In the Hot Seat...Eve Pearl!

In My Professional Opinion is live from The Makeup Show-Los Angeles! This extraordinary, 2-day event is put together by The Powder Group, which creates and presents innovative events for makeup professionals and consumers!

Today and tomorrow this Pro will be posting about the event and bringing our readers information on some incredible cosmetic lines that are available to the public, but are not sold via mass market.

I was able to sit down and interview 5-Time, Emmy Award-Winning, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Eve Pearl who is an exhibitor at this event. Eve has spent years creating faces as a makeup artist for theatre on Broadway and she has been working with celebrities in the television and film industries for the past fifteen years. She has won 5 Emmy Awards for her achievement in makeup and she is the author and producer of Plastic Surgery without the Surgery, the Miracle of Makeup Techniques (Book & DVD). Currently, she is the personal makeup artist to Meredith Vieira and spent nine years at ABC’s The View and is now working on NBC’s Today Show.

Eve is amazing and her energy, talent and creativity is infectious. You know that this Pro loves the Eve Pearl cosmetic line, especially her magical Salmon Concealer so I had to grab a few moments with Eve to get the inside scoop on how her product line got started.

Pro: Why did you create Eve Pearl cosmetics?

Eve: I suffered from bad skin when I was younger, have always had very oily skin and I also happen to have extremely sensitive skin and I can’t wear products that contain an SPF. For years I searched for cosmetics and remedies to ease my makeup issues only to discover that my skin would have a reaction to an ingredient. As a makeup professional I was always mixing and matching cosmetics for my celebrity clients and decided that I would just create my own line and bring it to the public.

Pro: What are CosmeNutrients and why did you put them into your products?

Eve: CosmeNutrients is simply cosmetics infused with nutrients. I combined a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, proteins, peptides and anti-oxidants into the formulation to ensure that my product line is luxurious and that they allow the skin to breath. The nutrients help to nourish, protect and restore the skin’s texture and elasticity. They also reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. AstaREALA is the most recognized brand of Astaxanthin, which is the key ingredient in my cosmetic line and is also a very potent antioxidant. Astaxanthin’s role is to enhance the immune system and prevent oxidative stress. You will find these nutrients in all of my foundations and concealers.

Pro: I am a huge fan of your Salmon Concealer, how did you invent this product?

Eve: Most people are under the impression that the discoloration under the eye (known as the dreaded dark under eye circle) is purple in tone, but in actuality it is blue toned. Individuals who use a concealer that is yellow in tone (because yellow cuts purple on the color wheel) think they are hiding those flaws, but they are really making them stand out! Salmon (orange on the color wheel, which cuts blue) is the tone that will diminish and disguise those dark circles and make them totally disappear. I want everyone to stop using the wrong color concealer and banish those raccoon eyes for good!

Pro: Tell us about your seminars?

Eve: I want to teach everyone how to put makeup on with confidence! I offer a “Hands-On” Seminar that will teach the basics – how to take care of the skin, understanding colors for the face, eyes, cheeks and lips, color correction, creating definition, concealing imperfections and learning the art of blending. Blending is the key to a flawless face! This introductory seminar is $295 per person and includes over $250 in Eve Pearl products. I also teach an Advanced “Hands-on” Seminar for those who want to fine tune their skill as a professional makeup artist, as well as Lash Out – All About The Lashes, where you will learn “The Eve Pearl Method” of application!

Pro: Will you share with my readers how you got started as a makeup artist?

Eve: My mother was originally from another country and we moved to America when I was very young. The only job my mother was able to get here was in a Hair Salon. I grew up in the beauty business, but felt it was beneath me to pursue a career in beauty after college, so I went the opposite route and worked in “corporate” America. After many years, I got tired of playing that game and decided to return to my roots. I was able to work directly under another artist and learn everything I needed to know about the techniques of theatre, television and film artistry.

Pro: What was the inspiration for your book and DVD?

Eve: Women at some point in their lives naturally consider some form of cosmetic surgery. We feel so much pressure to resist aging and some turn to quickly to going under the knife instead of considering a safer alternative. My book and DVD will skillfully show you how to enhance your looks using makeup instead of surgery. It’s painless and has no recovery time!

Here is a list of this Pro’s favorite Eve Pearl cosmetics:

Salmon Concealer – this is beauty on the go! It is infused with Astaxanthin, which works as an eye treatment while neutralizing those dark under eye circles! This is a luxurious cream product that provides full coverage and is available in light, medium, tan and dark.



High Definition Dual Foundation – all we hear about these days is High Definition! It is taking over the world! I recently had the pleasure of trying this foundation, which is also infused with CosmeNutrients just like Eve’s concealers and is a lightweight cream that provides full coverage, but is non-greasy and glides on the face. The two shades of foundation adapt to the skin tone so that you are able to customize your exact foundation match. This product is great on all skin types, including sensitive skin and is available in light, medium, tan and dark.



Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel – is quick drying and provides sheer/invisible coverage. It is water based and contains sebum-activating, oil-control spheres that regulate oil production. Available in light/medium or tan/dark. Use under makeup or alone.



Photo Finish Pressed Powder Neutral – this is a diffusing sheer pressed powder that eliminates shine. It also removes discoloration or redness and adds highlights to improve the texture of your skin.





Eve Pearl cosmetics also has a very extensive color line including gorgeous eye, cheek and lip colors, which this Pro carries in her personal cosmetic bag! The eye palettes contain six shadow colors, making them perfect for touch up or changing your daytime look into nighttime glamour instantly!

Thank you Eve for spending a few moments with this Pro and our readers! Please visit www.evepearl.com for more information on products and seminars.

STAY TUNED:
Up next on In My Professional Opinion – more beauty from The Makeup Show!

Pearl Effect!

Being a professional makeup artist gives me opportunities to meet and work with some incredible people! Working hard behind the scenes of major motion pictures, television shows and photography shoots are some very talented individuals (more than you think - it takes a village) who make actors and actresses look their best!

I know many professional makeup artists and we always talk "shop" when we get together. These women and men have always mixed and made products for some of their celebrity clients, which eventually led those artists to produce their very own cosmetic lines. When I started this blog, one of my goals was to highlight cosmetics created by some of Hollywood's top makeup artists in order to educate consumers on their alternatives to purchasing mass market.

Recently, I was able to grab a few minutes with 5-Time Emmy Award Winning, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Eve Pearl! She is the woman behind the magical Salmon Concealer that I mentioned in my post called Disappearing Act and she is the brains behind one of the most exceptional beauty lines available to both the pro and the novice!



The Eve Pearl cosmetic line features foundations, concealers and color products all formulated with CosmeNutrients. These special ingredients are actually good for your skin! Makeup that doesn't clog pores, doesn't fade, reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles and improves skin texture and elasticity! I mean...what more could you want from a cosmetic line?

This Pro has a very big surprise for all readers of In My Professional Opinion...Eve Pearl would like to offer you a 20% discount and free shipping if your order totals $100 or more! How great is that? Simply type in the code below during check out and get ready to experience the power of the Pearl Effect!

This offer is for a limited time so place your order today!

Eve's website features many "how-to" videos and offers "hands-on" seminars. She is even embracing the world of digital technology by randomly selecting a monthly subscriber from her YouTube, Facebook or Twitter who will receive a one-on-one consultation with Eve personally!

Eve's Makeup Experience Studio and Boutique in Manhattan also offers 15-minute consultation sessions via Skype, Monday through Friday during normal business hours. To book your appointment or for more information on Eve Pearl products, contact a representative toll-free at (866) 335-1550 or click here to visit www.EvePearl.com.

I am getting ready to attend The Makeup Show convention, which is provided by The Powder Group and sponsored by some of the biggest names in professional cosmetics. Eve will be a guest speaker at the show and she will have a booth to promote and sell her product line. She allowed me to interview her prior to the show and our entire exchange will be posted on a special Sunday, March 15th edition of In My Professional Opinion so stay tuned!



I want to thank Eve personally for being so generous to this Pro and to all of our readers! If you are in the Los Angeles area next weekend, drop by The Makeup Show and say "Hi," we would love to meet you!!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on In My Professional Opinion: It's time to introduce all 5 of your senses to Jaqua!

*Due to time sensitivity of the Eve Pearl 20% discount offer, changes were made to our editorial calendar.

Prime Time!

At a recent television shoot I was asked the question, “Is using a primer before applying foundation really necessary?” After I closed my mouth and shook the shocked expression off my face, I thought about the hundreds, maybe even thousands of women and men who don’t know the value of a really good primer.

After all, primer hasn’t been around very long and it occurred to me that some people might think it is just another makeup “gimmick.” In my first post, I wrote extensively about foundations, but I realized that I did not mention primers (which really are the “foundation” of foundation).

Let’s start with the basics – why do we need it?

Primer performs a different function than a moisturizer (even though it may feel the same on your skin). A moisturizer is used to protect your skin from the environment, used as treatment or to repair skin damage. Primer’s main function is to make your foundation go on smoother and last longer during the day. It also acts as a barrier to prevent your foundation, concealer and powder (and all that retouching during the day) from settling into any fine lines or wrinkles. Let’s face it – foundation, concealer and other makeup products can cause skin irritation, a good primer may help prevent breakouts or other skin-related problems.

There are many options out on the market today, but here are a few of my favorite primers that I use on set and that I keep in my personal makeup bag.

MAC's Prep & Prime - $23.00 - a fluid lotion with silicones. Calms and soothes skin, controls oil and evens out redness. This primer looks like a cream (white color) and blends into the skin well leaving no residue. Out of all the primers I have tested MAC’s is the least expensive and best “bang” for your buck!



Tricia Sawyer Beauty's Skin Balancing Water Primer - $34.00 – oil-free, infused with aloe leaf to soothe and cool the skin, sodium hyaluronate to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and silicone to help maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels. Non-greasy feeling. I use this primer on men after grooming (beard shaving/head shaving) to calm any type of post-shaving rash and it is what I carry in my personal makeup bag.



Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - $36.00 – a blend of vitamins and antioxidants to smooth and perfect skin prior to foundation application. Also contains collagen to fill in fine lines and pores. I use the “original” and colorless formula. There is also an oil control formula that I keep in my professional makeup kit for my clients that tend to have very oily skin. This product is also available in a variety of correction colors (but those tend to be complicated and need a professional’s application advice).



Primer tends to be more on the expensive side because it is one of those dual-purpose products, i.e., it is used as part of the skin regime and makeup regime. In my professional opinion everyone should use a primer after skin care and before foundation/concealer application to ensure a flawless face!

Time for a little Q & A:

Everyone wants to know what the pros know......let's get some of your most important makeup questions answered right here and right now!

Dawnn S. wants to know:
Any good suggestions on a primer for my oily skin and can you give me the "skinny" on eyelid primers?

Pro suggests:
Hi Dawnn! Check out the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - Oil Control formula. I have found it has really helped control oil and minimize the need for tons of touch up during the day. Check out the section "Tricks of the Trade" on this blog, I have posted something there especially for you! As far as eyelid primers go....Urban Decay makes the best and I use it all the time. I do feel that it helps control oil around the eyes and on the lids, plus it helps to "hold" the eye shadow on the lid longer with no creasing!

Melissa F. wants to know:
Sometimes I feel that in the hour commute to work my eyeliner has already faded and my foundation already needs a touch up. Any great products you can suggest to help solve my problem?

Pro suggests:
Hi Melissa! Sounds to me like you should try one of the primers I have listed above and also check out that "Trick of the Trade." Using Urban Decay's lid primer may help solve your problem with fading liner or you could try to use a great gel liner (it has more staying power). Bobbi Brown makes my favorite gel liner in some fantastic colors!

One more thought before I go.....You can also do what a lot of professional makeup artists do to "seal" makeup and help it stay put through many hours on a film or television set. Spray your finished makeup with a product called Setting Spray by Graftobian and you don't have to be a pro to get it for your makeup bag. Just contact Camera Ready Cosmetics and put in an order. Graftobian's spray is one of the best out there and it may feel strange to spray something "wet" on your face after you have completed your makeup, but I promise it will dry matte and help to keep you from feeling like you need to touch up all the time!

Laying the Foundation!

For my very first post I thought I would jump right in and tackle the product everyone asks about.....Foundation!

We have all pondered the question, "Which foundation is right for me?" Whether we are standing at a department store counter, in the drug store aisles or online searching beauty websites, foundations are a mystery and can be costly if you purchase the product and then discover it was not right for you! I am always asked the question, "Which foundations do I use personally or carry in my professional kit?" So, here are the answers and reviews.

CREME FOUNDATION: Tricia Sawyer Beauty makes the best creme foundation I have used - the formula blends smoothly and won't settle into any fine lines or wrinkles. Invented by celebrity makeup artist, Tricia Sawyer, this foundation consists of two colors (a warm and cool tone) which can be blended together to achieve your exact skin tone match. It also has buildable coverage, which means you can use as much or as little as you need to achieve your desired look. I highly recommend purchasing Tricia Sawyer Beauty's Foundation Brush as well to insure the best application however, if you tend to have very oily skin using a cosmetic sponge to apply this product may work better. I use this product both personally and professionally. This foundation can be purchased in a number of places including: www.triciasawyer.com, online at Sephora.com or from QVC.



LIQUID FOUNDATION: Makeup Forever's Face and Body Liquid Makeup is an incredible product. It is light, fresh and leaves a slight sheen of powder on the skin for a very natural effect. Founder Dany Sanz is a total perfectionist and only creates products that work. I keep this product handy for use on all of my clients who prefer a liquid foundation over a creme. You can purchase Makeup Forever at any local Sephora.



I also love L'Oreal's True Match Foundation. If you mainly shop drugstore brands then this is the foundation you should try. It comes in a rainbow of colors with warm, neutral, cool & depth undertones depending on your skin color. Goes on smoothly with a sheer coverage. Doesn't leave your skin feeling dry or oily. Carried at all the major drug stores such as CVS, Longs, Rite Aid and Walgreens and also available at Target, Walmart and some grocery stores.



POWDER FOUNDATION: Nars Cosmetics makes one of the best powder foundations available to consumers. I keep the entire powder foundation line in my kit because I found that it performs well for film and television with incredible coverage and because men prefer this type of foundation over a heavy creme or liquid application. I also use it for contouring and for blush because of it's amazing pigmentation. Sold at Nars online, Sephora and other high-end retailers.



I also love MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and use it on several of my younger clients. Provides great coverage and comes in a variety of shades. Sold at MAC Stores, MAC online or Nordstrom.



TINTED MOISTURIZERS: I love Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer (Oil Free)! It is a wonderful oil free, lightweight, buildable foundation that works with all skin types, especially those with sensitive, oily or acne prone skin. It controls dryness, prevents excessive oil buildup and provides sun protection with a built-in SPF 20. Great for teens! I use this product personally and professionally. Sold at Sephora and Nordstrom.



MINERAL FOUNDATION: There are several products available to you if you prefer a more natural approach to your foundation. Bare Escentuals is the most popular of all the mineral brands and it does a great job in providing the skin with pure ingredients, free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other skin irritants. It also has a built-in SPF-15 and is a very fine, loose powder. I have used Bare Escentuals personally and enjoyed the feeling and coverage, but on a professional basis I can not use mineral product because of coverage needs when shooting film, television or print, as well as I have found that mineral makeup tends to have a reflective nature when used with flash photography.



ETHNIC FOUNDATION: If you are a person who has darker skin and have a hard time finding a foundation that matches your skin tone, here are a few cosmetic companies that might have a product to meet your needs:

MAC Cosmetics - has many foundations in creme, powder and liquid form that should have a match for you.



Black Radiance is a drug store brand catering to African American women. This foundation comes in a creme foundation form (in a stick-type formula). It is lightweight and has an SPF 15. You can purchase Black Radiance at CVS, Walgreens and other retailers.



Thevi Cosmetics is an online retailer representing consumers of the Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean descent. They make an incredible liquid powder foundation with an SPF 15. This product is enriched with Vitamins E and C for anti-oxidant protection and Vitamin A for skin conditioning. You can purchase this product at www.thevicosmetics.com.



I carry the MAC Cosmetic brand in my professional kit and use it on all types of ethnicity's. I have found that in my line of work when I need a heavier type of coverage that this cosmetic line works the best however, I do know several women who swear by MAC for everyday use.

A few more foundation lines that I enjoy and use professionally:

Dior, Cle de peau, Era Cosmetics, Prescriptives, Chanel, Visiora, Bobbi Brown (these are all in my professional kit).

As with all foundation, concealer or powder, please make sure your skin is properly prepped with a good skin care regime and primer prior to applying coverage cosmetics.

TIP OF THE DAY: Creams on top of creams - powder on top of powder! In other words - if you are using a creme or liquid foundation make sure to set it with a translucent powder prior to applying any type of powder blush or shadow! If you are using a creme blush - use right after foundation or concealer and then powder to set!

Please remember that this blog is based on my professional opinion and all product reviews are based on product performance I have witnessed either from using the product personally or on my clients professionally. I hope I was able to provide you with concrete advice and help regarding foundation products and please let me know if you have tried another type of product I have not listed here. I am always on the look out for the next "best" foundation!