What a fun day this shoot was! I inhaled so many feather dustballs (is there such a thing? you know what I mean!) in preparation for this shoot that I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to pull the concept off. The make-up here was pretty involved, and I thank everyone that worked on this shoot for their patience. (My end took the most time even though I tried to do some prep beforehand!) Coming up with awesome images is one thing, but the opportunity to work with talented and fun professionals is always a real treat!

Here are some behind the scenes pics that didn't make the final portfolio cut (thanks Nads and Cisya for these pics! I think!):

feathers. it seemed like a good idea at the time!

Cisya and Nads makin' it worrrk!

Teama Cheema!

Besides...what's the point if it's not fun?

See more:
NOTE Behind the Scenes (and Feathers!) with Teama Cheema

Here are a few shots of Kieu's bridal make-up from a couple of weekends back (yes sorry, I'm still catching up on a bunch of pics!). Kieu has such perfect skin (literally just like a doll's) and gorgeous features...which means my 'work' here was pretty much effortless. We kept the look to soft pink tones to brighten the skin and produce a healthy glow.

For a clean and classic bridal look like Kieu's, try incorporating these key products we used:
1. FACE atelier: This silicone-based foundation sits atop the skin and gives it a soft, dewy finish. Just one layer produces medium coverage and you're camera ready! (NOTE: If your skin is more oil-prone, opt for another foundation. The silicone base will have too much slip to carry you through the day).

2. NARS Orgasm - The name says it all: get that natural flush with a swish of a brush and NARS Orgasm blush (ok, I was trying too hard to rhyme there. That's why my career as a rap artist never flew). Orgasm is a universally flattering colour that works well on many skin tones. Just smile, dust on the apples of the cheeks and blend well!

3. MAC Twig Lipstick and Pink Lemonade Lipglass - Stick to a neutral (rather than fluorescent!) pink and top with gloss for a pucker-ready pout!
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Congratulations, Kieu! All the best and thanks for letting me take part! :)

See more of Kieu.

Check out artistrhi.com for updates in the creative section! The inspiration for this look was my eyebrows circa 1990. (Umm, can you say drag queen?! I love the pencil thin eyebrow look - part of me kind of wishes it would come back!) Ok but really, the inspiration behind this shoot was derived from the 1930s and the fabulous flapper era. I love the movement that Nadia captured and Katie conveyed in the photo above - yay Teama Cheema!! See more from the Behind the Scenes here.

MAC's latest Style Warrior collection (available May 20th, 2009) is not a collection for the faint of heart. The diverse colour combinations and animal print packaging call out to the bold make-up connoisseur. African themes are hot this summer (think Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2009, where bold colours, chunky jewellery and animal prints were staple elements on the runway); the colours of the Style Warrior collection are an easy (and relatively economical) way to incorporate the bright trends of summer into your look!

Some products I love from this collection are Purple Rite, an orchid lipstick with a frost finish and Violet Fire, a bright magenta purple nail polish. Consider yourself warned: the collection may be Savannah inspired, but camouflage you it will not!

Check out the limited edition collection and add a little pop of colour (and in-trend packaging!) to your everyday beauty routine.

Check out the latest camera phone behind-the-scenes snaps of a Teama Cheema photoshoot! The inspiration behind this creative was the runway look from Dior Spring/Summer 2008. Yes, I know feathers have been done many a time, but I thought it would be an interesting challenge for myself and a neat addition to the portfolio. My sincere thanks to the wonderful team that made this all happen - this could not have been accomplished without everyone's talent and patience!

Miranda - makin' it worrk!

Rashel - always on point!

some of my prep work for the shoot! I was up to my elbows in feathers these past few weeks!

Stay tuned for the finished product! I'll post them as soon as I can :)

Models: Rashel, Miranda, Tyleen (not pictured)
Photographer: Nadia Cheema
Hair: Sandro of Pop Hair
Stylist: Cisya P
Make-up/Feather Quality Control: Rhia Amio