PROJECT: face

Project: I'm baaacckkk!

2012-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Holy crap! I'm so so so sorry I've been gone for so long. Truth is, I've been so consumed with my YouTube channel and Instagram and other social networking life eaters that I totally forgot about my blog. OOOPPSSTTHH! (that's oops, with a lisp). Anyhoot, I promise that I will be back and better than ever posting makeup swatches, makeup collections, painted faces, and even venturing out into fashion posts!!!

Are you exciteddd??? I am.

Thanks for reading,

Project: The Latest

2011-07-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

"I work makeup, not magic." -Me

I've been SUPER DUPER busy this month and had the honor of painting some beautiful faces! Each and every time I paint a face, my client always says "OMG! You worked magic on me!" I mean, not exactly those words, but always using the key word: magic. I don't believe that at all. Everyone has certain features that make them beautiful and I simply accentuate those features.

A lot of people criticize the so called "cake face" and I assume that refers to someone that wears a shit load of makeup. I have to disagree. I wear a lot of makeup... I do, but there's a certain way to wear a lot of makeup to make it look like you're wearing hardly any. Although I have seen some chicks that literally looked like cake faces. That's when you see the cracks in their foundation, the creases in their eyeshadow, and the feathering of their lipstick. EEK!

Need some makeup tips on how to avoid caking? Just ask. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions!

So... check out these beauts! The beautiful Lorenzana clan... the finale to my busy month!

Thanks for reading,

Project: ART

2011-07-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

"An artist is a dreamer

consenting to dream of the actual world."

-George Santayana

A couple weeks back, the boyfriend and I went on a mini vacay with his family to LA. We did the whole Disneyland park-hopper thing, which was fabulous! I made him promise me that we'd get a caricature drawing done because in the past he's refused. I guess he didn't wanna sit for a long period of time??? Who knows. Anyway, I finally got him to sit down for a drawing at Universal City Walk. It was a plus for me because our artist and him got along very well! Turns out that our artist was on his 5th year of teaching filipino martial arts, even though he was a latino! I loved the suspense of waiting to see what our picture looked like. However, I think I got a little antsy the last 10 minutes of it or so. You can tell by the look on my face...

Thanks for reading,

Project: Update

2011-07-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

"I do the very best I know how, the very best I can,

and I mean to keep on doing so until the end."

-Abraham Lincoln

Holy crap! Where the hell have I been?!! Thank goodness I've been able to post little sneak peaks and mini updates here and there. So I've been a bit on the busy side- filming tutorials, event makeups, photoshoots, and weddings. Love love love weddings! A few months ago I probably wouldn't have had the energy to be doing all this, but.......... I have one word:

TYVASO

Yes. Really. I mean, the first couple of weeks my body was still getting used to the medication and I felt nauseous for about 30 minutes after each treatment. Not only that, but it made my throat itch like crazy and even made me gag a bit. I started off with 3 breaths every 4 hours, 4 times a day. Each week I had to increase my dose by one breath. Unfortunately, my body can only take 6 breaths every 4 hours, 4 times a day. I'm supposed to be at 9 breaths... and that's the max. Although it doesn't make me feel too well after taking my doses, I definitely feel a difference in my energy. I can walk a couple of blocks, walk up a flight of stairs, fix my bed... basically do a bunch of things I wasn't able to before without getting winded! YAYYY!

I still have my bad days, though. But who cares?!! Who doesn't??!!! All that matters to me right now is that I feel so much better. Let's just pray that my test results in August show some improvement in my heart/lung functions.

On another note, I'm SSOOOO grateful for the amount of support I've been receiving from all my fans/followers/subscribers! Everyone is so wonderful!!! So... I'm thinking of doing a contest/giveaway as a "thank you" for all my fans. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna do it via YouTube so the only way to be eligible would be if you've subscribed to my channel. If you haven't done so, you can here: http://www.youtube.com/user/PROJface I want to try to make it fun and interactive so... stay tuned!!!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Swatches

2011-06-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here are the swatches from my recent video: SIDE PROJECT: Lips and Cheeks haul

NYX lipliners

Clinique lipgloss

Whisper

Knockout Nude

Goldspun

Sunset

Kissyfit

Thanks for reading,

Project: Nikki

2011-06-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

"Working with a beautiful canvas to begin with

makes my job much easier."

So... I hooked up with my girl, Nikki last week and we did a quick, fun makeup montage. Nikki and I used to work together at MAC in SF. Since she's an awesome fashion blogger and I have my start-up makeup service, we decided to do a collabo! Nikki told me she doesn't wear much makeup anymore, so I thought it would be fun to give her a sultry smokey eye for her Taco Tuesday night. Here are the products/colors that I used:

EYES

MAC Paintpot- Soft Ochre

MAC Vanilla eyeshadow

MAC Soft Brown eyeshadow

NYX Jumbo Pencil- Black Bean

Coastal Scents Metal Mania Palette 4,4

L'Oreal HiP Cream Eyeliner- Black

#46 Red Cherry false lashes

MAC Powerpoint eyepencil- Engraved

MAC Nylon eyeshadow

FACE

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC40

Make Up Forever Duo Mat #207

Clinique Transparency Loose 5 (bronzer)

MAC Melba blush

Benefit High Beam

LIPS

MAC Prep+Prime Lip

NYX lip pencil- Coral

MAC lipstick- Hue

MAC Dazzleglass- Soft Dazzle

Thanks for reading,

Project: New New

2011-05-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Just thought I'd share some photos from our latest
Pin-Up Portfolios shoot from last month!

Enjoy!

Don't forget to check out my YouTube channel and SUBSCRIBE!

www.youtube.com/user/PROJface

Photography by: Austin Fausto (www.austinfaustography.com)

Hair by: Tiffany Faircloth (www.pin-upparlor.com)

Makeup by: ME! Reinee Lingad (www.facebook.com/projectface)

Styling by: Tiffany Chenoweth (www.artiffact.com)

Thanks for reading,

Project: Tyvaso

2011-04-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

-Unknown

I know I haven't been posting anything "real" lately, but it's been because I've been a little on the busy side doing makeups and photo shoots. I also recently started doing makeup tutorials on YouTube, if you haven't already noticed. So first things first, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to my channel! www.youtube.com/user/PROJface

Anyhow, just a couple of days ago I had my routine doctors appointment. I see my doctor about every 3 months just to check the progress of my PH and if it's getting better, worse, or staying the same. I've been informed that, obviously, the older I get the more challenging it gets to try to fight my PH. In more blunt terms, my pressures are extremely high and my heart is getting weaker. Not cool. I sat in the exam room while my doctor was talking to me, shedding some light on my situation, and I just kinda zoned out. I heard her voice in the distance and attempted to fight back my tears... I succeeded, snapped back to reality, and accepted the challenge. Although it's very overwhelming I know that I have to deal with the cards that I am dealt. I'm not leaving here without a fight- blood, sweat, and tears. Not only do I refuse to leave my family and friends behind, but I refuse to lose the life I've tried so hard to better.

Aside from all of the oral medication I've been taking, I'm also going to be put on an inhaling medication called Tyvaso. I'll have to breath on it 4 times a day and it will help dilate my arteries so that blood will flow better, thus allowing my pressures to recede and my heart to function a bit better. I've tried an inhaler medication before that I had to do 9 times a day, and that only lasted a week. I didn't feel good, it consumed my days, and it was very inconvenient. Now, I know you all may be thinking "so what if it's inconvenient? it's helping you, right?" You're very right, but when you've lived your life with an illness that has taken you away from your favorite pastimes, and essentially, your LIFE... convenience is everything if you want to live normally and happily.

I guess I've reached the point where I have no choice. Tyvaso it is. I need to still be grateful that I'm still here today. I've had to deal with this my whole life, so there's NOTHING I can't handle.

Thanks for reading,

Project: Makeup Tutorial

2011-04-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a sample of one of my makeup segments. Please subscribe to my channel on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/user/projface

Thanks for reading,

Project: Links To Live By

2011-04-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

Facebook

www.facebook.com/projectface

Twitter

@ProjectFace

Tumblr

www.projface.tumblr.com

Visit Share Like Follow

Thanks for reading,

Project: Beautiful Day for a Beauty Day

2011-04-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

"Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers."

-François de la Rochefoucauld

Tomorrow is the beginning of a 6-day work week for me. I have an event makeup, a photo shoot, another photo shoot, another 2-day photo shoot for 107.7 The Bone (details later!), and a prom makeup! I'm super excited to be this busy and I figured since today is my only day to "hang out" I might as well make the most of my time and give myself a makeover!

I spent ZERO dollars on my makeover and I feel like a new person! I didn't do anything too drastic, just gave myself a day of beauty by Ombre-ing my hair (dark-to-light hair color), giving myself a mani/pedi with simple nail art, and attempting a new look with makeup. And I did it all in the comfort of my own home while watching the SF Giants kick a little Cardinal a$$! Although the game was a 12-inning butt clencher I'm sure all the fans are numb to the torture.

Anyhoot, with as much as I've been dying my hair lately I wouldn't be surprised if it completely falls out soon. I'm praying that it doesn't!!! Hehe

Take a little look-see: (the Ombre coloring is more apparent in person)

Nail Color:

Twisted Pink in Sally Hansen's Xtreme wear

Kiss Nail Art Paint in black

OPI Shatter in black

Makeup: (all MAC Cosmetics)

Eyeshadow (from brows to lid)-Vanilla, Mink Pink, Blackberry, Phloof!

Blacktrack fluidline eyeliner

Ardell lashes in Wispies

Cheeks- Smile Matte blush (similar to Pink Swoon)

Petalpoint Frost blush

Lips- Plum-like lustre lipstick

Oyster girl lipglass

It's a great thing to treat yourself once in a while. I urge all you ladies to spoil yourself on one of your days off and go all out! Nails done, hair done, everything big! Although, I don't advise you to color or cut your own hair... don't learn by my example... go to a PRO!

I've been lagging on makeup tutorials, but stay tuned for that! I got something special cooking for my fans!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Different Strokes for Different Folks

2011-04-07T12:45:00.001-07:00

"The best thing is to look natural,

but it takes makeup to look natural." -Calvin Klein

This is going to be my major "vent sesh" blog. I know that I have been blessed with tons and tons of support from my family, friends, and loyal clients, but I don't know if I'm taking it too personally when people criticize my craft without having experienced my service in the first place. I get a lot of "word-of-mouth" referrals, which is nothing less than awesome because that just shows that my clients are happy with my work. Making them happy makes me happy! However, when people inquire about my service and actually look at my work via facebook then tell me they're unsure because my work looks too dramatic, it kinda bothers me. So let me clarify this on behalf of all makeup artists alike- this is our craft. I highly doubt there are one-dimensional makeup artists out there who only do dramatic makeup... or natural makeup... or special effects makeup. Some artists may specialize in a single look, but that doesn't mean they ONLY learned how to do that. For those of you who have never worn makeup in your life, please don't think that you'll end up looking like your makeup artist who has 5 colors on their lid, contoured cheeks, and 3 products on their lips, of course not unless you want to. Actually, let me speak for myself on this (because I've seen the aforementioned scenario happen before LOL), I want my clients to feel comfortable. If you've ever had your makeup done by me you already know that I ask for you to bring magazine tear sheets of what you want your makeup to look like, I ask what you're comfortable with, if something looks amazing to me I'll offer my suggestions and have you take a peek, and if you're uncomfortable with it I'll change it. I have over 10 years of experience with makeup and I know what it'll look like in photographs. Please don't mistake me for some rookie makeup artist who learns from YouTube tutorials. Also, to make it CRYSTAL clear, if you hadn't noticed, the photos that I display on my facebook are mostly from photo shoots where makeup, styling, and hair are the main focus- basically it's an advertisement. I'm not gonna advertise my MAKEUP service by posting pictures of women not wearing any makeup... that's effin retarded.

For my inquiring brides out there, I'm not gonna have you walk down the aisle on your wedding day looking like a clown, please. If you don't trust my work, then I have no words except "congratulations on your special day!"

By the way, I know how to work dramatic looks and natural looks... but I refuse to work the "washed out" look. Please don't criticize makeup if you don't know makeup.

Here are pics of my bridal work, just so you know:

Marie Antonette

Analiza

Sarah

Monica

Jackie

Lorelei

Future Bride Trial Makeup

Rebecca

Nina

Also, I stopped doing "before & after" photos because I don't believe people need to see how someone used to look before the makeup. I believe you're beautiful even before the makeup, but after, your beauty is just enhanced.

Thanks for reading,

Project: Camera Shy

2011-04-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

"I'd rather be behind the camera than in front of it."

-Unknown

I recently got the pics from our Pin-Up Portfolios shoot the team and I did a couple weeks back... and they look pretty good! Since I ended up being one of the "subjects" I wasn't 100% comfortable posing in front of the camera. I mean, I love taking pictures with my friends and making goofy faces- the kodak moment-type of stuff or even someone capturing my craft, but actually posing was awkward for me. Haha! I'm getting kinda shy just talking about it. What's weird is that in the past I've done a few fashion shows with a crowd of hundreds, I've gone on numerous auditions for modeling and acting, and I was even a singer in a band. WTF? Maybe it's because I haven't done any of that in a while?? Who knows.

Doing makeup is great because you can see your creation come to life, especially with dolls that know how to work the look! Although being in front of the camera is kinda fun, I think I'll just stick to working it behind the camera.

Here are some finals edits from the shoot: (Photography by Eddie Wall & Austin Fausto www.austinfaustography.com, Hair by Tiffany Faircloth www.pin-upparlor.com, Makeup by yours truly www.facebook.com/projectface, Styling by Tiffany Chenoweth www.artiffact.com & Raquel Yasenchok www.rockezi.tumblr.com)

Dakota Dee

Miss Teeza

Luana

Kitty Rei

Fanny Rae

Rockezi

Thanks for reading,

Project: Obsession

2011-03-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

"An artist is nothing without his or her obsessions,
and I have mine." -Andres Serrano

Over the years I have become increasingly obsessed with false lashes! I mean, before I was just a huge fan, but now I'm completely obsessed! Obsessed to the point that I have at least 10 pairs on hand at a time... that I don't use... just to look at! Lashes come and go, but I just haven't accepted that fact yet. Hahah! I can't even bare the thought of tossing the ones that I've used and abused.

Since I left MAC, I had yet to find lashes that I love. Being a MAC artist, you're spoiled with the generous discount so buying lashes back then wasn't too bad on the pocket. I've been purchasing the Ardell brand for quite some time now because I need them, not only for myself, but for my clients and photo shoots. I've been content with them because they're inexpensive and they look pretty good. However, I'm not in love.

Now, timing is everything. This specific blog has been stuck in my drafts for a couple of weeks now because I've been waiting for one thing- FAUX. Totally perfect timing. My friend, Sterling, is the founder of this awesome false lash company... and they deliver the lashes straight to your door! How effin convenient is that?!! With my luck, I won a couple of pairs over Facebook and I have the opportunity to rock these babies before they're launched next month- April 2011. They came in super beautiful packaging (which is 100% recyclable and printed with soy-based inks). I know you all are super jealous!! Gosh I'm lucky...

Here's some awesome info on FAUX:

[they're] doing things differently by creating & delivering beautiful, luxury lashes to your doorstep
their lashes are carefully designed to flatter each & every eye shape, individually homemade and hand-knotted to ensure strength & longevity using 100% sterilized human hair and high quality synthetic blends
every 6 months they will introduce a new Lash of Love pair and will donate 100% of its proceeds to national organizations that help women in need

...and those are just the highlights!

I don't think my false lash obsession will ever be cured, but I think I found one more reason to love false lashes even more with FAUX. I have a wedding coming up next week in VEGAS and I'm gonna be selfish with my new FAUX lashes... they're MINE! However, once FAUX launches next month, you better believe my clients are gonna be spoiled with these luxurious lashes!

SASHA

AUDREY

DIAMONDS

Be on the look out for the FAUX launch next month! www.fauxlash.com

Thanks for reading,

Project: Trending

2011-03-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

"I don't set trends.
I just find out what they are and exploit them." -Dick Clark

We all like to be up-to-date on trends for the upcoming seasons. For Spring/Summer 2011 fashion, guess what's coming back?!! Bell bottoms, capri pants, crop tops, and jumpsuits/rompers. Add a little bit of lace to that and you'll be up on this season's fashion trend.

Now, makeup is a little different. The trends for makeup may have you stepping out of your comfort zone, especially if you purchased that vibrant lime eyeshadow, but have always been reluctant to wear it. Well, now is the time to break it out of your kit and slap it on your lid! Here's the makeup trend for Spring/Summer 2011:

Face: Soft, but noticeable cheeks. Don't focus too much on the contouring, but more on buffing out the corals/fuchsias on the apples of the cheeks. Go for the sunkissed glow!

Eyes: Bold, using pastels or vibrant eyeshadows all over the lid. Keep it monochromatic, or just focus on a single color. Eyeliner on top lid only.

Lips: Bold with fuchsias, corals, or pastel pinks.

You may be going overboard by focusing on all the trends in one look, so try one at a time while incorporating the other trends- subtly. Here are a couple of examples to give you an idea:

Natalie Portman gives the perfect example of the cheeks and lip trend.

Christian Dior provides a great example of the eyes and lip trend.

Have fun with the trend. It's worth trying. If you're having trouble with creating the look then give me a ring! I'd be happy to help you out!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Photo Shootin'

2011-03-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

"Find something you love to do and you'll never have to work a day in your life." -Harvey MacKay

Yesterday was another day painting faces behind the camera. Enhancing beauty is a great joy of mine, but it's even better when the people you work with are a joy to be around! The ladies that I [did] up lovely were lovely to begin with and looked like real-life dolls! I don't like to think of what I do as a job because I love what I do. It's an art. Not only does it make me happy, but it also makes my "projects" happy and I love that feeling.

Aside from painting faces behind the camera, I was also able to be a face in FRONT of the camera which was an added bonus of fun! The main focus for the shoot was for Rockill's Aprons (rockezi.tumblr.com) which are fabulous because anyone can use them! She gave me an apron that I use to hold my brushes when I do makeup. It's super cute! So I was able to model it while in my element for the shoot yesterday.

We did two different shoots: (1) Housewifey which incorporated the aprons and, (2) a shoot for our team with each person in his/her element (makeup, styling, hair, photography, videography).

On a side note, I love these peoples. Good Peoples, really... Mr. J, Boy Cruz, Fanny Rae, Miss Teeza, Rockezi, with special guests Carrie and Molly, and also Austin Fausto... looking forward to next time!

Here's a sneak peak at my mini shoot:

Thanks for reading,

Project: MUFE

2011-03-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

"Take risks: if you win, you will be happy;
if you lose you will be wise." -Unknown

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I was gonna expand my makeup horizon by trying other brands. I've been biased and completely reluctant to try anything new because I found my skin care love, Clinique, and my makeup love, MAC. The reasons why I fell in love with these brands is because I've worked for both lines- 2 to 3 years at each. I had the opportunity to learn about all of the products and even try them all out... such a luxury that many people are never able to experience. Working for makeup/skin care lines, you find products that you love and that you'll love forever, and you also find products that you can live without- without the buyers remorse. Anyway, so like I said I decided to expand my makeup kit one day and stepped into a Sephora. Sephora is like a buffet with a plethora of makeup... and it can get super overwhelming, but I went in there for one thing: Make Up For Ever. I've been doing my research on this line and it's been getting pretty good reviews, especially for their newest foundation- High Definition. After trying the stuff out, I have 3 words- I'm in love! It has the coverage of a full-coverage foundation, but feels as light as a tinted moisturizer. Oh! But one thing, beware of the neon lights in Sephora when picking your foundation color. I suggest you have one of the artists do a color match.

I did the split screen with this one. On the left side is the coverage of MUFE- HD foundation and Duo Mat powder. On the right side is natural- so I'm able to show the coverage of MUFE over my freckles. (Photoshop was not used on this picture. Lord knows I DO NOT know how to use photoshop! Ha)

Amazinggg, right? I think I won with this one! A winner, and also wiser! =)

Thanks for reading,

Project: No Show

2011-03-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

"You don't need to call into work cuz you the BOSS." -Beyonce

I had a mini shoot scheduled for today, but I seriously woke up feeling like the biggest piece of sh*t in the world. I'm sick. Waahhh! So my friend, Tiffany (www.artiffact.com), was nice enough to come to me so I can do her up lovely at my spot. She brought me some feel-goodies so hopefully I'll be over this bug in no time. I feel really bad that I didn't make it to the actual shoot, but I think it's necessary for me to stay quarantined. The focus of the shoot is old Hollywood glamour so I decided to incorporate a pin-up look with a little bit of Twiggy. I really dig the heavy bottom lashes, and anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love to clump some mascara on my bottom lashes... tarantula-esque. Loves it. Although I was a no show today, I was still able to rock out some fab makeup. Here's the inspiration and how the final look turned out:

Stay tuned for the pictures from the shoot. They will be absolutely amazinggg!

I have a busy weekend next week with a wedding trial on Saturday and another shoot on Sunday. I think I'm gonna go OD on some Vitamin C. Is that bad?

Thanks for reading,

Project: What the #$^&%* am I doing?

2011-03-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

"If everything else fails, read the instructions." -Unknown

Since receiving the graphics for my logo, I've been trying to revamp all of my pages and it has been absolute HELL! This whole blog thing is new to me, even though I had a previous blog on food & fashion. OK well maybe blogging isn't new to me, but personalizing my page is! Not to mention the whole photoshop biz... that ish is cray-cray!

I'm horrible at reading instructions. I mean don't get me wrong... I CAN READ, I just don't have the patience to read. Hahah! When it comes to reading instructions I kinda just skim through it, get the concept, then go for it. So when I was revamping my blog yesterday it took me a very... looong... time. I've added some new features to my site where you can donate to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for their efforts to find a cure, and even shop for my makeup faves!

Do you love it? I do.

Everything is still under construction, though. And, I think it's time for me to look into taking some type of photoshop class.

I have my only Saturday off for this month and I have another shoot tomorrow. So I think I'll take this time to relax... maybe do another Celebrity Revamp look. YAYYY!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Branded

2011-03-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting to finally launch the PROJECT: face logo and... ta-daaaaaa! Here it is! I got with the most creative, detail-attentive, talented, and beautiful Angela Wong for Beehive21. Angela works on stationary, wedding announcements, invitations, pretty much anything you can think of and customizes it to you, your personality, your vision, and gives a touch with her creative magical wand!

When I first approached Angela to help me create my logo, I gave her a couple of ideas on where I wanted to go with it. First off, I wanted my logo to represent me (of course) and I really wanted it to have meaning. Living with PH, I've said before that blue lips are one of the signs and symptoms of PH, and since lips are one of the facial features that are made-over I decided to focus on lips for my icon. Angela, being the creative superstar that she is, came up with this design that incorporates blue lips in the shape of EKG lines that measure the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart. WOW... deep.

When I look at my logo, I am truly taken back because it is exactly who I am and what I represent with my makeup... and with ME. It really hits a soft spot for me and makes me very proud to be who I am.

Thank you so much, Angela. This is really important to me and you definitely hit this one on the nose. There's no other logo that can represent me the way that this does and I appreciate you taking the time to work this out. Amazinggggg!

Thanks for reading,

Project: REAL STEAL

2011-03-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

"The quickest way to know a woman is to go
shopping with her." -Marcelene Cox

Lately, I've been looking at new brands of makeup to use for my makeup kit. Of course, I'll always be in love with MAC, but I just think it's about that time to expand my horizon. I recently stepped foot into Sephora, which I've always been reluctant to since I've always been a crazy MAC freak. Looking around I started to realize how ridiculously expensive makeup is now-a-days. SHEESH! I mean, I really wasn't aware of the prices because when I was working for MAC we had an amazing discount. I thought to myself about ways that I can save money on makeup, like buying ONE foundation for 3 skin tones, then mixing them together for other skin tones. EEEK! Of course I'm gonna need to eventually shovel out the money for this makeup because I want my clients to be wearing the best, but when it comes to my clients and fans purchasing their own makeup I want to make sure they get the best prices as well!

Now drug store brands like Cover Girl, Maybelline, Loreal, and all that make me cringe. Again, it's the MAC freak in me... I'm seriously brainwashed (that's a good thing). However, in all honesty I'm sure these brands use the same formulas as department store brands... and maybe it's missing one or two ingredients?! Who knows. So, here's my project- in an effort to help everyone save a little bit of money, I'm on the HUNT for drug store makeup that's similar in consistency and quality to department store brands! Man, this is going to be hard, but I am determined to do this!

Reply with your favorite department store brand and makeup item that has you transferring money out of your savings just to purchase, and I will try my very best to find a brand carrying the item similar in consistency and quality... for cheap!!!

Here are my items:

MAC Fluidline Gel Eyeliner in Blacktrack

Features: Smudgeproof & Waterproof

One word description: Butter

MAC Paints Cream Shadow in Bare Canvas

Features: Creamy, dries powdery & Waterproof

One word description: Silk

MAC Iridescent Pressed Powder in Belightful

Features: Shimmery, multi-purpose highlighter

One word description: Dazzling

Once I find the products, I'll share my thoughts on the item- comparing and contrasting- then give it a final review. Wish me luck everyone! This is my time to step outside the [MAC] box and hopefully I can find the products you're looking for, too!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Looking Up

2011-02-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

"Accepting what you're going through is the only way you'll overcome it. Own it." -Michael Urrutia

Today is one of those days. Last night, I had a moment where I was defeated by life's unknown. It happens to the best of us. We don't know what can happen- good or bad, and a storm of emotion shades our sun. I thought it was just an episode until the sadness carried its way to my new day... today. I can't remember the last time I felt this way, but that's a good thing. I can't let this feeling get the best of me. My boyfriend, in an attempt to get me over my hump, said the greatest thing to me when he called me on his lunch break just now- "don't let PH own you, own it."

I can't say that I've completely accepted my illness. I mean, there are days when I'm like "PH who?" and there are days like today, where I can't help but feel emotional pain. Then there's always the question "why me?" and it just escalates into a ripple effect where I start to question the higher power. I hate that. And staying strong is an added pressure because while I'm trying to beat the negativity off, I'm still trying to stay strong for my loved ones... God knows I don't want to worry them. I just feel like I have the weight of the world on my back...

In my own personal effort to fight off this feeling I need to tell myself to believe there is a reason. It may take me days, weeks, months, or even years to figure out that reason, but I can get there. As much as I want to hang my head down and cry it out, it's essential that I start looking up. This is an episode in my life that is what it is- an episode. I know there are people out there that have it worse than I do and I shouldn't complain, but this is my right. I've been living with this diagnosis for almost 8 years now, and it still feels brand new sometimes.

Again, this is my time now to sit back and recollect. Let the good outweigh the bad because I am blessed. I'm blessed with the strength to tell my story. Now it's time to paint a smile on my face.

Thanks for reading,

Project: Projects!

2011-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen." -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I feel like I have a million projects going on right now and it's starting to get a little difficult to keep track of each of them. The only reason being is because they're all new projects! My boyfriend has been telling me to "make a list... make a list... make a list!" I know I really should make a damn list, but thinking about making a list is overwhelming. I need to take a step back and forget about how overwhelming some things can be, and just be excited about the projects on my list! WOOO HOOOOO! Sense the excitement? Haha.

Project: Pin-Up Portfolios

Yes! The team has officially launched Pin-Up Portfolios. Our team is amazing! If you haven't checked it out, you can do so here:

We've created some really great packages that are perfect gift ideas for your significant other, if you want to purchase a gift for your significant other to be pampered and dolled up, and if you're a soon-to-be bride looking for a fun thing to do with your bridesmaids it makes for a wonderful memorabilia!

Project: Blue Lips

So I came up with this idea to do a "blue lips" photo shoot to raise awareness for Pulmonary Hypertension. Blue lips pretty much symbolize the effects of PH because if you lack oxygen, and if you can't breathe, your lips turn blue! I am infamous for the blue lips and I sometimes get insecure if my lips are blue. I'm constantly asking my boyfriend if my lips are blue whenever we're out. My inspiration came from Pucker Up 4 PH. They have a "lend us your lips" section where people take pictures wearing blue lipstick and I thought that would make for an awesome photo shoot! Hopefully I can get this done by sometime in April or May. I'm looking for models, anyone can participate though, all I ask is for a donation to an organization for Pulmonary Hypertension.

Project: Promotion

A friend of mine approached me to do a promotional event. I'll leave it at that because I don't want to give any ideas away just yet. Stay tuned for this maybe before Summer 2011!

Okay. So not only do I have these side projects going on, but I also need to focus on booking appointments, and also focus on the appointments I've already booked! Whew! I guess it's officially time to get on that... aannnnddddd GO!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Patel

2011-02-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -Scott Adams

Over the weekend I had the privilege of doing makeup for one of my really great friends, Jaimini. Her family threw a HUGE party for her sister's baby shower! When Jaimini first asked me to do makeup for this event, I was a little thrown off to hear that it was for a baby shower. Nonetheless, I was excited to see her again and show her my makeup skills! Jaimini was one of my classmates when I was in the Registered Dental Assisting Program at CCSF, so I've been in her face before. Haha. Anyhow, doing makeup for her and her sisters was a blast because for one, she has such a wonderful family, and two, they let me do my thang!

The baby shower was a 2-day event. I would've never guessed it, but Indian's party hard! Something like 750 guests in attendance on the first day, and 200 something on the second day! WOWZERS! I knew I had to do them up lovely because they definitely would be my walking advertisement! I felt an overwhelming pressure, but at the same time I just did what I knew best! They looked absolutely stunning, especially with their traditional "saris."

I am proud to say that this project is another creation of mine to add to my portfolio. Here's how it all turned out:

Jaimini

Reena

Mommy-to-be, Ami

Thank you for the opportunity, ladies...

Hope to see you again soon!

Thanks for reading,

Project: Grinding

2011-02-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work." -Rita Mae Brown

It may sound cheesy, but quotes like this really help me when I'm feeling discouraged. I'm sure people out there would do anything to be able to sit at home doing this social networking crap while watching Full House, just like I'm doing right now! Haha. There are times when I want to go back and, as my boyfriend says, "work for the man" but it's not really worth the hassle. I'm actually on permanent disability right now because of my Pulmonary Hypertension. The reason being is because my health is very inconsistent. There were times when I actually was "working for the man" and had to take 2 weeks off because of health complications. I don't think there has been a year since I've been diagnosed that I haven't seen the ER, then checked in to the hospital for days... sometimes weeks. That's why I think that this business move will work for me because I can make my own hours... and I won't let anyone down by not coming in to work.

*sigh*

My boyfriend currently works full time, over time, 6 sometimes 7 days a week, and I see what it does to him. I can't imagine doing what he does especially feeling the way I do. The thing that keeps him going is his drive to succeed. I can honestly say that I've never seen anyone that's as driven as he is. It's cray-cray! But it's him that keeps me going. Really, it's gonna kill me to admit this, but I never would've pursued my makeup gig if it weren't for him. He literally pushed me to follow my passion, and sometimes that's all it takes- a little push. I can't say it enough... I'm grateful.

"No I'm not lucky, I'm blessed, yes!" -Nicki Minaj

Is it possible to feel blessed living with an incurable illness? ...yes. I truly am blessed. I'm blessed to even be sitting here today talking about being blessed. I'm blessed to be breathing on my own without supplemental oxygen. I'm blessed to be able to walk small distances without getting winded. I'm blessed to be doing so well on oral medication (17 pills daily). I'm blessed to be able to share life and laughter with my family and friends. There are a lot of things that have been taken away from me, though. My quality of life has indeed changed, but I feel blessed enough to work towards my dream of being a successful makeup artist. I know it's gonna take a lot of work, but I'm blessed to have such a wonderful support system that I know will be there for me when need be.

Until I get my marketing collateral, social networking it is! I have a busy makeup weekend ahead of me so I can really use the rest anyway!

Thanks for reading,

Here's a taste of my work

You can see more of my work here: http://www.facebook.com/projectface

Photography by: Joseph McCalip

www.josephalan.net

Project: Pin-Up Parlor Photo Shoot

2011-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

Check out the behind-the-scenes video from the Pin-Up Parlor Photo Shoot 01/16/2011

Credits:

Photos by Joseph Alan Photography (www.josephalan.net)
Hair by Tiffany Faircloth for Pin-Up Parlor (www.pin-upparlor.com)
Makeup by Reinee Lingad for PROJECT: face (www.facebook.com/projectface)
Styling by LesleyAnn Christiansen for Fashion Stylista (www.fashionstylista.com)
and Tiffany Chenoweth (Artiffact) for Homeygrown (www.artiffact.com)
Models: Tiffany Chenoweth, Raquel Yasenchok (www.rockezi.tumblr.com), Sam, Tiffany Faircloth
Videography by Michael Urrutia for Good Peoples Productions

Project: 6 AM

2011-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I'm sitting here working, and yes I can say I'm actually working since I'm going full time with this 'Project: Face' biz. It's literally 6 in the morning and I'm in the dark with my laptop.... (the scene as described sounds a little creepy, doesn't it?). Anyhow, I'm realizing how hard it is to start a business. Networking is truly a b*tch because I'm guessing people think I'm just gonna feed them SPAM and/or they're doing it just because they're my friends (in real life). Don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate my supporters out there even if you're a man and you don't give a flying rat's poo about makeup. THANK YOU! I'm grateful.

Social networking is cray-cray (crazy, in hyphenated terms). Like really, I'm trying to find any which way to get out there. I've signed up for more accounts than I would normally like to because it's super effin hard to juggle all these accounts. By the way, you can 'LIKE' my page on facebook, and you can also follow me on twitter by clicking any of the following links on my sidebar! Hahaha! I seriously feel like I have 100 different social networking accounts. Like a few minutes ago I created a new youtube account for Project: Face (here's my shameless plug: http://www.youtube.com/user/PROJface) which really blows because now my video views start all over again... back at 1. I can't complain though because this is how it is. This is how it's going to be......

"without struggle there is no progress"

...and that's REAL talk.

After reading my very first blog, I thought to myself "wow this is super emo-fied" but I honestly kinda toned it down from the real deal. I don't wanna tell people everything is dandy when it's really not, but I do wanna let you know when everything is going great, too! And that's why I decided to start this blog. No BS ladies and gentlemen, this is me.

I'm excited for the next few months because I have a handful of projects going on including one project that I'm excited to announce, but not just yet. I'm joining creative forces with my beautiful, talented, and beautifully talented friends: Tiffany Chenoweth (www.artiffact.com), Tiffany Faircloth (www.pin-upparlor.com), Raquel Yasenchok (www.rockezi.tumblr.com), the creator of Good Peoples Productions, Micheal Urrutia, and we will be featuring some amazing photographers on this project as well. YIPPEEEEE!

Today I'm focusing on networking, again. I guess I don't mind staying in since it's really ugly outside and I can't breathe well in cold air anyway. Too bad I can't paint in some blue skies, a bright sun, and a rainbow. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Thanks for reading,

Project: Me

2011-02-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

"The key to being a great makeup artist is knowing how to color outside the lines." -Me

You can interpret that quote however you like, but basically what I'm trying to say is let your creative energy take you away... no rights, no wrongs.

Granted,

when I was a child I tried my very best to color inside the lines because that was the right way to color. And yes, it may still be the right way to color when you're 7-years old, but f*ck it- I say grab your favorite color crayon and raaaagggeee! Psychologically, I guess coloring inside the lines helps you balance your control.

I don't think I'm a very good artist. I mean I'm not great at imagining something and drawing it on paper, but if you give me a template I'll color the sh*t out of it. I'm all about enhancing the natural beauty an individual provides me with. This is me, this is what I do... I paint faces.

This is me, really.

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Reinee (pronounced like Renee). I'm a Bay Area native and I'm a 28-year old woman living with an illness called Pulmonary Hypertension. I was diagnosed with PH in May 2003, a couple of weeks before my 21st birthday. I was born with a congenital heart defect which was "repaired" with open-heart surgery when I was just 5-years old. I had a pretty limited activity level as a child for a few years following my surgery. I remember having to stay in the nurses office during recess. Not fun. However, that time was spent coloring in coloring books. Very fun. To make a long story short, I was able to live a normal life in high school participating in sports and other extra-curricular activities, but even though I was physically active I always felt like there was something wrong.

After my diagnosis, my reasons for "not feeling well" were coming to light. Finally there was a reason, but definitely bittersweet news. It was overwhelming. I mean, who can take news like this with a grain of salt. I literally began to think that my life was over. I had the support of my friends and family, but I still needed to feel happiness... for myself. I decided to direct my energy into something creative... hence, makeup.

"I can't even tell you're sick. You look so healthy."

My reply to remarks like that is always... always... always a genuine "thank you." I don't want to say that I hide behind pounds of makeup to look healthy. Looking and feeling healthy comes from the inside. Sometimes it is a struggle. I do have my days where life isn't so easy, but that's where I'm able to sit back and recollect. Think about life and how I want to live it. How my life wouldn't be my life without this illness. How I want to look and feel beautiful even on my off days and... how I want to share it with the world.

So here it is folks. The beginning to PROJECT: face, blueprint for beauty. I will be blogging throughout my journey, and hopefully there will be no end. I don't want to just be the makeup artist that does makeup. I want people to benefit from this. I want to share my personal story. I want you to know me.

Thanks for reading,

I'd like to thank the one person who always believed in me, Michael. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue my passion and share my story. I love you.