May 2011

Makeup Designer for Baby Sol ‘Always’ Video

Ok,now that i’m officially the Beauty & Creative Arts Editor of Global African Diaspora ‘The Promota Magazine’
you can keep up to date with all my blogging beauty & health secrets, finds and trends (Click Here!) and also buy the printed publication for the FULL STORIES at all good new agents, british library’s, black hair shops, worldwide and online.
Love Clare xx

July 2010 -

CLARE credited on SUPERSTAR MAG for Christoforos Kotentos runway show (3rd publication!!)

June 2010 – no particular day

http://www.modeladvice.info/magazine/christoforos.php”
Vogue Designer Christoforos Kotentos Runway- i was Principle Makeup Designer:

Check out my body paint work on BITCHES ZINE – Exotic Fruit Shoot, Founded by J*9 Francois

Check out my work in OH Yes! Magazine with MAGMA KENI Designs

———————————————————————————————–

May 13th 2010

Doing the makeup for any model can be a dream and a nightmare, but working on SuperModel Kaja Wunder who was also ex-bond girl in Tomorrow never Dies was a really good time. The photographer Phillip’s images were beautiful and the clothing by Christoforo’s Kotentos were incredible.
Cover & 5page spread in Budaar (Swedish Elle Magazine) for June issue.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3592437/London-spy.html – background story on Kaja x

May 6th 2010

Ok, so not only are S.M.A.D sponsoring Top model of Colour 2010 later this year, we are now proud sponsors
of Miss African Beauty 2010 hosted by Mora Moda Models Agency, filmed by Sam Ndango Reality Show.
The heats start NOW – so if you are a African Beauty anywhere in the world, get signed up!!

MARA Cosmetics sponsor S.M.A.D artists on MAB 2010 & TMC 2010

(SCROLL DOWN ON THE HOME PAGE FOR MARA, TMC & MAB LINKS)

Diamonds in the rough shoot is shot on film by Emerzy Corbin for publication entry… watch this space!

April 10th 2010

““>

So, i’m the creative director for Saguaro Lotus Emporium Label and did a shoot a few weeks ago for the A/W collection, now it’s time for round 2 with the S/S 2010 shoot. Beautiful weather, 2 stunning models: Linton & Lucia, the genuis that is Dredi Knight Merz Corbin and moi.
this is how we got on… i call it, A long urban walk – inspiration from Kabuki for makeup.

March 27th 2010

S.M.A Clare assisted by Connie Piras did the makeup for the Bad Bunny’s @ the easter ball Ill Botaccio.
Models: Shira ( Play Boy Jan 2010, April 2010), Estella, Jasmin, Lucy & Sarah. (click to view) xx

March 15th 2010

The lovely Beth notified me to the video i did with Matthew Herbert early this year. it’s now out!
i’m the girl in the silver the beggining of the montage dance clips in the beggining & end
they spelt my rass surname wrong on the credits- it’s Clare Eluka, not Clare Eliwa. bumba! lol x
P.S Pricniple MUA – Maria Papadopolou from S.M.A.D

Woahhhh! as it actually been 3 months into the year??!! Gosh, I really hadn’t noticed how everyday is just simply flying by.

It must be the fact that I’ve been working extremely hard, doing makeup for EMMA HARRIS for LFW (collection currently featured in Harrods, Knightsbridge), Directing and Producing a TV Pilot I have written (AMY Lei is Key Makeup Designer), SPIKESMAKEUP are officially sponsoring TMC 2010! with joint creative support from SIKA DESIGNS (Vogue, Glamour), producing a short and a big theatre production, acting in a feature film whilst planning a wedding in the Bahamas for October 2010! March has already kicked off with a promo shoot for rap duo BANGERZ N MASH the completion of BIBI H’s gallery photoshoots which i can now announce will be displayed at the OXFORD HOUSE GALLERY, bethnall green from April 30th for 2 weeks- so check out my work on A1 Size!!

Here are some of the highlights of Jan and Feb and now March (above)

28.12.09 TYRONE LEBON’S I-D FILM

I had the pleasure of working with Tyrone Lebon in the summer for Nike 1948 Mag Womenswear shoot.
He is a top Photographer and a innovative filmmaker. Check out his film featuring Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn, Erin O Connor (click HERE) xx

20.12.09 MODEL TURN DANCER FOR ‘MOVE LIKE MJ’

I was watching tele the other day, only cos i was ill & i spotted a model that i’d worked with at the UMA’s on BBC’s
westfields Move like Michael Jackson auditions. GOOOO Chantel- The black girl with the big afro do xx

14.12.09 NAVY NAILLLLS

I never spend money on things I can do myself. I learnt how to paint my nails by copying my mum when I was 5 yrs old. I’ve always had long nails because they grow really strong, but lately have kept them short and manicure length for work purposes.
This winter, I’m sick of seeing black or dark red nails, so I indulged in Navy Blue. It’s moody, deep and sultry.
Sums me up- i reckon.
Grab some! Kabaret by Nails Inc £10.50 (use a cover coat after)

04.12.09 SUPREME OR NOT SUPREME- WHAT DO U RECKON?

So me and my fiance are in a bar, celebrating his friend’s earthday, when this guy comes up to us and says we’re the best looking couple in the ‘dance’. He’s words were ‘ you’ve got this supreme’s thing going on and his like a cooler version of Justin Timberlake!” Hhehehe, Rich weren’t feeling the JT comment, but The supremes comment is something i’ve been hearing since I met my soon-to-be mother in-law in July.
I reckon i could be the 4th member, she reckons i’m a dead ringer for MARY WILSON (the one in the middle).

What do u think?

26.11.09
AHEAD OF THE GAME! SILVER LIP IS BIG AND I CLOCKED IT FIRST
I was excited to see what Lady Gaga and B could come up with on a video, and was totally unshocked
about the disappointment. B never really seems to know how to narrate a video. Lady Gaga seems awkward trying to imitate B. Beyonce’s scary resemblance to Rihanna didn’t help either! But– I’ll give Beyonce’s makeup artist a bly, cos she rocked out in SILVER LIPSTICK!! I used that on sunday for my OH YES! Mag shoot and will be discussing it in an interview in OH YES! Mag- that’s my trend item for 2010. my makeup artist intuition is on point.

21.11.09
OH YES! Mag front cover and Miss Ghana shoot


Miss Ghana 2009 photoshoot for OH YES! Mag was pretty cool- I met the world famous Angela Plummer, who’s hair styling is nothing short of AMAZING.
(CLICK HERE TO VIEW HER WORK!)
Also, The gorgeous Nicolette from Confidence Models was the cover girl. Great shoot!
Clothing provided my Magma Keni Designs.
OH YES! Mag is a hair and beauty mag distributed throughout West Africa.

10.11.09

I was delighted to hear that Sarah Palin’s highest paid member of staff is…(drum role) her MAKEUP ARTIST, being paid a reported $23,000 for 2 WEEKS WORK!
There is some deadly myth out there that makeup artists are not very important- these ridiculous notions need to die quick- if Ms Palin can see the light, so must you. Let’s face it- if your dress is out of season, you can buy a new one. If your face looks shit- High Definition TV’s will make it known worldwide! I know which one i’d invest in!

08.11.09

I love working with positive peeps- just makes the day go faster!
After the madness of the Mshale catwalk on staurday, It was nice to focus on 1 model
with a great stylist, fab hair technician and world class tog. can’t wait to see the pics!!

01.11.09

UMA’s makeup for Sarina Mantle

30.10.09

SEE THE COMMERCIAL PAGE FOR PICS- GREAT DAY FOR SPIKESMAKEUP


SARINA MANTLE ‘PAPER DOLLS’ EP SHOOT with TOG JAKE BURGES-
CLARE ELUKA IS HAIR/MAKEUP/ STYLIST
EKENE IS MAKEUP ASST
SARINA IS GONNA BLOW UP! CHECK her myspace!!

21.10.09

REEBOK SHOOT FINALLY LIVE!
I’m not sure what to make of it. It was fun at the time but has since then, turnt into an experience
i’d rather FORGET. SERIOUSLY ARTISTS, don’t do anything without a written contract. get paid up front, in cash- OR JUST SAY NO!
these corporate jokers are serious CROOKS! I haven’t recieved payment or photo’s from the blasted fly generation shoot for reebok. The stylist has gold fingers and chose to be a cunt and not pay me.
Check the video- it’s the only proof that I was there (that’s my engagement ring featured) LOLLLL

15.10.09

Rachel’s REPULSIVE makeup! (Simon Cowell’s words- not mine! LOL)

It was like Simon Cowell literally read my mind! I swear down, i actually jumped out of my seat and said- “gosh, that make up is awful!”, only for Mr Cowel to repeat it after me.

Most ladies might think that type of makeup is awesome. NO, NO, NO.

firstly- the bold eyes and the bold lips- CHOOSE ONE! do bold eyes and nude lips or bright lips and plain eye makeup.

The shoes were red, the top was striped white and blue. WHERE WAS THE COLOUR CO-ORDINATION??

Look, i’m not saying, wear blue top and blue eyeshadow, but put colours into categories- earthy, metallic, neon etc and make sure you compliment with subtlety.

DOPE VOICE DOE! xx

10.10.09

Winter Survival items- brought to you by THE SPIKES TEAM

Bumba, I know we’re not the only ones feeling the cold- trust, this winter is going to be as harsh as last year, if not worse.

So- help yourself survive the brashness of rain, snow and wind. People are ill- swine flu, flu in general, low immune systems, protect yourself by insisting on taking vitamin supplements everyday- a combined ‘one’ tablet is good.

secondly, get a frikking electric blanket man!! You’ll thank us after! A poor nights sleep can be transformed into snug snooze button mornings when you get one of these in your bed.

last but by no means least- get a good MOISTURIZER!

read up on CLARE ELUKA’S article about the bobbi brown cleansing oil. TV producers have commented on how great Clare’s skin is and she doesn’t even wear foundation!!

24.09.09

HOME GROWN TALENT! WILD SUGA FASHION SHOW A/W 2009
It was a pleasure working with such talented girls from all necks of the UK who are so committed and talented. Wild Suga is an eco brand of specialised recycled wear designed and produced by Sarina Mantel. This amazing designer is not only a great seamstress but a bad ass vocalist. Watch the vid to get a sneak peak!! Big up to Terri, Nahenda, Tiffany, the backing singers, Crystal and Ava- (the other makeup Artist).

09.09.09
ALL HAIL PATRICE RUSHEN

woah- i think it’s always abit frightening when there’s to many numbers repeated in one setting (09.09.09), anyhow, i been working along side my fiance, who is a song writer and had to pay homage to PATRICE RUSHEN
My girl is super talented. Not only is she a professor of music at Berklee College in Boston, she is the ONLY female music director to have worked on the grammy’s and HBO EVER..
Her song writing and influence in Jazz music and pianist skills have made her a sample magnet with Artists like WILL SMITH & FAITH EVANS remaking her tracks.
Her icon beaded braids and slender physique have earned her my respect as a nubian artist with formless appeal and gives me nostalgic memories of my own primary school fashion (braids, beads, zig zag middle part in my hair). All hail PATRICE RUSHEN x x

20.08.09

NAN GOLDIN IS NARLY!

when i saw her name on the call sheet on sunday, i didn’t even bat an eyelid.
working on the REEBOK, VICE shoot for the fly girl competition was like being trapped in a crazy world of confusion and consumption for 48hrs (tues/wed).
I had fun and loved chilling in the reebok lounge looking at lovely shoes, but Nan was the highlight of the experience!
Not only did she stumble to both shooting days over 3 hrs late, she demanded that I – YES I, be a fly girl in the shoot! i did a couple shots which won’t be used in Vice, BUT it kept her happy. talk about multitasker- i was the cheif makeup artist and a feature model.
When i did check her out- i realised that i’d bought some post cards of her self portrait from the Tate Gallery back in October 2008 to use as stimulus with my year 9 Drama students to look at domestic violence (her self portrait where she is battered by her ex-boy friend brian)- how bizarre.
check up on her HERE
Her legacy consists of documentary photography including human condition mastery in the 70′s through to the 90′s. She originates from D.C.

and look out for makeup work in SEPTEMBER EDITION OF VICE MAGAZINE- 8 PAGE SPREAD ON REEBOK FLY GIRLS!!

26.07.09

BRENDA SYKES IS BLACK BEAUTY!

As an actress, makeup artist and beauty editor, it is my business to know who is hot, who was hot and what’s gonna be hot.
Not only was this woman married to the god father of RAP, my favourite genre of music- Gil Scott Heron, she was a sensational blaxploitation actress during the 70′s. Brenda Sykes first made it into Hollywood with her nappy Afro and beautiful doe eyes in 1970 in the film ‘The liberation of L.B Jones’. After several TV appearances playing leads and guest in sitcom’s, Brenda became a well known face, with peers Pam Grier and Dorothy Dandridge. She broke into film through a chance head spot on a Dating TV Show were she made a great impression and had talent scouts chasing after her.
This year, see celebrated her 60th birthday (25th June- a cancerian, just like me!) so I felt it was time to pay homage to her contribution to film and for inspiring me to keep pushing the Afro into the millennium’s film industry.

Brenda Sykes in 1970′s

Me as Brenda Sykes in 2009!

30.06.09
THANK GOD FOR JANET JACKSON

When i heard the news about Michael Jackson, i thought it was a ridiculous joke! I immediately asked my boyfriend to switch on the laptop to check. TMZ had the scoop (they were the people that provided the horrific Rhianna pictures) and by the morning it was confirmed on the beeb that he was gone. I was devastated. choked. sorrowful. regretful. happy.
i sobbed in my boyfriend’s arms like a baby. i was happy for him to finally be at peace, but felt sad that i’ll never be able to see him live again. Yes, i was blessed enough to have seen the HIStory tour for my 12th bday with Girl Guides.
I spent the day, explaining to my yr7′s why he was the greatest performer to have walked the planet. i played video’s such as ‘remember the times’ and ‘thriller’ for them to understand his grandeur.
I’ve been following the chaos of his worldwide mourning and am just sooo thankful that Janet Jackson is executive of his estate. Someone- probably the only one in his family that truelly loved him.
She is a phenomenal woman, and even though she is going through an excruciating loss, She still looked gorgeous at the award ceremony when she delivered that touching speech. She is actually sporting the chocolate look i was wearing a couple weeks back (brown lips and eyes).
R.I.P Michael. you will always be a beautiful enigma.

DEFINITION OF FEMALE HUSTLA

It’s funny…How listening to a totally unrelated piece of music can inspire thought about a totally different artist and topic.
I was listening to Q Tip Kamaal Album and i really love the ‘Even if she is so’ track. Then i got to thinking about the lyrics and realised that the girls he was describing were alot like me. You know, holding down 3 jobs, doing a bunch of hobbies, highly educated- that sort of thing. And a few female superstars and girls in my peer group share the same description.

top 3 Female Hustlas..

1. TYRA!

she has her own chatshow, is the executive producer of America’s Next Top Model and has films, a book and super model status. She would ahve went to university but landed a runway job in Paris which changed her life forever..

2. DREW!

She started acting at 18months old, owns her own film production company and is the ambassador for UN World Food Program, donation $1m to starving children. Drew was born into a an acting family and didn’t need to struggle at Drama school. However, she has done her fairshare of grafting after a few rocky moments in rehab. She worked her way back up to the top.

3. ALICIA!

Ms Keys is a multitalented singer/song writer/producer with 3 superb albums under her belt, a record label entitled Crucial Keys and is building her collection of film accolades. Alicia was all set for Columbia University but landed a record deal.

HOT CHOCOLATE & Marsh Mellows- THE SHOOT NX SUNDAY 24TH MAY 2009
1pm- 5pm

Hot Chocolate and Marsh Mellows!! Strands of Spikes shoot! 24th May 2009!
Howdy chicklings. Here’s the thing… I been rocking Chocolate inspired makeup all week and just had a brain wave about a new shoot I should do for SOS.
I need 4 black (incl. 2mixed raced girls) and 4 white (incl. 2 tanned chicks) to do a Hot chocolate and Marsh Mellow look- where the white girls wear chocolate and the black girls wear pale mellow colours- Think: Shakira meets Chanel Iman.
The shoot starts at 11am at my flat for hair and makeup and 1pm at South Bank to shoot.
wanna volunteer your modeling skills? or assist the crew? spikes.makeup@gmail.com

12.05.09

CHOCOLATE politics !!!
OK…So what…! I’m a typical woman, I love all things chocolate. But this week, I’ve really went to town on the brown sultry side.
I’ve been rocking Chocolate lipstick no.15 from Bobbi Brown, Woodrose no.32 and Cocoa no.14 eyeshadow, Brownberry blush and Deep brown Mount St Nail Lacquer by Nails Inc!
Over kill you might think, Choc-tastic i say! And, it’s meant to be summer- the time for corals and pinks, I’m rebelling I guess. Turning my back on tradition and bringing abit of Autumn into the summer. That’s the voice of a true Londoner.
Then it dawned on me…I’m actually starting to acquire the same makeup look as Michelle Obama!! She is my hero! She’s got that old school beauty with a new school swagger. She spuds people with her fist, goes into schools to inspire inner city youngsters and has a fantastic husband. SNAP!

Check this to see how Mich’s Makeup artist replicates her like on The First Lady!<a

05.05.09
My fantastic assistant, Amy and I did the makeup on the Mica Paris’ comeback video ‘Baby come back’.
Based on the 60′s glitter backdrop and slinky Donna Ross style backing singers, the video was hot, and chic, with Mica wearing some amazing dresses and shoes by GINA.
The lovely and funny fashion guru Gok Wan was there and a few celebrity presenters flying about.
Big up to the cheif artist, Charlotte Barry- she was smacking the makeup too!

The only day in my makeup career, that i forget my frikking camera!! ahhh!!
I’m hoping some of the backing singers will send me some to share with you all xxx

03.05.09

THE 60′S IS BACK!

THE HOTTEST CHICK IN THE GAME WAS ( AND STILL IS) DUSTY SPRINGFIELD!

Start out of Henley-on-Thames, ENGLAND, Dusty is the golden girl of white soul who launched her career in 1963.

Her brash and bold eye makeup, which Petula Clark stated that she NEVER took off! makes Dusty the icon of the 70′s glam rock makeup trend we know and love.
Chicks like Amy Winehouse and Duffy are ok- but they ain’t DUSTY!

My favourite DUSTY track is ‘Hopin’ and Wishin” (1964). click to listen NOW!

18.04.09

Spring Trend for 2009 is all about the 90′s Kate Moss Look

Basic rules-

1. Smokey eye smouldered and smudged for an intense last night/ this morning finish
2. No blusher! maybe add a pop of bronzer of the far corner of your check bone
3. Nude/ coral/ plum lips to give you a sun kissed fresh lip
   
4. One basic earth tone eye shadow to brighten and lift
5. Dark brown mascara brings out your eye colour

</