Topcoat Magazine Interview, etc

I was really excited to be interviewed by Topcoat Magazine: www.topcoatmagazine.com it is a fabulous on line magazine started by an old coworker of mine, EJ Jacobs whom I find to be one of the most energetic and fascinating people I've ever met, not to mention his fabulous British accent. Shauna Horn, a freelance writer (and actress) who conducted the interview asked me to suggest the 5 must have products I have in my kit at all times and here they are:

• Egyptian Magic: www.egyptianmagic.com those of you who know me know I swear by this magical balm that cures everything outside a hangover
• Smudgees: www.smudgees.com Pre- moistened q-tips that are damp enough it's as though you just slightly hit with your tongue to dab up shadow fallout and dots of sprinkled mascara
• Maybelline Lash Stylist Mascara: Deposits so much product at the root of the lashes that you can coat the tips with any other mascara for additional volume and you have psychotically long lashes. Hello, I should know. PS- it's $6!!!!!
• MAC Technikohl liner in Black: the BEST liner for rimming the inner lid- won't make you tear or run. It's as good an accessory for your little black purse as your little black purse
• Ponytail Brush: Like Stila #9 or Lancome #17 all lines have this black headed fluffy brush that can be used to blend an all over shadow, shade a pop of color in the crease or softly set eye concealer by rolling under eye with powder

Thank you both for allowing me the opportunity to contribute- I can't wait for the article to come out!

SIDE BAR: ORGANIZING YOUR MAKEUP BAG

What's a big tip for organizing your makeup bag? Pick the products: you absolutely never wear, are broken and/or crushed pigment you're still trying to salvage, have worn off names, that too bright impulse buy, the pencil you can no longer hold, the mascara that has caked around the sides, the dome shaped brush that is now a rat's nest, and any product that has micro dust on it around it or smells funny- having cold sweats about really getting rid of? DON'T. Pull them out, come on, you can do it, hold them over the waste basket, now on the count of 3...1, 2, 3..

you'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Oscars makeup faves!!!

Coming off of Fashion Week 2009 where I just shot a video of how to get 3 distinct looks for Fall '09; Red Lips, Smoky Eyes, and Blue Shadow. WOW! This will be the best tutorial and I can't wait to have the final cut! Fall '09 is all about greys, browns and golds and blues making a statement in everything from Barbie inspired faces to classic red lips and everything in between.

Oscar makeup! My favorites were Natalie Portman, and Angelina Jolie by far. I loved the lavendar smokey eyes Natalie which was done by celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell. I could tell immediately it was her work- clean and dramatic with a fresh flare. LOVE lavendar on brown eyes with black rimmed on the inside to enhance the gold undertones.

Angelina was sporting her traditional black liner- Le Crayon Khol Noir by Lancome. Her makuep was done by Mary Burton who really has a knack for making Angelina's eyes look amazing. Notice there is no space between the lash line and the lid and the line is beautifully smudged on the outer corner and wrapped underneath the eye slightly without looking like a 'half lined' eye. NOTICE- no lipliner! It is so fresh to have the lips soft and natural and let the eyes take center stage- gorgeous.

Here is the product used on some of the faves compliments of Lancome:

Kate Winslet looked beautiful in a multi-toned one shoulder YSL dress. Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey wanted to create a classic, natural look. First, she prepped Kate’s skin with Lancôme La Base Pro primer to create a smooth canvas for a polished complexion. She lightly brushed Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel on the brows to play up their natural shape. Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer was applied to the eyes and the lashes were coated with Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Mascara in Black. To create a sheer, neutral colored lip, Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Old Flame was applied for a soft, matte finish.

Anne Hathaway looked regal in a sparkling jewel encrusted Armani Privé gown. Her makeup look was sophisticated and elegant. Anne’s perfect brows framed her face and her long, lush lashes really made her eyes pop. She donned a deep berry-toned lip to complete her look. To get Anne’s look, try Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Sable to fill in and shape the brows. Lightly dust Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Ciel du Soir over the entire eyelid followed by Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony applied to the upper lash line. Lightly smudge so there are no harsh lines. Apply several coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara for a faux-lash effect. For just a hint of color, dust Lancôme Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose on the apples of the cheeks. To create her berry stained pout, apply Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Brickhouse.

Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a black strapless Elie Saab gown paired with beautiful emerald-colored jewels which added a striking burst of color. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton created Angelina’s flawless look. Mary applied Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony to the upper and lower lash lines. She emphasized the shape of Angelina’s eyes by applying more liner to the outer corners of the eye. Several coats of Ôscillation Mascara were applied to the upper lashes for added volume and length. Mary put a touch of pink to the cheeks using Shu Uemura Blush in M Pink 31 and applied it to her cheekbones near the temple. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling.

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Fashion Week: Runway ready SKIN

Ever notice all the makeup you see on the runways (let it be known is applied on 19 yr olds MAX) the skin always looks clean, hydrated, dewy and fresh? Now, imagine putting your makeup on in the morning, wearing it for 2 hours and running to another place to have someone take it off and reapply a whole new look in less than 30 minutes- your face would be pretty beat up! The key to taking care of your skin no matter what trauma it's exposed to; the elements (um, hello walking in the cold in NYC), unclean brushes, heavy foundations, stress...this all takes it toll. I have found the best way to calm your skin and reinvigorate your face is to adopt a good skin care regimen. I constantly ask models what they do if they have good skin and I'm pleasantly surprised that being in 'the industry' has instilled some great habits (even if smoking and staying up late come with the territory). Here is what you HAVE to do to have runway skin:

• Remove makeup at night (no matter what) this means eye makeup remover, my favorite is Lancome Bi-Facil, Cleansing (twice if you have more foundation on than usual) saturate a cotton pad (I like Sheseido or Cle de Peau cotton pads) with a Cream Cleanser and do a once over, tissue off and cleanse again using circular motions on forehead, cheeks, chin, sides of nose
• Toner- if you have dry skin use an alcohol free toner, saturate a cotton pad and sweep in circular motions all over the face
• Serum- these tend to help lift and firm to help the moisturizer work better and improve the texture of your skin overall. HUGE difference when you use serums. I love DDF
• Moisturizer- use a heavier moisturizer for pm than you do for am. Be sure to use one that is rich enough that it is absorbed into the skin (not sitting on top) but that doesn't leave your skin feeling dry 5 minutes after you apply. I really like Remede Alchemy- it's the perfect moisturizer for night
• Eye Cream- this is the area of the face that shows aging the quickest b/c this is where collagen breaks down the fastest and dead cells are not reborn here- once the fine lines start to appear sun, smoking, lack of sleep, alcohol, dehydration- will only speed up the process. My favorite eye creme is Lancome PROGRES. You have to ask for it at the counter it's an oldie but goody they keep hidden for the real junkies.
• Lip treatment- whether it's Rosebud Salve, Fresh SPF 25 lip treatment, or chapstick- hydrated lips absolutely make or break how your color will wear!

Believe it or not- when I have 5 minutes to prep a face that already has makeup on I do all these steps every time! Now, seeing as you only have to worry about your own face, clean, well-prepped skin will make your makeup wear longer, look dewier, and more youthful no matter what age you are!

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Shadow application

When applying shadow a lot of women either use one color on the lid or maybe light on the lid something darker in the crease and then a lighter shade under the brow. In theory this makes sense except for the fact we all have different spacing on our eyes. The following guide lines will help you assess best practices when applying shadow. I guarentee the majority of you don't need a 'crease' color and can get the same effect of defining your eye by focusing more on the lash line:

• Base shadows or all over shadows work well on all eyes- these are the flat, matte, skin tone shades that should be applied from lash line to brow
• Shimmers- place where there is little space on the eye- do not assume under the brow is the best place- if you have a heavy, padded brow bone skip the shimmer and place on the lid
• Matte shades- these medium 'putty' looking shades that don't look like much in your hand are great for minimizing puffy areas on the eye including rounded lower lash lines that look like they protrude when you smile.
• Dark Shimmer or Mattes- work nicely as liners. Don't try to blend these in the crease. Darker shades are typically pressed tighter and don't blend as well. You'll actually create more work for yourself if you try to blend dark shades.
• NOTE: Where you place your brush first is where most of the product will be and trying to blend out a dark crease is actually more difficult than starting in the lash line

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Valentine's Day Look- Clean, Simple, Pretty...

The majority of women I know like to feel festive around the holidays but may not completely commit to a RED LIP. No problem. Here's an alternative look to keep your significant other definitely noticing you took a little extra time on yourself:

• Tinted Moisturizer: I'm a huge fan of Stila's TM. I used Bare on this model as she is pretty porcelain and fair
• Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage #2- whatever your skin tone be sure to choose a concealer that is not too light. Mix the two sides together with the the SC Brush and warm on the back of your hand first!
• Creme cheek color- Try Bobbi Brown Cheek Pot in Pink Truffle. Press into apples of cheek and blend down and back
• Gently Powder through t-zone avoiding cheeks so the sheen of the cheek color still comes through
• Apply Lancome Shadow in Mannequin damp on the lid and wrap underneath the eye with Stila Brush #15 (best double sided brush- use small end for lower lid)
• Mascara- Lancome Virtuouse. Use tip of brush to wing out lashes on outer corner
• NOTE: When choosing a look that focuses on both eye and lip keep the shades neutral (unless you are deliberately going for DRAMA)- notice I didn't apply charcoal eyes and a red lip- rather a taupy/plum eye and a soft, muted, reddy/beige lip
• Lipstick- Nars Dolce Vita the BEST neutrally, colorful, no lip, lipstick shade out there
• NOTE: Notice how harmonious the cheek and lip work together- don't let those 2 compete for attention. If they look friendly held together in your hand they'll be friendly on your face!

Happy Valentine's Day and stay tuned for tomorrow's lesson on eye shape for this particular look

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Subway Sponge application observation and new technique

I was watching a pretty girl apply her standard MAC compact powder foundation or pressed powder and minutes before she dropped her sponge on the ground (I so hope the 5 second rule does not apply here) I was desperately wanting to correct some of her technique. I love people watching and watching women apply their makeup is even more interesting. Take note:

• When using a sponge- avoid pressing lips together and rolling over teeth to really wipe the sponge over the face harder and faster- this does not work
• Sweep the sponge around the powder
• Fold slightly into a 'taco' shape around your fingers
• Gently press and roll the sponge vs. sweeping down the face
• Work one area at a time
• DO NOT slam back and forth under eyes- product settles in skin/fine lines and ages face
• Please wash sponge once a week w/ mild soap/cleanser and lay propped up so both sides dry. If sponge is grey, dirty, torn, and/or caked with moisturizer residue throw away

Sponge application of powder is a fast and effective touch up throughout the day however you're working too hard slamming all over the face- this actually removes the product as you're trying to put it on.

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Egyptian Magic

I mentioned Tuesday about one of my favorite products for dry skin. As I'm staring out the window at a sunny, yet extremely cold as I type I'm reminded that as we weather the cold air it really does a number on our skin- all over. For really dry skin apply Egyptian Magic anywhere you are extremely dry http://www.egyptianmagic.com/ it's the best product I've ever used.

I was turned onto this by celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman. She was using it on a model and I asked her what it was and she said 'You don't know about Egyqtian Magic?' I clearly had the most dumb founded look on my face that I didn't know about this product. Sure enough, I bought it that evening and have been hooked ever since. It is a true 'stranded on a desert island' product. Just read about it...

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Exfoliator Technique

As promised from yesterday I have several favorites when it comes to exfoliators: Fresh Appleseed (if you have an aversion to fruity smell I suggest otherwise), Laura Mercier Face Polish, and Cosmedicine Self Adjusting Efoliator- definitely good for sensitive skin. Whatever you are using I suggest these tips:

• Cleanse skin at night thoroughly making sure all traces of makeup are removed
• Either exfoliate next or mix in a quarter size of exfoliator into cleanser and use in circular motions around the cheek and sides of nose, chin, and forehead
• Gently use fingertips to massage on areas that are particularly dry
• Use every other day or twice a week at night. Skin repares fastest during sleep
• Apply a mild toner, moisturizer and eye cream

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara

Bill Blass Shoot- PREPPING SKIN!

One of my favorite things to do- a perfect model with no flaws, gorgeous skin, and size 0. Ahhh....I digress. When focusing on the whole 'less is more' motto we hear all the time it truly can only be achieved if the skin looks good. Exfoliation, hydration and correct shade all set the tone for how the rest of the makeup works. Ladies- DO NOT purchase color of any sort if you see your skin is not ready. Look in the mirror with no makeup and feel on both sides of your nose- does is feel dry, dehydrated or look flaky? If so, exfoliate first in the shower after cleansing. I have several I like and I'll list tomorrow. The pictures we took for this shoot turned out fantastic- not because she's a 19 year old model but b/c her skin was prepped correctly. I see 19 yr olds w/ bad skin all the time. It's not the age rather the investment that makes the difference. You're skin is your 401K it only get's better when you put something into it!

More later on Valentine's makeup

You'll never look as good as you do today

Dara