Branding Shoot September 2024

Preparing for this branding shoot, I had all these ideas and outfit ideas. I always wear black so I was thinking that it would be a great idea to change that up a little. I thought having a model, do her makeup before the shoot, then have her pose for a few photos while I did some touch ups would start off the shoot. I also wanted to make sure to capture a totally opposite look in all while because I thought the exact opposite would give my portfolio a different vibe. I thought long and hard about the different outfit options and make sure that I brought a variety of looks that go well together. I was so excited the week of the shoot, I was excited to see all the looks come together and see the photos. The weekend of the shoot was also a little crazy, I had a wedding in Dawson Saturday morning as well as hair and makeup for a client also doing a branding shoot, followed by working for Estee Lauder for their Fall Gala, while my shoot was Sunday late morning. The session was great, I had the best time in Studio Meraki with Aly P Photography. the energy was amazing and it flowed so well. All the outfit changes was so fun! Here are some images from the session.

Behind the Scenes

Preparing for a client, a photoshoot, or styled content is always so much work behind the scenes. There is writing down all the products you are going to use, to what kind of videos or photos you are going to take and then doing the makeup of course and making sure you have all the photos and videos for future content creation. This is one of the hardest things for me, remembering to take photos and videos because sometimes you just forget. Now with social media and videos, it is important to always be creating and staying on trend. This is my least favorite part but I do know that it's important in 2024.

Studio Meraki

The Light Loft

Collaboration with Tyra E Photography & Film and Tribe Hair - Crystal and our beautiful model.

Christina Marie Photography

Studio Meraki with Aly P Photography - Boudoir behind the scenes for the glam.

Me here at Studio Meraki all set up with my makeup and brushes.

Elf Dupes

This is a hot topic! Elf Cosmetics has created so many products that are compared to some higher end products. Let’s Dive In!

  1. Halo Liquid Filter is a beautiful product that adds a glow and radiance to your skin. This is worn under foundation, over top of your foundation as a highlight or alone. This is compared to Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.

  2. Camo Liquid Blush has a ton of pigment for a $9 price point. This is easy to blend and found that the blush has a pretty good lasting color. This is compared to Rare Beauty Liquid Blush.

  3. Glow Reviver Lip Oil has great packaging, the product is nice. Clarins Lip Oil is the clear winner here.

  4. Power Grip Primer is gel like to grip your makeup and have it last longer. This is a dupe for the Milk Hydro Grip Primer.

  5. Brow Lift come in a round container that you use spoolie to get product out and apply to your eyebrows, this product works but when compared to Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, this one did not make the cut. Stick to the original.

  6. Squeeze Me Lip Balm has simple packaging, light scent. This is compared the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm.

These are all products that I would use in my own makeup kit. However, I am not sure if I would use them in my Professional Makeup Artist Kit because I am not sure of these dupes would last as well as the originals.

Makeup Artist Black

My trade mark in the industry has been wearing black to all my professional makeup artistry jobs, if that is a on location photoshoot , a wedding, working for Estee Lauder at Shoppers Beauty Boutique or at home clients, I am always in black. Half of my closet is black and I love the simple and professional look. I am always shopping for classic and unique black pieces to add to my wardrobe.

Coat: Black Long Coat - Old is the New New Consignment

Wide Leg Pants: Thelma & Marcella’s

Tank: Silk Tank Dynamite Clothing

Red Lip: Stila Liquid Lip -Beso

Goddess Maternity Makeup

This beautiful mama to be was a dream client, she had a few inspo photos that she showed me and they all had beautiful glowy skin with some taupes, pinks and even a touch of sparkle.

Beautiful photo taken by Aly P Photography as well as she has the most beautiful client closet.

Makeup Used in this Look:

Primer: MAC Strobe Cream Pinklite, MAC Studio Fix Mattifine

Foundation: Dior Face & Body Foundation Shade 1.5

Concealer: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer Shade Oat

Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Setting Powder Shade 1

Eyes: Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes

Lashes: Ardell Wispies

Cheeks: Patrick Ta Major Dimensions Double Take - She's Blushing, Smashbox X Becca Highlight, Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Lips: MAC MEHR