#muaforfilm

[stefaniekemp]

Tong-ether in electric dreams*

We at The Mill love a tong tastic tash but often find using metal tongs and a tong oven tricky, time consuming and somewhat temperamental.

Always on the hunt for products, tools and techniques that make your lives that little bit better, we came across these absolutely wonderful tongs via Make-up Designer, Pippa Woods who too is always on the lookout for the next big make-up discovery. 

These terrific electric tongs are the stuff that dreams are made of, ranging from 3mm beard tongs to 8mm there is now no need for lugging around an inferno of a tong oven that  blasts heat like the flame of hades into your makeup bus and can so easily singe your tashes to sinders!

Although a little on the pricier side if you simply opt for a 3 and a 6 mm you are set to tong the night away with enough scope for the tiniest tash to the most sizable sideburn! 

Get yours now at TILT and say goodbye to the trusty Golden Supreme and hello to the future of beard tonging!

Product details : 

Heat-resistant silicone padded clamp.

Adjustable pressure clamp.

Titanium rods with a ceramic heater.

Edge-line designed to prevent hair from slipping.

https://tiltmakeup.com/collections/new-in/products/create-electric-tong-3mm

[stefaniekemp]

Salt & Vinegar*

No this isn’t an article on the best Fish & Chip shops in London, although we at The Mill do love Fish & Chip Friday... this article is all about our favourite FX product of the month...’Dried Salt’ by MAEKUP.

As with any product from Stoneman’s ever growing range of fantastic FX make-up, ‘Dried Salt’ does exactly what it says on the (shaker) pot. Smear, drip and wipe the paste wherever you need to create the effect that salt water has dried on the skin and on contact the paste begins to dry and leaves an amazingly realistic salty effect. Perfect for any shipwrecked make-up or perfect pirate look. It works incredibly well with ‘Dry Lip’ and on top of a sunburn makeup can create a great dehydrated look too! 

Leave the SAXA on the shelf and head to MAEKUP to add a little flavour into your FX kit.  

[stefaniekemp]

MUM’s the word * 

We here at The Make-up Mill are often bowled over by the plethora of marvellous Make-up groups on Facebook, from posting jobs to fellow freelancers to sharing top tips, answering technical queries and educating, these groups are a wealth of information.

One such group is M-U-M, no this group won’t make you clean your room and wash the pots, MUM stands for Make-up Media Archives run by Mike Smithson. The group really does what is says on the tin and provides an archive for everything Make-up, Hair & Prosthetics. From innovations in Prosthetics to every day Make-up regimes (pictured above) it really is an an Aladdin’s cave for any Make-up enthusiast and professionals alike. 

This professional page is dedicated to the history and evolution of all things Makeup. MUM members may post images, anecdotes, news and opinions. Members are also encouraged to post items from their own career or from the career of an artist who inspires them. 

We at The Mill often spend hours (not during work hours of course) trawling through MUM looking at all the inspiration imagery on show. 

Our favourite image of 2018, in keeping with our History of Make-up movement is the one above showing how during WWII, the innovator of ladies nylon hosiery ceased production to help the US WWII war effort. (The materials were in turn used in the manufacturing of parachutes and netting.) New cosmetics and gadgets, such as the pencil holder above were produced to create the illusion of wearing seam-up-the-back nylons. 

Check out MUM now for more marbellous make-up moments like these:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/276775982381713/

[stefaniekemp]

Inventive ideas part 2 

Turn out the lights*

Now we make our way into the living room or the bedroom, wherever you may want to set the mood with a little candle light, or tea light to be precise. Taking the un assuming tea light holder and turning into a mini mixing pot, a holder for IPA or acetone or a glue holder, we at The Mill will never look at these little beauties in the same way again. 

We have discussed tea light holders before on The Mill but we wanted to remind our readers of how great they really are. Especially these on trend holders from H&M home, at only £1.99 each they will jazz up your station and keep your wig glue safe from spills, as they are metal you can pop acetone in there when you are bleeding off a bald cap and they wipe clean with ease. The height approx. 3 cm with a 4.5cm  diameter at the top, so they fit everything from a shot glass of glue to your standard Telesis or Prosaid. 

Grab yours today, perfect for a candle lit dinner and your station too!

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0436798008.html

[stefaniekemp]

We cant get enough of...

...Richard Redlefsens Prosthetic work for Tush Magazine. With Halloween right around the corner we at The Make-up Mill needed some fresh inspiration when it came to Halloween Make-up. Zipper Faces and Pumpkin heads just won’t cut is this year, not when Richard has in our opinion, reinvented the traditional blood, guts and gore Vampire/Zombie look. This high fashion, sleek and subtle Prosthetic Make-up has totally transformed the usual sunken socketed, rotting flesh monsters we are so used to seeing and for us, it is truly inspired! 

A perfect mix of fashion and FX Make-up, now if that doesn't get you running  for your make-up kit and getting pumped for Halloween we don’t know what will! 

Check out more photos here:- https://www.instagram.com/richardredlefsen/?hl=en

[stefaniekemp]

You asked...

...How do you clean your airbrush?

Thank You again for all your questions, we do try our best to keep up and will have another wonderful Q&A for you next week. This weeks question is all about airbrushing, so we thought we would start at the beginning, keeping it clean and working every time! 

Cleaning your airbrush can be an arduous task, they can clog up in an instant, spattering foundation all over your actors face creating or it can stop working mid make-up, sending you into a spiral of panic. You frantically take your airbrush to pieces hoping it will spring back into action, only to find it is backed up like a sewer pipe, you discard it and revert to your brushes, cursing the day it was born.

We at The Mill wish to share with you our three top products and tips to keep things running smoothly. 

1) Premi Air Foaming Airbrush Cleaner - This really is an all round winner. It is perfect when your airbrush backs up on you and you need to clean it quick, simply spray the foam into the cup, allow it to froth through the gun and spray it through. Then, for a deep clean blast it into each section of the gun, take apart and allow to soak. It keeps the gun oiled and clean all in one go and gets out water, acrylic, silicone and even some alcohol based paints!

2) Nozzle Cleaning Repair Tool Kit Needle & Brush Set - This is when you really want to go to town, Kim & Aggie style, on cleaning your airbrush. These needle tools are ideal for clearing airbrush nozzles blocked with dried paint and/or debris. Tiny brushes for cleaning the inner parts of the airbrush that a cotton bud cant quite reach, also they wont leave behind any tiny cotton fibres that a cotton bud would, that could potentially prevent full airflow from your machine. 

3) Airbrush Cleaning Pod & Station - This is the best way of blasting out product between colour changes and keeping your lungs safe. Often airbrushing sends chemicals flying into the air and into your lungs, which after a prolonged period time isn't good for you or your actors health. These nifty little pods allow you to spray any unwanted product safely into a contained environment and to be disposed of easily. This one also acts as a stand for your airbrush, keeping it safe and upright when applying make-up.

* Another top tip we have is submerging your airbrush in a mix of water and fairy-liquid, take it apart completely and leave to soak for a few hours. The fairy liquid will remove any grease and grime whilst also giving your airbrush a lovely shine! * 

We do hope that answered your question when it comes to keeping your airbrush in tip top shape.

Tune in next week for more questions answered! 

Buy all products listed here :

1) https://www.air-craft.net/acatalog/Premi-Air-Foaming-Cleaner.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_5Lk2K7W3AIV6xXTCh0jvQToEAQYAyABEgK2ufD_BwE

2) https://www.banggood.com/11pcs-Airbrush-Nozzle-Cleaning-Repair-Tool-Kit-Needle-Brush-Set-p-973155.html?gmcCountry=GB¤cy=GBP&createTmp=1&cur_warehouse=CN&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_elc&utm_content=zouzou&utm_campaign=pla-brand-elc2-uk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr6v55KzW3AIVCBbTCh0xCQ1oEAQYAiABEgJbJ_D_BwE

3) https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Airbrush-Cleaning-Pot-3-in-1-Holds-Two-Airbrushes/1078751258?iid=232548610724&chn=ps

[stefaniekemp]

Step into the Light* 

We at The Makeup Mill are all about education, heck, its why we get these machines up and running every week to bring our readers as much product and general Makeup knowledge as we can.

So much so we feel it imperative to shine a bright light on this fantastic new book, just released this weekend!

Color Theory for the Make-up Artist: Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects analyses and explains traditional colour theory for fine artists and applies it to the make-up artist.

Colour theory is definitely something we Make-up Artists are taught at school, but when we step out into the world of work it can sometimes get lost amongst stylistic preferences and having that little bit of knowledge about colour can take a make-up from flat to fantastic, with very little work.

This book is suitable for both professionals and beginners who wish to train their eye further to understand and recognise distinctions in colour.

It explains why we see colour, how to categorise and identify colour, relationships between colours, and it relates these concepts to beauty and special effects make-up.

The book teaches the reader how to mix flesh tones by using only primary colours, and explains how these colours in paints and make-up are sourced and created. It also discusses the reason for variations in skin colours and undertones, and how to identify and match these using make-up, while choosing flattering colours for the eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Colours found inside the body are explained for special effects make-up, like why we bruise, bleed, or appear sick. Ideas and techniques are also described for painting prosthetics, in addition to using colour as inspiration in make-up designs. The book also discusses how lighting affects colour on film, television, theatre, and photography sets, and how to properly light a workspace for successful applications.

We at The Mill can’t wait to add this book to our collection and we hope will shed light on any grey areas when it comes to Makeup mishaps and lighting conundrums.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1138095257/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[stefaniekemp]

We loved watching...

...Testament of Youth (2014) starring Alicia Vikander as Vera Britain. Last night we at The Mill popped on the TV, got the popcorn and the tissues to watch this truly stunning piece of film about Britain’s experiences during WW1. 

It has to be one of the most poignant memoirs of that time, as Vera recounts the loss of her fiance, brother and best friend through the film, you see their early lives together and the progress of the war.

The Make-up, Hair and Prosthetics throughout are a testament to the team work and Make-up Designer Christine Walemsley Cothams attention to Period details, medical imagery, which is simply superb. From the clean and classic look of Vikander throughout to the horrific wounds, prosthetics and dirtying down in the Hospital scenes, as a film it really does tick all the boxes in terms of make-up. A definite watch for those lovers of Period Drama with an edge of dirt, grime and gore. 

Makeup Department (as per imdb)

Kay Bilk...makeup and hair artist

Abby Graves...Crowd hair & makeup

Faye Aydin Le Jeune...crowd hair & make up artist: dailies

Fiona Lobo-Cranston...make-up and hair

Nora Robertson...hair stylist / makeup artist

Emma Romans...makeup artist: Dailies

Vicky Voller...special makeup effects artist

Christine Walmesley-Cotham...hair designer / makeup designer

Joanne Walton...prosthetics trainee

Tracey Wells...crowd makeup: dailies

[stefaniekemp]

Round 3 *

Entering the ring at a mini 0.5 lbs is the Bdellium FX Brush Range: Series 3. Whilst it might not be a heavy weight when it comes to size, the range really packs a punch in terms of quality. 

We at The Mill have loved the FX range by Bdellium since its first release, the flat glue brush and the large stipple being our go to’s for all manner of make-up fx. Now the new kids on the block, series 3, have got us hook line an sinker due to their innovative design and functionality.

In particular we love the 108x Precision Splatter, as it does exactly what it says on the tin, when you want that spatter effect but in a particular place, this angled splatter really allows you to pin point that spot of spatter detail you need, it creates a lovely fine mist that you can build on.

Likewise the large water colour 186x is brilliant for breaking down large areas of colour and doing a wash of colour in a flash!

We don’t know what we did without them and we don’t now know what we’d do with out them. They are definitely the world champions of FX brushes for us here at The Mill and we hope they will be at the top of your leader board soon! 

See the brushes included and our top tips for use! : 

#197X All Over Stippling - Great for covering large areas with product fast. 

#190X Mini Stippling - Perfect for small broken vein details and breaking up the skin. 

#186X Large Water Color - Large washes of colour and pooling effects. 

#174X FX5 - Lovely for old age lines, especially on lips. 

#163X Mini Finger - Lovely for sculpting and for pressing on bondo edges. 

#145X Inverted Smudge - Great under eyes and brows.

#127X Large Glue - A big boy for those areas that need gluing thick and fast. 

#108X Precision Splatter - Detailed mottling and spatter. 

[stefaniekemp]

Bank Hander*

Mixing lip colours, bases, dirts, bloods, skin care ect often happens on the back of your hand for speed and ease. Then you look down in awe at your hands at the end of a busy Make-up call to see them looking like a Picasso painting or Jackson Pollock masterpiece. As beautiful as they look its  not what you want when you have to make a mad dash to set, with nothing but a dry wet-wipe to get them clean.

There are indeed plenty of mini palettes out there that you can decant and mix onto but they are often awkward to hold and you spend as much time picking them up and putting them down as you would do simply mixing on the back of your hand. The downside of mixing on your hand is not only hygiene but that awful moment of realisation when you smear bright red lipstick from your hand onto your wonderfully white top or slide your hand in your pocket, leaving blood paste stuck to your jeans.

Well not anymore, as Primark have done it again by creating this easy as you like ‘Wrist or Palm Mixing Palette’, the handy little palette can be worn across the top of your hand, replacing your hand as the palette or sit happily on your wrist. We love this design as it is lightweight, comfortable to wear and keeps your hands free whilst doing make-up, mid mix!

For £2.50 this is a steal and is great for all types of Make-up application, keeping  your hands squeaky clean. Simply wipe down and its ready to go again!

We at The Mill love making MUA’s lives easier and this little gem will certainly do that!

[stefaniekemp]

On a Roll*

Stopping sweat can sometimes be like stopping a leaking pipe, you end with piles of soaked towels and still the pipe continues to flood the floor. When wearing layers of costume under studio lights or in the mid day sun there is just sometimes no way of stopping the streams from streaming and the banks from bursting on your actors face.

Here is a top tip we at the Mill learned from our local African Hair & Make-up team and that is instead of tissues to wipe away sweat, use Kitchen roll to mop that brow. Tissues simply get eaten up by sweat and often stick to your actors skin as you peel them away, not good for a quick check on set when you have to spend most of it picking loo roll of your actors forehead! 

Simply using any kitchen roll will do, as it is much more absorbent than regular tissues. Rip off as many sheets as you need and pop them in a zip lock, attach to your set bag and you are ready to prevent any sweaty Betty moments! 

[stefaniekemp]

Burn baby Burn*

Or not if you have TechniBlock in your kit! Having tried and tested Sun creams, sprays, sticks and gels in the blistering African sun we at The Make-up Mill think that we have found one of the best on-set suncreams out there.

Not only is this an aerosol, so it gives an instant cooling effect to the skin, it is totally non-greasy on the skin, so preventing that sun cream sheen often given to the skin by heavy creams or sprays. Plus it is completely clear, perfect for all skin colours.It sits really well under make-up and does not effect the overall texture of the skin. 

It is water resistant and holds up well against sweat too, especially the ‘Wet & Dry’ version, designed for sports people this holds up in all kinds of conditions, perfect for actors in hot and humid conditions. 

We also love that is comes in a 30 ml spray, fitting perfectly in your set bag and lightweight when carrying your kit around. It has a very in offensive smell and dries super fast. You can even get one that has citronella infused, keeping your actors from being eaten alive by beasties! 

We here at The Mill absolutely love Techniblok as it does exactly what is says on the tin and comes in at a great price too! For any job where you need to keep your actors skin UV free, this is definitely the one for you. 

[stefaniekemp]

Cut a rug!

Blood baths are always a problem on-set, not only do you need to worry about it staining costume but also actors hair and the set. Likewise many a make-up artist has cried over spilt blood, literally, as some bloods can cost a small fortune and should not be wasted by throwing them all over the floor.

Well worry no more as we at The Mill think we have found the most innovative Make-up FX product this year. ‘Blood Rugs’ are making a ‘bloody mess without the mess’, these plastic sheets replicate the look and feel of pools of blood without any physical liquid being present. Simply lay them on the floor, pop your actor or prop on top and there you have it, a hyper realistic blood pool with no mess!

What we love even more is that they are great for continuity as you can use the same pool of blood over and over again! From a massacre style amount to spatters they can create any liquid effect you need!

They even do some super cool blood place-mats and coasters for those gore lovers our there!

Hopefully they will come to the UK soon! For now, check them out on :- http://www.bloodrugs.com/

[stefaniekemp]

I rest my (CD) case…*

Gone are the days when you ran to the nearest Woolworths (RIP) to get the latest edition of Now!85

 and a bag of pick and mix for the journey home, there was nothing more exciting than opening up that freshly wrapped CD case and adding it with pride to your CD rack, toppling like the leaning tower of Pisa. CD cases are now a thing of the past when it comes to music but not Make-up. We here at The Make-up Mill have found an ingenious way to turn your tired old disks into convenient compacts!

Simply take a clear CD case and decant your favourite lip colour, base , dirts, bloods, glazing gels and so much more. These are great for your set bag as they are slim and durable but also fantastic for decanting products you use for continuity on set, so no more lugging huge palettes and hundreds of little bottles to set. What is even better is you can see exactly what you need at all times through the clear case and as they are so slim they can be stored easily too!

If you don’t have any old Boyzone compelations lying around, head to Amazon now where you can buy empty cases for less than £10!