It's been a while

So, I've neglected my blog since completing uni and now I realise it is something I wish to pick up once again!


I just wanted to share a product with anyone reading, I found it today when I work ( I work in Marks & Spencers at the moment, just as a Christmas temp to get some money- being a poor graduate is horrendous you see!!).

They contain a liquid remover and just make life that little bit simpler and neater - quite a nice little buy for the kit I think!

Be back soon :)

Heidi Alexa xxx

Music

When considering what music I should put over my video tutorials, I did not want to settle for any song, I wanted to music to appeal to my viewers as well as enhancing the footage.

I needed to research what reactions the public have subconciously when music is used to change their behaviour or feelings. I searched the internet and came across many articles, but I found this to be the most relevant.

Music Psychology & Behavior by Jennifer Copley May 08 2008

link

Music and Product Evaluation

Unsurprisingly, people are more inclined to desire a product that has been advertised in conjunction with music they enjoy than one that has been paired with unappealing music or no music at all. Consumers are also more likely to buy products when the music used to advertise them is aligned with the product. These effects work for both individual products and entire brands.

In addition to whether or not music is the consumer’s preferred type, congruity between music and the product being advertised is also very important. The most effective music used in advertising is that composed specifically to match the product, although recall of advertising messages can also be enhanced by using popular songs, particularly when the music is played without lyrics. Those listening to the advertisement are inclined to sing along, supplying the missing lyrics either in their minds or overtly, which increases their involvement with the advertisement and the likelihood that they will remember it afterwards.

I found this article helpful, as it was to the point and gave me the answer I desired.

So the music I choose has to be appropriate to my videos, for example for my 'Barbie' make up tutorial, I would not use heavy metal or classical music, but poppy songs with upbeat connotations to satisfy the target audience.

The interesting point in this article was using music that had missing lyrics, I would quite like my videos to have music with some lyrics, or I fear the longer videos would becoming tiresome to watch. However, I can look into remixed versions of popular songs.

Heidi Alexa

xxx

My YouTube Channel 

Reel 'em in!

A show reel for a make up artist seems to be the norm these days, instead of just a physical portfolio, they are utilising other types of media.

Videos have their qualities, where you can see the artist in action and it gives you the chance to add a little personality along the way. The music you choose, the font, the editing and the content you choose, will define you as a make up artist. It can be both a benefit and a hinderance, as the viewer may not enjoy your video.

I am going to have a go at doing my showreel representing myself as a graduate make up artist :) look out on my youtube channel for this one.

Heidi Alexa

xxx

My YouTube Channel

Another one for the festival bag!

I have been looking for a combined lip and cheek colour that is not expensive for a while, and I came across this one by Model's Own for £5 at Boots. This is great as you can change the strength of the colour by the amount you use and it is similar to expensive lip and cheek tints that sell well.

Heidi Alexa

xxx

Recommendations

I have had a few people ask me what my favourite products are recently. So I will tell you of a few I swear by...

Mascara

My favourite mascara in the world is Rimmel's Max Volume Flash in Ultra Black. It is around £7 and such a good mascara! It creates huge impact with only a few strokes and lasts ages! I find it better than all the expensive ones I used to buy, as although they were good, they dried out so quickly!

Foundation

I love Max Factor's Lasting Perfomace in Soft Beige for my skin tone. It feels great on my skin and covers everything, minimal concealer needed! It is a thick one so better for evenings or work days, not for chilled days out and hot days outside!

Lipstick

My favourite is a light pink called Saint Germain by MAC, its so matte and stays well! MAC lipsticks are my favourite of all lipsticks so far, for their staying power and strength of colour.

Heidi Alexa

xxx

Kelis!

A friend recently recommended I watch Kelis' new single 'Acapella's' video to check out the beautiful make up and styling. I watched, impressed at the skill that went into her make up design and unique hair styling and colouring... one thing really caught my attention though!

Kelis wears a septum ring just like mine in this video!

                                         (Screen shots from youtube.com)

It shocked me at first, as you don't ever see celebrities with this piercing (not that I can think of anyway). The septum piercing is often seen as quite harsh and rebellious but I see it with different eyes. I hope this makes more people appreciate septum piercings!

Heidi Alexa

xxx

I think I hit the nail on the head!

Whilst planning for my video tutorials, I had to think a few things through that you may not have even noticed... one was to make sure I always have nice nails in my videos. Well, I couldn't do that with my natural nails, as although I do not bite them, they refuse to grow long.

My options were to go to a nail bar and get them done up all fancy or to DIY it... I went for the latter! I had tried out a few nail kits before and never been impressed so I went for something new. I bought a box of 100 various sized nails which you could file down and paint over, easy enough, so to the counter I went.

When I got to the counter, the lady had the COOLEST pink nails! I asked "which nail varnish are you wearing" and she pointed me toward 17 where I indeed bought this colour to rush home and try immediately!

I wasn't disappointed!! So much so, that two of my housemates wanted to try it out themselves! I bought a few more shades to mix up a bit in the videos.

I might just have to film how I do them to share my new found (cheap) alternative to nail bars!

Heidi Alexa
xxx

My YouTube Channel