Warm Weather Violations

So for the past couple of days we have been experiencing some really stunning, outrageously beautiful days in the DMV.  Not officially out of the winter season (which was a little milder than expected), it goes without saying that the warmth is more than welcome.  It also goes without saying that because the weather has been unseasonably warm, many unscrupulous individuals have had the audacity to walk out their homes wearing questionable attire and have committed various heinous beauty acts which are in extreme violation of what is sound and reasonable.  Following is a list of my top three pet peeves and if you fall into one of these categories, it’s ok.  Just be mindful and make some changes.

Crocadile feet.  Yes I said crocodile feet.  Jagged toe nails that haven’t seen a file, emory board or jack hammer in forever. Crusty (crust + rust = crusty) feet that haven’t seen a pumice stone or lotion in who knows how long.  Chipped toenail polish – is it on or off?  Make a decision.  Please care for yourself enough to care for your feet – go get yourself a pedicure or do one at home.

Ill fitting shoes.  Just in case you didn’t know, your shoes should actually fit.  Your toes should not hang off the front of your open toe shoe/sandal, looking like bird claws on a perch nor should your big heel hang off the back of your shoe like a car hanging off a cliff in a movie.  It is also not acceptable to wear shoes that you have to tip in (yes tip).  You have seen her before (or maybe it’s you).  She is wearing a great outfit and really nice shoes that she can’t walk gracefully in.  Instead she looks like she is taking shorter, stifled steps, perhaps like she is walking a tightrope because her feet are balled up like fists inside of a shoe that doesn’t fit.  Just because the shoe is cute doesn’t mean it will work for you.  Go shopping in the latter part of the day when your foot is a little bigger and you can get a more accurate fit for your foot.  Also when we are older we pretty much know what our shoe size is but our feet do change over time and it is a good idea to have someone measure your foot. This way you won’t have to be a tipper.

Kymaro Body Shaper Kymaro.com

Ill fitting undergarments or lack thereof.  With warm weather people tend to wear more sheer fabrics.  Nothing wrong with that per se but please make sure you have (and actually wear) a slip and/or tank top with your outfits.  No one needs to see your private parts while you are picking up eggs at the grocery store.  And please, to the more – let’s just say voluptuous folk out there,  body shapers are your friend.

Film Set Tips

Having the opportunity to work on film and television sets over the years, I have gained valuable skills and experiences that have helped me grow as an artist and as a business woman.  Being on location can bring about exciting and fulfilling days, as well as long days with unexpected twists and turns that test your patience and you long to hear the words “That’s a wrap”.  Having said that, here are some tips and best practices to help you along the way..

Do your prep work:

• Understand the script.  If you are provided with a script, you should actually read it so that you understand the characters/settings and what is required of you to bring characters to life.
• Utilize your call sheets.  Your call sheets are going to list times, dates, scenes, locations, cast and crew for each day of the shoot so you always know the who, what, when, why and where.  You will also know how to plan the looks and what to bring for that particular day.
• Attend the pre-production meetings for your department.  You play a very important role in the production so it is important to take detailed notes and to ask questions.
• Be sure to discuss the details of pay, contracts, etc prior to the shoot so that everyone is clear on what the compensation is and there wont be any surprises.

On Set:

• Arrive early to set up and organize your work station.  A lot of time is wasted when your work station is haphazard.  You must position yourself to complete the looks in a timely manner, especially when you are responsible for doing makeup for multiple talent.
• Understand that you are at work.  Your friends and family should not be on set.
• Bring snacks just in case there is no craft services or if it will be a while before meals are served.
• Dress comfortably and professionally and please be aware of your hygiene.  Also wear a watch even if you dont normally wear one so that you always are aware of the time.
• Always be on standby for touch-ups/last looks.  The director should never have to look for you.
• Watch the monitor to see what the talent looks like and dont be afraid to say that you need to touch up something before the camera starts rolling.  It is your job to make sure people look good.  That is your work on the screen that everyone will see.  Own it!!!
• Since scenes are shot out of sequence and you may need to do the same look on the same person for several days in a row,  be sure to keep your notes and continuity charts in order and pay attention to detail.
• Have a set bag for when you are on standby filled with the essentials (q-tips, translucent powder, lipstick, etc) to touch up in between shots.  This way you wont have to lug your entire kit around the set.
• Dont leave set until you are told to.  Understand that times can run over and that you will be expected to continue working.
• Understand that the language that makeup artists speak and what directors speak can be two different things.  Be patient in understanding exactly what is expected of you.
• Be kind, remain flexible and no complaining.

Hope that helps

Toodles :0)

just wondering

i have been trying to figure out when it became acceptable to

• wear skirts and dresses so short that your secret place is almost exposed.  i thought private parts were just that – private.  i was at work one day and i had to tell a client who was bending down exposing everything that she needed to stand up because she was offending everyone, including myself.  you know what she says to me? “oh that happens all the time.”  im thinking if it happens so much, maybe you should reconsider what you are wearing.
• wear pants/jeans sagging, exposing color coordinated boxers.  even worse to walk in such a way while wearing your sagging jeans to hold them up.  i mean these fools have perfected that slow dip walk to prevent their pants from completely falling off.  come on.  this pant sagging trend started in prison because inmates were not allowed to wear belts with their prison uniforms because the belt would enable them to hang themselves, other inmates, or use as weapons.  why would anyone want to emulate such a thing?  and why should a law be passed to tell your foolish behind to keep your pants pulled up? oh and dont let me start on sagging skinny jeans!
• to wear sunglasses and hats indoors.  there was a time (back when we had more manners) that when you entered a building you would take off your hat.  it was a sign of respect.  now not only is it hats it’s sunglasses as well.
• to walk into a store/transact business while checking out on a cell phone
• to not wear the proper undergarments under your clothing.  ladies come on.  you need to make sure you are wearing the right type of bra for your outfit and the size of your bust.  i know it can be hard for those that have fuller bust lines – you want to wear the cute little halter tops, strapless tops and whatever else is out there that isnt big bust friendly.  dont push you luck.  minimal cleavage is acceptable in certain settings (not while looking for a job but i will talk about that later) but your areola is showing.  thongs should not be seen peeking out of your pants, skirts, etc.  and when you bend down, even if it is at your knees, you need to ensure that you are not flashing everyone.  crack kills.  visible panty lines are never acceptable.  they make seamless panties, thongs, etc.  and do you remember slips?  they go under your skirts.  and for those of you with big thighs and large posteriors, you need to invest in some undergarments with some built in control like spanx.  you might think it’s attractive to have all your stuff jingling all over the place but actually it isnt.  and just because something comes in your size doesnt mean you should be wearing it. just thought i would throw that out there as well.

im just saying

protect yourself

so working at a company that is the “leading expertise in beauty” i see many things during the day.  i see ladies come in all the time with their dirty fingers rubbing in shadows and blushes, people with growths on their lips slathering on lip gloss with the wand that comes in the tube as well as applying lipstick directly from the tube without consideration and ladies trying on a myriad of mascaras ,again, with the wand that comes in the tube.  with that said, cleanliness and sanitization is major a concern.  i just want to share with you a few tips on how to protect yourself and others when you visit stores that have an open sell environment…

mascara:  use the disposable mascara wands that have been provided (use a different wand for each eye.  double dipping is a no no)

lip gloss:  if you are trying on stick gloss (you know the ones that you screw off the top and the wand is attached) use the disposable lip wands that are provided and again no double dipping).  if you are trying on a lip color that comes in a pot, first wipe off the top layer of uncertainty with tissue then take a lip wand to dip into the pot and apply the color.  if you using a lip gloss that comes in a tube, squeeze out a little of the product onto a tissue, then spray some alcohol on the tip of the tube and rewipe the tip, throw the tissue away and then use a disposable lip wand to apply the color.

lip sticks:  take a tissue to wipe off the layer of uncertainty then alcohol the lipstick and then wipe again

eye shadows:  use a tissue to wipe off the layer of uncertainty then take a disposable eye shadow applicator to apply your eyeshadow. and again do not double dip.

also when you go into these stores for makeovers, the artist should be sanitizing their hands, using brush cleaner for their brushes before they touch the product and your face, wiping off layers of uncertainty, wiping off the mouths of foundation bottles with alcohol so on and so forth.  and (gasp) if they ever blow on their brushes, product or you, run for the nearest exit because that is so gross!!!!!

i hope this tidbit of information helps to raise your level of awareness about issues of cleanliness.