“Black Lilium” HUF Magazine, January 2015

I hope the new year is settling in well for you and that you had a flawless holiday.

What a better way to ring in the new year than with a newly published editorial!

We had the opportunity to work with Kelly Gillespie (courtesy of The Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas, Texas) on this project.

The set and styling were very minimal as to evoke clean lines and and sense of bareness. The emotion is a bit more somber and pensive as the winter approaches. A human left to fend to the elements. During this photo session, Kelly magnificently channeled a sense of solitude and minimalism to enhance the clothing styled by Jamie Gorden of Seaminx Managament.

Sooty black, gritty grays, and blown out platinum was our palette for the day so I decided to magnify that by utilizing texture in the hair to create contrast.

Generously applying Privé Volumizing Dry Shampoo at the root and blowdrying it as I massaged it in created a “padded” texture for the texture.

The hair was then lightly backcombed and sprayed with Privé Finishing Texture Spray to create an airy hold. I love this hair spray because it allows you to control and manipulate the hair without becoming sticky or flakey. Plus the sense is addictive!

The skin was hydrated and primed with Chantecaille Anti Glycation Primer for a flawless and barely there look.

The Dior 5 COULEURS COUTURE COLOURS & EFFECTS EYESHADOW PALETTE in 30 Montaigne was used to create contour and highlight since black and white photography was going to be used.

Enjoy the rest of the series. Happy 2015!

Credits

Hair and Makeup: Walter Fuentes of The Campbell Agency | http://www.wafuartistry.com

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

Fashion Stylist: Jamie Gorden of http://www.seaminx.com

Muse: Kelly Gillespie http://www.kimdawson.com

‘Yesterday Man’ ON Magazine, December 2014 Shop Issue

Published Editorials

Winter is upon us and nothing is more fitting than a cozy and warm feel as shown in this recent editorial.

Isaac Tullis, photographed by Sergio Garcia, evokes the idea of a simpler, relaxed and slightly rugged man. Styled by Jennifer Bingham, Isaac reserved a sense of structure and easy fashion.

Isaac’s hair was kept quite textured but minimal in movement. A dusting of Osis Dust It Mattifying Texture Powder gave grip, texture, without the need of multiple products.

Enjoy this great set!

Credits

Grooming: Walter Fuentes with The Campbell Agency | www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Sergio Garcia www.sergiogarciastudios.com

Fashion Styling: Jennifer Bingham of Seaminx Artist Management www.seaminx.com

Model: Isaac Tullis of The Kim Dawson Agency

“Cold Sun”, HUF Magazine December 2014

Published Editorials

Fall is my favorite time of the year. The colors. The smells. The celebrations. The clothes are finer and people tend to dress up a bit more.

In our recently published editorial in HUF Magazine, Morgan Chidsey photographs Tony Trahan in a serene and gentlemanly estate setting. The tones and feel of this session give the impression of a young monsieur caught enjoying his manor.

Hints of tweed, denim, velvet, plaid, and houndstooth expertly arranged by Tess Wilcox give a depth and richness to the story.

A debonair gentleman needs a suave hairstyle and groomed skin. I achieved the look by using this set of men’s grooming products.

On damp hair, I distributed a few pumps of Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray and AG Beach Bomb to encourage texture and a natural wave to the hair. With the blowdryer set on high, I used the air control nozzle with a clean cotton sock over it to direct diffused air and give the hair a windblown look.

Since we photographed Tony outside, I used a mist of Privé Finishing Texture Spray in the hair for manageable hold. I love this line because it is apothecary based and has buildable qualities.

For the photos with a smooth and straight pomp, I finger-raked a bit of Privé Créme Coiffante through the hair. This lightweight grooming cream adds shine, body, and texture without weighing the hair down. I finsihed the look with a mist of Aquage Beyond Shine for a bit more gloss.

Great skin on a man is a definite must. I cleansed Tony’s skin with Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser. I love this multipurpose cleanser because it can also be left in the skin for 20 minutes and doubles as a great purifying face masque.

The face was then moisturized with Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer. This product is great for all skin types and has SPF 20 which is perfect for outdoor activities.

Nails, cuticles, and lips require attention as well. For this I used, Smith’s Rosebud Salve. Non greasy and right to the point. I love it!

I hope you enjoy this set! Stay warm and cozy:)

Credits

Grooming: Walter Fuentes of The Campbell Agency | www.thecampbellagency.com | www.wafuartistry.com

Photography: Morgan Chidsey www.aseaoflove.com

Fashion Styling: Tess Wilcox at Seaminx Artist Management www.seaminx.com

Model: Tony Trahan courtesy of The Campbell Agency

FEATURE: Lily Mekeel courtesy of The Dragonfly Agency

Model Features

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.