Sun, Sand, and Mishaps

As a makeup artist, I try to be prepared to fix and beautify all models. I carry 8-10 shades of foundation, fingernail polish remover, various colors of eye shadow, and anything I can think of that a model may need.

Yet there are days like yesterday where makeup was not enough.

The photo shoot was set on a busy beach, the sun's heat was at it's strongest, and shade was a luxury. Rocks were our chairs and a place to rest.

Luckily for me, I had on my hat, shades, and coconut water in hand. I was ready. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for one of my models. After I did her makeup, the hair stylist started putting flowers in her hair. One second she was saying that she didn't feel too well and the next second, she was down for the count. I was glad I had baby wipes to help cool her down...somewhat.

The hairstylist and I searched high and low for water. Fortunately, we were able to borrow one of the photographers' water bottle and put water on the back of the neck. Then the hair stylist disappears and I was left scratching my head. Turns out, the hairstylist went to a local store to purchase cold water. Meanwhile, my fabulous husband walks over to the life guard station for some ice packs.  Minutes later, my husband arrives with the life guard, in a car! Talk about service!

We were able to ice her down and get her through the shoot.

So, maybe for a beach shoot, I'll make sure to carry an umbrella, portable ice packs, and water. Wait! That's way too much for me to carry! I'll have the model make sure to bring Gatorade and a hat.

I'll keep a couple of ice packs on hand for the just in case.

My Beauty Routine: Cheap and Expensive

When it comes to beauty, there are times cost becomes a factor. Whether you just aren't in the mood to spend the money or the money just isn't there. I find myself poor and not in the mood. Especially in the summer when my teacher pay checks stop. Ugh!

Most times, I'm at a drug store picking up lotion (face and body) and toner. My go to toner is Witch Hazel. It's inexpensive with very little alcohol, which means it's not harsh on the skin.

Also, if I'm in a pinch and need face wash, I'll pick up glycerin soap. Why? Here's a link that has an excellent explanation of the benefits of glycerin soap:


http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog_post/CedarCreekSoaps/5665/benefits_of_using_glycerin_soaps


For face lotion, Oil of "Old Lady", err I mean Oil of Olay is my favorite. The lotion leaves my face hydrated, which is important.

Yet, there are times that I feel the need to splurge on beauty products. I still love Nu Skin products and I have also found Mica Beauty. Mica Beauty is an investment but the results are wonderful!

Once a week, I use a Purification Mask  from Mica Beauty's Diamond Collection. This stuff foams and tingles, grabbing all the dirt out of your skin. My skin feels and looks amazing after I wash the foam off!

The I use a mild scrub to exfoliate the dead skin cells. It's called the Mica Beauty Facial Scrub. Apply to a dry face, wait ten seconds and start gently scrubbing off the dead skin cells. Skin begins to look healthier and more refreshed.

 

Last but not least, I apply Nu Skin's face lotion. This lotion goes on smooth, even smoother than Oil of Olay.

 

 

Plus a couple of days a week, I use my Galvanic Spa. It's a lot of steps and work, especially if I'm dog tired. But the end result is that my skin is smooth, soft and completely hydrated; which is what we all want in our skin as we age.