International Makeup Artist Trade Show or IMAT.

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.