Chill Out!

"Lights...Camera...Action!"  When the director shouts those three words an actor or actress has to instantly turn that “it” factor volume way up, which can make even the most seasoned professional nervous.  Production lighting + nerves can = melted makeup, unless the MUA is a consummate Pro and knows how to prevent the sweat!

Red Carpet events, rock stars on tour, models in the dessert, 20 retakes, award speeches and steamy love scenes are enough to cause anyone to perspire and it is this Pro’s job to make my clients look as if they are as calm as cucumbers by ensuring that their makeup won't budge, smudge or smear!  It’s not easy and it makes me sweat like a wh@#e in church (but who cares what I look like)!

Now, let’s think about some “real life” scenarios that can make the everyday woman (or man) freak out instead of chill out!  Getting married, graduation, job interview, first date, being a bridesmaid, pitching a new client, first kiss, asking for a raise, making a speech or any type of event where you may be the main attraction!  Right?  Can you feel it:  The perspiration forming in your armpits, the beading on your upper lip, the sweat dripping down the sides of your face?  More than embarrassing I know!

Since you don’t have the luxury of having a professional makeup artist in your face every 5 minutes collecting your DNA on a orange puff loaded with powder or mopping up your body fluids with tissue and retouching your cosmetic like those fortunate celebrities do, how can you make certain that your “big” day won’t be a major makeup meltdown recorded forever in photographs?

Relax!  IMPO is here to save the day!  Lucky for you this Pro is more than willing to let you take a peek inside my kit of magic tricks and share my secret arsenal of stay put product!  Not only do I use these cosmetics on some very famous faces, they are my go-to products when I know the pressure is “on” and that I would more likely be hit by a bus then be able to touch-up my own face!

FOUNDATION:

Make Up Forever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation – this is a shine controlling, oil-free, water-resistant, complete coverage liquid foundation.  This product will hide imperfections and even out skin tone.  It mattifies the skin’s appearance and leaves a non-oily, powdered finish.  Apply with foundation brush or sponge. I do layer this product with a concealer if necessary.

Laura Mercier Stick Foundation SPF 15 – this is an oil-free, water-resistant stick foundation that is moisturizing and hydrating, which means that it won’t settle into the fine lines and wrinkles.  It is creamy in texture and will glide onto the skin providing excellent coverage.  Apply with fingertips or sponge.

Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Crème Foundation – if you want to take a stroll down the Pro MUA walk–of-fame give this product a try.  It was developed for Graftobian by Brad Look who is a major “player” in the world of Hollywood.  Made for extensive use on-set under the professional lights of a sound stage or location shoot, you can visit the Graftobian website and discover your equivalent color match to the foundation product you are currently using and with over 50 shades to choose from, finding your exact skin tone counterpart is easy.

CONCEALER:

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer – this is a full-coverage concealer ideal for any type of skin imperfection.  It is highly pigmented and super-emollient, which means you can kiss those dark circles goodbye and it will blend into the skin easily.  Waterproof formula insures that it will stay put throughout activity.  Apply with concealer brush, sponge or fingertip.

SETTING POWDER:

Cinema Secrets Translucent Powder – perfect for setting all liquid or cream cosmetic in preparation for powder product application.  Apply using large powder brush, sponge, or puff.  Gently buff into skin.

BRONZER:

Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 – this bronzer is what this Pro uses personally and professionally.  Provides a beautiful, even faux-tan look that is matte, shine-free and is a water-resistant formula perfect for contouring the face.

MULTI-USE:

Becca Beach Tint – this is a gorgeous blendable crème stain for cheeks and lips that is appropriate for all skin types.  Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries without leaving streaks.  I layer this under powder blush, bronzer and lip glosses for added staying power and to increase color intensity.

BROW PENCILS:

Tricia Sawyer Beauty’s Brow Define Pencil – incredible color with a smudge-proof formula.  Skinny tip allows you to fill in your brows creating the illusion of hair.  Easy to blend and is available with refillable leads.

CRÈME EYE SHADOW:

Shu Uemura – this is the shadow that this Pro uses when I am shooting for 14 hours a day!  Soft, blendable and waterproof with an intense color payoff.  Matte and pearl texture allow for total artistic control.  Easy to layer under powder eye shadow to give it more staying power.  Never creases, smears or fades.

EYE LINER:

Pencil – Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes is a two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil  Waterproof formula adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions.  Holds color without fading.

Gel – Bobbi Brown Long Wearing Gel Eyeliner – this eyeliner offers the precision of a liquid liner, but it is easier to apply and blend.  Very saturated, smudge proof and comes in a variety of matte or shimmer colors to match any occasion.

Cream – Make Up Forever Aqua Creamliner – totally waterproof cream formula that gives an intense, precise finish.  Extremely long-lasting and comes in a multitude of matte colors.

MASCARA:

Dior DiorShow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara – if you need showgirl style lashes for your important day but don’t want to wear false lashes, then this is the mascara for you!   This Pro loves this mascara in both the original and waterproof formulas.

Imju Fiberwig – the other Pro loves Imju because the brush is thin and allows for complete saturation of the upper and lower lash line with ease in application.  Dries instantly.

LIPS:

Lorac Co-Stars – this is an eight-hour, long wearing lip color and glossy top coat.  Created by Carol Shaw, top Hollywood Makeup Artist, you can create gorgeous, glam lips without worrying about your color lasting throughout the day.  Smudge-proof, non-drying and provides full-coverage.

SETTING SPRAY:

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray - this is my secret weapon!  Apply over makeup to set, hold and extend cosmetic wear.  Heat and humidity resistant, it cuts my touch-ups in half! Prevents makeup from melting, sliding and fading. Dries instantly.  

So, if you want your makeup to last longer than most Hollywood marriages, pick up a few of the products listed above and you can rest assure that you will look amazing throughout all of life’s big moments!

PRO TIPS & TRICKS:

Skindinavia has several types of finishing sprays for every aspect of a girl's life!  Try 10 Years Younger, Dance, No More Shine, Cool Flash, Bridal and Jet Set.  I gave my mom the Cool Flash Finishing Spray when she was suffering from hot flashes and this product helped her immensely!  It is also great for those with very active lifestyles or live in warm climates.  Take it with you on vacation or to the gym when you workout!  The cooling technology "chills" the makeup surface, like turning on your body's personal air conditioner!  Skindinavia is this Pro's secret for summer-proofing makeup!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO: Beach Babe!  Are you a die-hard makeup girl that can't bare to not wear cosmetics even to the beach?  Then you won't want to miss the next post from IMPO featuring appropriate makeup for your inner mermaid!