Ring lights - Worth the investment?

I often look at other people pictures and think "How on earth do they get their make up looking so good on camera?" Besides the obvious filters and enhancing apps, I couldn't understand how other people seemed to take such good pictures.
I was constantly producing what I knew was good work in person but the minute I took a picture, it did not do my work justice. At times, it actually made it look awful!
I don't like to edit or filter my pictures as I believe in selling myself with a "what you see is what you get" attitude.
I had seen people post about ring lights but they were quite expensive at £200 plus which is a big investment when you only work weekends and trying to make a profit! Then there are different specs and sizes to think about. After doing a bit of research and shopping around I managed to find one on sale on Amazon. I also ordered a tripod and a camera attachment for my Nikkon. 

I can honestly say this has been one of the best investments I have made! Not only has it completely enhanced my pictures and done my work justice, it has also proven invaluable for dark venues such as wedding suites when doing bridal make up!
Its not a top of the range product but it works for me and well worth the money.
It is dimmable and comes with its own carry case.

I paid £82.07 on sale from £142.14

Neewer 14 - 18-Inch 600 W 5500K Dimmable Ring Fluorescent Flash Light for Camera

Features: It's a 14" dimmable ring fluorescent flash light. With reinforced flexible arm which will move freely and never droop. Extra Long Cord and Heavy Duty Thumb Screws. A must have for photography enthusiasts. Specifications: Light Source: Fluorescent. Shape: Ring. Outer Diameter: 18 in / 48 cm. Inner Diameter: 14 in / 35 cm. Power: 75W (equivalent to 600W on an incandescent one). Color Temperature: 5500K. Dimmable: YES. Plug: UK .

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-14-18-Inch-Dimmable-Fluorescent/dp/B00U8H2EYK?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

These are my pictures before and after which really does show the difference the light makes. I mainly only use my iphone camera too! 

Picture taken on iphone in normal light

Taken on iphone using ring light

If you are serious about make up or just want to improve your selfies then I highly recommend investing in a ring light!

Products and Professional Discount

When I first started out, I wanted to be the best. To be the best, I genuinely thought that meant having all the tops brands and newest releases. I spent so much money and to be honest I really didn't need it all!

There are so many dupes and drug store alternatives! I will do a separate post on specific products.
My advice is to do some research before making a spontaneous purchase, chances are you could get an equivalent product much cheaper or you may find you already have other products that do the same job!

• Check your local drug stores for offers and discounts. Boots and Superdrug are an example of two stores in the UK. They both have advantage cards that earn you points when purchasing certain items. these offers change so its worth checking. They also have 3 for 2 offers which is always a bonus
• Debenhams - they have all the large brand named make up counters inside but also offer a Beauty Club Card which earns points on all beauty and fragrance purchases. I usually wait until there is a triple point event or a "spend £X and get a product free". I save the points and redeem them for free make up. A simple mascara purchase on triple point days can be worth a free blusher! The lancome counter is a great brand for promotions. I often get a free gift set worth over £60 when I buy 2 or 3 make up items.
• Illamasqua - http://www.illamasqua.com/professional-registration
  Clicking this link will take you to the registration page where you can get between 20% and 40%  discount as a student or a professional when you provide them with the evidence of your training etc. All details can be found on the link above! The best part about Illamasqua is that registration is free!
• Mac - Discount by Mac is a paid for privilege but can earn you up to 40% discount on products! They don't give away many details on the website and advise you to contact them during business hours.  https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/mac-pro This link will take you to their site where you can read up on a few of the benefits like discount and pro only events.
• NARS - https://narscosmetics.co.uk/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-UK-Library/default/dwb2560f2e/NARS_Pro_UK.pdf  is a link to the application form. Discount in the UK can only be used online at http://narscosmetics.co.uk/ but can be worth from 25% even as a student up to 40%
• Bobbi Brown - Another paid for privilege with rates of £15-£25 per year in the UK. Students are entitled to 20% and 35% for pros. Application is via email to bobbipro@bobbi-brown.co.uk  and their eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/bobbi-pro#bpsections2
• Crownbrush - I have purchased a few of their brushes and I must say they are good quality and value for money! Discount available via https://www.crownbrush.co.uk/index.php/webforms/index/index/id/3/

Another tip when visiting make up counters is to ALWAYS ask for samples!!! Its a great opportunity to try something before you purchase and its a free product!!

Examples of ID required for professional discount:

• Business Card - if you dont have any of these then they are pretty cheap to get made! My first lot were off Vistaprint and were basic but cheap and did the job! http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/
• Certificates - evidence of professional qualifications
• You can join BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematography and Theater Union) for as little as £10 a month. A little bit expensive if you only do a few make ups each month but if you are trying to establish a career then well worth it!
• Call Sheet - mainly used in the TV and Fim industry but also used furing photoshoots. It will have your name credited as the MUA. Doing TFP shoots are a good way to earn this type of credit when you are just starting.

I hope this information helps!!

In the beginning - Getting Started

When I first started doing make up, my original intention was to just learn enough to do my own. A pair of lashes was what I had classed as "going out" make up and the thought of a smokey eye scared the life out of me!
I enrolled on a Fashion and Photographic Make Up course at college. It was on evening, 4 hours a week for 20 weeks. The knowledge I learnt was only to level 2 standard however it was enough to give me the basic skills to do my own make up. Friends and family then started asking me to do their make up and eventually when I gained confidence, I started working on the public charging a small fee. Two years later I now have a successful business as a make up artist!
I still have so much more to learn but look how far I have come from my first few weeks training to the work I am now producing!! From my first smokey eye, I am now producing work good enough for fashion photography!

I was actually once proud of this!!! - first smokey eye

Six months after training - getting better

Photo Shoots!

For anyone wanting to become a make up artist or even develop your skills for your own use, I would highly recommend a professional course. Once you learn the basics, the rest can be self taught. 

 You can also get one to one lessons from established artists in your local areas or attend work shops at salons. 

Peaches and Cream and House of Make Up are an excellent example of a local businesses who provide a range of courses to suit everyone.

You Tube tutorials are invaluable and provide so much valuable information from people who really know their stuff!

Some of my favourite You Tubers are:

Danielle Roberts
Kate Hayes
Carli Bybel
Melissa Flores

Glam Trash MUA

About me/Welcome!

Hello,

I am currently a freelance make up artist based in England. The purpose of my blog is to provide information and inspiration to follow make up artists and make up enthusiasts alike!
A lot of my posts will be the "basic stuff" that I really wish I had known when I first started. Some of them are known hacks and others are hints and tips based on my own personal experiences/preferences.

Feel free to leave comments about my posts and suggestions for future posts but most of all enjoy the blog!