Category: Photoshoots
0 EXCLUSIVE: ‘BACKSTAGE DUBAI’ a beauty concept store.. and its’ collaboration with celebrity Millie Mackintosh (Makeup Tutorial)
Working on this post was absolutely amazing! I am thrilled to introduce you to this amazing company- BACKSTAGE DUBAI- Some may know it, but the ones who don’t then this is your chance to know what they are and what they do- and yes- it is MAKEUP RELATED!
BACKSTAGE is located in Dubai- and it’s a beauty concept store- unlike any other store- it’s very unique! (can’t wait to visit it during my trip to Dubai for my makeup classes… to know more see my Dubai class post – click HERE)
A shot of Backstage’s amazing modern layout
Basically, Backstage is a luxury beauty boutique which sources exclusive brands from overseas. It provides some brands that are not widely, if at all, available throughout the U.A.E so that they can offer a truly unique beauty experience.
Backstage provides you with cosmetics, luxury fragrances, lavish skincare lines, beauty tools & fashion accessories. It is a pretty new store in town- as it recently opened in late 2011.
The amazing brands which Backstage provides are: Besame, Belmacz, Becca, Beautyblender (all UAE girls looking for it- they sell it here!), Bdellium Tools, Ciate, Fallon, Gio Diev, Histoires de Parfums, HAIR DESIGNACCESS, ila, Jerome C. Rosseau, Jennifer Behr, Karmissie, Karen Murrell, Ligia Dias, Les Tai Tai, LashControl, MOR, Mily Make Up, Mason Pearson, Mark Buxton, Mai Couture, Nanadebary, Nail Rock, Osmo, Parfumerie Generale, Rosebud, Rodin olio lusso, Whish, Xen Tan, Zoe & Morgan.
Moving on to the makeup part … I think many of you know the famous MILLIE MACKINTOSH… How amazing is it that she collaborated with BACKSTAGE ??
For those not familiar with Millie- she is a super popular star in the TV show “Made in Chelsea” … And also she is a very talented makeup artist! She is an iconic beauty and fashion icon. She also recently launched a false lashes collection!
She simply is GORGEOUS!!!
Backstage earned a lucky chance to do an exclusive “how to makeup” tutorial with Millie. Millie uses BACKSTAGE’s brands to show us how she can achieve beautiful skin – more of a “day glam” look.
The tutorial is super helpful and I urge you girls to see it. It provides details (step by step) on how to create this stunning makeup look… Also- she gives you some beauty tips and tricks (always luv that part !) The Millie make up tutorial was released on January 1st 2013 – so this video is SUPER NEW!
See her tutorial below
If you can’t view the video above, copy past this link http://youtu.be/Hs4G9oPe2Aw or http://backstage.ae/tv/ into your browser.
All products used in the tutorial are available at BACKSTAGE Dubai ! So those who want the amazing beauty blender and becca etc should definitely visit this amazing store & grab those goodies!
Also, check out Milli Mackintosh’s exclusive interview with Backstage & see her unclose pictures from the photoshoot!
BS) Made In Chelsea is absolutely huge! What made you agree to be part of the show?
MM) I was really scared about being in a reality show. I had no idea what I was getting into! It was a massive gamble that luckily paid off! Once I persuaded Caggie to join the show, I knew it would be a lot of fun
BS) Where do you think you would be now if you hadn’t done Made In Chelsea?
MM) I would still be working as a make up artist but I doubt I would have my own line of lashes out yet!
BS) What would you say is the most difficult thing about being a reality TV star?
MM) People get to see such a large part of our lives that it becomes difficult to have your privacy, I find it hard when I get followed at the airport or when I’m running errands looking not my best!
BS) You’ve visited Dubai in the past. What do you think of our city? What do you remember most about visiting Dubai?
MM) I love the sun so I especially enjoyed the climate! Dubai is great for a winter getaway and has some of the best restaurants and malls in the world! The fountains outside the Burj Khalifa.
BS) Do you have any plans to visit again soon?
MM) With my filming schedule, it is hard to book trips away! I am working hard this winter so haven’t been able to make any travel plans at all yet!
BS) What can you tell us about your collaboration with Backstage, a beauty concept store in Dubai?
MM) I am thrilled to be working with Backstage Dubai and also very happy to announce they will now be stocking my line of false lashes! When they got in touch it made perfect sense – I am a beauty addict so its a really fun collaboration and they have a terrific range of amazing products, so what’s not to love?
BS) Backstage has more niche, high-end, luxury cosmetics, skin care and fragrance. Are you a fan of unique beauty products?
MM) Yes 100% addicted! I love discovering amazing brands that go beyond the average product and deliver amazing results.
BS) What is your favourite thing about shopping at boutiques?
MM) The private and unique experience you get! Also, knowing not everyone else knows about it yet, it’s a more exclusive way of shopping.
BS) What drove you to want to be a make up artist?
MM) I always loved watching my mum getting ready for parties when I was little and I used make up from early in my teens to cover up bad skin. It made me feel much better about myself. I love how putting on a bit of make up in the morning can help you feel ready to face the day!
BS) What is your all time favourite make up brand?
MM) I have to say I am a Becca addict!
BS)What are your top 5 make up tips for women?
MM) Know your skin type and skin tone, this is very important when picking your base make up.
Use a primer with an SPF, this will protect skin from the sun all year round and help your make up stay on all day.
Choose colours that suit you, always match your base in natural light to make sure it’s a good match.
Less is more, enhance what you’ve got – don’t mask it.
Have fun … it’s about being creative and expressing yourself!
BB) What 3 beauty products do you never leave the house without?
MM) Lip balm. I love Baume de Rose from By Terry, My Becca foundation, My lashes – whichever ones suit the feel of the day…
BB) Your skin is always so radiant. How do you keep it in such amazing condition?
MM) Thank you! I have a good cleansing routine which I think is essential and I have monthly facials. I also do 1 or 2 face masks at home every week.
BB) Dubai’s weather is amazing all year round but we are strong believers in safe tanning. What are your tips to maintain a perfect fake tan?
MM) It’s important to assess your skin when choosing your tanning product, for fairer skin tones – choose a product that is light to medium and always to a patch test first. Make sure you exfoliate a day before applying tanning products to make sure you get an even colour and then apply moisturiser to knees, elbows, knuckles and ankles to stop the tan from going too dark in those areas! I love St Tropez self-tanning mousse.
BB) You are regarded as a beauty and fashion icon. How do you feel about this?
MM) It’s very flattering but I don’t feel worthy of the title! I love clothes – dressing up was always my favourite game when I was little.
BB) Are you more of a ‘heels’ or ‘handbag’ kind of woman?
MM) I’m a heels and handbag kind of woman! Got to have the perfect bag to go with the shoes …
BB) Who is your ultimate beauty and fashion icon at the moment?
MM) Miranda Kerr. She has a killer body and always looks so natural and gorgeous. The way she dresses is simple, elegant and stylish.
BB) Congratulations on your lash line – they are all absolutely stunning. What were the reasons behind you creating your own lash line?
MM) I wanted to wear lashes that were really natural for the daytime, that felt light, and that didn’t irritate my eyes. I couldn’t be happier with the way my lash line has come out. The feedback has been amazing. It’s a dream come true to have my own lash line!
BB) What advice would you give to a woman who is looking at choosing a false eyelash to wear?
MM) Think about your eye shape and if you like a more natural or bold look. My lashes range from very natural to a sexy full lash look. I would wear all of them depending on the occasion or mood I was in.
BB) What is your top tip for wearing false eyelashes?
MM) Wear them with confidence!
BB) Are they any other plans for more products in the pipeline?
MM) Definitely, whatever I do, it will always be to enhance a women’s natural beauty and will be kind to the skin. I would love my own clothing line one day.
BB) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
MM) I would love to have a beauty and clothing boutique, that would be amazing!
BB) What would you say you are most thankful for right now?
MM) All the people I’ve worked with over the last year and a half! I couldn’t of done it without them!
To know more about Backstage, please visit http://www.backstage.ae
Backstage is located in THE VILLAGE (see map below)
Backstage Shop 21, Ground Floor, The Village, Jumeirah 1 Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
T: +971 4 385 5500 F: +971 4 385 5505 E: info@backstage.ae
0 The Ali Sharaf Photography Program
To all you people out there ( in the FASHION & BEAUTY industry)- I have some news for you!
You can earn the chance to be more popular & more professional in your career!
HOW?!?!
Well- there is a special program designed by Ali Sharaf Photography- (headed by the professional Bahraini photographer who made the “mermaid” photoshoot) & Fahad Al Dosari (the visionary behind the creation of stunning photos).
What is the program about?!
They have both designed a special program – where they restrictly select possible candidates.
The aim of the program is to gather talents all together in one fashion & beauty network.
Candidates can be:
Fashion designers
Jewelry designers
Fashion stylists
Makeup artists
Hair stylists
Candidates with then sign a contract to work with the creative team of ALI SHARAF PHOTOGRAPHY for his/her projects for one year.
What will you get out of this program?!
If for example, you are a Makeup artist- you will get the opportunity to work on photoshoots. You will bring your own makeup, and ALI SHARAF PHOTOGRAPHY will take care of all the other things such as hair styling, clothes, accessories.. etc.
Other talents- you could get the chance of winning & working with makeup artists & gain a free portfolio.
Marketing: Ali Sharaf photography will work on your brand/image. They will promote your brand throughout their Facebook page (they have almost 4000 fans).
Ali Sharaf Photography will also cooperate with fashion & beauty bloggers to post about all your sessions to help create a buzz & market you.
You will basically have a PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO!
How to enter the program?!
1. Contact info@alisharaf.com or follow @Ali_Sharaf on twitter & send him a direct message to discuss signing up.
2. Pay a creative fee of 1200 BHD per session- where you will get a creative concept, model casting, location scouting, photography & high-end retouching for up to 7 images.
3. You will have up to 4 photo sessions per year- but you might actually end up working on 8, 12, 16 or 20 photo sessions if you created a team with fashion designer, jewelry designer stylist, MUA and a hair stylist.
4. The program will offer constant photo-shoots to each client, not to forget you will be featured in their “Database” for their Commercial/Fashion clients too as a individual talent.
Want to see how your work (whether you are a stylist/makeupartist/designer/etc) with ALI SHARAF PHOTOGRAPHY will look like?!
Here are some amazing shots of their work!
0 The ‘august.’ Photoshoot
So as you all know I was in a photoshoot a week ago!
It was sooo much fun! I didn’t want that day to end! It was exciting for me as I was actually applying makeup on the model this time!
The feeling is unexplainable… I was nervous at first but I was sooo happy with the result!
The shoot was for two special girls- not any girls- but ones with talent, hardwork & amazing style!
Amina Saif & Maha Al Mulla – the designers behind the clothes line, which is called “august.” – are shooting their clothes for their lookbook! (Check out brand details below)
They hired a model – beautiful ‘Pauline Castro’- who is up and running in Bahrain’s top model!
I was overwhelmed when Maha & Ameena asked me to do the makeup for their clothes line!
The photos were shot by a talented hardworking photographer known as “Plhong” ! I’ve seen many of the unedited photos and they look stunning!
The Makeup – Details
As a makeup artist, it’s very important to know the look that your client wants you to achieve. Maha & Ameena wanted a fresh look, glowy and very subtle!
It was an easy look to achieve- and I believe that since their clothes were chic & simple- a simple clean look would suit well.
Many girls are asking me what I applied on the model’s face (amazing result!)- and I said I will post about it here. So here it goes!
First- my makeup stash!
This is how the model looks (after makeup)!
We had two looks- but with the same eyeshadow. One had pink cheeks & pink lips (to compliment specific clothes) & the other had peachy cheeks & coral lips (to compliment another set of clothes).
So this is how to get this look!
PREPPING THE SKIN: Pauline had amazing skin (Mashala)- so clear & soft (easy to work with). I started out by applying Kiehl’s ultra facial moisturizer. Sprayed MAC Fix Plus & let it dry. Then added smashbox’s primer on her T-Zone to mattify that area from oils.
SKIN: Using MAC’s orange corrector, I corrected minimal discoloration in the chin area & eye socket area. Then applied Bobbi Brown’s ‘Light Peach’ Corrector under her eyes & blended. Applied Makeup4ever HD foundation in shade #140 mixed with MAC’s strobe liquid lotion to add a hint of glow & then blended with a beauty blender. Topped it off with Chanel’s Natural Loose powder in shade #30 to help the foundation set.
EYES: Applied an eye primer all over (Urban Decay) for anti-creasing. Mixed 2 shades of MAC eyeshadows- ‘Naked Lunch’ & ‘Jest’ – subtle shades of pinkish beigiy silver. Added them to the lid then some ‘Nylon’(MAC) under the brow bone. To add some color- added makeup4ever’s star powder in #916(Pink Gold)- Black winged liner + Loreal’s Volume Million Mascara, applied some false lashes. For the brows- filled them in with MAC’s ‘charcol brown’ eyeshadow.
CHEEKS: For the pink look- added MAC ‘Sunbasque’ blush all over-then ‘Pink Swoon’ Mac + Illamasqua’s ‘Unrequited’ pink blush to her apples. For the peachy look- added Kryolan’s peachy blush (TC2). Added smashbox Softlights shimmer highlighter to her upper cheekbones and nose bridge to add extra glow.
LIPS: For the Pinks I used Pink Nouveau MAC lipstick topped off with Smashbox’s lipgloss “pop”. For the peachy lips- used Bobbi Brown’s Calypso Coral pot rouge with Smashbox lipgloss “afterglow”.
Isn’t she gorgeous?!?! DOLL LIKE!
‘august.’ is a local Bahraini brand that emphasizes on femininity & simplicity with a chic touch. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection speaks to the modern breakfast at Tiffany’s day gal who is ready to doll up for all occasions. Pastels, nudes & some deep blue colors were used to create a cohesive collection that consists of playful flow-y dresses, soft sheer tops, structured skirts & matt sequins blazers and bow ties to add character for any look.
From lunch date with girlfriends to formal dressy events, ‘august.’ SS12 collection will not fail to live up to the social standards of our modern day lady!
A beautiful collection – I absolutely LOVE it!
A shot of the prepared clothes rack + shoot.
A snapshot of Plhong doing what he does best
Here are some pics I randomly edited from my phone 
I love the results!
Pic below – she looks like Kourtney Kardashian!
Check out their Collection Below !! ( PHOTOS SHOT BY
PLHONG) — well done PLHONG (luv ur photos)
I’m in love with the clothes and their accessories!
If you are interested in purchasing the clothing items below- please contact orders.august@gmail.com
I’m No Diva
Delila
Kourtney
Red carpet ready
Blair
Paris, J’taime
Corporate Queen
Well done to this amazing team- the hard work was worth it!
13 The Editorial Photoshoot: The Queen of Waves
This is the ultimate blog post. It is what I have been dying to reveal!
Two months ago, I was in a secret location- for a photo shoot… I did not tell anyone where I was, but today I will reveal what it was about… with JUICY details about everything! Just remember, I will save the best for last- the final edited photos will be shown in the end!
A group of us have been brought together to cover this amazing-one of a kind- photo shoot! And believe me, it’s not any ordinary photo shoot. It’s new, it’s hip & most importantly it’s an editorial!! (will explain that later)
The photoshoot took approx 10 hours of hard work!
I was more than happy to witness the whole thing, and I’m here to give you full details from my perspective- in relation to beauty!! I will post you “behind the scenes” hair&makeup photos and the editorial pictures!
THE TEAM
A strong team incorporated their different talents to produce this masterpiece. It’s hard work produced in a beautiful manner. Before anything, I would like to introduce you to the team behind this:
Photographer
Ali Sharaf: A Bahraini commercial photographer who specializes in fashion, beauty, portrait & lifestyle photography for both advertising & editorial sectors. He started out his career as a digital artist, then photography found its way into his life- becoming his passion & core of his creativity. Check out www.alisharaf.com & follow @Ali_Sharaf
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Makeup Artist
Masooma Hashim: Professional makeup artist & salon owner ‘MakupArt’. She worked for MAC Cosmetics for 7 years- & become a Senior Artist. Masooma applied makeup for fashion shows, photo shoots, film festivals, IFFA awards. She worked for both Milan & India Fashion weeks. Masooma also trained in Los Angeles with “Train The Trainer”. She also worked on many famous celebrities (Diana Corazon, Asala, Laila Elwi, Yusra, Olivia Palermo). She also specializes in body painting. Follow her @MASOOMAJALEEL
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Creative Director
Fahad Al Dosari: The visionary behind the creations of stunning conceptual ideas. His passion resides in the fashion & beauty industry as he spend most of his life both in front & behind the camera. Fahad is the brains behind the idea of this photoshoot. Follow him on twitter @Fahad_AlDossari
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Creative Video Director
Osama Al Saif: Founder of Ad.Mark- One of the largest full service media production & digital design houses in Bahrain. With over 14 years of experience in the media & entertainment industry, he is one of the best in his field. Ad.Mark uses very professional video equipment & is able to compete and reach the same standards of other international companies. Osama & his team covered in video the whole photoshoot (the makeup, the hair, the setting up & being on set). Their beautifully edited fashion film is provided below+ a behind the scenes video! Follow him on twitter @OsamaAlSaif
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Hair Stylist
Neamat Assaf: A professional Lebanese Hair Stylist- with over 15 years of experience. She started out by working in a salon in Beirut by learning the basics. What makes Neamat special in her field is how she doesn’t pre-plan the look. She likes to work on a hairdo & beautifies it as she goes on. Neamat worked in several countries & gained more experience based on people’s taste. She is currently working in Qatar as a freelance hair stylist.
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Fashion Designer
Sima Ahmed: A Bahraini fashion designer, founder of Sima Fashion. Sima studied in Italy: Instituto di Moda Burgo (Milan) & The Polimoda Instituto (Florence). She also had her first fashion show in Roma in 2007 with a collection of wedding gowns & party dresses. Sima’s style focuses on texture sensations & indulges in femininity to its extreme- with an oriental touch. Check out www.simafashion.com & follow @simaahmed
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Stylist
Fajer Al Zallaqi: A Bahraini passionately involved in the Fashion business for the past 3 years. She started as a fashion & beauty editor for magazines such as Ohlala & CO-EDS. She is also a fashion stylist who works in fashion shows & many photoshoot projects. Fajer also works as a presenter for Bahrain TV Channel 55. Follow her on twitter @falzallaqi & check out her blog http://stylistwishlist.blogspot.com
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Models
For any photo shoot, models are hired. But for this one, the team decided to hire an international model. The model “Visnja” is hired from a Dubai based agency “Bareface”. Bareface is a well established agency for models & talents. It provides talent for all types of events, fashion & commercial assignments. After deciding on the story, the photographer usually calls the agency & provides them with the criteria for the model & the theme. The agency then responds by sending in portfolios that matches the criteria. Once selections are made, finalists are interviewed by a ‘face-to-face’ online casting – where the model is interviewed by the whole team. The hair, makeup artists, photographer & stylist observe & comment from their different perspectives until they reach a decision. You can also check out www.bareface.com
“Khalid” was also hired as the male model.
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The set included a makeup artist, photographer, hairstylist, stylist, fashion designer, creative director, photographer, video camera crew & a few others who put all their effort to make the result amazing. The reason for this shoot is not for a magazine. It’s mainly for the personal portfolios of this talented group.
Oh yeah.. and don’t forget there was a makeup blogger too.. as part of their team (ME! )
A little something you need to know.. About Editorial Photography
This is no normal photo shoot. The model is not trying to sell a product. Instead, the model is trying to sell a story. This type of photo shoot is considered to be an “editorial story”- which comprises both fashion & beauty in a form of a story line. The viewer will actually focus on what is actually happening in the story other than the product selling. The photographs taken portray a story line from start to end, as they speak loudly about what is happening. The picture becomes the story teller. Commercial photography sells products, fashion sells lifestyle, but editorials sell a story!
This was a great opportunity for this team to use an editorial technique- Since Bahrain’s fashion/beauty & photography industry is not very familiar with it. It’s their chance to shake Bahrain’s industry with such creativity, by getting this vision out there & racing their way to the fashion/beauty world!
What’s the story about?
This whole story is based on a beautiful mermaid. This supernatural creature has a beautiful lean body & a long lower torso (fish fins). Mermaids are mythically known to sing to sailors & enchant them. This is probably what happened in this case. The abductor, who is a sailor, was probably enchanted by the mermaid’s singing, so he decided to capture her. After capturing her, he took her to a shabby barn.
The mermaid started to weaken due to the lack of water. The sailor gets frustrated as his victim slowly suffocates. Instead of torturing her, he provides her with a water filled bath tub to help her survive.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
We arrived at a horse stable early morning. The reason for choosing this location as a set is mainly for the hay stack that will be used to place the abandoned mermaid. It resembles an old shack/barn that the sailor hides in with his mermaid. The barn we arived in had horses, dogs, a cheeky monky… and one annoying baby goat (which scared me to death)!
As the girls were working on hair and makeup, the guys were busy preparing the set & working on “the mermaid’s bathtub”- making it look dirty.
THE MAKEUP
Ahhhhh… This is the part that I’m waiting for! I will show you in great detail (step by step) what Masooma applied in the makeup process- or shall we say transformation from human to mermaid. What you have to know about Masooma- she is not only a makeup artist- she is a talented painter- which made this task “face painting” extra easy for her.
A few weeks before the photoshoot, Masooma drew an illustration of how the makeup will look like! She is talented ( I TOLD YOU SO) & this is how she visioned it!
She is not only a makeup artist.. but a real artist!
I was overwhelmed when I was asked to be a part of work of art. I was super excited & completely thrilled by the end result. It was an honor to be Masooma’s sidekick for the day. I’m have always been a great fan of her work, as she applies the beautiful yet simple makeup I always talk about. Seeing her live in action was of course, the best part of the day!
Before the makeup details, I will show you a glimpse of Masooma’s makeup stash. Keep in mind she has a gazillion other products In her luggage. These are some of the products she used! You will realize, once we get to the makeup process, that the products used were mostly MAC, Kryolan & Makeupforever.
Eyeshadows (MAC) which Masooma carries everywhere
The aqua creamy eyeshadows for face painting (left) & glittery selections/pigments (right)
MAC face/body paints
The big tray with all the things Masooma might use!
Now let’s put that into action!
(note that some pics have the model laying down & some sitting- that is because we had a previous unrelated photoshoot- so basics + foundation was applied once only instead of twice.. but I’m giving you the steps from A-Z)
1- Masooma cleansed Visnja face with face wipes then applyed brightening face cream
2- Fixed some single false lashes- natural looking ones
3- Masooma applied MAC’s orange corrector (studio fix)- reviewed HERE . She applied it next to eye socket & eye lids to remove any discoloration.
4- Brightened areas with MAC’s Concealer “Select moisture cover” & blended it in
5- Applied MAC’s Micronized airbrush formula foundation(found only in MAC pro stores) with a beauty blender.
Masooma sprays MAC fix plus on the beauty blender (pink sponge) so it will help dampen the sponge for better application & to let the makeup set.
6- Masooma applies translucent powder allover to help the foundation set
7- With a clear applicator brush (same as mascara’s)- Msooma applied a concealer on it & brushed it on the eyebrows- to make it look ashy
8- Soft Contouring on cheeks & nose using a mixture of both Dark & Light shades of MAC’s Mineralize skinfinish Natural powder.
9- Applied white creamy eyeshadow on the full lid & tearduct. This is considered a base. Shade is similar to Kryolan’s aqua Color in white #070.
Masooma then exaggerated the color to the tear duct & browbone area
She also added some of this white shade to the lips (cupid’s bow) to give the illusion of bigger plumper lips
10- She then lines all over the white base a thin outline in a brown creamy eyeshadow using an extra thin eyeliner brush
11- Masooma then tries to enhance this brown outer line by drawing mini hairs from the crease
12- She builds it up with a darker brown & goes over it with a pencil (Makeup4ever) to emphasize it more towards the nose. She then blends it with a MAC 239 brush
13- With the same brown pencil, she starts to draw the sideways fish “gills” on both sides of the face.
14- Masooma then uses a dark green aqua creamy eyeshadow from KRYOLAN & goes over the fish gills with a thin eyeliner brush
15- She adds a turquoise/lighter green aqua color with it to make a dark/light gills look. She also blends it out to give a smoky feel to it. Also blends out the under eyelashes part with a smoky green
16- Enhance the gills with a dark color (Black) & add some glitterish sparkle to the sides. She then added a beautiful thin to thick black liner that extends to the green lines leading to the gills.
17- To complete the eyes, applied MAC eyeshadow “fashion”- a silverish/light blue- next to the gills.
18- Final touches for the eyes- smoked up her under eye with the same torquise color.. smudged it with a MAC 239 brush
19- For the blush and lips- applied a soft pink color (Makeup4ever cream Blush HD in Fuchsia) to the apples of cheeks using her fingers & blended it. For the Lips she applied some shimmery eyeshadow on the upper lip and then used the Fuchsia blush on her inner lips also using her fingertips.
20- Finally, a body shimmer applied all over her shoulders, hands, back & chest to give her a sunkissed glow
And we are done with Visnja Makeup !
Masooma also applied makeup on the male model- a foundation on his face & full body (front + back). She blended that very well. The foundation was to give a flawless look. Masooma also drew an anchor- as a form of a tattoo on the model’s shoulder to portray that he is a sailor.
THE HAIR
Mermaids are known to have long thick hair. To accomplish this, professional Lebanese stylist “Neamat” completed this look by an amazing hair-do! She incorporated a modern twist to it-not the usual long mermaid let down hair.
Neamat first worked on 2 extra long & thick hair extensions. She braided them beautifully.
As you can see from the makeup pictures above, Neamat kept Vijna’s hair curled then kept them in rolls…
She then opened up the loose rolls & started working on puffing up the front bangs (sleeked back)
She then attached the extensions, puffed it up from the front, then twisted & braided it then twisted it all towards the right side. The hair was a success as it looked like long, thick, dampened hair- mermaid like…heavy due the ocean water & rough because of the salts.
So this is how she looks after hair & makeup! STUNNING!
THE OUTFIT
Bahraini Sima Ahmed designed a beautiful mermaid outfit- a 2-piece outfit made of a bra & a long tail with fins. The outfit was fully made out of Terter (Black & Silver). I was amazed by how the outfit actually made her look like a real mermaid! Well done Sima!
You will actually see more of this outfit in the photos posted below!
THE STORY IN PICTURES…
-From my camera-
The story portrays a hate/love relationship between the mermaid & her abductor. The mermaid obviously hates this man, who stole her from her home and source of living (water), tied her up, and brings her to a place where she can’t survive.The mermaid can barely breathe… she feels so weak!
The mermaid is desperate for survival… yet.. she looks stunning!
Time passes by & the abductor starts to get attracted to this mermaid. He gets frustrated and sad as he tries to save her from dying.
He then places her in a water filled bathtub to help her survive
The concept of love/hate is shown the moment she is weakened by the lack of water: zero strength + zero energy= desperate for help… Not knowing that the only person who can save her is the same person who caused this pain. It’s basically a good girl/bad boy romance- keep in mind that a very thin line exists between love and hate!
Sometimes, even with bad intentions, love sneaks up and whacks you on your head!
FINAL EDITED EDITORIAL PICTURES
Below are the beautiful photos taken by professional Ali Sharaf! They speak for themselves!
These photos are what we have all been waiting for!
AMAZING photos captured by ALI!!
THE FASHION VIDEO
Check out the amazing Fashion Video created by Osama Al Saif (Ad.Mark). The video is beyond beautiful!! I’m IN LOVE WITH IT! It tells you the whole story (which I wrote about above)
Click on this link!
You can also view behind the scenes video footage of the hair, makeup & full photoshoot by clicking on this link:
Osama- You deserve a grammy!
FINAL WORDS
I really hope to work in the near future with this talented group. I’m sure they will prosper in their careers- not just because they are talented or hard working, but because they are creative & are able to use their imaginations and actually think outside the box.
There was a lot of laughter on set – especially at the monkey in the cage who was screaming every 3 minutes.
I was amazed by everyone’s input- Ali was so professional- standing on top of dangerous things just to take the right shot! The photos are unbelievably beautiful.
Masooma applied flawless beautiful makeup- she should be the envy of all makeup artists.
Fahad was so creative in choosing the place, the pose etc- amazed me by his vision.
Neamat- this pro makes me hate all hairdressers, because I think no one can top her! I have seen it with my own eyes- the hair is just gorgeous!
Sima- Such a creative designer, coming up with a really cool outfit! Without that outfit, we won’t have a mermaid!
Osama- Captured amazing footage of every second. Welldone!
Vengia- The star of the shoot.. she is a pro in her field- Strikes different & amazing poses every second!
Fajer- Passionate about creating the perfect look- she always made sure the model looked perfect at all times.
Last but not least- Special THANKS to Mohammed Foad (Masooma’s husband)- who i believe put in so much effort in helping out with every single thing you can imagine. He was the Man Power, the fixer & the person who solves anything! THIS GUY DESERVES AN AWARD!
Mahmood- A big thank you for finding out the location for the set, guiding us around the place & most importantnly- keeping the annoying goat away from me!
Thanks to the other people who were there who have done the impossible to make this photoshoot a perfect one!!
As for me….
I’m hoping to work with this team again in the future- Fingers crossed!!
I would like to say something about makeup that I have learned through this photo shoot…
‘Makeup is an art of transformation. Transforming to beautiful or to ugly…The key is to master it correctly to be able to achieve the wanted look.’
Oh and another thing Masooma kept on saying…
