oh, the times, they are a-changin'

Up until now, I've basically used this blog to offer quarterly updates (although I feel this estimated frequency may be a tad on the generous side) on some of my gigs and to toot my own horn a little. Basically, I've maintained the blog because I've been told that is what the modern day entrepreneur should be doing. However, more frequency is required for it to be of any beneficial use to myself or any of the fabulously talented individuals to whom I link.

After a random, completely scientific poll on facebook in which the following reading options were offered - updates on my jobs, latest news, etc.; tips & tricks; product recommendations/reviews; current makeup and style as seen in magazines, on the runway, etc. - the results are in! And it seems each of the topics were equally requested meaning this blog will soon be featuring tidbits on a plethora of topics. Please stay tuned and check back regularly! I feel that a goal of blogging once a day is far too lofty for a procrastinator such as myself but I will do my best to be compiling a myriad of topics to discuss and will faithfully (i.e., more than once a quarter) post these things here for your reading pleasure.

Thanks for reading and feel free to submit requests or ideas on anything you'd like to see more of or learn about!


Amy Gillespie, makeup, makeup artist, freelance, fashion, beauty, commercial, editorial, Portland, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, photography, photo shoot, wedding, bridal

busy bee

So my life has been crazy, hence the delay in new posts.
I've been busy with tons of shoots, traveling to LA, and cramming in hours working for Dior (one of my side gigs). More updates on all of these things, especially my trip to LA, to follow. For now, here are a few quick grabs from a shoot I did with amazeballs (her words, not mine) photographer, Shelli Wright.

photos - Shelli Wright
makeup & hair - Amy Gillespie
models - Option Model and Media












Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, hair, fashion, photo shoot, editorial, wedding, Shelli Wright, Portland Oregon, Seattle Washington, LA, Los Angeles, west coast, Option Model and Media

Kate is lovely...

...and that's simply all there is to it.


Some new photos from fab photographer Brandon Witzel and stylist extraordinaire Rebecca Westby.








photos - Brandon Witzel
styling - Rebecca Westby
makeup & hair - Amy Gillespie
model - Kate, Option Model and Media




Amy Gillespie, makeup, hair, fashion, beauty, editorial, bridal, photo shoots

Happy Christmas!

Some holly, jolly, holiday inspired photos to warm your day...











photos : Brandon Witzel
styling & wardrobe : Rebecca Westby
hair & makeup : Amy Gillespie
model : Alexandria, Option Model and Medial

The English Dept. Rose/Dust: Fall 2010 Editorial

Last month I had the fantastic opportunity to team up with The English Department (a Portland bridal boutique) and some other fantastic players. We really lucked out on the weather, grabbing one of the last warm, sunny days of late summer/early fall; perfect for a golden, fall inspired photo shoot!

Since it was a fall editorial, I created a look with golds, russets, oranges, browns, and reds. Some key products I used were Dolce Vita Velvet Matte lip pencil from NARS, Exhibit A blush from NARS (careful with this color, just a teeny-tiny dab will go a loooong ways!) and True Gold pigment from Bare Escentuals. **Please note, I'm not a huge fan of mineral makeup in general for photo shoots or brides but this particular eyeshadow is a shade too pretty for even me to pass up!** Hair was kept loose and messy, almost as if Thalia, our stunning model, had just taken a good roll in the hay.

photos - Brandon Witzel
makeup & hair - Amy Gillespie
wardrobe - The English Dept.
styling - Rebecca Westby
flowers - quince
model - Thalia, Option Model and Media










And, just for fun, here's a picture I grabbed off of Rebecca's site that really lets you in on all the behind the scenes action. You didn't really think all that glorious dust was by chance, now did you?




Amy Gillespie, Portland makeup artist, fashion, beauty, bridal, editorial, commercial, events

Idle Glow

A few more from the Peter Van Beever archives.

photos - Peter Van Beever
hair & makeup - Amy Gillespie
model - Hailey, Q6






Amy Gillespie, Portland makeup artist, fashion, beauty, print, bridal

New Designs from Claire La Faye

I recently teamed up again with Claire La Faye, one of my all-time favorite Portland designers, to shoot her new line-up of clothes. Claire's clothes are seriously magic and full of whimsy and I think that really comes across in all of these pictures. She is truly inspiring to work with; everything is perfect and executed without flaw. No detail goes unchecked and everything is thought and planned out in advance. I wish every shoot could be this perfect! Definitely check out Claire's shop on Etsy too!

Makeup was simple, hair slightly messy, to capture a childlike feeling of playing dress up. I used soft tones and stained the lips. I also revived an old love affair with glitter towards the end. What little girl doesn't love glitter when she's playing dress up??

photos - Lavenda Memory
wardrobe & art direction Claire La Faye
makeup & hair - Amy Gillespie
models - Natalie, Q6 and Amelia, Muse Models




Amy Gillespie, makeup artist, fashion, bridal, wedding, editorial, Oregon, Washington