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Q5 with Kate Lee

KateLee From the radiant complexions of Diane Kruger and Anne Hathaway to the sultry eyes of Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley, celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee is often credited with creating Hollywood's most enviable beauty looks. 

Below, the London native reveals her must-have concealers, brush care tricks and which three beauty tools no woman should be without:

Q1: What current beauty trend excite you most?

I am really enjoying the gentle lean towards apricot/nutmeg colored shadows that we saw at Phillip Lim's S/S RTW show this season. These warm shades can be incredibly flattering if used in a gentle wash, paired with a skin colored line inside the eyes and not too much mascara, they pop the color of the Iris.

I'm also loving that make up artists are choosing to groom a natural looking brow instead of too much shaping and defining. The brows are definitely taking a back seat for spring summer and into fall, with some people opting to lighten or bleach out their brows completely. (Thanks Lara Stone!) This is exciting because it opens up the possibilities for the rest of the face.

Q2: Can anyone wear the season's coral lip and cheek, or is it best suited to a specific skin tone?

The corals I have seen have been mainly on the eyes so far, coral does require some trial and error, the wrong shade can yellow the teeth and the whites of the eyes so best test it out in good light. I recommend pairing it with a berry shade to offset the orange-y tone. Coral cheeks are really pretty too, either way, I find matte/creme shades of coral really pretty when played down. What you should be aiming for is a sheer hue of color.

Q3: How can one ensure the most flawless finish with concealer?

The trick with concealer is the right product for the right area in the right shade. Some concealers are made specifically for use under the eye, so there is very little use trying to use them for a blemish. Everyone should have three in my opinion. One brightening under eye and brow bone brightening concealer such as Chanel Éclat Lumière. This product can be used anywhere you need a little lift. the next thing is a concealer with more coverage, that is exactly the same color as your skin. The third one is a shade lighter, so that on the days your paler, you can mix and match.

The best way to start is to exfoliate the skin in case of any dry patches from past blemishes, but it also helps to make the skin radiant and free of dead skin cells. Next moisturize, and then apply a great oil free primer, Nars make a fabulous one. This helps to keep the products where you put them!

You will also need two concealer brushes, one small enough to dot any small blemishes, and one more suitable for patting and melting the pigment into the skin. I really like a nylon or synthetic fiber brush for this, Chanel makes two great nylon foundation/concealer brushes, and Laura Mercier has a fantastic fluffy synthetic blending brush which works amazingly well.

Q4: How often should one replace their cosmetic brushes?

I am one of those people that believe you get what you pay for in a brush, and that they absolutely change the application and final effect of your product. I am religious with Shu Uemura's brushes and have some that I have owned for 15 years! That said, I love Chanel's brushes, Nars has some beautiful kabuki brushes that I am nuts about. Laura Mercier has great brushes too, and I was really pleasantly surprised at Target recently when I was looking at Sonia Kashuk's range.

You will know yourself when its time to say bye bye, generally a nylon or synthetic brush wont last too long before it needs replacing, but remembering to wash them with an anti-bacterial facial wash here and there as well. It is a good habit to get into and will help prolong their lives. Remember, These little guys help you conceal what you don't want the world to see, so make sure you take care of them! Sable and pony brushes, badger, squirrel... They all need a good wash from time to time. These guys can handle brush cleaner occasionally but I still think that making the time to wash carefully, rinse thoroughly, squeeze out and dry flat is the best way to care for them.

Q5: What are three beauty tools every woman should own?

A magnifying mirror, an amazing pair of precision tweezers and a set of well made brushes, both nylon and natural fiber.

Posted at 01:16 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Anne Hathaway, Celebrity Beauty, Chanel Cosmetics, concealer, coral cheek, coral lip, Diane Kruger, Expert Beauty Advice, Kate Lee, Keira Knightley, Lara Stone, Laura Mercier, NARS, Phillip Lim Spring 2010, Shu Uemura, Sienna Miller, Sonia Kashuk, Spring Summer Beauty Trends 2010

Q5 with Patricia Wexler, MD

Wexler Much like Isabella Rossellini's character in Death Becomes Her, Dr. Patricia Wexler's allure lies in her infinite wisdom of all things anti-aging, youthful facade and lengthy list of (seemingly ageless) devotees.

Below, the good doctor dishes on everything from the secret to "eternal youth" to preventative fillers and age-specific ℞s. 

Q1: What skincare products and services should one splurge on? Save on?
SPLURGE: Our skin rebuilds and repairs itself as we sleep. Without environmental factors to ward off, skin is able to speed up its natural renewal process and absorb ingredients. This is why nighttime is the best time for active treatment. That’s why I highly recommend to splurge on an anti-aging night cream.

SAVE: Any SPF will do, just make sure to protect your skin. Women tend to not be vigilant about sunscreen during the times in which they are indirectly exposed to the sun. I demand that all my patients wear SPF 30 all year but it is especially important to be vigilant now by using a product with an SPF of 30 even on cloudy days.

Q2: Retinol is often hailed as the only proven treatment to fight both acne and aging. Do you agree?
The deepest wrinkles need an extra punch— that’s why I paired my patented MMPi-20 technology with pure Retinol. This “responsible retinol” treatment works in two ways: First, pure Retinol, coupled with MMPi-20 and vitamin C, works to exfoliate surface skin and optimize cell turnover, revealing fresher, younger looking skin while tired cells are reawakened to produce new collagen. Second, the antioxidant technology of Avantage and the moisture barrier properties of NIACYL work to protect skin from the traditional side effects of Retinol like drying, redness, and irritation, ensuring that skin looks its best even as you treat it.

Q3: What's the one must-have (anti-aging) product/treatment for women in their 20s and 30s? 40s? 50s+?
20s: Skin in the 20s tends to be on the oilier side especially along the t-zone and hairline with open and closed comedomes. Sun exposure may have already caused freckling, pigmentation and fine lines most obviously around the eyes. A good skincare regimen including daily exfoliation and moisturizing with an SPF of 30. Use at least one anti-aging product to prevent further damage to collagen and elastic tissue.

30s: Etched lines become more exaggerated especially around the eyes, lips and forehead. Avoid smoking, wear large sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection to protect the eye area. Stress and hormone manipulation may require adult acne relief. Use anti-bacterial but not drying solutions. It is vital to incorporate your acne regimen into your anti-aging routine.

40s: Lines previously only seen with movement become visible at rest. Use products that contain peptides for immediate relaxation of lines while promoting long term collagen and elastic stimulation. In addition, line fillers containing dermaxyl and polysilicone will give immediate improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

50s: Now loss of volume in the face is occurring along with loss of elasticity and squaring of the jawline. Lost of estrogen and increased MMPs cause inflammation resulting in continued loss of collagen that causes more sinking and sagging. Use products that inhibit MMPs, increase firmness and promote elasticity. Remember daily exfoliation will help the penetration of active ingredients.

60s: With continued volume loss, we see hollows develop under the eyes which are associated with dark circles. Treating dark circles, bags and wrinkles requires the use of multiple peptides to boost collagen, decrease pigmentation, diminish bags and light diffusers to do the job.

Q4: Do you believe in the "preventative" use of fillers? How soon is too soon to start?
Botox is about a yin and yang of muscle movement. If you weaken a muscle that's pulling something down, the muscle which is pulling up has nothing to oppose it. Unlike botox, which for about four months paralyzes muscles, fillers plump up the face from underneath the skin, actually filling in the wrinkles. For some who don't have the money, time or desire for a face lift, these new injectable fillers offer a cheaper alternative. For the past 20 years, we have been using bovine collagen, which is collagen derived from beef. And this is an excellent filler. It lasts anywhere from three to six months. It's several hundred dollars. And you have to be skin tested prior to the treatment because three to six percent of the population can be allergic to it.

As far as how soon is it to start, I think it's more important as a doctor to tell a patient when they're becoming obsessed, or when they have an unrealistic expectation. I think we see examples all the time of actors and actresses that have gone too far and certainly I don't want patients like that in my waiting room, looking as if they've done too much and they look Draconian. So I think it's up to the doctor to say you really have to accept the fact that we're not going to turn the clock back to 20. We have to look the best we can for our age and look naturally and expressive. You know, when you talk about looking frozen, nobody should be abusing botox to the point where they do look frozen. We should keep our expressions. Botox is great for over expressive muscles, but then we use fillers for around the mouth. You don't want to get rid of expressions around the mouth. I like to smile. Botox has been used for over 20 years for many medical uses. We actually use it for children with cerebral palsy muscle spasm. So it can be used very safely for non-cosmetic use in children. So I'm not worried about the safety of botox.

Q5: Finding an accomplished dermatologist, such as yourself, is often a daunting task. What questions can a patient ask to help ensure a success?
How much is enough sunscreen and what active ingredient should I look for?
What are the signs of skin cancer and how often should I have my moles checked?
How is my makeup affecting my skin?
What is the best way to treat visible sun damage?
What is the best facial cleansing routine for me?

Posted at 03:17 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Advantage, anti-aging, Bath & Body Works, BBW, Botox, celebrity dermatologist, dermatologist, dermaxyl, Dr. Patricia Wexler, MMPi-20, NIACYL, polysilicone, Retinol, skin care, SPF

Q5 with Neil Weisberg & Amanda George

NeilGeorge Founders of one of Beverly Hills' most beloved salons, stylist Neil Weisberg and colorist Amanda George have been mastering the art of hair for over 20 years.

Below, the duo dishes on everything from anti-aging hair care secrets to the styling tools no woman should be without:

Q1: Color can be a brilliant (and equally immediate) alternative to invasive anti-aging treatments
— if done correctly. What are your top techniques for turning back time?

[AG] My techniques to turn back time usually begin with asking someone to bring in pictures of themselves at a younger time (especially for clients who's 45+), as well as one or two women they visually connect to in their personal color zone (similar skin color, eyes, etc), and from there we start to create the canvas for the younger looking you. I always have my clients on a program that envelopes all the factors, age, wants, lifestyle etc., so its all about the "whole picture," including the products that they use at home, diet etc.

That said, I think that the hair surrounding the face should usually remain lighter, and one's hair color should illuminate the skin and eyes. Embracing gray is an option but, most times, unless she can really blend the gray with highlights and a Brazilian blowout for smooth texture, or has beautiful olive skin I tend to think coloring is sexier.

Q2: What three styling tools should be in every woman's arsenal?

[NW] Straightening iron that you can both curl and straighten the hair so it is multi-functional to allow you to get both looks, dry shampoo for refreshing, texturizing and volume, and hairspray for holding the hair in place.

Q3: Silver-hued highlights have been spotted everywhere this season, from the runway to the red carpet. Can anyone wear this trend, or is it best reserved for a specific color/texture/cut?

[AG] I don't think its for everyone. It's really amazing on certain women and certainly we have a fair demand for those Nordic Blondes. At Neil George, we have Kacey, our extension expert, simply pop a few platinum strands in someones hair for a real boost of platinum— its fun, effective and you can take it out when you are done!

Q4: What's the most flattering cut for fine hair? Course? Curly?

[NW] Fine— soft layers, not too long (shoulder length is perfect) so it is playful; Course— either very short or keep it long so the hair is weighed down (inbetween length does not work well for coarse hair); Curly— long layers always rule for this texture as you can utilize the curl and make sure that the layers are not too short or too many, since curly tends to spring up when it dries.

Q5: If a client could only experience one of your luxurious hair care products, which would you recommend?

[AG] If a client could only use one of my products, I would say The Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil, because it has so many ways in which it helps the hair to look fabulous. For dry, frizzy and curly hair, it smooths and moisturizes. It actually smooths hair if used wet or dry. It also gives curls separation and texture. If used poolside, it prevents dryness and frizzies and stops the hair from dehydrating in the sun. It's a real game changer on vacation for sure. At night, if used on the ends, it keeps a blow-out from puffing up in the morning. And, if used regularly, it acts like a multi-vitamin for the hair and helps to strengthen and amplify each strand due to the large amount of Indian Gooseberry (which has been used for hundreds of years by Indian women to keep their hair shiny and healthy...) in our formula.

Posted at 01:28 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Amanda George, Cameron Diaz, Hair Care, Kate Hudson, Neil George Salon, Neil Weisberg, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger

Q&A with Garren

Garren Click here to read my recent interview with superstylist Garren.

Posted at 05:17 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: allthelooks.com, celebrity hairstylist, Expert advice, Farrah Fawcett, garren, gisele bundchen, Linda Evangelista, mylifetime.com, Renee Zellweger, Victoria Beckham

M.A.C + Jin Soon = Fall's Must-Have Color Collection

JinSoonMatte, modern lacquers are all rage for F/W '09. And, as always, M.A.C nails the trend with a lustworthy color collection, set to hit stores later this month. 

Below, Jin Soon Choi— the famed manicurist behind these hues— provides her expert advice on all things ongles.

Q1: What's the secret to a long-lasting manicure, is it in the choice of polish or the application (or both)?

Mostly the application. To get a long lasting manicure, clean the nail surface with a Q-tip or cotton-wrapped orange wood stick to ensure you have a grease-free nail bed. Apply the base coat and polish in even, moderately thin strokes.  If you apply the polish too thick, it will be more likely to chip.  If applied too thin, you will need a lot more coats which will result in an uneven appearance. Last, be sure to apply a top coat.  It extends the life of the nail polish, both in terms of color retention and durability. It prevents pesky chipping and keeps the nail polish shiny and fresh.  Apply the top coat to the entire nail surface (without touching the cuticle), working from the left to the right. And don't forget to touch up the tip of the free edge.

Q2: Do you feel one's hands and feet should match, or are complimentary colors a more modern choice? 

I recommend choosing complimentary colors for a more modern/current look.

Q3: It seems that square is the shape du jour, but a round nail is considered to be more flattering. Which finish do you personally prefer? Does one's choice of color play a role?

I do recommend that women avoid overly long nails and stick with a moderate approach to nail length and shape.  My favorite nail is short in length with a rounded square-shaped end (convex in form) and straight on the sides with a rounded corner— my employees and clients at my salons call it the “Jin Soon Shape.”

Q4: What five shades of nail lacquer do you feel every woman should own?

Sheer pink, red, purple (For Fun by M.A.C) for an everyday look, and lavender (Cool Reserve), and dark green (Beyond Jealous) for a stylish look.

Q5: To cut, or not to cut?

Remember that the primary purpose of the cuticle is to protect your nails. If you really want to have clean cuticles, push back the cuticle thoroughly and just snip the noticeable hanging or dead skin only--not the cuticle itself.  If you do a good job of pushing the cuticle back thoroughly, you shouldn't have to cut the cuticle very much at all.

Posted at 03:49 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Q5 with Gina Gilbert

GinaGilbertExpert With a confident, laid back style that's as signature as the shades she creates, master colorist Gina Gilbert has been quietly coloring our world pretty— one A-List actress at a time.

See below for Gina's expert advice on going blonde, common mistakes, and the best products to use on color-treated hair.

Q1: Can anyone go blonde, or do you feel that color works best with certain skin tones/hair types?

No, you need to have the right eye/skin color and natural light base color to work with. No darker then light brown should go blonde.

Q2: What's the difference between a color glaze done at a salon and an at-home treatment (like John Frieda's Luminous Color Glaze)
?

The color glosses at salons have a larger variety of colors to choose from and they last longer.

Q3: Do you believe in dying the eyebrows of a client to match their hair color, or is that an effect best achieved with makeup?

I'm not a fan of dyeing eyebrows the same shade as hair color unless you need to cover grey hair, in which case you can soften them a bit. Take the edge off.

Q4: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with hair color?

Doing their own color, going too far away from their natural color, choosing the wrong shade, and not leaving the color on long enough.

Q5: Which products for color-treated hair do you use personally? Is there a product you can't live without?

John Frieda Weather Works Shampoo and Conditioner, and Klorane Dry Shampoo.

To schedule a consultation with Gina, contact the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon. Though based in New York, a limited number of appointments are also accepted at their Los Angeles location.

Posted at 09:01 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Q5 with Charlotte Tilbury

CharlotteT There are few people in the industry that can command the level of respect and admiration that comes so naturally to Charlotte Tilbury. She simply transcends titles and limitations.

And whilst Charlotte has become as recognizable as her celebrity clientele, she remains one of the most charming and accessible women you could hope to meet. She's quick to share her insider tips/tricks, and admit that she'd rather be caught nude than head out the door without a proper coat of mascara and a little color on her cheeks.

I recently had the chance to interview this globetrotting superartist, for her expert advice on everything from beauty tools and the ultimate concealer, to the secret behind her flawless complexion...

Q1. Did you always long to be an artist, or did you stumble upon your talent by chance?

I always knew I wanted to do something involving the arts. My father is a painter and I knew I had his talents but I also felt drawn to the fashion industry, with a huge interest in clothes, shoes and trends. I was always styling my friends and doing their hair. 

At the age of 13, I met makeup artist Mary Greenwell and she definitely inspired me in my choice of career. But it was when I was about 16 and met a different makeup artist, with whom I had a long conversation about what his job in the fashion industry involved. I instantly knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life. There was no turning back, I had made my mind up and I told my mum that same day that I was going to be a makeup artist!

Q2. What beauty trend is most exciting to you at the moment? Why?

One makeup look I am really into at the moment is a berry stain on the lips. It’s the most modern way to wear a lipstick, patted onto your lips with a finger. Don’t worry about the lip-line not being perfect it’s part of the look to leave it soft.

Q3. If a girl is going to invest in 5 makeup brushes, which do you feel are the most important to own?

I swear by the brushes by Paula Dorf. Try her concealer brush Total Camouflage, it blends the product perfectly into the skin. 

For blending eyeshadow whether it’s cream or powder, Paula Dorf’s Smoke Lid is the perfect size for blending under the lower and along the top lashes. It’s amazingly soft and also works perfectly to smudge eye-pencil.

To blend on the eye-lid and/or in the socket Sheer Crease by Paula Dorf is ideal. You will have great control of the movement of the pigment.

Trish McEvoy also does a wonderful range of brushes. The Sheer Blush brush is so soft, feels amazing on the skin and blends products amazingly. You can use it to apply your blusher and/or bronzer.

The slightly smaller version, the Highlighter brush, is the perfect tool not only to apply highlighter but also to apply powder!

Q4. What brand/type of concealer is your favorite for camouflaging the effects of a late night out (under-eye circles, blemishes)?

I love Estee Lauder’s Maximum Cover and I use them religiously! Mix with a tiny bit of moisturizer for a texture that covers any blemishes and makes your complexion look dewy and glowing!

For an under eye “lift” try Bobbi Brown’s Eye Brightener. It will get rid of any dull shadows!

Q5. You’ve got a gorgeous complexion, who/what do you rely on to keep your skin so luminous?

I do look after my skin. I cleanse it morning and night plus I have regular facials.

But I also rely on amazing products!  I love all the products by Ila. Their skincare range is natural, organic and made of the best quality ingredients that are the purest available, sourced from around the world.

Their Face Oil for Glowing Radiance does exactly what it says in the name. Your skin will look rejuvenated and radiant and you will notice the difference instantly!

Ila also does a Body Oil For Vital Energy. It will help you restore your natural energy and help your body deal with everyday stress.

Posted at 03:16 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

Q5 with David Kirsch

David From Heidi Klum's legs to Kerry Washington's derrière, fitness guru David Kirsch has molded some of the most enviable forms in Hollywood. His innovative diet plans, fitness routines, and highly-regarded supplements have come to establish this supertrainer as a celebrity in his own right.

To find out how we, mere mortals, can stay in shape this season I asked David for a little 'cheat sheet' on all things fitness-related...

Q1: If one has only 15 minutes to exercise daily, what would you recommend as a basic routine (that could be extended into a longer session)?

If one has only fifteen minutes to exercise daily I would make sure to hit the major body parts- core, glutes, arms and legs. Start every morning with stretching, then wide stance squats, double crunches (engaging   both the upper and lower body), push-ups and planks.

Q2: Would you say your highly-regarded New York Body Plan is a quick fix or a lifestyle?

The Ultimate New York Body Plan is a program that will jump start your fitness/wellness program, but at its core, it is a life transformative program.

Q3: Which seemingly healthy foods should we avoid, or reduce, when trying to loss weight?

The “healthy” foods to avoid (or at least limit the consumption of) are pineapples, raisins, bananas, corn, white potatoes, cherries, and grapes.

Q4: Do you believe in cleansing or fasting for health?

I believe that in this time, a healthy juice cleanse or a wellness cleanse can be a very effective way of ridding the body of unhealthy toxins and waste. It is very important that one does not abuse or overuse fasting or cleansing and makes sure to follow the cleanse with a good probiotic. I actually have a couple of healthy cleanses (the 48 Hour Lemonade Diet and the 5-Day Detox) that clients have used to great effect.

Q5: What are the best snack foods to stock-up on (for consumption between meals)?

The best snack foods are almonds, walnuts, apples, celery, non-fat plain yogurt, and also, one of my protein meal replacement shakes (180 calories- of 25 grams of protein, flax seed and fiber) would help stave off those hunger pangs.

For additional information on the services, supplements, or books of David Kirsch, visit
www.davidkirschwellness.com.

Posted at 09:38 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Q5 with Sally Hershberger

Sally From her ability to create trendsetters out of celebrities, to the long list of award-winning products she's helped to develop (think John Frieda's Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette...), Sally Hershberger has become synonymous with innovative, papillon-like transformations, as well as lengthy wait lists and Manolo-priced haircuts. She's simply that good.

I recently had the chance to interview Sally on her new product collection, the famous 'shagg', and how little we can really get away with trimming.

Q1: Do you think the average girl needs to splurge on high-priced hair care products, or are drugstore finds just as good?

My favorite products have often been things I find at the drugstore. But I also think it's OK to splurge on luxury items every once and a while, too. The most important thing is to find products that work well and have high quality ingredients, and those come from both the drugstore and a high-end boutique or salon. Regardless of where you buy the product, if the ingredients are cheap, you’ll be able to tell in the performance of the product. That’s why it was really important to me when developing my new haircare line, Supreme Head, to only use the best ingredients, even if it cost a little more.  In the end, I was able to produce products that are affordable for all women and available at your local drugstore, but that still deliver great style.

Q2: As you're the leading source for all things 'shagg', do you feel it's a look that anyone can wear?

Yeah, for the most part I think a very layered haircut, long or short, is a great look for most people... It adds an easy sexiness to your style, and I love that. It's probably not ideal for an aristocrat or the first lady – no one in a conservative position — but otherwise I think its a great look for most women, and even some men!

Q3: Many women leave their salon in a tizzy because their stylist decided to trim-off more length than desired. If someone is trying to grow their hair, or keep it long, what's the absolute minimum you feel can be taken off ?

Generally speaking, an 1/8 of an inch should keep hair healthy without taking off a noticeable amount of length.  If your hair is really damaged, you may want to take off a little more than that.

Q4: Which facet of your career is the most exciting at the moment?

Developing products is definitely one of my most exciting projects at the moment... I really love coming up with new ideas for products and testing them out and all that. I developed products for years with John Frieda, working on both the Sheer Blonde and Brilliant Brunette lines, so it's nice to be able to do it for myself now and have complete control over the finished product.  I’m also working on opening two new salons — one on the Upper East Side here in NY, and one in Los Angeles — so that’s also very exciting.

Q5: What's the one haircare tool you simply can't live without?

Definitely a blowdryer! I tend to use my hands a lot why styling, but having a blowdryer is an absolute must to get out any kinks or reshape small sections.


For additional information on the Supreme Head haircare collection, Sally's salons, or to view her fabulous 'how-to' instructional videos, visit SallyHershberger.com.

Posted at 04:06 PM in Hair Care & Styling, Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

Q5 with Pat McGrath

Pat Pat McGrath is a sui generis superartist, one whose influence on the beauty industry spans much farther than any runway or red carpet. Of course, such talent doesn't go unnoticed; This brilliant Brit's now added to her resume the title of Global Color Cosmetics Creative Design Director for Procter & Gamble (now that's a tongue-twister!).

I recently had the honor of quizzing Ms. McGrath on her source of inspiration, the need for primer, and what she just can't travel without.

Q1: What initially inspired you to become a makeup artist?

My mother was obsessed with both fashion and makeup. We would spend hours researching makeup for black skin.

Q2: When creating looks for the runway, do you prefer to let your creativity run wild or do you try to create looks that the average women could wear?

When creating looks for the runway, I always collaborate with the designers to develop the look. They usually have an idea of the makeup they want for the show, but they look to me to create makeup that's unique and represents the designer's aesthetic. Some makeup looks are more daring than others, but they all involve a great deal of creativity and help shape future beauty trends.

Q3: Using makeup to contour can be a bit tricky for most of us. Would you have any tips or tricks for enhancing or softening certain features?

Avoid using contour powder along the cheekbones as it can look too harsh, particularly in the daytime, but use a soft brown shadow in the eye crease to give subtle depth and dimension. Use a loose shimmer powder, such as Benefit Show Offs in Miss Moon, to accentuate the cheekbones, inner corners of the eye, Cupid’s bow and brow bone.

Q4: Do you think the use of primer is necessary for the average girl, or is it more for professional use?

Primer is great to use if your skin is normal to oily or when wearing foundation. It’s great for controlling shine and helps foundation last longer. You can even use it in place of foundation to give the skin a soft focus look that diminishes the appearance of imperfections and wrinkles. YSL Matt Touch is a great primer.

Q5: What beauty products do you always carry with you when traveling? Why?

MAX Factor Volume Couture and CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara- These mascaras pump up my lashes and make them look full with lots of definition. They give my lashes a nice lift too. 

CoverGirl Amazemint Lip Gloss is very fresh and great when traveling. Every time I press my lips together when I wear this gloss, I get a cool mint flavor that’s refreshing. It makes my lips feel smooth for hours.

SKII Air Touch Foundation (custom blended for my skin). I love the way it makes my skin appear flawless, yet you can’t see any foundation. It’s also very easy to use and carry with me. I wear it when I’m on camera backstage and when I go out in the evenings.

Aromatherapy Associates Essential Oils bring a wonderful smell to hotel rooms and combat jet lag. I love applying it to my pulse points (wrists, temples) because it releases a relaxing scent all day, and before I go to sleep at night.

MAX Factor ColorGenius Blush in Spices- This blush is a wonderful shade for deeper complexions, as it gives that hint of peachy rose color that’s so pretty.

Posted at 08:39 PM in Q&A with the Pros | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

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