A Must See Brand: Narrative Cosmetics

As a makeup artist by trade, I am always looking for new options to add to add to my working kit that will add to my work or give me a wider range of options. Having found Narrative Cosmetics, in particular the FX range, I am really excited about the possibilities to create and for my work in film and TV the budget friendly side that will be a major plus going forward.

While the range offers up a wide array of beauty oriented products, it was the cream palettes from the FX range that first caught my attention and after a little research I can see there being so much more to the Narrative Cosmetics line that needs to be seen.

The FX range covers all the basics and with the addition of a YouTube channel with tutorials, you can utilize the range to create anything from a simple bruise to a creature with minimal fuss and maximum impact. Designed to meet the highest professional standards Narrative Cosmetics is fast becoming the go to brand for creatives across mediums.

Competitively priced, and expanding the range to support a wide range of requirements, you can go from theatrical to HD standard easily and with film and TV being a primary focus of my work, access to silicone compounds for quick wound creation or going old school with wax, the medical grade adhesive is a must see for the cost alone, Narrative has the scope to be a real kit staple.

If you are a makeup artist, no matter the stage of your career, passionate about FX and makeup then I strongly recommend you check out the range from film to fashion you will find something that will boost your kit and open up new potential in your creative work without losing out on quality.

To learn more about the Narrative Cosmetics range see:

Narrative Cosmetics Website.

Narrative Cosmetics YouTube.

Narrative Cosmetics Instagram.

Narrative Cosmetics Facebook.

A New Addition To The Lost Library

A new addition to the lost library is the fantastic book by Begona F Martin titled Special Makeup Effects & Prosthetics - An essential guide, a truly fascinating and well structured look at the potential of special FX and prosthetics aimed at the cosplay market, it offers up a wealth of information, resources and tips that will be beneficial to a wide range of creatives from makeup artists working in media to cosplayers looking to up their game.

With her extensive background in the arts as well as FX, Begona’s (BB to her friends) book is to me, a must read for those looking to expand their knowledge and test the waters of flat moulds and silicone, with step by step images and detailed explanations of each process with cost-efficient recommendations that will help those on a budget looking to get more creative in their work taking you through materials and techniques in a way that is easy to follow and insightful.

From the images to the text, it is all created by Begona over two years showcasing absolute passion for not just the special FX industry but sharing the skills that she has gained over the course of her career.

To learn more about the book or to purchase from her range of ready made FX or just to follow her work see:

Begona F Martin Website and Store.

BBFX Etsy Store.

Begona Martin Instagram.

Cosplay Instagram.

Talking Business with Lukey Lukey

Something we find fascinating is the desire and passion behind brands, Lukey Lukey is a great example of this with the line already gathering attention we wanted to find out more about the beginnings and future of this eye-catching collection.

Lukey Lukey is a curated, yet all encompassing color range that has really grabbed people's attention. Can you tell us more about the line and how it all started?   

 It all started for me during the lockdown. I had been working in the beauty industry as a stylist, colourist and educator for well over a decade, and I had just started a new career as a freelance beauty editor. It was a nice change of pace from the type of work I had been doing for the longest time. I always felt like there was something missing from my career. Whenever I achieved what I set out to do, I wanted to move on to the next thing immediately. I never felt fully content with what I was doing. Finally, it just hit me: I need to start my own brand. Once I had that "Aha moment", everything just became really clear to me. I was grateful to be working fully remotely at the time because it gave me enough time to research everything that I’d need to know to start my own business. The hard work started there, but my vision was crystal clear, so to me the hardest part was already complete. 

When you were designing the Lukey Lukey range what was the driving force behind the look?   

 Lukey Lukey, it’s branding and everything about the aesthetic is like something that’s been trapped inside my head that’s always been yearning to break out. I can’t explain how easy it all came to me. It didn’t even “come” to me, I just let it all out. I knew exactly how I wanted everything to look, how I wanted the logo to be styled, the type of models I wanted to use, everything just flowed very easily. Getting to be creative and design all of this was a dream for me. My mother is an artist and she painted the original artwork, with me instructing how I wanted it to look. It’s such a fond memory of the brand's creation. 

You chose to lead with a cream blusher collection for your brand, is there more planned for the future and can you share with us your plans?   

“ Yes! Blush is very near and dear to me and my journey in beauty! I was always self-conscious of blushing and having rosy cheeks, so it was me taking back my power!”

Trying to celebrate our insecurities – as difficult as that may be at times. I also find blush interesting in terms of colour theory; colour has always been my passion, in every avenue of my life. I have so many plans for future launches and where I want the brand to go. A collection takes such a long time to create, I started planning the second collection before Dream Cheeks – my first collection – even launched! 

Is there any advice you can offer to aspiring entrepreneurs entering into the beauty industry? 

 It’s competitive, so you need to have a very clear idea of what you want to create. Once you know what you want and you are confident in your choices, trust your instinct. Nobody knows what you want to achieve as clearly as you do. It’s great to have a few people to bounce ideas off, but once you make a decision you need to have the confidence to stand behind it. Running a business is difficult enough without doubting yourself, you need to be sure of yourself, always. 

To learn more about the brand or to purchase see:

Lukey Lukey Website.

Lukey Lukey Instagram.

Lukey Lukey Facebook.

Lukey Lukey TikTok.

Lukey Lukey Cream Blush Revolution

As many will know, JamesC has an obsession with blush, so when he came across the debut collection from Lukey Lukey of 4 universal shades of cream blush it was a match made in heaven.  

Luke Nolan the founder behind the colour collection has developed this to be a consumer dream and an artist must, from the chic blue packaging to the carefully curated cream colours, this brand is designed to meet artistic standards and colour theory methods while enhancing beauty with minimal fuss and maximum impact.

From a purely artistic point of view this range has the hallmarks of a bridal staple, a film/TV artist must, and an editorial plus when it comes to a working kit and throw in the potential to sell the product in your salon Lukey Lukey Blush is set to be a go-to across the spectrum.

Produced in Europe, the range may be small but has the potential to make a big impact and has the support of The Lost Creatives team as well as our own JamesC who is already plotting out looks for this spectacular blush. 

To learn more about the collection or to purchase see:

Lukey Lukey Website.

Lukey Lukey Instagram.

Lukey Lukey Facebook.

Lukey Lukey TikTok.

Working The Makeup Dept Budget With Desired FX

In the world of film and TV, budgets can be the biggest constraint alongside time, to the creative process. For the makeup department often this means we have to search out cost-efficient options to create a particular look or downgrade the process to fit the money available, thankfully, there are services like Desired FX that can help with this and give you a budget-friendly, professional add-on to your kit that will push the department ahead.

From silicone wounds to scars, tattoos including bruising and standard designs, Desired FX offers up a range of products that will work for most scenarios and even offers a studio custom service to allow further scope for creativity on a budget.

With increasing options in the digital market from Amazon to HOD TV (Horror on Demand), the indie film sector has never been so popular with the on-demand film/TV sector becoming bigger year on year, but budgets being tight in the circuit, having the option of a team like Desired FX who can provide cost-efficient options for the FX department, there is scope to bring a different dimension as a department head working smart with the available funds.

To learn more about Desired FX or to purchase see:

Desired FX shop ( 10% off on all products with the promo code "JamesClark10")

Desired FX Instagram.

Desired FX Facebook.