Another year has come to an end...
What a great and challenging year 2014 was. From family events, new clients, a change in my professional career, the passing of my grandmother, my oldest starting kindergarten...the list goes on.
When I look back on the the things that have been huge impacts this year I can't help but be thankful for the life I have. As hard as losing our grandma was on the family, we have, without a doubt, become closer because of it. My uncle continues to battle cancer as we speak, but with a brave woman at his side, he is getting the care he needs and the love he deserves through such a difficult time.
Leaving my seven year position at a company I have grown with over the years was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. This last year caused struggles within the work place that pushed me to figure out what was truly important to myself and the good of my family. As of September I have been a full time stay at home mother, and part time makeup artist. With leaving my full time position at the office I was able to redirect my work path back onto makeup, like I had intended after I graduated high school. I tell you, it is a tough business. So much extraordinary competition out there. I am happy to say that things are going well for my business and with every slow month, there comes a busy one right around the corner.
I have had the opportunity to meet many new people, work on a diverse array of different clients and have booked plenty of 2015 weddings that I am greatly looking forward to.
With a new year comes new challenges, and new adventures. With plans for renting out a cabin in the Okanagan, travelling to Hollywood to celebrate a family wedding and all the fun in between. We have hopes of selling our town home and expanding into a house that fits our family better, something that scares me more than you know. It is hard enough keeping 1500 square feet of home clean...and we want more?!? Yet, I do look forward to making a new house a home for my kids.
My youngest has turned from a baby into a little boy, which feels like over night. Learning new things everyday, recognizing numbers, controlling a game remote better then I ever could and reminding my husband and I that two year old's are challenging. Although, we know that the "trying three's" are just around the corner...so he can remain two for as long as he wants!
My oldest, the five year old going on fifteen, has excelled in kindergarten. Showing compassion for others, an easy going attitude with lots of friends and a great thirst for knowledge. Always asking questions and wanting to learn more and more...and more. We envision great things for him.
Personally, I have had a lot of time to reflect on myself. Am I being the best mother? Am I being a supportive wife? Am I a generous friend? Am I a caring daughter? These questions cross my mind all the time. Bouncing around in my head like a ping pong ball. All I can say is, I try. I make an effort to remind myself that I can be better. Anyone can be good at something, I want to be great.
As a makeup artist, I want to see my career expand in 2015. Having a larger clientele means staying even more organized, a lot more emails and an abundance of shopping for new and replenishing products for my kit. I plan to take this challenge head on. Priding myself on being personal and organized within my makeup career is what I believe provides me the bookings I receive. A distracted, impersonal artist will not be used on multiple occasions, regardless of their ability to do makeup. You need the personality behind the art. If I can make someone comfortable and taken care of...I have done my job.
So, 2015, you are welcomed with open arms.
Happy New Year to all you beautiful people out there. I hope your challenges are minimal and your adventures are exciting. Cheers!!
-Caitlin J
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Sunday, November 30, 2014
One Lucky Lady Raffle Draw
My "Little Hearts Makeup Big Dreams" fundraiser, One Lucky Lady raffle draw proceeds will be donated to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Each ticket is only $2. The winner will be announced December 20th, 2014 at 6pm, and will be contacted via phone or email.
Items Included in Raffle Draw Basket
4lbs. of Starbucks Coffee (2lbs. Anniversary Blend, 2lbs. Thanksgiving Blend)
$50 Giftcard for Orignal Joe’s Restaurant
Younique 3D Mascara
Younique Eyeshadow Pigment (Color-Regal)
Younique Lucrative Lipgloss (Color-Luxe)
Younique Moodstruck Precision Pencil (Color-Prim)
Moonshine Dreams Handmade Wooden Earrings
Moonshine Dreams Handmade “Diamond” Ring
Moonshine Dreams Handmade Feather Necklace
Moonshine Dreams Tanktop (Color-Green, Size-Medium)
Davie & Chiyo Handmade Lace Clutch (Color-White and Pink)
Fashion Island Infinity Scarf (Color-Burgandy)
Sephora Favorites “Give Me Some Lip” Lipgloss Pack (5 lipgloss in total)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Josie Maran Winter Dreams, Argan Skincare Collection (6 products in total)
$50 Giftcard for Samantha`s Lash Lounge (Mink Eyelash Extensions)
Our Interrupted Fairy Tale, Novel by Megan Williams
Mini Photo Session by Pink Lotus Photography
*Few items not shown in photo, but still included in basket.
Items included are worth up to $300!
We thank you
for the support and wish you all a very Happy Holidays.
GOOD LUCK!!
*If you have any questions or for ticket sales please contact
Caitlin Johnstone, caitlinjmakeup@gmail.com
I want to personally thank all the businesses and people that kindly donated items to make this basket so great...
Amanda Schlackl from Original Joe's Abbotsford
Megan Hopkins from Starbucks
Diane Dryhurt from Fashion Island
Teegan Tsuchiya for the Custom Logo "Little Hearts Makeup Big Dreams"
Teegan Tsuchiya for the Custom Logo "Little Hearts Makeup Big Dreams"
Gaming Licence #69950, Must be 19 or older to purchase a ticket.
"Know your limit, play within it"
"Know your limit, play within it"
Saturday, November 1, 2014
That's a Wrap on Halloween
One of the first years I strictly only did Trick or Treating with my kiddos, and no adult party for Halloween.
That did not stop me from dressing up though... Telling a makeup artist that they can not dress up for Halloween is like telling a child they can not go Trick or Treating... deadly.
The week leading up to Halloween I was able to utilize my sons nap time to do a couple different looks on myself so I could get my kicks in, to make myself feel better. I am known to make my own costumes most years, as they really interest me, and I love to be creative. I have actually thought of a GREAT idea for next year, but will leave that one alone for now. ;)
Being an avid Pinterest junkie, I found myself coming across many extraordinary makeup ideas and picked a few of my favorites to recreate. Here are a couple photos of the Pins and my own work.
Enjoy!
POP ART
BEETLEJUICE
That did not stop me from dressing up though... Telling a makeup artist that they can not dress up for Halloween is like telling a child they can not go Trick or Treating... deadly.
The week leading up to Halloween I was able to utilize my sons nap time to do a couple different looks on myself so I could get my kicks in, to make myself feel better. I am known to make my own costumes most years, as they really interest me, and I love to be creative. I have actually thought of a GREAT idea for next year, but will leave that one alone for now. ;)
Being an avid Pinterest junkie, I found myself coming across many extraordinary makeup ideas and picked a few of my favorites to recreate. Here are a couple photos of the Pins and my own work.
Enjoy!
POP ART
BEETLEJUICE
VAMPIRE
BROKEN DOLL
BAD BOY
80's MOM ;)
Not only did I have a lot of fun being something different everyday, I got some good use out of my character makeup that I don't use often. So, we start November with candy hangovers and we see Christmas in the distant future but Halloween is over. Left over fireworks wrappers, rotting pumpkins and half priced candy! Until next year, you amazing holiday you.
-Caitlin J
Friday, October 24, 2014
Q&A - Choosing the Right Foundation for You
I think it is time for a little Q&A...
We all have questions about beauty products, techniques and trends. I have come up with some questions and answers that may help someone out in this department. This blog post will be geared towards choosing a foundation to best suite your skin type and preference.
Question: How do I choose the right foundation?
Answer: When you are in a store choosing a new foundation it can be a little daunting. There are so many brands, colors and styles to choose from! Your first big obstacle will be finding out which type of coverage you prefer. Light, medium or full. If you have scars or discoloring on your face you may choose to go with a more full coverage foundation. If you are a lucky one with fairly decent skin, you might lean towards a light foundation or even a tinted moisturizer. Now, most foundations are not labelled "light, medium or full" on the bottle so you will need to test it out for yourself, or read reviews before hand to know. Also, beauty department specialists will be able to point you in the right direction as well.
When testing a foundation in a store I suggest taking a sample of a few of them on the side of your hand. A couple different shades in your general skin tone group. You may notice right away that some look a little pinkish, others more yellow tinted, or even orange. Recognizing these tones in both the foundation and your own skin tone will help you pick the perfect shade!
Whichever foundation you have applied to your hand that appears closest to your skin tone is the direction you want to follow. Take that sample and smooth it into your hand. If you notice it enhances any fine lines or wrinkles on your hand, this foundation will do the same on your face. If you would like to avoid your products settling in the tiny cracks around your eyes or mouth, avoid these particular foundations.
Once you've found a decent color match in the right consistency for you, then take a walk outside in the natural light. Does the foundation color change? Does it blend better into your skin tone? Does it appear oily or over dry? All great questions to ask yourself when searching for the perfect foundation for you. Better yet, leave the samples on your hand for a few hours and see how they change through out the day. I understand the skin on your hand and your face are completely different, but this is the best way to test, without having to apply tiny patches of different foundations to your face for an afternoon. Unless you want to, then I won't judge. These simple tests will save you a lot of money from buying a ton of the "wrong" foundations.
If you purchase a foundation that is full coverage, but you also like to look less made up on sunny summer beach days, you are still in luck. Simply add a little moisturizer right into your foundation when applying it to your face, this will bring down the intensity but will still protect your skin from the elements outside. Also, you can add a few drops of illuminator into your foundation to achieve that gorgeous dewy look. Perfect for a youthful glow.
Sometimes you find the foundation you love, yet the colors just don't seem to match your skin tone exactly. Have no fear, you can always buy two shades and mix them together. This little trick is used on a daily basis for myself and the majority of my clients. It will allow you to adjust the tone slightly for the months when you have a little extra color in your face from the sun, just drop in some of the darker shade and ta-da, a better match. No need to go out and buy a whole new foundation.
Here are a few of my favorite products that I have found over the years work best for many different skin types:
a) Make Up For Ever HD Foundation - Average $50, found at Sephora
b) MAC Lustre Drops - Average $20, found at MAC stores
c) The Porefessional Primer by Benefit - Average $27, found at Sephora
d) Marcelle Sheer Tint Fluid Moisturizer - Average $13, found at London Drugs
Things to avoid when choosing a foundation... do not pick a shade that is darker then your skin tone as to appear like you have a tan. This will not only look wrong on your face, it will give you the unsightly "mask" look that we all hate. Instead, use a touch of bronzer once your foundation has been applied. This will give you a natural looking glow as opposed to a fake orange face you may get otherwise. In the end, finding the perfect product and shade for you can be trial and error but I hope with these tricks and tips I have mentioned above you will avoid spending an arm and a leg on figuring out which one it is. Happy Hunting!
If you have any questions yourself, feel free to ask. Thanks for stopping by,
Caitlin J
caitlinjmakeup@gmail.com
caitwhetstone.wix.com/caitlinjmakeup
We all have questions about beauty products, techniques and trends. I have come up with some questions and answers that may help someone out in this department. This blog post will be geared towards choosing a foundation to best suite your skin type and preference.
Question: How do I choose the right foundation?
Answer: When you are in a store choosing a new foundation it can be a little daunting. There are so many brands, colors and styles to choose from! Your first big obstacle will be finding out which type of coverage you prefer. Light, medium or full. If you have scars or discoloring on your face you may choose to go with a more full coverage foundation. If you are a lucky one with fairly decent skin, you might lean towards a light foundation or even a tinted moisturizer. Now, most foundations are not labelled "light, medium or full" on the bottle so you will need to test it out for yourself, or read reviews before hand to know. Also, beauty department specialists will be able to point you in the right direction as well.
When testing a foundation in a store I suggest taking a sample of a few of them on the side of your hand. A couple different shades in your general skin tone group. You may notice right away that some look a little pinkish, others more yellow tinted, or even orange. Recognizing these tones in both the foundation and your own skin tone will help you pick the perfect shade!Whichever foundation you have applied to your hand that appears closest to your skin tone is the direction you want to follow. Take that sample and smooth it into your hand. If you notice it enhances any fine lines or wrinkles on your hand, this foundation will do the same on your face. If you would like to avoid your products settling in the tiny cracks around your eyes or mouth, avoid these particular foundations.
Once you've found a decent color match in the right consistency for you, then take a walk outside in the natural light. Does the foundation color change? Does it blend better into your skin tone? Does it appear oily or over dry? All great questions to ask yourself when searching for the perfect foundation for you. Better yet, leave the samples on your hand for a few hours and see how they change through out the day. I understand the skin on your hand and your face are completely different, but this is the best way to test, without having to apply tiny patches of different foundations to your face for an afternoon. Unless you want to, then I won't judge. These simple tests will save you a lot of money from buying a ton of the "wrong" foundations.If you purchase a foundation that is full coverage, but you also like to look less made up on sunny summer beach days, you are still in luck. Simply add a little moisturizer right into your foundation when applying it to your face, this will bring down the intensity but will still protect your skin from the elements outside. Also, you can add a few drops of illuminator into your foundation to achieve that gorgeous dewy look. Perfect for a youthful glow.
Sometimes you find the foundation you love, yet the colors just don't seem to match your skin tone exactly. Have no fear, you can always buy two shades and mix them together. This little trick is used on a daily basis for myself and the majority of my clients. It will allow you to adjust the tone slightly for the months when you have a little extra color in your face from the sun, just drop in some of the darker shade and ta-da, a better match. No need to go out and buy a whole new foundation.
Here are a few of my favorite products that I have found over the years work best for many different skin types:
a) Make Up For Ever HD Foundation - Average $50, found at Sephora
b) MAC Lustre Drops - Average $20, found at MAC stores
c) The Porefessional Primer by Benefit - Average $27, found at Sephora
d) Marcelle Sheer Tint Fluid Moisturizer - Average $13, found at London Drugs
Things to avoid when choosing a foundation... do not pick a shade that is darker then your skin tone as to appear like you have a tan. This will not only look wrong on your face, it will give you the unsightly "mask" look that we all hate. Instead, use a touch of bronzer once your foundation has been applied. This will give you a natural looking glow as opposed to a fake orange face you may get otherwise. In the end, finding the perfect product and shade for you can be trial and error but I hope with these tricks and tips I have mentioned above you will avoid spending an arm and a leg on figuring out which one it is. Happy Hunting!
If you have any questions yourself, feel free to ask. Thanks for stopping by,
Caitlin J
caitlinjmakeup@gmail.com
caitwhetstone.wix.com/caitlinjmakeup
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Summer is Closed, Until Next Year
As the busy wedding season slows down a tad I have a moment to look back at all the Brides and clients I have had the pleasure of working with these past months...
From making the giant leap into choosing to do Makeup + Hair as my sole job (along with being a full time mommy), I have been overwhelmed with all the great people and projects I have gotten to work on and with over the summer. With every job I book I enjoy getting more and more experience and meeting new people. I have been a makeup artist for 9 years now, but I am continually learning new techniques and come across great new products and wonderful people with every turn.
I was a small part of many weddings this past summer and I look forward to all of the future weddings I get to be apart of as well. The bookings for summer 2015 are flowing in fast and it looks like it will be a great season!
Here are some of my favorite photos of the clients, Brides and Bridal parties I was lucky enough to work with. Enjoy! If you, or someone you know, is looking for a mobile makeup and hair artist please send them my way. Feel free to email me with any questions at caitlinjmakeup@gmail.com
Available for engagement sessions, special events, weddings and boudoir.
Photo credit from above photos: Pink Lotus Photography
Photo credit for above photos: Hayley Rae Photography
Photo credit for above photos: Matt Kennedy (Photos)
Photo credit for above photos: Carla Elaine Photography
Photo credit of above photos: Pure White Studio
Every woman I got to meet with, work for and make feel beautiful has truly impacted me in the best ways possible. New friendships have been made. New opportunities have occurred. When hiring your own makeup artist, make sure to not only check our their portfolio of work, but also take into consideration the person they are. Do they have the right attitude towards their work? Are they organized and punctual with meetings and returning emails? Do they make you feel comfortable? All great things to think about before putting down a deposit or securing a date with any vendor. I am happy to meet with any new potential clients so they can determine if I am the right "fit" for their wedding. It is YOUR day, I can not say this enough. Be excited with every decision you make.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out some of my work over the past few months!
Caitlin J
From making the giant leap into choosing to do Makeup + Hair as my sole job (along with being a full time mommy), I have been overwhelmed with all the great people and projects I have gotten to work on and with over the summer. With every job I book I enjoy getting more and more experience and meeting new people. I have been a makeup artist for 9 years now, but I am continually learning new techniques and come across great new products and wonderful people with every turn.
I was a small part of many weddings this past summer and I look forward to all of the future weddings I get to be apart of as well. The bookings for summer 2015 are flowing in fast and it looks like it will be a great season!
Here are some of my favorite photos of the clients, Brides and Bridal parties I was lucky enough to work with. Enjoy! If you, or someone you know, is looking for a mobile makeup and hair artist please send them my way. Feel free to email me with any questions at caitlinjmakeup@gmail.com
Available for engagement sessions, special events, weddings and boudoir.
Photo credit from above photos: Pink Lotus Photography
Photo credit for above photos: Hayley Rae Photography
Photo credit for above photos: Matt Kennedy (Photos)
Photo credit for above photos: Carla Elaine Photography
Photo credit of above photos: Pure White Studio
Every woman I got to meet with, work for and make feel beautiful has truly impacted me in the best ways possible. New friendships have been made. New opportunities have occurred. When hiring your own makeup artist, make sure to not only check our their portfolio of work, but also take into consideration the person they are. Do they have the right attitude towards their work? Are they organized and punctual with meetings and returning emails? Do they make you feel comfortable? All great things to think about before putting down a deposit or securing a date with any vendor. I am happy to meet with any new potential clients so they can determine if I am the right "fit" for their wedding. It is YOUR day, I can not say this enough. Be excited with every decision you make.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out some of my work over the past few months!
Caitlin J
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Boho Chic Styled Photoshoot
I have fallen in love with styling creative collaboration photoshoots! I am officially hooked.
So when Hayley, of Hayley Rae Photography, asked if I would like to help create a special shoot for her cousin Lexy I was excited. Lexy Atterton is an up and coming singer/song writer. She has a very unique and beautiful voice and I truly hope she follows her dreams and continues to pursue the gift she has been given.
Right away I pictured an outdoor sunset shoot. Trees, water and flowers all came flooding to mind instantly. Literally. I remember bombarding Hayley with all my ideas the moment she asked for my help! I knew Lexy played guitar and quickly found out that she also has a tambourine she uses while performing sometimes. These items made for the perfect props.
Stumbling across the stunning coral maxi dress and lace/crocheted vest, I knew the clothes would suit the photos perfectly. Luckily they all fit Lexy to a tee, as if it were just meant to be.
With being a avid "Pinterester" I have noticed the growing trend of the flower crown. That being said, I emailed Carly of Blooming Aisle Floral Design to see if she would be ever so kind as to donate a crown to our shoot. Of course, being her super giving self, she accepted. The flower crown was perfect. Not too big, not too small. The colors complimented the dress and Lexy so well. I am so thankful to have met Carly. She is one talented florist and such a sweetheart! If you want a florist who is easy to deal with, great at giving creative ideas and very reliable... Carly is your girl.
When it comes to girls and photoshoots they are never complete without some jewelry. Without hesitation I contacted Richard of Moonshine Dreams to see if he would like to contribute some of his pieces to the shoot. He was happy to help us out and ended up donating six pieces in total. Two amazing necklaces, three rings and a pair of earrings. To top it off he contributed an official Moonshine Dreams tank top to the photoshoot as well. I kept it for myself because it is honestly the comfiest and best fitting tank I have ever owned, no lie. His items can be found at Hunni's Urban Boutique in Langley.
To make all the magic happen, Hayley Rae Photography joined myself and Lexy at Williams Park in Langley. This park is a family favorite of ours. With endless options for a shoot like this. Beginning in amongst the trees where the sun was breaking through the leaves, our shoot started off with a bang. Once the first few photos were taken we were on a roll. Two hours, and a few location and wardrobe changes later we had more then we needed for photos. Hayley has been busy with all of her own weddings and sessions to edit but somehow squeezed in a little extra time to edit these amazing photos. Lexy will be able to use these photos to promote her talent and I am happy to have been apart of it.
I am very thankful for everyone that helped out and so stinkin' happy with how each and every photo turned out. I love making my dreams a realty... Here are some of my favorites from the photoshoot. I was the style designer, make-up and hair artist for the shoot, Caitlin J Make-Up Artistry.
And a couple behind the scenes photos... LOVE MY JOB!
Thanks for stopping by. Please check out the links above to websites and Facebook Pages of each business involved.
-Caitlin J
So when Hayley, of Hayley Rae Photography, asked if I would like to help create a special shoot for her cousin Lexy I was excited. Lexy Atterton is an up and coming singer/song writer. She has a very unique and beautiful voice and I truly hope she follows her dreams and continues to pursue the gift she has been given.
Right away I pictured an outdoor sunset shoot. Trees, water and flowers all came flooding to mind instantly. Literally. I remember bombarding Hayley with all my ideas the moment she asked for my help! I knew Lexy played guitar and quickly found out that she also has a tambourine she uses while performing sometimes. These items made for the perfect props.
Stumbling across the stunning coral maxi dress and lace/crocheted vest, I knew the clothes would suit the photos perfectly. Luckily they all fit Lexy to a tee, as if it were just meant to be.
With being a avid "Pinterester" I have noticed the growing trend of the flower crown. That being said, I emailed Carly of Blooming Aisle Floral Design to see if she would be ever so kind as to donate a crown to our shoot. Of course, being her super giving self, she accepted. The flower crown was perfect. Not too big, not too small. The colors complimented the dress and Lexy so well. I am so thankful to have met Carly. She is one talented florist and such a sweetheart! If you want a florist who is easy to deal with, great at giving creative ideas and very reliable... Carly is your girl.
When it comes to girls and photoshoots they are never complete without some jewelry. Without hesitation I contacted Richard of Moonshine Dreams to see if he would like to contribute some of his pieces to the shoot. He was happy to help us out and ended up donating six pieces in total. Two amazing necklaces, three rings and a pair of earrings. To top it off he contributed an official Moonshine Dreams tank top to the photoshoot as well. I kept it for myself because it is honestly the comfiest and best fitting tank I have ever owned, no lie. His items can be found at Hunni's Urban Boutique in Langley.
To make all the magic happen, Hayley Rae Photography joined myself and Lexy at Williams Park in Langley. This park is a family favorite of ours. With endless options for a shoot like this. Beginning in amongst the trees where the sun was breaking through the leaves, our shoot started off with a bang. Once the first few photos were taken we were on a roll. Two hours, and a few location and wardrobe changes later we had more then we needed for photos. Hayley has been busy with all of her own weddings and sessions to edit but somehow squeezed in a little extra time to edit these amazing photos. Lexy will be able to use these photos to promote her talent and I am happy to have been apart of it.
I am very thankful for everyone that helped out and so stinkin' happy with how each and every photo turned out. I love making my dreams a realty... Here are some of my favorites from the photoshoot. I was the style designer, make-up and hair artist for the shoot, Caitlin J Make-Up Artistry.
And a couple behind the scenes photos... LOVE MY JOB!
Thanks for stopping by. Please check out the links above to websites and Facebook Pages of each business involved.
-Caitlin J
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