Photoshoot: Immersed

Immersed

Published in Feroce Magazine November Issue

Models: Akvilė Vinikaitė & Tahlee Joy

MUA: Mandy To

Hair: Stephanie Louise Bill

Styled: Adelle @ Where The Styled Things Are

Swimwear: Bikini Atoll Swimwear

Photographer: Alice Chapman

Post Production/Retouching: Professional Retouching by Akvilė Vinikaitė

Photoshoot: Aquam Vitae

Aquam Vitae

Published in Feroce Magazine October Issue

Photographer:  William Aung

Makeup:  Mandy To

Model:  Monica Fruzynski

A very soft, subtle, feminine photoshoot collaboration.

Absolutely adore this shoot and how beautiful these photos had turned out.  

My love for Makeup and Fashion

 Been a while since I've posted an update.  It's finally wedding season again here in Perth and I got knocked straight into it without a second glance.  I've had time from here and there, but beside that I just had so much work going on that it got a little crazy.

I had a great afternoon a couple of weeks ago with two of closest friends who I went to University with.  Of course what is an afternoon tea without a mini makeover right?  I had to take that opportunity to do makeup for them.

Friend's Grand Salon Opening 26th July 2014

I have an amazing friend who is also my hairdresser behind all the crazy colours I end up getting in my hair.  The creative woman behind my hair designs is a great friend of mine.  Sarah who had been hairdressing since she was 16/17 years old is definitely someone with loads of experience.  She had recently branched out into makeup artistry last year too and I'm happy that she looks to me from time to time for advice.

This year is a big year for her.  A goal of her had been made true and she and her husband is now proud owners of a Hair Salon.

Your Image Hair and Makeup (Salon)
358B Railway Parade, Beckenham
Perth, Australia

When I first saw this Salon after her purchase, I will have to be honest.  It indeed was old, run down and in need of a major makeover!  I didn't like anything in the salon and I'm glad the happy couple had settled to refreshing the salon to a place that is classy, bright and welcoming.

Proud Owners Sarah and Richard

Photo Shoot: A Storm Through Time

A Storm Through Time. Is a photo shoot collaboration between another small team of creatives. The name actually came from the inspiration of the actual weather on the day. In all honesty, had made plans how to shoot and where to shoot and what outfits to change from one to another. HOWEVER due to it being winter here in Perth, the weather clearly did not like us that day. We all met up at the first destination and it was raining, not heavily but big enough that I got kind of wet. It proceeded to rain heavier and it got windy and rather cold. We had to keep moving so changed of plan it was.

 Time to head into Fremantle Town and see what we can do from there. Park our cars, unloaded and ran for cover in a tunnel. That's right we were seriously restricted inside a tunnel, so the shoot began in there first. Why not? We'll make this work... somehow... hopefully. Literally at every opportunity we had we would run out of the tunnel and into the open and snap away and then took cover again if it rained. Feeling frozen and upset with the weather the team powered on and just worked with what we could. By the end of the shoot our poor team was wet, tired and frozen. Big Thumbs up to the amazing model for freezing in that weather for this shoot and creating some rather gorgeous images.

 We submitted this shoot to Feroce Magazine and with great news they had decided to publish us in their August Issue part II. Congratulations to the amazing team of creatives and I'm glad we shot regardless of the weather. We seriously made it through a horrible storm, but looking back now it was all worth it!

 Credits:
Photographer: William Aung http://waiaung.500px.com/
Stylist: Christine Lisa
Hair and Makeup: Mandy To www.mankimakeup.com
Model: Kylie Board

PhotoShoot: Scarlett Industria

Scarlett Industria is a photoshoot collaboration and amazing photographer friend Natalie Blom of 14th Frame Photography.  A friend I met at the beginning of my makeup artistry career and had since then been working together over the years.  I'm very sad to hear that she'll soon be moving to London with her partner, but at the same time very excited for her to be expanding internationally.  I wish her all the best of luck.

This collaboration was quick, straight to the point and done within a short time of an afternoon.  Very little planning was put into the collaboration, but it all fell into place.  One look, one outfit and one location.

Credits:

Photographer:  14th Frame Photography

Stylist:  Christine Lisa
Hair and Makeup:  Mandy To
Model:  Ashlee

Busy Winter season & catching up

Winter season in Perth isn't exactly the best this year round.  We've been having some pretty bad storms and it's so windy that trees are actually being blown over and ripped out of the ground.  However after a couple of days it's suddenly nice and sunny again.  It's so unpredictable it's not funny, but I have noticed that it tends to be stormy, windy and rainy on days where I am super busy and I need to be in different locations for work.  I get poured on as I'm rushing out to the car to go off to the next job and then the minute I get into the driver's seat.  It instantly stops.  I'm not joking here, I seriously feel I'm always running into bad luck or bad timing.  Thankfully I have yet to get sick though so I'm grateful for that!

Many things had happened and I've been so busy I'm starting to always feel tired, exhausted, out of focus and even on a day off I just feel so tired I don't want to do anything.  Haven't really been hanging out with friends or going out for dinner etc.  I rather stay home and mope around.  Do some house chores and then lay around doing nothing.

Perhaps its time I need a break?

Planning? Nah We Don't Need It.

When you've been in the industry long enough, you end up making friends with other talents you meet along the way.  Some you'll never work again, some you'll work with from time to time and others will simply be co-workers and your friends.

I'm grateful to all the amazing talents I've met.  They had given me experiences and made me grown from a graduate completely lost makeup artist to someone who is now confident with her skills and even conquering her journey with hairstyling.  

Here is some beautiful photos of a last minute shoot together with an amazing photographer and friend.

Photographer:  Elle J Fashion Photographer

Model:  Jacqui Hunt (self styled)

Hair and makeup:  Mandy To www.mankimakeup.com,  www.facebook.com/mankimakeup

Makeup Artistry, New Cabinet and Food

Been busy even though it's supposed to be quiet season since it's Winter.  Perth had also gotten very cold here and my fingers are so stiff and cold at the moment, typing is extremely difficult!

I seriously love my job, to an extent that being out in the freezing cold, getting rained on numerous time or even tearing my tights is all worth it!

Asian Makeup

Being Chinese myself I often get chosen by clients based on my ethnicity and not my actual skills or portfolio.  Sometimes it's sad, but at the same time I understand their concerns!  Most of the time these Asian clients of mine will openly express their worries/ concerns about other makeup artists not being able to produce a makeup style they want.  I'm mainly talking about Korean, Japanese or Chinese styled makeup.  I get people asking all the time what's the different, it's all just makeup anyway.  Of course being the makeup artist I explain they are indeed not the same.  It's hard to explain sometime and I'm sure if you're into makeup and you look at them enough you'll notice the differences between them.

Vintage/Retro hair and makeup

So roughly about 2 weeks ago my amazing photographer friend had contacted me about shooting with her.  Her partner's grandparents owned a house that was very retro and I seriously did not know what to expect.  Upon arriving after a little bit of a drive, around 45 minutes or so I couldn't believe it the minute I walked into the house.  It certainly was very retro looking and kept in such well condition.  I seriously felt like time had reversed and I was suddenly in another era time.

Credits:

Photographer: Natalie Blom of 14th Frame. @14thframehttp://www.facebook.com/14thframephotography/

Model: Janee'liz Blonddehttp://www.facebook.com/janelizblondeModel/

Hair and Make Up: Mandy To @mkt86http://www.facebook.com/Mankimakeup/

Styling: Oh Deer Boutique @ohdeerboutiquehttp://www.facebook.com/ohdeervintage/ 

Chinese Weddings will one day kill me...

So I haven't updated much and I swear I have a very good reason!

CHINESE WEDDINGS!!!

I swear one day I'll drop dead because I keep constantly doing hair and makeup for Chinese.  I love Chinese brides, their makeup is very fresh and all about the skin.  Korean styled makeup is the most popular for Chinese weddings.  HOWEVER the major down side to being a hair and makeup artist is.... VERY early starts.  Most the time I'm starting at 4am because the brides and her bridal party needs to be ready by 7-8am.  Of course I never do it alone if it's a large group, its very stressful to have to whack out both the hair and makeup for each person so I usually have someone helping out with the hair.

Some people think I exaggerate, I seriously don't!  Chinese weddings has a longer day than your typical wedding day.  They have the whole traditional tea ceremony where the groom comes to pick up his beautiful bride.  That's why it starts so early in the morning!  I seriously get up in the middle of the night, 2:45am - 3:30am for a 4-4:30am start.  I get up when it's still completely dark (night time) outside and it's bloody depressing hahaha!  I see the sun rise and the sky gets brighter.  It really does stuff up my sleeping badly.  I don't go home after the wedding is done.  I'd most likely to rushing off to my next client and then possibly after that returning to my early bride for a hair/makeup touch up or change.  I literally finish around 4-6pm so my day is approximately 12 to 15 hours.  

Power of Makeup

These photos are fromt he Advanced Makeup Masterclass that was run by Dale Dorning.  My knowledge and skills had improved and broadened so much I'm so glad I jumped at the opportunity.  I may be poor after paying for a one day masterclass but I don't regret a single cents!

The knowledge and new skills I walked away with is by far the most overwhelming for me.  I have never done a class/workshop/course that had fed me so much and I felt like I was back at square one again.  It made me wonder why the previous courses I had completed was not as well planned and how I didn't feel like I was being fed to my satisfaction.

Believe it or not, it usually takes me about 35-45 minutes to knock out a face during a job.  I can confidently say I am now able to do a full face application between 20-30 minutes.  That's how much I've improved and how much faster I've gotten since completing this masterclass.  Just that alone tells me I have learnt some good tricks!

I'm also loving the skin finish a lot more than I had done before.  Not saying I wasn't doing a good job previously, just realising how much wasted time I was spending on the skin when I could had done it another way for a better result and a faster application time.   Have I been living in a cave????

Please enjoy the following photos of my beautiful model and friend Caitlyn.

Before any makeup application or even moisturiser.  Some blemishes and shadow is evident int he photo.

Fifi's Model Academy: Maddy Anderson

Got these photos a while ago but I've been a bit busy and then I forgot about them until now.

Photography by:  Fifi's Model Academy
Model: Maddy Anderson
Hair and Makeup:  Mandy To

Think Positive to Achieve Positive Results!

I generally work 7 days, sometimes less but rarely.  As a freelance makeup artist I'm always running from one location to another.  It keeps me on my feet and I return home absolutely exhausted.  However I'm happy, I'm loving my job and where I'm taking myself these days.  I may stress when working, but the level of this stress and the stress I used to get as a tax accountant can't compare.  It's not the same and even though I'm working more hours and days now, I feel I'm handling my daily life so much more.

I'd be lying if I say it's a breeze, because it's not and I will say now that in every line of work you'll get difficult customers/clients.  However with a job you love and enjoy that issue/difficulty/obstacle is actually a lot easier to deal with or solve as compared to a job that makes your life miserable.

I was just told today after attending a Makeup Masterclass by the amazing Australian Celebrity Makeup Artist Dale Dorning "When you think positive you achieve positive results, if you're thinking negative the results turns out negative..."

Dale Dorning and I

Sneak Peek: Maddy Anderson Photoshoot with Fifi's Model Academy

Been absolutely busy even though it is the Easter break I don't really get much of a break myself.  Will be taking two days off to rest and then it's back to work again.

Spent a whole day with a young and beautiful model at Fifi's Model Academy on Saturday and already there are some sneak peeks of the photos that were taken.  Can't wait to see the rest of them!

Photographer:  Fifi Robinson @ Fifi's Model Academy
Model:  Maddy Anderson
Hair and Makeup Artist:  Mandy To

Hope everyone is having a happy and safe Easter break!

Karolina Couture Lingerie: Tuscan Dreams - Look Book

Back in February I had an opportunity to work with a Lingerie Designer, which is a first for me and her pieces were all so pretty and delicate.  Absolutely gorgeous lingerie that I kept feeling them when I was supposed to be focused on doing hair and makeup.

Credits:
Designer:  Karolina Stysiak @ Karolina Couture Lingerie
www.karolinacouture.com.au

Photographer: Natalie Blom @ 14th Frame Photography
http://14thframe.com/

Model: Dorota Dancewicz

Hair and Makeup:  Mandy To
www.mankimakeup.com

Sneak Peak of a Lingerie Designer look book and others.

On Wednesday this week I found out that the Lingerie Designer I had met through a wonderful talented photographer friend had launched her look book and website.  I had a good look through the photos as I have not yet once seen the outcome and was very excited to be seeing them.  They are gorgeous, her lingerie are so delicate, classy, elegant, pretty and feminine.  There really isn't any Lingerie designers in Perth, Australia so I think Karolina (designer) had picked a good part of the fashion industry.

I wish all the best and I'm sure she'll rock and become successful.  So here is a sneak peak, of course you'll have to hang in there and wait until I get the official photos from the photographer.

My loves....... Makeup Artistry....... Food.......... & Shopping.

So surprised that I'm actually updating the blog a little more than I was last year.  Even with a busier schedule I feel I have so much more to share with you and in particular my work, events and showcases that I do.  It's going by so fast this year and I can't believe it is already March.  I don't even know how many shoots I've done and how many weddings and school ball jobs I've booked in.  I'm so flat out that I'm always feeling exhausted that seeing my Massage Therapist to fix me up is becoming way too regular!

Regardless of the busy schedule, I can confirm I am very happy and living life a lot more like the way I want it.  Sure its so far from my dream, but one step at a time and I'm sure one day I'll get somewhere even better.  I'll meet so many more wonderful people, talents, artists, designers, etc.

Among all my work I still find time to do a quick shop, sometime retail therapy makes me happier... puts me in a better mood before another long day of work.

Depotted more lipsticks, mostly Gorgeous Cosmetics and some Lime Crime too.  So sad as I scooped them out of the tube!  They are more loved now that I have them all in containers and not collecting dust from being unloved.

Shoot Shoot Shoot!

This year so far I've been busier compared to last year, so I know business is definitely doing way better this year.  Been working a bit too much and is in need of a much needed holiday, vacation, break... something!

Just popping in today to share some favourites from a shoot with two different models.

Photography:  Fifi Robinson @ Fifi's Model Academy
Stylist: A penny for your threads
Models:  Jodie & Clare
Hair and Makeup: Mandy To

JODIE
Absolutely gorgeous woman, she would be considered a mature model but dear god is this woman stunning.  She makes me feel so fat and unhealthy!  I want to be beautiful, healthy and hot like her as I age!

Fashion Photo Shoot

I love being a makeup artist and most of all I love shooting fashion, it's so much more dramatic and exciting but I also love the experience of doing makeup just for that everyday woman.  The joy my clients get when they look into the mirror for the first time after a complete hair and makeup application is priceless.  The fact that I can nail their description of what hair and makeup they want without having them feel too over whelmed and out of their comfort zone is something I take pride in.  However when it comes to a fashion shoot, everything seems so much more fast pace.  It's like this sudden adrenaline rushes through you and you get pumping with the hair and makeup deisgns to go with the fashion outfits.  That amazing feeling at the end of the shoot when everything is done and you're left with one big mess to clean up (never look forward to cleaning ever!).  However when I see photos of clients and the photos of the fashion shoot, they both makes me smile in such a different way.

Here I am today just to share with you some awesome photos from a recent shoot, it was so much fun yet I had one heck of a good time working with one great team.

Credits:

Photography:  Fifi Photography at Fifi's Model Academy
Stylist: A Penny for your Threads aka Zoe van Zanten
Models:  Mia Poklevich, Julka Moroz & Zoe van Zanten
Hair and Makeup: Mandy To www.mankimakeup.com

The colours of Summer

Last year some time in October (I think), I had the pleasure with working with a great team again on a photoshoot.  A great friend of mine and a local designer Petra Vanessie produced a collection of gorgeous dresses fit for a lovely summer.

Photographer: Alex Bell @ Sundaysunset.images
Designer: Petra Vanessie
Stylist: Meg Gill
Hair stylist: Sarah Rowe @ Your Image Hair and Makeup
Makeup: Mandy To @ Man Ki To Makeup Artist
Models: Jude Geradin & Sacha Patterson
Assistants:  Andrea & Natasha

Makeup note:  Foundation is airbrushed on for both models.

2014 is kicking off too fast...

2014 is definitely kicking off really fast for me.  I feel like I'm too slow or that just me aging?  However I'm seriously enjoying the year so far, except today after waking up with a sore throat so definitely not a good sign.  Anyway putting aside today's bad start to the week I've been swamped with work so far so that's a big thumbs up for my business.  I seriously love what I do and being a makeup artist is the best thing I've done for myself ever.  No regret what so ever!

 One skirt that I'm a major fan of lately because of the beautiful mustard like yellow.  So how do you wear this but make it look different?

Forgotten Photoshoot from 2013

With so much that had happened in 2013 I can't believe I've actually forgotten about a photoshoot I had sponsored all the way back in June 2013.  Looking through the photos the other week I was just thinking and criticizing my own work, like usual hahaha.

Back in June Elle-J Photographer a good friend of mine had asked me if I would help out and do makeup for the winner of Miss Africa Perth 2013.  I had time and I went ahead with it and had met a lovely young lady with gorgeous skin that needed very little work on.

The foundation was flawless with the already great skin, which I had chosen to airbrush with Temptu s/b Foundation.  She only need some light concealing under the eyes, around the nose, corner of the lips and had some tiny bit of blemishes.

I absolutely adore doing dark skin makeup and had so much fun with it, especially the end where she wanted some creative, bold and bright makeup to finish the shoot with a bang!

New hair for 2014!

I couldn't stand my hair anymore.  I had cut it shorter previously and then I got buried in work and it grew.  My hair grows fast it annoys me sometimes, yet it's good when I want to grow it long again.

I don't work in a corporate world anymore so I don't need to be as appropriate or mindful of my appearance.  The perks of being in a creative/artistic industry means I can let loose a bit.

I wanted short hair, however I have this perfectly round face!  So what's better than having an asymmetrical hair cut right?

Gorgeous Bridal trials and work related photos.

Thought I would share a couple of bridal trials that I've done recently.  Brides are such lovely ladies who are all excited about their big day.  After all they did spend a lot of time planning it and finding that perfect dress.

2014 First Blog Post

Hope everyone had a great start to 2014, I can't say mine was bad but I can't say it started off with a bang either.  My break was certainly not long enough and my body is already aching and sore and my shoulders are super tensed.  Bridal season is still going strong and despite the super hot weekends we've had (over 40 degrees celcius), brides are still glowing and chirpy.  The heat certainly makes me crankier and I'm constantly dreading the moment I have to leave for another job!  Hahaha even my car is hotter than actually standing out in the heat.  Blasting aircon is the only way to go this summer and I'm certainly happy that business is flying off already for 2014.

Christmas and pre-new year celebrations was spent with my brother's little family and his in-laws.  It's a first for our family as these celebrations had always been just us.  Food of course was amazing, how can it not since it is the season to EAT!  Coming from a family of chefs, I only know how to eat and I don't like cooking.  I can cook but I choose not to, I rather eat and eat and eat.  I cannot bake!  Baking is like telling me to burn down the house so it's the one thing I probably will never attempt to do ever again.

This was Christmas dessert! Mango Pudding, Pavlova and coconut sago jelly and that bag is prawn crackers (so typical asian).   Unfortunately I was starving and I completely forgot to take a photo of the actual lunch!  DOH!