Spring is HERE!!!

Spring is all about self expression & creating that healthy, flirty, feminine appearance. It’s the time to bring out the floral dresses, strapped sandals and expose your skin to the sun. Sun kissed skin is the ideal, but with golden tans comes the potential for damage. Over exposure, dehydration, improper care, all of these things can create skin that is dull, skin that appears aged. Skin conditions change with each season; therefore it is very important to update your skin care regime as well as the type of makeup you wear.
Choosing the right skin care is the first step to having radiant skin. To avoid dehydration from sun exposure and heat, cleanse with a hydrating cleanser, using a manual defoliant to stimulate your blood flow and purge your pores. This will reduce dullness in your skin, reintroduce much needed moisture and reduce blemishes. After this cleansing wait a few minutes and moisturize your skin, making sure to moisturize your whole face, especially under your eyes, continuing down your neck. A daily application of a sunscreen should become routine before ever leaving the house. The final touch for luminous, healthy skin begins on the inside. Drink water, it’s a simple step, but one of the most essential to maintaining a healthy body and healthy skin.
With the changing season comes a need for a change in your makeup as well as your skin care. Colors change each season so be sure to pick a foundation that will match your new golden tones. A light foundation that wears well in the heat followed by a translucent powder to set your makeup, even out the skin tone and keep your makeup from running. Water proof mascara is always the right choice, it won’t run underneath your eyes, and it makes your eyes pop.
Choosing eye shadows, lip tones, skin tones can seem daunting, but with proper education, or a personal consultation with a trained cosmetic artist will guide you in the right direction.
At Image Provocateur in Roseville you will find Cosmetic Artists, Fashion consultants, Hairstylists, nail technicians and skincare specialists that will guide you to a sexy new you, ready for the sunny days of summer and all seasons beyond. Come see us for your personal consultation. We are located at 419 Riverside Avenue, Roseville, CA 95678. Call us at (916)474-5578 to schedule your appointment today.

VIP-CAT Academy of Cosmetic Artistry

Makeup, the entrance into the exotic, that step outside the normal realm. A face becomes the canvas, the makeup your paints and there are no limits save your imagination. With the deft stroke of a brush you can bring a face to life, turn a soccer mom into a diva, turn reality into fantasy. Since the beginning of time there have been Cosmetic Artists, they enhanced Cleopatra’s renowned beauty and turned Norma Jean into Marilyn Monroe. They paint the world with their imaginations and bring color to our lives. Hollywood would be lost without them...
Designed for those who want to enter the glamorous field of Cosmetic Artistry, VIP-CAT Academy of Cosmetic Arts is the first of its kind in Northern California. Learn every avenue of the art, from Bridal to glamour, from Drag to Prom, learn how to wield a brush like one of the greats. With training in the to use body paints, airbrushing and other techniques to use in all fields. You will learn how to work in film, theatre, television and with models as well as how to make it in the bridal industry.
With focus on Celebrity style makeup, on glamour not gore, this elite program was created by Raquel Siders, a master makeup artist and the owner of the salon Image Provocateur in Roseville, CA. Raquel’s love for this exciting industry started over seventeen years ago when she took her first steps into the art and glamour of this world. From celebrities to soccer moms, from film to stage, runway and bridal, she has studied and mastered these techniques. From the use of body paints to airbrushing she has embraced all forms of cosmetic arts. In her desire to feed her passion for her art and to keep abreast of the latest trends in the industry she travels extensively to NY, Las Vegas and LA to attend classes to bring the latest in cutting edge techniques back to the students of VIP-CAT Academy.
At VIP-CAT Academy our students learn all the tricks of the celebrity artist, the simple nuances and dramatic strokes that separate the amateur from the true professional. The goal of VIP-CAT is to develop and create artists with skills excelled by none. Intermediate to Advanced, Advanced to Master courses, as well as specialized single day courses, our classes are offered on evenings and weekends, easily accessible to working professionals who are seeking to advance their career in the makeup industry or those wanting to break into this exciting field.
Classes run for six weeks and upon completion of the course our students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. Qualified students will receive the certificate which represents that they have completed a course of professional makeup training. The certificate also acknowledges that they have studied under a makeup instructor who is a professional makeup artist currently working in the beauty industry. The course is a fast paced, intense program, covering the whole realm of the Makeup industry. In addition to learning the skills needed to create the look you wish to achieve, the course will also offer one night focused solely on business development and how to make your way successfully into a career as a professional cosmetic artist.
VIP-CAT Academy is also working with two film commissions to offer internships for select students. These students will be able to get hands on in the field training from wedding to film, stage, runway and event. The internship program builds real world experience as well as your resume and portfolio.
All of our makeup classes here at VIP-CAT Academy of Cosmetic Artistry have been designed with the most current techniques and uses the most professional makeup products available in the entertainment industry. Our professional makeup instructors incorporate skills and techniques used on television and movie sets all over the world. Every class is composed of theory and hands on. Each makeup class has a maximum number of students permitted. We do this to promote an environment where each student has easy access to the teacher to ask questions or review makeup techniques.
At VIP-CAT you will learn everything you need to enter the field of the professional makeup artist. Join us in a world of glamour, of fashion and bring your talent to life.
VIP-CAT Academy of Cosmetic Artistry, Where your Image is everything.

Bridal Team Numero Uno!

Edith Kingman and Leslie Olvera are Rock Stars of Image Provocateur. When you schedule this team for your wedding, you are certainly in for a treat. These ladies are wizards with a makeup brush and turn drab into fab with in moments. They are also two of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. From you're trial run to your wedding day they are there to make your day the best it can be. When they aren't working on making their bride a vision, they are working Fashion Shows and teaching Classes for VIP-CAT Academy. If you want the perfect wedding, you need to make sure these ladies are on your list.

Call (916) 474-5578 to schedule your trial run with the Dynamic Duo today!

March - Busy, Busy Month for Image Provocateur

March is starting off with a bang for the lovely ladies of Image Provocateur.

March 1st they will be at the Dream Wedding Show at Cal Expo, where they will be doing the hair and makeup for models in the show's two Fashion Shows. The ladies will also have a booth, where you can meet your's truly and see live demos of our fabulous makeup skills.

March 4th, finds the VIP-CAT Vixens once again on the go. Club Tre will be hosting a fashion show of hot local designers and Image Provocateur has been asked to do the hair and makeup for this Urban High Fashion Runway Show. Be sure not to miss some hot fashions and fab faces, March 4, 2009 at 10:00pm at Tre, 1212 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95625. This night promises to be a lot of fun!

March 4th, also sees the start of another session of Makeup Academy classes. This course is an intensive training in the history, theory and application of professional makeup. It begins March 4, 2009, and will be every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm for six weeks. At the end of the class Students receive a certificate of completion.

March 15, 2009 - Image Provocateur will be attending a Bridal Faire at the Victorian in Downtown Roseville from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Stop by and see our booth and we'll help you in the right direction for all your bridal needs.

March 29, 2009 - Image Provocauter has once more been invited to do Makeup for VIVAH 2009 Wedding & Lifestyle Expo's Fantastic Fashion Shows. Join Us at the Santa Clara Convention Center March 29, 2009 for the PreSeason Vivah 2009 And again Sunday October 11, 2009 for the Grand VIVAH 2009 Mystique Events invites you to be a part of the most exciting Bridal and Lifestyle Event to hit the West Coast. With a packed house, sold-out vendor booths, a great fashion show & riveting reviews by the press & media, WLEA was billed not only as California's but as North America's biggest South Asian wedding & lifestyle expo. This event is one no bride should miss! Come out and see this beautiful show.

March will also have it's own Salon Happy Hour Specials! Come in Tuesday thru Thursday evenings from 4:00pm-7:00pm to get in on these fabulous deals. Tuesday's are Mani Nights, get Haircuts for $20 and Manicures for $20. Wedsnesday it's all about skin, get Haircuts for $20 and facials for $20. Thursdays get $20 haircuts or $20 lip and brow wax. This is one Happy Hour you can't miss!

Busy, busy month! One we are certainly looking forward to!

Raquel Siders - Master Artist - Bio

Raquel Siders Bio

Makeup Diva, Shadow Slinger and head of the ‘Makeup Mafia’ Raquel Siders is a Master Artist. She is the creator and passion behind VIP-CAT Cosmetics. With focus on Celebrity style makeup, on glamour not gore, Raquel’s love for this exciting industry started over seventeen years ago when she took her first steps into the art and glamour of this world. Her inspiration evolved from the Latin roots of her childhood, from the Flamenco and Salsa dancers, from the bright, bold colors of the Latin community. That started her journey, and her skill evolved with the Glam of the 80’s and her personal style began to emerge. From celebrities to soccer moms, from film to stage, runway and bridal, she has studied and mastered all of these techniques. From the use of body paints to airbrushing she has embraced all forms of the cosmetic arts. In her desire to feed her passion for her art and to keep abreast of the latest trends in the industry she travels extensively to NY, Las Vegas and LA to attend classes to continually fuel her passion. And as her skill has grown and evolved, her passion has further widened to teaching and sharing what she has learned, to help others achieve that next level. In seeking to share this knowledge Raquel has created the first academy of Professional Cosmetic Arts to Northern California. It is her goal to bring the latest in cutting edge techniques to the students of VIP-CAT Academy of Cosmetic Arts. It is her goal to always ‘Give good face’.

Beauty Tips

By Raquel Siders, Creator and Master Artist of VIP-CAT Academy of Cosmetic Arts
MAKEUP APPLICATION TIPS:
CleanseCleanse face thoroughly using Japanese Wash Cloth with your favorite cleanser.

Moisturizer (Preferably after bath or shower). Make sure your moisturizer isn’t too greasy. Blot moisturizer off face gently with a tissue if this occurs before applying foundation.

FoundationWhen purchasing foundation ask your makeup artist to test color on forehead or décolleté'. It should blend with your skin tone. When applying foundation start at forehead and work down horizontally. Make sure foundation is blended well over eyes and under eyes as well as underneath the jaw line, and down the neck. Apply with either fingertips or sponges.
Always blend foundation onto eyelids and lips; this will make your eye shadows and lipstick set and stay better throughout the day!
Always check your foundation color in the daylight.

ConcealerAny dark circles under eyes or imperfections in the skin can be covered with concealer. May be applied before foundation or after.

PowderThis will set your foundation and give it a matte finish. This is very important when doing photography - you should always aim for no shine. Powder well with a powder brush. When being photographed, apply a bit of powder to neck and chest as the skin without the foundation absorbs the light. On mature skin be careful not to powder too much under eye area, as it may become to dry looking.

EyebrowsUse eyebrow pencil or powder and angular eyebrow brush. In most cases the highest part of the brow arch should be just past iris of eye. There are clear mascara products on the market I highly recommend, as this will set the brow to give it a nice clean appearance. Put this on after your brows have been filled to your liking.
*If your brows are unruly, try and get a professional to do a good wax on them and tweeze any stray hairs along the way.

Eyeshadow1.Lid Color
2. Highlight or Brow color
3. Crease Color
This is a very conventional way of applying eye shadow, I find this works with most clients but remember there are no rules in applying makeup, whatever works for you and gives you the best results is what I recommend you go with.Remember there are many different eye shadow shapes and each one can give you a totally different kind of look, experiment and have fun with it!

EyelinerApply eyeliner as close to your lashes as possible. There is nothing more uncomplimentary then when you see the white line between the lashes and eyeliner line. Choose powder, gel or liquid (I don’t like pencil because it moves as your body heats up and doesn’t stay well). The first point of contact with your brush is going to be the darkest. Start on the outer corner and work your way in, feathering in your eyeliner until you reach the inner corner. This is not easy. Practice, Practice, Practice!

MascaraA fanning, wiggling type movement from side to side followed by brushing the lashes outward, is what I like to do. If you do get the odd clump, separate with metal lash comb, you can purchase this in drugstores or beauty supply stores. BUT be careful, it’s very easy to poke yourself in the eye with these.

LipsLine lips with lip liner. Make sure your lip pencil is sharpened. Lining lips prevents bleeding of lipstick. Follow natural lip line. Fill in lip color, blot and reapply lipstick Gloss (optional)
* Powder first coat of lip liner and then reapply it will last longer

BlushApply to apple of cheek, and dust on tip of nose and forehead. Make sure you don’t see lines. Set make up with powder once again.
*Blend well. Use a good blush brush, dip into your blush powder, shake off or if it's your personal brush blow off any excess powder and apply to areas I mentioned above, lightly.

Finding the Right Makeup Artist for Your Wedding Day

If you are planning on hiring a professional makeup artist on your wedding day, find an artist you are comfortable with, one who listens to your needs and one who offers constructive advice. Look at portfolios if available and do a trial run so you can see how you will look on your wedding day. At the time of the trial run try and have your hair done in the way you'll be wearing it on your wedding day as different hairstyles influence the way your makeup should be done.

When you decide on the lipstick, lip pencil and perhaps gloss and powder you will be wearing the day of your wedding, ask the makeup artist if it is possible to purchase those particular products for the day of your wedding as touch ups in those particular areas will be required. If you have a particular color you want to wear on your lips bring it to the trial run and see if it works with the overall look. Some makeup artists will ask the bride and the bridal party to bring their own mascara. This is for sanitary reasons only! It is always a good idea to take this precaution. Make sure when doing your trial run to view makeup in different lights if that is possible.
It is ideal to apply makeup in a room with natural light. If you feel comfortable with your makeup at the end of your trial run, book immediately with the makeup artist because if you are marrying during a busy season your makeup artist will not hold the date without a commitment.

Precautions
Have a facial: 2-3 weeks before would be ideal to avoid breakouts.
Try to avoid testing new products on your skin as an allergy could occur. Again 2-3 weeks before would be ideal if you must try something new.

Avoid stress: I know this is hard at this time but the week before pamper yourself as much as possible. Warm baths, pedicure, manicure, massage any of these would be helpful if you have the time for it.

Drink lots of water: Try to avoid alcohol if possible. I know it's hard with all the extra entertaining you'll be doing but alcohol does dehydrate the skin and can cause breakouts.
Your lasting memories will be in the photographs and videos you take on your wedding day.
Make sure you look the best you can!

Winter Makeup

Longer nights, darker shades, the year deepens and becomes more romantic, more mysterious. The light colors of summer deepen, growing richer as the year comes to it’s close. Fall Fashion embodies a richer look, a look made famous long ago by the Mod, dark smoky eyes, nude lip and flawless skin. Colors darken, leaving behind the bright pinks and peaches of the summer lines. Deep plums, warm browns, cool charcoals and vibrant gold come to life. Chanel and Dior are advancing new lines where gold reigns supreme. This year the Modern Mod will reign, her eyes, smoky shades of gray and gold, her lips a soft neutral, her skin smooth and flawless.
Smoky eyes with well blended lines, thick smoked out liner. Use colors that compliment you, charcoal or black, olive green, plum or chocolate brown. Highlight your brow bone and lid with a shimmer of VIP-CAT’s White on Gold eye shadow. Then fill the crease with a dark shade of your choosing and blend well. Blend is your friend, always blending up and out, giving contour and depth.
The desired look this fall for lashes is an almost fake appearance, thick and lustrous, thick with black mascara. What better way to achieve that look then by having your lashes professionally extended by a trained stylist at Image Provocateur? Properly applied Lash Extensions will give your eye that thick lustrous fringe and last through fall and into winter with proper care.
Your brows should be properly arched an almost ingénue look, a simple almost natural look like Audrey Hepburn, or if you like the dramatic arch, think Marilyn Monroe. Proper tweezing or waxing can achieve the desired shape.
Light blushing on cheeks and easing contouring over flawless foundation and powder can be used for a neutral look. The original Mod of the 1960’s chose pale skin and lips, her eyes standing out in an almost waif like pale face. However the modern Mod wants a more neutral look, natural toned skin, so light blush and contouring will achieve this for you.
Your lips should be a shade quite similar to your own natural lip color, something simple and neutral, not quite nude, but not made up. However, if you desire color, the simple red lip is a lifetime classic and will turn an easy day look into a dramatic evening look.
Long live the modern Mod, her of the smoky eye and thick lash.
The Modern Mod, the Diva rules the night and by day the Sweet Romantic is the queen. Her skin glows, flawless, her cheeks flushed, her lips rosy like they’ve just been kissed. This flawless romantic look starts with smooth foundation, pressed powder and light, rosy blush on cheeks. Her eyes are contoured softly with a neutral golden brown in the crease, blended out to give depth and warmth. A soft shimmer of White on Gold on the lid and brown bone gives a warm glow to her eyes. A little White on Gold along the top of the cheek bone and down the bridge of the nose will add a nice sparkle to your skin and is a wonderful highlighter for the contour process as well.
Lashes are natural, brows nicely arched to frame the eyes. The lips are a brighter shade of your own natural lip tone, a color that inspires that full lipped, just kissed look, and for added plumping a dab of White on Gold in the very center of the bottom lip will do nicely.
By day a glowing, soft romantic, by night a Modern Diva. You can be all these things with the right makeup. Image Provocateur & VIP-CAT Cosmetics will bring out the look you need. Come in for a personal training class with a Master Makeup Artist and learn all the tricks and gentle nuances that only the professionals know.
Image Provocateur, Where your Image is everything.