A Little Rain Won't Hurt

We survived!

Yesterday at the very fun, very busy, very wet and very cold photoshoot all of the models did great! Braving the rain and wind the girls all had smiles on their faces. Country music blarring from an iphone while the girls danced around under a gazebo to keep themselves warm and in high spirits. All of them looking gorgeous, with curls and lashes, lipstick and blush. Each of them owning their specific look to a tee!

We were lucky to have some beautiful Stella & Dot Jewelry care of Brittany, an independent stylist for Stella & Dot. (To view her facebook page click on her name). Colorful chunky necklaces, yellow golds, coral colored stone drop earrings...the Spring line is amazing and if you love necklaces, bracelets and earrings you don't want to miss out! The pieces that each model wore enhanced their beauty and added the perfect touch to each photograph.

Normally I ask a good friend of mine Hayley to take the photos for my portfolio, but this time I thought that she needed to step out from behind the camera and take a seat infront of it for once!
(To view her photography website click on her name). I took the role of photographer this time around, along with my cousin Lauren, another very talented photographer! With having two photographers and four models we were able to get a huge variety of different shots and I have to say I am extremely happy with them. Now, my photos are nothing compared to both Hayley and Lauren but I was happy to take the photos and enjoy being behind the camera as well. Taking photography classes in high school helped a tad, but I do need more practice!

I would like to sincerely thank all the ladies that were able to help me out by either modelling, taking photos or holding umbrellas (wink). You all amaze me and it means alot!

Here is a shot I took from the photoshoot... you would never know that Candice is standing in the rain and getting soaked as each picture is taken. Loving the angelic look of the white shirt and jewelry along with her blonde hair and blue eyes and the contrast of the green moss on the tree...creating a shot that I am proud of!

 View either my website or Facebook Page to see many more portfolio photos!

 

Helpful Friends

I have some great people in my life. Always willing to help out. Lending themselves as models for me to expand my portfolio. Something I enjoy doing often and wish I could do every weekend... this couldn't happen though or I would never have time to work with clients.

I am lucky enough to have friends that are in fields that make expanding my portfolio that much easier. Hayley Rae is a wonderful photographer and has taken photos of my husband and I "trashing" my wedding dress, maternity and family photos. What is even more wonderful, she has also been kind enough to have taken some portfolio photographs for me as well. They turned out fantastic! She is amazing at what she does and I highly recommend her for your own event. Check out her website for further information and to view her most recent work.

Having gorgeous girlfriends also makes it easy to create beautiful portfolio pictures. They have shown to be relaxed and confident infront of the camera and above all else, they have fun! I have repeat offenders because they enjoyed themselves so much. How can I say no? I am just thankful I have seen so much interest in modelling for me.

I have an upcoming portfolio photoshoot this weekend and can't wait! Four models, my cousin Lauren will be taking the photos for me (another fabulous photographer, up and coming), Stella & Dot jewellry (care of one of the models....who is a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist) and a friend whom I will call my "assistant" for the day!

Thank you in advance ladies, I really appreciate all your help.

Stay tuned for new photos next week!!

(Here is a photo from the last photoshoot. Photos care of Hayley Rae Photography.)

Fake Lashes...Falsies...

I absolutely LOVE false lashes. Wearing them, applying them, seeing people wearing them (that is if they apply them correctly).

There are a few tricks to applying a false lash on yourself...

Trick #1: Before applyng them, take one lash strip from the package and place it on the end of your finger (hold your finger out like you are shooting a gun, your finger being the gun, and drape the lashe over your finger so it is curved). There will be a small amount of glue already on the lash that will allow it to stay on the end of your finger. This will help the lash have a natural curve just like your eyelid does, which will allow it to sit much nicer.

Trick #2: Use the white eyelash glue (I prefer DUO) as it works much better then the clear glue. Squeeze the glue onto a surface that you can easily clean, just a small small amount. Do not apply glue directly to the lash itself. You may squeeze the tube too hard and get a huge clump of glue on your lash which only makes a big mess. When applying the glue to the lash take the end of one of your make-up brushes, a skinny one works best, such as a lipstick brush. Dip the end of the brush into the glue and begin applying it to the lash by dotting it on one end to the other. Before placing the lash onto your eyelid blow on the glue slightly, allowing it to set a tiny bit. This causes it to become tacky and will attach much easier for you.

Trick #3: Try keeping your eye open while applying the lash, this will get the fake lash to sit similarly to your natural lashes and of course you will be able to see what you are doing. Push down the inner portion of the fake lash so it does not become unattached, this will be a trial and error method. You do not want to place the fake lash too close to your inner eye because you will then feel as if you are wearing a caterpillar on your face. If you look closely at your own eyelashes they start to become full slightly away from your inner eye. This is a good starting position to follow.

Trick #4: No ones eyes are the same size, so when buying a pair of fake lashes from the store (I use Ardelle brand, bought from Walmart. They work just as well as the more expensive brands, sometimes better since they only cost $5 and you can purchase a bunch of styles). You will want to trim the lashes down to fit your eye. Usually only a small portion from the shorter end of the lashes needs to be cut off. It all depends on your eye size.

Trick #5: Make sure to apply your black eyeliner and mascara prior to applying the false lashes. You do not want to apply mascara on top of the fake ones as it will cause clumping and can easily pull the glue off and you will have to start over. A small amount of eyeliner can be applied afterwards as well to make sure no glue is showing. The white glue dries clear but can leave a shiny look which is what you will want to cover up. This shine will be reflective in the light and will make it more noticeable that you are wearing fake lashes.

Trick #6: Reuse your lashes! After wearing your lashes once, to be able to wear them again all you need to do is gently pull off the dried glue to reveal a clean edge and away you go. This is another reason why you do not want to apply mascara over the fake ones because you will not be able to salvage them for a second or third use.

Coming from a woman who believes that a false lash done right can make all the difference in a beautiful make-over, I wish you all the best in your applications!!

I hope the tips have helped, any questions? Feel free to ask!

Juggling

Keeping a balance in life is easier said then done. I am currently on maternity leave with my newest son, who is now seven months old! Wow, how time flies. Since being on maternity leave I also have my three and a half year old at home with me... So on top of owning a home, caring for two children, having a husband and doing make-up on the side I tend to stay busy.

I am not going to lie, I love being busy. My body may say otherwise but in the end everything I do is rewarding in one way or another. I started a pilates class to give back to my body, yet, this has only made it more mad!!

I admit, I am one of those mom's that needs a break. Probably more often then not. Make-up gives me a good excuse to get out of the house and do something I love. I don't play any sports like my husband so this is perfect for me. He has his thing, I have mine.

Right now my biggest concern is returning to work, which will happen this summer. So on top of my life I also have a full time job in an office doing accounts. Summers are the busiest months as it is, getting good use of the sunshine while it lasts. Family camping trips. Birthdays (mine and both my sons). Squeeze in work, daycare, at home life and make-up...makes for a packed calendar. I love summer months! Always something to look forward every day.

Speaking of summer months, it tends to be big in the wedding department as well! I book well in advance for summer dates so feel free to send me a message/email if you are interested in meeting with me. Pricing can be found on my website . I also throw in a FREE consultation for Brides. I know how stressful planning a wedding can be and I would never add to the stress! I am here to make your day easy going and laid back (as much as possible)!

It Is In The Brush

I am a firm believer that to be a good make-up artist you do not only need good products but great brushes. Brushes should be used as if they are your paint brushes, a face being your canvas. This isn't rocket science... to be a great artist you need to know your way around a  brush.

A brush with a specific purpose such a 'concealing' or 'blending' does not need to be limited to just this. Look at what type of hairs are used in the brush...
Don't know how to tell the difference? Begin with feel. A brush with a smooth, conditioned type feel will be best for liquids, creams (as in cream shadows or even lipsticks), concealers and foundations. A brush with more of a bristle type hair is best for picking up powders as in eye shadows, blushes and all over face powders to control shine. I love to use a tiny lipstick application brush to apply concealer to those pesky pimples. The key is to use minimal concealer with a green/yellow hue in a dotted fashion to cover up the evil red mountain lerking on your face. Remember, less is more. Apply your foundation as normal but take care around the areas you have concealed not to wipe it away. Then to finish, take a face powder with a brush you would use for on your eyes and tap some powder over that concealer to set it. It is best to make a pimple matte, the shine will attract more attention to the area. We don't want that!

I hope this little tip helps you out on those days you wake up to a new little friend that popped up to say hello! Also, remember to make sure your face is washed and moisturized before bed. This way you won't wake up to a sister pimple.

Washing your brushes...if you do not have a make-up brush cleaner then I suggest you clean your brushes with Baby Shampoo. It is sensitive enough to use every other day. Simply put a small amount of shampoo in your hand, wet your brush and swirl the hairs around in your palm and the shampoo. Rinse and allow to dry overnight. This will help stop the spread of bacteria that causes those nasty pimples.

It Begins!

It begins!

My first blog...my first posting.
I will start with introducing myself, I am Caitlin a Blanche Macdonald Make-Up Artistry graduate. I have been a freelance make-up artist since 2005. It feels like forever but I love the art more and more every year. New products, new clients...new adventures! I am available for make-up for brides, bridal parties, photoshoots, grads and special events. To view my recent work, pricing and additional information please check out my website here. The name of my blog "Am I Blushing?" was chosen for a few reasons... Reason one being that out of every make-up product out there my favorite would have to be, you guessed it, BLUSH! Reason two, I am very lucky to have many people compliment me on my work and seem to be quite happy with how their make-up turns out, which in turn will make me blush.

I plan to post make-up tips for all to share, as well as photos of my new work. Coming soon I will be uploading the newest portfolio photos early next month.

My Facebook page is also a place where I upload new photos, feel free to check it out! I am always posting giveaways for FREE make-up sessions so you don't want to miss out. I have come across many clients over the years and I have not had one bad experience so far. I am an outgoing, professional and determined make-up artist. I am here to make you look and feel beautiful.

A few kind words from a couple clients...

Caitlin you are absolutely fabulous! You are so knowledgeable and professional. You really went the extra mile to make me happy... And I know how picky I am! I really appreciate you answering my many emails regarding different products! We are really looking forward to having you part of our special day! -Adrienne Wolf

Anybody that can take a heart broken girl who had been crying for 2 days and make her face look flawless all while being patient with the random tears ruining your work, and keeping a smile on everyone's face. Priceless. Your knowledge on products and skin, your experience with many different styles and looks, and your calm stress free approach makes you stand out amongst anybody else who has ever done my hair or makeup. I would recommend Caitlin to anybody for any event where everybody wants to look and feel beautiful. -Candice Walker