Solid Gold

The gilded looks captured by portrait, fashion, and fine art photographer Janelle Ruth Pietrzak for her recent Solid Gold photo shoot are breathtaking. Every detail, which was carefully curated by the artist, draws in the eye - particularly the stunning applications of Mehron's Gold Metallic Powder and Mixing Liquid.

Janelle and makeup artist Magdalena Gambuti were originally thinking of doing a fashion editorial called "Precious Metals", which was to include looks of gold, silver, brass, and copper. Ultimately, however, they ended up choosing pure gold. The use of the single hue creates incredible impact in the series of photographs.

"Magdalena and I decided that the gold looked extraordinary against darker skin tones. The contrast really makes the gold pop," said Janelle. "This realization led to our amazing model Samantha Joseph."

Janelle wanted to do something "nouveau tribal" for the editorial, creating a character that drew influences from a variety of cultures. While Magdalena masterfully handled the makeup application, the looks for the shoot were a full collaboration. The pair brought inspiration images, but in the end, their ideas were born in the moment, letting the headdresses dictate the final makeup looks.

"I love that kind of collaboration on the set," said Janelle. "It just flows and is so much fun! I knew from the start that I wanted to use Gold Metallic Powder and Mixing Liquid. I have loved this product forever and I already knew how easy it is to apply and maintain. The best part of this combination is that once dry, it is completely unsmudgable. We borrowed all the dresses and it was great knowing that the makeup was not going to accidentally transfer to the clothes."

The duo applied the Metallic Powder and Mixing Liquid mixture with a paint brush for the v-shaped pattern, which allowed for sharp lines and control. For another look, they dribbled the liquid to create golden tears. They also used it to outline the lips, and for full lip coverage.

Janelle's involvement in the shoot didn't stop at the photography and makeup. She also made the headdresses, which she typically does for her shoots. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Janelle spent two weeks lovingly crafting the stunning Solid Gold headdresses. After a few abandoned designs, she decided to limit her materials in order to maintain a consistent theme. "Even if I plan designs out, I always let the materials dictate the final design," said Janelle. "Limits like these really help me push myself as an artist and to stay consistent within the project."

The collection of gilded looks creates a message. "For me she is the future. She has many elements of the past, but she has reinterpreted them for herself," explained Janelle. "She is the tribal queen of a new era."

The talented artist has been a fan of Mehron's Metallic Powder and Mixing Liquid since her college days. Into the rave scene, Janelle and her friends would dance all night long. "Back then, I was already building costumes and doing wild makeup on myself. It was during this time that I found Mehron," she said. "The combination of Mehron's Metallic Powders and Mixing Liquid helped me create a variety of looks that were super shiny and very hard to sweat off. It was also inexpensive, easy to use, and a bottle lasted forever! That meant a lot to a broke college kid back in the day."

To see more of Janelle's looks, visit her website at www.exploredexposure.com and follower her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.