ready for my close-up

Typically, I'm a behind the scenes kinda gal.  That's the life of a makeup artist and I'm more than OK with that.  HA!  But because I love my Dad, I agreed to help out in front of the camera for a change.  As part of the 2012 Florida Tow Show last spring, I walked around with a camera crew to interview attendees and exhibitors.  A little known fact about me is that I have spent my whole life around tow trucks.  In fact, I used to get dropped off to school in a tow truck!  And I have seriously been going to the Florida Tow Show since I was about six years old.  Anyways, here are a few clips from the show...

 

interviewing a good sport , Chris from Pee Wee's Towing

30 days until 30...

It kind of just hit me today. And by "IT," I mean the fact that I am about to turn 30. As in, 30 years old. Seriously. When did this happen?? I feel like just the other day (or year) I was only blowing out a mid-twenties number of candles on my birthday cake. This relevation has lead me to think about what has changed in the past five or so years...

First, the obvious. I am MUCH more wiser. I've been through some major life lessons in the past couple years. Everything from losing lovers to losing loved ones. Not to mention my decision to change careers and move closer to my family in Orlando. Every so often I miss being a social worker. Well, actually I just miss the clients. I have had the privilege to work with some amazing people. I hope that I was able to impact their lives as much as they have impacted mine. I know I made the right decision to leave social work behind and pursue my passion for makeup artistry though. There isn't a day that goes by where I wish I wasn't do makeup or that I feel I've learned all there is to know about makeup artistry. I especially love days when I feel I have empowered someone to show their inner beauty through enhancing their outward appearance with makeup. And let's face it. You can take the girl out of social work, but you can't take the social work out of the girl. I am still being impacted by amazing people. I can only hope that I do the same...

Second, my overall skill as a makeup artist has vastly improved! It blows my mind to think that my first wedding was over seven years ago!!! I started out with just a small, one-bag kit and an ad on craigslist. It's important to me to be an eternal student of makeup artistry though. With trends and techniques changing all the time, it definitely keeps me on my toes. And as an FYI (or shameless plug), this is something to consider when hiring a makeup artist. You don't want to end up with a makeup look that is dated. Especially for wedding makeup. The look should be a timeless reflection of YOU.

Third, I no longer sweat the small stuff (most of the time). It's no secret that I've battled my weight/image demons in the past. I used to have major anxiety about a lot of different things though. And really, at the end of the day what does it all matter?! Perhaps one of the most important life lessons I've learned is that the only person who really matters is the one who looks back at you in the mirror everyday. As long as you are OK with that person, the rest is just gravy. I mean think about it. Wrinkles are earned from a lifetime of laughter. I would much rather have that than a face that is void of all emotion. But that doesn't mean that I will continue to treat my skin with kindness (i.e., moisturizer, moisturizer...)

I'm certain this list can go on and on about how much I've changed but I'm happy to be at this point in my life and to have over SEVEN years experience in makeup artistry under my belt. I did promise myself that I would be a full-time makeup artist before my 30th birthday. And that is exactly what I got...

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

-Maya Angelou

Recovering for 2012

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I definitely did a little overindulging over the break but it was so worth it. I spent my time with family, friends, and the love of my life, Tubby! I mean, you try to resist MY grandma's cooking. Just try. I dare ya! So time to get back on track. I've been working on replenishing my thirsty skin by drinking gallons of water and practically bathing in Complete Comfort Creme by MAC. I swear by this stuff on a regular basis but especially during times when I know my skin is parched. Try it! And I guarantee you and your skin will thank me. At the very least, be sure to be extra diligent about your current moisturising routine during this time of need...

And onto another topic of um, concern... It's no secret that I get a good amount of gratis working for MAC. OK, A MAJOR amount! It's definitely a perk and one of the many reasons why I LOVE my job. The latest collection, METAL-X is blowing my mind. I rarely, if at all buy makeup but I just HAD to get my hands on a few of the beauties from this collection. In particular, I am loving "Rusty" and "Red Hot Copper." While none of the shades are appropriate for usage on the lips, they are safe to be used anywhere else on the face/body. I used "Red Hot Copper" as my blush shade today and got several compliments on the color. It resembled a warm, pinkish flush. The formula has been revamped from a previous launch so that it blends beautifully, never creases, and can be built up for a super cool high-color/chrome effect payoff.

Anyhoo... I feel great things are in store for 2012. I've made a few resolutions for myself. With my 30th birthday looming around the corner, it's hard not to reevaluate a few things. But overall, I hope to continue making my life more beautiful through making others look and feel their best!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a beautiful Christmas filled with lots of love, peace, and togetherness!

All my Best
XOXO
Christien Marie

bridal beauty

A few pics from a recent bride...

A Charleston Premiere of THE WISE KIDS!

Hey dolls!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with loved ones and yummy food. I certainly had my fair share of Grandma's cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie - my favs! But Thanksgiving is about more than the feast and football. It is a time to reflect on the things we are most thankful for in life. And I am truly blessed with amazing friends and family, without which I would not have been able to fulfill one of my dreams recently...

After over a year of waiting, the Charleston premiere of THE WISE KIDS finally happened!! It was such a great weekend. I spent a lot of time remeniscing about the time I lived in Charleston, the countless hours spent making the film, overnight shoots, the delerium that caused friendships I will cherish forever, and the list goes on. There is just a certain charm about Charleston that will always have a special place in my heart. But being reunited with the cast and crew of THE WISE KIDS and seeing my name listed under "makeup artist" on a big screen (and I mean BIG as the premiere was at the Hippodrome in downtown Charleston) will definitely be filed under one of the coolest experiences of my life!

After seeing THE WISE KIDS for myself (twice), I can see why it has received so much positive press and won eight awards at festivals such as Outfest. The director, Stephen Cone had a vision of telling a story about the lives of faith-based Southerners and their struggles with daily life. So he gathered cast and crew from Charleston and Chicago to create THE WISE KIDS. During the filming process, it was hard at times to picture everything coming together so perfectly as each scene had to be broken down to consider every detail. Indeed, it did though. I have to admit that I was very proud of the makeup on this film. Everyone looked amazing!! All my worrying about makeup continuity throughout the film actually paid off! The joke remains: "Can we get Christien on set with sweat rags?" HA!! It was the middle of summer in Charleston and it was HOT! So I had to make sure the makeup didn't melt off and that the actors didn't appear sweaty even though they were dying at times!

I think the film is nothing short of amazing and for that, I am truly thankful to have been a part of THE WISE KIDS. To watch the trailer of THE WISE KIDS, click HERE!!!! And to see more pics, etc. from the premiere, click HERE!!!

with "THE WISE KIDS" (Tyler, Molly, and Allison)
with my loves, Justin (production assistant) and Tanesha (hair)

Orlando Bridal Makeup

Just updated some info on the mywedding.com website! Feel free to check out YourMakeupGal there and contact me if you have any questions regarding booking your wedding!

"Liberating Jessie"

Hey dolls!! Hope all is well with everyone.

So waaaayyyyyy back in 2009, I worked on a short film called "Liberating Jessie" with Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC. It was a fun experience and it's always cool to be on set doing what I love... MAKEUP!! The short is about a young adult ("Jessie") dealing with the existentialism of life.

And now, finally the efforts of everyone involved with this project are coming together for it to be shared with the world!! "Liberating Jessie" will be featured as part of a Special Screening of SC Short Films at Cinebarre in Mt. Pleasant, SC. For more info about this event, click HERE!

In the meantime, here are a few pics...

sistas!!

sometimes you're just lucky to have good people in your life. and i'm lucky to have this 'lil doll as a sister. isn't she gorge!!

PROM season has arrived!!

I swear the days are flyin by. While talking with my little sister the other day, I realized it's PROM season!! I mean, hello. Didn't we JUST celebrate New Years?! And Valentines Day?! HA! We won't even talk about how old it makes me feel to be doing my little sister's makeup for prom... Anyway, my point is have you given any thought to prom makeup?? If you are looking for help creating the perfect look for this very special occassion (EVERYONE remembers their prom), give me a call or stop in the MAC Store at the FL Mall. In the meantime, here is a picture of a very simple look I did on my sister. She hardly wears makeup so she was very specific about not looking to overly done up. I did manage to get a pair of false lashes on her though!!! Cute, right...

Happy NEW Year!!!

WOW! I can't believe that it's 2011 already. Although I'm sure everyone is scratching their heads wondering where the days of 2010 went?! Did anyone make any specific beauty resolutions for 2011?? I don't typically make any new year resolutions but I know 2011 is going to be full of great things! The trends seem to be a BOLD lip color and satin skin. I already prefer a more natural base look, but I think we are going to see more "dewy" looking skin. And if you haven't made a new year resolution, perhaps just cleaning out your makeup bag is a good place to start...

I realize it's been a while since my last update but things have been majorly busy for YourMakeupGal!! The holidays at MAC have left me with little free time. Somehow I did manage to find time to do a couple holiday makeups though. And I was recently approached to be a contributor for the Orlando area Examiner.com. My first submission was a holiday insipred look. Click on the link below to read the actual article but here is a picture in the meantime!

http://www.examiner.com/makeup-in-orlando/christien-marie-orlando-makeup-artist-review

MAC!!!!!

It's official! I started working with MAC this month and so far, I LOVE it. I feel so lucky to be able to wake up everyday and work as a makeup artist. I am still available for freelance work in the area so please feel free to call!! Just wanted to share the news!!!! :D

IMDb - Christien Marie

How cool is it that I have an official IMDb page now?!? Post-production has started for THE WISE KIDS and is due out in 2011. Should be a great lil film and like I've said before, I'm really proud to have been a part of it. Click HERE to link to MY super cool new IMDb page!!!!!!!

Success...I'm on my way!! :)

THE WISE KIDS

Well friends. A month has passed since I packed my brush rolls, loaded the makeup kit and headed to Charleston, SC to work on a little indie film called THE WISE KIDS. The writer/director, Stephen Cone as well as most of the cast/crew traveled from Chicago to work on this project. Dubbed a "labor of love" by Stephen, I think this film is something most everyone will be able to relate to. It's about three friends who deal with their beliefs, sexuality, and friendships the summer between high school and college. I can honestly say that I am proud to be a part of this film. The makeup applications were fairly simple and with a great looking cast, my job was never hard. For the crucifixion one scene, I got to have a little fun with blood and bruising but overall Stephen requested that everyone look real. So that's what I did. Along with keeping the sweat rags handy since we often filmed either outside in 90 degree heat or inside with no air condition. Overall though, great friends were made. A great film was made. And I got to spend a month in Charleston saying good-bye to one of my favorite cities. Onward to Orlando, FL now where I have established permanent residency and plan to continue doing great makeup! At least until my next travels...

Here are a couple pics from the movie that I love. I will add more to the website soon! In the meantime, Enjoy...

SO thankful...

photo by Alice Keeney

I'm a lucky girl. I have a fabulous job doing exactly what I love. But it has taken a lot of hard work and believing in myself to get here. So I feel honored about being recognized in the current issue (January, 2010) of skirt! magazine. For those of you who aren't familiar with this monthly, it's a creative magazine focused on empowering women. It's always been a good read and the current issue is centered around living your life with "No Regrets." Most people already know that I will be attending school in the spring to pursue my dream of being a special effects makeup artist. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time so it's exciting to see my dream start to come to fruition!! I have a feeling 2010 is going to be a great year for me and I hope it brings you all just as much joy and success.

all MINE!

I get asked what is in my personal makeup bag all the time SO I thought I would share a pic. Obviously, I have waaaayyyyy too much stuff for just one bag. I have a few favs that get used almost daily...like CORALista from Benefit Cosmetics! Great for giving me a peachy pop of color on the cheeks to brighten my complexion - much needed on those days I just don't want to get out of bed. At least I look awake even if I feel asleep. And I really would feel lost without mascara. If I do nothing else, I MUST put on mascara before I leave the house. Otherwise...EEW! As you can see, I love the drugstore brands as much as the prestige brands. There are some real gems to be found at CVS or Walgreens. I try to be open-minded about all brands. My professional kit isn't brand specific because I never know what types of allergies or preferences people will have when I am working. My personal kit isn't brand specific because I am a self-proclaimed total beauty product junkie. Makeup is fun to me and in my opinion, there are no rules!! PLAY. HAVE FUN. It's makeup people. It will wash off if you don't like it!

Yes people. THIS is where the magic happens for me. And I really am this organized...

Model Mayhem!

I was recently introduced to the site: modelmayhem.com. So far it seems like a great way to network with other professionals in the modeling industry. If you are a model, photographer, or fellow makeup artist feel free to add me as a friend! on the site and in need of a makeup artist, feel free to add ME as a friend!