Boho Vibes

Collaboration photo shoots have its perks. As a makeup artist (and occasional hairstylist), I have some input on the final product - the vibe and quality of the images, what style or feel we want to achieve as a team, and who to work with.

For a while, I've been wanting to do a Coachella-type shoot. For those of you who aren't familiar with Coachella, it's an annual music festival held in Indio, CA full of headliners like Lady Gaga to up-and-coming artists as well as lesser known musicians. The surrounding area is a huge grass field with little shindigs going on throughout the vicinity. Not that I've actually been there but that's what I see in my fashion and entertainment magazines.

Much of what catches my eye aside from the artists is the makeup and fashion. Makeup can range from natural beauty to hippie while fashion can range from ethereal to bohemian chic.

Some people attend solely for the music, some see it as a weekend getaway, some may go to show off some personal style and hang with their buddies. Whatever the reason, it's exciting to just be a part of the whole experience.

My friend and local photographer, Jos Riv, is an amazing and humble dude - one that I instantly clicked with. I informed him of my idea on possibly doing a shoot inspired by this event and we decided to work with up-and-coming model, Sarah Alegre. I actually met her through him during one of her earlier shoots. Not only is she beautiful and exotic - I enjoy working with her. When we pitched her the idea, she was excited. I was ecstatic because I felt she could pull the look off just as easily.

Once we were able to align our schedules, I got her ready at my house and used existing pieces I had along with her own pieces.

FASHION:

• Floppy Hat (Hautelook); Faux Fur Vest (Cabi); and Jewelry (Hautelook, Limited, Macy's) were provided by me
• Crop Top; Denim Jeans; and Ankle Boots were Sarah's own

ALL IMAGES SHOWN TAKEN by JOS RIV PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCATION: Gene Coulon Park

I had Sarah smooth out her hair to save on time and I fluffed it a bit with volumizing spray to give it more of a full and tousled appearance.  Anything too perfect would defeat the purpose of the look's carefree style.   

Beauty Shot edited by Irene Tse Photogpraphy

FASHION:

• Provided by me were the Gold Tattoos (Hautelook); Gold headpiece (Poshmark); Kimono (LOFT); and Necklace (Macy's)
• Shorts, belt, and bikini top were Sarah's own

Makeup & Styling by ME

Makeup was focused on beauty (my specialty) but with a little extra on the eyes. I did a cut crease using deep browns with warm, reddish tones along with light contouring throughout the face so as not to take away from the eyes.

Luckily, Sarah has strong, shapely brows that I kept them fairly natural and only filled in sparse areas. Rhinestones with adhesive backs (from JoAnn Fabrics) were applied around the brow bone and pops of cream illuminator (GlamLab Cosmetics) around the high points of the face. Lips were kept nude to further keep the focus on the eyes. ​

The key is to wear basics and work free-flowing accessories in

Gold liquid liner on the crease is by NYX

Eye shadow is from Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette and lashes by Ardell

Front L-to-R: Jos and Me | Back L-to-R: Estee, Sarah, & Koon

​These shoots tend to take a bit of time (like a few hours worth) especially when only a few people are involved.  It takes some stamina and patience.  

Somewhere along the workflow, you might run into other industry professionals!  

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Overall, the shoot turned out pretty well and it's always a treat to work with people who share the same passions as you.  

The sun shining bright, the fresh breeze running through our hair, crowds at a minimum, ample parking, and the views of Lake Washington as our backdrop....

A beautiful day spent with awesome people - how much more could you ask for?

~XOXO, Mari