FEATURE: Lily Mekeel courtesy of The Dragonfly Agency

Simple. Free. Not overworked. Beauty.

These are the adjectives we wanted conjure when we worked with Lily. Photographed by Sergio Garcia with hair and makeup by yours truly, we were able to create fresh and ethereal looks that showed off our muse’s beauty.

Hair texture was created by misting Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray on dry hair. This encouraged the natural wave pattern to come forth. After letting it dry, I had the model flip her hair over and generously sprayed Bumble and Bumble Cityswept Spray.

For this look, I created a deep on side part to create a “faux” side swept fringe effect. The hair was secured into a low ponytail and wrapped into a simple bun. To add high shine and smooth flyaways, I added a bit if brillantine by Bumble and Bumble.

Credits

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Sergio Garcia www.sergiogarciastudios.com

Fashion Styling: Nicole Johnson

Muse: Lily Mekeel

Beauty for the Blownaway App©

Published Editorials

I recently had the opportunity to team up to create beauty images with an outstanding company that delivers beauty right to your doorstep.

The Blownaway© App is available for Iphone users (and soon for Android) and allows you to select a hair and or makeup service and the artists shows up at yout desired location.

Check it out at www.blownawayapp.com !

Here are some of the beauties we worked with!

Credits

Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry www.wafuartistry.com

Hair: Sam Stewart

Models: Rebecca Yang, Kathryn Phillips, Emily Kim, Ikeyia Santana

Photography: Nicolette Mollet www.nicollettemollet.com

“CEREAL KILLER” EnVie Magazine, December 2014

Published Editorials

There is something so basic but oh so nostalgic about breakfast cereal.

I remember that as a child, I was in charge of picking out the cereal for my little sister and I when we went grocery shopping. Sometimes it was Fruit Loops. Other times, I went simple and chose Rice Chex.

In this beauty editorial, photographer Lalo Torres and I explored the whimsy of color, texture and trend. Bold fashion hair color and makeup has been trending for a couple of seasons now and we wanted to display it in a fresh and fun way.

I was also interviewed by EnVie Magazine on the current trend of fashion hair color.

The hair pieces were custom colored by using Paul Mitchell Inkworks and Pravana haircolor.

Can you see the feeling each one creates just by the colors and textures?

Enjoy!!

Credits

Photography: Lalo Torres http://www.lalotorres.com

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry http://www.wafuartistry.com

Hair and Makeup Assistant: Lana Gail

Muse: Kasey Landoll at The Dragonfly Agency

LIP SERVICE: Beauty Tips for maintaining a beautiful pout

Uncategorized

They come in all in all shapes, colors, and sizes but all are nonetheless beautiful, sexy, and necessary.

I’m speaking of LIPS!

This area of our skin gets a lot of use but can sometimes be neglected.

ANATOMY

Did you know that the skin on your lips is made up entirely different than anything else in your face? The skin is thinner which allows more blood vessels to show close to the surface. This gives them their color and sensitivity. They also lack oil glands, which keep the skin lubricated. This is why they suffer due to extreme temperatures and dehydration.

Follow these tips to keep your lips feeling smooth and balanced:

1. No licking!- Saliva has powerful digestive enzymes that can destroy the bit of hydration on your lips and leave them raw. Instead, use a lip balm to create slip.

2. To balm or not to balm– In essense, all lip products go on the same way but not all are created equal. A balm will give you a more emollient benefit throughout the day. A conditoner, however, is usually thicker and is meant to be worn longer as a treatment to reap its benefits. Take note to stay away from menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor if you are allergic, sensitive or you have cracked lips as these ingredients will only aggravate the issue.

I do not splurge on lip balms but do use them throughout the day. That way if I misplace them, it doesn’t hurt the bank.

* NIVEA A Kiss of Vitamin Swirl

*Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

For overnight conditioning and repair, I use lip conditioner that has additional antioxidants and collagen. My favorites are:

*Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Therapy

It’s taste and smell are addictive while the Black Currant Seed Oil and Sea Fennel Oil hydrate and smooth out lines. I use nightly and immediately after exfoliating.

*Dior Crème de Rose Lip Balm

Rose of Damas essential oil and shea butter really pack a punch of hydration for your lips. Vitamins A and E combined with SPF 10 also make it my go to when in extreme weather conditions like summer and winter. It also doubles as a nice nail cuticle conditioner.

3. Hydrate – You hear it day in and day out of how important drinking enough water is. This is one the first areas to show signs of dehydration. Sadly enough, caffeine will dehydrate you even more.

4. Exfoliate correctly– Exfoliation is benefial and necessary to remove dead skin cells from our bodies. However, over doing it can have the adverse effect. In general, I exfoliate with a product once or twice a week depending on when it is needed.

My go to exfoliators are:

*Bliss Fabulips Sugar Scrub

This scrub is made with granulated sugar, almond, and walnet shells which gently remove any flakes. Jojoba oil and vanilla condition without residue and stickiness. This is a staple in my makeup kit!

Don’t want to buy one? I make a small batch at a time to give to clients and models. Make one at home by using this recipe:

In a glass bowl, mix:
* 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
* 3 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
* 10 drops of rosewater
* 1 tablespoon of raw coconut oil

Mix throughly and store in a glass container. I use this in the shower and scrub my lips in a soft circular motion for 1 minute. Rinse and pat dry.

5, Don’t stay matte forever – I love a good matte lipstick color but these can be quite drying and can accentuate lip dryness. Rest your lips in between by properly using a lip conditioner, exfoliating, and hydrating.

Stay soft and hydrated my friends!

Header Image Credit:

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes
Photos: Jorge Rivas, Nicollette Mollet

BEAT WINTER DRYNESS WITH THE BEST BODY OILS

Uncategorized

I’m not sure what part of the world you are in but here in Dallas, Texas, the weather has a mind of its own.

The heat, humidity, wind, rain and cold can be pretty abrasive and harsh on our bodies.

Now that the winter is upon us, I have to change my skin care routine a bit to ensure that it doesn’t dry out. I have highly reactive and sensitive combination skin with an oily T-zone.

As the days get shorter and we can’t get much of the sun’s glow, we dry our skins out by using heat in our homes and cars, and by longer hot showers.

Here is a list of my go to beauty oils that are tried and true. I keep these in stock in my makeup kit and beauty cabinet. These can be used alone or as a supplement to your routine.

HAIR

* Moroccan Oil Dry Scalp Treatment

This oil is a lifesaver for me when my scalp is unbalanced. Lavender, geranium, and argan oils act together to soothe and moisturize without a greasy feel. If your scalp is on the oilier side, opt for the oily scalp version.

* AG Extra Virgin Argan Miracle Soothing Oil

I use half a pump of this soft oil in my hair immediately after bathing. It is paraben, gluten, and sulfate free. It is amazing for containing frizz and protecting colored hair. Dimethicone helps dry your hair faster and helps with UV deflection. Distribute evenly from root to end to and comb through. Can be used on the body to treat dry patches.

FACE

*Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil

Used by Geishas to create a glow and help suppleness, this is my favorite skin oil to use during drying periods. Camelia, Rice Bran, and Japanese Sea Kelp all act as buffers against free radicals, help restore lipid balance, and hydrate while not being greasy. I use it prior to my moisturizer and I sleep in it as well. 4 to 6 drops are enough. Warm up in hands and press into skin for fast absorption. If you want a heavier glow, just distribute in small circles for a buffed look.

* Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl’s has become a must have for me because they really know skin. No fuss just clean skin care. Squalene, Evening Primrose Oil, and Lavender work together to keep moisture locked in, replenish the lipid barrier, and refuce dark spots and blotchiness. Night time is when our skin regenerates and repairs itself so I use this only at night under my Tsubaki Oil.

*Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Argan Oil has been used for hundreds of years by Moroccan women. This light oil helps shield them from the desert sun and keeps aging signs away. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil is great because it is fair traded and high quality with no parabens, sulfates, or fragance. It is light enough for everyday wear as a moisturizer alone but it also can help with rosacea and eczema. I love using it as a moisturizer, cuticle oil and hair oil on myself and on set.

BODY

* L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

I drench my skin in this oil from head to toe right after a shower. It is high in Omega Fatty Acids which restore the fatty barrier in the skin. It is free of heavy fragrance so it does not clash with any of your other scents. I alternate this oil with raw coconut oil for maximum benefit.

*Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Oil

I use this luxury oil when I am going to go out on the town or for a formal affair. I also sometimes wear this to bed. I love the light, crisp scent which complements all of my fragrances. It is formulated with grapeseed, olive fruit, and date seed oils which make it a dry, fastly absorbed hydrator.

* Carol’s Daughter Coconut Dry Oil Mist

I like to use a dry oil when I’m traveling or if I am in a hurry in the morning. This particular product is great because it has coconut oil and shea butter to moisturize and açai extract for antioxidant benefits.

MULTI-PURPOSE

* Raw Organic Coconut Oil is great to moisturize the body in place of over yhe counter lotions. You can also use it to relive scalp dryness and soften hair.
I rub a bit of the solid onto the soles of my feet and sleep with socks on to moisturize my heels.

*Tea Tree Oil is perfect for when I have a rare(but serious) breakout. Gently swab a drop or two onto the blemish with a cotton bud. It’s antimicrobial and antibacterial propperties also help it keep them at bay and helps with regulating overly oily skin.

*Avocado oil is full of fatty acids that are essential for skin’s water retention. I use mine to sheer out foundation on set or to moisturize lips and cuticles.

Enjoy and stay soft!!

FEAUTURE: Alencia Lewis courtesy of The Campbell Agency

Model Features

There is powerful beauty in simplicity. In rawness and barely-there nuances. It attracts light and shows the power within and the vulnerability of one’s body.

This is the route we chose when photographing Alencia Lewis courtesy of The Campbell Agency.

I customized a beauty look with highly moisturized skin, foundation warmed up with my fingers and pressed into the skin, and simple hair.

Creme stick foundations in Golden Honey, Walnut, Mahogany, and Espresso by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics were seamlessly blended for a sculpted effect.

The skin on the rest of the body was moisturized by combining Josie Maran Argan Oil, African Glycerin, and gold loose eyeshadow.

I hope you enjoy this series!

Credits

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | http://www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Sergio Garcia http://www.prismshots.com

Muse: Alencia Lewis of The Campbell Agency

“GREEK GODDESS” for Fashion Scoop Daily.com

Published Editorials

Platinum. 18 karat gold. Topaz. Opal. Rhododite. Tourmaline. Garnets. Amethysts. Diamonds!

Sounds dreamy right? Well, they are!

I had the privilege of working with a talented team on this editorial in order to radiantly capture the bold and exquisite designs of Kerri Halpern of Madstone Design, In collaboration with Nine Eighteen Boutique, Edgar Gomez, the art director and stylist for the day, developed a story to showcase these beautiful pieces.

The collection was based on and inspired by Greek Mythology. Poseidon. Apollo. Ares. Persephone. Medusa. Athena. All of my favorite mythical deities from my books as a kid. Of course I had to be a part of this project!

The goal was to evoke a Greek goddess encapsulating the different traits of each god. Jordan Raines’ beauty was easily a fit for such a timeless piece.

My inspiration for the beauty piece in this story was golden wreaths, waterfalls, rope, and wind moving through hair.

Jordan’s face was prepared with Laura Mercier’s Radiance Primer for an effortless glow.

To enhance the glow and give an ethereal flush, I used one of my favorite products NARS Multiple in Portofino. This multipurpose stick has a creamy consistency and may be used on more than one area of the face. I gently tapped a bit on the apples of her cheek with my ring finger for an innocent flush. I patted a generous amount on the center of her lips as to evoke the feeling of having just eaten a cluster of red grapes. Finally, I blended a small amount through her eye crease to warm up and brighten the eye area.

After a light coating of mascara, I lined the lash line lightly with Dior Addict- It Line Liquid Liner in Black.

Textured waves were created with a tapered wand and Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode. I love it because it has heat protection abilities, memory, and a light brushable hold that will withstand rapid hair changes and movement. The hair transitioned from loose waves to emulate the waves of Poseidon, a braided coiff to channel Athena, and a halo braided crown to personify Ares. Medusa was brought to life by gathering her hair into a regal updo and allowing tendrils to fall as I wove an 18 karat gold necklace through her curls as a diadem.

Dream and enjoy this editorial collection as much as we did when creating it!

Credits

Editorial Feature for www.fashionscoopdaily.com

Art Direction/Styling: Edgar Gomez

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Nicollette Mollet www.nicollettemollet.com

Muse: Jordan Raines courtesy of The Dragonfly Agency

Jewelry: Provided by Nine Eighteen Boutique with creations by Kerri Halpern for Madstone Designs

FEATURE: Cadence Sisco photographed by Samantha Collie

Model Features

I recently had the pleasure of working with this lovely young lady on a series including beauty, fashion, and a little attitude.

As an ode to the ending summer, we decided to fabricate a session showcasing breezy and airy fashion provided by Tor Matthey. The clean and simplistic lines are powerful in each shot. The have a touch of minimalism and feminism all mixed into one.

The subtle movements that Cadence exuded were perfect and made her seem effortless in such structured clothing. To complement the color palette, I utilized white and mint as my focal points. I used MAC Chromaline Gel/Cream Liner in Pure White and an angled liner brush.

As a highlight and pop, I used Seafoam Green from Dior’s 5 Coulers Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Jardin.

To keep the beauty story cohesive and on trend, I used Maybelline’s Color Show Nail Lacquer in Green With Envy.

Cadence has beautiful undercut that required minimal product. In the slides that have more texture, I used Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray which has sea salt for beautiful lived in beachy texture. On the smoother slides, I misted the hair with water and groomed it with a dime sized amount of Brilliantine by Bumble and Bumble for shine and structure.

I am anxious for fall and with this session we start bidding adieu to summer. I hope you enjoy this set as much as I do!

Credits

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Samantha Collie

Fashion Stylist: Tor Matthey http://www.thisistor.co

Muse: Cadence Sisco

FEATURE: Kasey Landoll courtesy of Dragonfly Agency

Model Features

One of the biggest trends in fashion, specifically beauty, has been pastel tones. Whether lavender or soft mint is used in the hair or in accessories, it’s a fun and sporty trend courtesy of the mod revival current in fashion.

We worked with Kasey (who just got back from a modeling tour in South Korea). With bright and cheerful features, I decided to add quick and fun pops of pastel hues mixed from the Makeup Forever Flash Color Palette.

Enjoy!

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry | http://www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Lalo Torres http://www.lalotorres.com

Muse: Kasey Landoll

FEATURE: Grant Farmer courtesy of Wilhelmina Miami, Dragonfly Agency

Model Features

Simple. Clean. Emotional. Pensive.

These are all emotions that Grant delivered during our recent photo session with Samantha Collie. While in Dallas, Grant joined us on set to create one of my favorite male beauty sets ever. A bit Southern gentleman, a little debonair, a little mischievous, Grant transitioned through different characters.

Grant has perfect skin that just called for a whisper of moisture. I used Jack Black Double Duty Moisturizer with SPF 20 since we where photographing him outside.

A bit of tinted moisturizer was buffed onto the skin to even out his tone. I used LAB Series BB Tinted Moisturizer.

Men, it is NOT makeup. I repeat. It is not makeup. I love this product because it has additional SPF, moisturizes, and has a discreet tint that unifies the tones on the face.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray was misted through the hair and roughly dried with a blow dryer to provide an easy wavy texture.

Change your hairstyle as well by using a different product as seen on Grant. For a more distressed look, I layered a bit of MITCH by Paul Mitchell Reformer Paste. A little goes a long way with this matte product. I use it myself when I want a no-shine finish with soft hold.

Lastly, try a modern and chic side part. It is dapper for a night on the town or for a formal event. I used Bumble and Bumble Bb Gel and a fine toothed comb.