Analogous And Achromatic Make Up Looks

Analogous Make Up

Analogous means using colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, which can be slightly monochromatic. When thinking of ideas for this look I decided on the colour green as I rarely use it and prefer to use more neutral gold and brown colours. I thought that it would therefore be an interesting and beneficial exercise. I am surprised and pleased with the outcome and think that it is a look I would happily wear again. I would however make the bottom lash line heavier as I feel that it does look slightly top heavy. I am also not pleased with the image quality as it does not do the colours justice.

Analogous Make Up

Analogous Make Up

Achromatic Make Up

Achromatic colours are neutral and are usually on the grey scale and can range from greys to blacks. I really enjoyed creating this looks as I decided to be more experimental and create something that I had never previously attempted.  Overall I like the effect of the dark eyes and dark lips together and think that it looks gothic and vampy. I struggled with the shape and colour of the eyebrows because they seemed to conflict with that of the eyeshadows. The black lips were also difficult to create as, due to the dark colour, there was very little room for error.

Achromatic Make Up

Achromatic Make Up

Monochromatic Face Chart

After learning about the colour wheel I created this monochromatic make up look on a face chart. I decided to use the colour pink because it is very fresh and girly, and symbolises femininity. It can also create some beautiful looks. I like the look that I created because I think that it is nice and soft, but I do however wonder how well it would transfer onto an actual face and how interesting and exciting it would be to look at.

My Monochromatic Face Chart

Elizabethan Portraiture

This portrait of Queen Elizabeth I instantly visually engaged me when I visited the National Portrait Gallery in London. According to the National Portrait Gallery website it is believed that this painting was 'certainly done from life'. I think this is quite a masculine image of Elizabeth facially, and in the shape of her clothing. However the clothing is very beautiful, ornate and the use of pearls and ostrich feathers is very feminine. The use of the crown in the back corner represents her royalty and nobility. The pearl crown on the top of her head, to me seems slightly ironic as it looks like a wedding tiara and veil, even though she famously was known as the 'Virgin Queen'. The use of golds and heavy embroidery on her clothing is symbolic of her wealth. The National Portrait Gallery website refers to the pendant hanging down from her dress which they believe to have been a gift from the painter. Elizabeth has very pale skin and rosy lips, her eyebrows are also very sparse. All of these characteristics represent wealth and nobility. It is believed however through the use of technology that originally her skin was a lot more rosy and her dress was more rich with colour and the age of the painting has caused some of the colour to fade. Her facial expression is very straight, almost stern looking which may have been to show that she is a strong and independent woman.

I Bought This Postcard Of Queen Elizabeth I In The National Portrait Gallery 

Contemporary Portraiture

The first thing I noticed about this image of actress Angelina Jolie was that it was shot in black and white which makes it moody and sensual. It made me focus on the tone of the image rather than the colour which made the image more dramatic. I also noticed the very casual and loose style of her clothing, hair and her pose. The make up is minimalistic but sexy and incorporates her iconic winged eyeliner. She looks very effortless but perhaps shy within the image which could be due to the fact that her eyes are not engaging with the audience. They are cast down to one side which almost makes her look like she is hiding something. This is a sexy image of Angelina Jolie and I think she is seen to be more of her true self rather than a promotional tool. This image is more about a feeling. In an article where this image is featured, it says how she struggles with her wild tough girl persona and her 'sex bomb' status so portraits are difficult for her. She has previously admitted that she thinks that the true sense of portraiture is lost as none of the images are of the real people. They play 'dress up'. The tattoos that are on show all have a reference to her children and other loved ones. The one on her back is a Buddhist Pali Incantation written in Khmer, which she got in Bangkok after adopting her first son Maddox and she believes it will protect them both. The one on her arm is the geographical co-ordinates of where her children were born. Since this photograph was taken she has had more children and therefore has added more co ordinates to the list. I think that this image symbolises that no matter how professional she is, her family is of utmost importance to her and she is not afraid to display it. The element of the image that makes it feel real to me is the fly away hairs that have been caused by her hand running through her hair. This also makes it more realistic because alternatively it could have been caused by the wind which adds movement and depth. The angle the image is taken at is looking down on Angelina which makes it more interesting and mysterious. I think this image is very beautiful. I find its simplicity and effortlessness powerful but also empowering.

Sources: http://joliepittpress.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/vogue-january-2007/

Angelina Jolie Vogue January 2007
http://actressnaps.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/hot-angelina-jolie-photoshoot/

What Is The Colour Wheel?

The colour wheel is a circle with coloured sections, as shown below, which helps to show the relationship between them. The colour context is how colours behave in relation to each other, including shape. It can be divided into the primary, secondary and tertiary colour as well as cool and warm tones.

A Basic Colour Wheel
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm

Charles Fox And MAC Store Reviews

Charles Fox

My initial impression of the Charles Fox store was that it felt professional rather than being high street fashion. I liked the simplicity of the white interior and the way all of the products were laid out. I enjoyed how all the products could be tested. The shop was also well lit so the make up colours could be seen easily and to their true form. The staff were also really knowledgable, friendly and helpful.

The Charles Fox Store

 MAC

I loved the MAC store as I thought it was very beautiful and modern. I really enjoyed the young and fun feel of the shop, partly created by the music in the background. I did however think that it was quite small so when busy it was a bit of a squash! I thought the layout was really attractive because it  highlighted the colours of the products against a predominantly black background and made it all even more tempting.

The Mac Store

The Mac Store

The Westmores

George Westmore was a wig maker and hairstylist from England who set up his first studio make up department in 1917. His six sons subsequently carried on the family trade and led make up departments and other studios. As a family they have worked on some of the largest films including 'Gone With The Wind', and disguises in films such as 'The Hunchback Of Notre Dame'. They went on to build the House of Westmore salon whose clientele have included celebrities as well as members of the public.

Films And Television Shows Based On Elizabethan England

The Private Lives Of Elizabeth and Essex

This is a 1939 film starring Bette Davis and Errol Flynn, directed by Michael Curtiz, and is based on a previous play which told the story of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Perc Westmore was the on set make up artist and during filming Bette Davis shaved her hair line and eyebrows to create a more accurate and convincing Queen Elizabeth.

Bette Davis playing Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.themakeupgallery.info/period/c16/uk/elizabeth/essex.htm

Fire Over England

The 1937 film starring Flora Robson,Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier and directed by William K Howard tells of the story of Elizabeth after she has come to the throne. Unfortunately the make up artist for this film is unknown. According to the 'Makeup Gallery', during filming Flora Robson was wearing a prosthetic nose.

Flora Robson Playing Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.themakeupgallery.info/period/c16/uk/elizabeth/fire.htm

Elizabeth

This is the 1997 film starring Cate Blanchett and Joshua Fiennes. While watching the film it is evident that the make up throughout is representing the transition of Queen Elizabeth from her childhood to her life on the throne. Her attempts at highlighting herself as the 'Virgin Queen' are represented by the pale and pure complexion throughout the later stages of her reign. Jenny Shircore was the main make up artist on set and was awarded the Max Factor Award for her work on the film.

Cate Blanchett Playing Elizabeth I
http://feelthefilms.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/oscar-politics-elizabeth-vs-shakespeare-in-love-vs-emma/

The Virgin Queen

Anne-Marie Duff plays Queen Elizabeth in the 2006 television series, directed by Tom Hooper, which covers all of Elizabeth's life but also focuses upon her virginity. According to 'www.imdb.com', Sjaan Gillings was responsible for the make up, Colin Gorry created the special effects and Maureen McGill was the hair stylist.

Anne-Marie Duff Playing Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/

Elizabeth 1st (TV Mini Series)

The television mini series created in 2005 covers the last 24 years of Elizabeth's 45 year reign and was directed again by Tom Hooper. Helen Mirren, Jeremy Ions and Hugh Dancy feature in the series. Gemma Richards and Jan Hope Kavanagh were responsible for the Make Up and Hair which won an Emmy Award for the hair styling.

Helen Mirren Playing Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.hbo.com/movies/elizabeth-i#/

Shakespeare In Love

Shakespeare In Love is the 1998 fictional film which follows a story surrounding William Shakespeare. Although fictional, some of the characters and stories are based upon real people and original Shakespeare story lines. Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes and Judi Dench all star in the film. Lisa Wescott was the make up artist on set and Victoria Brebner was the senior hair stylist. The film was nominated for many awards for best hair and make up.

Judi Dench Playing Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity-lifestyle/favorite-female-film-cameos-4#slide-4

Tudor Cosmetics

During the 16th and 17th centuries ideal beauty was seen to be a porcelain white complexion with red lips and blushing pink cheeks. A woman's appearance represented her social class; a pale complexion showed a lack of outdoor manual labour and red lips and pink cheeks showed youth and good health. Make up therefore became very popular amongst royalty and the noble classes as people tried to reinforce their social standing, but was also of great interest to poorer classes who wished to improve their appearance in an attempt to keep up with high society.

According to the 'Survey Of Historic Costume' by Tortora and Eubank, products used to whiten the skin were potentially dangerous, for example mercuric salt. The book 'The Meaning Behind The Mask' by Madeleine Ogilvie, describes how the cosmetics were created. Lead and vinegar or powdered borax were used for whitening the face, and aristocracy lipstick was created from red mercucric sulphide or cochineal, gum arabic, egg white and fig milk for the lower classes. Cheek cosmetics were created by using substances such as ochre and sulphide. According to the book, enamelling also became very popular, which meant after the application of primary face products, the skin was covered with egg white to create a porcelain finish.

On the website 'sixwives.info', hair dye is also described as becoming popular amongst rich tudor women. The main choices of colour were blondes and reds. Yellow hair dye was made from saffron, cumin seed, celandine and oil.

Is This Elizabethan Beauty?

I think this portrait represents Elizabethan beauty. It encompasses all of the beauty ideals such as the pale skin, flushed cheeks, pink lips, high forehead and strawberry blonde hair. I like the portrait as it looks very decadent and the use of gold in the clothing is very beautiful and ornate. This portrait is relevant to my project as it showcases well all of the aspects of perceived beauty in the Elizabethan era which I have been learning about. I think that the painting has been done in oils onto a canvas or panel, and was created in 1600 as a copy of the 1559 lost original, however the artist is sadly unknown.

Queen Elizabeth I 'The Coronation Portrait'
http://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp01452/queen-elizabeth-i

What I Know About Elizabethan Beauty Currently

My current understanding of Elizabethan beauty is still being expanded, but I do know that a large or high forehead was considered beautiful as it showed intelligence. Red or strawberry blonde hair was also deemed attractive, with people from a range of classes opting for this colour choice by using a variety of dyes as it represented wealth and youth. Pale skin was also seen as a beautiful trait, as it reflected a lack of outdoor manual labour which would result in a tan and was associated with the poorer classes. I find the difference in trends and values between modern day and Elizabethan fashions interesting and I am excited to study and learn more about this period.

Who Am I?

I am a beauty enthusiast, someone who loves the feeling and transformation make-up can bring. Hair styling and fashion are also of major interest to me and I have recently embarked on a course to develop my hobby further and take it to a new level where I can ultimately make it my career. This course is a new experience for me as I have never previously studied the art of make-up and hair design before, and the knowledge I have for the subject has been gained through YouTube videos, books, magazines and trial and error! The first project that I am studying is the Elizabethan era which currently I have very little knowledge of, including the make-up and hair and I am excited to learn and explore this era further. My over riding fear for this project is that my vision will not be translated concisely into the final look. I also fear I will overcomplicate it and lose impact. I aspire to create a look that clearly shows inspiration from both the Elizabethan and contemporary era. I am looking forward to learning about the cosmetics the Elizabethans used and trends that were considered beautiful, and reflecting how they differ to today's conceived ideas of beauty.

Make-Up Counter Orientation

MAC

The MAC counter excites me as I think that the colour scheme is very sleek and professional looking. I also enjoy how the wide range of coloured products stand out against the dark background making it very inviting. In MAC the range of products is very large, from skin care to professional make-up. MAC make-up is aimed at a wide audience including teenagers and professional make-up artists, and the company motto is 'All Ages, All Races, All Sexes'. I had heard of the brand before this exercise due to its high popularity and excellent product quality. I think that the make-up itself covers a wide range of people due to the high diversity, but prices may favour people with a higher disposable income. There are many hero products of the brand including Studio Fix Fluid Foundation and Ri Ri Woo lipstick.

MAC Counter 

Bobbi Brown

The layout and displays of the Bobbi Brown counter excite me greatly and I love how all the blushes, eyeshadows, lip glosses and lipsticks are at the front of the counter, making a beautiful, colourful and tempting display. The product range of Bobbi Brown is also very large, but unlike MAC I feel the product range is less professional and more domestic. The products are aimed at all ages and due to the vast quantity and good quality of the brand I had previously heard of it. Like other high end brands I think that it does cover everyone but is more accessible to people of a higher income. The Bobbi Brown hero products were on display at the counter which I thought was very interesting with the Gel Eyeliner being the most popular.                                                             

Bobbi Brown Counter

Benefit

The girly and pretty charm of the Benefit counter really excites me. I love the antique feel and soft pinks and pastel colours used. The packaging of all the products is very beautiful and intricate making the overall effect of the counter my favourite. The range of products is wide but, like Bobbi Brown, I feel it is more domestic make-up. I  think that the audience of this brand is everyone but is generally aimed at young girls. Benefit is a large company with many of the world's leading products and I had previously heard of them. I think that it does cover everyone due to the large amounts of products available including skin care. The hero products of Benefit is the 'They're Real' mascara which is the biggest sold mascara in the UK.              

Benefit Counter 

                   
Smashbox

I really like the professional look of the Smashbox counter and products. The range of products on offer is large, especially the primer range. I think that the target audience of the brand is generally everyone however, along with other designer cosmetic brands, is more attractive to people with a higher disposable income. I had previously heard of Smashbox due to the popularity of the Photo Finish Primer. I think that the brand does cover everyone due to the range of products it offers. Undoubtably the hero product of Smashbox is the Photo Finish primer.

Smashbox Counter

Laura Mercier

I like how the Laura Mercier counter appears very established and sophisticated. I think that the range of products is more limited than other brands, with only the basic make-up being available, along with skin care, but there is still a wide range of colours.  I think that the target audience ranges from young to mature adults but that the main consumer is older which is reflected in the prices and displays. I had also heard of this brand previously. I think that Laura Mercier does potentially cover everyone but I believe it to be unobtainable to people on a budget, for example students. The hero product of the brand is the Secret Camouflage concealer which won In Style Best Beauty Buy 2014 concealer.

Laura Mercier Counter

"If I could I would" Mood Board Interview with Mihaela Solomei

What or who was your inspiration?

I very much enjoy watching catwalks, I also like watching tutorials on youtube. I adore being in shopping centres looking at the make up products, even if I don't buy anything, and I enjoy reading magazines.

How did you research the project?

I read and looked at magazines, all of my photos on my board are from magazines.

How do I feel about the outcome?

I like it and thing that it reflects my personality well and where I want to be in 5 years.

Mihaela with her mood board

Summer Project

Part of my summer project was to create a mood board that represents my ideas and aspirations of where I would like to be in 5 years time. I enjoyed  this project and found it a thought provoking exercise which really concentrated my mind to my own future.

My mood board