Client Makeovers

Clients are often surprised that they can look like the models they have seen from my work even without professional lighting, photographers or photo shop.

To prove that it can be done, here's a photo of one of my clients, Danni, who had me do her makeup for a commercial shoot. Only a regular 35mm camera was used. No photo shop or special lighting was involved. Just makeup, hair, click and done!

I strongly feel that makeup is not a frivolous thing. Even though it is a lot of fun to bring out your artistic side and play with color, it can also work wonders by increasing confidence, and inspiring one relate to the world in a more positive way.

I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you, and who knows, you could be a FEZ Model too!

What I noticed about my first featured client and friend is how full of life and laughter she is. She's obviously beautiful, but does not focus on it or even seem to know it. Another surprise is how raunchy her humor can be. However, she's always tasteful. Ever since our first meeting, she told me that she would never want to work with anyone else because I seem to know how bring out who aspects of who she wants to be in her looks. I hope you can see a part of who she is in this photo.

Here's how I achieved this classic, yet polished look for Danni:

1. I used the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer as a base to even out pores, or any uneven texture in the skin to give it a smooth canvas for makeup.

2. Next the Julie Hewett Creme Foundation for Sensitive Skin in Lily was applied with her foundation brush to even out redness and unevenness. it was then, buffed into the skin with a sponge.

3. The Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (the best concealer EVER!) was applied mainly under the eyes, around the lower nose ad lip area for extra perfection with the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting brush (perfect for giving concealer an airbrushed look). For smaller areas, the precise Kevyn Aucoin Concealer brush was used.

4. I set the makeup with the Julie Hewett Ora Mineral Mix Translucent Oat Powder.

5. Next, I used the Julie Hewett Cheekie in Jami for cheeks, lips and eyes on the apples of her cheeks and blended it out to her hairline with the Julie Hewett Concealer Brush. I also used this color on the eyes as a base color and applied it from lash line to the upper crease. Next I dabbed it onto the lips for some moisturizing and to give it an even base of color.

6. The cheek color was then enhanced with the Julie Hewett Bud of Rose Blush (a natural pink/peach glow).

7. For the eyes, the Kevyn Aucoin Essential Eye Shadow Set Palette #1 was used. The white sheen was used as a highlighter under the brow bone. The light and medium brown from the palette was mixed for a more dimensional brown and applied to the lid. Then, blend, blend, blend. The brush you use depends on how intense you want the shadow to apply on the lid. Like an artist who paints on a canvas, QUALITY brushes are very, very important as each brush serves a purpose. This will also give you the most professional finish.

8. The Kevyn Aucoin Eye Pencil Primatif in Basic Black was applied to the lash line around the eyes and then smudged for a more natural effect. Them, I applied the darkest color from the eye palette over the liner and smudged it even more.

9. Danni's lashes stick straight and down, so we used the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler (that she described as the most luxurious and comfortable curler she ever used) to open up her eyes. Then, just one coat of the Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara in Rich Pitch Black was applied mostly concentrating on the upper lashes. The lower lash line was only lightly done.

10. The brows were defined with the Kevyn Aucoin Precision Brow Pencil. I love the way I can adjust the color of this product by just varying the pressure of my hand.

11. Lips were lined with the Kevyn Aucoin Flesh Tone Lip Pencil and the Elegant Lip Gloss in Anastasia was applied to the lips with the Precise Kevyn Aucoin Lip Brush. Lips were blotted to leave a stain before a second layer was applied. Then, it was lightly blotted again to give the soft sheen you see.

12. For the finishing touch, we enhanced her glow by applying the Julie Hewett Ora Mineral Mix in Bronze around her hairline, temples, cheeks, chin and nose. The Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight was applied to the upper cheeks for natural luminescence.

For her hair, we used:

1. The David Gardner Hair Relax and Shine on damp hair from root to ends and simply blow dried with a large round brush.

2. David Gardner Gloss Drops were applied to the ends and

3. Hair was sprayed with the David Gardner Shine Me Spray Shine Mist (this is a Miracle for enhancing golden tones in blond hair as well).

Viola, there you have it! I know reading the step-by-step details seems like it would take forever. However, once you get to it, you will find it takes very little time to achieve this look. Experiment, think outside of the box, and most of all, HAVE FUN!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209