With the holiday season about to begin, Marta Walsh has a sneak peel on Hourglass’ holiday gift set, as well as holiday looks and tips from Hourglass Artistic Director Gina Brooke who is one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the world. Gina has worked with such luminaries as Madonna, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Campbell and Gwen Stefani. The makeup artist believes in radiant looking skin without too much sparkle—even during the holiday season. “I like fresh, beautiful makeup all year round,” she says. “That said the holidays are the perfect time to make a statement.” Here’s how to pull it off elegantly.

• “When it comes to chic cheeks, I have a three-dimensional approach that anyone can replicate at home.

Firstly, I “warm” the skin by applying bronzer to the high points of the face. Secondly, I add “light” to the complexion by using a highlighter on the apples of the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose and the jaw bone. Lastly, I “color” with blush applied strategically to the apples of the cheeks—smile when you’re doing so for the ideal application. The result is a flawless looking complexion.”

Recommended products: Illume Crème-to-Go Powder in Sunset and Bronze Light, Brush #2

• “Hold the neutrals. Why not try dramatic eyes for an evening event? Nothing says nighttime glamour like a metallic smoky eye. Choose a shadow duo with a black and a metal shade like gunmetal gray, silver or bronze. Using a shadow brush, apply the lighter shade first. Use your finger to blend for a graduation of color. Then apply the dark shade, but avoid applying the black shadow all the way across to the inner corner of the eyes—it makes your eyes seem bigger that way. Blend the two colors together.”

Recommended products: Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Prism, Brush #3 and #4

• “I love bold, red lips, and if you haven’t experimented with their power, now is the time to do so. Red instantly transforms the face for an immediately polished look. Start with a neutral liner first. Don’t just fill in the lines. Use the liner over the entire lips to create a base for your lipstick. Using a lip brush, apply the lipstick from the outer corner to the inner corner, and repeat from the other side. Pair your rouge lips with smoky eyes for a gorgeous classic look.” (See first face chart)

Recommended products: Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Icon or Raven, Trace Lip Liner in Bare

• “Gold is an undeniably festive color and the perfect choice to celebrate the season. An easy combination is to pair a gold shimmering eye shadow with a bright coral lip gloss—it’s a sultry look that flatters all skin tones. (See face chart) You could also heighten the impact of the gold shadow by wetting your brush before application. This technique is called “foiling” and it creates a gilded effect on the eyes. Make sure the shadow dries before moving on to another shade.”

Recommended products: Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Dune, Brush #3, Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Muse

• “To ensure your makeup lasts all night, always remember to prep skin with a primer first. It will ensure a flawless and long-lasting makeup application, and will also lock in moisture, which is ideal for cold weather. In addition, using a primer will help the foundation glide on smoothly and blend easily. Look for a luxurious foundation with anti-aging and light-diffusing ingredients.”

Recommended products: Veil Mineral Primer, Illusion Tinted Moisturizer

• “If you are going to a party where you will be photographed, I always recommend this trick from the Golden Age of Hollywood: Put a thin layer of Vaseline on your teeth to avoid lipstick transferring onto them. Another good trick from that era is to dab concealer on the outer corners of the mouth to create a lifting effect that makes you look like you’re slightly smiling all the time.”

Recommended products: Hidden Corrective Concealer

I had the honor to meet Tom Pecheux renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder’s Creative Makeup Director backstage at Peter Som Fall 2010. I love being around talented people, they truly inspire me. Tom did the makeup for the show using MAC Cosmetics products. And of course, Marta was taking notes

L to R: Top Pecheux and Marta Walsh

I asked Tom Pecheux some good questions about makeup and what does it take to be a top makeup artist backstage at Peter Som Fall 2010. You can even see Peter in the background. 

Watch Top Pecheux talk about MAC makeup used at Peter Som Fall 2010:

Going backstage at Chris Benz fashion show during New York Fashion Week is always exciting to me because I know I’m going to get to see and chat with Lancome’s fabulous lead makeup artist Daniel Martin. Just a reminder, Daniel and fashion designer Chris Benz were the brilliant minds behind one of Lancom’e best selling lipstick (and Marta’s all time favorite) Chris & Tell. If you’re into makeup like myself, Daniel is the best guy to pick his brains about it. Needless to say, he is always so sweet to me! Thanks Daniel. xo

Daniel Martin and Marta Walsh backstage at Chris Benz Fall 2010 with Lancome
Photo Credit: © amber rima mclinn

Photo Credit: © amber rima mclinn

Me, Marta Walsh, backstage at Chris Benz Fall 2010, also in the background Redken
team busy creating the hairstyle for the show. Photo Credit: © amber rima mclinn

Danica Jardien is a Denver-based makeup artist with a resume most beauticians feign. Not only has she worked with President Barack Obama, but she’s also had the luxury of working with Tyra Banks. Danica is looked up to by many people for her thoughts on beauty and her continued studies on numerous products in the industry. She is a hard-working professional who is in touch with her fans on many of the top social networking sites such as Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

In a recent update to her popular YouTube Channel, Danica goes over the art of covering up dark circles. She starts off showing the viewers how she starts off with a concealer, and then discusses how she has finally found an eye serum that works wonders at reducing puffiness and dark circles.

This eye serum is called the “Dark Circle Serum,” and it’s made by Wrinkle System. The Dark Circle Serum is part of the popular “Two Minute Wrinkle Drill,” and if you follow the above link you can see Danica perform the entire routine, which starts off with a cleanser and also includes an anti-wrinkle solution.

Dark circles are caused by many factors, and they can be perceived by people in many ways – none are positive! Dark circles give off the notion that one leads an unhealthy lifestyle, does not sleep properly, or abuses drugs or alcohol. One cannot simply afford to have dark circles or puffy eyes, and for this reason, it’s important to watch Danica’s video.

*Above post is a sponsered post.

GET THE LOOK: Cameron Diaz was wearing CHANEL Beauté at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Cameron’s makeup look was created by Makeup Artist Robin Fredriksz.

Beauty Inspiration & The Look: “I wanted to blend my old Hollywood inspiration from the dress with the sunny California girl that is Cameron. So I paired the classic CHANEL red mouth with the golden sunny California eye.”

Beauty Tip: “I used the gold shadow from the CHANEL Quadra Eye Shadow in Mystic Eyes in the outer corner of Cameron’s lids and crease, and then I used the darker peach and gold mixed together from CHANEL Quadra Eye Shadow Quad in Demure on her lids. I lined her eye with CHANEL Precision Eye Definer in Khaki Dore, and finished with CHANEL Inimitable Mascara in Noir. On her lips she wore CHANEL Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon.”

As the holiday season approaches, we prepare ourselves for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. As seen backstage for Tamara Pogosian Holiday 2010 fashion show in NYC, it was all about colored cheeks or bold lips. Makeup Artist Stephanie Flor created the makeup look. It was fun and original, and perfect for any occasion.

Inspired by the movement of Twilight: New Moon, Stephanie muted the colors on the face to add a dramatic effect with an intense dark red lip and angel white eyes.

Using a rich white shadow (Cover Girl Golden Sunset) Stephanie covered the upper lid and blended it to the brow bone. The eyebrows were combed upward with clear gel. White liner (Covergirl starlightening white) was applied to the inner rim of the models eye’s to add that special touch.

Model’s face was prepped with Keihl’s moisturizer and Smashbox HD primer. Covergirl foundation was used all over the face and Covergirl’s Pressed Shine Powder was dusted ONLY over the models t-zone to give a matte finish. Using Lash Blast Mascara she coated the top and bottom lashes in a thick black layer to make it visible from the runway.

For a quick makeup change, the makeup artist used the white inspired angel eye from the previous look, but substituted the dark lip with a classic nude. Then applied a pink colored blush to the apple of cheeks. This trick brought definition to the model’s cheekbones and an extra pop to her new look. “My personal favorite Nude is Smashbox Elegant,” said Stephanie Flor.

After all it’s the holidays, try something new and experiment with these two runway makeup look. “Remember, its all about colored cheeks or colored lips for Holiday 2009” said Stephanie Flor.

Lancôme and Lollipop Theater Network celebrated the launch of La Collection Lollipop last week at Bellacures in Beverly Hills. Jordana Brewster and Jennie Garth hosted the festive soiree, where guests were treated to champagne, cupcakes and manicures using the nail polishes from the collection.

From left: Jennie Garth, Darais, and Jordana Brewster

Lancôme’s La Collection Lollipop is a colorful trio of limited-edition gloss and nail polish sets created to help raise funds and awareness for Lollipop Theater Network, a nonprofit organization that brings movies currently in theaters to children and teenagers hospitalized due to chronic or life-threatening illnesses. The Lollipop team also worked with children in the program to create the whimsical illustrations that decorate each set.

Jordana Brewster

Lancôme makeup artist Darais created Jordana’s clean, polished makeup for the party, with a focus on subtly smoky eyes. First, Darais lined the  with Lancôme’s Le Crayon Khôl Eye Liner in Black Coffee, which he smudged upwards. Several Color Design Eye Shadows in a variety of sultry shades defined the eyes: Mannequin all over the lid, Waif on the crease, Impress on the lower lash line and Filigree on the brow bone as a highlighter. Ôscillation Powerbooster topped with Définicils Mascara resulted in “amazing lashes,” said Darais. “It’s my favorite duo!”

Darais swept Lancôme’s Star Bronzer Poudre Sôleil in Bronze Solaire over Jordana’s immaculate complexion and accented with Blush Subtil in Miel Glacé. And Jordana’s lips? Lollipop’s Color Fever Gloss in Bon Bon Strawberry, of course!

The flagship brand of The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., today named world-renowned makeup artist Tom Pecheux Creative Makeup Director. A favorite of top photographers, stylists and fashion editors around the world for his sophisticated take on Parisian glamour, Pecheux will work closely with the Estée Lauder brand to help set artistic direction for the next generation of Estée Lauder makeup and communicate his point of view on modern beauty to consumers, press and fashion and beauty influencers.

Tom Pecheux

We are incredibly excited to partner with Tom Pecheux,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, Estee Lauder. “Tom will add a new energy, style and fashion edge to Estee Lauder makeup. His intuitive sense of color and expertise in global beauty trends will help us redefine modern color in a bold new way.” Beginning in Spring 2010, new, high-impact color products influenced by Pecheux will appear at Estee Lauder counters. Pecheux’s makeup artistry will be featured in new advertising campaigns with Estee Lauder model Hilary Rhoda.

Pecheux began his career three decades ago by assisting the legendary makeup artist Linda Cantello but it was through his close creative relationships with Mario Testino and Carine Roitfeld at the start of the 1990s that Pecheux established himself as a leading force in makeup. Philosophically, Pecheux believes that make-up should flatter rather than conceal or embellish.

“It’s a great privilege to work with the Estee Lauder brand,” said Pecheux. “We are both dedicated to making women look and feel beautiful. I know this will be a great creative partnership.” Throughout his career, Pecheux has consistently worked with the finest fashion photographers, including Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Craig McDean, Peter Lindbergh, and Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. He has also created striking runway looks for leading fashion houses including Marni, Ralph Lauren, Derek Lam, Givenchy, Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Pecheux is a regular contributor to top fashion magazines, including Vogue (Italy, Paris and U.S. editions), Vanity Fair and V magazine. He has also created memorable advertising campaigns for Michael Kors, Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Givenchy, Balmain and Yves Saint Laurent.

Jennifer Aniston loves Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect!

Celebrity makeup artist Jorjee Douglas, who recently worked with Jennifer Aniston on the set of the upcoming film “The Baster” (also starring Jason Bateman), says that Jennifer can’t get enough of Dior’s Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Beige Velvet #127.

Douglas is a well-known Hollywood makeup artist, who also has credits for “500 Days of Summer,” “He’s Just Not That Into You” and the recent Gwyneth Paltrow film “Two Lovers.” She called in tons of Dior product while working with Aniston on the New York-based set this summer!

Images via:
Hollywoodtuna.com

MAC Cosmetics provides artistry and product support to numerous films, television shows, theatrical productions and performances around the world. In addition to supporting such shows as Mad Men, Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty, MAC is also the official makeup of Cirque du Soleil.

One of the latest projects is the film production of Twilight, the highly anticipated, #1 New York Times Bestselling book by Stephenie Meyer brought to life. With over 17 million books in print, these books are a cultural phenomenon.

The movie Twilight, is scheduled to premiere in November 21, 2008.

Below is an interview with Makeup Department Head Jeanne Van Phue with some insight into the makeup direction of the movie.

Q: What was the process for creating the various characters’ looks?
A: Katherine Hardwicke, the director, and I have previously worked together on a movie called “Lords of Dogtown,” so we know each other very well. I began by preparing sketches of my vision, keeping in mind the descriptions Stephanie Myers (Twilight’s Author) set forth in the books.
Bella’s (Kristen Stewart’s character) description in the novel is very pale and extremely beautiful with large chocolate brown eyes, so she wore colored lenses every day. I also pictured her as a natural beauty, which is exactly what Kristen is. I used a light hand while applying all neutral colors to make her look as though she had no makeup on.
Edward’s (Robert Pattinson’s character) description in the novel is impossibly handsome almost god-like. His skin is marble-pale, hard as stone and ice cold, but perfect and flawless. Edwards’ eyes are described as topaz colored when he is normal and black like onyx, when hungry.

Q: Were there any changes to the looks of the characters that weren’t planned?
A: At the beginning, Katherine Hardwicke visualized Edward with long hair, yet after studying his face and jaw line in the makeup test, the decision was made to go with short hair to accentuate his amazing jaw line.

Q: What was the overall look of the makeup in this movie?
A: All the vampires had to be pale, but I didn’t want them to look to ghoulish, somewhere between Sweeney Todd and Interview with the Vampire. The choice was made for a denser, more opaque look for the supporting vampires and a lighter look for the leading man.
The challenge was they still had to look beautiful and handsome. The key was striking the delicate shading balance. We had two weeks of makeup test. This is the time for a makeup artist to unleash their imagination. During the testing Katherine let me know when I was on the mark. Katherine has a fabulous eye for detail and everything I did had to be approved by her.

Q: Were there any other challenges you encountered while working on location in Portland, Oregon?
A: The rain was a huge challenge. We were outside, and it rained the entire time we were there. Most of the shots were exterior; trying to fix makeup in the rain with wet faces and wet brushes was difficult. In the end, I must say I loved working on this movie, it challenge my creativity as never before. The cast was such a great group of talented young actors.

Q: What were your non-makeup related responsibilities in terms of creating this look?
A: Another one of my jobs was too find a contact lens specialist. So I called upon the expertise of Cristina Patterson Ceret FX lens/painter from Professional VisionCare.

Q: What M·A·C products did you use on the film Twilight?
A: The M.A.C products I used on this film were eye shadows and powder for our principles. We had several other characters and day players I used M.A.C. foundations, lipsticks and blushes.

Q: How long have you used M·A·C products?
A: In 30 years as a makeup artist in my career and over 50 movies, M·A·C products have played an integral part in my work. I have probably used all of them at one time or another. I choose the cosmetics based on their skin tone and whether they are oily or dry. It also depends on how the product reacts to their particular skin type.

M·A·C Makeup used on Bella played by Kristen Stewart:

Blot Powder/Pressed in Light
Eye Shadow on Blanc Type, Flute and Wedge
M·A·C Makeup used on Edward played by Robert Pattinson
Blot Powder/Pressed in Light