'Erudite' Photoshoot

Hi everyone,

So a few weekends ago I was lucky enough to be involved with a photo shoot undertaken by my good friend Matt from Matt James Photography. This photo shoot was Matt's next installment for his 'Divergent' photo series. It's a fantasy photo series inspired by the factions within the book, Divergent, by Veronica Roth. Our mutual friend Bridget was the model for this shoot and was representing 'Erudite', the intelligent and knowledgeable faction, you can read more about this here. Here is the final product!

I had such an fantastic time with this shoot as I was able to employ different learnt makeup techniques that I would not normally use on a day-to-day basis. It was an incredibly enjoyable artistic experience and a joy to be surrounded by another like-minded creative mind. I had a lot of fun with this shoot and believe I was able contribute (from the makeup/hair side of things) to encapsulate Matt's vision for the shoot!

I was able to pull from my collection the products a hues that were desired by the photographer for the shoot. Knowing the complexion and hair type of the model beforehand was also of great help as I was able to colour-match foundations/ concealers and bring appropriate hair styling tools/ products.

I began by first discussing colour palettes and the desired look for the model with Matt and from here away we go.

Special assistant for the day - Luna the kitty cat

1) The model started with a freshly cleansed face with moisturiser applied and allowed to settle. I then applied a foundation mattifying primer, Formula 10.0.6 Serioulsy Shine Free Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturiser with Aloe Vera + Bamboo. This helped the skin keep a matte-finish that is smooth and shine free.

2) Then using my Sigma Foundation F60 Brush I applied Revlon Colourstay Makeup in 150 Buff. This was a perfect colour match for the model and provides a medium to high coverage - perfect for photography.

3) Using my Sigma Concealer F70 Brush I applied Maybelline New York's Instant Age Rewind Under eye concealer in Light. This concealer is fantastic for that extra coverage and also serves as a lifting and brightening product for the eyes. I then swept a light layer of Models Prefer Professional Mineral Foundation in Light 01 with my Sigma Large Powder F30 Brush to complete the foundation. For a contour it was decided to keep this fairly minimal therefore I used my Sigma Large Angled Contour F40 Brush to create a natural contour to the cheekbones, forehead and jawline using e.l.f Bronzed Bronzing Powder.

4) To add extra highlight to the models face where the light would naturally hit I applied Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator in 03 Peach Light with my fingertips. Over top of this lotion I applied MAC Silver Dusk Loose Powder with my Sigma Tapered Blending E40 Brush. These two products work amazing together and provide a heavenly illuminated glow to the cheeks, nose and forehead.

5) After it was decided to add a slight flush of colour to the cheeks so a small amount of Maybelline Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush in Gentle Pink was applied to the apples of the cheeks.

6) The eyeshadow base used was MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study. A shimmery champagne opalescent hue, applied from eyelid to brow bone. Then applied over the entire lid and under the eye towards the cheekbone was a very white pearlescent colour from my Collette Palette mixed in with MAC Eyeshadow in Phloof! (frost) Followed by MAC Shimmermoss Eyeshadow (veluxe pearl) onto the lid. In the corner of the eye I placed MAC Parfait Amour (Frost) along with a fuchsia pink from my Collette Pallette and blended them out. Under the eye I applied a Sapphire blue and deep navy blue to create depth and blended these out also. For all eye colours I used my Sigma eyeshadow brushes: Eye shading E55 and Blending E25 Brushes.

 7) Bright blue eyeliner was applied to both upper and lower lash-lines. For this I used Revlon Colourstay Liquid Liner Liquide in Royal. The eyelashes were then curled with my e.l.f Lash Curler and a generous coat of  Rimmel LONDON Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara was applied to both upper and lower lash-lines. 

8) The brows were kept quite natural with a small amount of pencil used to fill-in and elongate the brow. For this I used Australis Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brown & Urban Decay Naked Palette with the colour Naked.

9) The lips were definitely a focal point for the look of this shoot - being bright royal blue in colour. For this a theatrical lipstick colour was used to create the desired look. 

10) Over top of the colour was applied Lancome Paris Juicy Wear Sheer Gloss. This acts as a seal and shine top coat to the lips.

11) To achieve the hairstyle a GHD Straightener was used to create loose curls falling away from the face. L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray (Normal Strength) was used to keep everything in place. The fringe was blow dried using a Goldwell Ceramic Rounded Brush to help create height as the fringe was covering the eyes. A liberal amount of hairspray was then used to mold a rounded shape to the fringe, giving the model a futuristic/edgy look.

12) As a final touch Toni & Guy Shine Gloss Serum was used to define curls and create added gloss to the hair.

Here are some pictures of the final result:

I just had to post the following photo as it encapsulates the gravity-defying fringe that was created. Also, apologies for the electric vibrancy in this photo, I couldn't resist highlighting that bright red hair :

Overall, I had a great day with Matt from Matt James Photography and Bridget (model). If you're on Facebook please head on over to Matt's Fanpage and click LIKE :) Matt has 3 more shoots in his Divergent series, I can't wait to see what he comes up with!

Here are a few behind the scenes shots that were taken on the day:

Great team! Myself, Bridget & Matt.

Would love to hear what you think :)

talk soon,

x.k.