blog

Throughout our courses at the Huxley School of Makeup, our students take part in a number of incredible photo shoots to capture the beautiful looks they create. For our Beauty shoot for the September intake of 2018, our students had the opportunity to work with award winning photographer Trent Mitchell, in a very unique shoot in the Huxley studio.

A week prior to the shoot taking place, students were given their brief- they will be shooting with their models in a vat of water! Models would be floating in the vat with their faces just above the surface, as well as below. Students were tasked with creating waterproof beauty looks, that wouldn’t come off when their models when moving through the water. Inspired by pops of colour, brushed up brows and flawless complexions, Huxley students created some incredible looks!

With the vat filled and ready to go, one-by-one models climbed into the water to float below the photographer. From a platform Trent shot the girls from above, directing them to move from above the water to below, to capture some incredibly magical imagery.

Shooting 10 models in a vat of water was a huge challenge, as our students had to work out which products would stay on when submerged beneath water, and how best to make their models comfortable on set. Not only was this a challenge for the students, but also to the creative team, who really pushed the boundaries for this concept. The stunning imagery produced from this shoot really show that pushing outside the box really pays off when everyone involved is dedicated, creative and talented.

The moments captured in all the photos from this shoot are taken as models move, to create effects in the water, in their hair, and movement in the shots. Using models sourced from local talent as well as the Gold Coast modelling agencies – Que Models, and Busy Models, the shots are absolutely stunning, with the girls showcasing our students work perfectly for this editorial.

The Huxley School of Makeup team worked together to bring this vision to life, producing something like we never have before.

With the creative direction of Michael Huxley, photography by Trent Mitchell, and the beautiful makeup created by our students, each shot was stunning and unique.

Every individual image and look from this editorial show just how talented and dedicated the students here at the Huxley School of Makeup are. Given a new challenge each week helps them to grow as artists, and learn new ways to apply makeup to match the brief supplied to them. Providing students with these different topics allows them to enhance their skillset, and be prepared for future jobs in the industry.

Makeup and Hair: Alison Grigg, Courtney Thomas, Holly Fraser, Jade Molyneaux, Yvette Siminic-Sigurnjak, Shaadi Woodman, Mackie Snedden, Kain Howard, Bruna Petry De Souza, Noora Sulaiman

Creative Director: Michael Huxley
Photographer: Trent Mitchell

For our Bridal shoot for the September intake of 2018, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Queensland Brides magazine. Together we put together a stunning photo editorial spread themed around runaway brides. Shot on location at the stunning Cowbell Creek in Austinville, QLD, we captured some incredible content using gowns from some of Queensland’s leading designers!

Our students were given the task to create beautiful, effortless makeup looks inspired by our runaway bride theme. The idea of the shoot was the create natural yet strong and sophisticated makeup and hair looks on their models. Many students followed on trend makeup styles including fluffy brows, bold lips and effortless updos. Using models sourced from local talent as well as the Gold Coast modelling agencies – Que Models, and Busy Models, the shots absolutely stunning, with the girls showcasing our students work perfectly for this editorial.

Using various areas across the stunning Cowbell Creek property, we managed to capture a number of magical moments, each with their own story to tell. In each location, models were photographed in different gowns from a number of fabulous designers (all listed below). Beginning makeup for our first model at 3AM, we were on location at first light for some incredible sunrise shots. At this time, we were lucky enough to photograph the model in front of the morning mist over the mountains. Following this, models were shot across the property- with horses, in fields, on hilltops, swings and more. This all came together to create a story, which was enhanced by the fabulous makeup created by the talented Huxley students.

The overall editorial was absolutely incredible, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible team at Queensland Brides, the fabulous designers, Cowbell Creek, our wonderful team, and of course our amazing September 2018 intake of students!

The Huxley team has produced many bridal editorials over the years, but nothing quite like this. Our incredible team, directed by Michael Huxley, worked to create a magical story told through fabulous imagery and film. With Ayla Starace taking photos and Robbie Caccaviello on film, the end result was an editorial is one to be remembered.

Our incredible students (listed below) worked hard to execute unique, beautiful looks, which is evident from the content produced. The stunning results of this editorial show just how talented and dedicated the students here at the Huxley School of Makeup are.

Makeup and Hair: Alison Grigg, Courtney Thomas, Holly Fraser, Jade Molyneaux, Yvette Siminic-Sigurnjak, Shaadi Woodman, Mackie Snedden, Kain Howard, Bruna Petry De Souza, Noora Sulaiman

Designers: Darb Bridal, White Lily Couture, Luv Bridal, Anna Dutton Couture, Strictly Bridal, Sentani Boutique, Pearl Bridal, Wendy Makin Bridal Designs, Loving Label, Bessette, Jennifer Gifford Designs, Fiorenza, Paddington Weddings, BellaDonna

Creative Director: Michael Huxley
Photographer: Ayla Elaine Photography
Videographer: Films by Rob
Location: Cowbell Creek

For our Fashion shoot for the January intake of 2018, we had the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing Lorna Jane women’s active wear. Lorna Jane Clarkson founded Lorna Jane over 28 years ago, where she didn’t just join the active wear industry – she invented it.

Our students were given the task to create some powerful and glamorous makeup looks, with the brief being sleek, stunning and fashion forward. With this we aimed to create a strong and fierce aesthetic for our shoot, showing that the idea for this editorial was a picture of health, vibrancy and fitness. Using models sourced from local talent as well as the Gold Coast modelling agency – Que Models, the girls really portrayed fierce and transcendent women of power, someone to idolise, a role model. Upholding the aesthetic of tenacious and influential beings, our models were really able to showcase the students stunning and diverse work, each one just as unique and outstanding as the next.

Using various locations and backgrounds for the editorial, we created a diverse series of images to accommodate the various styled outfits. We used our in house studio to create different sets, differing from soccer goals to archery ranges. With help from W Events Group, we managed to construct gorgeous arrays of floral backgrounds and props, as well as in collaboration with Starke Fitness gym – located in Burleigh Heads, we were able to execute a number of looks in their vicinities, using numerous props such as battle ropes and weights.

The overall aesthetic and vision of our fashion shoot this January intake was to really show how diverse the idea of fashion could be, how powerful, energetic and influential women can be – how Lorna Jane active wear can interpret a message of fitness and health, of energetic and influential role models.

With our A team working hard at it again, they managed to capture the message we were aiming to depict through photo and film. With Ayla Starace taking photos and Robbie Caccaviello on film, closely guided by Michael Huxley’s creative direction, the end result was one of beauty and precise expertise.
Our diligent and talented students executed each strong and unique makeup look with ease and attention, showing the high level of expertise and dedication each student at Huxley School of Makeup possesses.

LORNA JANE

Lorna Jane Clarkson founded Lorna Jane over 28 years ago, from the very beginning Lorna’s vision for the brand has extended beyond just creating an Active wear product. It is Lorna’s way of life that constantly inspires the brand’s Active Living philosophy and family practice of Move, Nourish and Believe.
The three Lorna Jane brand icons represent the family practice of Move, Nourish and Believe – Moving every day, Nourishing from the inside out and Believing that anything is possible. They appear on every Lorna Jane garment as a constant reminder that Active Living is more than just words. These icons are a personal reminder every day to act on your dreams, work on your wellness and truly believe that anything is possible – We call it the Lorna Jane difference.

For our January 2018 intake, our students worked together on an elegant bridal editorial where they had the chance to collaborate with the stunning Ella Moda bridal gowns, professionally styled by Carina Boyle, a Gold Coast based fashion stylist.
The students were provided with a brief to create some beautiful bridal makeup looks for their models with inspiration drawn from a utopian concept, a vision of purity, a moment in time, luxury and pleasure.
The set was created starting with a glossy black background, covered in an abundance of lavish overgrown greenery, built from live plants that was designed, created and constructed by Julia Rose, an award winning floral designer. Within this production, we aimed to have an opulent, lush aesthetic, in shades of rain forest green to really elevate the focus on the bride. With this stark contrast we aimed to rival the usual traditions of soft and elegant themes that usually are accompanied by the idea of a wedding. With some gorgeous models sourced from local talent as well as a prestigious Gold Coast agency, Que models, we aimed to depict powerful women in charge. With the use of lighting on set, we created different multi-toned points of light to construct interesting depth and a unique overall vision. Through this concept we have portrayed women who are unique, unrivalled and uncompromised. Women who aren’t following rules or trends, they’re creating them.

The gowns created by Ella Moda, are contemporary and fashionable whilst still having traditional touches, creating a masterpiece of lace and silk, ivory hues and immaculate detail.

The over all vision was brought to life by an amazing team of diligent students and crew under creative direction of the Huxley Team. The final result is an accurate representation of how much hard work, dedication, focus and talent went into this production and we are proud to share the final images with you, alongside a professionally cut video, which really enhances the overall viewing experience of the editorial.

THE CREW
Our highly talented and skilful team used their years of experience and precise expertise to execute the concept for the editorial.
Amongst the crew we had the likes of Julia Rose who is an award winning floral designer with over 20 years of experience within the industry. Her stunning and intricate work has been seen in major Australian publications, social media platforms as well as websites such as Pinterest, which are saturated with her art.

Ella Moda is a Brisbane based bridal label created by Ella Stephenson. The dresses have a unique style of elegant and classic cuts with romantic detail, constructed with delicate care from the best quality silks and laces. Ella Moda bride is fashion-forward, though not trend-focused, it is contemporary and modern, with an affinity for luxury and finer things in life.
Our stylist involved, Carina Boyle, has an exceptional and unique style that can only be described as a harmonious mix of her cultural experiences, starting from her home country Austria, as well as her time spent living and working in China and Australia. The fashion-focused individual is specialised in women’s fashion and has worked with respected and reputable brands such as H&M, Prada and Bvlgari.

Our media team consisted of two hard working individuals, who together captured the essence and aura of the night through film and photography.

Ayla Starace, is an international fashion photographer. Ayla has lived and worked overseas in Milan, Paris and London, creating content for exceptional model talent, European campaigns and editorials. She has a flair for sleek, polished photographic portraiture, with a refined ability to inspire a sense of power and pride from her female subjects.

Our cinematographer Robbie Caccaviello is a fresh-faced filmmaker, who has, within the last twelve months, surged on the film scene, securing first option to direct one of the Australia’s best selling young adult fictional novels! As a New York Film Academy graduate, Robbie has gone on to produce content for a wide range of commercial and personal projects, with his unique and distinguished style, each piece of film produced is executed with precision, passion, skill and talent.

Michael is the course convener of the school as well as the creative director on set. Michael began his career in creative arts as a makeup artist for Yves Saint Laurent and to this day has maintained a successful career as an international artist. Michael is passionate about art direction and constantly produces photographic and video projects through his studio in Burleigh Heads. With Michael’s expert direction and creative eye on set, he aided the students and crew to expertly accomplish the task at hand and create a stunning and immaculate result.

JULIA ROSE
@FLOWERSBYJULIAROSE

CARINA BOYLE
@MODEKATZE

ELLA MODA
@ELLA_MODA

ROBBIE CACCAVIELLO
@FILMSBYROB

AYLA STARACE
@AYLAELAINEPHOTOGRAPHY

HUXLEY SCHOOL OF MAKEUP
@HUXLEYSCHOOLOFMAKEUP

Every intake at Huxley School of Makeup special effects students create zombie characters designed to be scary!

Last intake students created amazing zombie characters on their models that were then photographed in our very own studio!

Thanks to all of our amazing students who made this shoot possible and helped with set design.

Last semester’s Fashion & Beauty Makeup Artistry students had the pleasure of working with the lovely boutique About A Girl for their “Fashion Today” module.
About A Girl is a gorgeous clothing and accessories store located in Nobby’s Beach. They stock lots of boho and beach style goodies that we fell in love with when choosing the garments for the shoot.

The brief was to create makeup looks that complimented the garments and fit into the brief we gave them, which they definitely did! The students got to work on the beautiful girls from Katz Model Management for this shoot as well.

The first look incorporated a fresh dewy complexion with a tonne of highlight which of course is my favourite part! They also used the new Eye of Horus gold eyeliner and had glossy eyelids with a nude lip.

This look went perfect with the fashion pieces as it was natural enough to not take away any attention from the clothes, well maybe a second to check out their glow… which of course is never a bad thing.

The students also created different hairstyles on the models with each model having a chic but natural style that suited their outfit. They also had to style the outfits using the accessories provided!

Here are a couple of our fav images from the two photo shoots, we hope you love them as much as we do.

This year IMATS played host to huge international artists and local makeup legends while featuring new and incredible products from some of the worlds best cosmetics brands. Our course convener went down to suss out all the action and help out one of our favourite brands, IMATS major sponsor, Kryolan.

IMATS stands for the International Makeup Artist Trade Show and is held each year in major cities around the world. The Sydney event is a must see exhibit for Australian makeup artist and has been visiting our shore since 2009.Our 2015 show didn’t disappoint with over 22 pro makeup speakers and 46 exhibitors. This year saw the new comer on the block Jeffrey Star introduce his unique brand to the Aussie market and fans went ballistic! To put it in perspective makeup enthusiasts and Jeffery fans tore through the venue as if HnM had another sale on Balmain!For the second year running the super bright harajuku lovers Sugar Pill were a massive hit with die hard Aussie fans! Their leading lady Amy also known on Instagram as Shrinkle wore the most incredible colourful makeup while her crew wore equally as cute pastel rainbow makeup!

Pictured above: Our course convener Michael with Amy owner of Sugar Pill CosmeticsModel rock lashes brought out the Vogue artist Roshar to create two unique avant guard looks. Roshar’s theatrical and magical take on fashion makeup shone bright on the stage as his beautiful model Hannah’s entire body was covered in Gold glitter!

The boys from Odd studios Damian Martin and Adam Johansen (best known for their work on Mad Max: Fury Road, Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith, Farscape, The Wolverine, The Matrix Reloaded, Babe: Pig in the City, Where the Wild Things Are, Superman Returns) were incredibly inspiring as key note speakers.Long time supporter of the school, the exceptionally talented body artist Becca Gilmartin, graced the main stage for Kryolan. On the first day she taught us how to better conceal tattoos with dermacolor and on the second day she created an amazing air brushed wooden girl! Becca is also the new editor of beauty magazine LAUD which is definitely worth checking out.

In summary Michael explains: “In a nut shell IMATS was awesome. There were almost too many highlights to mention but it was exciting to be apart of all the buzz while catching up with industry leaders like Rae Morris, Roshar and Martin Bray. I loved helping Kryolan and had a blast demonstrating their new Nebular air brush colours! It is amazing to see so many incredible artists in one venue. I can’t wait for next year!

Pictured above from Left to Right:

1. Mad Max Film
2. Roshar’s model Hannah
3. Becca Gillmartin with her beautiful wooden girl – air brushed with complexion tones from the new Nebula range.
4. Our Course Convener Michael with his model Wyatt from QUE Models. Wyatt’s skull and heart look was air brushed with Kryolan’s new Nebula Air brush products.

o you ever wonder what people have in their everyday makeup kit? I do! We recently discovered what Kim Kardashian has in her everyday kit and decided to compare it to our own. We have compared Kim Kardashians everday kit to my own and then to what we recommend at our school. Whose kit is more similar to yours? Sometimes we can get overwhelmed with having too many products in our everyday kit, so we have made it simple for you with our must have products and tools.

KIM KARDASHIAN

Products
1. Burt’s Bees Cucumber and Sage Facial Cleansing Towelettes
2. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser
3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation (X2 Shades)
4. POREfessional Agent Zero Shine-vanishing Powder
5. MAC Lip Conditioning Balm
6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown
7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pro Eyebrow Shade Palette
8. Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop Eye Shadow
9. Charlotte Tilbury Golden Goddess Eyeshadow Palette
10. Anastasia Beverly Hills Facial Highlighter in So Hollywood
11. MAC Prep+ Water Mist
12. Kevin Aucoin Primatif Eye Pigment in Titian
13. Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Eyeshadow Palette
14. MAC Boot Black Liquid Eye Liner
15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Creme Colour Eyelid Gel Cream in Jet Black
16. Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Makeup
17. Giorgio Armani Eye Tint Eyeliner
18. ​Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Scorch
19. Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner in Barbarella Brown
20. Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Powder
21. L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Volume Building Mascara or Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Lengthening Mascara
22. Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp Eyeshadow Palette
23. Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencil in Black Sea
24. MAC Studio Fix Foundation Powder
25. Red Cherry False Eyelashes
26. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer
27. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
28. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Bronzer
29. Benefit Cosmetics Powder Highlighter in Watts Up
30. Too Faced Long-Lasting Blush in Love Flush
31. Kevin Aucoin Lip Pencil
32. Tom Ford Lip Colours X5 Shades
33.TATCHA Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets

Over $1500

Tools
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Brush #14
It Cosmetics Double-ended Airbrush Foundation Brushor Trish McEvoy Foundation Brush #76
Beauty Blender
MAC Ultra-luxe Powder Puff
Sigma E46 Inner Corner Brush
Stila Double-sided Crease and Liner brush #15
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyelash Brush #3
LORAC Concealer Brush #103
Surratt Relevee Eyelash Curler
DUO Eyelash Adhesive
Anastasia Beverly Hills Precision Tweezers
Trish McEvoy Blending Brush #48
Sigma E35 Tapered Blending Brush
Preo Eyelash Curler
Sigma E17 Waterline Liner
Trish McEvoy Sheer Blush Brush #2B
Vincent Longo Eyeshadow Brush #22

MAKEUP ADDICT

Products
1. Bioderma Micellar Water
2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser
3. Origins Eye Cream
4. Bite Beauty Augave Lip Mask
5. Makeup Forever Hydrating Primer
6. Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation
7. MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer (X2 Shades)
8. Kat Von D Shade And Light Palette
9. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
10. MAC Mineralised Skin Finish in Gold Deposit
11. MAC Bronzer
12. Nars Blush in Orgasm
13. Becca Highlighter in Opal
14. The Balm Highlight in Mary Loumanizer (Two highlighters.. really?)
15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Taupe
16. Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brow Powder
17. Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
18. MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
19. Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
20. Kyolan Nude Eyeliner
21. Inglot Gel Liner in #77
22. The Blam Swing Eyeliner
23. MAC Upper Lash Mascara
24. MAC Giggablack Mascara (When I think I need a different mascara for my top and bottom lashes)
25. Model Rock Lashes
26. Duo Eyelash Glue
27. Kyrolan Face Liner
28. MAC Nude Lipsticks (Velvet Teddy, Honey Love, Blankety, Etc.) (Because everyone needs 5 nude lipsticks everyday…)
29. Fix Plus to Set
OR
30. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Over $1200

Tools
1. Huxley Duo Fibre Brush
2. Huxley Fluffy Brush
3. Huxley Bullet Brush
4. Huxley Angle Brush
5. Huxley Blush & Contour Brush
6. Huxley Long Handle Soft Kabkui Brush
7. Huxley Round Eye Shadow Brush
8. Huxley Concealer Brush
9. Huxley Bent Eye Definer Brush
10. MAC Brush #135
11. Real Techniques Contour Brush
12. Beauty Blender Original
13. Eyelash Applicator

Over $500

I know it’s scary close to the amount of products Kimmy K has but I have an addiction, okay?

MUST HAVE PRODUCTS

Products
1. Kryolan Makeup Blend
2. Kryolan Makeup Primer
3. Kryolan Paint Stick X2
4. Kryolan Translucent Powder
5. Kryolan Concealer wheel
6. Kryolan Pigment
7. Kryolan Lip Gloss High Shine
8. Kryolan Face Liner
9. Eye Of Horus Eye Brow Pencil Duo
10. Eye Of Horus Liquid Liner
11. Eye of Horus Mascara
12. Eye Of Horus Eyeliner Pencil
13. Eye of horus eyeshadows
14. Model Rock Lashes
15. Kryolan Liquid Latex

Under $600

Tools
Huxley Brush Kit
Includes:
Jumbo Powder
Duo Fibre
Long Handled Soft Kabuki
Blush & Contour
Flat Foundation
Concealor
Chubby Shadow
Round Eyeshadow
Bullet
Fluffy Blender
Angled Brow and Liner
Bent Eye Definer
Blending Fan
Lip Perfecter
Spoolie
15 Slot Brush Roll

$400

Purchase these items on our online store!
CLICK HERE

Our last intake of the Fashion & Beauty Makeup Artistry students were super lucky to have Eye of Horus at the school during their egyptian inspired module!
All the students were given a gift and a challenge to create either a “Luna Goddess” or a “Desert Goddess” by the lovely girls at Eye of Horus.

The students got the exciting experience of using unreleased products to create the looks!
The students who also created the best Luna and Dessert looks overall won the entire Eye of Horus makeup range! How cool is that!

Our lucky winners for this was Renee Clarke and Shannen Martin. Congratulations girls!
Well done to all the students for creating such beautiful looks, it definitely made Eye of Horus’s job hard.
A big thank you to Eye of Horus again for all your generous gifts and continuous support!

Here are the two winning looks. Renee’s Desert Goddess; which incorporated a dark smokey eye with a dramatic gold doubled winged liner (which is a new product coming soon) and of course a lot of highlight and Shannen’s Luna Goddess incorporated a sharp, dramatic purple eye with silver winged liner (also a new product coming soon).

RENEE’S GODDESS

SHANNEN’S GODDESS

DESERT GODDESSES

LUNA GODDESSES

During our Fashion & Beauty Makeup Artistry course students study an Asian inspired module. Asian cultures are beautiful and have a rich history of fashion and beauty traditions. Students research and develop their own Asian inspired look in this class to complement the brief provided.  Here is a sneaky behind the scenes preview of our students getting ready for the photo shoot.