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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Day-Glo

Here is an editorial I shot with uber-talented photographer, Ashley Anthony. She also did all the wardrobe styling for this shoot and is truly a woman of many talents!

What a fun day with two fabulous ladies! We had so much fun in the sketchy side of town and were nearly kicked out of the venue (the ever classy Tub and Tan in Portland) due to the fact that the owner suspected we were shooting for nefarious reasons. All in all, it was a great day!

makeup note: Day-Glo was the name of the game so I kept things bright, bright, bright! I didn't even know I could get my colors that bright; no photoshop used here!

photos - Ashley Anthony
model - Mei
makeup & hair - Amy Gillespie

















Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, Portland, Ashley Anthony, fashion, editorial, photo shoot

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Sneak peak at The English Department's 2012 look book shoot

I had the privilege to work with the ever lovely Elizabeth Dye of The English Department again yesterday. She is so much fun and I'm always excited to be a part of her projects. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on some of the images when they are finished but here are a few behind the scenes instagram shots, courtesy of Lisa Warninger, our photographer extraordinaire! Hair and makeup, yours truly.








Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, Portland, Elizabeth Dye, The English Department, Lisa Warninger, wedding dresses, bridal, wedding makeup, wedding hair, look book

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Kerry Herta Workshop

I have been brimming with excitement for Emmy nominated makeup artist Kerry Herta's workshop taking place here in Portland. Tomorrow will be the first of a five day stint going over all things makeup. I look forward to updating this blog with the new things I will be learning! I'm also looking forward to building new friendships within the makeup community; I can't wait to see who will be in the workshop with me.

For now, check her blog, Beat Around the Brush, and website for information on Kerry as well as her workshops. Don't worry if you are missing this workshop! I missed her the last time she was in town and odds are good you'll be able to take the opportunity to learn from her on her next trip through.

Amy Gillespie, makeup, makeup artist, Portland, Oregon, Kerry Herta, Kerry Herta Workshop

Friday, August 26, 2011

Photography Workshop with Quavondo and Solstice Retouch

This last weekend I had the unique opportunity to lend my assistance to a photography lighting and retouching class here in Portland. The workshop was put on by one of my favorite photographers of all time, Quavondo, and Pratik of Solstice Retouch.

I have to say, I was so impressed with these guys! I've known and worked with Quavondo for several years now; we met in the infancy of our careers. His talent knows no bounds and I'm constantly amazed at his work ethic, heart, and passion. Pratik was new to me but after a little research online and hearing some of the feedback on the workshop, I feel privileged to have worked on a project with someone of his caliber.

I believe Quavondo and Pratik are planning to take this workshop on the road so if you are a photographer looking to hone your skills and learn from the absolute best, definitely take the opportunity to contact them for more information. Based on the praise and feedback I've heard for the Portland workshop, you won't be sorry.

Here are a couple grabs from Quavondo's blog.
photos - Quavondo
editing - Solstice Retouch
models - Jessie and Erika
hair and makeup - Amy Gillespie




Amy Gillespie, hair, makeup artist, Portland Oregon, photography, photography workshop, lighting, retouching, fashion, beauty, Quavondo, Solstice Retouch

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Part II - NARS Cosmetics, a match made in heaven

This entry is a follow-up to a previous post highlighting Estee Lauder, the first cosmetic company I worked for. Feel free to check it out here.


After 6 years of working for Estee Lauder and seeing my hours slowly dwindle due to the economy, I felt it was time to move on to another brand. I was wanting to work for a smaller company and NARS is a company I have always admired. Upon receiving a job offer from them, I jumped at the opportunity to work for this great company.

If ever there was a makeup match made for me, it would be NARS. I absolutely love everything about this line! At first I was skeptical of some of the simplicity in the line - No foundation brushes?? Only two formulas of foundation and one concealer??? You don't contour the eyes?? Whaaaa...? It went against everything I was ever taught. However, after delving into the line and forcing myself to look at makeup from a different perspective, I was amazed at how many new opportunities were opened up to me.

Once I learned more of the background of the line, I was really hooked. The company was started by makeup master Francois Nars who initially launched 12 shades of lipstick that were sold exclusively at Barney's. From there, it gradually attained cult status as they added iconic products such as Orgasm blush, Rated R eyeshadow, and the amazing Body Glow, a divine Tahitian coconut oil.

Francois began doing makeup at an early age and quickly rocketed to success upon moving to New York from his native France. In New York he gained notoriety after doing makeup for 18 CONSECUTIVE covers of Vogue. He propelled Madonna into her era as the material girl by transforming her look and helped launch the careers of then unknown models such as Naomi Campbell (featured in a few early NARS ad campaigns) and Kate Moss.

The philosophy behind NARS is simple - it's just makeup, have fun with it, wear what makes you feel beautiful. One of the fun things about the line is that literally every item has personal significance to Francois and each color tells a story. Francois personally names all of the products and the titles can be grouped into a few basic categories:
Classic Movie References such as Shanghai Express, Pillow Talk, and Funny Face
Moods, Feelings, or Emotions such as Orgasm, Desire, and Zen
Iconic Women such as Marlene Dietrich, Blondie, and Edie Sedgwick
Exotic Locales throughout the world such as Mediteranee, Kuala Lumpur, and South Pacific

A few other fun facts about the line:
-The compacts have a unique velvety feel to them so that the experience of applying and wearing the product is full sensory.
-The iconic white NARS logo on black background pays homage to Francois' childhood days when he would sketch on a chalkboard.
-The tester unit you see in stores is evocative of a sushi platter because the initial meetings between Francois and Fabian Baron (the artistic mastermind behind the branding of the product) took place at a sushi restaurant.

These days, Francois is a bit reclusive, spending half his time in the South Pacific and the other half in New York. Although he sold the company to Shiseido over 10 years ago, he still retains creative control and continues to photograph each and every ad campaign for the company.

The following are my favorite, must have products from NARS.




Skin

1. Body Glow II is a beautiful coconut oil body treatment that has been processed in a French Polynesian tradition. It has a wonderful fragrance due to the Monoi de Tahiti oil as well as the rare Tahitian Tiare flower that has macerated in the oil.

2. Essential Vitamin Serum is a lightweight serum that is applied over your moisturizer each morning and evening. The potent blend of vitamins brightens, protects, and firms the skin.

3. Mud Mask is made of seaweed, Masada Mud, natural botanicals, and minerals designed to offer deep purifying and brightening of the skin. I like to use it as a spot treatment on blemishes too. The best thing about this mask is that it is not overly drying and can be used by virtually anyone.

4. Aqua Gel Hydrator is a lightweight gel cream made up of 87% water. Massage a generous amount into your skin at night, alone or on top of your regular moisturizer, and let it go to work the entire night as you sleep. Your skin will be freshly plumped and re-energized when you wake up in the morning.



Cheeks



1. Maldives Multiple Stick is a gorgeous pink champagne. I like this color because it is flattering on virtually every skintone. My favorite way to use this color is to stripe the product on the forehead, cheekbones, nose, jawline, and chin and then carefully blend the foundation into the cream. The result is the most beautiful, luminous skin you can possibly imagine.

2. Torrid Blush is a lovely coral shade with a gold shimmer. I say, "Move over, Orgasm! There's a new blush in town." This shade is just as flattering as Orgasm but it has more pigment and less frost for those of us who like a more natural finish to our blush.

3. Exhibit A is hands down my favorite NARS blush of all time. When applied sheerly, it lends such a cheery pop of color to the skin. This shade has also been voted the best color for dark skin. I recommend applying it with the Yachiyo brush which I will outline under my favorite brushes.

4. New Order is a recent addition to the line but it has quickly become one of my favorites. It is a beautiful blend of a pearly lilac and gold powder with a fine gold sparkle. I like to apply it on the cheekbones for a whimsical touch of fairy dust.

5. Doucer is a gorgeous sandy pink blush. I often use it as a contour shade or to deepen some of the lighter shades of blush such as Deep Throat.



Lips


1. Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is one of the brightest reds I have ever seen. I love this pencil because it is such a pigmented red yet it won't bleed like a traditional red lipstick. Rumor has it that this shade is Gwen Stefani's preferred red.

2. The Dolce Vita line of products is right behind Orgasm in popularity. There is currently a lipstick, gloss, Velvet Matte Pencil, and a blush. This shade is routinely voted as being the most universally flattering shade of lipstick. I personally prefer the pencil version myself as it has a certain softness that isn't as present in the lipstick or gloss. This product is great on it's own or as a base to add natural warmth to any other lip colors.

3. Easy Lover lipgloss is a beautiful sheer fuchsia giving the right amount of brightness without being overdone.

4. Greek Holiday is an amazing peach gloss that shimmers and shines like you wouldn't believe. I like to mix it with deeper glosses to give them a softer finish.

5. Moon Fleet is similar to Greek Holiday but with a more glittery finish. All the little flecks of gold and platinum feel galactically fantastic and this seemingly simple lipgloss is a definite show stopper!

6. Striptease is quite possible the greatest nude gloss of all time. While most nude glosses are sheer, Striptease is opaque and milky and everything a nude lip should be.

7. Barbarella is a really flattering peach lipstick that screams 1960's bombshell. Tres Sexy!

8. Roman Holiday is the perfect Barbie pink - not too bright and not too Grandma rosy, just the right amount of bubble gum.



Eyes



1. Rue Bonaparte is one of the new Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliners. A lot of people use a white pencil to brighten the rim of the eyes but white isn't always flattering. I prefer the fleshy shade of this pencil as it will cover red better and this long wearing formula will stand the test of time.

2. Kitty Eyeliner is an amazing shade of turquoise eyeliner. It's so fun to use on it's own, to brighten a smoky eye, or, for a truly dramatic look, with Mediteranee eyeshadow duo, also outlined in this section.

3. Lili Marlene cream eyeshadow is the perfect base for a smokey eye. It will make your powder shadows last for hours as well as give them a beautiful smokey depth.

4. Portobello eyeshadow duo may look unassuming but it is the perfect set of soft neutrals. Not too warm and not too cool, I love these for a sophisticated natural look or for a perfect blend when transitioning from one color to the next.

5. Jolie Poupee is hands down the greatest set of purple shadows of all time. My favorite is the shimmering, electric purple but the dusty orchid is very complimentary and shouldn't be overlooked. As with all NARS eyeshadows, try applying these with a damp brush for more intensity.

6. Key Largo is a duo I go back to time and time again. The soft peach is perfect for highlighting a darker skin or to give evenness to a mature eyelid. The bronze is simple and sexy either on it's own or with darker browns and coppers for a burnished look.

7. Alhambra is a perfect shimmering pair of gold and champagne. I use these all the time to add pops of light to the inner eye, tear duct, center of the eyelid, and the arch of the brow.

8. Rated R is probably the most iconic shade of eyeshadow made by NARS. Often imitated, this is the original and the best. Believe me, I've tried the knockoffs that other companies have produced and they fall short. While these shades aren't necessarily meant to be worn together, rock on if you want to take it there! This duo constantly reminds me that makeup should be fun and shouldn't be taken so seriously all the time.

9. Mediteranee is a stunning duo of burnt orange and gold. These colors are beautiful when applied sheerly but I love to apply them in a smoldering, vibrant manner. They are even more amazing on blue eyes!



Brushes



1. Eye Shader Brush is made from pure sable and is my go to brush for depositing lots of color on the eyes. It is one of the more expensive brushes that I own but it is so worth the price.

2. Angular Eye Shader can be used to define the crease but I like it best for sweeping color along the lash line. It is a must have for a well blended smokey eye.

3. Large Dome Eye Brush is a wonderful brush for blending. You can use it all over for a sheer layer of color or to create softness in a more dramatic look.

4. Botan Brush is a part of the Kabuki line of brushes that NARS has to offer. This brush made me fall in love with powder foundations. It is very large and seems awkward at first but once you see how comfortably it fits in your hand and how well it blends, you will be hooked! It's also great for bronzing large areas such as the chest and arms.

5. Ita Kabuki Brush is a small, flat brush perfect for apply and blending powders and blushes as well as contouring the cheeks. It can also be used to blend eye colors. The entire line of Kabuki brushes are exquisitely hand made in Japan in traditional Geisha methods. You won't find anything else like them on the market!

6. Yachiyo Kabuki Brush is a domed brush ideal for highlighting, contouring, and blending. The handle is flexible and wrapped in black wisteria. Because of this flexibility, it is great for applying some of the more dramatic blush shades such as Exhibit A. Simply hold the very end of the brush handle between your thumb and forefinger and tap the brush against the skin allowing the brush to bounce back. The movement should be all in the wrist as well as the kinetic motion of the brush. You'll know you have mastered this technique when the brush is bouncing rapidly against the skin.





To finish off, I leave you with some of my favorite NARS campaigns as well as the wisest words about makeup I have ever heard.
"Don't be so serious. It's only makeup"
Francois Nars


















NARS throughout the years

















Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, NARS, cosmetics, beauty, fashion, product recommendations

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Makeup Forever Aqua Liner Review

It seems like everywhere I look these days, I see gorgeous winged liner. Even better, I'm seeing it in a wide array of rainbow hued shades! You have no idea how happy this makes a color loving girl like me, sigh...




Upon the release of Makeup Forever's new Aqua Liners, I was sure I had found a match made in heaven. I marched down to Sephora to test out the colors - gold and fuschia and emerald, oh my! I noticed that the color was just as vivid as claimed and the colors came in a variety of finishes - some shimmer and sparkle, others look creamy and satiny. While each color is stunning and classic when worn individually, it is fun to stripe and stack them to create different designs and layers. I ended up purchasing shades 8 (Iridescent Electric Purple) and 13 (Matte Black).




After trying them several times here is what I found.
The color is extremely vibrant, rich, and beautiful and it lives up to the waterproof claim because it lasts and lasts and lasts. However, because it is waterproof, it has the definitive "wrinkly" and somewhat dry appearance that can be the hallmark of many waterproof products - it tends to cause your skin to not look perfectly smooth once it has dried down. While I'm no spring chicken, I do not have any crepey texture to my eyelids and this product did not do me any favors. In terms of application, the tip is great and overall the liner is VERY easy to apply. However, even after vigorously shaking the product, the color can be a little streaky. While I found that applying it in layers eliminated this problem, I wish it would glide on in one single stroke. I feel that for the cost ($23 each), you can probably find a better place to spend your money unless you are looking for some color variety beyond the usual black, brown, and navy.

Bottom line...
pros: long lasting, great colors, easy to apply
cons: sometimes uneven application, price, finished texture is not necessarily flattering


Good luck and happy makeup!!
xo


Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, fashion, beauty, makeup, product review, makeup forever, aqua liner

Monday, July 25, 2011

some days are way too easy

Here's a quick little ditty to brighten your day. The fantabulous Brandon Witzel and I met up a while ago to discuss some ideas to mess around with and ended up going in an edgy beauty direction. Kelly, our amazing model, was a perfect fit for the project. In makeup terms this was one of my easier shoots as I kept things more simple and graphic; I didn't want to do her a disservice and burden her beautiful face with tons of makeup and therefore used minimal product - a tiny dab of foundation, blush, lipstain, and a brow pencil. The styling was a fun aspect too. It can be difficult to find a stylist to collaborate on a test so I often find I have to pull props and wardrobe and sometimes even make pieces in order to have a shoot come to life. It's amazing what can be accomplished with a little yarn, glue, and styrofoam :)

I kept the colors soft with punches of muted red on her cheeks and lips to bring out her beautiful blue eyes. In regard her eyebrows, I feel like the bleached eyebrow trend has been driven into the ground so I wanted to go in a different graphic direction. I've seen Groucho Marx inspired brows in two different magazines (although I'm sure there are more people doing this and I'm probably late to the game per usual) and this is my take on what I feel may be an upcoming makeup trend. Enjoy!!

photos - Brandon Witzel
makeup, hair, & styling - Amy Gillespie
model - Kelly, Q6












Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, hair, makeup, photo shoot, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, LA, editorial makeup, fashion makeup, beauty makeup, Brandon Witzel, Q6

About Me

Amy Gillespie is a Portland, OR based makeup artist specializing in flawless makeup, light hairstyling, and on-set styling for print, film, runway, editorial, and commercial projects. She has enjoyed working with several world class photographers, models, and musicians and her makeup has been published multiple times in international and national magazines, music videos, and websites. She is known for her impeccable makeup, creativity, and instincts as well as, equally important, her laid back personality, good nature, and professionalism. In addition to working as a national makeup artist for cosmetics giant Estee Lauder her background includes MAC Cosmetics, NARS, Dior, and YSL Beauté. She has also studied theatrical and special FX makeup and has been a guest instructor for Mt. Hood Community College's theater students. Amy is available for editorial, commercial, film, and bridal work along the west coast. Please inquire via email for rates on your project. A full resume will be furnished upon request.