Bodyography and Women & Home Master Class- Durban

As a makeup artist, I use to feel that “master classes” were a waste of my time, because what can another makeup artist teach me that I hasn’t already known? And been in the industry for 10 years, doesn’t that make me a master in a way? But when Soomaya from BeautieCraze called me up on Tuesday night (9th May 2017) asking me if I would like to join her for this event was intrigued. Soomyah had told me that the Bodyographe is a USA brand, and she heard that it was a good brand. So naturally my first thought was, “maybe I should check this out and if it’s good enough sell on Glamorise Bands and in Glamorise Make Up Studio” I really wanted to go for the class, the universe had been giving me signs saying that I should go. The only problem was my schedule. In order for me to change my schedule I need to know about any events 2-3 days in advance, so that if an important meeting had to be moved or, if a clients trial make up had to be moved it can be done. However being called up at 8pm the night before isn’t ideal, I mean how do I move clients and meetings on such short notice? But luck was on my side on Wednesday morning, we had managed to move all our meetings and appointments for Saturday, at which point I had to rush from the office and to get home to change for the event and naturally to do my makeup.

So I had reached the event at 2:45pm for the 4pm Master class (I love being early for events, it gives me a chance to take some pictures and talk to the organisers, and make Up artist etc) the event was held at the beautiful Beverly Hills Hotel in umhlanga. I had only been to the hotel one other time and  I had forgotten what a beautiful place it is. When I entered the Hotel I had to take a moment to admire the interior. The Beverly Hills Hotel foyer is breath taking, and exudes class and elegance. The hotel manager was kind enough to allow me to take a picture to show you all the beauty of the Hotel in the afternoon and in the evening.

I had spent a good 20mins just looking around and taking in my surroundings.  The Beverly Hills hotel felt regal and sophisticated and I think it goes without saying that I felt quiet at home. In all seriousness  though, when I looked around, I could see in every area at least 2 staff members, awaiting to assist their guests and visitors, at the entrance, the footman not only opened the car door and held it open, he also opened the hotel door for me,  upon leaving, he did the same. I was offered a cold beverage as I waited in foyer (which I later discovered where for guests only and not visitors, lol, I must have really looked as if I belonged).

I love to people watch so as I sat there I noticed all kinds of people, mainly businessmen, conducting meetings, meet and greet etc. a family that was here on vacation and lots of couples that must have been there for their romantic getaway. Now I know you must be wondering why I am telling so much about the hotel itself, when I should be telling about the actual event. Well you see it is my opinion that Women and Home Magazine and Bodyograohy choose the perfect setting for their master class. The Beverly hills’ hotel is perfects a venue for your fairytale wedding or your next major event.  At this very moment, I can honestly tell you that, no words can best discribe such a beautiful place, being located, on the waterfront in Umhlanga makes it even more romantic and harder to discribe. I can tell you this much, that upon entering the Beverly hills’ hotel I felt as if I had been transported to Downton Abby.

The Lobby (Picture taken from The BHH instagrame)

Outside (Picture taken from The BHH instagrame)

At around 3:25pm I decided to make my way down to the event room, which was located a floor below the foyer, I walked a bit in to the lounge area, and approached one of the staff members and asked them to direct me to the event site, and the young man, looked professional, yet very friendly and helpful, he escorted me to the event door, and made sure that I was safely downstairs. So I know that you must be asking yourself what is Bodyography and why in the world am I writing such a lengthy post about them. Well only one way to find out, read on about them…

Bodyography was founded in the early ‘90s, they had first launched a lipstick line, only 24 shades, today this make up brands has more than 300 products, and they are constantly developing new formulas, and keeping up to date on the latest fashion trends and cosmetics. This brands product undergoes extensive testing by clinical dermatologists to ensure they meet the highest of standards. Bodyograpy uses packaging that is recyclable and is not tested on animals. Bodyography cosmetics are manufactured in USA using a unique. According to their USA website http://www.bodyography .com the products are Vegan, Gluten and Paraben free. Bodyography is also certified as a Cruelty Free Brand by PETA, what fascinates me is the terms Vegan and Gluten free (check out my next post on the benefits of Vegan and Gluten free products). Okay so now onto the actual event review.

The events check in was quick and simple, guests were treated to an assortment of drinks and snacks (mainly tea, coffee, juice and water served with mini cupcakes, and other finger foods) at 3:58pm all the guests made their way into the venue room. Where the 2 amazing makeup artists Lori Leib and Ryno Mulder were getting ready to start the master class, each with a model prepped and ready. Lori had a matured skin lady and Ryno had a young girl as his model (Lori and Ryno did introduce their models but please, for the loves of god don’t ask me to remember it.) Lori had started off by introducing us to the brand, I had known very little about it and actually started to like the brand the more I got to see the products and how to use them. Lori did mention that the brand is in fact, curtly free, gluten free and Vegan.

Lori had done a more natural look for her model were as Ryno had done a more glam look (now we both know which look I learned towards the most lol). I know that I am suppose to talk about the products more but I feel since I don’t have firsthand experience with using the products on my clients, I can’t have an honest opinion of them. But what I can tell you guys about is the amazing facial range that they have. I had actually won it in the lucky draw at the event. I will be giving you guys a more in-depth review on the products, so look out for that post.

Now I think it’s worth a mention that for an event of such as this master class, I expected a bit more interaction with the PR team and makeup artists towards the bloggers and professionals, however this wasn’t the case. Although at the end of the event they did have a pop up store so that guests could purchase their items. The makeup artist did mention that if we had any questions etc that the guests could join them upfront, however with so many people wanting to match their foundation and concealer shades, the bloggers and other professionals didn’t really get the appropriate time needed to get to know the brand to do a proper review. However I can honestly tell you that 2 products in the gift bags did make up for this.

All guests had received gift bags upon check in, the gift bags contained, 2 full size products, the super amazing cream shadows in shade Glitz and the exfoliating lip duo, a booklet filled with details and pictures of the products available from Bodyograpy, a makeup application voucher and a women and home magazine. Now I must admit, that the cream eye shadow and the exfoliating lip duo have quickly become my new favourite products to have in my make up bag and I feel both are a must have for any pro or make up junkie. The cream shadow has a super intense amount of pigment along with shimmer and glitter overlay, the Cream shadow is easy to apply and is effortless to use. What I love the most is that this product although being a cream eye shadow, can be used as a highlighter.

To be continued in Video format.