In this interview, Jackie Sanchez talks to Marta Walsh about her first breaks as a makeup artist, makeup philosophy, working with supermodel Alek Wek and tips to getting her look, what can we find in her makeup bag, and future plans.

Jackie Sanchez

Marta Walsh: When did your fascination with makeup begin?
Jackie Sanchez: When I was 10 years old my brother got me a makeup kit called Scandia. It had eyeshadow, blush, lipstick, mascara, the works. I still remember opening that first box full of lipsticks!

MW: How did you get your first big break as a makeup artist?
JS: There are so many exciting times that I can remember. I would have to say working with legendary author Toni Morrison opened many doors for me. Traveling with her, accompanying her on book tours, meeting the television elite such as Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, and Charlie Rose, has been so exciting.

MW: What is your makeup philosophy?
JS: I definitely believe in “less is more”. If you have nice skin why cover it up with heavy foundation and powder. Makeup should enhance your beauty.

MW: How did you end up doing makeup for Alek Wek and what was it like meeting her?
JS: I was fortunate enough to work with Ebony magazine’s Creative Director Harriette Cole and she assigned me to this project. Alek is the most down to earth, sincere and friendly model I have ever met. So polished and professional.

MW: Which types of makeup looks did Alek Wek tend to go for?
JS: Luckily I was given free reign to choose the “look” for Alek that day. With clothing being primarily black and shot against a gray background I decided to give Alek a pop of color. I used a mixture of navy blue eyeshadow highlighted with cobalt blue on top. I used a spicy burgundy bronzer and a shiny gloss with metallic flecks to balance out the strong blue eye color.

MW: What are some memorable makeup looks you’ve created Alek Wek, how can we achieve these looks at home?
JS: My advice would be to practice, practice, practice with neutrals. When you have your application skills in place then venture on to colors like purple, blue or green which are more difficult to work with.

Alek Wek

MW: Which products are must-haves in your makeup bag?
JS: For starters I always prep the face with Dermalogica skincare products. For foundations I like MAC or Black Opal stick foundations. These are great because you can control the coverage by applying thicker as a concealer or by mixing with moisturizer for a soft finish. For eye and cheek colors I turn to MAC, Smashbox, or NARS which come in a variety of textures and sheens – matte, dewy, pearlescent. I am a true lip gloss junkie and I love them all! My favorite mascara for the last 10 years(!) is L’Oreal Voluminous.

MW: What is the key for achieving long term success and popularity as a makeup artist?
JS: I would have to say being good at what you do but also being able to meet the specific needs of each client. If a client mentions a particular product they are fond of, be sure to have it with you every time you work with them. Be flexible and creative to create looks for different occasions. Makeup is about fun and experimentation…why do the exact same look day after day?

MW: Who would you love to do makeup for in the future?
JS: Such a tough question. I would love to work with Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, and Estelle for starters.

MW: What’s next for Jackie Sanchez?
JS: Hopefully working behind the scenes with a major cosmetic manufacturer on product development. Also I hope to travel the world with some of my clients

The palette includes four eye shadows and a blush all made from certified organic ingredients is housed in a recyclable compact and carton made from sustainable materials and printed with eco-friendly ink. Like all Smashbox Cosmetics products, the formulas are paraben and fragrance free.

With each purchase, a tree will be planted by Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable environments through reforestation throughout the world. Be sure to recycle the palette when you’re through! WHAT IT COSTS: $45.00. WHERE TO FIND IT: Exclusively at Sephora beginning April 2009.

Smashbox Cosmetics The Muse Collection: Transformational beauty products to turn you into a muse and unleash your inner artist. The makeup artists behind Smashbox help you realize your creative vision on your best canvas – your own skin. From brilliant new shades of cult-favorite formulas to inspiring new products, the new Muse Spring Collection gives you the inspiration – and the medium – to create the ultimate masterpiece.

BIONIC MASCARA in BLACK VIOLET ($19)
BIONIC is the first ionic mascara for longer, stronger, more voluminous super-power lashes. The specially engineered brush gently coats lashes with a revolutionary long-wearing formula for a high impact look in just one sweep. To Use: Apply BIONIC using the brush wand for bionically longer, stronger lashes.
Available in: BLACK VIOLET (black with a hint of violet).

LIP PAINTS ($21 each)
This rich, creamy lip gloss glides effortlessly over lips for soft color and brilliant shine. Create your own one-of-a-kind artistic hue by layering over other shades. To Use: Glide over bare lips or layer over lip pencil or lipstick to enhance and deepen color. Available in: ARTISTE (creamy berry), VIRTUOSO (creamy pink) & LUMINARY (creamy nude).

BLUSH RUSH in MASTERPIECE ($24)
Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, longwearing blush in a one-of-a-kind mirrored compact for bold cheeks that inspire.
To Use: Apply to apples of cheeks and sweep back toward ears using BLUSH BRUSH #16 or FAN BRUSH #22.
Available in: MASTERPIECE (warm peachy coral)

HYBRID 2-in-1 LUMINIZING PRIMER ($34)
Create a smooth and glowing canvas for flawless makeup application with this revolutionary dual formula PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER and ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. Wear under foundation or alone for a vitamin-packed natural glow. To Use: Apply using fingertips or FOUNDATION BRUSH #13 and blend.
Available in: BARE CANVAS (luminous champagne).

CREAM EYE LINER ARTIST PENCILS ($36) SET OF 4
These ultra-creamy eye liner pencils let you create a masterpiece all your own. In four vibrant shades to inspire your inner artist, the pencils can be worn separately for a hint of color or blended together to create your own work of art. To Use: Glide along lashline to enhance eyes. Available in: LAPIS (deep ocean blue), IMPERIAL (deep violet), SLATE (dark charcoal), ANTIQUE GOLD (deep gold).

ARTIST EYE PALETTE in MUSE ($48)
Create an endless array of inspired looks for eyes with this one-of-a-kind palette, including 10 stunning shadows and an ARTIST EYE SHADOW BRUSH for flawless application. To Use: Wear coordinating shades together or mix it up to create stunning looks for day or night. Shades: biscuit, chocolate, soft green, dark celery green, light silver-blue, dark blue-grey, sheer lilac, deep orchid, rose copper, coffee.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Smashbox.com, Sephora, Sephora inside JCPenny, Ulta, Nordstrom

note: As with all smashbox products, the Mother Earth Palette and the Muse Collection were inspired by the makeup artists, photographers and models working at smashbox studios in Los Angeles. Each product was artistically created based upon the view from behind the camera, for a look that is as flawless as a finished photograph.

The new Rapture Holiday Collection From Smashbox Cosmetics is feminine, soft and graceful. The Rapture Holiday 2008 Color Collection celebrates the captivating allure of a woman with a selection of delicate hues and shimmering shades. Exquisite makeup in soft, pearlescent colors mimics the airy lightness and sweet shades found in tulle, silk and satin, creating a perfectly romantic and enchanting holiday season.

Where to find the Rapture Holiday Collection From Smashbox Cosmetics:
Smashbox.com, Beauty.com, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, and select Bloomingdale’s.

The Rapture Holiday Collection includes:

FLAWLESS FINISH PRIMER SET $39 (value $52)
Get flawless skin on the go with this limited-edition set of Smashbox’s best-selling, skin-smoothing PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER in both full and travel sizes to perfect skin in an instant. Available for the first time at this amazing value – grab one for a friend and one for yourself!
Includes:

PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER – full size
PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER – travel size

LIP GLOSS COLLECTION $29 (value $90)
Get glam with this party-perfect set of gorgeous glosses. The set includes three best-selling shades and three holiday exclusives to wear alone or layer together.
Includes:

LIP GLOSS in RAVISHING (shimmery rosy nude)
LIP GLOSS in LOVELY (shimmery soft pink)
LIP GLOSS in STUNNING (shimmery bright pink)
LIP GLOSS in ILLUME (pale nude with iridescence)
LIP GLOSS in RADIANT (shimmery pink plum)
LIP GLOSS in CANDID (pink with golden shimmer)

BEST OF SMASHBOX KIT $19 (value $43)
This one-of-a-kind set brings you Smashbox bestsellers packaged in convenient travel sizes – perfect for your holiday clutch or carry-on tote.
Includes:

BIONIC MASCARA – TRAVEL SIZE
MINI FUSION SOFT LIGHTS in DUSK (shimmering nude, deep bronze, terracotta, soft pink and golden tan)
MINI LIP ENHANCING GLOSS in AURA (shimmery nude pink)

TRAVEL BRUSH COLLECTION $49 (value $134)
5 professional travel size brushes that fit conveniently in your purse for flawless beauty looks on-the-go.
Includes:

TRAVEL FACE BRUSH
TRAVEL SHADOW BRUSH
TRAVEL ANGLED BLENDING BRUSH
TRAVEL SMUDGER BRUSH
TRAVEL CONTOUR BRUSH & LINER BRUSH

EYE SHADOW & BRUSH COLLECTION $59 (value $246)
A blockbuster set of 16 gorgeous shades of our luxurious cashmere eye shadow and two must-have brushes for flawless application.

Create an endless array of beautiful eye looks that take you from day to night!
Includes:
8 EYE SHADOW DUOS
DEFINER BRUSH #15
SHADOW BRUSH #32

GIFT OF GLOW COLLECTION $49 (value $127) Only at Sephora
Give the gift of glow! Radiate a golden aura with this luminous collection for eyes, lips and cheeks, just in time for holiday.

Includes 2 brushes and a travel pouch to get glowing at home or on the go.
Includes:
WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER BRUSH #30
WATERPROOF SHADOW LINER in HOLLYWOOD (bronze with golden shimmer)
LIP GLOSS in GILDED (shimmery pale gold)
FLASH POWDER
BABY BUKI BRUSH
QUILTED TRAVEL POUCH

ULTIMATE BEAUTY PALETTE $59 Exclusively at Ulta
A must-have eye, cheek and lip color palette with nearly 100 shades of Smashbox favorites! Take your look from daytime chic to evening drama flawlessly. Perfect to give as a gift or keep for yourself!

ENCHANTRESS BEAUTY KIT $45 (value $140) Exclusively at Smashbox.com
This limited-edition kit has everything you need for an enchanting holiday evening. Smashbox partnered with hot Canadian jewelry line, Foxy Originals, to create an exclusive silver pendant necklace on a triple strand chain that’s sure to be the must-have accessory of the season. Smashbox paired the holiday stunner with the brand’s cult-favorite liner, mascara, and shimmering shades for cheeks and lips to inspire magical moments.

All of this is packed in a chic pewter faux leather and suede multi-compartment bag that doubles as a party clutch, toting your jewelry and makeup so you can focus on being the enchantress you are.
Includes:

Silver pendant necklace on a triple strand chain
CREAM EYE LINER DUO in CAVIAR/MIDNIGHT BROWN
SOFT LIGHTS QUAD in AGLOW (shimmery pearl, warm pink, peach and soft rose)
LIP ENHANCING GLOSS in PROTÉGÉ (pink nude with golden shimmer)
THAT’S A WRAP MASCARA in BLACK
Pewter multi-compartment zip up bag

Watch my video where I interview Lori Taylor, lead makeup artist for Smashbox Cosmetics, backstage minutes before the Caroline D’Amore fashion show. By the way, LOVE the Caroline D’Amore swimsuits, so glamorous!

Video is featured on: www.misslush.com !

Watch it on MissLush.com: my interview with Davis Factor where he reveals the launch of Halo the new mineral makeup by Smashbox Cosmetics.

 Upload your makeup video on MissLush.com today! CLICK HERE to begin. 

Lori Taylor gave me a scoop to the makeup look at Crispin & Basilio for the Spring 2009 fashion show. The makeup look for the fashion show was achieved entirely with Smashbox Cosmetics. Watch how in the video blow:

Here is a recap: Donny Barrios, the designer for Crispin & Basilio, took his inspiration for the makeup look created in his spring 2009 fashion show from the New York shows. The makeup is very clean, fresh, and pretty for spring. The look is all about a perfect skin, blush on the cheeks, eyes lined top and bottom, lashes, and lightly stained lips. This soft makeup look created by Smashbox Cosmetics fits Crispin & Basilio’s collection perfectly this season, which is also very soft and pretty.

Some of the products used to achieve the makeup look for the Crispin & Basilio fashion show include:

Smashbox O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color With Goji Berry-C Complex, $26.
Smashbox O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss With Goji Berry-C Complex, $22.
Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner, $22. 
Smashbox Bionic Mascara, $19.
Smashbox Blush Rush in Chiffon, $24.

Makeup products mentioned in Marta’s video blog for today:

Smashbox Cosmetics Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, $18.
Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, $18.
Smashbox Cosmetics Function5 Self Adjusting Powder Foundation, $36.
Smashbox Cosmetics Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pop, $18.
Smashbox Cosmetics Beyond Beauty Holiday Collection fusion Eye and Cheek Palettes in Endless, $39.

Lori Taylor told me all about the makeup look for the Kevan Hall runway show for their spring 2009 collection at LA Fashion Week.

According to Lori Taylor, lead makeup artist for Smashbox, the makeup look for the Kevan Hall fashion show is high glamour, old school, old Hollywood with a modern twist. Instead of using black or charcoal smoky eye like in the 1920’s, Smashbox is using a softer grey and somewhat metallic shade to accent or to ’smoke’ the eye.

Lots of black mascara is also applied. Not a lot is applied on the cheeks, for a radiant and perfect skin. The lips are just lightly stained. The look is smokey eye with some color on the lip, but not heavy with lipstick or a lip gloss. This look is a bit different than what we normally see for spring.

Fashion Designer Kevan Hall inspects his models’ look backstage.

Kevan Hall was inspired by Adrian who was a Hollywood custom designer in the 1930’s and 1940’s when planning the makeup look for his fashion show.

One product that you can use to achieve the look backstage at the Kavan Hall fashion show would be Smashbox Tinted Treatment Lipstick SPF 15 in Ray which can be worn by both men and women. It hydrates your lips with just a faint flash of color.

Smashbox Tinted Treatment Lipstick SPF 15 in Ray: This vitamin and antioxidant-packed sheer lip color has it all – a treatment core with SPF 15 to protect, vitamins A, C & E to revitalize, shea butter, jojoba and avocado oils to nourish, and chamomile and aloe to soothe. Honey provides extra moisturization and a deliciously sweet flavor and scent. TINTED TREATMENT LIPSTICK is sheer and fool-proof enough to apply anywhere – no mirror required!

Watch my interview with Lori Taylor, Smashbox’s lead makeup artist, where she describes the look backstage at the Kevan Hall show:

Backstage at the Kevan Hall Fashion Show.

Hanging around at the main lobby of the Smashbox Studios.

Just got my makeup touched up by a fabulous Smashbox Cosmetics makeup artist.

I totally fell in love with two Smashbox Cosmetics products which worked wonders covering my dark circles and somewhat tired eyes: Photo Op Under Eye Brightener and Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer ! Check it out:

Check out a video I found of Davis Factor, founder of Smashbox Cosmetics, where he introduces the new Smashbox Wicked Lovely Fall 2008 Collection. Also in the video, how to apply demonstration of the new Smashbox Wicked Lovely makeup, and how get the new Smashbox Wicked Lovely makeup look.

Below are some of my picks from the new Smashbox Wicked Lovely Fall 2008 Collection:

1. Smshbox Wicked Lovely Lip Gloss: A sheer, sexy gloss for a sweet pout! Application tips: Glide over lips for voluptuous shine. To extend wear, first line lips with lip pencil from Double Take Lip Color in Gossamer. SRP: Shades: Coy and Sweet.$18. 

2. Smashbox Wicked Lovley Doubletake Lip Color: A double-ended lip pencil and creamy lip color! The vitamin-packed formula has caffeine and nourishing wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect lips. Application tips: First define and fill in lips with the pencil, then apply the lip color for a gorgeous satin finish. Shade: Gossamer. SRP: $22.

3. Smashbox Wicked Lovely Blush: Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing blush packaged in an innovative swivel mirror compact for touchups on the go. Shade: Charm. SRP: $24.

4. Smashbox Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo: Sweep these luxurious shadow duos across lids for a truly smoldering look. The velvety cashmere texture glides on and blends smoothly for looks that last. These shimmering duos can be worn day or night to play up eyes. Shades: Sexy/Demur and Sinful/Pure. SRP: $24.

Available at smashbox.com and Nordstrom.com!