'Holiday Looks' Christmas & New Year's Eve Edition

Holiday Glamour!  Elie Tahari Halter Evening Gown.

Holidays are the time for over the top glamour and shine!  Rich gold and silver metallics with vibrant jewel-tones are perfect for this time of year and when making an entrance at that Christmas Ball or New Year's Eve party.  The goal is to look chic and elegant with a touch of shimmer.  When it's time to get ready, you'll need to make sure you compliment the festive surroundings.  That little black dress will need some gold or silver embellishments.  The dress shown above is by NYC designer, Elie Tahari and is simply gorgeous with beautiful rich gold flowers against a satiny background.  This particular design even has hidden pockets! I like to wear a gown like this with a light crinoline underneath which gives it a little lift and movement as it is floor-length. This is a generous women's Size 6 with a long back invisible zipper and very comfortable to wear.  Get more details about this Tahari ASL, Size 6 evening gown now HERE 

Tahari Evening Gown

"Get Ready with Me" Red Carpet Edition

Getting ready for a Red Carpet appearance this holiday season? See how to seamlessly pull it all together!

Let's face it. The holidays are already here and with them, red carpet charity events, galas, Christmas parties, and balls. Add in appearances at the ballet, theatre, and holiday concerts.  Most of us will be invited to at least a few of these this season.  I regularly attend all of these types of events so have a system of getting ready that works really well and probably will for you too!

How you dress will depend on: The Venue, The Occasion, The Weather

A televised charity dinner at Lucien's Manor, Philadelphia area.

Photo Ready Hair Ideas with Fortune Wigs, NYC

Photo: Kenneth Deutsch.  Hairstylist - Esther Tobias for FortuneWigs.com

Brooklyn, NYC Springtime in New York. What could be better than trying out a new hairstyle or color to go along with your spring makeup? Sometimes we forget that hair is perhaps our greatest beauty accessory. Maybe that's why we're afraid of change because if it's wrong, we have to live with it until it grows out!

As an editor and model, I really can't afford any down time due to a bad cut or color job. Adding in that most of the time I'm traveling on short notice and may not be able to schedule an appointment with my stylist. That's why every fashion forward woman should have at least one or two quality wigs in her bag of style tricks. Every working model is fully familiar with hair extensions, add on falls and wiglets.

My original style: Photo shoot for Artisan Studio Works.

Unless you're Lady Gaga or Kim Zolciak (Housewives of Atlanta & Don't Be Tardy) an over the top hairstyle that looks decidedly "wiggy" may not be the way to go. However for appearing in public, professional engagements and travel, you are going to want something natural and flattering.

Fortune Wigs, NYC
This family owned and run establishment is located in Brooklyn and offers online as well as walk in appointments. Most NYC models will go to a dedicated wig salon like Fortune Wigs to have the hair matched or checked against skin tone and "cut in" or styled directly on them. This is important because here you have access to some of the top stylists in the city customizing the hairpiece to your individual specifications. Fortune Wigs further sets themselves apart by offering Virgin European Human Hair which is indisputably the finest in the world.

Having the hair "cut in" brings it to life on you!

Top NYC stylist Esther Tobias adds beautiful layers and movement.

The Salon Experience
Everyone at Fortune Wigs was so helpful and friendly. They treated me like a princess! The selection was incredible and they can even customize your piece with additional hair or highlights / lowlights. All of the pieces I tried on were extremely light, comfortable and natural looking. Esther Tobias is the lead stylist and Fortune Wigs is built on her incredible artistry and reputation. When you order online, your hair selection comes to you in a lovely black round soft box with a mirror. Perfect for traveling! I was so pleased that I look forward to going back again as this was a amazing beauty makeover experience.

Each quality hairpiece ships in its own soft travel case.

Hair Ideas
Since the hair piece I selected is very close in texture to my own hair, I am able to treat it just like my own! I use Calista Ion Hot Rollers which are very gentle on my hair. Virgin European Hair like this has not been processed or colored so it is soft, silky and very healthy. Fortune Wigs sells only human hair pieces and has Kosher Certification for women who cover their hair for religious requirements. Wear it up or down. Back in a pony tail or in an up sweep. The choice is yours without the commitment of changing your own natural hair color or texture. Whether you've had hair loss due to medical conditions or a cut/color that's just not working for you, Fortune Wigs can be a lifesaver and change your world. Visit FortuneWigs.com online or call 718-614-1368.

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Hair by Esther Tobias - Fortune Wigs, NYC.  Makeup: Kett Cosmetics, NYC.   Photo: Kenneth Deutsch, NYC

Hair & Styling c/o Fortune Wigs NYC
Special thanks to Joseph Y. Miczak for our transportation and lunch at Junior's (Cheesecake) Restaurant in Brooklyn!

How to Apply The Perfect Makeup Foundation: Runway Model Secrets

The perfect foundation begins with professional tools and the right color match for YOU!

It's no secret that in order to get model perfect makeup, you need the right tools to go along with technique. I've had the pleasure of being worked on by some of the best makeup artists in the industry for magazine layouts, video and television appearances. While I may not have their skills, I can get the best foundation match and use the same quality brushes that the pros do.

That's why I was so excited about the Kett Fixx Creme Foundations. I have the neutral palette and these very rich, creamy colors work very well with their Hydro Foundation which I apply via airbrush. I was using a Sonia Kashuk foundation brush with these which was not bad but often left streaks which needed to be buffed out. Then I was introduced to the Esum Line of makeup brushes by Muse Makeup Pro. The G47 is a very soft goat hair brush and is recommended for use with both creme and liquid foundations. Seriously, this brush made a BIG difference. No lines, no streaks, it basically buffs the foundation in as it's being applied.

Esum G47 is a very soft, natural creme foundation brush

esum G47 - Cream Foundation Brush: Created for perfecting the complexion. Goat hair provides sheer to medium coverage of your favorite cream foundation. Ideal for cream to liquid mediums.

Price:  $42.00

Kett Fixx Creme Foundations and Blush

esum G47:
One of the things that sets esum brushes apart is that natural bristle brushes, such as the G47 are super soft yet durable. That's because they are made from the "first cut" or the goat's birth coat which is always the softest. This entire line is crafted from cured birch wood handles and hand rolled brass ferrules. Natural hair fibers have a cuticle which allows the holding and distribution of makeup pigments onto the skin. I used the esum G47 slightly wet and then totally dry in my Kett Fixx Creme Foundation and Embryolisse Compact Foundation Creme. Either way the finish was gorgeous! The textured goat hair picks up the creme makeup and you see it on the bristles but as you buff it into your skin, the hair fibers turn white again. That's the cuticle transfer you want to see...from the pallet to the brush to your skin.

Embryolisse Compact Creme Foundation goes on like a dream with the G47

How to Apply the Perfect Makeup Foundation

Prime
Some of my tips and tricks from the runway and print work start with very clean but moist skin. I like Embryolisse Purifying Milk Wash followed up with their Hydra-Mat Emulsion for spring & summertime because it controls shiny breakthrough so well. Hydra-Mat Emulsion makes for the perfect primer-moisturizer and is pretty much all you need. If you need more "filler", I like MAC Prep + Prime Line Filler. It is somewhat thick and hard to apply but I tap it in over my completed makeup.

Makeup Foundation  Basics
Kett Cosmetics knows the basic rule that most of us are either golden (olive) or ruby-toned. Once you get this down, you'll be able to apply makeup that looks just like your own skin (only WAY better). If I am doing a photo-shoot, I apply the Kett Creme Foundation first with the esum G47 and then airbrush my Hydro Foundation over it. I generally don't need concealer as the creme foundation's coverage is so complete.

Finishing Touches 
I like to finish my look (contouring, highlighting & eye makeup) with Kett Shimmers and Liquid Metals. Kett Creme Blush is also one of my favorites and I apply it with a Beauty Blender Sponge. The only makeup I don't apply via airbrush is eyeliner and lipstick. That's it! Kett Cosmetics are virtually bulletproof and will not come off until you take it off. I've never had to retouch it even for outdoor action photo shoots and videos.

Tools With Intention Using the same tools as the pros do makes all the difference and I am going to enjoy updating you on my exploration of this gorgeous esum line of makeup artist brushes, namely their 14 Piece Pro Essential Brush Set. 

Esum 14 pc Pro Essential Brush Set

 
I'll be showing off my new look and technique for Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List Challenge. Click HERE and check it out!

Makeup and brushes c/o Kett Cosmetics, Embryolisse Labs and Muse Beauty Pro respectively. 

Fashion Week - Runway Makeup Secrets with KETT Liquid Metals #MBFW #MBFWB

Backstage runway makeup secrets from Fashion Week! Kett Cosmetics Liquid Metals

Lincoln Center, NYC Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
Fashion Week is off and running in NYC this week so I'm going to share some hot trends and makeup tips from some of the top runway shows. After all, the world is YOUR runway. People are going to stare so give them something to look at! Here's the latest word on the catwalk: Metallics  Now don't get scared off thinking this is totally for the theatre (Phantom of the Opera at that). No, you can bring the drama everyday. Here's how to get my look of bold gold:

Kett Cosmetics Liquid Metals
At first, these freaked me out and I said, "Gorgeous, but I don't think I could wear those...WRONG!" Using the Kett Jett Airbrush System, you can build the intensity you want and even mix these Liquid Metals with their Hydro Foundation for a more muted effect. Closely related are the Kett Shimmers which I mix into my Hydro Foundation for my face as well. In the photo below, I am wearing only two Liquid Metal colors, (you get six in a set): Stardust and Gold Rush. I don't like tugging and pulling on my eyelids so airbrushing offers a quick, flawless application. Even so, Liquid Metals can be applied with or without an airbrush.

Prep and Prime (Sort Of)
I spend more time and products prepping my skin than adding layers of primer which for me only bead up, roll off or look cakey (sometimes all three)! What I do is treat myself to G. M. Collin's Instant Radiance Anti-Aging Eye Patch and pop them on for 20 minutes. They soften the under-eye area but I also put them on my eyelids. After that I use Embroylisse Artist Secret Radiant Eye Balm 
I don't know how they do it but it is so cool on contact and instantly diminishes any puffiness or dark circles. That's basically it! I use a tiny touch of Miracle Blur on the lids but the Liquid Metals go on so smoothly with NO creasing or lines that you don't need much.

Embryolisse Radiant Eye and GM Collin Instant Radiance eye prep.

Airbrushing Kett's Liquid Metals
I like to do my foundation first and my eyes last. This is so the eye makeup has a little something to adhere to, that is my Kett Hydro Foundation. I take the longer edge of a moist makeup sponge wedge and angle it out from the corner of my eye. I add about 3 drops of the Liquid Metal of choice, (usually the darkest color of the two) and do my crease. Next I top my lids and inner corners of my eyes with the lighter color for highlight, in this case Stardust. I use a little extra on the tops of my cheeks, forehead and nose. It dries quickly and is not going anywhere until you take it off. The Liquid Metals are a modified version of the Hydro Foundation, so it is incredible from outdoor photo shoots to the hot lights of the runway. It won't easily transfer to your clothes when changing either. To see the full line of Kett Cosmetics and pro makeup artist tools, visit KettCosmetics.com online

The finished Look...Black Elf Shimmer Eyeliner and Mary Kay Mascara

The Finished (Daytime) Look
This is more of a daytime look just to show that the Liquid Metals can also rock a natural, understated vibe.  

Eyes: I use a Black Elf Shimmer Eyeliner along the outer 3/4 of my eyes, including the upper and lower watermark. I curl my eyelashes and add mascara. If I'm walking or doing promotional modeling, I wear false eyelashes.

Lips: Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss is like a nude shimmer and adds a bit of polish to the look. Made in France and infused with 24K gold, it makes the perfect topper to darker shades of lip color as well. 
Skin: Something new which also has 24K gold is Orogold Exclusive Nano Silk Serum. It is a waterless formula rich in fruit and plant extracts along with the benefits of gold which has been used by Egyptian, Roman and Chinese cultures throughout history. I love how it feels and completely disappears into the skin. I'm golden!

Metallic Accents: China Glaze, butterLondon and Orogold Serum

Metallic Accents for Spring 2014
butterLONDON and China Glaze offer some beautiful metallic accents to the overall look. I just read in my February 2014 Issue of Harper's Bazaar, that Metallic Lids are the NEW Smokey Eye for Spring according to Jason Wu makeup artist, Diane Kendal. She applied brown shadow topped with gold glitter in the center of the lids just for a hint of light when the eyes open. You'll find Kett Liquid Metals and Shimmers definitely on trend this spring!  

 Makeup c/o Kett Cosmetics, NYC

New Year's Resolution #1 - Clean Up Your Act! Soho Beauty Vanity

Get a fresh start on the New Year with an organized vanity!

Soho, NYC We all want a clean slate for 2014, don't we? Well, I've taken on the daunting task of reorganizing my walk in closet for the New Year. Call me crazy but I thought I would at least put a dent in my over-stocked nightmare by starting with my vanity. I'm just sick and tired of knocking things over and hunting through a forest of makeup brushes to find just the one I need.  O.k., I had some help:

Soho Beauty's Clean Up Your Act Primp it Beauty Vanity
This is the Chanel of makeup organizers and the half moon shaped mirror adds to the glamour! Made of clear acrylic, it is heavy so no worries about it toppling over no matter how much you load it with. As you can see, I have mine at maximum capacity and there's still a bit of room to spare. Super!

Soho Beauty Clean Up Your Act Primp It Beauty Organizer

Get Organized!
Having my makeup vanity organized like this saves so much time in the morning! I put all of my serums, moisturizers and primers in the organizer along with my makeup brushes. It's even allowed me more space for my Kett Jett Airbrush Makeup Compressor to have a permanent spot up top to use whenever I like.

This organizer holds a LOT with two sections to divide brushes for face & eyes.

Here are the product details from the Soho Beauty Website:

Don't be a bathroom hog! The "Clean Up Your Act" Primp-It Clear Beauty Vanity keeps all your makeup not only organized, but with a mirror! Tiered-out sections for all your brushes, tools, and tubes and an angled mirror so you can apply just about anywhere!!

• Space efficient
• Clear acrylic
• 4 lipstick slots
• 2 brush/tool cups
• 1 open deck
• Angled mirror
• 9"L x 7"W x 4"H

I even have space for my Conair True Reflections Makeup Mirror which is HUGE.

Clean Up Your Act Load & Stow
I have A LOT of cosmetics and tools so I'm adding the Soho Beauty Load & Stow organizer to my vanity top set. This will make a huge difference in how easily I can access my makeup tools. I will keep you up to date on my walk in closet transformation (with tips from LA Closet Designs) as I get things set up but suffice it to say it is now a pleasure getting ready in the am. Both these organizers are available exclusively at Walgreens. Here we found the Load & Stow on the shelf at our neighborhood store. The Primp It requires some assembly, (two screws to mount the mirror), but it was very easy. Fab!

Soho Beauty products are sold exclusively at Walgreens.

Makeup organizers c/o Soho Beauty

Cult Following Makeup Artist Secrets - Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

A staple in the world's top makeup artists' kits: Elizabeth Arden. NY The ORIGINAL Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant.

New York, NY  You may have seen this product featured on The Today Show and other morning programs aimed at women who want to be on the cutting edge of fashion and cosmetics. The thing is, Elizabeth Arden's 1930 creation (yes, she invented this herself), is NOT new. Still it remains the staple in many top makeup artist kits around the world.

Why the Cult Following?
Usually a beauty product like this gains a cult following because it works. With about an 80 year track record behind it, there has been plenty of time to disprove or dismiss its effectiveness. Still many makeup artists from London to Paris continue to pack a tube of this "cream" in their kits. Keep in mind makeup artists are on the frontline of what can go wrong with skin and how to quickly fix it. It's their career!

Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Isn't Really a "Cream"
The first thing you'll notice is that the 1.7 oz (50g) tube will tell you that the Active Ingredient is Petrolatum! 56.8% of the product is just good old Vaseline.
I did a whole feature on Beverly Johnson and her love of Petrolatum Jelly. Petrolatum holds in moisture on its own but EA's formula also contains: Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Vitamin E, Salicylic Acid, Castor Seed Oil, Corn Oil and fragrance oils and Iron Oxide which gives it that orange color.

EA's 8 Hour Cream is 56.8% Petrolatum

Uses for EA's 8 Hour Cream
Makeup artists don't have time to play games. If an item isn't multi-tasking, it's not earning its keep and will soon be eighty-sixed from the kit. Professional Makeup artists also have to be prepared for all sorts of Skin-emergencies such as: chapping, peeling or flaking due to minor burns including those you get from the sun or windburn.

EA's 8 Hour Cream also quickly heals: minor scratches, scrapes and abrasions.

However, the most popular makeup artist use for this cream is: to shape eyebrows and add shine like a highlighter on the eyelids to give a nude-glossiness and on cracked lips to quickly heal, moisturize and add shine. 
Here's How They Do It: Apply EA's 8 Hour Creme to lips BEFORE you start your makeup routine. By the time you are done with face and eyes, lips will be perfectly plumped and moisturized to receive a smooth application of lip color.

Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Creme quickly melts into the skin

Best Hand Cream
This is perhaps one of the best over-all hand creams because it really holds in moisture. Use it to soothe dry, cracked hands and smooth cuticles and nails. It even adds a fresh gloss to an older manicure.

My Own Experience with 8 Hour Creme
In the past, I have gone to my dermatologist's office for light glycolic acid peels that would sometimes leave patches of pink or even raw skin. Yeow! These are surface abrasions but can look pretty bad until they completely heal and flake off. I've used EA's 8 Hour Creme and within about an hour, the redness and swelling was completely GONE. It protects the skin until it heals but greatly decreases the down time from out patient, plastic surgeon office procedures like: microdermabrasion, acid peels, laser treatments.

You Can Purchase...
Stop by the Elizabeth Arden counter in any major department store like Nordstrom, or Macy's and ask for a sampling of the Eight Hour Creme Skin Protectant. Or you can go online at ElizabethArden.com
or here to order for only $14.99! A 1.7 oz tube of The Original Eight Hour Cream costs about $19.00 at the Elizabeth Arden website and lasts a really long time.

My model's makeup kit essentials: Embryolisse Serum, Kett Fixx Creams and EA 8 Hour Cream

Buy NOW at only $14.99

Makeup Artist Secrets: Kett Cosmetics NEW Fixx Creme Blush and Foundation Palettes

Kett's NEW FIXX Creme Blushes, Cream & Hydro Foundations-Perfect Fall Palettes!

New York, NY NEW FOR FALL! I'm so excited about my favorite foundation line coming out with a NEW product this fall. Kett Cosmetics, NYC is rocking the Makeup Artist world with these amazingly versatile and beautiful FIXX Creme Blushes. These are silky smooth and infused with vitamins and licorice, actually the first cream products I've used on my eyelids that did not crease. They are waterproof and can be used on cheeks, eyes, lips, really everywhere.

Kett FIXX Creme Blushes are waterproof, vitamin enriched and can be used on cheeks, eyes, lips... everywhere!

I generally use Kett's Hydro Foundation and Blush via an airbrush compressor but these new blushes actually do glide over the airbrush application very well. Just wet and squeeze out a Beauty Blender Sponge, (I have Sonia Kashuk's Blender Sponge from Target), and pick up the pigment. According to Makeup Artist Angie Mehlhorn, you can use a little spatula to get a bit out and then dab your Beauty Blender Sponge into the product. I've done this and the finish is really pretty.  Plus you can control the amount of color you want.

Makeup Artist's Secret Weapon: You'll need a Beauty Blender or Blending Sponge like this one from Sonia Kashuk.

I use the flat bottom of the Blending Sponge to apply the FIXX Creme Blush over my cheeks and forehead, anywhere you need a pop of color. If you are using an airbrushed foundation, this will not disturb it and you can build up the color. The result is a beautiful, moist, dewy finish that stays true for hours until you take it off. Airbrush and sponge applications are very light and allow the pigment to sit on top of the skin. You won't see very much oxidation or color change because of it. Be sure to start with a good primer like Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate or for oily skin, their Hydra Mat. This will also keep the makeup on and fresh.

Airbursh or sponge foundation applications: Use Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate or Hydra-Mat as a primer to help keep makeup fresh.

FIXX Creme Foundation Palettes
Another new product for me has been Kett's FIXX Creme Foundations which are waterproof. Even though I have used Kett's Hydro Foundations for outdoor filming, sometimes I need a waterproof product. I was really interested in Creme Foundation to act as a concealer that would not move under my makeup. I used the Neutral Pallet and mixed the two lightest colors and applied them with a foundation blush. 

Kett's FIXX Creme Foundation Palette in Neutral.

My Makeup Routine for Fashion Photo Shoots 
This is what I do to get ready for a fashion photo shoot and is guaranteed bullet proof!

1.) I cleanse my skin with Embryolisse Lait Creme Moussant which is a soap-free, milky cleanser. Prime skin with Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate or Hydra Mat if you are oily.

2.) If I need extra coverage and wear, I add a thin layer of Embryolisse BB Cream. It perfects your complexion before the makeup even goes on. 

Prime Time: My basics for makeup that stays on all day.

3.) Apply Kett FIXX Creme Foundation with a foundation brush around mouth, under eyes and outward towards the temples. Darker shades in the palette can be used for contouring. Blend with a Blender Sponge and set with Elf Translucent powder. If I need anything extra concealed I use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and Hard Candy's Glamoflage.

4.) Apply Kett's Hydro Foundation through an air brush. Hold the gun about 8 inches from your face and spray in small circles. I REALLY like the Kett Jett and it is so portable, I can take it with me on location. Powerful enough to even do a spray tan.

5.) Add the Kett FIXX Creme Blush with the flat bottom of a damp Blender Sponge. The color is buildable so start with a little then add more as needed. The Caicos shade of creme blush is amazing on warm complexions.

The Look: Kett Hydro Foundation and Blush. Elf Black-Shiny Eye Pencil. (NYC Photo Shoot for Craghoppers UK)

Doing Your Eye Makeup
Once my foundation and blush are done, I do my eye makeup. Use a eye makeup primer on the lids and favorite eye makeup is waterproof Sephora Colorproof Eyeliner in Navy Blue and Elf's Shimmer eyeliner pencil. Apply to your upper and lower waterlines. I use Kett's FIXX Creme Makeup in Shade Morocco in the crease. Curl your eyelashes and apply waterproof mascara.    

Waterproof Makeup Removal
Since this is my "photo-shoot look", this waterproof makeup is not going anywhere until you take it off. The eye makeup especially requires a delicate but thorough eye makeup remover. I like Lancome's Effacil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover as it doesn't sting your eyes and does a good job on even waterproof eyeliner. Embryolisse Milky Makeup Removal Emulsion does just as good of a job but has added moisturizers. Just massage a little over your eyelids and face, let it work for about 5 minutes and rinse off. Suitable even for use on babies, it's that gentle.

Embryolisse Lait Creme cleanser and Emulsion Lactee.

Airbrush Makeup Artist Secrets: Kett Cosmetics, NYC & Embryolisse Labs-Paris, France

Kett Jett Airbrush and Cosmetics - NYC and Embryolisse Labs skin prep - Paris, France.

One of the things I've learned from doing live television and print work is to be prepared. Some of the smaller television stations often do not have makeup artists on set so you need to show up "with face on". This is also true when shooting on location where you are out in the elements. I met Sheila McKenna, the owner and creator of NYC based Kett Cosmetics about 9 years ago when after being in a fashion show, noticed the male models looked incredible on the runway. They had been airbrushed! So Sheila choose just the perfect shade for me in her Hydro Foundation and blush both of which I airbrush before all photo shoots, television and HD videos.

The tag line for Kett Cosmetics is "Makeup for the Digital Age" but McKenna says: "Makeup has to look good in person and on camera. My makeup has evolved with technology so as technology changes, so will my product line."  Sheila offers classes for professional makeup artists with her NYC series coming up in September.  Check out the Kett Cosmetics Website for Class Dates.

Kett Hydro Foundation is long-wearing can be applied with or without an airbrush.

I've always applied Kett Hydro Foundation through an airbrush, (try the Kett Jett compressor & gun) but you can also get a very lovely finish using a stippling or dual fiber skunk brush. This is a Pro Based makeup line and makeup artist gurus like YouTube's Wayne Goss say it is his "holy grail" foundation. Wayne, where have you been? I've know this for years!

Kett's NEW Fixx Creme Blush Compacts

Another makeup artist who's work I admire is that of Angie Mehlhorn. Angie has used her airbrushing system on her brides in the Pittsburgh area, television shows, (Dance Moms) and editorial work. It is truly her go to product. " I love that Kett is so versatile, I can simply match absolutely anyone's skin tone with ease. Also I can give someone a finished sanitary look with the contouring colors, blush, highlight etc."

Makeup Artist Angie Mehlhorn (right) airbrushing on set.

Angie M makeup artistry

angiemehlhorn@yahoo.com

Makeup Artist Secrets-The Kit
Angie shared some of her makeup artist secrets with me, which I am including here. This can work with an airbrush or a makeup brush application. I've also put together a suggested Artist Makeup Kit which is what I bring on set prior to a television appearance or on location photo shoot. The Kett Jett accommodates batteries so you can run it with or without a power outlet.

1.) Primer: Top makeup artists from all over the world use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate as a foundation base or primer. Shiela and Angie both use and recommend Embryolisse in their pro classes and the Emulsion Hydra-Mat can be used to help control oiliness. You'll find a little tube of Embryolisse in practically every savvy makeup artist's kit and European models often will not let you work on them without it. I also like L'Oreal Miracle Blur which J-Lo is said to also be in love with for red carpet photography.

*NOTE: You can also use less moisturizer under your makeup if you apply a rinse off moisture masque first. This will prep your skin and leave a dewy texture without being overly greasy. Try Embryolisse Hydra-Masque.

2.) Cream Blush  You can use Kett Fixx Creme Blush over her airbrush foundations. Use a damp Beauty Blender sponge to pick up pigment. I like the Fixx Creme Blush as it can be used for lips, eyes, cheeks, etc. but glides on and stays put as it is water-proof. It also contains vitamins and botanicals that are good for the skin.

3.) Airbrushing Benefits If you really want to experience the ultimate in makeup artistry, invest in an airbrush system like the Kett Jett. It holds two airbrush guns so you can switch between the two and goes up to 30 p.s.i.  You can actually use it to do tattoo coverage and air tanning. Airbrushing uses very little product, (6-7 drops of foundation is all you need for face and neck).

*TIP: Airbrushing is likewise very good for acne prone skin as the makeup sits on top of the skin, not down into the pores. You are also not introducing bacteria and germs from hair or fiber brushes and sponges. 

4.) Body Beautiful One of the top makeup artist secrets is the illusion that can be made with airbrushing arms, legs and abs. Magazine covers to Victoria Secret fashion shows all use the same sculpting techniques. Air tanning and bronzer applications look so real when done through an airbrush. Here's what to do:

Clarisonic Plus with face and body attachments.

*Exfoliate- You can use a Clarisonic Plus Ultrasonic Cleansing Brush to gently exfoliate the decolletage, shoulders, arms and legs...really anywhere you want a smooth application of color. On your face, use something gentle like Embryolisse Exfoliating Cream.

*Moisturize - Just like your face, be sure to plump up your body parts after you've exfoliated them. Once again Embryolisse wins out. The Lait-Creme Rich Corps does for your body what their Lait-Creme Concentrate does for your face. This is a new formula with a dual action that nourishes, moisturizes and repairs the skin.

All makeup application requires a bit of imagination and artistry.  If you want pro results, take a look at what the pros actually use, especially product wise. Airbrushing is really easy to do, just check out some of the great videos on YouTube to get started. If you are a professional makeup artist and want to explore airbrushing, there are seminars and workshops you can attend to expand your skills.  It will set you apart from the crowd and allow for quick and seamless results as seen here. 

Airbrush makeup artistry by Angie Mehlhorn using Kett Cosmetics & Embryolisse products.

Cosmetics and Skincare products C/O Kett Cosmetics & Embryolisse Laboratories

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Bulletproof Makeup: Estee Lauder's Double Wear is at the heart of makeup that stays put all day.

SPRING NYC: If you are like me and just can't stand another summer of smeary, running makeup, now is the time to step up and try something new, (or maybe old). Years ago, I wore Estee Lauder's Lucidity and liked it very much. Really the main benefit of department store makeup is that you can have it color matched to your skin tone. This will usually give the best results but you should also try wearing it outdoors in full sun.

Since I model fitness and athletic wear, I need a foundation that can make it through the shoot with out transferring onto my clothing. Most of the time I airbrush my makeup which gives me very light coverage and incredible staying power.  I use Kett Cosmetics of NYC and her Hydro Foundation is my holy grail. Here I am below with my airbrushed foundation for a Craghoppers / Pistil Designs shoot:

Kett Hydro Foundation was airbrushed on prior to this NYC photo shoot.

So I was at the mall on Sunday and was given a little postcard for a 10 day supply of any Estee Lauder Foundation of your choice. Since I haven't used Estee Lauder in over 10 years, I thought I would give their Double Wear a try for my upcoming outdoor photo shoots. The counter-lady, Brittany quickly tried two shades on my skin and waited for them to oxidize. The Pure Beige in Shade 2Cl seemed to be the best match. She gave me my 10 day sample and off I went.  Double Wear dries down very quickly so I applied it with a damp Beauty Blender sponge. I didn't use much and simply applied it over my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and Hard Candy's Glamoflage Heavy Duty Concealer. Here is the result from a photo-shoot for ExOfficio:

Estee Lauder Double Wear for my outdoor shoot for ExOfficio.

To me, the Double Wear looks very similar to my airbrush application, even in full sun. I only used a touch of NARS Orgasm Facial Illuminator on my cheeks and Brass Plum Bronzer. I set it with the tiniest dusting of Revlon's Nearly Naked Pressed Powder.  The EL Double Wear did not transfer onto the collar of this very light, Stone colored trench coat. Even with a light application of primer, (Revlon Miracle Blur) did not feel heavy or greasy. The finish is matte to semi-matte and pretty much stayed that way the whole day even though I have oily skin. Once again, I used very little of this foundation but the coverage and longevity were beyond what I expected. I was told that EL is bringing back the Lucidity as a reformulation. That may be a good thing but right now I'm pretty pleased with the Double Wear! #Lucky me.