Education + Cosmetics = POWER!

Upon my return from the Los Angeles Makeup Show put on by The Powder Group, I immediately reviewed all of my notes taken during the many educational seminars I was able to attend.  I wanted to organize all the information I learned because this year, The Makeup Show was jammed packed with career building instruction and tons of vendor booths that housed 60 pro-industry makeup companies!

With 3,000 makeup artists and students in attendance, The Makeup Show offered many hands-on workshops and keynote presentations that this Pro took advantage of thoroughly!

Eve Pearl’s “Market Yourself, Get the Job and Make Money in Front of the Camera” seminar was incredibly informative.  This Pro has not been asked to demonstrate a makeup application in front of the camera before, but after attending Eve’s presentation I feel less intimated and more capable of doing so if or when I am asked!

The “Working in Reality Television” forum was another highlight and James Vincent brought together a “cast” of extremely talented artists from the shows Ru Paul’s Drag Race, America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance, who told truthfully what it was like to work behind-the-scenes on a reality television show!

Victoria Stiles, who is an incredible makeup artist, based in Washington, D.C., taught two seminars this year.  “Back to the Future: using innovative products to create classic looks” and “Strengthening Your Online Presence.”  These two workshops were a Pro favorite and taught great tips on how to recreate classic looks using current products, as well as how to use Facebook and Twitter properly to promote a makeup artist’s business.

In the presentation “State of the Union,” Susan Cabral Ebert told the artists exactly what was needed in order to join the I.A.T.S.E. 706 and why it was important to belong to such a prestigious group (especially if you are an artist like this Pro and work in television and film regularly).  Getting first hand information straight from the “horses mouth” is much better than second-hand info coming from people who may not understand all of the logistics.

“Working in LA” was another forum where James Vincent, Lori Taylor (Smashbox), Bryin Smoot, Sarah Lucero (Stila Cosmetics) and Koren Zander were able to answer questions directly from audience members on how to properly approach an agency, set etiquette tips and the importance of being an educated artist.

KJ Bennett, Kathy Aragon, Joanna Schlip, Christina Farrell, Jon Hennessey and Orlando Santiago were also among the “heavy hitters” that held hands-on workshops and demonstrations on everything from Editorial Beauty to Airbrushing, to Bridal and Red Carpet makeup looks!

This year, The Makeup Show’s Diamond Sponsor was Make Up For Ever, along with two Platinum Sponsors, Temptu Pro and Inglot.  Crown Brush and On Makeup Magazine were also among the company’s that sponsored the show.

On the Saturday prior, The Makeup Show allowed unprecedented access to beauty and fashion bloggers.  This Pro, along with many other bloggers, attended an exclusive tour of the vendor booths by Michael DeVellis and James Vincent in order to preview products that were being launched at the show.  During this tour, we were allowed to preview MUFE’s newest HD Microfinish Blush and Aqua Cream collections, as well as the newest additions to the Dermalogica and Naked Cosmetics lines and we also received full-sized samples of SmashBox Cosmetic’s new Hyperlash Mascara, Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer and OCC’s newest Lip Tar colors!

During the two-day event, this Pro also SHOPPED TIL I DROPPED!!! Stopping first at the Alcone booth to stock up on my favorite disposable sponges, Collyre Bleu Laiter Clear Blue Eye Drops and a Viseart 12-color neutral eye shadow palette (the best palette in my industry)!

I then made my way to the BECCA booth to pick up a few of their newest products.  My favorite BECCA Beach Tints now come in shades of Strawberry and Tangerine.  I have raved about these gorgeous, waterproof, crème stains in prior posts and I was thrilled to add these new colors to my personal and professional makeup kit.  I also purchased a Soft Touch Blush in Songbird from BECCA’s new Santa Rosa Collection.

As usual, the MUFE booth was packed especially with the launch of their new products.  This Pro decided that I needed to add the HD Foundations to my professional kit and MUFE was offering an amazing deal where I was able to purchase 6 popular shades for $120 excluding tax, which is half of what I would have paid retail!

Shuffling through the crowd I was able to make my way to the Temptu Pro booth where I watched many demonstrations using Temptu’s airbrush machine.  It’s amazing for applying foundation, contouring, highlighting and tattoo cover.  I purchased several Dura Pro Palettes that I added to my special FX makeup kit!

Embryolisse’s booth was my next visit and I was able to learn all about this product line directly from their Vice President, Michelle Shaffer.  This is a cult favorite of most professional makeup artists, found in most professional kits and makeup trailers, it is now easily available in the United States and it is affordable for all consumers.  Known for it’s ability to restore skin tone and elasticity while protecting your skin, Embryolisse creates a natural balance and minimizes risk of allergy.

Hakuhodo brushes are all hand made in Japan and are available either online or at many upcoming makeup artist shows (including the NYC Makeup Show & IMATS).  Established in 1974 in Kumano, Hakuhodo is one of the leading makeup brush manufacturers in the world!  This Pro could not wait to add a few of these brushes to my stockpile!

iNuovi Cosmetics launched their first United States booth at The Makeup Show this year!  This pigment rich, high intensity makeup line is developed in Italy, France and Japan.  This Pro fell in love with this product line last year and was so excited to view (play) with their top selling products!  I picked up iNuovi’s Probox (professional makeup luggage), which is a lightweight, easy to clean and stain resistant case that all my special effects makeup now calls “home!”

Eve Pearl Beauty's booth was hopping with the launch of 4 new eye shadow palettes, lipstick palette and her new HD Powder Foundations!  Always on hand to demonstrate her product line, Eve showed the crowd how to make the most of a client’s facial features.  This Pro has several of Eve’s products in my professional and personal makeup kit and I literally don’t ever work without using something from her product line.  From her famous Salmon Concealer to her gorgeous color line, Eve’s makeup can bring out the best in all women and it looks amazing on television and film!

Crown Brush's booth is always a crowd pleaser and with James Vincent showing the bloggers his “go to” brushes at the Blogger Preview, this Pro had to make a stop and pick up James’ recommendations!  Foundation brush, eye shadow blender and fan brushes all from the Badger Hair collection are now in my personal makeup bag (they were always in my pro kit)!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is making its mark in the world with its famous Lip Tars and at The Makeup Show they launched new colors, not yet available to the public.  Hoochie, Vapid and Complex are a stunning addition to the current Lip Tar line and will be available for Spring!

Face Atelier was my last stop because I wanted to give my full attention to learning about this innovative product line that is “all the buzz” in my industry.  Victoria Stiles was on hand demonstrating products and this line is the official makeup sponsor for Madonna’s Confessions Tour!  Face Atelier’s secret weapon is Silicone and their foundations are water resistant, while absorbing oil from the skin.  I purchased their Ultra Foundation Pro, Zero Minus and Zero Plus, which lightens or darkens foundation colors when added.  This Pro also purchased their Transforming Gel that magically transforms any loose or pressed powder into a “pool” of easily applied, lasting color that sets quickly!  Hello!!!  I am now able to turn all of my powder blushers and eye shadows into creams!

Whew!!!!  Needless to say, this Pro was t-i-r-e-d after two full-days of The Makeup Show (thank goodness I wore my flats), but some how I found the energy to run home and clean out my makeup kits to make room for all my new purchases!!!

Contributing Writer Pro, Cathi Singh, was also in attendance at The Makeup Show and she will be providing IMPO readers with more information about the seminars and vendor booths she visited, so stay tuned!

Click "here" and become a "fan" on this Pro's Facebook page to see more fun photos from The Makeup Show!!!  Also, make sure to subscribe to my other blog Epic Makeup if you are interested in going behind-the-scenes of television and film sets!  Click "here" and enjoy!

This Pro wants to thank all the hard working staff from The Powder Group for putting on an amazing show and is looking forward to next year! 

Get the Look - Girl Next Door!

This Pro is a lover of old black and white movies from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s! Who doesn’t love the glitz and glamour of Greta Garbo, Betty Davis, Joan Crawford, Sophia Loren or Vivian Leigh? But, my favorite is the innocence of characters created by actresses such a Judy Garland (Wizard of Oz), Joan Fontaine (Rebecca), Jean Parker (Little Women), Grace Kelly (The Country Girl) Lena Horne (Stormy Weather) and Debbie Reynolds (Singing in the Rain).

The classic “girl next door” look has been created and recreated over and over again throughout movie making history. Sissy Spacek, Cybill Shepherd and Farrah Fawcett had the “all-American” face and today actresses such as Zooey Deschanel, Anne Hathaway, Zoe Saldana, Reese Witherspoon, Gong Li, Jessica Alba and America Ferrera are considered the quintessential “girl next door,” but with a modern, sexy twist!

Back in the glory days of Hollywood, studios would “groom” starlets to fit a certain “type.” For instance, Judy Garland, who was born Frances Ethel Gumm in 1922, was signed on to an extremely long-term contract with MGM at the tender age of 13.

She was older than most traditional child stars, but the studio knew that Judy was going to be their big money-maker and they were right! “Raised” properly and photographed in a certain light with hair, makeup and wardrobe befitting a young, innocent girl, the studio marketed her image to the world and reaped a huge profit in return!

But, did you know that Judy literally “lived” on the MGM Studio lot most of her young life? Attending school with Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Lana Turner and growing up on a sound stage exacerbated her insecurities to the point where she was forced to wear caps on her teeth and rubberized disks to reshape her nose. I guess it didn’t help that the Studio Chief, the famous Louis B. Mayor, nicknamed her “the little hunchback!” She was “cute” and her looks did not exemplify a glamorous persona. She was a tiny little “girl” at 4 feet 11 inches, but had a voice as tall as a mountain!

Fast forward to the 1960’s when a gorgeous blonde beauty born Cybill Lynne Shepard beacame a “star” by appearing in The Last Picture Show as Jacy. She captivated our hearts and sky rocketed as a model when the trend changed from Twiggy-type waifs to more curvy “real woman” images!

Enter Breck Shampoo circa 1968 and you will discover Cheryl Tiegs, Jaclyn Smith and Christie Brinkley were among the most memorable “girls next door.” Or how about Marcia Brady? C’mon! It’s okay to admit that you wanted to live next door to the Brady family and have Marcia be your best friend, only because you had a crush on Greg and thought that by being Marcia’s friend, he would take you to the Prom! Or maybe you were a Partridge Family fan?

Our nation’s "all-American" look definitely was more defined by women (or girls) who were blonde-haired and fair-skinned, but fast-forward to the 1980’s and you will discover Molly Ringwald. She was born in a quiet little town just outside of Sacramento, California when she got her “big break” playing the role of Molly Parker on the Facts of Life.

However, her most memorable performances are portraying moody, awkward teen characters in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, which were written specifically for her by the late John Hughes. She was a freckle-faced, red head with a spunky attitude, but none-the-less, she looked more like the “real” girl next door, then that of a super model. She was believable and we as young girls in the 80’s completely identified with her and the emotional characters she brought to life.

In today’s world, our society is a melting pot of gorgeous "all-American" women with ethnicities that scream “modern world” instead of “middle-ages!” We embrace beauty regardless of skin color and are inspired by all shapes and sizes of women!

You can sport the “girl next door” look everyday! It is a simple as putting your hair in a ponytail, pulling on a pair of Levi jeans, a white t-shirt from the Gap and a pair of cowboy boots!

Gather your supplies:

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer

Concealer

Setting Powder

Neutral Eye Shadow

Bronzer

Peach Blush

Mascara

Eyeliner

Nude Lip Pencil

Lipgloss – pink, peach or nude

Product recommendations and how-to:

This Pro always recommendations prepping your skin properly before applying any cosmetics. Using a great skincare and primer is a must in achieving the “girl next door” look, which begins with clean, clear, radiant skin.

Pro Tip: This is not a “heavy” or “made-up” look – each product should be lightly applied and blended to achieve a natural face!

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer/Concealer – begin by examining your skin in the mirror and deciding if you need a full coverage foundation, tinted moisturizer or maybe you just need to conceal a few problem areas. I love Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer. It is a great bang-for-your-buck giving you three products in one, moisturizer, SPF and foundation.

If you like the coverage of a foundation, try using Visiora Powder Foundation which is heavier on the skin, but may cover your skin issues eliminating your need for concealer and a setting powder. Visiora also has more of a pink undertone, which can create a natural flush to your skin possibly ruling out the need for blush color.

This Pros concealer recommendation is Benefit Cosmetics, Realness of Concealness box, which contains every possible product you could possibly need to conceal a skin flaw! This little kit has a mini collection of Benefits’ most coveted concealers such as Boi-ing, Lemon-Aid, Ooh la Lift, High Beam and Lip Plump.

Setting Powder – it is a makeup “rule” that you must set any crème product before applying a powder product. If you do not follow this step you will most likely look like a “streaky” mess. Tricia Sawyer Beauty’s Sheer Diffusion Cotton Powder is an amazing loose, colorless setting powder made of finely milled cotton. It is formulated to control shine throughout the day making for less touch ups!

Neutral Eye Shadow – This Pro loves Bobbi Brown’s newest take on nude makeup and it is a Fall Season “must-have!” Bobbi’s Nude Eye Palette will effortlessly take you from day to night with universally flattering selections of nude shadows. With three different textures; soft matte, lightly pearlized and metallic shimmer.

To achieve a "girl-next-door" eye begin with the lightest shade of Navajo eye shadow as an all-over wash from lid to brow. Add Chino in the crease and use to line the lower lash line right at the waterline - blend. Finish with a wash of Beige Linen Shimmer all over and blend.

Eyeliner – to complete your natural eye look use a super soft eyeliner pencil. iNuovi Cosmetics makes a great waterproof liner called Fluid Liner and this Pro loves the color Café. This is a perfect liner in pencil form for the “tight lining” technique of the upper lash line area. It is smudge-proof and gives a high pigmentation of color. This product contains Jojoba and cottonseed oil making it very easy to blend. Once set, this liner will last all day with no need for touch up!

Bronzer/Blusher – using a bronzer to enhance your cheekbones and give the illusion of a tanner skin tone, I recommend CoverFX Bronzed FX because they come in an amazing range of color making it easy to achieve a healthy, sunkissed look. Apply lightly under cheekbones and temples across forehead and chin.

On the apples of your cheeks use a gorgeous and warm peach-toned blush like Chiffon from iNuovi Cosmetics. This product line comes in an array of colors making it easy for women of all skin tones to find a peach colored blusher just right for them!

Mascara – you can use either brown or black mascara for this look. This Pro recommends embracing CoverGirl Lash Blast, what could be more "all-American?" Not only is it a fantastic formula that makes your lashes full and lush, it is a drug-store item, which means your wallet will love you!

Nude Lip Pencil/Lipgloss – Smashbox Cosmetics makes an amazing Nude Lip Liner that is ultra creamy! In Fair, Light, Medium and Dark, you will be able to find a match to your lip tone creating a natural, defined look. This product works with any lip color and will make your gloss last for hours.

NARS Cosmetics is this Pro’s favorite when it comes to lipgloss! Complete your look using colors such as Striptease, Stolen Kisses, Sunset Strip, Supervixen or Sweet Dreams!

Following the above instructions will give you a fresh face, wholesome, "all-American" look of the "girl-next-door!" One that will make even Hugh Hefner stand up and take notice!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Groomed eyebrows are an important part in creating a clean look. Make sure you pluck, wax or thread away any stray hairs. Keep them in place with an eyebrow gel and fill in with a matching eyebrow pencil or powder if they are sparse or if you have over plucked!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO: step into the unique world of nano-technology, aromatherapy, high-tech ingredients and discover SAMPAR! Learn how to treat and change the effects of environmental pollution on your skin!