Ace Your Boudoir Makeup

Boudoir makeup is a key element in the quest for beautiful and timeless photos.  Today we are interviewing Dallas Makeup artist Jazzy Baptiste on some of the key elements of boudoir makeup women need to keep in mind when planning for their session.  

About Jazzy Baptiste

Jazzy is a published makeup artist that has some worked with Elle magazine and Blitz Weekly.  You may have seen him on Good Morning Dallas showing off his skill.  He was born in the Port of Spain, the capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.  He moved to the states at the age of 5 with his mother.  Jazzy fell in love with makeup after leading the production side of theater back in High School.  Some of his favorite brands include Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, Ardell lashes, Two Face, and Anastasia eyebrows.  

Basic Principles of Makeup

People confuse makeup with hiding when it should be about letting your true beauty shine through.  “I’m not changing your look.  I’m enhancing what you already have.”

Holy Grail Makeup Items

Jazzy believes in the ceiling to the floor method.  He states that, “Good skin care goes hand in hand with a good makeup application.”  After great facial care then you should make sure you have a good foundation and primer.  After that a great powder or tinted moisturizer should set your face.  If you only have 15 minutes to get ready then a good face is better than a bare face and lavish eye makeup.  “If your skin looks great. Your moisturizer looks great. Your skin will look pretty.”

Elements of Boudoir Makeup

When picking a makeup look… or a series of looks… it’s best to choose a look that best represents you.  The best way to ensure the best face on this important day is to hire a professional makeup artist.  Hiring a professional makeup artist is ideal because they are going to know the best color, shade, and range for your boudoir session.  

Makeup Trends or Nah?

This really depends on the woman in question.  Women more mature in years often opt to have a more classic look while younger women choose to be more trendy when it comes to boudoir.  However, you can rock classic looks with a modern influence.  Jazzy does an amazing job of working both sides of this line for a unique makeup application that will work best for you.  

How to Find the Perfect Makeup Artist?

Finding the perfect makeup artist can seem like a very daunting task, but it will be well worth it.  If you are looking for a makeup artist you can use Google, but a better way is to get on Instagram and #(YourCityName)MakeupArtist or #(YourCity)MUA.  For example, if you live in Austin, Texas then you would search Instagram’s hashtags using the following: #AustinMakeupArtist, #ATXMakeupArtist, #AustinMUA, or #ATXMUA.  

1.) Review their social media accounts and not only look for style look for quality of work.  Search for women who have the same skin type and complexion as you.  Also see if they have any professional photos on their page, not just selfies and before and after pictures.  You need to be able to see if their makeup will translate well in professional photos.  

2.) Check a makeup artist references.  While they may have impeccable work some makeup artist are NOTORIOUS for being no shows or the photographer having to fix a lot of their work in post.  Message the girls in their photos or send a message to the photographer if they are tagged in any professional work.  Don’t be embarrassed to do so.  It’s called doing your due diligence because boudoir is an investment and you want to be able to love your photos forever and not be disappointed in the end result.

3.) Pay for a Makeup Trial Run.  Paying for a makeup trial run isn’t just for wedding photography it’s for boudoir as well.  If you are not going with a makeup artist that is recommended by the actual boudoir photographer then you REALLY need to make sure the artist you personally choose will be able to get the makeup look that you want for your photos. This will allow you to speak about any changes that you need without anything being a surprise on your actually boudoir date.

Can’t I just do my own makeup?

Unless you are an artist yourself or a makeup enthusiast then your everyday makeup look will not work for boudoir photography.  High quality and photocentric makeup is what is needed for your big day.  This type of makeup has been specially formulated for professional shoots.  These makeup applications need to be placed on in a professional manner as well.

With everything that you have to prepare for when it comes to a boudoir session hair and makeup should not be one of them. This is your time before your session to just relax and let the hair and makeup team pamper you before your session.  “Make it easy on yourself. You just want to be memorable.  You want to make it an experience so don’t put so much stress on yourself” states Jazzy.

How should a woman prepare of a professional makeup session?

1. Be Well Rested
2. Don’t Drink the Night Before Your Shoot
3. Get a Facial (optional)
4. Get your Eyebrows Professional  Done (at least 3 days before your session)
5. Don’t come to your session with Makeup On

Favorite Makeup YouTubers

Jazzy has a long list of his favorite makeup YouTubers.  Make sure you watch the video or listen to the podcast to get the full list, but some of the most notable is Beauty by JJ, Jackie Aina, Lyric Rochester, Makeup Doll, and Sonjdra Deluxe.

Favorite Celebrity Makeup Artist

The Pat McGrath and Sam Fine.  These two are living makeup legends.  Honestly, any makeup artist who really appreciates the craft should be well aware of who these two people are.  Even your photographer should know the work of these two artist.  If your makeup artist has not idea who Pat McGrath is then i wholeheartedly suggest that you keep looking for another makeup artist for your wedding our boudoir day.

Contact Jazzy Baptiste

Wasn’t Jazzy great? I hope you guys learned a lot from Jazzy about the basic principles of makeup and how to find the perfect makeup artist for your boudoir session.  Below are several methods of contacting Jazzy!

• Blog: BeingJazzyBaptiste
• IG: @SweetKingJazzyBaptiste 
• YT: SweetKingJazzyBaptiste
• FB:  Jazzy R. Baptiste 
• Twitter: @SweetKingJazzyBaptiste
• e: JazzyBaptiste@Gmail.com

All of the work featured are session that Jazzy and I have worked on together.  If you’re interested in your own session please contact Wonderland Boudoir.  Check out our investment page and current specials!

In this comments below please leave any questions for Jazzy that you have about makeup! 

How to Style Your Boudoir Session

Dallas Boudoir studio Wonderland Boudoir loves to make you feel ready for your boudoir session.  One of the most important elements of a session is your style.  What you wear to a boudoir session can make or break your photos.  Today we interviewed New York stylist Alexis Coats.  Alexis is a recent graduate of UNT.  She is also a model and a freelance stylist in New York.  Today she will speak to us about how to properly prepare your style for a beautiful and flawless boudoir session.

The Basic Principles of Style

Style is not only important in everyday life it’s important for your photos.  When preparing for your boudoir session you need to dress for your body and not for trends.  “All women should dress to their body type and not the trends that are out there… don’t risk looking your best by wearing a trend that may not be flattering on you.”  

Alexis goes on to explain, “Dress for yourself and not what you see in the magazines. You don’t always have to follow every single trend.”  This is very true.  Trends are not classic looks.  They come in and out so fast is can sometimes be waste to try and keep up with every cool look out.  Take careful consideration before fully investing in a piece.  Consider how this trend works with the rest of your wardrobe and how it will fair season after season.  

Black is a color that Alexis suggest that all women keep in their closet.  Black goes with everything and when you're ever in a fashion rut you can always count on black to be a perfect base that you don’t have to think about twice.  

When it comes specifically to boudoir and lingerie you need to make sure that you wear lingerie that fits.  Alexis suggest going to get a professional fitting to get your correct bra size.  Not only will this professional fitting look better in photos it will make you feel more comfortable which will help you to be more confident in front of the camera.  

Favorite Lingerie Brands

Lingerie is an essential part of boudoir photography.  One of Alexis's favorite brands is the Aerie intimates line from Aeropostale.  Victoria’s Secret is also a great source for beautiful boudoir lingerie and can be budget friendly if you catch the right sale.  Alexis also suggested the site Adore Me.  Adore Me is a new subscription site based around the beauty of lingerie.  

When signing up for Adore Me you are first asked take a fashion quiz that helps determine the type of lingerie that best fits your style.  Once you have completed one of the easiest signs up that I have ever been through (It was literally your email and then create a password!  That’s it!)  you are taken to your showroom.  If you order within the first hour your first set is only $20!  

Just like every other subscription based site you have until the first 5 or 6 days to skip the month.  If you don’t you will be charged $40 and that will sit on your account until you use the credit.  Shipping, returns, and exchanges are all free.    

If you want to order but don’t want to do the subscription based services than you can just pay full price for the set, which is $50.  

My First Adore Me Order

Above is my first showroom with Adore Me.  I am loving all these styles! Very sexy and all are very perfect for boudoir! I ALMOST went with Lorelai!  

For my first purchase I ended up going with a classic, Lydia.  It’s a racerback lingerie set.  I wear A LOT of racerbacks (I’m in Texas so sleeves don’t mean much down here) so I think this will work perfectly for me.  I will do a review of it when I get it in the mail… and then speak about it in real a life scenario.  

New York Fashion Week

For Fall Alexis is most excited about the ‘70’s vibe that’s hitting the streets.  She is looking forward to the bell bottoms jeans and comfortable cable knit sweaters.  The best part of this particular revival is that you can find it in just about any thrift store.  This is a great alternative if you want to be frugal while exploring this trend.  

For Spring/Summer 2016 she’s excited about seeing the ‘70’s trend blending over in this season.  Not only fashion, but beauty as well.  The ‘70’s makeup look is way understated and much more natural.

Trends that We Need to Lose

We need to get rid of these sharpie eyebrows!  Not only that but the body modifications.  This is why Alexis is excited about the ‘70’s trend coming back.  “Less is more.  I think this is will help the younger generation accept who they are not try to be something they are not.”

Contact Alexis with any Styling Questions!

Wasn’t Alexis just great?  I have photographed Alexis as a model and a stylist a number of times.  I love her work ethic, drive, and commitment.  She’s is amazing.  If you’re looking for a wonderful stylist please contact Alexis.  She will have a site up soon!  

IG: @AlexisKCoats

FB: Alexis Coats

e: AKC0100@Gmail.com

Remember that you can subscribe to our Wonderland Boudoir YouTube page and to our Soundcloud if you want to list to our interviews in podcast form!

In the comments below please let us know if you have any questions for Alexis!

How to Be Confident, Dallas Boudoir

Thank you guys for joining me on this new interview series!  Each week I will highlight a different and amazing mover and shaker in the world.  For this Inaugural post it brings me great pleasure to introduce to you Celina Natalia.  Celina is an incredible business woman, model, and animal rights activist.  Today Celina will talk to you about how to become confident and three steps that you can do to help build your confidence.

Being Focused Yields Confidence

Celina is one of the most confident and focused people that I know.  Being focus helps build confidence.  She stays focused by remembering that in anything that she does she has to do justice to the whole project, not just for herself.  In modeling she’s representing the makeup up artist, the hairstylist, and the photographer.  She has to give it her all in order for the photographer to be able to have useful pictures.  She understands that a shoot is a team effort and she plays a pivotal role.  

Confident People can Handle Constructive Criticism

Pro Tip: One needs to learn how to take constructive criticism well.  You don’t have to allow criticism to be a blow to your ego.  Many people want to help so you have to be open minded and willing to listen in order to help the team and yourself.  Being able to handle constructive criticism shows confidence.  When you don’t become overly emotional about feedback it tells people you’re not scared of what others have to say.  It shows that you listen and you are willing to learn.

Why Confidence is Important

Celina believes that if you’re not confident you won’t feel good.  You have to feel good about yourself and your ability to do anything.  Part of that is building your own sense of personal trust. You have to trust yourself to do a good job.  She adds, “You must have a willingness to try.  People really value that.” No one wants be around people who don’t put in the effort.  

3 Things You can do to Build Confidence

1.) Workout

Part of feeling good about yourself and gaining confidence is being healthy and having an active lifestyle.  If you’re body isn’t healthy you’re not going to go out and do things.  After a workout you feel accomplished and it’s a positive way to start your day.  You must have a great mental and physical balance in order be productive.  Why not start your day out with a run or perhaps 30 minutes of hardcore yoga?  Organic Authority agrees with Celina.  They believe that working out changes the way you face challenges.

Challenge:

Start a 30 day two mile walk or run challenge first thing in the morning.  Completing a morning workout helps promote a positive can do attitude that can set the tone for the rest of the day. 

2.) Do What You Love to Do

Celina believes that happiness brings confidence.  Do you love photography?  Shoot everyday!  Do you want to be a model?  Link up with beginning photographers and make sure you do it EVERY weekend.  The more you do an act that brings you happiness through accomplishments the more willing you are to try new things within the realm to grow who you as a person.  

Challenge:

 Find something that you really enjoy doing and do it at least once a week.  Make sure that you schedule time around the activity to make sure you can fully enjoy it and have enough time  to complete it. Set yourself up for a win.

3.) Face Your Fears

Challenges help you grow as a person.  Complacency is the number one killer of the human spirit.  You need to do what you have the ability to do.  The main reason people don’t do this is because they feel like they are going to be judged.  Listen, no one is judging you.  In the event someone is really reflect on what that person is doing in their life… and then ask yourself, “do I really care?”  No one became great doing the same thing as the next person.  Innovation and challenge is what keeps us all going.  Stop being concerned about being judged and just do it.  

Challenge:

That crazy idea of business plan that you have?  In the next 7 days put it in action.  Don’t know how?  Check out my homie Regina from ByRegina who gives you detailed steps on how to create an actionable creative plan.

Don't Half Ass!

In your Mecca to help build confidence you can’t half ass anything. You have to put genuine effort in everything that you do.  Come at it with full force.

Take into consideration that no one was born with the ability of knowing how to do something perfectly.  “You realize you will be a lot more confident when you actually put in the effort.”

Wasn’t Celina awesome?!   I really hope you guys enjoyed the video and this post.  This is why she’s one of my favorite people ever to be around.  She has a great can-do attitude, she’s willing to try new things, and she’s very open minded.  All these things helps to bring and build confidence.  

DFW Rescue Me, Dinner for Justice

As Celina stated in the video on September 11, 2015 DFW Rescue Me is having a dinner benefit to help bring donations to help abandoned and abused animals.  This event will be held at the Highland Hotel in Arlington, Texas.  The cost is $75 per plate and the event begins at 7PM.  To see more information on this annual event please check out their Facebook page for more details!

Connect with Celina

Please Tweet, Soundcloud, Instagram, or leave a message on Celina’s new Faceboook page and let her know how much you enjoyed her interview with Wonderland Boudoir!

To see more photos of Celina or just to keep up with us follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter! We also have a new Soundcloud page up so you can listen to all our interviews each week in podcast form!

In the comments below please let me know somethings you took away from the interview with Celina.  

Entering in a comments allows you a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret! Contest ends September 26th, 2015 at 11:59AM.