See Portugal through my lens

Faro is one of those not quite discovered cities in Portugal that still isn't overwhelmed with tourists during high-season. And we chose our trip there this year because some my fathers girlfriends family lives down here, so it's very nice getting to know them.  The only downside in Faro is that many of the natives doesn't speak a lot of english, so you need to be a bit patient when ordering food and getting around with taxies and stuff. But plus side they're really friendly. It's not really a problem because you usually get your point across, but it can be inconvenient. 

First posted on Instagram, follow @muaeliseolsen to be the first to see new pictures

Eating

If you're looking for the real portuguese experience, you should eat dinner at 1pm, as the natives eat out at that time and simply has bread, cheese and wine at nighttime. This will give you the freshest food and the cheapest prices. And be sure to try the grilled fish, as they make some of the most amazing fish dishes in the world. As for dining at night, we had tapas at Bar 62. Incredible place, well made food and a huge selection of exiting drinks. If you're a traditionalist, order the quiches. If you like raw fish, order the Norway tapas, it's fantastic. And if you're a real sweet tooth, order granny with the goat cheese, walnut and honey. 

And if you're looking for great sushi, be sure to swing by 7imeo winebar and order their hot rolls, the salmon and avocado and spicy shrimp, you will not regret it. Spoken from somebody who previously hated sushi.  

What to shop
In Portugal, shoes and purses are definitely something you need to pick up in Portugal. Great quality products at a reasonable price point. I've scoured some shops and looked at different products, and if you do use leather the shoes and purses has very high quality leather and good handwork in the sewing, so you know it'll last you for some time. Keep in mind if you're going for shopping that in Faro during the summer they have a lot of festivals and markeds, so be sure to swing by those to pick up some spicy jewelry that can dress up a basic outfit and make you stand out. 

Other to-shop products are different spices and if you can, bring some olive oil and wine with you as well on your way home to make the memories of the trip and tastes last you a while after your arrival home.

First posted on Instagram, follow @muaeliseolsen to be the first to see new pictures

Hello Portugal!

Warm beaches, cold drinks, sand in your hair and the smell of seawater. 

I've just arrived in Portugal, and I can't wait too taste the seafood they're so known for and to relax for a couple of weeks. And for once I've refused to pack any particular makeup, besides what I'm wearing. I'll be heading on my bachelor at Westerdals in makeup and special effects this fall, so I am taking a makeup break where my creative outlet will be pencils and paper. Period. (no pun intended). As to where we're staying, we booked a house in a very small town around locals to meet my fathers girlfriends family. They pretty much live in Faro all year. (I know, I'm a little bit jealous too).

Speaking of the house, blogposts these next 14 days may be a bit unstable, because the wifi goes and comes like a wild animal. Or better said, it's the lock ness monster. Everybody knows it's there, but we only get very rare glimpses of it. And also after a extremely busy year, my plan is to relax by the beach and poolside, reading my Jojo Moyes novel and drinking Portuguese wine. A complete break from responsibilities. See you Sunday for a new update, and travel inspired makeup tips! 

IMATS London 2015 pictures

Made of the crew behind ILLWILLEDFX.com 

There was a stand, almost like a mini showcase museum of freakyness in the second floor with these amazing mask and artwork!

These are some of the AMAZING artwork I saw at IMATS London! If you want to see more from the show click here for more pictures, and tell me below, I still have a lot of pictures saved on my computer, I just didn't want to make these posts too long, also I'm kind off in a hurry today with a friend, but I wanted to leave something to inspire you also today.
Have you ever been to IMATS, or do you want to go? Leave it in the description below, and if you would like me to write about my experience, tips and travel tips about it, I would love to hear from you!




I believe this was from the Mehron booth, but don't quote me on that!

This actually ended up being the winner makeup in Battle of the brushes, and the girl I was talking to was so nice! I was really cheering for her as she seemed so enthusiastic, and of course very skilled! 

I just love the light/dark shadow and light play in this makeup!

And, of course something the walking dead, it wouldn't be a special effects gathering without some zombies! 

London in my heart

Hyde park is such an amazing place and we went through it the first day since it was such good weather, we also visited the old bond street/Soho area and Camden town. 

I loved walking down new and old bond street and the luxuiruous stores nearly made me feel like I was in a movie, dreaming of a day when I can afford to shop here, haha!

If I ever was a princess, all my dresses will be Chanel and my jewelry would be from Tiffany!

I love Camden town, it's such a crowded colorful and inspiring place, it's the kind of place you imagine all struggling artists hang out at before they're big and famous! 

This little guy literally followed us such a long time and got very close, I was about 5 inches from it at some point and it was really curios about my latte, probably from the scent, it was so tame it would have jumped into my hands and take a bite of a pastry if I had any! 

Thanks London for an amazing stay and I hope it's not to long until I see you next time!

Insight from IMATS Londondon 2015

Here are some of the pictures from IMATS, I will post another round later because if I added them all this post would be miles long!

I cathed Thomas E. Suprenant and Neil Gortons seminars on Saturday. Thomas showed us how to use foam latex and make it realistic and Neil was focusing on renewing classic horror characters.

The top is after applying most of the prosthetic and the bottom is during painting.

Such an amazing application of Thomas E. Suprenant, it's not the finished look but all he had time for in this lecture and he continued the application at the bdellium tools booth.

And this is from the Neil Gorton seminar where he is working on Frankensteins bride.

Packing for London

I'm going to IMATS London this year and me and my dads family decided to make it a family trip! So I'll be heading to London to be there in five days, including both of the IMATS days. Only me and my dad will enter IMATS, because of the age restriction, but honestly I think the girls (My dads girlfriends daughters) would be super bored as they're not all that into makeup yet. Maybe I'll take them with me in a couple of years when the interest is bigger ;)

I have written a packing city break guide which will come out soon, either during my stay or right after, so there will be a couple of travel related posts up now!

This is the entire collection of makeup I'll be bringing besides concealer, so I'm packing lightly! 

Are you going to IMATS this year? And where will you spend your vacation this year?

Awkward

Oh my I'm such a tourist! But I wanted to get up something tonight! I didn't bring my computer or camera so I only have Iphone puctures for you, uups!  

The girl I'm with is laying asleep ALL OVER THE BED so I can't wake her up to ask if I can post the pictures of us right  now, so these will have to do! 

My dream work place! (At least in Norway;)) 

By the way, I'm posting frequently on my daily life at Instagram, if you like post like this, check the icon on the sidebar.. 

Back from London

I just have some time to upload a couple of photos because my internet conneticon is really bad, normal blogging from and with tomorrow!

Royal albert hall

I have been to the UK alternative hairshow today, and it was absolutely amazing! The cause it is for are cancer patients, and to inspire hairdressers. 

From shopping earlier today..

I had the time of my life, but I only got left about 7 hours of sleep before we're leaving, so I'll leave you with some photos and I'll be back on track with blogging probably tomorrow, but if it gets to busy, the day after tomorrow