Michael Morrison

I would like to take the time to highlight an amazing up and coming photographer that I truly feel everyone needs to be watching for.

After feeling unsatisfied with his choice to do '3D Character and Environmental Modelling for Video Games and Movies' at ACAD, Michael always looked forward to enrolling in the optional photography class - he immediately fell in love and knew this was his calling and career.
Fascinated by vanity, Morrison's images always capture an essence of either the beauty or visual intrigue he sees in his subject. He is infatuated with perfection and the requirements of such an industry; fashion and beauty, never ceasing to push the limits of the medium and the creative interpretation of his ideas.
Inspired by the transcendent images of the past, produced by photography’s foremost, Michael contends to contribute to his trade and art in a similar but contemporary manner. Morrison explores cultural poles frequently found within society and how they are communicated visually.
By experimenting with beauty and ugliness, tranquility and turmoil, voyeurism and confrontation, notions of what is considered appropriate and inappropriate, Morrison challenges his viewers to explore cultural norms and ideals through juxtaposition, colour, irony, and strong visual narration.
 
Michael is currently living and working in New York City and will be launching a new website with all new content in the next few months; for now we can check out his current website and appreciate his divine talent at http://www.michaelmorrisonphotography.com/

Expiration Dates

When it comes to cosmetics, knowing when its time to toss them can be tricky. It is extremely important not to use any cosmetic after its expiration date because it can cause a whole world of problems for your skin! Here are a couple of ways to tell if it's time to say goodbye:

If the colour, smell or texture isn't like it used to be - throw it out (if it is a MAC product you can save it and once you obtain 6, use it towards the wonderful recycling program they offer).

Another "obvious" way to tell is to look at the bottom, back or box of the product and search for what looks like a little container with a number inside, that number will tell you the amount of months a product is good for. Look closely - the little container is definitely little.

One of my tips is to write on the product container what date you bought the product and that way you will always know how long it has been since you made the purchase. Also note that most products don't start expiring until they have been opened.

Foundation-Flawless Skin

Flawless Skin 

One of the most sought after questions for many women; How do you buy the right foundation? This is a very difficult thing to do as there are many factors to consider, including skin type, the type of coverage you are looking for and budget. My professional opinion is to invest in a foundation as it is the base for all the makeup you apply after.
When testing the product, apply it along your jaw line and neck to see if it properly matches your skin. (Facial skin tends to be slightly lighter than the skin on your hand). 

My advice is wait a couple hours to see if this product suits your skin. Sometimes, foundation "oxidizes"  which means that the product isn't suitable for your skin type (oily or dry). This is why foundation often looks good when you first apply it until you get a look in a bright mirror and realize it is not the right colour. 

Lastly, foundation has a shelf life of one year. If you're using an old foundation, it will again oxidize on your skin, giving your skin an orangey look. 

Our Favorite Foundations 

For Oily/Combination Skin: Smash Box Oil Free Foundation with SPF 15-Build-able Coverage

For Dry Skin: Laura Mercier Creme Foundation-Medium to Heavy Coverage 

Application

1.) Start with clean skin; Cleansed, Toned, Moisturized.

2.) Apply a silicone based primer. This acts as a barrier between your makeup and your skin and also seals in your moisturizer. Janey prefers to apply primer with a foundation brush and I prefer to apply it with my hands. Begin applying your foundation. Start by applying a dime size amount. Less is more, and you can always build up on the coverage. 

Start in the T-zone and work outwards to spread the product and then downwards to blend. Blending downwards gives the foundation a natural look as it is going along the "grain" with your natural hairs. 

Again, Janey prefers to use a foundation brush while I prefer disposable triangle sponges. 

3.) After you've applied the foundation to your liking, spot conceal any trouble spots (blemishes or dark circles). Set the foundation with a loose powder or bronzer. If you have dry skin, only apply loose powder to your T-Zone or skin this step all together. 

More Tips & Tricks

-To create a sheer finish, slightly dampen your foundation brush or sponge when applying foundation

-To create a tinted moisturizer, simply mix foundation with your daily moisturizer (great for when you're on vacation)

-To create a natural glow, mix foundation with a few drops of an illuminator.

Try Stila's All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer

-Make sure you wash your makeup off at night to allow your skin to breath and rejuvenate

If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to post a comment or email us.

Fashionsign Magazine

Yay! A new Calgary based Fashion magazine. First issue just published. 

http://fashionsignmag.com/

Fashionsign Magazine on Facebook

The Difficult Kind

It's hard to be a woman. This sentence is probably the greatest understatement I'll ever make, but the truth behind it can be proven through history and time. Todays society offers us so much opportunity, but the pressures that are placed on women's shoulders are overwhelming, and at times, unbearable. When I write a post, I am taking time to reflect on the things in my life that I enjoy, but are not always a priority. Music, fashion, makeup, and art are all faucets of inspiration for Janey and I, as we hope they are for our followers. I believe for us women to be successful, it is important to tune in to what inspires us so we can lead happier and healthier lives. Do not give in to societies pressures, but instead create your own path. Creativity breeds creativity. Take time out of your busy schedule to indulge in the things that make you feel happy. Create balance in your life by pursuing your strengths and passions.

But most of all, allow yourself to be free from perceived pressures. It's your life!

-A

Fix +

As you all might have guessed - Anna and myself have been a little MIA. We both have been living busy and hectic lives for the past few weeks so we would like to send you all our sincerest apologies for the lack of posts.

I wanted to take this time to tell you all about a wonderful product called Fix +. You can purchase it at MAC and it is an absolute must for any makeup kit! I was introduced to this wonderful creation about 5 years ago when my future manager at MAC did a makeup application for me and from that moment I vowed to never be without.

The main purpose to this spray is to add radiance and finish your makeup but it can do oh so much more! Infused with green tea, chamomile, cucumber and the scent of sugi it calms the skin. Here are some of my favorite uses for this spritz:

After applying your makeup, hold the bottle about 10 inches away and spray your entire face. This will set your makeup and help prevent any smudging; just make sure you close your mouth and eyes before spraying :)

If you have applied your makeup in the morning and really don't feel like re doing it all before your big date or night out with the girls, spritz your entire face again and your makeup will look brand new, leaving your skin looking completely refreshed.

Use with mineral makeup to add a more bold and dramatic look. MAC offers a variety of mineral products for your face and eyes so try wetting your makeup brush with some Fix +, dip into your shadow and notice the difference in colour and vividness.

Use as a toner! Because of the wonderful ingredients used, Fix + makes a fantastic hydrating toner.

Remove static from clothing and hair. Hold the bottle about 10 or more inches from the area needing a little less static and go to town with it.

You can also leave Fix + in the fridge for those hot days - so refreshing!

There is so much more you can do with this product; find out for yourself what you love about it and let us know! You won't be disappointed.