Ever wondered what it’s like to work as an MUA on set of a music video? We’ve got you covered! Today we’re giving you an exclusive, behind the scenes look at the #setlife.
Back in September, I got the chance to assist pro MUA and stylist, Rasheeda Ameera, in doing makeup for Chris Brown’s High End video featuring Future and Young Thug. This set was super fun because it was monster and zombie themed, and of course I brought my LiveGlam KissMe lippies and MorpheMe brushes to use on the models!
Now that the video has been released (on Friday the 13th, how fitting?), I can finally show you the awesome looks I was able to create featuring our LiveGlam lippies, and tips for working as an MUA on a chaotic set.
1. Preparation
Set times are usually very early in the morning, so I always like to prepare my bag the night before. I make sure all of my brushes are clean and that I have all of the tools I need (such as new lip applicators, mascara wands, chapstick and blotting sheets). I also double check the treatment (PDF detailing all of the looks and scenes) to make sure I know what makeup looks I’ll be doing on the models.
For the High End video, there were vampire, zombie, and demon characters. For the vampire babes, I knew I definitely wanted to use our LiveGlam KissMe lippies in Satin Sheets (June Collection), and Bestie for the zombies. Vixen from our October collection also would’ve been perfect for this set, but it hadn’t been released yet.
2. Makeup Time!
Doing makeup on set can be pretty difficult because you have to work very quickly. The director needs his/her models as soon as possible, so you have to learn how to work fast yet still achieve a flawless look. Music videos consist of multiple angles and close-ups of the same shot, so those lashes, eyeliner, and face makeup need to be on point at all times.
For my zombies and vampires, I started by applying a foundation 2-3x lighter than their skin tone for that ghostly look. Next, I did a sultry, smoky look on the eyes (they still wanted them to look like hot monsters), paired with some false lashes and contact lenses. For the rest of the face, I applied a heavy contour for that sunken cheeks look, and fake blood was a must of course. Lastly, for the lips, I applied our long-lasting KissMe liquid lippies.
Satin Sheets is a deep berry-toned pink that worked great for the sexy vampire look. It’s super pigmented and has a light sheen to it as well. Blood drips down the lips and fangs were added afterwards. Bestie is a gorgeous deep, mauve matte shade that was a KissMe Special Lippie. It paired perfectly with the brown and purple tones for the zombie look, and also was a great base for applying a dark eyeshadow on top for more dramatic lips. Sadly, Satin Sheets isn’t available anymore, but you can redeem Bestie using rewards points through your Dashboard! Poisoned Apple from our October collection would also be the perfect lippie for the vampire look as well.
The models loved how smooth and non-drying our formula felt, and how delicious they smelled! The colors also lasted on their lips throughout the entire video shoot.
3. Touch Ups
Aside from completing the makeup, one of the most important parts about being an MUA on set is touching up the models throughout the 12-hour day. In between every take, you have to check on your model to make sure she’s still looking fresh and matte. In my set bag, I keep a small, battery-operated fan (it’s often very hot on location), loads of paper towels, oil blotting sheets, loose powder, chapstick, the lip color used, and some concealer. Most of the touch ups consist of blotting away sweat and oil and applying more powder, but you always want to be prepared! I also like to keep deodorant spray and water for my models to make sure they remain comfortable throughout the long workday.
After all of that work, it’s extremely rewarding when the video comes out and you see it all come together. To see our LiveGlam KissMe lippies in action, check out the High End music video here!
Let us know if you have any questions about the #setlife in the comments below, and make sure to check out our LiveGlam Lippie Club, KissMe, to get 3-8 new shades delivered straight to your door every month for just $19.99!
Stay glam!
xoxo
Lanie Edwards