Alyson Hearts Faces

I just recently came upon a photo from this old shoot. I love the ghostly feeling. I executed the makeup with lots of white foundation and brown washes of color on eyes and as a contour.

Here’s a collage I just did, inspired by the idea of reinvention. Reinvention is a cyclical process, a process for me of collecting, piecing and rendering.

I had the best time on WGN radio 720 am with Jen Bosworth talking about Beauty: Inside and Out. This was my second appearance on WGN with Jen. I was on last Christmas as well. Jen is an awesome host, hilarious and insightful. You can listen to our conversation here: http://wgnradio.com/2015/12/26/jen-bosworth-full-show-122515-beauty-boxing-day-and-new-years-resolutions/

No posts since July! I took a full-time position working in retail makeup this year and time has sped up. That said, I’m going to expand the subject matter of my posts to include a broader look at beauty…beauty as an expression of balance and flow…the internal and the external. Here’s another photo from the shoot I did with photographer Momoko  and model DeYandre. I think the photo compliments what’s been on my mind as of late: minimalism.

The makeup look I did for this photo was very minimal. A bit of foundation, a touch of powder through the brows, a neutral lip, a smudge of black liner and mascara, a kiss of blush. Natural, minimal makeup has always been my favorite to execute. The makeup is an afterthought to the subject. What is important is DeYandre, the energy that she exudes.

I had a Drawing and Painting teacher in high school who expounded upon the idea that less is more. I have grown to agree with him. Stylistically, minimalism is a reservoir of beauty: crisp, decisive and strong. The minimalist aesthetic has bled over into various areas of my life: my living space, my clothes, shoes, trinkets. Pairing down to the essentials has given me more room to be creative, I think. That said, I still have 12 lipsticks in my medicine cabinet…it may not seem like a lot considering what I do for a living, but the direction I’m going, it feels like a few too many.

Residuum, the indie film by Edward Pioke which I worked on as key hair/makeup, just premiered at the Music Box in Chicago. The film, shot in 2012 in and around Chicago, features a stellar Chicago cast and crew. It was such an awesome experience to see the film on the big screen. The magic of cinema is like no other; it’s inspiring to see what beauty can transpire when so many talents come together. Bravo, Residuum!

Here’s some shots from the shoot I did the makeup on with model DeYandre (this was our second shoot together) and photographer Momoko Fritz. These were shot in the basement of DeYandre’s apartment building and I love the way this shoot came together. Beautiful work by all!

Here’s a few headshots of the awesome public speaking coach Marianna Swallow (www.mariannaswallow.com). I worked hair/makeup on this shoot with photographer Johnny Knight. I think these shots really capture Marianna; she’s sharp, personable, with a great sense of humor and it shows. Great work Marianna and Johnny!