October 3, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, Leave a comment

The Sinner, Dire Grove & RuffHouse Studios

Categories: General, Up to Date Info

Friends and family or those that follow FireMakeup Artistry, you may remember a film I worked on called, The Sinner.  It was my first trip to Austin, TX.  Along with being introduced to the city, I was introduced to indie films in Texas.  The Sinner began filming in June of 2010.  I was lead makeup/hair/sfx for this exciting production.  When Rey Diaz, (my boyfriend) introduced me to the script, (written by Charles Wiedman), I was hooked into the story.

I recently got the announcement from RuffHouse Studios, (Charles Wiedman’s brainchild company), that The Sinner is finally in it’s last stages of post production and will be released soon!  I cannot wait to see the film!  There was so much hard work and dedication that went into this movie.  I was Makeup?Hair Department Head and SFX artist for this film.  It will be such an amazing moment to come!

In the meantime I worked with RuffHouse Studios and Robert Calder at Zodiac Studios on Dire Grove, (live action, ipad video game).  On this gig I did makeup, hair and wardrobe styling for the lovely model, Amber Rose.  She got to play a character frozen from the ice ages that the player frees when winning the section of the game.  The after math of production is shown a bit here on RuffHouse’s blog.  You must watch the video at the end of the page, it’s so interesting, and they did such an amazing job editing this!  Of course, I am very proud of my work on this as well!  The image shown on the right is the post-production manipulation of two images.  If you click on RuffHouse Blog linked above, you can watch the progress unfold.

October 3, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

Fall 2011 Trend Report!

Categories: Trending

This fall the runways were flowing with so many different visions of beauty.  The list I have brought to you are of the trends that I really loved seeing.

BRAIDS:  The braid has stuck for centuries now, but you have to admit, it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to get a fresh new look.  From the image shown on the left from New York Fashion Week Fall 2011, you can see that the braid is still going strong.  I have watched braids all year in films, television and for bridal events.  You have to admit, they are still super cute and such a great way to keep your beautiful face accentuated.  If you have short hair, try finding a headband braid.  They sell them at retailers such as Sally Beauty for only $10, (shown on the right.)

RED LIPS:  The Red Lip is a fall must have ladies!  The runways rocked with red hues from unlined, matte cherry to dark, glossy burgundy.  Have you found your favorite shade yet? Check out my previous blog:  The Perfect Red Lip.  That blog will help you with color choices and applications for a flawless look.  My absolute fav of the season!  MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in New Temptation, $14.50.  This is one of the FEW lipstick types that I really love, with and without lipliner.  This lipstick has the full pigment of lipstick with added shine of a gloss!

GRAPHIC LINER:  Because of all the dramatic eye lines on the runway this season, some makeup lines have added easier ways to get the look at home.  One of my favorite new kits is by Christian Dior.  Dior Multi-Wear Adhesive Eyeliner Patches, (called) Velvet Eyes, $59 (shown below-right).  It’s an easier way to get that runway look for at least 2 times of wear.  I got to see some artists wearing them at Sephora.  And they really looked great!  Not sure how well they will do at the counters, but at least halloween is around the corner.  If you grab a few gal pals that want to try a pair, then it may be for a fun night out on the town!  Image shown to the right has added false eyelashes as well to get that glam effect.

DOLL LASHES:  Lashes always will always be the “icing on the cake” for any look, but the longer and more separated they can be, the better.  Mascaras that have high performance for lengthening and great reviews are:

 

METALLIC EYES:  Metals are getting the most attention this fall.  From a light dusting of silver on the lid to sultry smokey looks.  Christian Dior came out with a stunning face palette for a look that anyone can achieve.  Dior – Blue Tie, $70.  It’s a compact of 4 eyeshadow colors, midnight and navy blue sheen with charcoal and silver shimmers.  You also get a pretty petal pink lipgloss all encased in a metal embossed compact.

Enjoy the new trends for fall everyone and be sure to send in any makeup questions for tips and tricks of the makeup world that you would like for me to divulge into!

 

September 27, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 1 Comment

Beauty Timeline – did you know?

Categories: Retro Corner

BODY PAINT

100,000 B.C.
Early Homo sapiens femme fatales paint their bodies head to toe with red ocher to advertise fertility.

8th Century A.D.
Mehndi, the art of decorating hands and feet with henna plant dye to provide marriage luck and protection from the evil eye, spreads across Africa, the Middle East, and, eventually, India. Celebs such as Gwen Stefani sparked a mehndi fad in the U.S. in the 1990s.

1960–Present
The first self-tanners, which stain the outer layer of skin with sugarcane derivative dihydroxyacetone (DHA), hit the market in 1960. Today, professional spray tans are a bikini model’s best friend.

Photos: Steven Krause; Neil Beckerman/Getty Images; Courtesy of the Everett Collection

ANTI-AGING

1st Century B.C.
Roman women stay youthful with a mask of Libyan barley, pulverized staghorn, narcissus bulbs, and honey.

1100s
Medieval maidens tighten their skin with a cream made of chickpeas, barley, almonds, horseradish seeds, and milk.

2010
Creams such as Lancôme Génifique (which boosts gene activity to stimulate protein production) harness the latest technology.

Photos: Getty Images; Courtesy of Lancôme

HAIR REMOVAL

950 A.D.
Arab women rid themselves of unwanted hair at hammams, where a paste made of caustic quicklime or boiled-down lemon and sugar is applied from the eyelashes down.

1400s
In jousting-era Europe, the eyebrows and hairline are plucked with tweezers to create the illusion of a high, curved forehead. The neck is elongated by removing hair at the nape.

1995–Present
The FDA approves the first hair-removal laser in 1995. The advent of the five-blade Gillette Venus in 2000 and the Tria laser in 2008 make it easy to de-fuzz at home.

Photos: Getty Images; © La Collection/Artothek

VOLUME CONTROL

25,000 B.C.
Plumpness and symmetry are revered by early man, as evidenced by goddess sculptures such as the Venus of Willendorf.

1600s
Herb-filled pomander balls are held in the mouth to plump the cheeks and disguise volume loss from age.

2007
Studies prove that hyaluronic acid–based injectable Restylane actually boosts collagen production.

Photos: Bridgeman Art Library; Getty Images

HAIR DYE

100 B.C.–300 A.D.
Greco-Roman women bleach their hair using carbonized beechwood and goat fat. Those with dark hair disguise grays with sediment from wine fermentation.

1500s
A strawberry shade known as Venetian blond is all the rage in Renaissance Italy: The color is achieved with a highlighting concoction of twigs, barley, licorice bark, and lemons.

1909–Present
Eugène Schueller, founder of L’Oréal, launches the first commercial synthetic hair dye in 1909. Now, at-home color miracles like L’Oréal Paris Excellence To-Go transform tresses in minutes.

Photos: © Gianni Dagli Orti/Museo Provinciale Sigismondo Castromediano; © Luisa Ricciriani/Leemage; © Archives L’Oréal/DR

SKIN BRIGHTENING

1st Century B.C.
Women of the Han Dynasty in China ingest a powder made of tangerine peel, melon seeds, and peach blossoms three times daily for 30 days to whiten their complexions.

2nd Century A.D.
To eliminate freckles and lighten skin, Roman women apply wild melon roots. The Greek physician Galen, who also created the first cold cream, notes that “ladies dedicated to luxury” prefer a crocodile dung mask. Romans reportedly soaked in baths of crocodile feces and mud for soft
skin.

21st Century
The Asian obsession with skin-lightening reaches the West: Creams are packed with melanin-inhibitors such as kojic acid, and dermatologists blast away brown spots with high-tech broad-spectrum-light IPL devices.

Photos: Getty Images; Peter Hiscock/Getty Images

EYE LINER

2,500 B.C.
Egyptians apply a mixture of kohl and animal fat around their eyes with pointed tools: The concoction’s medicinal properties also purportedly prevented eye diseases.

1920s–Present
Other than the formulation, eyeliner use has changed little in nearly 5,000 years.

Photos: Bridgeman Art Library

FOUNDATION

200 B.C.
Pallor-loving Greek and Roman women dust their skin with white lead. Though toxic, lead makeup is common worldwide until the 1800s.

1558–1603
Elizabethan-era ladies create the illusion of alabaster skin with ceruse (white lead and vinegar). They also apply a glaze of egg whites for a taut, shiny complexion.

1920s–Present
Early Hollywood stars such as Clara Bow popularize a greasepaint precursor to mass-market foundation. By 2010, makeup is often enhanced with SPF, emollients, and peptides.

Photos: Bridgeman Art Library; John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images

TEETH

3rd Century A.D.
Japanese women lacquer their teeth black with a blend of iron filings, oak apples, and sake or tea.

1500
The first dentures—made of cow bone, ivory, and white marble—are introduced in Europe.

2010
White teeth are an American fixation: In-office procedures, at-home strips, and toothpastes all use peroxide to make gnashers gleam.

Photos: Getty Images; Monika Ribbe/Getty Images

HAIR EXTENSIONS

618–907 A.D.
Women of the Tang Dynasty sweep their hair over faux pieces to create elaborate sky-high buns with names such as “alerted swan chignon” and “worried chignon.”

1774–1789
Hair becomes political: Marie Antoinette sparks a fashion for extravagant three-foot wigs (reinforced with wire, gauze, and cloth) that are ornamented with vegetables, flowers, feathers, and model ships to reference current events. Marie Antoinette’s use of white flour to powder her poufs angered her impoverished subjects.

2009
Serge Normant (at his John Frieda Salons) teams up with superchic design house Balmain to create extension-like silk hair bonds that amp up volume. Thin-haired starlets rejoice.

(article courtesy of Elle.com)

July 29, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 5 Comments

Lone Star Music Magazine & FireMakeup Artistry

Categories: Up to Date Info

July/August 2011 cover

I was lucky enough to get the chance to help out with creative decisions for the cover and spread of Lone Star Music Magazine‘s July/August 2011 issue.  I was hired to do makeup, hair and styling for the magazine cover’s musician, Sunny Sweeney.  I had one day to shop between the wrap of Zombex, ( for the wardrobe in this shoot).  I went to my usual favorite places, Blackbird Clothes and Curios, Maya Star and Strut.  I picked such cute summer dresses, shorts, jeans and some chic blouses.  Blackbird went even farther and loaned a couple of jewelry pieces as well, (sanitized of course, before and after wear.)  I was really excited to get over to the shoot, but I was a bit worried since I couldn’t get all the sizing information I would have liked for my shopping.

Photography by Wade Griffith

The staff of Lone Star Music Magazine’s editorials; Melissa, Shilah and the photographer, (Wade Griffith) were so great to work with! They liked my ideas of the wardrobe styling, then the excitement to meet talent began.  Once Sunny got there, my worries turned realistic.  The lack of sizing given, meant the dresses didn’t quite fit the way I would have liked.  Because of the fit, all the dresses were nixed from the shoot.  The jeans and shorts I picked didn’t work, (since all her jeans she gets altered) and weren’t used.  We continued to shoot her in a couple blouses, an amazing rocker vest, her own jeans, some heels I brought from my own collection, and some jewelry.

Photo by Ryan Green

In the end, it was a beautiful location and a wonderful shoot.  I am very happy with the images produced.  I just wished I would have purchased that vest!  It was such an affordable price and I doubt I will find one that amazing again!  I could actually use it in my production for August.  Le sigh… the journey continues!

In an added note:  For that issue of Lone Star Music Magazine, I was asked to get them an ad for my makeup and hair services.  I didn’t really have a photo that I wanted to give them.  I needed something to fit the magazine’s demographic.  From that inquiry, an idea was born.  I have been sitting on a bathing suit wrap, from around the 1960′s – 70′s.  I really wanted to use this vintage piece of clothing, so I added a little more texture with feathers and jewels and made this wrap into a beautiful piece of art. Thanks to Ryan Green Photography and Rachel for modeling for me, the ad was produced!  (The version used for the magazine is shown above-left.)

 

June 20, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 1 Comment

May 2011 on “Zombex”

Categories: Up to Date Info
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This spring/summer has really been busy for me.  In May I got the opportunity to work on a feature film, “Zombex” as the Makeup Department Head and Key Hairstylist.  Written and directed by Jesse Dayton, his film brings a new refreshing twist to the usual zombie flick.  Produced by Marissa Garrison and crew at Eleven: 11 films.  We filmed in Pittsburg & Austin, TX as well as New Orleans, LA.  It was a crazed and fun filled trip of our 21 days of filming.  The film has a very talented group of actors, with Austin based talent such as David Christopher and Emily Kaye.  Personal music heros, Tom Araya, (Slayer) and John Doe, (X).  Add to that some horror film fathers, Sid Haig, Malcolm McDowell, Corey Feldman and Lew Temple. And, viola… you have one damn good zombie movie.  Interested yet?  Get over to the Zombex Facebook Page and become a fan!  Or visit the Zombex Blog for more details and updated information on the film.  Oh I CANNOT forget to add, all Special Effects design/effects were done by Meredith Johns and company at Hawgfly.

Day 1 in Pittsburg, TX

I cannot tell you what a high it was, finally being the makeup department head of a feature film.  Not to mention, what it felt like having the responsibility to produce at the highest level than I ever have.  Then, the fact that the people putting the film together, (director, the talent and crew), were so respected and admired by myself before the script was in my hands….!  You can imagine the stress but complete fulfillment of my job, as it unfolded and finally picture wrapped.

Tom Araya and Emily Kaye

This film was another great opportunity to meet new characters, new people and make new friends.  I was introduced to Miss Allie Towell, my makeup/hair department assistant.  Without her, it would have been so difficult, to accomplish so much in such a short time.  AND ROCK IT IN THE WAY WE DID!

Allie and I at wrap of "Zombex"

I am very fortunate as a makeup artist, to be able to do my job in different cities and locations to learn new history and be a part of making history.  I am so very proud of the work I turned out in this film.  And very excited to see the finished product.  I hope you all enjoy the stills from behind the scenes of  Zombex!”  Be sure to keep an eye out for more updates about this film.  The press for “Zombex” just keeps building!

April 30, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

New Foundation I love!!

Categories: Must Have Products

Since relocating to Austin, TX.   My skin has required some product changes because of  introducing it into a new climate.  The foundation I loved, was just not cutting it.  Having to change my regime, I searched for a new foundation that I look great wearing, without having a face full of shine.  After going to Sephora numerous times and about 4 foundations later, I FOUND IT!  I am now a solid fan of the Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation.  An oil-free liquid, with an spf of 15 and Vitamin C.  It’s also weightless, has anti-aging properties while also firming and revitalizing your skin throughout the day.  After purchasing the foundation, I realized I had the powder that goes with the new foundation, already in my personal makeup kit.  I introduce,The Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder & Brush Set.  This powder is made for all skin types, it is oil, talc and paraben free.  It includes a travel Kabuki Brush for a beautifully glowing and flawless application.  I used to wear it alone on days where I didn’t want alot of coverage.  But wearing it now with this foundation, I have a beautiful and glowing finish that lasts a minimum of 10 hours.  So glad I found this product, I just had to share with you all.

On an ending note, I have NOT used this product on set or for camera.  And have yet to take any photos of myself out and about!  But the photos will come soon my loverlies.

March 23, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

Updates with a little extra somethin’

Categories: General

Last week was full of surprises.  Along with some normalcy of photo shoots and bridal trial runs, added to my schedule was a music video and an event for South by Southwest, (SXSW) in Austin, TX.

The music video was such a blast.  I was hired for not only hair and makeup, but wardrobe styling as well.  Although, spending 3 days going in and out of Lucy In Disguise really cannot be considered a chore.  And it’s such a fun place to visit.  The staff are so helpful and the added treat, is that my friend works there as well.  The music video was for Johnny Polygon.  Not only was he a treat to work with, it helps that I really loved the concept of the shoot.  It was for his song “Someday”.  As soon as I get to see it, I will be sure to present it!

Allison with Chad Elliot of Funeral Party

Then, I was fortunate enough to be booked for SXSW with the Steve Madden Music Showcase.  I was booked as makeup and hair for all on camera talent and for photo shoots for two days.  Allison Hagendorf was the host of the show.  Such a hard worker she is, and of course looking amazing all the while!  She is a lovely person to work with, I really enjoyed it.  I was also excited to be able to work with talent Paul Humphreys from OMD, Eliza Doolittle, The Kolacny Brothers and more.  To view more images get over to my FireMakeup Fan page on FACEBOOK by CLICKING HERE.  The pictures are courtesy of Allison Hagendorf as well.

Along with all the excitement of SXSW, I received an email from Thumbtack.  They are a listing source for jobs, odds and ends just like Craigslist.  Anywhoo, the email was an announcement to tell me I am now ranked #1 for the Austin Makeup Artist listings!  Woooohooo!  I am very excited and very humbled!  Thanks so much Thumbtack!  Check out the listing below if you are feelin’ nosey.

Makeup Artists – Austin

March 2, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 3 Comments

Q & A: 1940′s Makeup Tips

Categories: Makeup How To's, Retro Corner

Q:  I need help with 1940′s makeup for upcoming events, how do I do this? – Jean

A:  First of all Jean, in the 1940′s the woman were “naturally beautiful”.  The makeup they wore just slightly accentuated the features they had, giving them a rosy glow.  The look today is more commonly referred to as “pinup” and it was actually more of an evening out look of that time.  But, you are in luck, the makeup from that era is very easy to duplicate.  And the tips I am about to give are for both the strict vintage style, and in parenthesis a modern version.

FACE:

1.  The first thing you need to do is follow my article on How To Get a Porcelain Skin Finish.  That will instruct on tips and tricks for foundation if in fact you do want a matte finish.  Follow the instructions, but with your coloring, (since you some pigment in your skin).

2.  For contour, try Tokidoki Bellina Blush $22.  To apply; using the pink shade, smile into the mirror and concentrate application on the apples of cheeks, then gently blend up, back and towards the temples of your face.  Apply the deeper shade as bronzer.  To apply; follow same directions but instead of smiling, make a pucker by holding your cheeks in and follow the hollowed area under your cheek.

Katina by Lone Star Pinup Photography

EYES:
1.  With your finger apply MAC Bare Canvas, $16.50 entirely on the lid and blend into the crease (or MAC Rubenesque, $16.50 for the modern shimmer look)
2.  Apply MAC Mylar, $14.50 eyeshadow gently on the brow bone area, and blend into your lid/crease shade (or MAC Shroom, $14.50 for the modern shimmer look)
3.  Blend in MAC Wedge, $14.50 eyeshadow into your crease, (softly – a little goes along way) but staying away from lid and browbone.
4.  Line the top lid with MAC Fluidline, $15 using an eyeliner brush, JAPONESQUE Eyeliner Brush, $11 (dip tip of brush into gel formula and wipe off excess on rim of jar, glide brush in small strokes across lash line, continue to build line, until desired intensity is achieved.
5.  Line lower lashline with MAC Wedge eyeshadow softly, then blend down into a softer line with clean fingertip
6.  Add MAC Shroom to inner corner of eyelid to add a pop of brightness.
7.  Fill in brows as needed with an eyeshadow or brow liner of your choice, make sure to keep the brush strokes light.

LASHES:
1.  apply favorite mascara, curl lashes then top off with Lashes by Ardell for your desired length look.

LIPS:
If you don’t have that perfect red lip shade in your makeup kit, refer to The Perfect Red Lip blog that I previously wrote.  If you do have that shade of red:
1.  With your red liner, line top lip just out side your lipline, to make them fuller.  Then line lower lip on the lip line.
2.  Blend lip liner inward toward the inside of your mouth to keep line soft on the inside
3.  Apply lipstick within the lip line and gently blend lipcolor and liner together!
I hope this article helps you Jean.  I know you will knock their socks off in your next show!  And a special thanks to Katina, for her beautiful image taken by Erin Shepard @ Lone Star Pinup Photography.  Hair and Makeup by myself.

 

February 24, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 2 Comments

Spring & Summer Beauty Trending

Categories: Trending

Max Mara Collection 2011This Spring, there are a many beautiful trends that have been introduced.  This blog is about MY favorite trends of the season.  All of these looks I found bursting out of the fashion magazines and runways shows all over the world.  Spring is the sign for anew, and these three following looks really are, a breath of fresh air.

The first trend is COLOR!  These vivid and bright looks are the show stoppers! From Christian Dior and Jimmy Choo to Marc Jacobs, the eye looks are bursting with hues of blue, pink, purple, and green.  I know, I know they are bold.  But have no fear, all these looks can be included into your beauty regime.  Adding a new colorful lipstick and/or eye shadow will bring out those beautiful features and stop traffic, dead in it’s tracks.  In addition, MAC Cosmetics has launched a pop-tastic Wonder Woman Campaign.  Along with their vivid color filled palettes, they now have jewel colored mascaras to add to mix.  This is a fun way to bring out your eyes.  Every eye color can be accentuated by the new purple shade.  It also brings back memories of the 80′s.  Let your inner child-at-heart out to play with a new toy.  And go ahead, get that neon lime green eyeshadow to enhance your baby blues!

The second trend is VINTAGE!  From the starlets of the late 1920′s to the rockabilly style of the 50′s.  Oh yes, my lovelies, the looks do live on!  If you want that vintage makeup look, it’s a very chic and simple one.  Concentrate on your jet black liquid eyeliner, heavy black mascara and ruby red lips! That look will continue to draw attention.  The picture shown to the right is from Jean Paul Gaultier’s runway show and it proves how elegant it can look!

Dior Spring 2011 Ad Campaign

On a side note,  the hairstyles that are becoming even more popular this season are also classic vintage do’s.  As shown on the left in the Christian Dior spring ad campaign, those soft cascading curls, are just the beginning.  There are also, many an up-do in the lot.  Those bombshells really knew how to work their hair.

And finally the third trend is NATURAL.  The sultry yet subtle flesh toned lip, coupled with pink cheeks is really clean and just simply flawless!  Even for a bride to be this could be an edgy way to make a statement for the big day.  Ralph Lauren has no problem making every women feel beautiful.  Notice his  look to the lower right.  This image is from one of his runway shows, and I believe, really makes a statement for spring.

Are these trends not attracting your attention?  Or, are you a girl that doesn’t wear too much makeup?  Maybe try throwing on a new deep pink lipstick for your next coffee date or luncheon.  You never know, you may love it!  The good thing is, it’s just makeup.  And it will always wash off!

I hope you enjoyed my first addition to the FireMakeup blog for trending.  And this spring, I hope you will all feel the warmth of the sun, (while wearing sunscreen)!

~Jessi

February 21, 2011, Author: Jessi Pagel, 4 Comments

Overcoming tests, trials and tribulations:

Categories: General
Tags:: , ,

Touching up the beautiful & talented Katherine Willis for "The Sinner"

Tales of a Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist, (while on the job).  This blog is in no way a negative look into the life of a makeup artist, but IT IS fact.  Now looking back, I do cherish these times, and even giggle to myself.  But I am very grateful for the quick thinking and resourcefulness that helped me along the way.  I will be adding to this blog as often as the new occurrences introduce themselves.  Enjoy, but be warned. If you are of the faint of heart you may not want to continue reading.

1.  On one occasion, I watched as talent put tea tree oil onto his hair, but he promises it never touched his face.  Yet, his skin is so full of slick shine, the thickest powdering only holds for 10 minutes.

2.  A production executive asked for eye drops during filming.  After returning with the necessary product, the people that I was told to present it to, didn’t need it or want it after all.  They just smelled of a new “organic nature” than they had before.  I guess they were caught red-handed.

3.  At another television show, talent walked into the makeup room with a bulbous pussy mass on his skin near his tear duct.  I ask, “Is that an infection, or have you had that looked at?”  He replies that it has been there awhile, and it is not an infection.  He is waiting for tests results to see if it is cancerous.  So I apply makeup and avoid that immediate area.  A couple hours later, talent proceeds to PICK the mass, it then pours blood onto his face DURING FILMING.  Good thing it wasn’t a live show, and that I am quick on the draw!  First aid kits always come in handy.

OK, enough with the gross for now…..

4.  While working as head makeup/hair and sfx in ’06 on an independent, “Isolated.”  We had to travel back to Lake Tahoe in January to pick up on some last minute shots.  It had been snowing and even snow storms occurred while we were filming.  I had to add blood to talents hands and not thinking, (just working quickly) I had the blood on my hands as well.  Also, I didn’t remove the blood from my own hands in case they needed more.  (FYI, blood eats away disposable gloves, and I like to actually feel what I am doing so I wear no protection and don’t use applicators for this process).  While I was waiting on the end scene, my hands got tight and freezing cold.  By the time I could clean them all we had was ice cold water from a port-a-sink.  You can imagine the pain.  Then I jumped into my “makeup room – Jeep Cherokee” and turned on the heater to DEFROST my hands.  How is that for being “hands on”.  My pins and needles took about 10 minutes to wear off.  And yes, I did learn my lesson.

5.  If you are on location outdoors, remember to wear BUG SPRAY while working with blood.  The mosquitoes love the syrup base in most blends.  I learned the hard way, and was covered in welts.  We stayed on location for 2 1/2 more weeks. The mixture of anti-itch spray, bug repellent and sunscreen is no substitute for perfume.  Unfortunately that smell doesn’t wash off so easily either.

Caroline posing for the photographer, taken from my camera phone.

6.  In 2006, a friend/model, (Caroline Rippy Portillo) and I had arrived at our photoshoot location.  We were excited to shoot in the Neon Museum of Las Vegas and to meet the photographer.  As she stepped out of my suv, her vintage dress, circa late 1940′s ripped from armpit to hip.  I got to preform dress surgery, while she was still wearing it.  We were hiding next to my car, to shield her from oncoming traffic and possible onlookers.  I am still proud of that day, and I have had to repeat that surgery two other times.  Glad I can sew a stitch!

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