Written by Audrey
Freelance makeup artist Audrey of Makeup by Audrey pulls back the curtain on a magical world of makeup in today’s guest post.
Have you ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes at a fashion shoot? Well you’re about to find out! I recently had the honor to be the makeup artist for the winter issue of Scene Magazine, a women’s style magazine based in northern California, and I’m going to take you behind the closed doors to get a peek on all the fun that was had!
The day started at 9AM where the hair and makeup team immediately got started on beautifying our two lovely models, Brooke and Gina, from Ford Models. Meanwhile, our talented photographer got to work on setting up the lights in the studio while the stylists were in a separate room getting all the looks together.
Before I went to work, I made sure to discuss the desired makeup look, a bold smoky eye, with the editor-in-chief, Katharine Fong, and the contributing fashion and beauty editor, Donna Kato. I also ran over to the styling room to see what ensembles the models would be wearing so I could have a complete vision of the entire look. Once I had that, I was ready to go! I did Gina’s makeup while the two hairstylists, Karie and Shayne from Aveda at Santana Row, styled Brooke’s hair and then we switched models. It probably took about an hour and a half to get them ready.
Then the models headed over to the styling room to get dressed in their first looks. I loved hanging out in this room! Donna and her team did an amazing job of pulling the wardrobe for this shoot. There were racks and racks of gorgeous, luxurious clothes and tables of drool-worthy shoes, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories.
Because this shoot would support two fashion spreads (Timeless Chic and The LBD Primer), we had a lot of looks (over ten!) to shoot so everyone had to be on their toes to keep everything moving in order to be done by 5PM.
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Lipstick — Have you ever noticed how your lips sometimes look blotchy halfway through the day? If you’re ending up with more pigment on some parts of your lips than others, apply your lipstick of choice with a brush. You’ll be able to achieve more precise placement and even distribution of color to minimize fading throughout the day. After applying with a brush, blot lightly with a tissue. Separate the tissue, and, using a large fluffy brush or a powder puff, tap some translucent setting powder over your lips through the single-ply tissue. This creates a near permanent stain as a base. Reapply the same lipstick (or a different one, for some creative effects), again using a brush, and blot again. Want even more staying power? Fill your entire lips in with a neutral lipliner or one that matches your lipstick before application.
Eyeshadow — In addition to using a primer, it really helps to layer. Place a cream shadow over your entire lid (either a neutral or the same shade as the powder you will be using), tapping powder shadow on top of this to set and prevent fading for all-day wear. Can’t be bothered with creams? Dust some setting powder over your bare lid before applying your shadow. Then, pat your shadow on, instead of sweeping it over your lid. That way you get a more concentrated application that should take a longer time to fade.
Blush — Try using two shades of powder blush: a “neutral” and a “pop”. Place the neutral shade (which can include pale pinks, apricots, or roses; choose one depending on what color your cheeks turn naturally when you flush, then step down an intensity level) all along the top of your cheekbone and blend well. Then, place your “pop” shade just on the top of the apple of your cheek and blend outwards and up. This concentrates the color where it would appear most when you would naturally blush, and when your blush begins to fade, you’re left with a more natural, rosy glow, as opposed to a pallid or blotchy cheek. 
Powder — Ever wonder why most makeup artists use powder puffs? It’s not just for show. Puffs press the powder into the skin, bonding it to the foundation rather than just layering it on top. If you have a puff, shake some loose powder onto it, and “mush” it between your fingers, distributing the powder into the fibers of the puff. Then, place your index and middle fingers in the center of the back of the puff, and make a sort of “taco” shape. Roll this across your skin in small back and forth motions to really set the powder. Don’t have a puff? Take a large fluffy brush, pat some powder into the side of it, and place your fingers on the other side. Use the same motion to roll the powder onto your skin.
