benefit you as an artist. “Email addresses should be professional, easy to remember, and should match the name on your website.”

Q: “What are the top two worst mistakes made by makeup artists?”

A: Crystal began by stating that one of the best ways to get ahead in this business is to assist. A very common mistake made by makeup artist’s assistants is when they try to promote themselves on the location of the job. She emphasized the importance of being there to serve and assist the makeup artist with anything they need, even if it does not pertain to makeup. “This is not your job; remember you are there to assist!” She added that assistant jobs are great opportunities to watch and learn. The first thing you should ask upon your arrival should be “how can I help you and what are the things you want me to do and do not want me to do?” The better you are at assisting, the more likely it will be that the makeup artist you are working for will refer other job opportunities to you, when they cannot take them.

Another mistake that is made by makeup artists is in the way they market themselves. Crystal’s advice to makeup artists at the beginning of their career is to get their website done by a company who specializes in websites for this line of work. In addition to this, also learn to update your website on your own so you are not at anyone else’s mercy. When including your resume on your website, upload it as a word document because word is the only document that is searchable online.

It is also important to know about the photographer you are working with. Engage in dialogue with the photographers and know what you’re talking about. “When you speak their language, and are specific, you will get what you want.” Remember to get all the pictures from the photographer at one time, due to the fact that they own the rights to all the pictures they take. “Do not work with a photographer that includes watermarks on their photographs, it is a sign of inexperience and does not look good on your website!”

Q: “Is it ok to turn down jobs that you don’t feel passionate about?”

A: Crystal answered by stating that it is ok to turn down a job, but not to forget the value of networking and relationships opportunities that present themselves when taking what you can get in the beginning. Experience is so important when starting out and taking any job you can get always ends up being valuable. You never know who you might be working with, and future opportunities that could come out of taking a job you might not have wanted to take.

Q: “What do you think of Model Mayhem?”

A: Crystal began by stating that Model Mayhem has improved over the years, however it has an expiration date. When signing up for an account with them, you need an exit strategy and a date set when you plan to leave. If you stay with them too long, the people who started with you will leave and you will be working with “newbies.” She stated that once new artists sign up, you will be working with beginners and your work will be going backwards.

“You should be in this business because you love it!’ ‘Make it about working with the people you love.’ ‘Doing so will help you maintain your passion for makeup, and will also inspire you to produce your best work.” “No one falls to the top; hard work is important and very necessary to make it as a successful makeup artist.”

MUD COSMETICS IN LAFAYETTE, CA

2012-04-21T07:46:05+00:00

La Fayette is a beautiful, peaceful suburban city just outside of San Francisco, between Berkeley and Walnut Creek. It’s known for its high quality of life and boasts some of the top rated schools in the country.

Our very own graduate and aesthetician, Sandra Martin of Sandra Martin Skin Care and Make-up Studio decided to paint the city of Lafayette with MUD’s full color cosmetic line. With her purchase of MUD’s sleek display unit, a two day training with yours truly was packaged with the deal. I had the opportunity to reunite with a beloved grad and meet a few of her wonderful clients. They were eager to learn about the products and corrective makeup applications to dress up their gorgeous faces.

If you’re in the Lafayette area, look her up. She carries top of the line skin care, and now cosmetics. I actually commented on how flawless all of her clients skin looked. Amazing!

SPECIAL OCCASION MAKE-UP

2012-04-17T08:28:19+00:00

Here’s what you missed in L.A. and N.Y. at our last Saturday Workshop. Say cheese! If you’re a prom queen or a bride-to-be, learn tips on how to apply your makeup to be camera ready for any occasion.

Face: Choose three Cream Foundations or three HD Airbrush colors that closely match your undertone and shade of skin. Apply a swatch of each color below your ear where the neck and face connect. Choose the color that best suits your skin. Evenly apply the base to the entire face with a Professional Sponge or Brush 940. Blend down the neck to prevent any demarcations or floating head. Neutralize any other discoloration with the appropriate correctors. Use a Blue Corrector under the eye and a Red Corrector to camouflage rosacea or blemishes.

Cheeks: To add a warm glow that naturally radiates through the skin, try the Sweet Cheeks Color Crème. Apply with a Professional Sponge, Brush 940, or your fingertips. Begin at the center of the cheekbone near the hairline, and blend downward toward the apple of the cheek. Make sure to blend the edges for a soft look. Repeat on the other side. Set the face with your favorite Loose Powder and Brush 710S.

Eyes: Shape and fill in the eye brows to create a stencil for the eye shadow application. I prefer a Taupe Eye Pencil with Brush 210S. Transfer the color onto the brush and lightly stroke the brush in the direction of the hair growth. After both eye brows are filled in, apply Dulce de Leche with Brush 330S on the brow bone for a subtle highlight. Once this step is completed on both eyes, remove the excess makeup on a tissue. Take the handle of the brush and line it up with the corner of your nose, the corner of your eye, and the corner of your eye brow. This makes a great guideline for your eye treatment. Make sure not to over extend your eye colors past the imaginary line. If you do, you risk the chance of drooping the outer corner. Lightly dust the Spanish Gold Eye Color on the entire lid with Brush 330S. At this point, start building the dimension in the crease with the Chamois Eye Color and Brush 800S. Place the brush on the outer corner of the crease and, in small circular motions, blend the Chamois into the Dulce de Leche while following the natural shadow of the orbital bone. For added depth, build the outer corner by creating an arrow-shape on the top lid with the Espresso Eye Color and Brush 800S. Blend the Espresso into the Chamois Eye Color and follow the crease toward the inner corner. Next, activate the Black Cake Liner with water and Brush 100. Spin the brush as you activate the liner to sharpen the point. Use a point, lay, and drag method to create a fine line on the top lash line. Point the brush on the inner corner of the lash line with a minimal amount of pressure, lay the brush down while hugging the lash line, and drag to the center. Flip the brush over, point the brush toward the outer corner, lay the brush flat, and drag to meet in the center. The liner will allow you to create a fuller lash line and to camouflage the skin if you decide to apply false lashes. Now you can choose to apply false lashes. For a natural bridal look, try lash 106. For a more dramatic look for prom, use lashes 102 or 107. Complete the eye treatment with MUD’s Cream or Volumizing Mascara.

Lips: For a natural and long lasting lip that will complete any make-up application, this is the must have trio: Natural Lip Pencil, Rose Clay Sheer Lipstick, and Shine Lip Gloss. Line the lip for definition and fill in the lip entirely with the Natural Lip Pencil for longevity. Next, load both sides of Brush 310S with the Rose Clay Lipstick. Lay the brush flat side on the right corner of the top lip. Glide the brush while hugging the lip line to the Cupid’s Bow. Turn the brush over and repeat the process on the left side and meet in the middle. Reload the brush and finish the lower lip. For a radiant shine with a flawless finish, use the Shine Lip Gloss with Brush 810.

WELCOME BACK, KATSURA!

2012-04-02T22:05:00+00:00

Welcome Back!

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I always look forward to spending time with Takashi and his group of Japanese students, who are always eager to study abroad. This time around, I had the great opportunity to spend quality time on and off site with the students. Each day was a learning experience. We exchanged words and sayings with nonstop laughter.

During their stay, the students completed a 60 hour Beauty Makeup Program designed especially for the first year students. They were taught basic sanitary practices, T.V. and film makeup, as well as natural and avante garde applications. After the completion of the course, each student was awarded with a certificate.

Outside of class, we were able to spend a magical day at Disneyland. The park wasn’t over crowded, so we took full advantage of all the shorter lines. That weekend, we also took a short trip to Santa Monica, the Hollywood Sign, and the Camarillo Outlets. The weekend before they left, we celebrated at the movie capital of the world, Universal Studios.

The very last day of class was quite emotional. As we captured the memories on film, the day came too quickly to an end. It was nice to meet such wonderful and talented students. I’d like to take the time to thank Aya, Ayumi, Chihaya, Chikako, Kaito, Konomi, Mana, Mari, Moemi, Mutzumi, Nanami, Risa, Suzuko, Yuka, Yurina, and Yuuka for making my job fun and rewarding. And thanks again Takashi, for allowing me to join you and your students in the brilliant journey of the Make-Up Artistry world.

MELANIE MILLS: LIVE IT, OWN IT, WORK IT

2012-03-22T18:16:15+00:00

This month, we welcomed Melanie Mills as a special guest speaker in our Wednesday Night Lecture series.

Melanie is an Emmy winning makeup artist who has become one of the most sought after names in the industry. She served as head makeup artist on ABC television’s smash hit “Dancing With the Stars” for five years, redefining the look of the makeup for the series. She is also known for her beautiful body makeup design and revolutionary line, GLEAM by Melanie Mills.

Melanie’s first experience with makeup was through a friend who was part of a makeup school. Melanie desperately wanted to be a part of the school, but didn't have the financial means to pursue her dream. She was soon connected with a union makeup artist though her hairdresser, and she was set up a few days later with an internship on set. Though this position was unpaid and the hours were long, she was offered a job as a makeup artist for another low budget film. She soon worked on her first film and joined the union.

Melanie shared advice that she feels is valuable to makeup artists starting out. “Every single opportunity you get, dive in and go for it!” As a makeup artist, she emphasized the importance of having skills that stand out. In such a competitive business, not only your skills should stand out, but your personality as well. “Take the extra steps to do extra special things.” Through her experiences, she found that the more people she told about her makeup artistry, the more job opportunities came to her. She emphasized the importance of “Putting yourself out there any way you can.” Melanie was constantly networking and putting herself around other makeup artists and hairstylists and as a result, she got the opportunity to work as an assistant on “Dancing With the Stars.” Through hard work and unique skills, she became the lead makeup artist for the show. She shared her vision for the makeup on the show with the producer and director and ended up keeping the job for five years, until she stepped down from lead artist to pursue other aspects of the makeup industry. She encourages makeup artists to always have a backup plan as things can change quickly, for the good or bad.

Melanie’s experiences brought her to her point that “it is important to take what you can get; it will always lead to something else. Be clean, fast, helpful, and have a great personality.” Melanie’s saying, “Live it, Own it, Work it,” comes from the necessity to inspire the dancers she worked with on the show, the artists and most importantly her own life. She believes that everything in the makeup industry has a domino effect. “Everything that happens good or bad, happens for a reason.” Talent is a must, but more importantly, because this is a networking business, you must have personality and the ability to connect with people.