‘VISCOUS BEAUTY’ Ellements Magazine, November 2016

As a child, I remember playing outside on a hot summer day and being distracted by mysterious rings of color on the ground. Faint mirages and nuances that would appear and dissappear depending on the angle I stood over them.
As an adult, especially on rainy days, those same rings appear often and remind me of my childlike wonder of those apparitions. Oil spills are generally not regarded as beautiful or beneficial. To an artist like me, however, they have always caught my attention due to their prismatic color effects.

This fueled the development of a beauty series photographed during my latest visit to Los Angeles. Michael Dirlam a wonderful friend and beauty photographer helped bring this to life. Kate Harrison courtesy of Freedom LA Models powerfully carries tones and nuances alluding to this effect.

Hydrophilic skin, glossy textures and metallic reflects all create an ethereal air to these makeup looks.

The skin was prepared using a blend of balms and squalane oil to create a hyper moisturized effect. Giorgio Armani Prima Glow On Moisturizing Balm was my go-to product of choice because it maintains the same glow throughout the day.

Eyelids were bathed in light washes of silver, pewter, salmon, verdigris and charcoal.

OCC Makeup Loose Colour Concentrates in Clove, Datura and Jubilee were pressed into the eyelid area immediately after moisturizing the area as to preserve the moisture effect behind the pigment.

To mirror the effect that a fresh oil spill evokes, I layered more pigments in different hues around the eyes and patted a generous layer of Kevyn Aucoin The Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss.

I love this product for its lightweight non-tacky texture. It transforms any eyeshadow or pigment into a high shine patent leather texture. I like to warm it up with my fingertips and then gently pat on the area of the face that will show off most light.

One of the most impactful features of this story are these opalescent and rich black inky lips. I used BITE Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Black Truffle.

This was layered with the Kevyn Aucoin The Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss and then I gently pressed a mixture of pigments into the center of the lips as to create a highlighted effect.

I hope this inspires you to go out and experiment with the textures that surround you. Enjoy the rest of the editorial below!

Credits

Photographed by Michael Dirlam

Hair & Makeup by Walter Fuentes

Musr: Kate Harrison courtesy of Freedom Models LA

“ALONG THE LINES” with Jorge Rivas and Allison Ponthier

Model Features

How does the old adage go? “Don’t reinvent the wheel?” “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it?”

Although that may apply in some situations, that never applies to beauty! Especially eyeliner.

In this session photographed in New York City by my talented friend and photographer Jorge Rivas, we explore the possibilities of angles and lines. I have always been drawn to the need of making things symmetrical and then turning around to destroy it. It’s a known issue and I’m working on it:)

Liner is one of the easiest ways to “dress up” your face. Feline flicks. avant garde geometry, dots, smokey, vertical, diagonal. The possibilities are endless. It is my belief that every woman can wear liner when the correct one is chosen for their eye shape and occasion. One thing that helps me understand trends is looking at catwalk photos.

Via Elle.com

The looks can be minimal or full on lined. That is up to you. Here are a few tricks I find help me and that will help you ease the nerves.

1.If you end up with wings that don’t match up, start by drawing two dots at the point where you want your liner to END. As you line, you will know exactly where you have to end the lines when you draw them.

2. Make sure you chose the correct product and tool for you. If you want a diffused liner like this, a soft crayon liner or shadow will do the trick. Make sure to blend into the lash line with a cotton bud for better staying power and polished feel. My favorite soft pencils are NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via De Martelli for a soft cool brown shadow and Chanel Le Crayon Yeaux in Noir for a creamy pencil that glides along the sensitive water line.

Hair & Makeup: Walter Fuentes; Photo: Roy Choudhury; Model: Katie Tull

If you want a bolder and sharper look, try using a liner pen like Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner. The advantage to this is that you can just use it as you would any writing utensil to create precise lines. To create more abstract lines or shapes, a gel cream liner with angled brush like Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner is perfect.

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eye-studio-lasting-drama-gel-eyeliner_pack-shot-crop

The newest trend in eyeliner is “tight lining”. This involves lining the inner rim of the eyes to create a deep and sooty look. Try using a waterproof and safe for the inner eye product like Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner. Raise your chin and place your nondominant index finger above the outer corner of your eye, lifting upward. Then, holding the pencil vertically in your other hand, trace back and forth under your lashes. Go over it a few times, and stop before you reach the inner corners to ensure your eyes don’t look closed off and tiny. Repeat on the bottom rim and finish with a healthy dose of volumizing mascara.

3. Darken the roots of your top lashes. Gently pull your top lid taut by pressing one finger on the outer corner. Bury the tip of the pencil deep into your lashes at the outer corner of your eye, wiggling it back and forth as you move inward. Take your time and don’t be afraid to really mash the tip into your lashes.

If you move during the tricky lining part or make the lines too thick for your taste, don’t fret. It’s just makeup! I LOVE to clean up with Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks. They are in a convenient cotton bud solution and will not disturb the rest of your makeup.

Now that you know the pro tips and tricks, please enjoy this session as we did while creating it!

Allison Ponthier, of RE:Quest Models NYC, has perfect skin! In order to prepare her for her closeup, I cleansed the skin with my favorite micellar water, KohGenDo Spa Water and Organic Cotton and moisturized with Kensignton Apothecary Pure Soothing Facial Oil #3.

Credits

Photography: Jorge Rivas

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes

Model: Allison Ponthier at RE: Quest Models

FEATURE: Nina Shaw courtesy of Kim Dawson Agency

Model Features

Vivacious. Flirty. Edgy.

These are some of the feelings that Nina Shaw evoked during our latest session photographed by Samantha Beatty.

Rich and textured clothing curated by Carlos Parada of OnSet Management set the tone for a beautiful and demure palette. Soft leather, shiny gold, fluffy wool, and structured silks created a backdrop for exotic hair and makeup looks.

Satin shadows in muted brown based violets were paired with a nude glossy lip to complement the structured look. For this I used Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Disco Dust. Shape the eye by concentrating the darkest tone of this palette along the lashline and outer corner of the eye.

Reminiscent of Naomi Campbell during the glamorous decade of the supermodel, we decided to amp up the look in with a dramatic smokey eye and wine colored gloss. My favorite of the moment is Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Lacquer in Night Berry. I love the hybrid technology of a lip gloss, stain, and lipstick this product offers. The shade range is beautiful as well.

Juxtaposing a shattered and weathered bob against the sumptuousness of this ostrich leather dress by Alice and Olivia was one of my favorite highlights of this session. In order to achieve this arid and collapsible hair texture, I power blow dried the hair using Bumble and bumble Surf Spray in order to give a gritty and almost sand weathered texture. The hair was then detailed with Kevin Murphy Rough.Rider for a strong and super matte hold.

Enjoy the rest of this luxurious session and style away!

Credits

Photography: Samantha Beatty

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of WAFU Artistry

Fashion Styling: Carlos Alonso Parada ON Set Management

Model: Nina Shaw at Kim Dawson Agency

MARIE for Pigeons and Peacocks Magazine

Published Editorials

Waiting with anticipation for spring is not only obvious but fun. Dreaming of fresh new experiences, color, and energy.

This was the goal and feel for our most recent editorial featuring alluring Marie Boone. Pigeons and Peacocks Magazine gracefully showcased our work online among other beautifully designed editorials.

Tor Matthey curated an impeccable wardrobe by mixing unexpected textures and colors to keep the mood light and fresh. Reebok, Opening Ceremony, Adidas, Alexis Bittar among others created an relaxed but fashionable feel.

To keep in line with the palette and to showcase what is happening on the catwalks, I decided to bring light whispers of couture color.

One of my favorite shadows,
Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Long Wearing Eyeshadow in Fantasme, was used to create an interesting wash of color. The shade is a beautifully reflective silver with reflects to brighten up the eye.

Alternately, one of the hottest shades for makeup in 2016 is anything in the range of a light violet. Think periwinkle, lilac, bluebonnet, or even light amethyst. For this look, I used Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect Shadow in Campanule. This set of shade sticks glide effortlessly, stay put, and come in multiple flattering shades.

Enjoy the rest of the editorial and experiment with a bit of color on your makeup wardrobe.

Credits

Photography: Samantha Beatty | http://http://www.samanthacolliecreative.com/

Hair & Makeup: Walter Fuentes | http://www.wafuartistry.com

Fashion Styling: Tor Matthey at IA Agency http://www.thisistor.com

Muse: Marie Boone with The Page Parkes Agency

“Le Pop de Coleur” Beauty Editorial, Zélé Magazine June 2014

Uncategorized

Happy first week of summer!

Now that the temperatures are rising and staying that way for a while, we decided to cool off indoors by photographing beautiful Allison Ponthier, courtesy of The Dragonfly Agency.

This session showcases bold pops of color, nature, and a fresh dewy take on this season’s trends for color.

In creating this look, I imagined what it was like the first time eyes were laid upon a rainforest native.

Imagine an explorer, weary of traveling, escaping near death in unknown territory. He sailed for weeks to look for a rumored land of gold, gems, and cities of gods.

In his dreams, he dreamt of what people of this land looked like. Where they dark? Where they tall? Did they shave? Where they adorned?

As he journeyed further inland and cleared the bush with his machete, he hears the soft and angelic humming of a concubine. He approached slowly and peeks through the lush green leaves to reveal a tribal princess looking for fruit.

Along with her is her best friend. A magical creature that shifts color. They are so in tune that he changes as her emotions change.

This editorial was especially neat not only because there was a live chameleon on set but I got to showcase fresh pops of color. **Please note that no animals were harmed during the course of this session**

The skin was cleansed and was moisturized with 6 drops of Pré de Provence Argan Oil. A blend of MAC’s Gloss Texture with Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Tinted Moisturizer was buffed onto the skin for a highly polished effect. Fix+ was misted onto the face to “set” the high gloss look.

Faux freckles were flecked on with Makeup Forever’s Aqua Brow Gel. 3 different shades, 20, 25, and 30 were used to create small, dimensional, and believable specs.

The look was topped off with a coat of electric blue mascara and matching manicure.

Lips colors in poppy, coral, creamsickle, electric purple and hot pink created a beautiful contrast again a clean canvas and foliage. This also coordinated when the chameleon changed colors. It inspired me to see this creature change his coloration with adjacent colors.

The hair was braided with a strong center part to show off Allison’s beautiful oval shaped face. The hair was saturated with Bumble and Bumble Gel for hold and shine. The hair was secured at the base of the ear and a fishtail braid was constructed. The elastic was hidden with thin straps of leather.

Enjoy the cover and the editorial spread!

Credits

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

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

Photography Assistant: Roberto Inetti

Muse: Allison Ponthier, Rango the Chameleon

FEATURE: Magdalene Groves of The Campbell Agency

Model Features

I had the pleasure of working with Magdalene, a beautiful model from The Campbell Agency here in Dallas, Texas. The looks created for this session featured ultra modern dewy, almost wet, textures that exude youth and freshness. I achieved the effect on the skin by utilizing Josie Maran Argan Oil as a moisturizer mixed with Lé Métier de Beauté Classic Flawless Finish Foundation. The glossy and hyper wet texture was achieved by painting on Privé Flash Brilliance cocktailed with Grooming Pomade with a tint brush.

Enjoy!

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

Photography: Sergio Garcia | www.prismshots.com

Lighting Tech: Craig Thomas

Muse: Magdalene Grove at The Campbell Agency

“Young. Rich. Beautiful”

Uncategorized

This editorial film showcases beautiful textures and fashion for a young socialite. I drew inspiration from vintage Grace Coddington photographs, Queen Nefertiti drawings, and Kate Moss circa 1990. Glossy, wet textures meet dry, matte intentional frizz. Pops of neon colors contrast against Murphy’s alabaster skin. Fashion photographer, Samantha Collie, attributed diffused lighting along with a beautiful contract of color, composition, and shadow. Fashions from Alexander McQueen and vintage pieces added beautiful flair. Enjoy!