Tribute to My Favorite YouTuber: dope2111

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Emma Rae
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Today, I’m going to share with you my favorite videos to cruise through on YouTube. Let me introduce you to user dope2111.

She likes to go by the names “Human Chameleon” and “Mystique”- very fitting epithets for such a talented makeup artist!

I enjoy her videos because she has extraordinary technique, a vivid imagination, and a knack for guiding viewers through her process. I think you’ll be really impressed with the transformations she goes through by using contouring, shading, and some serious creativity.

Without further ado, please enjoy my top 6 favorite dope2111 videos!

6) Beyoncé

Stick around for the Jay-Z cameo at the end.

5) Nicki Minaj

Check out her acting at the end! So perfect!

4) Emily from Corpse Bride

The creativity behind getting this quintessential Tim Burton look is exceptional.

3) Jennifer Lawrence

I’m blown away by the huge difference between her actual face and the end result. It’s really extraordinary!

2) Mystique

Her nick-namesake! The use of latex to get the scales is just right- and she makes it look so easy!

1) Pocahontas

This is spot on. When she put on the iconic necklace, I gasped.

So those are my favorites- which are yours? Go check out her awesome library of videos and find out!

Posted in Cosplay, Geek Costumes, Halloween Make Up, Make Up | Leave a comment

The Marvelous Magic of Makeup in the Movies– Infographic by Temptu

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Emma Rae
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I thought I’d share with you this awesome infographic I just stumbled upon in the wilds of the internet. They talk about the artists’ processes for each famous movie look- fascinating stuff!

 

TEMPTU - Airbrush Makeup Tips for Halloween

Memorable Makeup from the Movies Infographic Provided by TEMPTU

 

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Makeup Effects in the Age of CGI

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Emma Rae
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I remember seeing Jurassic Park in theaters. The thrill of seeing dinosaurs on the screen was visceral and inspiring. Watching a 16 foot T-Rex muscle its way through cabled fencing and tear apart a car like a hawk eating a mouse- all credit goes to those talented artists whose special effects gave the movie a sense of realism that captivated and terrified an entire generation. Even today, the effects that made the T-Rex and raptors so terrifying are still impressive.

Pictured: The birth of nightmares and high standards for visual effects.

So what happened between then and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace?

Look at Jar Jar Binks. Look at the way the Gungans walk. The cartoonish features, the not-quite-right lighting, the boneless movements. Most of us were shocked to see our beloved Star Wars movies reduced to these distractingly bad graphics.

How could Hollywood have let this happen? (We’re looking squarely at you, George Lucas.)

Well, here’s the dominant theory. When Jurassic Park came out in 1993, CGI (computer generated imagery) was still a relatively new discipline. The computing power and expertise needed to create CG elements were just developing and therefore pretty darn expensive. Therefore, when CGI was a young industry, it was used sparingly in conjunction with the then-standard staples of animatronics, props, and costume makeup.

Nowadays, the technology for CGI (and a wealth of animators who use it) is everywhere and therefore much cheaper to employ. In fact, high quality traditional effects are expensive by comparison. If you want proof, you can see the rampant use of lower-quality CGI in television across the board, particularly in children’s shows.

In addition to better texture and lighting in graphics, we’ve also seen tremendous work in motion capture. Andy Serkis is a revolutionary figure in cinema. His performance as Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy cemented him as a singular performance artist. People like Serkis are stretching the boundaries of what actors can do without the use of makeup, which is nothing short of amazing.

But CGI still struggles to make the grade when it comes to realism. There’s no doubt that it will eventually be able to create flawlessly realistic characters and creatures, but it’s presently painfully obvious that we aren’t there yet when graphics are placed next to props and people.

One of these things is not like the others

It’s the opinion of many of us movie lovers that Jurassic Park aptly demonstrated the key to this dilemma. It seems to be that the marriage of models, puppets, and makeup with the ever-progressing artistry of CGI is what renders the best movie magic.

For a modern-day example, check out one of my favorite shows, The Walking Dead. The combination of practical effects and prudent CGI make for terrifyingly decayed zombies that pass the test of believability.

Hopefully Hollywood will catch on and resurrect this harmonious combination. Hopefully George Lucas will take this idea to heart for Episode 7.

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Video Game Inspired Cosplays

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Emma Rae
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Playing video games is undeniably fun and is a great way to pass some time if you just want to sit back and chill. It’s easy to get lost in plot lines and fall in love with the characters. That being said, it’s one thing to sit down and play your favorite video game but it’s another thing entirely to cosplay your favorite character from it. Cosplaying your favorite video game or character is one more way to immerse yourself in the culture.

You have fun playing a character behind the controllers so it only makes sense that you would have fun playing them in real life. It also gives you a chance to play characters that you would otherwise be unable to because the option is unavailable. Most games only give you the option to be the protagonist but there’s no reason you can’t try cosplaying the antagonist of your favorite game.

If you want to try cosplaying, you can pull from any one of your favorite video games but here are a few that I have been inspired by:

Assassins Creed– Get a little medieval and cosplay your favorite character from Assassins Creed. Perhaps the most popular character to cosplay is Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, but there is a variety that you can choose from.

army man

Mario– You can’t have a video game inspired cosplay list without having Mario on there. First of all, there are a ton of characters to choose from. I myself prefer a good Yoshi cosplay, but it’s really up to you. If you want to work a bit outside the box, here is a great example of some Mario Brothers gender bending.

mario

Street fighter– Even though it was originally developed as an arcade game, Street fighter lends itself to some outstanding cosplays. Ryu appeals to your young martial arts loving self. Tattered white karate gi and a red headband, known as a hachimaki. You can also dress up as Byron Mann who stared as Ryu in the 1994 film version of Street Fighter.

SONY DSC

Or you could always try something like this which I think is extremely impressive.

Earthbound-Earthbound has some fun characters to cosplay that are fairly easy for beginners. However, if you want a challenge you could also cosplay Giygas. It may take a bit of creativity but I assure you it can be done.  Or you can pansy out and play Ness. Although these guys do make it look pretty good.

ness&paulacosplay

Time and Eternity– Toki and Towa – the perfect cosplay for those of you who claim to have split personalities. You can either go as a duo or mesh the two into one.  I’ve never actually seen anyone that has attempted to cosplay one of the two but I would love to see what people would come up with!

 

What are some of your favorite video game characters that you might like to try cosplaying?

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The Upstanding Halloween Makeup

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Emma Rae
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As we all know the key to a perfect costume is the accessories and makeup that accompany your vision. In order to have the full impact of any given costume there needs to also be makeup that seems realistic to the character you are trying to portray. So here are some of the top costume makeup ideas to really spruce up your next costume!

 Fairy Barbie Makeup

Her amazing video will surely make your night sparkle!

Vampire Do

Blood sucking fun

Easy Deer Makeup

Faunderful!

Zombie Makeup

 

Imagination is key, and often times it takes until midway through the video to grasp the full complexity and character that is being done. Regardless of if you are going for zombie makeup or the fairy Barbie- the short amount of time it takes to do the makeup will maximize your costume efforts, and make you look that much better!

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Looking Dirty in Hollywood

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Emma Rae
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Simply not bathing or combing your hair for an entire week isn’t the most efficient way to get the dirty look- especially not in Hollywood. Yet this look must be accomplished somehow and, contrary to popular belief, the best way to look like you haven’t showered in a month is to paste on copious amounts of makeup and hair product!

This “dirty” look can be seen in popular television shows, notably The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. In each of these shows, the characterization would not be nearly as believable or interesting if it were not for the fantastic makeup.

 The Walking Dead:

Sure, there are pretty cool videos and makeup tutorials to replicate the zombies on The Walking Dead– but the living characters love the makeup just as much!

“I get very upset if anyone’s dirtier or bloodier than I am,” says Norman Reedus, who plays fan favorite, Daryl, on the show. “I occasionally try to steal the dirt from [our makeup girl], and take it back to my trailer, and roll around in it.”

TWD_410_GP_0904_0068

fe443af0584a4fc7cf8a7e3869ad4b50

Game of Thrones:

Not only is “dirty makeup” a must, actors need to have dirt under their nails and in their hair, too!

2769_Dirty-Arya-Stark-Game-of-Thrones-season-2

Maisie Williams, who plays the ever-muddy Arya Stark in GoT, explains in a Vine video that forgetting to remove her dirt makeup means she gets mistaken for a homeless person on occasion:

Makeup

Here is a video on how to create the dirty look yourself with at home products.

If you’re interested in the real deal, you can purchase a “grunge” dirty pallet or a jar of the “Clean dirty”. Using your favorite makeup products, follow these simple steps to achieve the grittiest of “dirty” looks:

SkinIllust_palette 1. Put your sponge into this mixture, and blot in the areas that you want.

2. Highlight around these dirty bruises with light brown eye shadows (no glitter)

4. Make the sponge a little wet, and blot the colors together- make sure there are no lines or creases

3. For a 3D look you can rub a little Vaseline and coffee ground onto the skin.

4. Regular plain chap-stick will do the trick for the lips! No color necessary!

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Hair

For best results with your hair, you ought not wash your hair for one day- so it can actually get a little dirty. The following day, put a little dry shampoo in it to reduce oil.

Braid three portions of your hair and straight iron those little braids. Let the heat cool down, and then take the braids out.

Use hair wax to twist portions of your hair, creating the piecey look. Then spray it with a styling spray.

Run your fingers through your hair and voila, grungy hair day! Here is a video if you’re a visual learner!

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you accomplish the best Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead costume at the party!

Posted in Halloween Make Up, Make Up, Movie Magic, Television | Leave a comment

Wig Out: 2013’s Greatest Moments in Television Wiggery

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Emma Rae
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When it comes to the world of film, wigs are absolutely everywhere. Without wigs, it would be virtually impossible for actors to achieve the right look for period dramas, epic fantasies, and other-worldly sci-fi flicks. But how often do these fabulous follicular fakes make it onto the small screen?

All. The. Time.

In the past year of television, there has been a near explosion of hairpieces and wigs — from talk shows like The View to dramas like The Good Wife and Boardwalk Empire. 

Here are my favorite moments in TV wiggery from 2013:

Downton Abbey

Set among the British aristocracy in the 20’s, Downton Abbey requires the actors to sport hairstyles that — while stunningly gorgeous — aren’t exactly what you’d call modern.

Maggie Smith Downton Abbey Wig

L: The Dowager Countess of Grantham (Downton Abbey), R: Dame Maggie Smith

Dame Maggie Smith normally rocks a chic bob, which definitely wouldn’t have been appropriate for the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Thanks to her perfectly coiffed wig, Maggie can pull off the upper-crust look for the show without sacrificing her fashionably-fierce granny appeal.

Rob James-Collier

Rob James-Collier

You might be surprised to learn who else wore a wig this last season. Rob James-Collier (the dastardly Thomas Barrow) found himself in a slight predicament.

“I was in role before we started filming this Downton. They agreed that I could shave my head for it and have a wig for this series. But I think they’d have changed their minds if they found out the price, it was about £3 to £4,000! I don’t know whether I have to pay or they do!”

Game of Thrones

From Daenarys’s intricate silver plaits to Melisandre’s perfectly fiery waves, the amount of detail that goes into the gorgeous wigs of Game of Thrones is mind-boggling.

Cersei & Daenerys

L: Cersei Lannister R:Daenerys Targaryen

For Cersei’s wig alone, the wig maker individually knotted different colored strands of hair onto a lace cap to create a bespoke golden blonde blend.

The show’s wigs are painstakingly maintained — regularly washed, styled, and stored on blocks made in the shape of the actresses’ heads.

Emilia & Lena

Actresses Lena Heady and Emilia Clarke

Furthermore. the actresses love them! Besides giving the dark haired beauties a sense of anonymity, they’ve become attached to their faux tresses.

“I keep asking to go out with the wig at night, but they insist there’s no way. They won’t let me go partying with it on! I would be killed on the spot. It’s silly to say, but when I take the wig off at the end of the day, I’m rather disappointed when I look in the mirror.” — Emilia Clarke (Daenerys)

Much like Downton Abbey, the wigs in Game of Thrones are ridiculously expensive. Since my daughter can’t spend $7000 on a wig for her GoT themed dinner party, she’s planning on grabbing a synthetic wig so she can spend more money on the costume itself.

Now if only someone could tell me where we could find some dragons….

Doctor Who

It’s a bittersweet moment for all Whovians when a Doctor’s time on the show ends. But for 11th Doctor, Matt Smith, his last moments filming the series were not only tearful, they were itchy.

After having shaved off his iconic floppy hair for his role in upcoming movie, How to Catch a Monster, Smith was stuck wearing a wig — lest the Doctor be forced into a regeneration just to explain a sudden buzz cut.

Doctor Who Wigs

Karen Gillian & Matt Smith rocking some awesome wigs.

But Matt was in good company. Former companion Amelia Pond, played by gorgeous red-head Karen Gillian, returned for a scene that left even the hardest-hearted fan in tears.

Gillian was also forced to shave her head for an upcoming movie — Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy — but her wig was extra special. Showrunner Steven Moffat explained,

“That wig is made of her own hair, it’s just detachable now. When they cut her hair they made a wig of her own hair. Doesn’t she look lovely?”

2014 is here and we’re well on our way to a wonderfully wiggy television season. Here’s hoping for a few more shaved heads and Pixie cuts!

 

 

Posted in Men's Wigs, Television, Women's Wigs | Leave a comment

Halloween Accessories: Accentuate The Positive

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Emma Rae
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With Halloween just days away, I think it’s imperative that we all forget the mad rush to squeeze in as much holiday craziness as possible and focus on doing the things that are the most fun for you.

If you’re like me, dressing up is a huge part of the fun of Halloween customs. And, when you’re trying to create that perfect look for Halloween, accessories can make or break a costume. For instance, I saw the world’s cutest clown costume for women, but without a swanky pair of black and white thigh-highs, the outfit loses some of its punch. The same is true for make-up, props, shoes or any other sweet little accessory. A complete look for the holiday is one that is pulled together, so as you create your costume, keep that in mind. Afterall, what’s a masquerade costume without a mask?

You know the saying, “Blondes have more fun”? I couldn’t disagree more, not because I’m a blonde and it’s a cliche, but because why limit fun to just one hair color!? Maybe it’s more fun to be have blue hair, or pink, purple or orange!? I am talking about costume wigs, of course. The perfect wig will complete an outfit, almost more than any other, so don’t skip this accessory. The same goes for make-up…is there such a thing as a costume that looks great sans hair and makeup? (Well, other than the questionably oriented gym teacher we all had from high school…you know with the androgynous look, mullet and tennis outfit?)

So, folks, take a cue from Gwenyth Paltrow when she said, “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”

Emma Rae Curtis is a costume, dressing-up, makeup and accessories expert. She mainly writes about fun Halloween party, craft, and costume ideas, but she especially loves writing about all things costume and dress-up related.

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Hot New Makeup for Halloween

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Emma Rae
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Make-up On A Stick

Even better than meat on a stick, this Halloween, if you’re looking for new makeup tricks to help you create your vision of the most amazing sparkling vampire or zombie, there’s lots of fun new products to try out.

For instance, I just learned about disguise stix, and given their growing popularity, I’m guessing you will soon, too. These sticks are coated in a creamy, basic Halloween make-up that goes on easily will a brush, sponge or by using the stick to apply it.

They also come in lots of colors, so they’d be great for just about any costume.  I think what would be nice about using them is that you could avoid getting as much product on your fingers or costume. Yay for staying semi-flawless for awhile on Halloween! (Actually, it never fails that once I am all dolled up for the occasion, I will promptly spill coffee all over myself…sigh. Ah, well. )

Glowing Creatures

Another cool make-up trend (probably inspired by those blue people in the Avatar”movie or those carnal vampires that run around with glitter on. )

Glow-in-the-dark Makeup SticksI am really into the new line of glow-in-the-dark-make-up and and glow-in-the-dark glitter. (Insert the whiny voice of Bob Wiley from the movie “What About Bob?” as he says, “I want, I need!” over and over and you’ll get an idea of how I feel about it.)

Pop singer Ke$ha wore it, and they even make glow-in-the-dark eyelashes…they’re really long and fantastic if you’ll be attending any black-light festivities.  When I think of the potential, I get choked up. How have we been expected to go out on Halloween for so many years (Years!) without it? Would you just look at the awesomeness potential of this stuff?

There’s more… you can turn yourself silver, haunted, horrifying or hilarious. As long as you have the right tools and tricks at your disposal, you’re destined to be the creepiest of them all.

Halloween makeup idea halloween

One more thing,  if you’re one of those hardcore, professional makeup people with a steady hand, and in all likelihood, a lifetime subscription to the Bob Ross Happy Little Trees School, then behold this:

eyelid-art-1.jpg
Eyelid art via Geekologie

 

All I have to say is that its very impressive, I could never replicate it, but man, it sure makes me WANT a galaxy painted on my eyelids.

I’ve given you a taste of some of the newer offerings out there in terms of makeup, so don’t limit yourself. If you need more specific information on applying makeup or creating a specific look, there are some excellent tutorials online. I’m a fan of the Spider Queen video posted below.

Spider Queen Black Widow Halloween Makeup

Emma Rae Curtis is a costume/dressing up/makeup & accessories expert. She mainly writes about Halloween but also about all things costume and dress-up related.

Posted in Face painting ideas, Halloween Accessories, Halloween Make Up | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Be Bold: Tips on Wearing Wigs

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Emma Rae
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Sexy Star Bright Fairy Costume Adult PlusI know of no finer occasion to sport some outlandish accessories than Halloween. Dressing in costume naturally lends itself to extreme looks and bold color, and to that end, one of the most incredible must-haves for a great Halloween getup is a wig. Wigs aren’t just to cover up a thinning hairline anymore.

Ancient Eqyptian statue depicting people in wigs. Image via Wikipedia.

Did you know that wigs have been around since the ancient times, and even the Egyptians wore them.  They are usually made of human or animal hair, or are synthetic.

Even if you are just trying them on, wigs are pure fun to experiment with.I’ve always wondered how I’d look with pink hair, or an afro, and at Halloween, I can find out if a just-for-fun wig works for me, or if there’s a hairdo out there that I should switch to…a brunnette bob, for instance.

wigs - Adult Fuchsia Pink Frenchie Grease WigOr a black one….oooh, better yet, maybe I was destined to be a fiery, fierce red head?

The best part about wigs is that they aren’t permanent, so it’s a change that you can put away in the back of the closet if it doesn’t suit you. Besides that, you can’t go wrong with a one-day wear if you always wanted to give your inner punk rocker a blue hair day. 

For those of us who don’t have that gorgeous mane, Halloween is a great time to experiment with wearing a wig for the first time. It’s becoming more socially acceptable for women to wear wigs on a day to day basis. In fact, a high-end wig made of human hair can cost thousands of dollars.

Princess Leia’s Bun Things

But for this blog post, we’re going to discuss women’s wigs to wear as part of a perfect costume…and thankfully, those will usually cost less than $30. What would Rainbow Brite be without her signature flowing locks?Or how will would we ever know who Princess Leia is without those iconic cinnamon rolls…er, I mean buns on the sides of her head?

WIG CAP NUDEWhatever you decide to do with your hair for Halloween, if you go with a wig, don’t forget the wig tape, and a wig cap to hold your real hair in while you have that wig on.

Happy wig wearing!

 

Posted in Awesome Halloween Things, Halloween Accessories, Women's Wigs | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment