I’m excited to share with you my interview with Chantal Moore beauty expert on MSN’s The Victory Project!

Chantal Moore, MSN’s The Victory Project beauty expert

Born and raised in San Francisco, Chantal began working in the fashion industry at a young age. Though her initial career as a model kept her in front of the camera, she steadily learned the art from some of today’s top makeup artists. She works closely with some of the biggest names in music, fashion and film including Faith Hill, Kristen Bell and Jennifer Garner. Her work has appeared on numerous editorial and advertising campaigns including Cartier, Vogue, PETA and People magazine. In 2009, she became Beauty Editor for the online lifestyle magazine Tangerine Living.

In this interview Chantal Moore talks about her first memories of falling in love with makeup and beauty, her beginnings as a top beauty expert, what her modeling experience has taught her, must-have beauty products for Spring/Summer, what’s in her makeup bag, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Chantal Moore: Right now, I call Hollywood home.

MW: When did you first become interested in makeup and beauty?
CM: I was drawn to makeup and beauty at an early age. I have odd initial beauty references! I was drawn towards ancient art as a young child- Egyptian art in particular and remember that I was simply awestruck by the imagery of Cleopatra. That eyeliner! I’m sure that’s where it started for me. I also watched a lot of old films growing up and I studied faces. I was enchanted by the faces of Marlena Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor. All incredibly beautiful women on whom makeup had such a huge transformative impact.

MW: What were some of your big breaks as s top makeup and beauty expert?
CM: When I first started doing makeup in Hollywood and was really new in town, building my portfolio, I got a call to do makeup on Dany Levy– the founder of Daily Candy for a television appearance. She loved her makeup so much that she called me the next day and said “You’re fabulous. I’ve never felt better about my makeup. I’m making you a Daily Candy.” I didn’t even know what that meant at the time. I had no idea the influence Daily Candy had then. It was major. The day it came out- I got hundreds of calls and emails. To this day I am infinitely grateful to Daily Candy for that. It really helped jump start my career. I also went on the road and toured with Faith Hill as her Makeup Artist and that was an incredible learning experience for me at the time.

MW: What are some your favorite makeup looks and products for Spring and Summer?
CM: I am really happy to see the nude face emerging in fashion. Monochrome neutrals. Nude in the makeup world doesn’t mean ” no makeup” it means glowing, beautiful skin, neutral tones, with a subtle impact of color. Not boring at all- it can actually be quite avant garde. So, this can mean a clean nude face with a pop of fuschia pink on the lip, for example. Or even a very light pastel eye shadow watercolor wash. Makeup has really been carved out and contoured, a little dramatic, over the top and heavy these last few years and I’ve been waiting for the pendulum swing. Product wise, I am excited about the new bronzers. Gone is the orange baked look. It’s all about soft shimmer and a light, natural golden glow. Nars’ new Orgasm Illuminator is a must have new product for Spring/Summer makeup looks. The colors in the new Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick collection have a satiny, gorgeous texture and will convert those who were previously anti-lipstick. I love Too Faced Cosmetics LashLight mascara which is a super glossy black with light reflecting, microscopic mirror particles in it. It’s the perfect mascara to set off the new nude and pastel eye looks.

MW: Which celebrity looks are most popular today?
CM: I think that Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston represent the gold standard for the new classic Hollywood beauty. I also think young girls are looking at new pop stars like Rihanna and Lady Gaga and they see how they are so creative, fearless and abstract with their looks- it inspires them to take risks and break beauty rules. I think that’s a good thing.

MW: What do you miss most about modeling? What modeling has taught you?
CM: To be honest, I don’t know that I miss it! I really enjoy this side of the camera much more. I certainly got to travel to some amazing places as a model, but I get to do that as a Makeup Artist, too! Having been a model is a huge advantage to me as a Makeup Artist. I absolutely know what it’s like to sit in the chair, and have someone in your face, touching, plucking and pulling. It’s a really intimate position. I learned so much from being a model of what NOT to do as an artist because I had some horrific experiences as a model with hair and makeup. Those experiences have made me the artist I am today- my kit is uber clean, I am very conscious about the comfort and well being of my clients while they are with me on set. I always strive to provide a calm, tranquil experience while they are in my care. I am often told that I have a peaceful demeanor and gentle touch at work and that truly means a lot to me. I also learned a lot about light and lighting as a model and that is invaluable.

MW: What are some of you own makeup and beauty obsessions? What’s in your makeup bag?
CM: I am super into skin care. Beautiful skin is the ultimate starting canvas for any perfect makeup application. I am constantly researching and trying to find progressive, new skin care products and makeup products so anything that incorporates both worlds I love. I have a little something of everything in my makeup bag. My new favorite primer is Tarte’s Clean Slate Natural Face Primer– it has fruit and plant extracts in its formula, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is always an absolute constant for me because it performs, Makeup Forever Hi-Definition powder is a must because to me there isn’t a powder out there like it, Nars Blushes because the pigments are so rich and it always glides on effortlessly, and my new favorite glosses are Too Faced Cosmetics’ Glamour Gloss Volumizing Lip Gloss. It’s amazing. I could go on and on. I love talking product!

MW: What is your philosophy about beauty?
CM: That there is beauty in anything and everything. That it should be a celebration of nature. A discovery. Bringing out what you have but just can’t see or haven’t been shown. Women shouldn’t want to look like someone else- they should learn to optimize their own strong points and find their signature look that makes them feel their best with the most minimal of effort. I don’t know any woman that feels good about taking a long time to put their face on. Beauty shouldn’t be a chore you feel obligated to- it should be fun and a ritual of self love. It shouldn’t be about masking or hiding. It should be about bringing out what already lies dormant within. That subtle wash of color that brings out the gold in the eye they didn’t notice was there before. When a woman has inner confidence about who she is and how she presents herself to the world- it’s transcendent.

MW: What is your favorite: city, movie, and designer?
CM: San Francisco. It’s my home town and will always have my heart. Favorite film is Breakfast at Tiffany’s because Audrey is just so beautiful in it and I will never tire of staring at her face in that film. I love Marc Jacobs.

MW: What’s next for Chantal Moore?
CM: The Victory Project, which I am working on now, is hands down my favorite beauty assignment thus far because it truly encompasses all of the aspects of what I love most about what I do. The thrill of the transformation that takes place for the women- not just on the outside where it is most obvious but the energy that arises from within when a women feels her most beautiful- is just beyond words. It’s the ultimate. I want to help women feel better than they’ve ever felt before. If I can play a part in that- that’s a gift. The Victory Project is going to more cities this Spring and Summer- so I’m super excited about it. I am also working on a book about beauty and gathering my concepts for my own product line. The future holds many beautiful possibilities!

I would like to thank Chantal Moore for her time and brilliant interview. xoxo Marta

Chantal Moore Official Website

Visit the MSN’s The Victory Project Website to learn more about the show.