It’s been almost 9 months since I’ve done a makeup job, and I’d be lying if I told you that I don’t miss it. Being a full time mom is extremely rewarding, but sometimes I need a change of pace, and scenery. After having my daughter, I was quickly able to pick up jobs here and there when she was as young as 3 months old. I loved leaving the house for a few hours to clear my head and do something different. By the time my daughter was 9 months old, I started working again part-time. My daughter from the get go was confident, independent and happy with just about anyone. Nothing seemed to phase her, and she had no issues taking a bottle. She also slept soundly through the night at 2 months…we were lucky. Being naive, I assumed my son would be the same. It’s been 9 months and he’s stuck to me like velcro and happiest when I’m within arms reach. He refuses to take a bottle, and isn’t ok with just anyone. The odd times I’ve left him for a mere hour or two, I came home to a hungry, screaming baby, with a desperate, frustrated, husband. Therefore anytime I leave, my mind is constantly wondering if he is ok.
When Sara contacted me regarding a photoshoot for the new Amaterasu website, I so desperately wanted to participate. My head swirled with ideas of how I could make this work. Luckily for me, Sara and the models (who are also a part of the Amaterasu family) were extremely understanding and accommodating, agreeing to come over to my house early, before my daughter (and hopefully son) woke up.
Both kids were still sleeping when everyone arrived (hallelujah). The look we were going for was an ultra-dramatic cat eye, bronze cheeks, with a pink/nude lip.
I started off prepping the girls faces with Geisha Ink Mineral Foundation, Leanna wearing Miyuki and Anna wearing Ichiko. I made sure the girls eyelids were primed and free of any oils by sweeping the foundation over their eyelids as well. I then lightly applied a matte rosy blush on the apples of their cheeks; followed by bronzer along their cheekbones up towards their temples, to create a bronze, sun kissed defined cheek. Next, I took my Amaterasu Liquid Brow Liner and filled in their eyebrows; Leanna using a combo of chestnut and brunette and Anna using a not yet released colour called Taupe. Using a matte brown shadow, I shaded the crease of their lids and then applied a white shadow under their brows and on their eyelid to highlight and add dimension. Next, I took my Amaterasu Liquid Eyeliner in black and swept it along their eyelids sweeping the liner up, towards the tail of their eyebrows. Once I had my initial cat eye, I began building the line thicker and thicker until I achieved the look I was happy with. I then used Amaterasu’s new Eye Pencil in black, and smudged it along the bottom lash line connecting it with the upper wing creating a more smouldering look. With the same Eye Pencil, I drew along their waterline to accentuate the look. Next, I curled their lashes and applied 5 coats of the Amaterasu Volume Mascara to create the look of false lashes. I then finished off the look by lining their lips with a rosy lip liner applying a nude/pink lipstick to their lips.
Using the Amaterasu Liquid Eyeliner for this look, helps me as an artist, create a flawless cat eye effortlessly and quickly! Amaterasu’s Eye Pencil is beyond amazing. It’s the first eye pencil I have found that glides along the lash line without tugging or pulling, and stays put all day without any base or primer! The build ability of the Amaterasu Ultra Volume Mascara helps me achieve a look of false lashes, without actually using false lashes. I also don’t have to worry about combing out any clumps, as the formula glides on clump free, even after 5 coats!
It is definitely harder these days to juggle my kids and work. I am so fortunate that the Amaterasu family is so understanding, accommodating and supportive!
Maureen Sengara – Makeup Artist
