Healthful Monday: The Start Of Something New

I've decided that on a Monday I will post about health, diet etc. Because in the now immortal words of Meghan Trainor, "yeah it's pretty clear, I aint no size 2". Though to be fair, if I looked her, I'd be fine with that. But alas, I do not. And I am done with being obese. I hate it, I hate feeling this way and I feel ready to change. So one day a week I'll talk about my health journey.

I'm a massive sceptic however and have never followed any fad diets. I don't understand 5:2, and being someone who would if possible be a vegan, I can't go with things like Paleo or Atkins. I've never had a bowl of cabbage soup and I'm okay with this. I had moderate success on Slimming World, but I want to try something new. But as I say, I'm a sceptic. However my best friend has inspired me. I'm sure she won't mind me saying that she has fibromyalgia, which is a nasty illness affecting muscles, nervous system and the like. She started juicing, as well as adopting a healthy, balanced diet. I've seen her transform. Considering what her illness affects, she can now go on long walks with no problems most days and is feeling super healthy. So, because I've seen it actually work with someone I trust isn't making stuff up, I'm going to try it.

I got a second hand juicer off a Facebook group, and after a bit of trial and error, figured out how it works this morning.

So orange. 4 carrots, 3 celery sticks, 1 golden delicious apple, and 1 lemon. According to the internet a good "starter" juice. It would be better without that celery aftertaste.

I did a lot of research before starting this. I didn't go head first without thinking. But, what's the worst that can happen if I don't get on? I get a load of extra vitamins for a bit. 

So my plan is, for the month of February, on weekdays I'll have two juices a day and a healthy dinner. On weekends it'll more likely be one a day, just knowing how my weekends usually go. Hoping even when I'm working to have a juice before going out and work out the second one, either bring it with me for a break or if I'll be back at a reasonable hour, have when I get home. Depends on the job/shoot. The only exception this month is Valentine's Day, but even then I'll try and make sure we do it healthy. 

So yeah, that's happening. It's taken me awhile to write this as I try and drink my juice. Eventually I'll get used to it. But liquid veg and my brain is like "WOAH what is this madness I don't understand!" It's surprisingly filling though, even drinking it slow. So that's good. 

Do you/have you juiced? Would you? Let me know in the comments or tweet me or whatever. I'd love to hear more experiences of juicing. 

Until next time,

Bethany x

A Night With Charlotte Tilbury

Okay not the actual Charlotte Tilbury, but an event held at Fenwick of Bond Street.

I was invited by my lovely friend and makeup artist Juan Lopez Alvarez, who I had the absolute pleasure of working with last year at Pride in London, and of course I jumped at the chance. I've only been to one event before, and that was in 2013 for Model's Own.

The event was on Monday, 26th January in the evening once the store closed for the night. I attempted to pretty myself up and headed to London. My long suffering hubby was kind and offered to drive me to the event, due to the fact it's cold and I'm still getting over surgery. Also, he's just nice like that. I love when we drive into London, get to see things you don't get to on the underground. Plus at night the City is just beautiful.

My hair was being a jerk but whatever. MAC and Nars on the eyes, BDBrows Brow Powder on the brows, Bobbi Brown and Makeup Revolution on the face, and a lipgloss I got in my Tesco Beauty advent calendar on the lips. I can't remember the brand, just that it has a light in the lid! Amazeballs.

Once we arrived, I got out and headed in to the cosmetic entrance of Fenwick. I was name checked at the door, which I admit made me feel rather special and elite and headed in. It was pretty crowded, but there was a good buzz in the air. I was given two forms - one to fill out for an ongoing pro discount with CT, and the other an order form for the night. All products were 30% off. I was also given a glass of very nice prosecco, and there were bowls of chocolate lips around the place. To my disappointment, I didn't have a pen in my bag, so I spent a good few minutes trying to get one, but once I did I filled my discount form out and handed it in to the relevant person.

Outside display facing to New Bond Street

Champers, pro artist form and chipped nail polish. Bringing down the class with the last one.

I can say these choccies were lovely.

Although I'd browsed the website a few times before the event, I had never used any CT products before. Admittedly, they kinda blew my little mind. The quality is to die for. It was kind of hard to get too up close and personal with anything as it was a bit crowded and I'm not pushy. However I did get to play with a few bits, and have fallen in love. As soon as that discount comes through I will be
buying more of her gorgeous cosmetics.

Eventually I made a decision and splurged on a few small goodies, and stood in the world's longest queue. But it was nobody's fault, they were trying to all do orders via the CT website and it was being slow. One thing that did massively shock me, as I was standing in the queue and looking around, is I saw more that one artist use the testers on their own faces. Lipsticks, eyeliners etc. C'mon, you're a makeup artist, you know better than that!!

Just some of the pretties...

Such crowd, very packed.

The look gift sets. I wanted all of them. Especially The Rebel, Rock Chick and The Ingénue. 

Finally was served by an extremely friendly young woman who helped me place my order. I ended up getting two of the Cheek to Chic blushers, the Eye Cheat pencil and a Lip Brush. But could have gotten a lot more! The items actually came yesterday in the most gorgeous packaging ever. You know you're dealing with class when your invoice comes in a gilded envelope.

All in all it was fantastic! I would love to go to more things like that. Met some lovely people, and saw a couple people I knew. And if you haven't used any Charlotte Tilbury makeup, I advise you go to Fenwick or wherever else she has a counter and have a play. Gorgeous stuff.

Until next time,

Bethany x

10 Things I Wish I Had Known A Year Ago

According to Timehop, it's exactly a year to the day since my first test shoot. Before that I had done odd bits of film work, but it was a year ago when I fell in love with editorial and creative, as well as fashion.

The Ice Queen - Model: Annie Price, Photographer: Andrew Boschier, Makeup and Hair: Bethany Owen (Or Wells as I was known then)

I dived head first into fashion and editorial, and threw everything I had at it. I have learned so much in the last year, and there's a hell of a lot I wish I hadn't had to learn the hard way. I have been spoken to by a few newer (I'm still new in the grand scheme of things!) artists, and other freelancers. So I thought I would do a collection of things I wish I knew 365 years ago. It would have saved a lot of time. 

1. If it seems too be good to be true, it's too good to be true. The old saying if it looks like a rat, and smells like a rat, it's probably a rat is true. I have been burnt many times now. I wish I had sometimes maybe asked for a second opinion, or went with my gut instincts. If there are any red flags going off in your head, avoid!

2. Prepare to be pretty broke. You'll put every penny you scrape into your kit, to use it on test shoots. But you'll probably love every second of it.

3. Freelancing: 10% physical work and doing what you love, 90% admin. (These numbers will vary if you're a photographer for sure!) I spend a lot of time writing emails, applying for work, researching, networking, etc etc. Also include in that practice on face charts, and that sort of thing. But it's not too bad. It becomes something that's habit like you would do with a "normal" job.

4. Expect negativity. Friends and family may not understand. You may get asked what your real job is, what you actually do for a living, or when are you going to get a proper job. While you may be gritting your teeth and considering rearranging their features, just smile, and explain this is your job. Just be like Taylor Swift and shake it off. They will understand eventually.

5. If you think you're testing enough, you're not. Eventually you will get to a point where you can be selective because you'll learn your style, what you want in your book and what you love. Until then, test. Grab every single opportunity. Do short student films, do fashion shoots, assist at shows. Learn who you are in the industry and create your book around your skills and your loves.

6. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are your friends. I have met so many creatives through social media. Talk to everyone, you don't know who will be the person who gives you that chance.

7. Put money into your advertising and networking. Websites like PurplePort and Model Mayhem are better when you have a paid account, and places like Shooting Beauty and The Freelancer Club are paid for only. I was dubious at first but they have been worth it. Another thing is getting involved with Shooting Beauty is you will have experts at hand, as well as opportunities for workshops and events. I learned tonnes at these workshops.

8. Make yourself a good website, or get someone to do it for you. A Facebook page is nice, but you will get more interest if you can actually have a decent website on your business cards. 

9. Don't be afraid to say no or stand up for yourself. This is your career and you are responsible for you. If you don't like something - say so! I wish I had done so more. I'd have wasted a lot less time. Team work and everyone being on the same page so if you are not happy, let the team know. Unhappiness will show in your work.

10. And finally - enjoy it!! It's not all serious business. It's hard, and crazy. You will put your all into it, blood sweat and tears. But when you get those images back that take your breath away, it's worth every second of it. When you get that first publication, it is worth it. The first time someone asks your advice on something and you can answer it confidently, it's worth it. Enjoy every crazy second. And the ones that you don't enjoy, learn from them and don't let them tear you down. 

Being a freelancer is the best thing I've ever done. 

Until next time,

Bethany x

And she's back!

If you've followed me on the Twitter or Facebook machines for awhile, you'll know I've given blogging a go a couple times. Unfortunately my last attempt was rather cut short due to becoming ill. I couldn't keep up with life, let alone anything else.

However I always missed blogging, and now I'm ready to really start properly. I want this to be a blog by a makeup artist for makeup artists and enthusiasts, as well as beauty blogging and lifestyle blogging. A bit of everything I love really.

I hope that people will enjoy reading it, and will enjoy the journey. I love to write, and I love to blog so this will be a great project.

I will start getting some "proper" posts ready for the week ahead. They'll include a couple reviews, and an event for sure, and see what else comes up!

Until we meet again!

Bethany x