IMATS Vancouver 2011. Makeup Artist Magazine. Wowza.

A little while ago, when I was still living in Vancouver, I submitted 9 photos in hopes to take part in IMATS Beauty & Fantasy competition 2011. For those of you who perhaps were either there or know me, I was very fortunate to be chosen as one of the 8 competitors. 

IMATS Beauty/Fantasy Competition Video

I was blown away with the opportunity and was over the moon to take part. The theme was tribal and quickly I started sketching and testing out ideas. The day arrived, and we had 2 hours to complete our makeup. Every single person did such a fantastic job, I was in awe of the creativity that surrounded me. 

After all was said and done I was completely happy with how my makeup had turned out, but was incredibly nervous to be judged. I was very fortunate to have an amazing group of friends, pass teachers and supporters there cheering me on. 

As it would turn out I took 2nd place! Such a shock and one heck of a moment for me as a makeup artist. It was a whirlwind for sure. 

Below are some before & after snapshots of my amazing model, Emily (who at the time was also one of my amazing roommates) and I. 

 I still can barely believe it. Though that day in July seems a little far away now, that moment is recognized in this month's issue of Makeup Artist Magazine. 

Definitely an amazing day to remember. I had a blast doing what I absolutely love, makeup. Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part! 

Love Life. Love Makeup.

Highlight of the Day

A few days ago Kim and this beauty wanted to do a little creative. I was super stoked to take part and really wanted to do a makeup that solely focused on highlighting. So that's exactly what I did here. I highlighted the center of her face as well as her gorgeous eyes. Here's what we came up with!

Photography: Kim Akrigg
Model: Annabelle Cho
Makeup & Hair: Shawnna Downing

Model In A Box

Last Tuesday I was showing some behind the scene photos from a shoot we did with Kayanna who was in town from Vancouver. Here's the finished product!

Photography: Kim Akrigg
Model: Kayanna with Elite
Makeup: Shawnna Downing

Summer Aint Over Yet!

Well it is September, and for the most part we've been shooting fall/winter. But lucky us (knock on wood) the weather is still gorgeous!

While it's super nice out and you have some amazing swimsuits how can you not take advantage?! 

Here's how the shoot with Kim, Dat & Crystal turned out! 

Photography:Kim Akrigg
Model: Crystal @ Next
Swimsuits by: Anastasiya Kuyevda
Hair: Dat Hairdramatic
Makeup: Shawnna Downing

Well we didn't stop there! Yesterday, while the weather was still with us, we got to use a few more of these awesome suits and hung out with this lovely young lady, Alejandra. 

I really love and am inspired by street art and graffiti - cannot get enough! So I was absolutely in love with the location Kim picked out. 

You can honestly do makeup pretty much any where's. Yesterday was a first, when I got to work it out at one of Toronto finest bus stops! 

Here's how she all came together!

Photography:Kim Akrigg

Model: Alejandra @ Spot 6 Management

Swimsuits by: Anastasiya Kuyevda

Makeup: Shawnna Downing

We Be Shootin

I've been away for a little bit, headed back to Vancouver to finish packing & shipping the rest of my life here to Toronto. Now it's official. I'm here.

Last Friday we played around with Kayanna, with Elite and some moving boxes we have had sitting around. Here's a little peek;

Yesterday was a gorgeous day in Toronto. I was out for coffee when Kim Akrigg asked if I would be down to shoot. Of course! Lucky me I was having some coffee with Crystal, friend from Vancouver and model with NEXT. Timing can be everything sometimes. We headed back to our place to get started and meet up with an amazing hair stylist Dat, owner of Dat Salon. Here's a little preview - more photos to come!

TV Debut!

On Monday I had the opportunity to do Charlie Riina's makeup for her interview with ET Canada! Followed by a photoshoot for Zeugari's beach wear!

Big thanks to Chris Elizabeth, a stylist I've gotten to work with here in Toronto. Also big shout out to designer of Zeugari; Guy Boucher! They made this happen- thank you so much guys!


Check out these behind the scene photos:

Also check out the segment! ET Canada


You might catch my hands, and if you're fast a quick glimpse of yours truly ;)


Like what Charlie's wearing, visit Zeugari for more of their amazing beach wear.