The fascination with Diana Spencer was always an instant affair for the public. As I was trying to figure out what she could be thinking of, while “posing” (there is no better term). I realized that Diana never posed. She couldn’t help but to be as transparent as water, as natural as a wild doe. The golden prison has always fascinated people. How could one be unhappy when one has all the things in the world? The truth is Diana wanted the most precious thing in the world, to find herself. She wanted to be free to help out people who were in need. In honour of her, I made a donation to the Crisis in Yemen. If you’re comfortable enough, you can also make a contribution to a charity of your own. Pictures are self-Portraits
I’ve been wanting to do a sixties makeup, but I’m bored of directly quoting decades. I’ve decided to mix the 60s and 80s. My inspo is my favorite cover idea of the 60s: wrapping outlandish fabric around a face. It seems to always work wonders! Pictures are self-portraits edited by me to remove acne scarring.
One of my teen idols was Monsieur Lutens. In an age where there was no digital retouching, only airbrushing, and no screen to see how it’s turning out to be. Waiting for the proofs to arrive! You have no idea! The quality and level of his images for Shiseido are still unparalleled, even in our digital age. Reflecting the Sarah Moons and BIBA of the seventies, he took that language into the 80s and reinvented it with Japanese beauty in mind. Add some art deco aesthetics that were trendy in the 80s, and some of his own inspiration (Dovima, I suspect). His women are enigmatic, like sphinxes, or modern Geishas. Perhaps even silent movie stars. I took a spin at the aesthetic language and as they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery! Thank you for your wonderful Legacy Monsieur Lutens. Images are self-portrait, the skin was edited to remove my acne scarring.
I added my own inspirations to the mix, Russian film posters, Japanese Kabuki makeup and some tuxedo realness, with a touch of boyishness…is that you Marlena? Ring is Vintage Saint Laurent. Suit and bow tie are vintage finds.
The baddest, coolest women I know sport a big halo of tight, curly hair. These pictures are an homage to their big hair, and big personalities. Pictures are self portraits, edited by me.
There is something about a big mass of curly hair, that forces their owners to own it. You won’t go unnoticed. You’re the crowned queen with your curls. And you might have to defend your aura, without even knowing it.
I love the golden effect of this synthetic wig! It did need to work to loosen the curl to a believable tightness for my features. I’ve been toying with this look for a few months. With the blue lenses and the freckles, I become unrecognizable.
Life is a journey, perhaps to find the gold that we carry in our hearts. I was cleaning, and out of nowhere, I had a vision of the Buddha, in a golden light. It inspired me to create these images. Images are self-portraits, retouching by me.
As the New Moon and Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, were approaching. This idea was the perfect foil to look at the symbolism and iconography of light/gilded/gold in art. After looking at witches, I felt it was time to explore the iconography of Mary, or The Madonna (and child). If Buddha is always depicted with his eyes closed, looking within. Mary, The Mother, looks at us, but with an inner knowing. Both, hint at the illusion around us. Luckily for me, Hollywood is built on the trick of the light.
Of course, I had to put a touch of fashion, through the ethereal, yet very sensual beauty of Jerry Hall. Her long waves of golden hair are heavenly, if not downright divine! This was the perfect occasion to quote this icon of beauty and style. The pictorial focus was on the idea of gold as a symbol of inner light, but also illusion. Looking at Icon paintings of The Madonna, I love how the use of gold makes these paintings come alive. Which led to the decision to do a monochromatic effect.
I’m calling this first one, Our Lady of Hollywood, Mother of lost illusions.
As you can see I added some light effects with photoshop. I’d like to thank a friend who’s always been an inspiration. There is some of her in these images, she also has long, luscious hair.
I used Graftobian gold body paint on the body, as well on the cheeks (to contour), and on the lips to add a golden sheen. On eyes, Charlotte Tilbury eye shadows, that look good on mature lids. And guess what? Experience is sexy.You don’t always need to overload the eyes with black. Sometimes a monochrome look is easier on the eye(s)!
Did I ever say I prefer a No-Makeup makeup look? I take it all back! Give me a Full Beat, because it’s fun to dress up! Introducing, my “cousin” Ornella Bilinski.
Photography & retouching by Cesar Ochoa. See more of Cesar’s work on his >>website here<< Makeup & hair by me.
A new character Ornella, I call her. She’s an Italian soap opera diva. She’s based on several Italian actresses, and singers, as well as a touch of French diva, Dalida. I wanted an old-school glamour makeup of the late 60s. Black eyeshadow to frame the eyes, pink blusher, neutral lips. There isn’t much out there besides, the now predictable, no-makeup makeup for more mature faces. If I’m going to put my face out there, I might as well inspire!
Confessions of a selfie addict I was getting comfortable with the Canon app that helps you make selfies! I have to confess: I’m also feeling very controlling of my image. It’s become my baby: I’ve been fostering it, nurturing my “Camera Face“. Because it’s become a separate thing! There is everyday, and then, there is this face, you see. It’s my creation!
So it was at once terrible and exciting, when my friend Cesar asked if he could take a picture of “me”. I had to explain that these were not pictures of me, but pictures of characters I created. But it’s hard to explain this to people when they know you personally.
Another eye, another face Am I happy? Yes!! It’s a different face: as I suspected. But I’m happy with the editing that Cesar did: my skin is mature and it’s acne scarred and you can see it. The character itself turned out to be believable enough that it stood apart on it’s own. If you also factor that we were a team of two, and I didn’t get to see the images during the shoot–and Cesar didn’t shoot with a monitor– it’s a great feat!
The good news: Cesar loved photographing a character and he wants to try his hand at it once more to get the hang of it.
Let’s be honest, if you’re a woman, and/or if you’re queer, we owe so much to the ground breaking work of Cher. To me, my favorite Cher is with the perm, the wild 80’s hair, but with the soft 70s makeup. That Gipsy, witchy Cher. That’s my Cher. The great thing, is we all have our favorite version of Cher. What’s your’s? Photographs are self-portraits.
I’d like to thank Cristal for educating me on curly/kinky hairstyles, without her knowledge I wouldn’t be able to do this image. On instagram
Eye makeup, NYX Milk pencil, and Juvia’s The Pinks palette, The Chocolates palette. Lips, pencil by MAC in Stone, Revlon Primrose lipstick.
The pout, that aloofness, Dietrich’s witchcraft is the most enduring of The Golden Age of Hollywood. Perhaps it’s the top hats, or the tuxedos? Maybe it’s those eyebrows that keep her flame fanning. An homage to a timeless Screen Siren. May the glamour be with you, bewitching in a Technicolor palette. Photographs are self-portraits.
On eyes, Illamasqua Anja, ColourPop Just My Luck palette, NYX pencil in Milk. On lips, Joe Fresh creme lipstick inCoral, MAC lip pencil in Chestnut and clear gloss.
What happens when I mix my previous auburn character, with some traditional Halloween fare, and a autumn leaves colour palette? Glinda from the Wizard of OZ. If Oz is one of the most colourful movies ever made, this is a tribute to Technicolor, redheads and… Witches! Photographs are self-portraits
On eyes, Vida palette by Melt, Natasha Denona Mini Gold palette and Colour Pop Uh Huh Honey palette. On lips, Lisa Eldridge Velvet Muse and Velvet Decade as liner. Mascara YSL Doll Eyes.
How does one frame a fall idea about a Pumpkin and Latte colour palette? Italian Cinéma movie stars, like Monica Vitti come to my mind. Because just like a Pumpkin Spice Latte, it doesn’t need any justification. Unedited. Enjoy! Photographs are self-portraits
