"Is omission, betrayal?" / Day Twenty Seven.

30 Day Blog Challenge.

Day 27.

Your Month In Great Detail

Once again, I'm posting up a blog by killing two birds with one stone. I know this month hasn't ended just yet, but with the new year that has just started, I have learnt so much already. This past week has been tough but a great learning experience.

As far as the "details" of how the past four weeks have been, I have finally graduated from the Academy and am now a fully qualified make up artist! This has been my greatest achievement so far in regards to my career and something that I'm ready to work towards. (Full details on my course will be saved for another blog post!) This month, I have also said goodbye to last year and say hello to a brand new beginning for 2012. I celebrated my graduation, spent time with friends that I have made and said goodbye to a friend that lives on the other side of the country.

Possibly the biggest "event" that has happened this past month is something quite personal and to be honest, disappointing. Anyone who has ever loved someone so much only to be extremely disappointed in something that they did will most likely relate. I found out that someone lied to me. Someone who I considered my best friend and more.

I used to always ask myself this question all the time, and for the longest time I had no answer but now I think I have a pretty clear answer for it.

"Is omission betrayal?"

When someone keeps something from you, is it a lie? Is it betrayal? Even if you didn't ask? Short answer - Yes.

I'm never one to write off someone very quick. I believe in second chances and I like to hear someone out. I analyse the answer and try to dig deep and see if the answer is legit. If you've done something wrong, the best thing to do is man up, swallow your pride and own up to your mistakes and rectify the problem. The truth will always come out, so there is no need to lie. Lying to someone will always cause you to hurt someone and lose their trust. Plus, I think people will appreciate your honesty.

Another thing about lying? Don't lie to yourself. People often have traits and personalities about themselves that they have but don't want to admit, but it's better if you do sometimes so you know how to fix it if you don't like it.

From this unpleasant experience, I've learnt a lot. I've admitted things to myself that I was always afraid of and realised that as much as the person who has done me wrong has to change, I do too.

All of this is probably so cryptic to the reader, but I'm sure you'll find a way to relate it to you somehow!

xx

Day Twenty Eight and Twenty Nine.

30 Day Challenge

Day 28.

This Year In Great Detail

Day 29.

Your hopes, plans and dreams for the next 365 days.

I know, I know. I skipped a day or so but I thought I would again kill two birds with one stone with this blog post!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that everyone welcomed the new year surrounded by family and friends =) The year 2011 was most probably the best year of my life and lets hope that the year 2012 will bring in even more exciting new adventures!

The end of the year gets us to reflect back on the things that we did for the past 12 months and when I look back on the things that I have done, I can't help but feel proud of myself. Last year, I did the most amazing things, gotten close to a lot of people who I now cherish and finally took a massive step in building my career. I can now look back on this year saying that I have no regrets and more importantly, that I achieved something that I have been wanting for so long.

I'm never one for drama and love to have positive outcomes and I think those traits of mine have really come out last year. I enjoyed my time by attending friends birthday celebrations, screaming and dancing about at concerts, coming home at ridiculous hours, strengthening friendships, building new ones, seeing my family overseas, witnessed two important people in my life tie the knot, defining my relationship and most of all, studying to begin my career.

I can't stress enough how much of an amazing time I had last year. Lets just say that not even the biggest hiccup or intervention can bring anything down for me. Although I've been let down or been made an idiot at one point or another last year, it was important for me to be the bigger person and to think of a positive outcome, no matter how bad the situation was.

The biggest highlight of my year, was to finally get my qualifications as a Make Up Artist. I wanted to go for it the year before last, but couldn't as I didn't meet the enrolment date. I enrolled myself at the Academy of Makeup in Paddington and braced myself for five months of study and work experience. My week pretty much consisted of night classes three times a week and a full day of class on Sundays. It was challenging having to balance going to the Academy, work, friends, boyfriend and church but I managed pretty well. It helps that my friends all knew how much it meant to me, that even if I was pretty much MIA for those 5 months, that I was doing something that I loved and that it was something I was looking forward to in order to reach my goals. I learnt a lot and have gained so much experience and knowledge and I seriously could do it all over again.

My hopes and dreams for the next year? Build my career.

I know that the beauty industry is competitive and that its hard work, but if you know me at all.. you know I'm willing to do what it takes for me to make it. I'm ready for new experiences, new adventures. I want to be surrounded by people who give off positive energies, build my portfolio and networking skills, travel places that I have always dreamed of going to, strengthen my friendships even more and to reach all my goals. I'm definately ready for what the year 2012 has to bring.

Our view of the Harbour Bridge on New Years Eve

Blues Point Reserve, Sydney

Jazmine xx

Day Twenty Six.

30 Day Challenge.

Day 26

Your Week, In Great Detail

December 14 - December 20

December 14, 2011 - Wednesday

Woke up and got ready for work then after my shift I went straight home to get ready to go to the Academy. I was stuck in traffic when I found out that my model, Haylee probably wasn't able to go to class because her car broke down. I told her it's fine not to come, and I'll be doing body art on her on Sunday. Went back home and did some assessments until 11 p.m. came and I met Dave at his house so we can pack for Japan. He was leaving at 8:45 a.m. the next morning.

December 15, 2011 - Thursday

Early hours of the morning included packing up Dave's luggage and him choosing which camera gear to bring to Japan with him. Went to K-mart for last minute stuff then finished off my video for my assessment and business cards. Left the house just a bit before 6 a.m. headed to the airport. Said bon voyage to the boyfriend and his sisters as they venture off to Japan. Went home and straight to bed as I hadn't gotten any sleep for 26 hours. Woke up and called up a friend to get some Vietnamese food and also to get photos from past photoshoots from a friend. After Vietnamese food, we decided to meet up with another friend and chilled at Starbucks and had a loooong talk.

December 16, 2011 - Friday

Work. Home. Assignments. Pack. Tumblr. Glee.

December 17, 2011 - Saturday

Woke up and got ready for Year End Thanksgiving in Kellyville. Did some shopping and breakfast with Kristine then met up with Mel to get photos from past photoshoots since the one she gave me on Thursday didn't work. Went home and slept for a bit.

December 18, 2011 - Sunday

My last Sunday ever in class at the Academy. Kahlia and I came to class late as usual and did our Make Up Continuity assessment. Lunch at Paddington Inn then class again to finish off some of the assessments that Kahlia hadn't done. Quick bite at McDonalds (Ate in front of Happy 203 aka. Brothel on Parramatta Road,  Five Dock just for shits and gigs). Printed off my photoshoot to hand in, dropped Kahlia home. Dinner and sleep.

December 19, 2011 - Monday

Work then straight home to take a shower and meet up with Eva to go to the M.A.C. store just before class. Epic fail as it was raining so hard I was in traffic for nearly 3 hours. Rocked up to class and observed Drag Queen make up. Went home all by myself, no Kahlia in the car!

December 20, 2011 - Tuesday

Graduation and last day of class ever! Worked in the afternoon, then straight to class to work on our Drag Queen models. Kahlia brought in her family friend as her model and his friend for me. They looked like Kath and Kim all dolled up at the end! Such a good ending to the course!!! 

xx Jazmine

Day Twenty Five.

30 Day Challenge

Day 25.

Your Day In Great Detail

Funny that this was the next blog challenge on the list as it has been a pretty eventful 24 hours running around everywhere and getting stuff done!

From midnight till about 2 in the morning, the boyfriend and I spent time packing his luggage as he was leaving for Japan at 8:45. Call me crazy, but I love packing and unpacking when I'm going on a trip. So I decided to show him my packing skills, basically packing up all the clothes he needed to bring to Japan while he picked out what he was going to bring on the plane.

We said goodbye to his parents then went to K-Mart to buy some last minute stuff (padlocks etc.) then went to his sisters boyfriends house as he was going to drive us to the airport.

From about 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. we were editing the video for my assignment/ Facebook page/ portfolio and also designing my business cards.

We left the house at 5ish and left for Sydney International Airport. On the way, we basically took a nap in the car. Woke up, met his younger sister at the airport and helped them to check in.

Jay (his older sisters boyfriend) and I dropped them off at the gate and said goodbye then grabbed some food to eat on the way home. Got to Jay's house, drove home, took a quick shower and watched Clueless just before taking a nap.

Woke up, took a shower and headed to Blacktown to get photos from a stylist who I did make up for. Met up with Fit and grabbed dinner at Pho then went to her house, waited for Ivan and headed to Starbucks. Stayed at Starbucks for a while talking about random things and also discussing some stuff that they have just found out recently!

Its now 11:39, I'm finally home .. about to clean my room a bit then head off to bed and work tomorrow!

<3 Jazmine

Day Twenty Four.

30 Day Challenge.

Day Twenty Four

Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

It Will Rain by Bruno Mars

I heard this song playing at work a few weeks back and I'm in love.

"Cause there’ll be no sunlight
if I lose you, baby..
There’ll be no clear skies
if I lose you, baby..
Just like the clouds,
My eyes will do the same if you walk away
Everyday, it will rain, rain, rain.."

Day Twenty Three.

30 Day Challenge.

Day 23.

A Youtube Video

Meet Jonah Mowry.

He's been a victim of bullying for a very long time and has let the world know about it through this video.

Doing this video takes a lot of courage and he should be applauded for sharing his story.

Day Twenty Two.

30 Day Challenge

Day 22.

A Website

http://jvictoria.tumblr.com/

A link to my other blog =)

Day Twenty One.

30 Day Challenge

Day Twenty One.

A recipe.

Red Velvet Cake.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups (250 grams) sifted cake flour 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

2 tablespoons (15 grams) regular or Dutch-processed cocoa powder 

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature 

1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated white sugar 

2 large eggs 

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk  

2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring 

1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar 

1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream Cheese Frosting 

250 g cream cheese, room temperature  

250 g Mascarpone cheese, room temperature  

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract   

1 cup (115 grams) icing sugar, sifted 

250 ml double thick cream  

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C and place rack in center of oven. Butter two - 9 inch (23 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl sift together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.  

In bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.  

3. In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food coloring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. 

4. In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter.   

5. Working quickly, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 - 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and invert, lifting off the pan. Once the cakes have completely cooled, wrap in plastic and place the cake layers in the refrigerator for at least an hour to make frosting the cakes easier.

Cream Cheese Frosting

7. In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners sugar and beat until smooth. Using the whisk attachment, gradually add the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is thick enough to spread. Add more sugar or cream as needed to get the right consistency.

8. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and ta da! Delicious red velvet cake :)

Photo and Recipe Courtesy of : http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-cupcake-in-jar.html

Day Nineteen & Day Twenty.

30 Day Challenge

Day Nineteen.

A Talent of Yours.

&

Day Twenty.

A Hobby of Yours.

I thought I would combine these two seeing as they sort of go together :)

Right now, I wouldn't say that I'm the most talented Make Up Artist there is out there,

but I would consider it my talent.

I don't dance, I don't sing, I don't act and I have no special talents that I can boast about. So the closest thing I have would be Make Up Artistry =)

And the same goes with it being my hobby! I love the art, the detail and everything that goes into make up artistry. A lot of people think that its easy to put make up on someone's face but it is incredibly hard and challenging!

With that being said, hopefully this hobby of mine is something I can turn into a career and be one of the most talented MUA's there is! Here's hoping!!! *crosses fingers* =)

Below is me in action and also some of the things I've done in the past!

Nothing special since I'm still starting out!

The Girls and I at Toni & Guy Manly's 10th Year Anniversary Showcase

(   I know I look super tired ! =(  )

I did both these girls' make up!

 =)

xx Jazmine

Day Eighteen.

30 Day Challenge.

Day 18

Whatever Tickles Your Fancy.

The beautiful bride/big sister, Abie.

The shmick groom/big brother, Wayne.

The stunning bridesmaid/big sister, Kristine.

and myself, the Maid of Honour at A&W wedding.

Taken on November 18, 2011.

So happy to be a part of two of the most important people in my life tie the knot.

<3

Day Seventeen.

30 Day Challenge.

Day 17

An Artpiece.

I'm gonna cheat on this one.

The type of pieces that stand out to me mostly aren't paintings or sculptures.

I'm more of a photography and architecture kinda girl.

I think it's streets like these that are beautifully made are considered an art piece.

One day I'll live in streets like this one =)

Day Sixteen.

30 Day Challenge

Day 16.

A Song That Makes You Cry (Or Nearly)

Someone Like You ; Adele

I am doing horribly with this 30 Day Challenge! I think I've extended this thing to TWO MONTHS!

I blame college, work and work experience!

This song doesn't exactly put me to tears every time I hear it, but its like I feel her pain.

Adele is amazing.

Day Fifteen.

Day 15.

30 Day Challenge

A Fanfic.

I'll cheat on this one. I don't know anything about fanfic's.

I'll leave you with a little something from one of my favourite movies Marie Antoinette.

Day Fourteen.

Day 14.

30 Day Challenge

A Non- Fiction Book

A Life in Frocks by Kelly Doust.

I love how she talks about key parts of her life and how her clothing, shoes, 

accessories and make up all play a part of it.

Zero.

Even if you keep going.

As repped by RiRi.

<3

Day Thirteen.

30 Day Challenge

Day 13.

A Fictional Book

I know that choosing the Harry Potter series is pretty typical but these books were a part of my childhood!

P.S. No, I don't look like Cho Chang!

<3

Make Up Artist Anal-ism.

30 Day Challenge

Day 12.

Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

I've been meaning to do this post for a while and this Day 12 post for the 30 Day Challenge for bloggers is pretty much killing two birds with one stone!

Before continuing reading, I just want to say that when it comes to make up artistry, I'm not perfect. But I'm definitely striving to be. To be successful in this industry, you have to be on point ALL the time. And if you're not, you won't get booked. Below are things I constantly look out for on what not to do, and with good reason!

My Pet Peeves when it comes to Make Up Artistry and being an aspiring Make Up Artist:

1. DIRTY BRUSHES

Photo Courtesy of : http://namaste-beauty.com

I absolutely HATE dirty make up brushes!! Just the thought of bacteria and not knowing what kind of face its been in contact with before just grosses me out. The thought of someone with a really bad skin condition (like cold sores) coming in contact with my face or a models face really does want to make me gag.

Dirty make up brushes harbour bacteria from cosmetic products, skin, dirt, grime, dead skin cells, bench tops and make up cases - most especially ones you've used with liquid, gel or cream products. All those nasty things can get caught in the bristles and when you don't clean (at least spot clean) your brushes and apply it on your own face or someone else's face with those same dirty brushes, you're gonna end up with breakouts. EW.

I don't let anyone use my own personal brush sets unless I really know the person and it has to be clean before it comes in contact with their face AND cleaned again after they have used it. I keep a separate brush kit for myself and another for clients. I also don't use a brush that has fallen on the floor. If i've dropped it (even if it was clean prior to dropping it), I'll still sterilise. Its just hygienic!

2. MAKE UP CLUTTER

Photo Courtesy of : http://beautypunk.onsugar.com/

Maybe its just me and my weird organisational ways, but I love the look of organised make up. It shows that you do care about the products - the way they are organised and cleaned. Yes, cleaned. I hate dirty brush rolls, foundation bottles and consider make up palettes gross if they have a smudge of make up product in them. Good quality make up isn't cheap, and if you're a MUA - you probably have spent so much money on your kit that you could've saved enough money for a second hand car.

MUA's spend so much money in investing in their kit, so why would we throw them around?!

I place everything my traincase in sections - Foundation, powders, pigments, eyeshadows, lipsticks etc. I don't want one drawer to have foundation and a random vial of pigment in it or have one of my concealers randomly in a lipstick section. Why? If you're working, you want to be as time efficient as possible. It is a complete waste of time if you have to search for a product just because you were too lazy to put it in their right spot!! You're just creating more work for yourself that you didn't have to do. Plus, if you have loose powder products with liquids and they get shuffled around it'll just be a mess.

Point is: products should be easy to find, clean - so your client knows you're a clean person and easy to pack away. Not to mention that it'll probably save you money because you're now taking care of your products!

3. BAD BLENDING

Photo Courtesy of : http://kristadior.kristardesign.com

Unless you're going for the "harsh edges" eye make up look, BLEND! I mean, come onnnnn!

I won't go into a whole spiel about it, but if you look at my example, you can definitely tell which eye is blended.

Most people compliment an MUA's eye make up because its well blended. I find that people are so impressed by a person if they have blended their make up well. Its not easy at first, but with a lot of practice  people will get there! I still really need to perfect mine too :) Go and buy yourself a 224 or a 217 brush from MAC and start blending those harsh lines! Make up will look 100x better, I promise.

4. SPIDERY LASHES

Photo Courtesy of : lastlash.blogspot.com

It might be someone else's style, but I just don't like the look of spidery lashes. It makes it look clumpy, dry and unnatural. I love the look of natural but defined lashes and everyone can achieve that look if they find the right formula with the right mascara wand.

And no, "The good ones are usually the really expensive one" is not an excuse. There are LOTS of mascara's made by commercial/drugstore brands that are good!





- jazmine xx

Day Eleven.

30 Day Challenge

Day 11.

A Photo Taken Of You Recently.

Being an aspiring Make Up Artist sometimes makes it hard to find people who really inspire you, let alone get to meet them. Luckily for me, I got to meet one of mine.

Nicole Thompson is an Australian MUA and represents MAC Cosmetics on an International Level. She is currently a Senior Make Up Artist and lands herself in the most amazing jobs ever. I know that recently she was just in Milan and now to Paris (if I'm not mistaken). She's definitely where I want to be in possibly 4 years time. 

I got the chance to watch her do her magic last year at IMATS and sat there in pure amazement. I got the chance to see her again this year for IMATS 2011 along with her Body Art team.

Oh Nicole, I'll be your apprentice if you'll have me!

P.S. Nicole and I definitely have the black and pink thing going on.

Day Ten.

30 Day Challenge

Day 1o.

A Photo Of You Taken 10 Years Ago.

21 years ago.

Taken on my First Birthday =)

Day Nine.

30 Day Challenge

Day o9.

A Photo You Took

Haylee and I after doing each others faces for Fashion Catwalk.

We all had a choice as to which make up look we wanted to go for:

Birds of Paradise, Gothic Lolita and Futuristic.

I think it's clear both Haylee and I chose Gothic Lolita! She did my face and I did hers.

I think I'm gonna have to start rockin' the pink brows outside of make up school!

I'm quite in love with it and the black lip. She also did love hearts on top of the brows.

My concept was sort of to go against the "perfect" doll-like features of a traditional Gothic Lolita.

I wanted unbalanced eyes and eyebrows. She had plum coloured brows and dark glossy eyes.

I'm thinking of turning this theme into a full photoshoot!