Studio Sessions with BeautyCubed

I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot over the holidays working with some very talented people. The vision for the shoot was to portray the essence of my blog – Beauty, Brains & Bourbon – where you can be pretty, witty and smart all at the same time.  If you’re wondering…why bourbon? Well what better than whiskey to lead way for some awesomely controversial discussions?  For years, society has attributed beauty with a lack of intelligence, but I know plenty of women who are the total package – the best known example to date is Amal Clooney – the new age trophy wife. Below I breakdown the details and share some highlights.

PHOTOGRAPHY

I collaborated with university friend and New York City portrait photographer, Anushila Shaw who happened to be home for the holidays.  At first I was a bit stiff, but a shot of bourbon later, we kicked back, aligned our creative vision and just had some fun. She was very helpful with guiding me on how to prepare for the shoot and gave some great pointers on how to pose for the camera. Her photography style aims to capture realistic depictions of people in their true character.

“My goal is to portray each client’s unique and natural beauty.  My portraits are dramatic, stylish and intimate.” – Anushila Shaw

MAKE UP

I’ve been going to Seher Sultan from Seher Studio for my make up needs for over 4 years now. I first came across her work when looking for a make up artist for my wedding and immediately knew that I just had to have her. As a make up enthusiast, I’m extremely picky with my make up but love Seher’s ability to enhance your features while still making it look like you! Not to mention that her eyeliner technique is bar none (a technique most make up artists fail to perfect in my opinion). She opted for powder contouring versus cream contour as powder gives a matte look.  With my combination/oily skin, keeping my skin matte ensured highest quality photos. A breakdown of my make up below.

• Face
  • Motives Primer, Motives Custom Blend Foundation, Motives Setting Powder
• Eyebrows:
  • MAC eye shadow in Espresso applied using an angle brush
• Eyes:
  • Urban Decay eye shadow primer, Motives eye shadow in Galaxy on lids, MAC eyeshadow in Carbon for the crease, Motives eyeshadow in Pearl for brow bone, MAC eyeshadow in Kid for blending, Motives gel eyeliner in Little Black Dress, Remi lashes in KP 17
• Contour/Blush:
  • Motives Contour & Highlight Duo, Motives by Lala in Very Deep to give a deeper definition, Motives blush in Burnt Caramel on the apple of the cheeks
• Other:
  • Set make up with Motives 10 years Younger Spray

You’ll note that a lot of Motives Cosmetics products were used, however Seher’s make up philosophy doesn’t keep her married to one brand.

“I love motives cosmetics but I’m not married to one brand.  As a professional make up artist, I love experimenting with different products so I can deliver the best results to my clients.” – Seher Sultan

HAIR

Alene Der Boghossian is a close friend of mine who just happens to make magic happen with my hair.  She put Nexus’ volumizing mousse in wet hair and blow dried my hair leaving the brushes in to give it a soft curl. Curls were touched up with a large barrel curling iron to ensure they wouldn’t drop.

OUTFIT

Dress – ASOS

Jewelry – Custom White Gold Hoops, Beaded Bracelet from Granada Spain, Black Leather Bracelet from Granada Spain, Chain Bracelet with nude thread from Club Monaco.

LOCATION

The shoot took place at Bedlam Studios located in Liberty Village (Toronto, ON) on Fraser Avenue.  It’s located in the industrial part of Liberty Village, lending it its the rustic charm.

The overall experience was a lot of fun and I’m looking to collaborate more in the near future. Check out some of my favourite shots below!

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