FALL BACK!

The Pros agree that our favorite time of the year is between the months of September and November, thus we begin our search for new wardrobe items, both clothing and makeup. 

During our quest, we couldn’t help but notice the touch of feline femininity seen throughout the colors and textures that definitely make Fall 2010 our most favorite season. Bold, striking, and maybe a little high maintenance, the sassy trend is one to sink your claws into.

IMPO sent Makeup Pro, Cathi Singh, out to investigate and report on all the latest Fall trends.  She says, “it’s all about clean skin, long lashes, dramatic shadow, rich velvety colors, and soft luxurious cream blushes and lip colors.”

Your first step to achieving a new Fall look begins with Foundation because healthy skin is always in, but this season the focus is refined and polished, with a less dewy sheen.  Our picks are Chanel Pro Lumiere for a semi-matte silky finish and NARS Sheer Matte foundation.

Nothing screams sex kitten like a fierce cat eye using liquid liner and new user-friendly products give this classic a helpful update. Felt tip liner pens give beginners and Pros alike the benefit of a perfectly smooth line with just a flip of the wrist.

Our favorites are; NARS Stylo Pen, Benefit Magic Ink and Smashbox Liner Pen from the Heartbreak collection.

Pro Tip: When shopping for your felt tip pen, make sure to check the size of the pen tip as it will affect how defined or dramatic it applies onto your eye. Not all pens are created equal. Also, add a modern twist to your cat eye by applying a jewel toned soft pencil around the rim of the liquid liner or smudged over it.

We sipped on pumpkin spice lattes while viewing the Fall 2010 eye shadow collections - bronzes, coppers, smoldering browns, grays, and blacks.  Green tones are usually a part of every fall/winter season, but this is the year of the humid, khaki green. The military jacket, moss colored, shade with a hint of gold for that chic finish.

Pro picks; Guerlain Terracotta Fard Indien Mineral Eye Shadow in Jungle Dust is a deep green with gold shimmer that has a built in sponge tip applicator. Perfect for the get up and go lifestyle. Also check out their shadow quad called Bronze Dore 481, which has a beautiful olive green and complimenting colors.

Indulgent, dessert like chocolate browns are also a must for Fall and the Pros are head over heels for llamasqua’s Cream Eye Shadow in Destroy, which has a satin finish with a rich terracotta pigment. Delve and Inhale are two more decadent and delicious colors to add to the autumn palette.

 

Urban Decay gets a huge gold star for their Naked Palette. It’s stocked with the gamut of bronzy browns and a deep pigmented black, as well as two eye pencils to finish off the frisky feline set.

For the ultimate in luxurious shadow, Dior has created the Minaudiere Clutch for the smoky eye enthusiasts. Amenities include classic Dior hounds tooth pattern, gold accents, and two warm glossy lip colors. This clutch is exclusive to Dior's Holiday Collection 2010 not yet available in stores.

To line your eyes, try Stila’s Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner in Moray, which is an intense olive green with blendable texture. For understated color, mix bluish green colored pencils with charcoal shadows.

Lashes are all about length this season, so the Pros suggest Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Extra Black Mascara with an elastomer high-density brush, which makes reaching lash roots easy and creates incredible separation.

Just like fashion, brows have trends too and this season, brows are taking a back seat to prominent eye or lip color due to the rising trend of lightening, highlighting and erasing brow hair. If you don’t want to dye your brows, try a lighter application with your brow pencil, or even a shade or two lighter with a powder.

Understated and soft cheeks that have just a kiss of color are a must this season and at the top of our Fall 2010 list is Senna’s Cheeky Cream Blush in Petal.  We also love Senna’s new color Hue from their latest collection, which is a sheer matte blush.

Lady GaGa isn’t the only one embracing an orange lip; this feline look rocked the runways. Tangerine lips worn with bronzer, black eyeliner and mascara will immediately make your look current and fresh.

Not to mention the orange tones warm up the skin and help maintain that tan we are desperately trying to hold on to.  Sisley Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick in L30 or L11 is our choices when rocking this trend.

  

Burgundy lipstick is another one of our favorite trends this season. Nothing says cozy like a rich berry stained lip, fluffy sweater and good book. In our case the book is usually a fashion mag, but tomato tomahto.

The Pros love Dior Addict Lip Color in Pinstripe Plum, as seen below on French actress, Marion Cotillard in Vogue Magazine.

We also are smitten with MAC Lipstick in Kittenish from the Fabulous Felines Collection exhibit some of the finest burgundy wine shades.  NYFW was laced with wine stained lips this season, like a 1930’s prostitute on the L.A.M.B. runway created with MAC cosmetics.

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Fall 2010 is all about smoldering, sensual lips in jewel toned colors and we love the fact that lipstick is making a major comeback, but the Pros are so over trying to coordinate lip liners and lipstick colors!  We recommend trying Cargo Cosmetics The Reverse Lip Liner, which comes in two shades, Light or Medium/Dark.  This liner is a natural colored pencil that adds definition and fullness to the lip line and locks color in place.  Check out Cargo’s great how-to instructions below:

Special Effects!

In the incredible world of professional makeup artistry there is an abbreviation for those who create special effects; SFX. The geniuses that make up the SFX teams on major blockbuster motion pictures are extremely gifted individuals who love to transform others into monsters, wizards, vampires or victims of brutal force!

They study, perfect their artistry and capture our attention by creating creatures we either totally hate or can’t help but fall in love with! The magic created by SFX teams is meant to transport a viewer into another world (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek), bring fantasy to reality (Twilight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Terminator) or entice our worst fears (Saw, The Exorcist, Friday the 13^th).

This Pro had the pleasure of apprenticing for the first 3 years of my makeup career for one of the greatest special effects artists of our time; Mr. Stan Winston, who left us too early last summer. He was a gentleman, a lover of the bizarre and his talent was masterful.

Today, there are many SFX artists that rule the galaxy and if you were at the recent IMATS Convention put on by Makeup Artist Magazine, you may have had the pleasure of meeting a few of them, such as; Dick Smith, Ve Neill or Barney Burman. Other legends include; Rick Baker and Tom Savini. These experts are people I admire and wait with baited breath for their next movies to be released!

But did you know that there are products available to the consumer that can transform average makeup into magical potions, concoctions that create illusions and elixirs, which you can apply daily, that will take your gorgeous face and body to the next level?

This Pro is not referring to blood, injuries or fake body parts that you would rock during Halloween, I am referencing products that can turn powder shadow into waterproof eye liner, tattoo ink that can last for a week or highlighters that can cover massive rosacea and other skin imperfections!

I am talking about lip gloss that can change the color of lipstick or change the average lipstick into a long-wearing color requiring little touch up! Serum that can enhance your breast size (um, can I get that in a gallon size tub please?)! Eye drops that make the whites of your eyes so pure, oil that makes your hair shine for days and treatments that can help your nails grow quickly!

These mystical gifts are “special” and if you need to know what ingredients are used in each of them, then please feel free to do the research. This Pro doesn’t really care too much (unless my client is allergic) about what is on the “inside!” I care more about what happens on the “outside” and I know first hand that these specialty products add some fun and creativity into the mundane!

So, are you ready? Then fasten your seatbelts – here is a list of products that this Pros use to create some amazing special effects…

M.A.C.:

Chromacake – a solid water-color pigment activated with water. This product is highly pigmented and it dries to a matte finish making it excellent for body makeup, tattoo color filler or fantasy makeup on eyes, cheeks and lips!

Mixing Mediums – gel, lash and eye liner – mixing mediums allow you to create your own personalized colors of mascara, eye liner or custom body pigments when mixed with glitters or powder shadows and blush colors. You should not use the gel medium around the eye – lash and eye liner mediums are formulated specifically for that area.

Brow Gel & Finisher – Adds shine, style and grooming to brows. Available in several shades or clear. Can be used on lashes, sideburns, beards or to fill in thinning hair areas. Also, Brow Finisher is a wax-style product used for shaping and holding the brows in place. Create a very polished and slick brow look.

OBESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS:

Lip Tar – this incredible innovation in lip color combines the longevity of a lipstick with the ease of application of a gloss. Goes on slick and dries to a satin finish. Very highly pigmented so a little goes a very long way. Use colors like white and black to mix with traditional lipstick and create your own customized lip color. Clear Lip Tar can by used with loose color or pigment. 100% vegan and cruelty-free. This products acts as a stain for long lasting wear.

MAKE UP FOR EVER:

Glitters – professional makeup artist use this product during fashion shows to add a touch of glamour! This glitter is very finely milled and creates a sparkling veil over the face, body and hair. It's like fairy dust in a jar!

Body Tan – is a non-greasy colored gel that gives the illusion of tanned skin with a radiant bronzed look. Can be used alone or under makeup. Very soft, dries quickly and is water-resistant for long-lasting hold. Make sure gel is completely dry before putting on clothes. Not a self-tanner.

Metal Powder – loose powder in a gold-bronze or silver shade that will give the skin a metallic sheen. Can create a “statue” effect and they are ideal for covering large areas of the skin. Can be applied with a brush or sponge. Use a setting spray to hold.

Nude False Lashes – in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths, these false lashes intensify your eyes and add depth. Pale or light brown in shade, use these lashes for daily wear or to naturally add drama to the eye day or night.

URBAN DECAY:

Midnight Cowboy – shimmer body lotion is a veil of gold dust that will leave your skin looking hydrated and radiant. Contains a natural blend of Aloe, Chamomile, Avocado and Jojoba Oils with Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract. Light scent won’t clash with fragrances.

TEMPTU:

Tattoo Transfers - best known in the industry as the secret for realistic temporary tattoos. Printed with high quality black cosmetic ink, they are designed to last any where from 2 to 5 days. These tattoos easily transfer to skin using 70% isopropyl alcohol and can be removed with alcohol or baby oil. Made to be durable and smudgeproof, you can fill them in with color using Temptu Dura Ink or airbrush color.

Dura Ink - these inks are formulated to be used with an airbrush, paintbrush or sponge. Extremely pigmented and very long-lasting. Covers evenly and comes in a wide variety of colors, shimmers and blacklight colors. This product was used to create the character of Mystique in the X-Men films.

Pro Touchup Paint – this product is the perfect color match to fill in, thicken up or accent a Temptu Tattoo Transfer. If you want the look of authenticity, but are afraid of getting a permanent tattoo, this product is a realistic alternative when used in conjunction with tattoo transfers. Will dry lighter or darker depending on deepness of skintone.

Dura Pro Palette – choose Skinlight or Skindark and use to cover tattoos or unwanted discolorations like rosacea quickly and easily. Activated by using 99% isopropyl alcohol this product was made to withstand the most extreme conditions (even a Bridezilla insisting that you cover your sleeved arm before the wedding)!

EVE PEARL:

Anti-Shine – got oil? This product used sparingly with fingers or sponge will mattify the skin and is a quick drying, tinted gel formula. Controls oil and shine all day and regulates oil production. Ideal for face, scalps and bald heads. Recommended for use alone or under makeup.

SKINDINAVIA:

Makeup Finishing Spray – it is impossible for this Pro to shoot a movie or television project without this product. Apply over makeup for flawless set, hold and blending. Extends the wear of makeup for hours and prevents the need for multiple touchups. Resists heat and humidity. Great for use in summer or everyday to control makeup from fading.

LEONOR GREYL:

Huile de palme – used for detangling, softening and to protect hair from the sun, seawater and chlorinated pool water. Should be used prior to shampoo. This formula uses botanical oils that nourish the hair. Used at night or should be left on for 10 minutes then shampooed out. Perfect solution for damaged hair.

TALIKA:

Nail Regenerator Serum – if you wear acrylic nails, nail polish or use cleaning products without protecting your hands then you must purchase this product! This serum nourishes, hydrates and restructures fragile and lifeless nails and stimulates growth. Softens cuticles and heals damaged matrices. Made from 100% natural plant oils this is a natural 28-day treatment.

Bust Serum – this product will give your breasts volume, lift and firmness in as little as 6 weeks. Made of mukul bark extract, this bust serum targets stored triglycerides, thereby increasing volume. This Pro has just started to use this product (3 days) and is hoping to see improvement in firmness!

THE MODEL BROW BY ELKE VON FREUDENBERG:

Brow Ware – this product provides hold to thinner eyebrows without the crunchy, flaking off residue. Use after eye brow grooming and filling in with brow pencil or shadow. Great for both women and men! Good bang for your buck!

Hi-Light Shadow – Hi-Lites make your eyebrows look sharper, more defined and brings attention to your eyebrows. Plus, these Hi-Lites work

great to mask growing in brows (or stragglers) until that next grooming appointment and can bring an instant lift effect to the eye area!

Big Time Nite Brow Shadow – I like the way Elke thinks! She says, “who says eyebrows can’t look amazing at night?” And she is a smart cookie for inventing gorgeous shadows that play up your brows and add just the right amout of shimmer/sparkle without being over the top. Can be used wet for a very dramatic look!

PURELY COSMETICS:

Diamond Perfect Finish – this is my secret weapon! Made with real diamonds, this product will give your skin an airbrushed appearance. This powder is finely milled and is made to settle into the fine lines and pores translucently in order to decrease the appearance of wrinkles by bouncing the light off your skin! Now, don’t get me wrong…you won’t shine like Lucy in the Sky with streams of light pouring out of your face! It is a subtle refraction of light! Each full-sized product contains nearly a full carat of diamond – the ultimate luxury for your skin!

COLLYRE BLUE:

Eye Drops – created to remove the yellow in the whites of the eye, this product is tinted blue which makes the eyes appear cleaner, clearer and more youthful. Put a drop in each eye and wait 15 minutes. Avoid using these drops when wearing a soft contact lense as the blue will tint the lens.

ILLAMASQUA:

Illuminator - want to create a porcelain doll, noir or fantasy look? Then embrace your inner dark side with this intense color that highlights and enhances any area you apply it! Goes on wet, but dries quickly leaving a high-shine, reflective finish that will last all night! Can be used on cheeks, brows or other parts of the body. Comes in a variety of shades.

You don’t have to be a major special effects artist to be influenced by the products listed above. Embrace your creative side and get inspired to try these alternative products and add some pizzazz to your everyday routine!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use a neutral eye pencil like Julie Hewett’s Omit or Paula Dorf’s Baby Eyes to line the lower water line instead of using a traditional white pencil. You can also try Origins’ Eye Brightening Color Stick in IceBlue. This technique is used by professional makeup artists to create the illusion of brighter eyes and can be used in place of eye drops.

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO – makeup bags, palettes and train cases oh my!!! Ever wonder what professional makeup artists use to haul around loads of beauty products from shoot to shoot? IMPO will review some of the very best storage solutions and containers for your cosmetics!

*above photos courtesy: Make Up For Ever, Ve Neill, Stan Winston, America's Next Top Model, Illamasqua