In Love with Fall

Although every season has its perks, the time of year I most resonate with is when the leaves start changing colors and trees are multi-hued.

I love how the weather gets cooler and I can begin bundling up in cozy clothes come autumn.

All this considered, I didn't really post many makeup tutorials with a fall theme last year (I was more preoccupied creating Halloween looks, haha!). There's my basic fall tutorial that uses rich shades for easy-to-apply makeup with the vibe of the season.

Click HERE for the video

...and this year (2010), in anticipation of fall I've uploaded a video with steps on putting together a vampy look that's also winter-appropriate for those who enjoy wearing much darker shades.

Click ME to see the tutorial

At this point, at least for the remainder of the year, I don't know yet if I'll be putting up any more videos with autumn specifically in mind. I just filmed a tutorial for a foxy look that makes use of warm and deep makeup colors that are suited to this time of year, but once it's been edited, I just might focus on costume makeup looks for those who want to play dress up on All Hallows' Eve.

In any case, while I'm grateful for the opportunity summer's given me to wear less clothing and not always have to think about putting my socks and shoes on to keep warm whenever I step outside, I am really thankful that my most beloved time of year is here again.

Cheers and I'll be back soon!

~Lea

Prom!

I know it's still somewhat early, but to give prom attendees some time to pick and practice makeup looks that appeal to them, I have started planning some tutorials for the occasion.

In fact, I already have one up.

Granted, I started with something that isn't quite so classic--it's an intense jewel-tone smoky eye--but there are girls who aren't so big on looking like most everyone else, and this particular tutorial actually doesn't take a lot of time, that I thought it wasn't such a bad place to start.

However, keep an eye out for looks on my YouTube channel that are closer to traditional if they are more your style. After all, with the exception of tutorials I put out for Halloween or costume parties, I like keeping the looks I create on the wearable side.

I also made a playlist for future prom and bridal-style makeup tutorials, which you can view by clicking HERE. Now watch it grow! ;)

Right now I will be getting some rest to make up for being pretty busy in the past few days as my family is visiting and my dog's got a cough that rears its head most especially at bedtime, but I will be back soon. I hope to film another tutorial by tomorrow.

Wishing you well wherever you are in the world,

~Lea

P.S.

You certainly don't have to be a prom attendee or a bride or bridesmaid to benefit from the aforementioned playlist. If you love playing with makeup, by all means take a look, as there just might be something there that calls out to you!

Makeup Looks Inspired by "The Runaways"

Since the movie The Runaways is going to be released on March 19th (at least in the U.S.), I thought I'd play around with creating inspired looks for the two stars/main characters for anyone who's a fan of either the actors or the "rock chick" sort of makeup they have on in the film.

These videos have been up on my YouTube channel for quite a few days now, but I'll post them here as well for those who happen to come across this blog post instead of the actual videos.

The first one I put up is based off of Kristen Stewart and Joan Jett, who Kristen plays in the movie. It has a different feel from the way Joan wears her makeup these days--as the movie is set in the 1970s--so I just might do a more modern Joan Jett video tutorial sometime in the future. After all, I think Joan is super hot, be it yesterday or today!

The second tutorial I posted has a somewhat more feminine, as opposed to tomboyish, feel to it, although it's not your basic perfect pretty makeup either. I put the look together using Dakota Fanning and Cherie Currie as inspiration. Dakota plays The Runaways' lead singer Cherie in the movie. Did you know that these days Cherie is a chainsaw artist?

There you have them. I'm slightly more preoccupied than usual at the moment because my family is visiting me from the other side of the state, but I already have so many more videos planned, so stay tuned if you enjoy makeup tutorials. I'll be putting up a bunch of prom looks in particular, as it's that time of year when prom attendees are seeking inspiration for one of the most anticipated times in the life of many a teen.

I'll see you again really soon. Thanks for stopping by today!

~Lea

Janis Joplin, Tomorrow's Tutorial and My Rescued Dog

As I write this, I have on that hairstyle you see in the above photo. The makeup to match is all that's missing for you to figure out who the inspiration is for my next tutorial.

...but hold on!

No need to devote so much time and effort to guessing who I'm basing my next instructional makeup video on if the hair isn't enough of a clue. I'll film it tomorrow and post the video on my YouTube channel as soon as I'm done editing it.

Right now, I have my "How I Would Have Done Janis Joplin's Makeup" tutorial pretty freshly uploaded on YouTube, so you can view it to help with your makeup fix, if that's what you're looking for.

This video was actually quite easy to edit, but I took slightly longer than usual to put it up because I've been busy.

Busy loving my new baby, Lakota, that is!

My sweetheart, who'd been researching Australian Cattle Dogs/Blue Heelers for six months before finally getting this one, rescued Lakota from a dog shelter about an hour away; he was already on the "URGENT!" list, and maybe that's what was necessary to catch my fiance's attention.

Lakota, named after the Lakota Sioux Native Americans who my sweetheart and I very much resonate with, is everything that my sweetheart's been looking for in a Blue Heeler, from his appearance to his temperament to his intelligence and so on and so forth.

Although he's a blessing I am very much grateful for, I won't go into so much detail on our sweet doggie for now; my sweetheart may vlog and/or blog about him, so I won't take that away from him hahaha!

Nevertheless, you can expect to see and hear more from me about this furry angel as we go along because he's my baby too. Stick with me if you love doggies!

Who knows, he just might make an appearance here and there in my videos.

Good night from California and I'll see you again very soon!

~Lea

Inspired Playboy-Style Makeup and My Upcoming (Fantasy) Tutorial

During the Halloween season in 2009, I posted on my channel a video where I created a Playboy-style look inspired by the makeup worn by the models on the pages of Hugh Hefner's magazine.

This was at the time I had just discovered YouTube's Audio Swap feature, where the music of your choice from the website's selection completely replaces any audio you may have on your video. Hence, I wasn't speaking as I conducted the tutorial, and told myself I could always do a better one later on.

Surely enough, I felt moved to experiment with the Playboy theme again in a second video, which I put together for anyone who didn't have all the time in the world at any given moment, but nevertheless wanted those distinctive sultry black-rimmed eyes and glossy full lips.

In this third flirtation of mine with this makeup style, I studied photos of makeup artist Alexis Vogel's (see the video below to find out more about her) work prior to filming the tutorial. I ended up with considerably darker eyes and somewhat frostier lips than in either of the previous videos, and these appeared especially striking against the blond mane I have on this time around.

I must say, I really enjoy painting on this sultry look, and will probably create more tutorials based on it in the future. I'll put a spin on each one I do, so that viewers and subscribers can see definite differences from one to the next.

In the meantime, the next video I'm thinking of filming is one where the inspiration for the look (vague hint: she's a celebrity who passed away before I was born) wasn't known for wearing makeup. So what I'm going to do is play with the idea of how I would have applied her makeup. As I write this, I only have a vague notion of how I will be going about it, but as usual...

I'm already so VERY excited!

I'll leave you with that clue that probably won't get you anywhere at the moment (haha, those of you who are regular readers must know by now about my penchant for keeping my ideas a surprise until I have some kind of physical manifestation to share with you!). Let's just say that lovers of both vintage and rock 'n roll style may appreciate what I come up with next...

I'll see you soon!

~Lea

My Main Inspiration for the "Gaga" Look

If you've seen the video, "Lady Gaga Does Old Hollywood (Inspired) Makeup Tutorial," on my YouTube channel, you may be wondering what's so Gaga-ish about the soft look I created.

After all, the famous pop and dance music star is known for her outrageous fashion sense.

However, if you do a little bit of research, you'll see that Gaga has actually had moments where her makeup isn't so wild. She may have on an eccentrically creative outfit, yet paired the ensemble with a rather fresh face.

While I didn't exactly recreate any look of hers in particular, I did use a certain photo as a springboard for the tutorial. At the bottom of this blog post, you'll see Gaga wearing makeup colors very similar to what I had on in my video. Sure, my eyebrows are darker and my lashes aren't as heavy, nor are they downturned like hers, but you'll see the similarity.

I really enjoyed myself in the process of filming this video--the pinks are in my opinion absolutely pretty, AND I had that blond wig on. The experience has me wondering if I ought to go platinum blond for a little bit and just have fun with it.

...or I could just go the Gaga route and change my hair whenever I feel like it with the help of any color and style of hairpiece or wig that currently catches my fancy.

Let's see...!

I'll be back with much more,

~Lea

Gaga donning the look that was my main inspiration for this video. Note: I do not own the above photo.

Gothic Lolita and Hints for My Next Makeup Tutorial

While I normally do makeup tutorials that are closer to what can be called "conventionally pretty," I nevertheless enjoy a little bit of variety, hence the latest video I've posted on my YouTube channel.

To anyone who's been waiting for something with a Gothic flavor from yours truly, here is a dark Little Girl Lost sort of makeup look you might enjoy, or can at least use for inspiration in creating your own vampy look. Come October, when many will be getting ready for costume parties or are gearing up to go Trick or Treating, I may post at least one tutorial with a mood similar to this one's, although it will be more theatrical and dramatic, of course. (Click HERE if you want to see videos from my Costume Makeup how-to playlist.)

As for those who'd rather reserve the black lipstick for Halloween or never, don't fret; the next video I have in mind has a much lighter feel than this one.

I'm not going to post photos this time to leave you any clues because I'm sure some of you will know immediately what I'm going for, which I as usual want to keep a surprise until the video has at least been filmed.

What I am telling you though, is that I am using a hair color I have never ever worn in my entire life to help add pizazz to the video. You certainly don't have to change your hair color to make the next look I am doing work for you, so all you have to do until next time is sit tight if you're on the lookout for new beauty and makeup tips and techniques!

I'll be back soon!

~Lea

Sexy Pirate Part Two?

Last Halloween (2009), I was requested to do a pirate look by someone who was searching for the makeup to go with her costume. I was feeling inspired, and filmed the instructional video for it the very next day.

It was a hit during the season (thanks for suggesting it to begin with, Lynn!), getting the most views any YouTube post of mine had ever gotten, and so soon after I put it up too.

Now it's nowhere near Halloween as I write this, but about a week or a week and a half ago, I noticed that my "Sexy Pirate Costume Party Makeup" video had out of nowhere once more shot to the top of my most-viewed list. It didn't creep back up the list--it was at number one just like that.

And that got me thinking... Perhaps I should post a second version of the look come Halloween. It appears to be pretty popular, so anyone who enjoys the "Sexy Pirate" look will have two options to choose from on my channel.

I'm so excited for Halloween! That time last year was when I started filming more makeup videos because I was having such a blast playing with looks we normally wouldn't wear outside of a costume party. I look forward to another All Hallows' Eve fun time on YouTube this year, with videos that I'll make sure are at least a step up from last year's.

Stay tuned... ;)

Excited,

~Lea

Would you come join me in L.A. for a fun day of beauty?

If I set up an inner and outer beauty workshop and informed you about it way ahead of time, would you be interested in attending?

While I have yet to finalize the agenda for just such an event, I plan on it being very informative and entertaining.

Also, what I mean by "inner and outer beauty" in case you wanted some clarification, is that the workshop won't focus solely on makeup application tips and the like. Metaphysical and spiritual (these are non-denominational, if you're coming across my work for the first time through this blog entry) activities to help you get in touch with yourself will also be included.

Depending on how things unfold from here on out, I very well could simply divide the workshop into two sections--one for Inner Beauty, the other for Outer Beauty. Thus attendees can conveniently decide if they want to participate in both or just one of the two.

After all, very soon now my sweetheart and I will be taking hypnotherapy training, the results of which we would like to share with those of you who are interested in a deeper exploration of your psyche. I also have a very dear life coach friend I'll be working in conjunction with to bring you a richer and more textured "Your Most Beautiful Life" experience.

See how there's a lot of ground to cover or possibly break down here for a workshop or a couple different ones even?

I know that eventually there will have to be a variety of workshops to accommodate all these offerings, but for starters, I'm really excited to bring you an event that introduces the gist of what I, my sweetheart, and my soul sister-friend are passionate about and would love to share with YOU!

I'll get back to you with specifics when I can, but you most certainly can let me know starting now if there's a chance you'll be at one of my upcoming events in 2010.

Looking forward to spending a fun day with you,

~Lea

Me and the attendees of a workshop I facilitated in the Philippines in 2005

Can I do your makeup, pretty please with whipped cream on top?! :)

Since I was little, I've loved beauty, glamour and The Arts.

In terms of expression during those much younger days, I particularly enjoyed sketching designs of outfits I came up with in my head, applying crayon makeup to Barbie and her friends in my coloring books, and wearing a different hairstyle to school everyday.

Some people thought these loves and behaviors of mine were weird and/or impractical, but my enjoyment of lovely things and the process of creating them remains to this day, and I embrace them with all of my heart!

After all, whether you and I share the same interests or not, we can coexist on this planet as long as we make it a point to never infringe on anyone else's rights or free will.

What's more, we can pretend to be someone other than who we really are inside, but that won't make our personal truth go away. For instance, I've played up other sides of myself--such as the intellectual, the mystic, the nerdy bookworm, the rebel, et cetera, et cetera--in the past to cover up both the artist and the beauty lover, but I eventually ended up feeling like a big fat walking lie.

...and I can't live like that. The voice of my Authentic Self has always been too loud for me to ignore.

In my experience, there were challenges in the beginning when I chose the path of being true to myself regardless of who would approve or disapprove, but you know, the disapproving ones disappeared from my personal reality the more comfortable I became with no longer having to hide who I am and what I fancy. In other words, the people surrounding me and, more importantly, my reactions to their reactions were all just reflecting back to me where I stood at the moment. Once I had no more need of certain reminders or life lessons, the people and experiences who were there for me to test out my responses to these automatically went away so they were no longer part of my life... OR they seemed to change so that I could actually enjoy them instead of being rubbed the wrong way by them.

So.

All that said, can I do your makeup pretty please?! :)

Whether you enjoy experimenting with makeup to enhance your natural beauty, or as a smoke and mirrors way to create different looks, I invite you to come play with me as Lea, the makeup artist.

If you need some help with looking extra stunning for a special occasion--like a wedding, huge movie premiere, prom or other party where pictures are going to be taken liberally throughout the event--I would love, love, LOVE to do your makeup!

If you've never seen my work before, you can go to my YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/LeaWhiteFeather to view some makeup tutorials created with love. If you like what you see and don't want to miss future videos, make sure you subscribe as there's so much more to come over there. For quicker updates, feel free to join me on Facebook as well: www.facebook.com/yourmostbeautifullife

And if you decide you want your makeup done by me or want my assistance with personalized lessons so you can learn how to do your own makeup flatteringly and with a professional touch, I invite you to get in touch with me HERE and I look forward to using your face as a canvas for one of the most enjoyable arts I've ever indulged in!

I currently work out of my own location, which is in Los Angeles, CA, so keep that in mind prior to setting up our makeup playdate.

All my best,

~Lea

***

If you've never heard of me before but happened to stumble across this blog post and are curious about my background, here is my brief bio as it appeared on one of my Beauty Editor's pages:

I have been a professional makeup artist and instructor since 2004; however, my passion for beauty goes all the way back to childhood, which is when I began educating myself on the subject. Aside from facilitating one-on-one sessions and workshops on makeup and beauty, I also maintain a beauty blog and write articles that have been published online. I have worked in locations such as the Philippines, New Jersey, New York, the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. You can find me as well at www.youtube.com/LeaWhiteFeather

When Things Don't Go Your (Ego's) Way AND Modern Pin-Up Makeup Tips

Today, I spent about an hour recording my latest makeup tutorial.

It was supposed to be a modernized version of pin-up girl makeup inspired by Katy Perry.

...but alas, my camera did not record the video properly and now I don't have any footage to share with viewers and subscribers of my YouTube channel who want to recreate such a look. Oh, well!

I'll tell you what then; I do have pictures of the finished product, so I'll at least post some of them to give you an idea of what you can do to create your own version of makeup for today's pin-up girl. The main differences between this and vintage pin-up makeup are that the lower lid is defined here but not in the original style, and the cheeks and lips are a more playful pink hue rather than the deeper red or somewhat coral-red favored by models and starlets who wore the look in days past.

Here's a brief breakdown of the makeup you see in the photos below:

The eyebrows are well-defined, with a strong arch. The eyes are rimmed with black eyeshadow lifted slightly at the outer corners to create something of a cat eye.

On the crease and slightly above it, silver eyeshadow--or any other similar shade you fancy--makes the eyelid glisten. Strip false eyelashes on the top lash line open up the eyes and add to the flirtiness of the look.

A light. soft pink adorns both the cheeks and the lips. The complexion is mattified so as to give the wearer a fresh and polished appearance.

I would've loved to post a tutorial on this look for my viewers who enjoy videos of the sort. However, sometimes things that keep us from proceeding as originally planned do happen, and the sanest response to me is just to let go and move on from where you are, with what you have.

There probably won't be a how-to video from me on this exact same look since the inspiration I felt for it all went into the filming of the tutorial I made today. If you've already experimented with basic pin-up makeup however, you shouldn't be challenged when playing with this look since it's just a couple of changes away from the classic one.

Thank you for joining me for this blog post. I told you not too long ago that I'd be back soon--and so I will again!

Wishing you good night from my corner of the world,

~Lea

♪ "The times, they are a-changin..." ♬

Yesterday I went to Universal Studios Hollywood after almost five years since my last visit.

To me, it isn't just a theme park--I am deeply fascinated with and drawn to Old Hollywood history, so this property to me is about more than just going on rides.

Although... you know what?

I went on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster and oh, man...!

Let's get this clear: I am not a roller coaster fan to begin with; the only reason I went on this particular one was because I'd been on it in the past after hearing it wasn't so bad, and had a very smooth experience on it. I didn't feel like I was going to get thrown off or like I was being dragged around very forcibly.

Yesterday however, was a different story.

Not only was the attraction slightly, but noticeably, bumpier since I'd last been on it, if I remember correctly they've changed the harness that comes down over the shoulders to hold riders securely in place into that lap bar that is positioned between the legs instead.

If they indeed did, that would explain the sensation that came over me the moment the ride picked up speed and proceeded into the sharp dips that I find most terrifying on roller coasters.

The first time I went on the ride in 2005, I went to Universal by myself yet I wanted to get right back on Revenge of the Mummy since I didn't experience the usual uneasiness that swirls in my stomach when I'm on a fast-paced thrill ride. Yesterday though, my sweetheart was right beside me and even held my hand throughout the trip through Imhotep world, but that I'm-gonna-get-tossed-off-of-this-ride feeling was there.

Even The Simpsons attraction that took the place of the awesome Back to the Future ride has more violent motions and wilder, trippier visuals than its predecessor.

I bet that Universal founder Carl Laemmle (he founded the company in 1912) didn't have any idea it all would be what it is today!

While I'm not complaining--I'm merely observing--I find it interesting to ponder that if these are all supposed to be upgrades reflecting general preferences, does that mean the masses want a rowdier and more raucous experience of life these days? Maybe part of the explanation is, with all the stimuli and noise surrounding us we've simply become desensitized that we have to be shaken quite a bit to differentiate our theme park visits from our everyday lives.

I've always been hypervigilant so thrill rides have never been my thing (I appreciate the story-driven Disney theme park attractions any day over anything designed to scare riders half to death), but since many people I know have gotten more sensitive in that their empathy has increased in even just the last year alone, I am curious--what do fellow empaths feel when on a tremulous, wild theme park attraction?

I hope you're enjoying your ride through life!

~Lea

With my cousin, Rikki, at Universal CityWalk Hollywood in 2005.