Pin Up Perfection

One of my assignments for the Glam Academy was to set up my own trade for print Pin Up theme photo shoot. Meaning I had to cast anyone that I thought could help make the image the best it could be.   I wasted no time to start my search.
I reached out to a photographer that I worked with before, Ira Idelson, who was more then happy to help.  I explained to him the look I was going for and we chose a date & time together.  With that decided I was able to put out a casting call for a model.  I feel that anyone can wear pin up makeup but not everyone has that authentic vintage look to them.  After going through many responses and photos I came across Robyn Welsh’s, an old co worker and friend, modeling profile.   I knew she would be perfect.  It took some perseverance to get in touch with her, but when we did reconnect she was delighted to work with me on my project.
Talent coming together is a wonderful thing…my makeup & wardrobe styling, with a breathtaking model and an amazing photographer. I couldn’t be more pleased with the finished product!

For wardrobe I chose an emerald brocade 50s wiggle dress by 20th Century Foxy, black thigh highs, & black satin long gloves, pearl clip in earrings.  I brought props to enhance the image.  From a consignment shop, vintage green suitcase & cigarette holder.  In the top picture is my great grandmother’s antique hand mirror.

Ira captured me touching up powder in between shoots & wardrobe change.  Robyn hair was inspired by a few images I had sent her, she was able to interpret them into this fab pin up do.

This is my absolute favorite image, it captures everything I was looking to accomplish!  I’m very grateful to Robyn & Ira for seeing my vision and making it a reality with me.

For more photos from this shoot go to
Ira’s Facebook Page

Glam Girl to Rockstar

Recently I was contacted by a local photographer, Ira Idelson, to do the makeup for a model that was just starting to build her portfolio. I accepted.
In preparation I looked at the model’s past looks and spoke to her to discuss what she wanted to get out of the shoot. From my perspective, she needed a timeless look and then maybe switch to something fun. I gathered up my makeup, jewelry, & dresses that I thought would work best.

Glam Girl-I put her in one of my favorite dresses which was black with red piping by Stop Staring. Pearl necklace & clip on earrings. Vintage makeup

Rockstar-A quick swap of the lip to a neutral pink, add black to the crease of the eye and blend. Let her hair down and tease. Voila!

Makeup: Brianna Lynn

Hair: Jen Morozowich

Model: Cass Wells

Photographer: Ira Idelson

Wardrobe: Brianna Lynn

Moving on to Masters

The last day of the Glam Academy was bitter sweet. As excited as I was to start my career, I was going to miss the classroom environment and the friends I had made. I said what I thought was my goodbyes after my final shoot in Hoboken and headed back to Philly.
Then Alexa created the Masters Program. When I received the email with the information I must have read it over a hundred times. This was a big decision for me. I had to take into consideration financials, time, family, and so on.
On a sad note I had lost my grandfather right before the holidays. He was the first person in my family to attend college and earned a degree from Penn State University. Later he owned and operated his own tavern. Going to school and starting my own business would be two things he would be proud of. Inspired by my Grandfather to further my education and put myself in the best position possible to be successful, I decided to go for it.
I start the Advanced Artistry Program mid January and will be complete mid February. Through this I will have the opportunity to be approved for an externship in the field with Alexa Prisco while building my own business. It is important to me to take this chance to fuel my passion, continue to learn, and develop my art.

 

 

 

Vogue 1960s Italian Glam

This was a really fun look to research and a great challenge since it is both time period and region specific makeup. Another factor was that the photos were going to be black and white. It was important to have an understanding of the principles of b&w makeup with photography. This was different then my other assignments because I was responsible for the whole comprehensive look.
Inspiration photo:

I opted to do my own hair rather then bring in a hairdresser. My model had beautiful super long thick hair. I used a set of hot rollers to add body and volume to the hair on the crown that framed the face. Then took a curling iron to the whole back section of the head. After letting it set & finishing the makeup, I teased it and fastened it back with bobby pins for sweet 60s hair.

The eye makeup could go in a few different directions. I printed a few pictures that inspired me and decided to go with a top heavy black eye wing. It was best to keep the rest of the eye neutral. It’s also important to contour the cheeks for black & white. I finished with a neutral lip by Ellis Faas, creamy lips L108.
Put my model in a gorgeous one shoulder, ruffled dress. Nothing screams vintage Italian glam like a beautiful girl with a cigarette, so I lit one up for her. Took a step back to see how amazing my model looked from head to toe.
Makeup and hair: Brianna Lynn
Model: Michelle Carvalho

 

 

Adventures in Makeupland!

As I walked up the stairs of the old Manhattan building I could feel the excitement growing. We were greeted and shuffled into the crowds of people anxiously waiting to see the tables of products. I stopped to take in the whole scene of beautiful brushes on display, eye shadows galore, lipsticks in a line, boxes of lashes, and so on. It was my first Pop up makeup show in NYC!

I was eager to add top brands at such an amazing discount to my makeup kit. From the Alcone table I purchased banana powder, cinema secrets brush cleaner, and a cuff palette (which is perfect since I normally mix my foundation on my wrist). The following table was covered in brushes, I managed to grab a black patent brush holder. Next I was attracted to the naked pigments which came in rows of 6, so I went with both natural colors and more bold ones. Since I already had the Kett airbrush foundations I wanted the airbrush blush and bronzer. I Couldn’t resist the discontinued Marilyn Monroe line by Mac so I took the eye palette and mascara. At the O.C.C. table I fell in love with a blending brush, an extra bonus it is a cruelty free/vegan company. My biggest and best purchase of the day was my Zuca pro artist bag, with stackable clear shelves that make it easy to be organized & find what I need quickly. Besides the fact that it’s super sturdy and great for traveling to on site makeup jobs.

Wrapped up the day by watching a demo by an artist representing makeup forever. The first look had a deep red lip, charcoal smokey eye. For the next look she continued to add onto this with a glitter lid, and thick chunky glitter all along the temple to right above the cheekbone, and swapped the lip out for a pink one. It was interesting to see how different artists approach the face. As you can see from my purchases, I personally would not want to be limited to using one brand of makeup though.

Tis the Season to Sparkle

As soon as December hits it is completely acceptable to sparkle anywhere and everywhere.  To avoid looking juvenile here are some helpful tips.  For makeup some glitter or high pigment of color on your eyelid is nice.  You just don’t want to look like you got hit in the face with a bag of pixie dust.  A fun glossy lip would be pretty too.  As for clothes, either your top or your bottom can have sparkle… not both.  Like in my picture below, being it was December 1 I broke out a dark blue sparkly retro Urban Outfitters dress.  Paired with a black blazer and tights, I am fashionably ready for the season.  For a more subtle holiday look try accessorizing with a sequin belt, shoe, headpiece, or purse.  I created the fashion set titled “Classic holiday style” pictured below for inspiration for your holiday festivities.  Emerald green, red, gold, silver, and black are great colors to mix and match with each other.

For a not so subtle look check out my winter crystal theme editorial makeup, where well blended blues and pearlescent crystals dominate the image.  For the blues I combined Ben Nye cosmic blue powder and cosmic blue sparkle, Urban Decay shadow in shattered and evidence, and Urban Decay 24/7 glide on eye pencil sabbath.  The lip is Too Faced status gloss in trust fund baby.  Big thanks to Alexa Prisco for challenging me to go beyond my comfort zone, the end result was a beautiful editorial photo for my portfolio.

 

classic holiday style

classic holiday style by briannalynnu featuring a cultured freshwater pearl necklace

Vintage green dress
1stdibs.com

French Connection zipper dress
$215 – vanmildert.com

Amanda Wakeley square neck dress
$945 – amandawakeley.com

Red wool coat
1stdibs.com

Ted baker coat
$440 – tedbaker.com

Christian Louboutin black suede pumps
net-a-porter.com

Dolce Gabbana chain strap purse
barneys.com

Kate Spade clear earrings
couture.zappos.com

Kate Spade crystal jewellery
katespade.com

Cultured freshwater pearl necklace
$660 – johnlewis.com

Suzanne Kalan rose gold band ring
$1,635 – liberty.co.uk

Fall into Winter

The leaves have fallen and snow is upon us. While autumn has come to an end, the color trends don’t have to.
This season was ruled by rich browns, deep maroons, and splashes of gold.
Below was one of my favorite shoots, it combined all my favorite fall makeup trends into one look. I used airbrush foundation and bronzer by O.C.C. A beautiful gradient eye with a chocolate lid fading into beige neutrals. Topped off with a maroon lip, which is becoming my new red. Overall this look will translate well into the winter. Looking for some holiday fun or just to try something different, check out my next post “Tis the Season to Sparkle”.

 

 

A Very Vintage Weekend

The world idolizes and often imitates the iconic look of Marilyn Monroe.
There’s nothing like a good old fashion winged eye & a classic red lip. Over the past weekend I learned in depth the elements of this look that make it seamless for photography. It was exciting to put my own twist on the ever so idolized look of the past pin up beauties. My model was kind enough to take the time to post a thank you to me on Instagram, the positive feedback was much appreciated. Can’t wait to make more of my dolls pretty!

Dressing My Doll

When fashion & makeup come together all is right.  Finally had a chance to put my two passions & talents to use. A friend wanted to borrow a dress for an upcoming work event.  Instead of overwhelming her with my thousands of dresses, I pulled a couple. This wasn’t done at random.  Like any good stylist I took into consideration many factors.  Physical appearance such as height, body frame, hair/eye color. Personal style. Where she was going. This dress needed to be conservative but flattering, youthful but mature, classic, & trendy.  I knew exactly which one she would love & look great in.  The bcbgeneration black with lace overlay cinched at the waist was the first & last dress she tried on & looked stunning.
Next I paired the look with neutral radiant pigment eye & a poppy pink lip.  Topped off with my favorite string of pearls & chains necklace by Betsey Johnson, my doll was ready for a night out on the town! I like the big picture & feel confident both fashion & makeup styling.  I’d like to continue to pursue both venues to see where it leads.  Don’t worry, when I’m styling the celebs I won’t forget my dolls