🏫🎓BIC University 🎓🏫

[danielledanielle]

Welcome everyone to BICU Thread!  The only university that's pretty much accept all, serve all. (That's right, there's a 100 percent acceptance rate. )

  

WHAT IS BICU?

• Compounding of various threads (coming soon) to address some beauty basics and further highlight the 🤌🏽🤌🏽 of the BIC.
• Discussion/Exploration in the beauty space where members can post/comment on things they feel the have an expertise on, aka mini member masterclasses.  (Updated to say: think of it as TED talk x BIC 🤣)
• School spirit... Feel free to share any fun beauty gifs and pics here repping BIC  

 miss ya @JeffreyBD 

For a mini masterclass, posting styles suggested are:

• Essay
• Q&A
• Step by step, how to (think like a wikiHow)
• Photo journal
• Listicle
• Dealer's choice (a blend of the above...hey, if you want to teach an all gif lesson, go for it)

The goal is to have a well of personalized info that can be drawn from whenever.  Following social media can be helpful, but it's also nice to have real person tips and tricks.

[itsfi]

FLATLAY SKILLSHOP 101 📷 

Happy New Year, BIC! Kids are heading back to school this month, and so are we here at BIC University! 

Next week, we'll be starting up with FLATLAY SKILLSHOP 101. A more detailed course description is contained in the spoiler. Topics are subject to change. 

SCHEDULE: 

➡️  January 6 - 19

     📸  MODULE 1: Lighting & Angles

• Finding The Right Light For You 

            -  Natural vs. Artificial Lighting

            -  Time of Day & Positioning 

            -  Tips & Tricks to Improve Your Lighting

• Knowing Your Angles

            -  A View From Above

            -  Tackling it Head On

            -  Unique Angles

➡️  January 20 - February 2

      📸  MODULE 2: Background & Props

            -  Using What You Already Have On Hand

            -  Keeping It Simple

            -  Being Extra

➡️  February 3 - 16

     📸  MODULE 3: Arrangement & Editing

            -  Beware of ... Glare, reflection, and photobombing your own shot with your thumb, foot, etc.

            -  Framing Your Shot

            -  Putting It All Together

A Year of Beauty- Photography Challenge- Year 2 can be a good resource. @Samtian mentions additional resources on the thread for more detailed information on some of the techniques that were a part of the monthly challenges.

OBJECTIVES:

🎯  Offer some tips, tricks, tools and techniques for taking flatlays

🎯  Provide a space to (i) practice taking and putting together flatlay photos, and (ii) work towards finding and developing your unique personal flatlay style.

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES NEEDED:

📱 Camera - be it on your phone or DLSR [Note: I shoot 95% of my photos on BIC with my iPhone - it's an iPhone X so yes, it's old. Vintage, if you will. 😉 It's what I used for the very first photo I ever posted to the Community and it's what I use to this day. I share this because I want people to know that you can pretty much use whatever camera you have on hand to take good photos.]

💄  Products - select whichever products you feel comfortable using to do the assignments (ummmm, yes, there will be assignments - more on that in the FAQs below). You can use the same products for the duration of this skillshop or you can swap them out, as you wish.

       ⭐  Recommendation: Select 2 - 6 items to use in your photographs. My reasoning is this - having at least 2 items will give you an opportunity to learn and work with scaling and working with one item vis-a-vis another. 

EXPECTATIONS:

☑️  Be open - This skillshop will be about process as much, if not more than, the end results. You may or may not come away with "the perfect" flatlay set up or photo. If you do, that's fantastic! If you come away at the end of it with a tool or two to make taking flatlays easier or more convenient for you, or to make it more fun, even better! 

☑️  Have fun - Photography has been a hobby I have wanted to pursue for a long time. I fell into taking photos just by being on BIC - it combines two things that are of interest to me. I get that it can be frustrating if a photo doesn't come out the way you want the first tme or the 70th time. First, I would say that having a critical eye or setting a high bar for yourself is not a bad thing. I'd also say that we can be our harshest critic. It may be easier said than done, but try to cut yourself some slack when it comes to your photos. We're not professional photographers and we haven't been doing this for decades. This is "school" - the kind without grades or a final exam. The tips, tricks, techniques and takeaways from this are all meant to help make our photos better as we put them into practice.

☑️  Be collegial by being thoughtful (and helpful) with your feedback - Those who choose to share their photos are putting themselves out here. Feedback should be genuine and genuinely helpful. 

FAQs:

Spoiler

Did she say there's going to be assignments?

Yes, I did; and, yes, there will. 

Putting together flatlays are one of those things that are going to require some doing. So there will be assignments. However, at or before the start of every module, I will include a set of examples of how I approached or would approach the assignments. You don't need to go about doing it the exact same way, but there will be examples to serve as guides for you should that be helpful.

Do I have to post my photos? What if I'm not happy with how some of them turned out?

You don't have to post the photos for each module's assignments. As much as I would like for everyone who participates to do so, I recognize that some may not be comfortable with that, and some may just wish to see what others are doing and/or just pick up tips and tricks from what others are doing. So no, there's no requirement to post your photos. That said, it can be beneficial to get feedback from others. Also, if you are inspired by someone's photos and use them for your own photos (here or otherwise), give credit where credit is due. 

As mentioned above, I will post examples of what I did for the assignment - these will contain shots that I'm happy with and others that I'm less than thrilled with how they turned out. It's all part of the learning process. That being said, I've allocated about 2-weeks per session (including 2 weekends) to give folks time to take multiple photos for the assignments and have photos they are happiest with / that they feel most comfortable sharing, if at all. 

When should we post our photos?

You can post them anytime after the module has gone live / the assignment(s) has/have been posted. Each session is set up for approximately 2-week increments to give folks time to set up their shots for the assignment, take photos, retake photos, review them, and, if they choose to do so, to post them.

We all have different schedules and different demands on our time - I've included two weekends per session in the hope that it will provide more opportunity for everyone to find or squeeze in some time to complete the assignments. Also, if you are unable to post your photos for a session within that session's time period, not a problem. Just post it at a later date if you wish. Tag me [ @ + username (itsfi)] - I'll do my best to check back in here often but tagging me will help to remind me to do so.

Thank you to Dean @danielledanielle for her feedback on setting up this skillshop. 

Looking forward to class on Monday! Feel free to tag folks you think may be interested. 

[danielledanielle]

@CynthieLu 

@peculiarzmakeup 

@PDXXXX 

@Cissy63 

🤔

[Cissy63]

Thanks for the tag @danielledanielle!  I have always enjoyed learning something new 😀

[CynthieLu]

Thank you for the tag @danielledanielle this is really neat! 

[CynthieLu]

@Mellmars1185 @Titian06 @makeitup305 @blackkitty2014 

[Titian06]

Thanks for the tag, @CynthieLu ! 😘

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thanks for the tag @danielledanielle  and the beautifully summarized notes on the universities upcoming endeavors @itsfi  does this mean anyone can teach I would love to do one on winged liner 🙂  also my foremost gratitude of my acceptance I am so excited for this ❤️❤️❤️

[danielledanielle]

Lip Lab 🥼 💄

There's a few ways to get a killer lip.

Suggested Tools:

Lip brush

Applicators already included (doe foot, teardrop tip, brush, etc)

Mirror

Remover (aquaphor, Vaseline, coconut oil, etc)

Lipstick of choice

Lip products or product

Tissue for blotting

Lip prep:

Exfoliation (a scrub, a washcloth, a toothbrush)

Moisturizer: primer or mask or balm or oil

Optional clean up:

Q tips

Micellar water or balm cleanser

1. Prep your lips

This can be as laborious as you like it to be.  Usually in the morning I gentle rub my toothbrush over my lips after brushing and use a lip mask like LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C , but you can use Vaseline, aquaphor.  Then I brush my teeth, drink water , etc, some of the mask has when away.  Then I remove the rest with a washcloth or cleansing towel.

2. Choose your adventure. 

Lip oils and gloss are the most forgiving.  Just a swipe and you're good to go

Lip stains can be fun as well, they are dropping for me.  Some stains you can even apply and peel off!   I don't own many of these, but SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain 10HR Liquid Lipstick are fantastic.  You can apply, then blot them with a tissue to get a strain or just let them wear away.

2a.  Other Lip items (liquids, butters, etc) Sometimes I just go in and fill.  Lately, I've been using liner.  I draw thick lines on the outside.  Top lip is away from the center/Cupid's bow.  That's usually tricky for me.  If I get too off track, I use a tip in the same direction, almost like I'm trying to push the pigment into the lip vs wipe it away

Another way to do it is to use the tip of the lipstick like a liner, the Fenty Mattemoiselles were so good for this 🥲.  I know @WinglessOne enjoys this method.

Fingers! Mother herself (Pat McGrath) did this, just apply with your fingers.  This gives you a lot of control with the pigment.  I like using my fingers for ombre looks and smoothing out harsh edges (which I should've donr in the photo!)

3a lip brush 🖌️

This can also be fun to practice.  You can feather in a lipstick or use any lipstick with a brush.  Essentially trace a smidge outside your lip line.

[danielledanielle]

Additional Tips from It Cosmetics (dot) com

How Do You Properly Apply Lipstick?
With prep work out of the way, it’s officially time to learn how to apply lipstick like the pros do. Let’s dive right in.

Step One: Line and Fill In Lips With Liner
Consider lip liner a BFF to both your lips and lipstick. When used correctly, lip liner can help:

-Better define your lip shape
-Make lips appear fuller
-Prevent lipstick bleeding
-Turn virtually any lipstick into a long-wear formulation

There are a few techniques you can use when learning how to apply lip liner. If you want to simply define your existing lip shape, line the edge of your lips—AKA the vermillion border—with the lip liner. Next, fill in your lips with the liner.

If you want to create fuller-looking lips, you’ll need to check out an “over lining” lip liner tutorial. Starting at the cupid’s bow, lightly trace just beyond the natural shape of your lips. Don’t overline at the corners, which can look unnatural. The goal is to create a realistic fuller pout, so practice as much as necessary and send a selfie to a friend if you want a second opinion.

For either technique, use either a lip liner that matches your skin tone, or choose a lip liner color that closely matches your lipstick.

EMBRACE YOUR POUT!

Step Two: Apply Lipstick From the Center and Outward
Ah, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: putting lipstick on your lips. Focus your application at the center of your lips, which provides more control during application. From there, you can work your way to the outer borders.

Step Three: Blot Lipstick & Re-Apply
Blotting is an old-school makeup trick that can help prevent lipstick cracking, creasing, bleeding, and fading. Simply press your lips together over a tissue to remove extra product, then reapply and blot again.

Step Four: Add Gloss If Desired
If you prefer a shiny finish, top your lipstick with a lip-loving gloss like Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss. Available in eight pretty hues, this collagen-infused formula keeps lips shiny and moisturized without any sticky or tacky residue.

Whether you’re wearing a bright red lipstick, a girlish pink, or have opted for a more natural hue, knowing how to apply lipstick like a pro will make for perfect lips every time.

[danielledanielle]

How I blontour - brushes and slight strategy

Obscenely bright light.  This is my bathroom light, there's another, but they are bright... Sometimes too bright.

 

The light casts a perfect cheek contour shape/shadow  vs where I can suck in my cheekbones

 

Using a brush, just like Dior suggested, works too.  Notice where I hope my cheeks in, it puts the shape too low...

Now let's look at brushes.  I like a small dome brush as suggested, but also a tapered brush

Iconic London Contour Nose brush

sigma F04 extreme structure contour ( I never realized that was the name until now, my gawsh)

Sonia G lotus fan

Sephora collection 47 (old version)

You can do this with just a contour brush, but the tapered brush I used to trace...

 

 Try to load up the taper brush, since it's flat on the side, I load that part up

Then I trace the shadow. It helps to aim slightly higher

Use your fluffy contour or cheek brush to blend up

Voila, blontour

NARS Talc-Free Powder Blush Dolce Vita – 888 

 

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you for the throughou tutorial I had a little laugh when you said “sometimes the lights are very light too light” that made me smile and so did this tutorial I love each photo and the presentation I am gonna do this after work! I’m looking forward to it. Yours looks amazing 🤩 @danielledanielle 

[danielledanielle]

Blontour via Dior Masterclass

These pics are from the Masterclass

Some of the products used:

DIOR Dior Forever Natural Powder Bronzer 

Dior Blush Brush no. 16

DIOR Forever Glow Star Filter Multi-Use Complexion Enhancing Booster 

DIOR Dior Forever Skin Glow Hydrating Foundation 

DIOR Rosy Glow Blush 020 Mahogany 

DIOR Lip Glow Oil 

 

So this was used a lot, my guess is the smaller brush head (vs a large bronzer) helps with placement in smaller areas, but it need not  be so precise just slightly more concentrated vs a wash

The complexion was about a healthy glow, so think more radiance "lit from within"vs dewy, like you could use DIOR Dior Forever Matte Skincare Foundation vs the glow of you're more oily, or even their cushion or powder I fathom.  The star filter with skincare is also just great coverage, I'm oily combo and have been used it alone as foundation

 

 

 

Lining it up with the ear to find your natural light and shadows

 

Smiling and swiping it a little lower than your cheek to contour,

 Using the blush and brush to bring it in without adding additional color

Using the remaining color for a soft contour in the brow bone/socket

 

[Cissy63]

@danielledanielle  Thank you for this idea!  Oh and I too want to pick up a sweatshirt!  But I need a garden flag with our university name and colors 🥰

[danielledanielle]

@Cissy63That would look lovely, imagine the black white colors with BICU and a garden 🏡 🤌🏽🤌🏽

[danielledanielle]

Doll Face Blush for the Long Faced Dolls 

I think of this as subtle contouring with blush or bronzer with a kiss of color in the middle. 

To keep from looking too orange, I work in a gradient, using the deepest color at points away from my face and try to highlight/brighten the middle.

 

I like PMG's Bronzer for this, because desert glow has a bit of a shimmer to it. The bronzers are also very orange/pink which works well with my medium olive tone.

Tools:

Two Powder Bronzers and/or

Powder Highlight or Blush

Brightening powder (think yellow, pink, lavender)

A contour like brush

Two fluffy brushes, one for buffing and one for blending.

 

 

 

 

I lay down the highlighter first because that's my "burn" and I want to be able to spread it out. If your burn is a blush, do so accordingly.

 

I then add depth with my bronzer. I go heavy, because I also will use a lot of the leftover on the brush to unify everything.

Spoiler

 

 

 

I do sweeping motions up and out, and blend it in a c-shape motion. If needed, or desired, I may add another highlight and blend up and out with a fan brush.

 

I then use a different fluffy brush to buff my brightening powder across the face.  

Then I go and use the leftover bronzer again and drag it along my nose bridge and lightly dust

my forehead. 

 

Voila!

 

[lmaster]

Love this!! Great job with the step by step instructions!! @danielledanielle 

[Mellmars1185]

@danielledanielle What a great tutorial. I will definitely try this out. Thank you!

[Cissy63]

@danielledanielle  Thank you for the step by step instructions 🤗🤗. And the finished project deserves an A+🩷

[danielledanielle]

You're all being very kind about my face spam @Cissy63 , @itsfi , @Mellmars1185 , @peculiarzmakeup , @CynthieLu 🙏🏽

[peculiarzmakeup]

It’s so kind of you to show your face, spam away! and an amazing step by step tutorial I always find these helpful since I’m pretty new at makeup I really started learning when I got to BIC 🫶 @danielledanielle 

[CynthieLu]

Thank you for this class @danielledanielle👏 🙏 This was a fantastic read along. I appreciate all the details and information you shared with us. It was fun to follow along with you. 😀

I'm going to try these tips out!