Senior Makeup

I love to do makeup for teens! It gives me an opportunity to hear how they plan to make an impact on this world. One of my favorite photographers to work with is Jodi Jarka- J Photography. Jodi is an amazing christian woman as well as a talented photographer. Here's some of my current work with her 2015 seniors:

www.jphotography.com

Senior Makeup Tips:

Lips-
Glossy, Shiny, Color! Lips are best in reds, berries, and pinks. Make a statement but be careful to maintain contrast. Dark haired girls – darker colors, blondes – lighter colors. Even if you never wear lipstick, a little color goes a long way. As a bare minimum, at least bring lip gloss to put a little shine on your lips for great senior pictures.

Face-
The color of your face should match the neck and shoulders. Use a SPF-free moisturizer and foundation to prevent glare and reflections and use a translucent powder to set. Bring extra powder for touch-ups at the studio. Airbrush makeup is strongly recommended.

Cheeks-
Don’t be afraid to have a little color on the apples of the cheekbones. Peaches and pinks look best.  It brightens up the appearance of the face and gives a healthy glow.

Eyes-
Well groomed eyebrows are a must. Enhance eyelashes with black, waterproof mascara. Dark brown eyeliner is a natural alternative to black and compliments all light shimmery eye shadows. Please do not wear any eye make up with glitter in it – those sparkles take away from the own sparkle in your eyes! We don’t recommend liquid eyeliners of any sort. Bottom liner should not extend to the inside corner of the eye. It closes the eye down making it look smaller than it really is. Stop just past the iris of the eye when looking straight forward.

Allison Bower Grand Rapids Makeup Artist: Question and Answer

I get asked a lot of interesting quesitons, so I thought I'd share some of my answers:

1. What is one of your favorite pictures of a client you did makeup on?

This was one of my fun fashion shoots. The model is Kristen Carlson who is also a photographer in CA. I love using bright colors that stand out. 

2. What was one of your favorite weddings? 

This is a picture of one of my very best friends, Liz. What a honor to do makeup on someone you truly love. 

3. Have you done celebrities?  

I mainly do makeup on Michigan celebrities. This beauty is Jordan Carson, who works for Wood TV 8. I just did Jordan's makeup for her April 2014 wedding. I am excited to post those pictures, soon. I have done makeup for the Secretary of State, Governors, Major of Grand Rapids, News Anchors, etc.

4. What are your favorite brands of makeup?

Laura Mercier, Nars, Chanel, Kett Cosmetics, Urdban Decay, Bobbi Brown

5. What is your favorite style of makeup? 

I love a bold, defined eye with contoured cheek bones. This beauty is a high school senior.

6. Why do you like doing boudoir makeup?

I think it is very romantic. I love surprises and most of my clients do a boudoir shoot to surprise their soul mates. I love pretty, girly things and these shoots showcase them. Most of my clients want "victoria secret" style makeup that they are not able to do themselves. 

7. How many weddings do you do a year?

I average around 40-50 weddings a year. All of them are different and I get to experience the joyful energy before they walk down the aisle. I travel all over Michigan! I have clients in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Chicago, Detroit, Traverse City, Lansing, Charlevoix, Holland, Grand Haven, etc. 

8. What hair stylist do you work with a lot? www.jennifergracestylist.com

Jennifer Grace Unger and I are very good friends. I work a lot with her and I think her work ethic and styling is fantastic. I love working with people who LOVE what they do. Jennifer is always catering to her clients. Like my hair? Well, she is also my hair stylist. :)