amylwilkinsonmua-blog

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

Lip art competition results

When @karlapowellmua tags you in a Instagram story, it must be good!! Finally the first stage of the lip competition results are out!!! I’m shocked and thrilled, excited and everything in between!!

To come top 5 out of all the entries is amazing, all this time I’ve been telling myself I wouldn’t make it to the final 5. I didn’t want to feel disappointed especially after I genuinely gave it my best shot.

The next announcement will be top 3, their is a prize for each person but the one that means the most is prize 1... not because it’s first but because the prize is to assist Karla and that what I want.... it’s why I entered.

Wish me luck!

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

House of Ollichon 2nd collection

Their is no bigger compliment then to be invited back by a designer or company, as I stated in a previous Blog House of ollichon found me after @weddingideasmagazine-blog recommended me during a wedding hour tweet. 

It was my first big job working with a designer and on a look book and one year later Hannah asked me back to do her 3rd collection look books and campaign shots. 

Yet again Hannah bought her unique designs that enable brides to go dress less to there wedding day, Capes, detachable skirts and trousers filled this years collections. 

As usual Hannah complemented her pieces with unique accessories from other small businesses. Kristen (face of House of Ollichon) again wowed us with her skills. 

Recommendations has fuelled the fashion side to my business and although its still a slow burn it has been the one route that has worked for me. When someone recommends me I feel a huge responsibility to not only do a great job for the designer but to make sure the person that the one that recommended me gets great feedback and a “thank you”. 

This has one outcome..... MORE RECOMMENDATIONS! 

I keep my fingers crossed that House of Ollichon have me back again because I love being part of a brand that has such an amazing designer and helping a small business grow and grow and I believe good images do that!. 

A x

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

FaceApp needs to bog off!

Face App has recently been flooding our Facebook news feed  with, “beautify yourself” or “see your self as Hollywood star!”. Its pretty harmless stuff Until I saw this.... 

I find that a young woman posted this to a makeup group very sad, why are we doing this to ourselves? why aren’t we teaching women to love themselves for who they are and not a computerised version of themselves? 

I like the picture of me on the left, its been taken in natural light with no filters or editing, its not perfect but my job is to show people REALITY! not a filter, not an app and not heavily airbrushed skin! 

The “Beautiful” version of me has taken out the lines under my eyes and plumped the area darkened my skin, contoured my nose, Darkened my brows, made my lashes darker and smoothed all my skin.  

It has taken me a long time to be more comfortable with the way I look, at school I was called ugly and NO boys ever fancied me. One day I was in Town shopping (about 17) and I saw a guy that I thought was attractive, when he looked at me, i put my head down because I thought if he saw me all he would think was how ugly I was. 

This was in my head at a time of no social media, no filters, and no pressure from people outside of the mean people at school. How on earth do we expect young women to be confident?, kids are mean and always have been but now it extends to Instagram and snap chat slimming our face, smoothing our skin and telling us we aren’t quite perfect. 

I also decided to filter this image as since this photo was taken I have made some adjustments to my face, I had the moles removed from my face (medical reasons) and I have had braces. Having braces dramatically changed the shape of my face and when I had my moles removed I was told how much better I looked. 

I sometimes scroll through social media and feel like a crap Makeup artist because I don't do extreme makeup, sometimes I want to give in. Then I have moments like this when all I want to do is use my skills as a makeup artist to teach girls and women how to be a polished version of themselves and to embrace their skin and not hide behind contouring and heavy eye makeup.

Learn to love yourself, don't be mean to the girl that isn't your idea of beautiful and compliment each other. 

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

Lip Art Competition..

As any kind of artist you never stop learning and thats why each year I go on at least one course to improve my skills or learn new ones. I love natural makeup but natural makeup often gets scrolled past on social media and as I wanted to build my following and improve my skills I wanted to challenge myself. 

@karlapowellmua is a makeup artist I admire not only because of her artistic skills but I admire the career she has built for herself. She has drilled into and used social platforms to make work for herself. 

So when she advertised a lip art course their was no way I wasn't attending, Initially I booked because I wanted to meet Karla. I have seen her advertise for assistants and I wanted her to meet me in person to hopefully give me a head start when I apply in the future. To be honest the makeup came second to hearing er speak and being able to ask her questions. 

When I attended the course Karla didn't disappoint, her demos were fascinating and I learn a lot and more importantly she was open about how she build her following and how it has lead to jobs. I hung off every word and wrote it down, I started a blog because she advised it (here it is!) and I filled with inspiration and passion that I could do it too. 

At the end of our weekend, Karla announced that she was running a competition between students to win the chance to assist her on a @muacosmetics campaign, well...... if this isn't the biggest opportunity of my life here in front of me I don't know what is... 

I went home and over the following months I created Lip art after Lip art based on the brief “COSMIC DUST” I photographed them myself and taught myself photoshop by watching youtube tutorials. Well I taught my self the parts of photoshop I needed too.

I entered a lip immediately and watched the hashtag KPLIPARTCOMPETITION everyday and a few days before the closing date the entries came in, This was my first entry:

This lip was based on the night sky and stars. I was pleased with it.... then I saw the other entries come in, I was nervous! so much talent. As we were allowed to enter 2 pieces I decided I needed to up my game. So I researched Nebulas, and found my inspiration and set to work. I spent hours creating the lip, taking images and editing.... 

This is my final entry: 

Im so pleased with it and don't feel like I could have done better at this point. There are many prizes, and obviously Im aiming for the top one to assist Karla. A panel of judges from @smashboxstudios and @muacosmetics will now join Karla to decide, it may even go to social media. 

Ive tried my best and I have now found a new love, my career started by staying art and I now feel I have come full circle and regardless of winning I will b doing more lip art. Wish me luck! 

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

FU Pay Me!

“Hi I have an amazing opportunity for you, please let me know if you can make the following date. Unfortunately we don’t have a budget, but it would be great exposure for you “

If I had a pound for every time I receive an email with the words “we don’t have a budget” I would be a rich lady! I still consider myself a ‘newbie’ to the industry, even after completing 10 years. I have worked with some amazing people and brands during this time. Lets not tar everyone with the same stick here.

In my first years as a MUA I was always told you have to work for free, it was the ‘done thing’ and probably still is. I would jump at any opportunity regardless of the location or budget. In truth I have spent a fortune over the years working for ‘free’. I would do it in hope of being exposed, ‘blowing up’ and becoming so busy I would never have to work for free again. In my mind I was doing the right thing. I never knew I was part of the problem.

What are we actually teaching aspiring make up artists from the very start of their career? Your work is worthless? You don’t offer value, therefore don’t expect payment? What an awful lesson.  If we are not respecting our art by teaching that we work for free, how can we expect anyone else to value it? “oh but it’s great experience for you”…. Is it? Someone taking advantage of your skills and we are expected to be grateful? If someone wants to work with you there is a reason for it, you are not been asked to work because your work is bad!

Don’t get me wrong, I did loads of test shoots with hundreds of people, the difference was, it was my own choice. It was to build up a portfolio, to showcase my work.

To young MUA’s don’t be fooled by the dream they sell , that offer will make you a superstar overnight. It doesn’t happen. Become a master of your craft, work hard, the cream always rises to the top. When brands book me, there is one common theme; they all visited my portfolio.

Respect your art, respect yourself.

Karla

X

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The saddest part of being a makeup artist....

I love my job but every now and then it makes me feel a little sad, the reason is that a lot of woman sit in my chair and immediately apologise.....

“I'm sorry my skins so bad” 

“Can you do anything to cover my dark circles?” 

“I need you to work miracles on me today” 

“You have your work cut out with me” 

“Can you make me look thinner?” 

“Can you make my nose look smaller?” 

I have heard all of the above and more and it saddens me that instead of enjoying the experience, lots of women feel they need to apologise or ask for their “Flaws” to be corrected. 

I can honestly say that when someone sits in front of me with no makeup on my thoughts and my eyes immediately go to what I love about their face and I tell them. 

we are so over run by perfect images that have been filtered, edited, slimmed etc that we don't know what is reality. My favourite style of makeup is natural, showing woman how to embrace what they have and emphasise it. We need to learn to love ourselves and except that the real reality is no-one is perfect. 

I challenge you to look in the mirror and instead of focussing on what you hate, tell yourself what you love... its amazing what positive thinking and speaking can do to lift your confidence.

Finally if you are out shopping and the cashier has the most amazing brows you've ever seen tell her! if the woman at the bus stop has beautiful skin tell her! You will make her day and you will feel great for doing so. 

No model, no filters , no professional photography JUST ME. 

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

The Domino effect.

We all enter the (makeup) industry in different way’s, mine continues to be a domino effect of recommendations. Their is no bigger compliment than someone recommending you, this is not only because of the quality of your work but also what you were like to work with and the efforts you put in. 

A big part of my brand is to support those that employ me, this is a personal choice as not only is it a lovely thing to do I want to help them succeed (lets face it, if they succeed I do too). That why if you take a trip to my Instagram you will not only see my work but you will also find every single person involved in a image tagged. 

It is this shoot and the support I gave to the brand’s (that were kind enough to borrow us items) that led to my second booking for a campaign and Look book. 

Florence shoes are a quirky and fashion forward Bridal shoe brand who's work I fell in love with on the House of Ollichon set. Wendy the designer got in touch after seeing the campaign images and asked if I would provide hair and makeup for her latest collection.... 

Model Abbi rocked my signature look of natural makeup with Red lips that matched one of the colours from the latest collection perfectly. 

My work now covers the Florence website, social media and adverts...

The impression that you make on a shoot, how you communicate before and after and your work after goes a long way, It not all about the makeup!. Once you get your foot in the fashion door don't let them forget you.... a tag on a social media post is sometimes a little reminder that you exist and that your supporting the brand. 

stay tuned for the next domino..... 

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

Pro discount schemes for Makeup artist.

Being a makeup artist is an expensive trade and building up your kit can take years and 1,000’s of pounds. Luckily lots of lovely companies provide pro discount. If you’re new to makeup or currently training this may not be something you know about. In fact whilst I was researching this article I asked a group of MUA’s and some were surprised to find some of their favourite Brands and websites did pro discount.

So although this has been done before Ive decided to put together a list of Pro discount schemes, On my journey I applied for them all and found the majority  easy to apply for and the replies started coming in very quickly.

Before you sigh and think this is going to be another expense to add to your list, don't worry! The majority of Pro discount schemes are FREE!!!! actually only one is paid.

So who can Apply???...... well obviously all the schemes are open to Makeup artist and student makeup artists but some offer discounts to hair dressers, stylist ,models and manicurists. Each has their own critiria so just have a quick read of the terms before applying.  

Single Brand discounts

Bobbi Brown

Discount Level: 20-35% based on a tiered system Cost : £15-£25 per year depending on your discount level.

How to apply:  Simple go to the Website Here and fill in a form applying by Post or email.

Although Bobbi is the only paid discount I found, is it my favourite brand and in my opinion worth the small cost. You will very quickly get your money back in discount. This is a great brand for bridal MUAs.

Charlotte Tilbury

Discount Level: 30% Cost: FREE

How to apply: You will need to email them at pro.applications@charlottetilbury.com with the relevant information, more information on the specifics can be found here.

Urban Decay

Discount Level: 40% Cost: FREE

How to apply: At the moment you need to present the relevant information to a stand alone flag ship store, unfortunately you can not apply at a concession.  This also means you will need to buy from a flagship store to get the discount. Hopefully they will soon have an online application system.

MAC

Discount Level: 30% Cost: FREE - up until recently this was a paid scheme

How to apply: Go to their online application here, you can upload all your documentation straight onto the site which is super helpful.

Illamasasque

Discount Level: 40% Cost: FREE

How to apply: Another easy peasy one!, just click here to be taken to the online application.

NYX

Discount Level: 20% Cost: FREE

How to apply: Again super easy, just click here and fill out there quick and easy form. Also worth mentioning that I had my pro discount in under 24 hours.

NARS

Discount Level: 25-40% based on a tiered system. Cost: FREE

How to apply: A little more difficult than the other go to this link, Download the application form , fill it in and then scan and email back with all your relevant documentation to this email artistprogram-uk@narscosmetics.eu . A little bit of a pain and a lot harder than the brands of the same level but its free and you get some brill discount so, should I really complain?….

Daniel Sanderson.

Discount Level: 20% Cost: FREE

How to apply: Again a little more effort is required here, you will need to go to this link, print of the application form and post it with the relevant documents.

Temptu.

Discount Level: between 15-30% based on a tiered system. Cost: FREE

How to apply: Go to this link and make an online application with up to 3 relevant documents needed.

My Kit Co.

Discount Level: 15-20% based on a tiered system and limited to a selection of products. Cost: FREE

How to apply: Email customerservices@mykitco.uk with your 3 relevant documents, to have a peek at the Pro discount range click here.

Online or stand alone stores with multiple discounts on brands.

Guru Makeup Emporium.

Discount Level: 35% off Make Up For Ever, 30% off A J Crimson complete set of 3 books/palettes , 20% off the rest of A J Crimson range, 20% off Tina Earnshaw Brushes, 20% off Royal & Langnickel Revolution Premiere Brush Set, 20% off Cozzette, 20% off delilah, 20% off Dinair 20% off Guru lines, 20% off Numeric Proof, 20% off Paul Yacomine Haircare, 10% off All other brands (except Zuca). Cost: FREE

How to apply: Email proapplication@gurumakeupemporium.com and ask for an application. As most of my details were on my email signature I was simply asked for my address in addition, however be prepares to send a few documents in to prove your status.

PAM - Precious about Makeup

Discount Level: 35% off Make Up For Ever, 40% off Illamasqua, 20% off Louise Young, 20% off Bdellium, 10% off everything for students Cost : FREE

How to Apply: Email enquiries@preciousaboutmakeup.com for an application form, you will be asked for up to 3 documents.

What can I expect to send as my documents / proofs? 

Before you sit down and start applying I advice you take photos or scan your documents onto your computer/ phone / tablet. As each company is slightly different you will need varying information and the process will be much quicker if you have your proofs pre loaded. 

ID- A driving licence or passport 

Education - A certificate from an accredited makeup course / colleague or    university, you can also provide proof that you are currently studying. 

Pro Discount card - If you are already part of a high end pro discount scheme e.g Bobbi Brown you can send a photo of the card as proof. 

Call Sheet -  A call sheet is a document you will be issued for a day of filming or shoot to say when you are required on set and where. You may have received one of these for fashion or tv or film work.

Credit- An editorial image or TV credit that list you as the working MUA.

Agency link - If you have an agent, provide the contact details of the agency and a link to your profile. 

Business card - A business card with contact details and links to your website, some companies will also except a price list. 

Web site links and Social media - Pretty self explanatory!, but provide all the ones you have, Social media links alone are sometimes not excepted as a singular proof. 

Insurance document- A valid Public liability insurance document that to lines your name and your trade as a beauty industry.

Union membership- Proof of valid membership, ID number or ID for an association such as BACTU.

If you know a makeup artist or one of the other professions listed please share this blog so they can get discount too! I do have a few pending enquiries to see if they do pro discount and I will update my blog If I hear from them. 

Also please note these discount schemes are for the UK only. 

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

Happy national lipstick day!!! I love lipstick it lifts any lipstick and makes any dull day bright!. Here's my first lip art as inspired by my muse the totally amazing Karla Powell!

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The ultimate Recommendation..

After my first shoot landed me a front cover and 3 page spread I kept in contact with Wedding Ideas magazine and expressed my gratitude to them for giving me the lift I needed and a huge moment in my career. Some time later I had a twitter alert for a ‘mention’ When I checked twitter I was surprised in the best possible way..... 

Thats right, this is the moment a national wedding magazine recommended little old me for job with one of the best up and coming bridal brands, House of Ollichon!. 

I was so honoured that the lovely people at Wedding Ideas remembered me and thought enough of my work to recommend me .well I applied in around 0.2 seconds…. got the job and my work took over House of Ollichon’s website.

I worked with Hannah (designer) to create timeless looks that could be pulled out of the archive in years to come and still look beautiful. 

My Front cover and Internal spread for wedding ideas didn't benefit my bank balance but it did show what I could do and someone noticed. The makeup industry can be a frustrating place where you have to “pay your do’s” and work for free. I don't know how to “make it” and if you ask anyone “how did you get that job?” or “how did you get into the industry” it is likely they won't tell you. 

That person is either scared they will give away their trade secret and loose their spot to you, or they honestly don't know as its been a maze of being in the right place at the right time and making connections with the right people. 

So far my work in the industry has been a domino effect of recommendations and people not only enjoying working with me but loving my work. I am right at the start of my makeup journey and I hope to share it with you. 

If your an MUA, I hope it helps in some way and encourages you to make your own path and make it your way!. 

Amy x

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

If you have an over stretched invisibobble, here's a little beauty hack for you!

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My first shoot that lead to a front cover....

When I started out as a makeup artist I set my sights on becoming a local bridal makeup artist, I envied the career’s of the top bridal artist in my area and looked on longingly when they posted images from styles shoots. 

In a moment of bravery I sat down and emailed and sent FB messages to loads of wedding industry companies to see if they wanted me to be the makeup artist on any up and coming shoots. Well I waited and waited and I either got a reply saying they only worked with certain makeup artist or no reply at all. 

I have to admit I was extremely disheartened, I started to question if I was good enough to be a makeup artist, I questioned my style of makeup and upset myself thinking about the amount of booking’s I had in relation to the “Fully booked for summer” Messages I was seeing on other MUA’s (Makeup artist) Social media. 

As I told my husband of my upset he suggested I just set one up myself, It seemed like a crazy idea but I decided to mention it to a photographer friend who agreed to shoot it. 

Once again I emailed people to provide dresses, accessories and more but many didn't reply as I had no experience or success to refer to. I managed to put together a small team and come up with a concept with ideas that I hadn't seen before. Unfortunately the day before the model cancelled, I was devastated and immediately called the photographer who suggested we postpone and find another model rather than trying to get one at the last minute. It wasn't ideally what I wanted to do however I do feel these things happen for a reason. 

On the rescheduled date It poured it down with rain from the start to the finish and we had to shoot inside barns and under trees which was NOT what we had planned. 

Within a few day’s the images and video were ready and I sent out these boards to the top wedding magazine’s in the country as I thought I might as well aim high. 

Within Hours I had a reply from wedding ideas snapping up our shoot, to be featured in the magazine!. I was thrilled and feeling brave asked if it could be considered for the front cover....... 

On release of the magazine my question was answered....

This was a very proud moment for the whole team and we were also lucky enough to have 3 pages inside too. However this moment was more than a cover for me, I learnt to believe in myself and my ideas. It was a huge turning point in my career and my confidence, sometimes you just have to believe and be brave enough to put yourself out there. 

Heres the internal pages: 

This shoot lead to a huge break for me (Which I will share in my next post so follow me!)  and I have had continued support from wedding ideas magazine since which I am extremely grateful for. I want to thank the team for believing in my ideas and helping this happen, I will leave you with the incredible video we also made. 

Team: 

Makeup Amy L Wilkinson 

photography: Samantha Hook Photography

Flowers: All Bunched up

Dresse’s : Fazane Malik  

Hair: Halam Salon 

Model: Rebekah Hemsley 

Video : Dan Tambourine

Magazine feature: Wedding Ideas Magazine 

Tassel Garland: Indigo Zebra

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

The inspiration....

When your a freelance makeup artist you’re very alone at times, you can’t turn to the person on the desk next to you and ask advice and others in the industry can be very closed off with information. 

We are all trying to make it in a tough industry and this lack of communication can be to protect ourselves from the small amount of people that will use the information they gain to use you as a stepping stone. 

When I started out 5 years ago no-one wanted to work with me, no one wanted to do test shoots with me….. I was lucky if I even got a reply most the time. So now (even though Im at the beginning of my journey) I want to help and support others, I want to be the change. 

This week I attended a course with one of my favourite makeup artist Karla Powell, I not only admire her work but I admire her career and the name/brand she has made for herself. I was almost nervous to attend as I have followed her career for many years, this was my equivalent to meeting your favourite singer. 

The course was incredible and yes I learnt loads of new makeup techniques, but for me the inspiration and business advice was worth its weight in gold. Karla spoke about how starting a blog changed her career and opened so many doors for her…. so here I am! 

I truly believe that certain people are supposed to come into your life and inspire you and help you on your path and yesterday I met Karla and I got the inspiration I needed to push myself and my Career. 

I hope you will follow this blog and enjoy my posts about makeup, beauty, Professional jobs and more and on that note Im also going to set a few goals for the next 12 months…. 

1, Assist Karla Powell 

2, Increase my instagram followers to over 10k 

3, Have at least 3k Tumblr Followers. 

4, Work at fashion week. 

If you would like to help with the above follow the my blog, Share and follow me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/amy_wilkinson_professional_mua/

I’ll leave you with one of my favourite images curtesy of Samantha Hook Photography, this image is very important to me but thats for another time!

oh and if you don’t know who Karla Powell is, you need to follow her on here by searching Karla Powell Makeup artist 

Much Love Amy x

[amylwilkinsonmua-blog]

The inspiration....

When your a freelance makeup artist you’re very alone at times, you can't turn to the person on the desk next to you and ask advice and others in the industry can be very closed off with information. 

We are all trying to make it in a tough industry and this lack of communication can be to protect ourselves from the small amount of people that will use the information they gain to use you as a stepping stone. 

When I started out 5 years ago no-one wanted to work with me, no one wanted to do test shoots with me..... I was lucky if I even got a reply most the time. So now (even though Im at the beginning of my journey) I want to help and support others, I want to be the change. 

This week I attended a course with one of my favourite makeup artist Karla Powell, I not only admire her work but I admire her career and the name/brand she has made for herself. I was almost nervous to attend as I have followed her career for many years, this was my equivalent to meeting your favourite singer. 

The course was incredible and yes I learnt loads of new makeup techniques, but for me the inspiration and business advice was worth its weight in gold. Karla spoke about how starting a blog changed her career and opened so many doors for her.... so here I am! 

I truly believe that certain people are supposed to come into your life and inspire you and help you on your path and yesterday I met Karla and I got the inspiration I needed to push myself and my Career. 

I hope you will follow this blog and enjoy my posts about makeup, beauty, Professional jobs and more and on that note Im also going to set a few goals for the next 12 months.... 

1, Assist Karla Powell 

2, Increase my instagram followers to over 10k 

3, Have at least 3k Tumblr Followers. 

4, Work at fashion week. 

If you would like to help with the above follow the my blog, Share and follow me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/amy_wilkinson_professional_mua/

I’ll leave you with one of my favourite images curtesy of Samantha Hook Photography, this image is very important to me but thats for another time!

oh and if you don't know who Karla Powell is, you need to follow her on here by searching Karla Powell Makeup artist 

Much Love Amy x