Michele Bell's Blog

Boudoir Photography is the Perfect Gift

Michele Bell — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:34:43 +0000

Boudoir Photography has gained popularity in recent years. Some nearlyweds are still a bit hazy on what Boudoir is, and some aren’t sure if they’d be comfortable taking the plunge in a racy Boudoir photo shoot.

So today, I thought I’d clear the air and fill you in on the ins and outs of Boudoir!

What is Boudoir Photography? The art of visually capturing the inner and outer beauty of regular women, in a soft, sensuous and classy way.

Why would I schedule a Boudoir session? There are a few things to remember when considering a boudoir shoot…
1. Boudoir photographs make a wonderful wedding day, Valentine’s Day, or Anniversary gift for your man!
2. If you are planning your wedding, you’ve likely been working hard on getting your bod into tip top shape. Capture your pre-marriage, pre-baby body in all of its glory with boudoir photos! You can look back on these when you are old and grey, and remind your hubby how hot you looked when you said “I Do”!

Where do these Boudoir photo sessions take place? Most reputable boudoir photographers will conduct your shoot wherever you feel most comfortable. Typically, this would be in the privacy of your own home. Some alternatives- your best friend’s house (for some moral support!) or a hotel room (to help unleash your inner sexpot!)

Of course, Hair and Makeup Artist Michele Bell will be on hand to alleviate your stress with her most perfectionous artistry to enhance your beauty and sexy innerself.

So ladies, what are your thoughts on Boudoir?? I’m a pretty shy girl, and am not always comfortable in front of a camera. But after seeing how beautiful boudoir photos can be, when the time comes and I’m ready to tie-the-knot, I think I’ll be stripping down for a boudoir session! Although a few glasses of champagne and chombard pre-shoot will definitely be in order…

Makeup Artist for Brittany Murphy

Michele Bell — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:54:42 +0000

“She had too many drugs and too little food,’ said a makeup artist who had worked with her, adding that she sometimes ‘nodded off’ in front of her.” A makeup artist said Murphy dabbled too much in heroin and cocaine and referred to the star’s reputed eating disorder.

This statement that has leaked out by an anonymous MUA is a disgrace. How is it possible that a “supposed” reputable industry professional display such filth to the press? Notoriety? No, just plan stupidity! No morals or ethical standards are a pre requisite as a MUA, yet respect for what they represent or perhaps the family who just lost a daughter, spouse, sister, aunt or cousin would be considered a humble approach! Don’t you think? During tender moments like this, the key lies within unanswered questions from the voices of the family that knew of Britney’s real life and last moments, “what is the real deal?” So, here comes the exaggerated remarks by mysterious idiots, in this case a make-up artist and her/his brainless statement.

It annoys me that as a professional, Hair and Makeup artist embellish on the title “Celebrity Makeup Artist” when in fact the real truth is that we are not the celebrities. Get it? It is about the presentation and gift we exemplify when working on our canvas. The end result, a smile, maybe a tear of gratitude, or a simple thank you, that is all we should expect. Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist, a fabricated title, it is not about a title; it is about the genuine professional working behind the scenes.

If in fact a MUA presents the showmanship of a true professional, then perhaps they should step it up when exploiting gossip on a celeb. The only reason this dim-wit attached such gossip to tragedy is to attain fame for the moment in their little world when in fact they are nobody. Let me remind you of Kato Kaelin.

In this industry we desire acclaimed performance, some crave publicity and recognition, however a make-up artist is to not only enhance the beauty of our canvas but to protect our cast of characters.

Gossip, a word so easily disrespected and ignited when someone is not here to protect their character is a discredit towards my trade, and so whoever this ill mannered creature is, let me remind you when you look in the mirror what an asshole you are!

In the end they are gone, why tarnish their name? Shame on you!

PS. I was with Britney in 2001 when she was making Riding in The Cars with Boys and in 2008 during Fashion Week in NYC, she is simply a humble, charismatic and loving soul surrounded by pessimistic scandalmongers that have no real meaning to how precious Life is~

This Week’s True New Yorker Interview The Five Outsiders Michele Bell Makeup Artist

Michele Bell — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:45:49 +0000

This Week’s ‘True New Yorker’ Interview | True New Yorker Interview | The Five Outsiders.

Interview with Michele Bell~Society Artist

Michele Bell — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:51:11 +0000

Michele Bell has a keen eye for design and a truly unique approach to applying makeup and unique hair creations. She got her start in New York City where she was affiliated as a freelancer with M.A.C. since it’s inception in 1986 and trained at Bumble and Bumble. She has traveled worldwide and made a name for herself as one of the fashion and beauty industry’s premier hair and makeup artists, working with society brides from allover the world and with affluent photographers such as Critsey Rowe, Bill Wang, Monika Broz, Dan Freid, Ryan Brenizer and Nick Knight . Her work includes beauty campaigns for M.A.C. Cosmetics, Smashbox and Makeup Forever and her work appeared in The Wedding Channel, The Knot, Brides Magazine, Grace Ormonde, Sposa, Martha Stewart and several magazines throughout the US & Europe. She continues to work with top photographers and is based in New York City.

WHAT IS IN YOUR KIT?
Smashbox “Photo Finish Primer” Creates a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. In a new square airless pump for freshness to the last drop.

Smashbox PHOTO OP UNDER EYE BRIGHTENER Photo shoots often start at the crack of dawn when even models and celebs don’t look their best and dark circles loom. That’s why we created this innovative under eye brightener that immediately wakens and brightens skin while adding moisture to prepare for concealer application. Contains lots of skin-boosting ingredients too, like vitamin E, red wine extract, peptides and marine collagen, to help disguise and repair fine lines and wrinkles. PHOTO OP can be used on any area of the face to highlight and add radiance.

HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder & Brush Set by Smashbox
What it is: A face-perfecting anti-aging powder and brush duo.

222 Tapered Blending Brush – This brush works wonders and is great for multi-tasking. It is the perfect brush for everything – from foundation blending to shadow application.

What it does:
Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder HALO is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skin care built in. It’s advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver powerful anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin and provides a hydrated look that won’t accentuate lines and wrinkles. The built-in shaver allows for the convenience of a pressed powder combined with the radiant finish of a loose one, and the super-sized brush deposits the perfect amount of powder every time.

What else you need to know:
The powder is made for all skin types and is free of oil, talc, and parabens. Includes a custom Travel Kabuki Brush for flawless application plus a sample of our award-winning Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Clinical studies show:
- After 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
- After 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall.

Q&A
How do you plan your designs and become inspired?
Depends on the nature of the job and the subject. I tend to feel a vibe and start visually creating from within my soul.

Do you have any words of Wisdom?
Always listen to your inner, creative voice. Be true to yourself and your best work will prevail. Within the parameters of the project, find a way to put your own personal stamp on each job.

What was your most challenging job?
Every job is a challenge. Each job presents a new set of opportunities and I thrive on challenging myself, and tapping into new creative energies to bring to each job. Finding a solution to a situation is creativity at it best, this keeps me fresh and current and in the moment.

CREDITS

IBS (International Beauty Show) NY/LA 1989-1999 Matrix, Loreal, Joewell, Redkin, Paul Mitchell (platform artist~stage styling & cutting trends)

Evanescence Album “The Open Door” 2006

F.A.C.E OFF Smashbox Studios & Flaunt Magazine 2002

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios 2005 (Nevada, Kevin Hall & Sheri Bodell) 2007 Beach Bunny Swimwear

7th on Sixth “Fashion Week” 1993 (Norma Kamali) 1996 (Vera Wang) 1999 (Nicole Miller) 2000 ( Dana Buchman) Olympus Fashion Week 2004 (Calvin Klein) 2008 (Opera Swimwear)

Organized the Viva Glam Casino through MAC Cosmetics June 2004 to raise money for HIV/AIDS

Maxim Online 2005 Opera Swimwear (Designer Sueli Costa)

When did you become interested in makeup?
As a child, I was a professional figure skater and was injured at 13 years older. I performed my creative freedom as I skated on the ice and I was always interested in drawing and painting and it progressed from there – the canvas changed, as I grew older.

SELECT PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bill Wang, Critsey Rowe, Dan Freid,Monika Broz, Nick Knight,Jim Jatcko & Ryan Brenizer.

PHOTOGRAPHERS I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH: David Bailey, Mario Testino, Gray Scott, Mike Ruiz, Liz Collins, Markus Klinko & Indrani, Ruven Afanador, Philippe Salomon & Gilles Bensimon.

CELEBRITY
Cindy Crawford, Cher, Claudia Schiffer, Donna Summer, Giselle, Iman, Naomi Campbell, Madonna, Maggie Rizer, Bette Midler, Boy George, Adam Ant, Latoya Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Carmen Electra, Vida Guerra, Vanessa Williams, Jodi Foster, Julie Christie, Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Chaz Palmetiri, Queen Noor & many more