Creative and Editorial Research Featuring Lola Makeup

Over the last few weeks, we have been working quietly on new content designs and running not just our various blogs but also some research into styling for planned shoots (suggested by our media partners Nepal Film Production and coordinated by our creative director JamesC), focusing our energies on commercial concepts and the behind the scenes elements that will be showcased as part of the planned expansion of The Lost Concept, more on this later. What has really hit the right marker for us and our partners in style terms is the look of the Lola Makeup channel on youtube where whose campaign videos are a stellar example of how it should be done to showcase not just the cosmetics but the minds behind the work. A leading light of the Euro scene for both fashion and media, Lola Makeup is a brand that has captured artists' attention, designed to meet the needs of the consumer with the attention to the details that draw in makeup artists of all stripes.

For us, as a creative team, we are working on new editorials and do have some work to be edited and will be using both the still images and behind the scenes as a part of our upcoming marketing alongside our partners at Nepal Film Production.

We will be working on more designs over the next few weeks that will incorporate different elements of beauty and editorial from a commercial stance and nodding to more creative concepts that will push the boundaries a little more and take us away from the simple and clean into the more fashion show look (the Lola cream shadow pencils will feature heavily in this).

At the moment for simplicity and ease, we can work with smaller teams on editorial concepts, we are focused on fashion but we do have other projects in the works and as we push forward behind the scenes is going to become a larger part of our work which we are really excited about.

To learn more about the Lola Makeup range and why we are using them see:

Lola Makeup Website.

Lola Makeup Youtube.

Lola Makeup Facebook.

Lola makeup Instagram.

Future-Proofing Your Pro Mua Kit Featuring Mykitco

As we move closer to returning the salons, TV studios and film sets, this is a good time to start thinking about your working kit and how you can ensure your client’s comfort in the makeup chair. Something that our creative director JamesC is keen to look at is brushes and storage, especially minimizing the kit he carries around and the team behind the British brand Mykitco are on the top of their game when it comes to this and their new releases (8 brushes) show the thought they are putting into working artist kits and how working styles are evolving.

Starting with the basics, the brushes (which are what Mykitco has become famous for), are growing to meet the needs of artists and the new launches are a marker of the care taken and this show’s a development pattern that works with the target audience and as professionals will give you a better working kit to better serve your customers.

*It has always been smart to have multiples in brushes and now planning is going to be even more important with people becoming savvier to what is and isn’t acceptable, it’s better to have a minimal plan of action before you go into a client space. For example, setting up brush tubes or pouches with specific kits for each person may be a little bulky but will give your client a little assurance that you have their health and safety in mind so with a booking or 4 clients you can carry enough kit and plan around that with backups in your bag should you need and the chances of cross-contamination are lowered with individual sets. Multitasking brushes slipped into your kit will also make a big difference to individual applications.

Storing and transporting your makeup will also be a consideration and Mykitco has a wide array of bags big and small to suit your needs. JamesC owns the Mykitco Essential Buddy and loves it for small to medium size gigs where space is at a premium and the Travel Buddy is also a good option *depending on your own personal style and needs.

As the co-founder James Molloy (premier makeup artist) is on the pulse of what’s happening in the industry and leading the way with teaching through his Instagram using the Mykitco face charts and giving advice and tips to move us forward as creatives.

Working with Mykitco products is about more than just having a professional quality kit, its about a sense of community and artistry.

To learn more or shop with Mykitco (See the Faq’s for pro discount details and terms) see:

Mykitco Website.

Mykitco Facebook.

Mykitco Instagram.

Mykitco Twitter.

Lost In The Horror

We are in the midst of what would (and most likely will be) the source of many new thriller and horror film and TV plots, the lockdown is the start of a refresh of the industry which we will be taking full advantage of and have been in all honesty planning around for a long time as Horror is the genre of choice for us both artistically and commercially, more than ever with the support of the HOD TV team (submit your films here).

For us and our partners, Horror has all the potential we need to feel fulfilled as an artist: our actors can play the character and develop the narrative, the writers are loving the scope of the human mind for fear, for our creative director JamesC, it’s about the makeup and of course our remote teams it’s all about the locations (our Nepal production contacts are delighted with this idea). There is something in this for each of us to get our teeth into and we have room to work together as a collective to push an agenda that suits us and it does also open up other potential aspects that could be realistically deemed vanity projects with a slight commercial twist.

With many magazines and film festivals dedicated to the Horror and Thriller genres, we can easily utilize different suppliers and resources to keep the costs down while maintaining the gore and chills.

Talking of Keeping the costs down, it is fairly straightforward and can be augmented by companies like Monster Fx or the supply house Red Carpet FX (who stock our favorite IPA palettes from Ripper FX).

The future is in our hands and we are taking our own direction on this with plans in motion to do both editorial/print work in this darker style and of course TV projects that will be at the heart of the work, a commercially driven but still artistically driven venture.

Using Editorials and Tears To Market The Lost Concept

Creative frustration is starting to kick in for many of us in the arts and while we are all on hold it is a good time to plan for the future and marketing your business once the restrictions are lifted and we can submit fresh work to the various online and print publications out there. For us, we do have several concepts that are part of a larger-scale and ultimately long-term project around The Lost concept.

Our goals are split into two areas:

1. Photo Stories and editorials.

2. Single image and portrait.

There are magazines that we are looking at with very specific designs and concepts, thankfully we have talked to a few of them and they have opened up the single image option (tears and covers) that will be integral to our marketing over the coming months along with our partners.

For us its the single image option that is the biggest challenge as we want that image as a standalone to tell a story or at least inspire the imagination which is the intellectual challenge part that we are eager to get into, none more so that our creative director JamesC who has been instrumental in much of the marketing planning underway and has offered insight based on his experience of the industry both good and bad.

Our style of work is going to change dramatically and we will have a more refined and focused look that is a different creative stream than what we would do for our private sector and commercial clients. Conceptually The Lost Concept is a mixture of styles and will strangely, benefit from the current lockdown as it has forced us to reassess how we look at images, models and who we will book for shoots especially for our in house projects.

We fully intend to keep the team small on shoots and make the maximum use of the locations around our current base with an emphasis on simplicity of look touching on the more creative with darker touches brought into play.

From a marketing stance, we are enjoying the plans being put into place and our budget is going to reflect this across our 3 main sites of JameC mua, Lost Project, and of course Lost Creatives.

Digital Versus Print Editorials and Tears

As the economic and social climate changes the digital magazine market is going to be where we find our fix of fashion and beauty news for the ease and convenience of access through our mobiles and other devices which for makeup artists, photographers and creative staff (designers, stylists and so on) will change to some degree how we all work and require multi-tasking. For the lost team, that is not a big hassle as we already work small and aim high with the work we are doing, the goals in place and will be back to work as soon as possible tackling the list of magazines we have decided to shoot for.

Focusing your mind on goals is key to finding a path and putting your business into a new arena. With editorial for the lost team, it is a secondary consideration to our real goals of TV production but we do have a clear sense of the value of a tear sheet or cover with a good magazine that can be promoted which is why we focus on digital over print.

The big advantage of digital is overall social media reach, an image and a link to a website that can be shared and has more value (to us) because it becomes simpler to promote and has exponential reach with either paid postings on Facebook or Instagram or if you have a good audience and SEO through your website (ideally you have all three in place).

We have of course mapped out a plan of action and thankfully there are one-stop-shop sites that offer a creative outlet that is managed: you can find the submission terms, costs, and image requirements in one place with the option to handle multiple submissions. A major plus and reduces the amount of time you have to spend on research.

*See our previous blog on Luminar Photo Editing for a good option for editing images on a budget.

Our creative director JamesC makeup is itching to get started again and has a book full of concepts and ideas ready to roll and we are happy to see he is keeping busy not just with the blogs but also with his creative work.

A more focused plan and set of goals are being worked with our overseas contacts (primarily South Asia) for casting and of course production which we will talk about in another blog very soon.

Montarem Mens Grooming

In the world of male grooming, the landscape has changed dramatically with more and more people taking the care of their appearance, working in environments that require HD video calling and of course the current landscape of news presenting and on-camera appearances which is why brands like Montarem are important and offer a solution for the modern man.

The world has and still is in a state of fluctuation and more and more people are working from home, video calling and the media industry is working in the background to find new scripts and concepts for the day we can all start filming again and it will see a rise in the need for products tailored to men and offering options that will work across mediums from a laptop call to the screens of our TV’s. This is where Montarem will come into play offering a good option for solo workers, actors and more to create a more polished look when required.

While Montarem was started as a personal solution and will continue in this way, it is easy to see where the crossover to other areas of life are, simplifying the day to day and giving confidence back to the general populous, they have opened the door to the commercial, fashion and of course media world with their easy to use products that are solution-based.

“TV presenters take note if a makeup artist is unavailable for your show/newscast then Montarem will be able to help with their BB cream and concealer offering a way to ensure you are camera ready.” JamesC professional makeup artist.

To learn more about the range see:

Montarem Website (sign up for the newsletter).

Montarem Facebook.

Montarem Instagram.

Mykitco In Times of Reflection

Image courtesy of Mykitco Instagram

With an international reputation for their brushes, Mykitco has taken the savvy and generous step of supporting artists through social media and working with their clients both professional and consumer, to increase the use of the classic face chart. Spending time on Instagram TV designing and sketching with a showcase of the work of their viewers which has become a hit for the artistic scene.

Co-founder James Molloy is considered one of the elites of the makeup world with good reason and this step not only helps the business but shows how important it is to support and nurture talent with mentoring them through what is a difficult time for freelancers.

While primarily known for their brushes they are artist-led and look for solutions to the most common issues that are faced: storing your kit, packing your brushes being on-set with essential items and carrying a working kit that is both practical and stylish, which is at its heart what people look for as makeup staff. The logo also adds to the sense of artistic continuity and community, the badges are covetable with the added bonus of being a nod to your professional knowledge showing that you have your craft in mind and want the best in your working kit and life.

As a staple of many professional kits, it’s not uncommon to see Mykitco brushes and accessories popping up in pro kits backstage at the shows through to TV shows, a marker of how far they have come and the regard they are given as a brand and how they have become synonymous with a certain standard. Watching their channels and updates also has become integral to the rise of the company.

To learn more about the range or to purchase see:

Mykitco Website.

Mykitco Instagram.

Mykitco Facebook.

Mykitco Twitter.

Delilahs New Fluid Foundation

In the realm of professional makeup, things are changing rapidly. We are seeing a completely new landscape opening up and with a sense of serendipity, delilah makeup has launched the new Alibi Liquid Foundation, a long-wearing, sweatproof and waterproof full coverage foundation that is going to set the pro-market in the UK on its head when it comes to areas such as bridal, fashion and digital media such as film and TV. Over the next few months, we will see a change in how we work and the savvy of the clientele in the makeup fields and services like bridal and fashion makeup along with work in TV and film will start up again which in turn will mean that products, as well as skills, will be viewed with a careful eye and it is the new delilah foundation that will shine through in the top end of the services.

With 8 shades, they are customizable and can be mixed to suit your needs, full coverage and long-wearing which on a shoot will be a must to reduce touch up times and of course for the wedding sector will help maintain the look for the day adding a level of confidence in your artistic skills.

Delilah as a British brand offers a pro-grade product with a beautiful aesthetic that will sit as well on a dressing table as it does on the makeup stations of a studio shoot and can be used as an addon or as part of a more brand-centric working kit. *The new Full Coverage Foundation brush has all the markers of a professional artist tool and fits perfectly within the lines of the range giving you an added dimension of cohesion and a sense of the linear to your brushes.

To learn more about the range or to purchase see:

delilah makeup website.

delilah makeup Instagram.

delilah makeup Facebook.

delilah makeup Twitter.

delilah makeup Youtube.

Bahoma Hand Sanatizer A Professional View

Many professionals know that a good hand sanitizer can make a difference when working with the public. The team at Bahoma understands this and in the current climate, in particular, have come to the table with their range taking priority at this time. It is always a good idea to carry sanitizer when working and if you are planning to go back to the salon, beauty therapy or makeup work in particular where you will be working with the public and your hands its a good idea to have this available. *The Lavender Viel is one to be noted as lavender is often used for its calming properties, in a situation where you are working closely with patients/clients you may want to consider this when purchasing for your staff or own use.

As we move forward in the profession the welfare of our clients Must be front and center of our thinking and Bahoma is offering not just the peace of mind of a hand sanitizer but a touch of perfume to add aromatically to the process.

For those who will be returning to freelance work in the bridal/media/fashion sector, hand sanitizer should be an immediate item in your kit when packing for a job even more so now and from a purely aesthetic stance, Bahoma will look good, smell good and perform giving your clientele extra peace of mind as you work.

With three sizes available:

• 500ml (£19-99)

• 250ml (£12-99)

• 75ml (£4-99)

And a total of 4 scents; lavender veil, ocean spa, original, and pomelo grapefruit there is something to suit your tastes and give you a little sense of relief in troubling times.

To learn more of for quick purchases see:

Bahoma Website.

Bahoma Amazon.

Delilah Cosmetics a Professional Overview

We will be keeping this particular blog shorter than normal but we do want to talk about the Delilah range from a professional stance. Looking at the brand’s heritage and of course the overall professional aspect of the line as a pro makeup artist with ties to the bridal/salon industry in our past and potentially our future. Founded and defining themselves as a much needed British brand in the beauty market it is really easy to see the direction that the brand is taking, the founders all have the kind of credentials that would with just a cursory glance let you see that they are serious about the business and passionate about the cosmetics (quote from The Lost Stories):

“With the passion of a makeup artist (Rupert Kingston), the savvy of a beauty buyer (Hannah Nicholson) and the artistic eye of a photographer (Juliet White), the Delilah brand has some the best and brightest across the industry coming together to create a line that optimizes British Beauty and it is easily seen when you look to the details and consistency of the imaging that is both classic and simple showcasing the beauty and the products without drama.”

In the world of spa’s, salons and bridal artists, retail can be a major plus to your work and income and the Delilah team have taken that into account and offer a retail option (click here for details). A sensible approach to the retail side and allowing artists and salons to offer a range that is designed by some of the top creators in the business, which is immediately visible in the imaging, creative direction and above all the beauty of the makeup itself.

The cosmetics themselves are of high quality and speak to luxury, which when you are working from a salon perspective is a major plus and allows you to incentivize your staff, create a new customer base and if you are a bridal salon give your customers a cohesive experience and heritage brand from the UK that is designed and built to suit a more sedate beauty for the busy woman. *An interesting subpoint is they do have a youtube channel that offers up tricks and techniques based around the line.

A definite range on our watch list for potential future business endeavors, Delilah Cosmetics is a UK brand worthy of note from both a pro and a consumer stance. To learn more about the company and their range see:

Delilah Cosmetics Website.

Delilah Cosmetics Instagram.

Delilah Cosmetics Facebook.

Delilah Cosmetics Twitter.

Delilah Cosmetics Youtube.

*Images courtesy of Delilah Cosmetics website and Facebook.