QUESTION: Sporty:  

Hi, I just wanted to ask you or get an  advice. I have a graduation party this week and my gown is black and red, and I have a dark skin, and that party will be on the morning. Can you help me with the makeup? What exactly would be nice to wear with that gown, especially the eye shadow?

I hope you reply soon.

thanks,
Sporty.

ANSWER: Victoria Rowe:

Hey Sporty!

This is fun makeup.

Step 1: First I would grab a shimmery eyeshadow base like “First Base” from Too Faced Cosmetics ($15 at Sephora and Ulta).

Step 2: Then cover the lid on a pale white-pink shimmer like Bare Minerals “Cultured Pearl”.

Step 3: Grab a smoky black or glitter black mineral shadow for the corners (try Corrupted Soul III Loose Eyeshadow-$12.50 online).

Step 4:  Then…..my favorite product ever…take “Liquif-Eye” (by Too Faced), a transformer that turns eyeshadow into sweat-proof, smear-proof eyeliner, and dip it all the way into your black shadow and use it as your eyeliner on the top only.

Step 5: Brush on thickening mascara-side to side as well as up and down.

Step 6: Lightly brush gold shimmer or a bronzer all over your cheeks, forehead, and chin and finish with a light, pinkish sheer lipgloss.

That’s what I think would be cute. Don’t use red! It will look too crazy and made-up. You are a gorgeous girl who happens to be wearing red and black, not the other way around. We want to see you!:)-V

Victoria Rowe is Talking Makeup’s Celebrity Makeup Artist contributor. Victoria worked with an impressive list of celebrities including: Brittany Murphy, Rosario Dawson, Kimberly Stewart, Shar Jackson, Linda Carter, Matthew Perry and more.

Feel free to email us or leave your comments for Victoria Rowe. Victoria will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

I have to interrupt my original train of thought for a special story:…..

The International Makeup Artist Trade Show….that’s where I was in Pasadena, CA this weekend. I was demonstrating the Luminess Air Airbrush machine and Mineral, Water-Based Makeup used by the likes of Ve-Johnny Depp’s Makeup Artist for “Pirates of The Caribbean” and “Sweeney Todd”.

Ve was kind enough to show me exactly how she did Johnny Depp’s makeup for Sweeney “Todd” on Sunday using this awesome, quiet, light little machine. Unbelievable. By using a very light, almost white makeup on Johnny’s face as a base, Ve was able to use the Luminess Air machine in a much, much darker shade to create the crazy contours on his cheekbones and chin to give him that ghostlike quality. Followed up by RED eyeliner inside the rim of his eyes which bled out to his bottom lashes to make him especially doom-inspired!

There were many awesome finds at the IMAT show. One of my favorites was “PROS-AIDE” Water-based, non-toxic adhesive for facial hardware (Prosthetic pieces) to replace the very TOXIC Spirit Gum of days gone by.

Try to find these people if you are serious about applying prosthetic pieces, whether it is for a movie or for a school play or Halloween…I suggest we all look for non-toxic alternatives for the old petroleum-based, crappy old glues of the past. Remember-your skin absorbs most of what you put on it!!!!! Try to allow absorption of mostly healthy products if you possibly can. Their website is: www.pros-aide.com .

Another big favorite for Beauty and High-Definition Camera Makeup is the “HD High Definition Powder” from MAKEUP FOREVER PRO LINE made out of pure Silica (a Mineral).

This is the most amazing invisible Translucent Powder I have ever seen and is completely non-toxic, Talc-Free, Paraben and Phthalate-Free. Big SCORE!!!

Also this week I received at a PRE-DAYTIME EMMY Party this Organic, pure, wonderful foundation primer by a new company called EXUBERANCE. It’s called “Miracle Bound (rejoice) Skin-Firming Gel Makeup Primer”. Hard to find but worth it. Made with 70% active organic ingredients.

And finally, I am extremely impressed with the latest TOO FACED lipstick formulas (found at Sephora, Ulta, and Dept Stores).

They are Rich in Color, Moisture (made with Shea Butter and Grapeseed Oil), and are Paraben-free as well. These lipsticks are the ultimate in color and smoothness-you just HAVE to try one!!!

It’s important to combine Glamour and Health as our European Counterparts do. In Europe, many chemicals that we allow in Cosmetics are not allowed because of their link to Breast and other cancers over a period of time. Be aware. Look into Organic and non-Toxic, safe cosmetics (check out the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics-www.safecosmetics.org-for more information).

Thank you for your time! Be Gorgeous and safe!-Love, Victoria.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Victoria Rowe.

QUESTION: Michelle asks Victoria Rowe: 
 
Victoria, I Love your bio and experience by the way? Are you an agent for Elite modeling. I was wondering if you worked with them. I’m not at all the tall runway type. More average/even athletic slim multicultural brown/hazel green. The question I ask…is because I’ve heard your name mentioned with Elite…just wondering….if not it’s here, with makeup, and I like the fact I can “see” how you do it, because it is a true art. Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Victoria Rowe:

Thanks, Michelle. And no, I am not an agent at all. I’m just a Makeup Artist. I have probably have friends who are models with Elite and have worked on many, many shows over the years that had Elite Models in them but that’s about it. Not sure where that reference was made. Anyway, if you’re asking about Makeup for your skin type or color, we’re going to explore all of that in upcoming articles. Just remember the most important thing to keep your face looking gorgeous and sexy is lots of moisturizer and lots of sunscreen. Focus on Moisturizers that contain high concentrations of Vitamin C (especially for acne and scarring) and use at least an SPF 25+ sunscreen this summer. Keep it Glowy and Fresh!!! Enjoy!!!xo-Victoria:)

Also-Michelle-if you are asking about representation for your “type” of look, I can’t really recommend anything without seeing a picture, but it sounds like you might have a great commercial look (maybe SHAPE magazine if you’re athletic), or possibly Beauty (meaning close-up Face-Oriented Modeling). Not all models are extremely tall, but there are height requirements in most agencies. You may want to consider Commercial Acting if you are outgoing and live in an area you would have access to large markets.

Feel free to email us or leave your comments for Victoria Rowe. Victoria will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

Happy Friday!

My name is Victoria Rowe, and I am a freelance Makeup Artist residing in Los Angeles, CA.  My passion, as well as my area of expertise, happens to be in making people beautiful and happy-inside and out!  When working in Hollywood on Celebrities, Models, Actors, and Musicians, the most important thing is to smile and have a lot of fun!  It makes the day go better, and it makes the work look fabulous!!!  I’d like to share with you some of my experiences as a  Makeup Artist that you can hopefully learn a lot from and enjoy.  I want to make your life a little less stressful and confusing, and a little more fun!!!

Victoria Rowe (left). Victoria with Kimberley Stewart (right).

Here goes!!!

One of the most important lessons we all have to learn about makeup starts with our skin.  Dare I say, you can spend all the money you want on great-looking packaging and fun-looking colors, but when your skin is a mess-it all looks bad!   This leads me to my first and most important rule in Makeup…..Skin is made of nearly 80% water, it needs to be hydrated to be healthy and to look good no matter what your age!!! 

Victoria’s Pick Number 1: Jason Organics Esther-C Cream, around $14.95.

Now, first you may be saying, “Victoria, I have Oily skin.  If I moisturize, I break out.” Think of the logic behind that.  You’re saying your skin cannot handle moisture or hydration.  How can that be true if your skin is composed of almost 80% water? What you’re really saying is, “I don’t want to wait for my moisturizer to soak in before I put on my Makeup.”  We all need moisture!  So many people are taking medicines (we won’t name them all) or treatments meant to dry out the skin.  Some people are under heavy emotional stress or a change of environment or weather.   But what they don’t know or haven’t been told most of the time, is that their skin has to have that moisture replaced or it will start to compensate by creating oil to “moisturize” itself.  Next, your pores open up to shoot out the oil and now every piece of dirt or bacteria is stuck, clogging the pore and creating a blemish on your poor little face!!!

Victoria’s Pick Number 2: Burt’s Bees Pomegranate Creams.
Burt’s Bees Naturally Ageless with Pomegranate & White Birch Bark Night Creme, $25.00.

It’s true.  Oily skin is Dry skin that is creating oil to try and moisturize itself.  Our skin will try to hydrate itself every time it is low on moisture.  Therefore, I beg all of my clients to use products that are hydrating, Mineral Oil and Petroleum-Free, and preferably organic or as natural as possible.  My favorite picks for Moisturizers for Acne Scarring and Oily/Dry Skin are:  Jason’s Organics Esther-C cream (the esther is the purest form of vitamin C and creates the fastest delivery of the vitamin into your skin), or Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly or Pomegranate Anti-Ageing creams for all other skin types.  I recommend using these creams as often as possible on a distressed face (while watching TV, using the computer, sleeping, as well as right out of the shower under makeup).  If you are afraid of the word “Anti-Ageing,” fear not.  These creams are all natural, you can understand all of the ingredients, and Anti-Ageing is only a reference to some really great ingredients that will help fortify and strengthen your skin’s ability to look and be healthy.  You can never start that too early!!!

Victoria’s Pick Number 3: Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly Creams.
Burt’s Bee Radiance Day Creme with Royal Jelly, $15.00.

Your lips need moisture too!  One of my favorite products for that is Too Faced Cosmetics “FUZE” Lip Gloss.  This product isn’t sticky, it goes on clear with a nice fruity taste, and for fun, it contains the appetite suppressant “Citromax” which is found in the “FUZE” energy drink.  If you favor lipsticks, Bare Essentials Lipsticks contain no Parabens or harmful preservatives.  We all need to look to healthier lip products because that is what we put in our mouth and in our bodies every day!

Victoria’s Pick number 4: Too Faced Fuze Slendersize Lip Gloss, $18.50 (left). Bare Escentuals Lipsticks, $15.00 (right).

Once you have chosen a great, Mineral and Petroleum-free moisturizer, be sure to couple it with a sunscreen of at LEAST 15SPF, preferably 30SPF+.  One of my favorites is Kiehl’s SPF25 Sport Spray.  Let these products sit and soak for a few minutes.  If you have time, do your hair first.  This way, your products will be sufficiently absorbed when you are ready for primers or foundations.  Don’t be afraid to mix a liquid foundation with a little moisturizer or sunscreen together to get a gorgeous dewy look.

Victoria’s pick number 5: Kiehl’s Vital Sun Protection Spray SPF 25 for Children.
(”All-Sport Year-Round” Face & Body Spray), $17.50.

Next time, we’ll talk about foundations and which one is the right one for you!!!!

Thanks for your time and stay GORGEOUS!!!

Love,
Victoria

PS-Check out my website at:  www.victoriarowe.com

And my MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/halocosmetics333 

Victoria Rowe.

With 15 years of experience as a makeup artist and hair stylist Victoria’s work has included fashion shows for major designers, print commercials, television shows, celebrity photo shoots and celebrity appearances, music videos, and short films.

Victoria’s vision is to bring the art of each person she works with into being. Her background in theater, film, and television as an actor and singer have given her a wonderful sensibility to each individual client and their artistic and creative vision.

Victoria is now Talking Makeup’s contributor and will share with you her expert makeup and style tips. Think of Victoria as your own personal makeup artist. So please don’t hesitate to leave your comments and questions for Victoria, she would be more than happy to answer them for you!

Stay tuned for Victoria Rowe’s Article #1: “The Real Hollywood Face” which will be published tomorow 5/22/08.