Makeup in History: 17th Century Elizabethan - Brows

In 17th Century England, Queen Elizabeth I totally removed her brows, and to create a more enhanced white skin she also removed a strip of hair above her forehead.  To create perfect translucent white skin, she painted artificial veins on her brow space.  She also whitened her face with 'ceruse', a paste of white lead compounds applied with a damp cloth.  This was the fashion of the day, white lead powders were popular and many deaths occurred in the name of beauty. 

  

Queen Elizabeth I 

   

 

  Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I

Work Ethics for MUA's



A good work ethic!  I think this is one of THE most important attributes a Makeup Artist can have (apart from natural talent of course).  I've come across many a horror story about how a MUA has almost ruined a Brides' day by not only being late, but get this ... forgetting her kit!  What the?  If you are an aspiring MUA, keep these helpful hints we've put together in mind and your next job will be a pleasure for all.  You'll also find, if you maintain great standards in the industry, more work will be offered to you.

• Act in a professional manner at all times.  Remember you have a job to do.
• Don't gossip, it's a big no-no in the industry.  Always remember client confidentiality. 
• Be punctual.
• Dress neatly, correctly and appropriately for the assignment.  Pay attention to your own personal hygiene.  Remember you are working very closely with your clients.  Use deodorant and make sure you don't have bad breath.
• Be prepared for all jobs, no matter how big or small.  They all require the same attention.
• Be pleasant and helpful on set.  You may be booked again if you're easy to get along with.
• Be critical of your own work.  Pay attention to detail.
• Unless a certain look is specified, design you own .. create, enhance.
• Collect a picture file for reference.  Visit libraries, scroll the internet, collect magazine pictures.
• Study face shapes and their prominent features.
• Practice makes perfect and builds confidence.
• Experiment with new looks and challenge yourself.

Luscious Red Lips

We know it's true, girls have always secretly adored glamorous red lips, whether they wear red lipstick or not.   How can we create the Hollywood red lips successfully for long lasting, fault free wear?  Well first my little glamettes, apply your foundation making sure you coat your lips also.  Make sure your makeup is applied and the lips are the last to do. 
Draw your lip outline with a red lipliner (not an orangey tone), but a red lipliner with a blue undertone, this way your teeth won't appear yellow.  This rule also applies to the red colour lipstick you choose.  Well, that's unless you're actually wearing a red-orange lipstick, more common these days with all the fluro and 1980's influence in makeup trends.

Ok, back to red lips.... fill your lip colour entirely with the red lipliner.  Marking from the Cupid's Bow to the outer corners works best, and from the middle of your bottom lip to the outer corners also.  Apply your lipstick, making sure you keep withing the lip line.  Use a lip brush, rather than just straight out of the wind-up.  You'll get a more precise application.  Next, dab your lips with a tissue, then re-apply the lipstick.   This sets your lipstick for more staying power.  Use a matte red, rather than a gloss red, it won't travel.  And wah lah!  You will have gorgeous glamorous red lips! 

Handy to know:  If you find the red just too intense for you, dull it down a little with a slight touch of nude terracotta toned lipstick over the top, but apply blended mainly to the middle zone of both top & bottom lips.  Another important tip, if you do draw over the edges of your lips and make a mistake, remember to wipe inwards with a cotton bud, not outward!  You can also brush over any red stains outside the lip line with a foundation then powder to set.

Dare to wear the Red!
xx TMT

Retro humour never dies

I've come across some great retro humour lately, always worth a giggle and reminds us how far we've come since the 1950's at least.  Here's a little retro offering to tickle your fancy. 

xxoo TMT

Welcome to TMT's little makeup studio blog

Hi everyone!

Sometimes, there's just so much more to say about our beautiful world and the gorgeous people in it!  The Makeup Theory loves all things makeup (of course), fashion, movies, music, retro style, anything nostalgic and everything creative.  As you probably have guessed ... yes we're Marilyn fans too! 

We'll be posting blogs about makeup, beauty, lifestyle, fashion trends, styling, celebs and of course hunting down some great makeup tutorials for your enjoyment.  This is our online studio ... it's a work in progress, and it's nothing without you!

Cheers for now!
TMT xx