Everyone kept telling me … encouraging me … suggesting to me…. begging me to get some edgier editorial photos to add to our straight-forward product shots.  Something with models, that could help capture the emotional appeal of a vanity.  Which was always my dream, right?  Like, why have a vanity in your home anyway?  Can’t you just get ready in the foggy bathroom mirror?Umm, nooooo! Because, as you know it’s much more than a mirror for me.  This is a sacred space, your backstage moment before you take on the role of Leading Lady in your own life.

"Lots can happen ..."

"Lots can happen ..."

Maria a la "An Education"

Maria a la "An Education"

Enter photographer Anita Razzano.  In a nanosecond (well … like 4 hours) she captured the vibes I had been dreaming of.  Three models, nine looks!!  Yes, she’s an artist – but as a commerce gal – I also really appreciated her ability to work fast.  I think it’s because she’s also a Mom that she’s able to multi-task with such ease and grace.

Here is a little more information on Anita in case you have headshots, product shots, editorial shots, band shots floating around in your head that you’d like to bring to life.

WHO: Anita Razzano, Photographer

WHAT: Photographer, artist, special effects, photoshop, lighting and art director.  She’s like a one-stop shop.

WHERE: On location, In and around Los Angeles, with a special affinity for the artistic vibe of Venice Beach, CA

WHEN:  Flexible schedule

WHY: Because great photos can make or break a great product, acting/modeling career, band trajectory or special event.  You want to make sure to capture those moments.   With a multi-disciplinary background in the fine arts, Anita is not simply a point and shoot photographer.  Although she works quickly, she can truly function as an Art Director as well to bring your vision to life.

RATES: Begin at $300

HOW TO WORK WITH ANITA: Leave us a comment here or @vanitygirl and we’ll put you in touch with her.

Donia Hair

We learn about beauty and life sitting at our Mother's Vanity

We learn about beauty and life sitting at our Mother's Vanity

THE REST OF GLAM SQUAD THAT DAY:

Makeup: Jessica

Hair: Clariss

Young Vanity Girl Model: Ashla (can model ages 6 – 9)

Blonde Bombshell Model: Donia

Brunette Beauty Model: Maria

Wardrobe styling: Me and the rest of the gals on set

Art Direction: Anita Razzano and me – she’s an awesome collaborator!

LEAVE A COMMENT HERE @VANITY GIRL TO WORK WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE!!

PS.  What I really loved most about my first photo shoot as well was this whole feeling of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”  As Anita and I were pulling some clothes, and Jessica was on Donia’s makeup as Clariss finished up Maria’s hair, I was really struck by how it felt like girls playing dress up.  Yes, super talented and gorgeous girls with some really great clothes, but there was like, zero ego. Everyone came to set and WORKED IT OUT  and I was so GRATEFUL to everyone for their beauty, talent, sparkle and yes … vanity.

PPS. We knew our vanities were going like hot cakes with photographers throughout the US and Canada, but it was pretty funny when I had to call our factory to send us another Starlet because our hair and makeup team literally had to use one to get the best lighting possible.  Functional and pretty … that’s Vanity Girl!!

Post Glaminar Glow

June 28, 2010

So it was a total MUA weekend for me, which is great because I got inspired.  I’m thinking of adding some new accessories to add to Vanity Girl Hollywood.  Yesterday, I attended the “Bombshell Beauty” portion of Kandee Johnson’s Glaminar. It’s always inspiring to see Kandee’s devotees – and it was so fun to have our little pink Starlet featured as a giveaway.  It’s even more fun to hear firsthand from girls who’ve seen our mirrors either through Kandee or Makeup Geek or other different ways.  I’ll post up some pics later, but in the meantime, I thought I’d share some of Kandee’s favorite products with you.  I learned a lot yesterday. She can show you technique way better than me obviously, so I thought I’d just stick to the things you can buy LOL.

Picture 105Her #1 love: Smoulder eye kohl from MAC.  Like lost on a desert island, this is the product for her.  Just line the waterline and smudge away. ($14.50)

L’Oreals’s True Match Foundation. Yay!  I like this product too.  I think it blends so nicely and what a deal! (appx $7.99)

Makeup Forever: Foundations. Get one dark and one light for perfect contouringPicture 106 (appx $40)

Dinair: Air brushing machine.  She also suggested using the makeup as an undereye concealer but warned, you have to work FAST! (appx $199 for machine and kit)

MAC: 1) Peaches & Pink – Blush  2) Whirl – Lipliner

Wet & Wild: 666 Lipliner ($1.49)

Crown: Brushes.  She loves the 400 line.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol II

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol II

Urban Decay: She likes:  1)  All Nighter Setting spray  2) Sphinx for lips  3)  Book of Shadows Volume 2  4) Naked Lip Liner

Model in a Bottle: Makeup setting products galore

Have to have blush colors: 1) Baby Pink  2) Peach 3) Hot Pink

Brow Must Have’s: 1) Tinkle Razors 2) Spool Brush  3) Cuticle Scissors. She also likes threading.

Vanity Mirrors: Vanity Girl Hollywood Starlet in Pink $269

So there it is ladies.  Just a couple of things that Kandee loves and uses to achieve her favorite looks.  If you’d like to see her technique in action, make sure to sign up for one of her Glaminars in a town near you!