Club Kids

Today, I did make up for the Graduate Make-Up Film. This consisted of us students doing the make up for a film that will be shown at the Graduate Fashion Show in May under the theme of 'club kids.' So here is a little information about exactly what club kids means...

The Club Kids were a group of people in the late 80s to early 90s who went out in NYC and got a name for themselves by looking a certain way. There were a few ring leaders, namely Michael Alig and James St. James. They wore shocking outfits and were regualr drug abusers which gained them fame amongst clubbers and they appeared on tv shows such as 'The Joan Rivers Show.'

Nowadays, club kids means those who dare to be outrageous and daring with their style and it is not such a shock. Whilst researching this theme for the film, I couldn't help but link 'Illamasqua's' alter ego ethos with this group of people. Illamasqua represent their make up as being for your 'alter ego.'

Here is a picture of a modern day club kid:
How to spot a club kid:

1. Weird Contact Lenses
2. Crazy colourful hair
3. False eye lashes
4. More make-up than Katie Price wears
5. Body Modifications
6. Contraversial meanings behind outfits

The filming was good fun as we got to see our make-up in HD on a screen to help check everything out. My model was a performance student too, so she had no problems acting and dancing to the camera!! She was wearing a Gareth Pugh type latex dress, to give an edge to my cutesy make up (well cute-ish). I went all out with a neon pink wig and stuck some flowers and a woolen owl in there too. It's not often I get the chance to go wild with make-up, so I was so happy to be weird and wonderful in all aspects of my creativity!

I will upload my images soon :) and you can tell me what you think!!

Heidi Alexa

xxx

What's in a name??

They say you should never judge a book by it's cover...

but i must admit... seeing a make-up palette called 'Manly' was a bit weird!

OK so I first heard about this make-up palette when watching one of Lauren Luke's videos (She is a youtube makeup phenomenon, check her out!). The colours looked so bright and the range you get for the price was glorious! I took her advice and treated myself on Ebay as it was only around £15 , an investment for a struggling student like moi.

The package arrived and looked so exciting with its array of Hong Kong stamps and thick padding cushioning it so much I think I could have jumped on it ( I didn't by the way!). I tried to open it sensibly but its stubborn 'manlyness' did not allow me, so I went in for the kill and managed to get to my muscular eyeshadows after a bit of a fight.

It was worth that fight. Everyone who I have worked with on photo shoots and my friends have been lured in and most have commented on how 'cool' it is. I've mixed it with lip gloss to make lipsticks and used it to it's full potential.

All in all i'd say... it's great because it's £15.... but if I had spent more on it, i'd have to say it was a little flakey in texture, but that's no problem when it's a bargain. The colours do stay though and I will use it to it's death!

Don't judge a palette by its gender confused name.

New Equipment!

Exciting times for Heidi Alexa!

It's my birthday in a few days and as I was having problems with my film crew, I was struggling to get anything filmed. My dad kindly saved me from a lot of worry and stressing, as he purchased this funky camcorder for my birthday. Check it out:

This is what it looks like (I got it this red colour too!)

I can now happily crack on with some lovely make-up and hair tutorials without cancellations etc.

I am still keen on working with models and crew but the majority, for now, will be me myself and I.

I will have some videos done soon, and then things can really kick off

Heidi Alexa xx

A few new pictures for my portfolio!

I did a photo shoot before Christmas last year and just recieved some of the images, they were for a local vintage shop called Hepwrights. Take a look!

I think they have a vintage Vogue feel to them.

Photographer: Ted Park
Model: Sharon Lloyd
Stylist: Anna Pichowski
Hair and Make Up: Me!


Heidi Alexa xx

Product Review #1

Simple’s Skincare Range.

1. Simple’s Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion 200ml

Simple says: ‘Drier skin will benefit from this creamy Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion which gives a gentle, thorough cleanse, even around the delicate eye area’

‘Pro-Vitamin B5 restores, softens and smoothes
Added moisturisers improve skin condition
pH balanced so works in harmony with your skin’

Heidi says:

I was attracted to Simple’s cleanser because of it’s mild but effective brand image. This cleansing lotion is indeed mild and I found it easy to use.

I used it with a cotton pad and only had to use a couple of squeezes of it.

It is not oily, so does not leave your face shiny and stressed out. I had no skin reactions to it, as my skin is sensitive, I thought I might get itchy skin or redness, but I didn’t.

Overall, this is a reliable and cheap cleanser for every day use, I still prefer to use face wipes on myself for the ease though…

2. Simple’s Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner

Simple says: ‘Our Soothing Facial Toner is a perfect blend of active ingredients and chamomile goodness to keep your skin clarified and refreshed. Perfect for even sensitive skin.’

Heidi says: I do not believe that toner is essential, but when I want my models to have a good ol’clean, I like them to use it. It is not good for dry skins as can dry it out even more. This toner by Simple is refreshing and not overbearing, other toners can give a burning sensation which is rather unpleasant, but this almost feels like water! My skin feels smooth, not dry as others can leave it feeling! And I am ready for moisturising afterwards.

This toner does what it says on the tin (or bottle in this case!) A good buy, only if you need it.

3. Simple’s Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

Simple says: ‘For drier skin, this non greasy Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser will give you all day moisturisation making your skin feel smoother and more supple.’

‘Pro-Vitamin B5 restores, softens and smoothes

UV Filters protects and prevents premature ageing

12hr moisturisation hydrates throughout the day.’

Heidi says: I love this moisturiser for many reasons, one being that it is suitable for everyone. It is not grease based, so does not sit on your skin and clears up dry skin! Applying this morning and evening will benefit dry skin over time, it is also great for combination and normal skins. I use this in my make up kit to give a good base to work on. If I could afford lots of Clinique moisturisers, I would probably opt for that, but whilst we cannot all dig deep into out pockets, sticking to Simple seems sensible.

More reviews coming soon!! Heidi Alexa xx

So, Last week I filmed my first two tutorials: Skin Cleansing and Natural.

Here is a couple of pictures from the day:


Camera Lady - Natasha Nater
Model: Jody Clarke

We began with the filming of the skin cleansing tutorial. This included cleanser, toner, moisturiser and eye cream. Jody was to do this herself as you can scrub harder at your own skin than you can on others.

Then I applied a pretty, natural make-up. The look was meant to brighten the skin and open the eyes, enhancing your natural beauty. I followed this up with loose curls, as if the hair naturally fell in such a way (we wish!!).

Jody looked great and we got some good shots thanks to Nat for zooming in and out at points.

I can't wait to see the video edited and complete, I just need to talk over it and I will be up and running.