Sex and the City Inspired Shoot

Watching a classic Sex and the City episode and it hit me...

I want to try to recreate some iconic moments from the show, using a friend who happens to resemble the stunning Sarah Jessica Parker. Jen, who gladly volunteered to be our model was a natural behind the camera. Those drinks may have helped a little, but she nailed it regardless!

We started out by getting together in the afternoon to curl Jen's hair into the tight ringlets that naturally grace Carrie Bradshaw's head, and applied the first makeup look. Let me tell you, Jen has a LOT of hair! I wish I had half of the hair she has. Curling it took sometime but we managed to get the look I was aiming for with patience and some good old fashioned back combing ;)

The three of us, plus a little assistant (Jen's son), headed downtown to make Vancouver our very own New York City for the evening.

At the corner of Burrard and Robson where we found the most "hustle and bustle" was where we set up shop to start taking some photos. Amanda, of Amanda Coldicutt Photography captured every thing. It was if she could read my mind. She knew exactly the look I envisioned and gave us some amazing photos.

Here a some of my favorite shots...it was hard to narrow it down.

With the Sex and the City movie having such an epic wedding incorporated, I couldn't pass up the idea to recreate it. Now, we didn't have a Vivienne Westwood gown, but we did re-purpose my very own wedding dress once again. Shook off the cobwebs and brought it back out for its fifth appearance! (See previous blog post "Transformation of a Wedding Dress" to know what I am talking about).

The girls and I needed some fuel and liquid courage to complete the photo session, so it was off to Joey's on Burrard Street for some quick drinks. While waiting for our drinks to be made I quickly whipped up an intricate updo on Jen to imitate the one Carrie Bradshaw had on her "wedding day".
I am sure guests of the restaurant wondered what we were doing, but I get into true work mode in these situations so the onlookers really weren't even noticed. We sucked back our drinks and proceeded to the bathroom for the outfit change and finishing touches.

Once Jen emerged from the bathroom dressed in a wedding dress with classic red lips, veil, peacock feather hair piece and white rose bouquet, she was congratulated by many people. Success! They actually thought she was getting married!

Check out these stunning shots that Amanda took. Truly capturing the New York vibe and classic, dramatic wedding day beauty.

With an ode to the famous "Carrie" necklace, we were able to have a handmade necklace donated to the shoot from Mint and Birch. She created a Mama Bear necklace for us, which was beautiful, dainty and a perfect compliment to the shoot.

Photo credit to: Amanda Coldicutt Photography
Jewelry provided by: Mint and Birch
Model: Jen Vanderzalm
Hair/Makeup: Caitlin J Makeup + Hair
Styling/Bouquet: Caitlin Johnstone

My Experience Backstage @ Vancouver Fashion Week

The week of fashion has come to a close, but I am still buzzing from all of the adrenaline running through my body...

After submitting my portfolio and explaining why I wanted to be apart of the Vancouver Fashion Week, I was on my way to helping the models with makeup for the show. As nervous as I was going into it, I have come to realize that I am much more confident in myself and abilities then I have ever been. Feeling more like a veteran, as I have 10 years of makeup behind me, really helped me stay positive that the choices I am making are only for the better of my career. I was constantly asked how long I have been in the business, and with every person I told I reminded them I wasn't old, I just started young ;)

Some people may wonder if the makeup artists or stylists are paid for the show, the answer is no. We are all volunteer. This may make many people shy away from working the show but all the products are sponsored and the experience is priceless.

Even after all these years of being a makeup artist, I still get excited with the new tips and tricks I learn. Always evolving, always expanding. There are so many talented and amazing people in our city, and these experiences allow me to meet a few more every time. You never know who or what you may come across in your day, but you won't have any regrets if you do something that may be outside your comfort zone. Push your boundaries a little every day, you will be happy with the results. I am glad I made the choice to do the show, it gave me a better appreciation for the art of fashion and everyone "behind the scenes".

Going into this show I had heard mixed stories, good and bad. Much to my surprise, the only bad things I dealt with was rain and excessive amounts of water...but we live in Vancouver, this is not new to us! Luckily, my time at the show only included laughs, free product, meeting new people, polite models and a semi lack of sleep. All in all, a great time with great people.

The go, go, go atmosphere of backstage comes in waves. You can have an hour of "waiting", followed by two hours of back to back models. With no time to even think about anything other then who that specific model is walking for and what the hell the face chart states and which products to use. I made it my mission to study those charts to ensure my work went smoothly, and this helped out SO MUCH! Being a makeup artist I know how important it is to portray what a client wants, but in this environment things are much different. Every now and again you may have a model that sits in your chair asking for a slight change from what the designer has asked for...the smile and nod approach worked well as I followed the face chart exactly as I should. Shhh, this is my little secret. Or atleast it was. I honor the look the designer has chosen as it is their art. If the roles were reversed I would appreciate an artist doing the same for me. Blood, sweat, and I am sure tears go into these outfits for the show, and I am in no place to take that away from them.

In the end I walked away from a great week with a full heart, a sore back and another notch in the TO DO list checked off. Here are a few photos from the show of the wonderful, beautiful models I got the pleasure of working with... (all photos show credit to the photographer in bottom left corner or above the VFW symbol). ENJOY!

Beauty Product Alternatives

There are endless options when it comes to beauty products. I have compiled some of them that I have found around my home that can show you just how simple, cost affective and natural you can be when it comes to your regular routine.

Not all of these "alternatives" work for everyone, but I can say that for myself I have saved a lot of money, I have seen results and been overall happy with how these products work together and on their own. 

Teeth Whitening: Baking soda combined with your toothpaste of choice (please ignore the fact that the toothpaste shown has a "whitening" property). Adding some baking soda to your toothpaste is an effective way to whiten your teeth. You will not experience side effects such as red or swollen gums as you could when using a whitening strip. You will also be paying closer to $2 for a box of baking soda rather than $50 for strips. Simply sprinkle baking soda over your toothpaste of choice on your toothbrush and brush as normal. You may experience a foaming action, but this just means it is working!

Dry Shampoo: Almost every brand of hair product carries their own type of dry shampoo. Some work much better than others, some not at all. I have found through every type that I have purchased and tried, I always resort back to good old baby powder. Not only does it soak up the oils, it smells great. If you like the smell of babies,...and who doesn't?! Being a brunette there are tricks to using baby powder that will not result in having the look of gray hair. Simply add a touch of cocoa powder to the baby powder prior to apply to your roots and this will naturally give the white powder a brown color. Once you have applied the powder and gently massaged it into the roots where your oils have taken over, take a bristle brush and brush out any excess product from root to tip. Do not apply too much powder, start off with small amounts and add more as you see fit. This will allow you to avoid shampooing your hair everyday, which in turn will create a stronger and healthier head of hair!

Face Exfoliant: It is always beneficial to exfoliate your face, and entire body for that matter. It removes all the impurities that cause problem skin such as pimples, blackheads and excess oil. I have used many different facial cleansers in my life. Again, some work and some just don't. Sadly you won't know what does or doesn't work without trying it out. This could mean spending a lot of money on products you do not need or want. Replacing your scrub with baking soda will save you money and truly benefit your skin. There are numbers of combinations I use that include baking soda to clean my face. Firstly, a combo of baking soda and water for a wash is quick and easy. Combining baking soda with lemon juice into a paste and applied to your blackheads until dry will get deep down into your pores, better then any blackhead treatment I have purchased in the past. Baking soda, coconut oil and water combined makes for a wonderful moisturizing facial wash. There are different recipes for all different skin types. You are bound to find one that helps your skin. Baking soda is also known as Magic Powder in my house. It is also kept in my bathroom and used more for beauty products rather than baking...

Coconut Oil: One of the most beneficial, universal products I have every purchased. I could go on and on about coconut oil. Main uses for myself being body and face moisturizer, hair treatments, and a shaving cream alternative. If you are looking to purchase coconut oil for a beauty product make sure to look at the labels. You will want to ensure it states "Organic", but also includes the symbol shown below. This will tell you that it is indeed organic and not only a small percentage. If the coconut oil you are buying does not contain an organic symbol it may not be pure. Another thing to look for is the words "virgin", or "extra virgin" and "cold pressed". Each of these factors is best for using as a beauty product, with more benefits. Combine coconut oil with used coffee grounds as a body exfoliant and cellulite treatment (this really works!). Slather coconut oil all over your body after a shower as a moisturizer, concentrating on the dry areas such as knees and elbows. You will feel a difference within the first day. Know that applying a natural product to your skin is overall better for your health. Some skin care products contain harmful perfumes and chemicals you may not know about. So using an organic, natural product your are ensuring that no toxins or chemicals are being soaked into your body. As we age, we realize how important it is to take care of our bodies, why not start now!

Wide Tooth Comb: This is a simple change in your routine that your hair will thank you for. After washing and conditioning your hair you get out of the shower and drag a brush through your mop. If you have noticed it can be difficult due to tangles and feel as if you are breaking you hair with every brush, chances are you are. Try using a wide tooth comb instead. The wider the better depending on your hair type. Using a comb such as the one shown below with avoid excess breakage. You will see a difference in your hairs health with fewer split ends and breakage. Once combed out, you can switch to a round brush for blow drying as usual. Combs can be found at any drug store for $2-$5. In addition, use a cooler setting on your blow dryer to avoid excess frizziness and gently brush your hair in a downward motion rather then flipping your head over to dry, or vigorously drying it as you normally would. These small steps will truly benefit your hair. I have seen a huge difference in only a few weeks on my own hair. 

No Poo Method: If you haven't heard about the "No Poo Method" it is a combination of using baking soda and apple cider vinegar for washing and conditioning your hair, instead of the normal shampoo and conditioner you would purchase from the store. Adding a few teaspoons of baking soda to a cup of warm water is used as the "shampoo". Pouring it on your head when in the shower and gently rubbing it into your hair and scalp. Obviously, it does not create bubbles or lather well but it does clean your hair, which is what you want. Afterwards, adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water for the "conditioner". Poured over your head and left for a few minutes before rinsing out completely. You will find your hair is shinier, less oily in between washes and your wallet will stay full as baking soda and apple cider vinegar are minimal purchases compared to some hair products out there.

I hope that these little tips helped some of you. My hopes are to show you easy, afforable alternatives to our everyday routines. Small changes make big differences. Let's take care of ourselves. When we are at our best, we portray the best!

Thanks for stopping by,

Caitlin J

www.caitlinjmakeup.com

SIDE NOTE: In no way are these methods my own, they have been ones I have tested myself to ensure they provide great results. I do not take credit for the combinations and techniques listed.

Let's Compare Makeup to Sex

As I stand in my bathroom in mid routine of applying my makeup and doing my hair, I thought to myself, 'makeup is a lot like sex'... Here is what I mean by that.

Obviously, in many many ways the two have absolutely nothing alike, but just think about it. Ladies, makeup can be something we have the power to choose. Wear a lot, keep it natural, be spontaneous or try something new, keep it simple or the same old. Now, use all of those assumptions and apply it to having sex... Choose to spice things up, have a quickie, have long and played out sex, even include foreplay.

I must have your attention by now.

Imagine foreplay is like a primer. A step in both situations that can make all the difference. Stay with me here. We apply a primer to allow our makeup to last longer. To smooth out fine lines. To create a canvas for all other products. Foreplay is a base, it is the first step to all other positions, a chance to warm up for all the rest to come. No pun intended. It allows the process to last longer, and can even make it overall "better". Depending on which primer you use, or which partner you choose. Both very important decisions.

Finding a great foundation can feel just as good as picking the right partner. A foundation that blends well with your skin, matches the tone perfectly, and smooths out all the imperfections can be the greatest find in a woman's life. Discovering a man that can be just as smooth, and compatible with you will make for one fucking great sex life. No pun intended.

Just as you can experiment with sex, you can try out different looks, colors, styles and trends with your makeup. If you aren't afraid of coming out of your comfort zone, your options are endless. Take that black eye liner and darken the crap out of your eyes...don't like it, wash it off. Pull out a whip from under the bed...not into that, try something else ;)

I get a little carried away at trying new things...for makeup I mean. Ya, makeup. With both sex and makeup you can easily figure out what you like and don't like. Which styles you prefer, and which ones you'd like to try. Go bold, or suttle. Try props or add some romance. Why have we not compared makeup and sex before? If I am feeling sexy I will make sure to bring out the red lipstick. Feeling fun and flirty, then I gravitate towards the pinks. Not feeling so hot, out come the sweatpants and hair bands. Sorry guys, hair bands are like a giant lock on the gate to sex. 

As easy as it is to compare the wonderful things about sex and makeup, they each come with their own downfalls. What doesn't... If you do not have any makeup or sex downfalls, I kind of hate you right now.

Who the hell wants to wake up extra early for work to put on makeup and do your hair?! Who would rather wake up a little early to have some morning sex instead. Just as shitty as it is having to remember to wash your face before bed reminds me a lot of the fact that us women have to ensure we pee after sex. He rolls over and goes to bed, we can't or we risk the chance of getting a UTI. Mother fucker.

The lazy makeup days are quite similar to the lazy sex days. We call this missionary. Some call it star-fish. Same difference. Now lazy makeup can look natural, beautiful and effortless. The sex is just effortless, and will definitely need to be made up for the next time around. We can get away with a messy bun and some moisturizer and mascara if we want to. I guess we can also get away with "straight to the point" sex as well. Get in, get out, done. This pun was totally intended.

There are always those days that we could spend hours in the bathroom trying to get ready and never be satisfied with the overall look.... do I really need to explain the similarity this has to sex....
Or the days when it just all works perfectly. Glowing skin, nailed the winged liner, found the hottest color for your lips. We may all wish that this happened everytime in the bedroom as well. Life just isn't perfect though, so we can't have it all. If you do, you're a lucky bitch. Please know this.

Just as we may regret fashion or makeup choices we've made in the past, the 80's blue eyeshadow perhaps, there might just be a name (or two) on your list of former lovers that you'd like to erase. As in makeup, we can only LEARN from our mistakes and try our hardest not to make them again. Live, love, learn. This completely applies to makeup and sex....doesn't it?! If not, I have been fooled.

I giggle to myself while writing this, as I assume all others think just as I do. If you didn't before, you may now. The best and worst things about makeup can certainly be applied to the best and worst things about sex. Pressure in the bedroom and the pressure of a makeup artist with a client is different yet the same. The confidence you get from a great makeover could result in one of the best nights of sex you've ever had. When you feel beautiful it gives you the boost you may have needed to be extra experimental. FYI guys, this is why women melt when you compliment them. Give us a reason to make crazy love. It is simple, we just want to be called pretty and be pampered a little. If you were to buy us makeup, or even a giftcard for makeup, you may be living in the bedroom for the next two days. Hell, we may even take it to the next level and jump in the back seat of the car like when we were teenagers. THAT is how powerful makeup is.

Please take this post light heartedly. Do I think that makeup and sex are the same, no. Would I choose one over the other, definitely not. Do I tell men to buy women makeup to get laid, maybe, it isn't going to hurt.

Have fun with both your everyday look, try something new. Be spontaneous. Have fun!

-Caitlin J

ps. I apologize for the cursing.

Goodbye 2014

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

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...

Candice Walker from Younique  

Alisa from Davie & Chiyo 

Amanda Schlackl from Original Joe's Abbotsford

Richard Thomas from Moonshine Dreams

Megan Hopkins from Starbucks

Megan Williams, author of Our Interrupted Fairy Tale

Amanda Coldicutt from Pink Lotus Photography

Samantha Murch from Lash By Lash-Samantha's Lash Lounge

Diane Dryhurt from Fashion Island
Teegan Tsuchiya for the Custom Logo "Little Hearts Makeup Big Dreams"

Makeup Products donated by myself, Caitlin J Make-Up Artistry

Gaming Licence #69950, Must be 19 or older to purchase a ticket.
 "Know your limit, play within it"

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

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