Initial Inspirational Images - Beauty is Boring

Sweat:

'Wet Look' - Institute Magazine
URL: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/479351954067444624/

This was one of the first images that I looked at in regards to creating an image that would connect in some way with sweat. When considering the construction of the skin, sweat is essentially an oil therefore I felt it was important to include this element as a key feature for the makeup look. This image is taken from 'Institute Magazine' for the purpose of creating a wet look makeup, although the makeup is not necessarily wet when you are sweaty, the skins enhanced shine is something that can be interpreted for the purpose of a creative editorial. The skin within this image is definitely something that stands out most dramatically to me. Although within my final photo I do not think I will crop the image in as intensely as this the use of the oil is really inspirational. Other methods that could have been used to create this makeup look could also be the application of glycerin to the skin or maybe even a form of silicon. What becomes noticeable upon closer examination of this image is the way the skins complexion remains visible beneath the high shine of the oil. We can clearly make out the models freckles, pigmentation and small red marks on the skin, therefore the base makeup should have been very minimal and focusing more heavily on skin preparation than coverage. The use of the oil over the top of this creates an almost glossed filter that removes texture without colour. Much like a real life airbrush. In many ways the high shine of the skin also creates a slight barbie doll effect, semi mocking the notion of over processing an image beyond it looking human. This would definitely be the case if the pigment of the skin was not as visible as it is here. Regardless the high shine of the face is something I would love to achieve, or at least in some way mimic within one of my final images for the use of sweaty makeup.

Rain:

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/27802/black

Although I could not locate the photographer or makeup artist for this image, it is still going to be featured as inspiration for the concept of wet look makeup. What stood out about this image, despite the heavy black eye, is the use of the water on the skin. This could be created either through the use of glycerin which when applied to the skin creates a thicker illusion of water, or it could have simply been the use of water itself poured carefully over the skin. This would mean the photo would have been taken on a fast shutter setting to capture the droplets in enough detail. As the water is also visible on the models teeth this is most likely the case, with the effect being created through the use of a sprinkling system e.g. a watering can over the models head or shower device. The main element which seems strange within this photograph is that of the hands, which appear awkwardly detached from the model. This is predominantly due to the use of colour as the skin tone of the hands does not match that of the face. This makes the use of the hands very obvious and unnatural. Hands are notoriously difficult to use within photography without them looking fake. Often a hand model is used but this can create most of the issues. As seen here the tone of the skin can be different but only enough to be visible on camera, hands can also lay flat on areas that would not be able to reach naturally such as the shoulder of the same arm. Regardless the use of the water effects within this image was of great inspiration as it shows a subtle way of creating the effect of rain while retaining that beauty element. In addition the use of the personal framing whereby the image is cropped closely into the face works nicely for focusing the eye onto the details of the makeup.

Alex Box - Fullers Earth
http://thealexbox.com/#/ab0014/

Dirt:
This image taken from makeup artist Alex Box's personal portfolio is a key inspirational image for how clay based materials can be used physically within an image to convey other natural elements, such as dirts effect on makeup. Within this image the substance used on the hair is most likely that of fullers earth, an organic clay matter used to create mud baths and face masks. It can however be used cosmetically and has featured within a few editorial images, commonly being placed on the hair and around the neck. The use of the media is a highly effective and yet minimal effort way of creating a dramatic earth effect. It can also be removed easily with the use of warm water, as like most clay substances it is water soluble. In addition to the use of the fullers earth is that of the colour palette within this makeup design. The overall tone is earthy, yet conveys a sense of warmth through the use of muted golds and rusted browns. The darker tone used on the ears and neck allows them to merge with the background, therefore making the hair and face more prominent. That being said I do not particularly like the style of makeup used on the face in regards to an editorial context. The use of the heavy contouring somewhat takes away from the use of the fullers earth, rendering it less dramatic. That being said within the context of an avant-garde/art focused image it works beautifully, the technique of the dramatic contouring is however slightly alien and would be less fitting for editorial imagery focusing on how elements affect how makeup wears. The colour palette and use of the fullers earth combine beautifully and offer a great deal of inspiration as to how organic matter can be used physically within a photograph.