New Elizabethan Project

My current understanding of the Elizabethan era is that of pale skin, red lips and sparse eyebrows. With this being as much make-up as people wore, it was a sign of health and nobility as only rich women could afford it. The heavy white make-up was used to maintain the illusion of beauty. Other than make-up, women used to shave their hair to increase the size of their forehead to give the impression that they were more intelligent. Queen Elizabeth was the inspiration for the fashion and make-up trends. Red-gold hair was also highly sought after, therefore remedies and even urine were used as a bleaching agent for women to get the perfect hair colour. Even though she was not a typical beauty, Queen Elizabeth somehow created the look that every woman dreamed to have. 

When researching further into Elizabethan beauty, I learnt that the desire to achieve pale skin had resulted in women using a poisonous mixture called ceruse which was made of vinegar and white lead. Plant roots and leaves were also used as they could create a white face paint. Women would go to any length to have the palest face and would even result in making their faces bleed and and risk using poisonous mixtures. 
One of Shakespeare's famous sonnets speaks about the beauty ideals in the Elizabethan era, however some see it as him critising other writers' obsession with idealistic physical features.

"My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun
Coral is far more fair then her lips fair
If snow be white, why then, her breast is dun,
If hair be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks..."

The film Elizabeth (1998) conveys to the audience a contemporary take on the Elizabethan era. You see the change in make-up, hair and fashion before her coronation to 'The Virgin Queen'. 
Refrences

Elizabethan make-up (no date) Available at: http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-make-up.htm (Accessed: 30 September 2015).

Elizabethan makeup 101 (no date) Available at: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/makeup.html (Accessed: 30 September 2015).

Aucoin, K. (2000) Face forward. United States: Little, Brown & Company. Page 86

My First Week at University

Knowing that I've already been at university for over a week is a concept I still can't quite believe. Within such a short space of time I am in love with uni life. Before arriving I experienced every emotion possible. Moving to university was something I have always wanted to do but at the back of my mind leaving my friends and family was going to be tough, however I have made so many new friends and experienced a range of new situations. 

Induction week consisted of us learning more about the university and also given a slight insight into what the first year will entail. 
On the 23/9/15 Sharon O'Brien and Helen Roche from Illamasqua visited the university and spoke to us about their roles as a part of the brand and also answered many questions, giving advice to students and spoke about their experiences in the make-up and hair industry. Helen Roche's work has been featured in a range of adverts, including British Airways and Adidas and has been a make-up artist on X Factor since 2012. Due to her experience and incredible talent she is now a Pro make-up artist for Illamasqua. Sharon O'Brien started her career in theater but now works predominantly in Tv and film. Her most recent work can be seen in the new James bond film, Spectre. Hearing about their incredible journey's from starting out as a make-up artist is so inspiring and makes me even more determined to start and be successful in my dream career. 

After their talk they showcased two looks from a recent fashion show they worked on for the London based fashion brand Sorapol. Both Helen and Sharon used two students to demonstrate this amazing look to us. With inspiration from the Holi festival, pinks, blues, reds and yellows were placed onto the eyes and lips. The chosen colour scheme for each model was down to the colour and style of their outfit. Seeing them work in person was captivating and you could see their love for their job as well as their knowledge of every product they used. When asked questions from students, Sharon said that personality is key. Hearing this made me realise that you can't just be amazing at what you do, but you also need to think about your appearance and how you come across to clients and other colleagues. 

Having never had a blog before I was intrigued to find out how everything worked. I have always used sketchbooks to showcase my work but I am now excited to use a different format and already I love the idea of having a blog.  I think it is a great way to show all your work and how you grow as a make-up artist as well as explaining my thought processes and reflecting on what I have done. 

I am extremely fascinated as to what the industry has to offer for me and I am excited to start learning and finally starting my journey to becoming a make-up artist.