At this year’s Emmy Awards, Vanessa Williams went for all-out glamour. She chose a dress with lots of color and her hair was down, long and loose, for the first time in three years. To balance out the look, legendary makeup artist Sam Fine focused on a flawless skin with a pop of color in the cheeks and lips.

“It all starts with great skin,” says Fine. “It’s a long night, with long hours and we don’t get to go with them. Foundation and powder are so important.” 

To get Vanessa’s great face, Sam started with cream foundation. “Cream foundation will last throughout the night,” states Sam. Next, he used bronzer to contour the face, drawing attention to each feature.

Vanessa’s dress made Fine to do a little shopping. “Because Vanessa’s dress choice was such a strong color, this forced me to re-address the neutrals I had in my kit,” admits Fine. “I wanted to go for a little more color in the cheek, as well as the lip, so I needed to find the perfect coral-pink shade, because true pink can be hard to wear.”

To highlight Vanessa’s gorgeous eyes, Fine says the look wasn’t about color, but really carving the eyes. “I never match the gown and there was a lot of color elsewhere so I needed to balance it out with a neutral eye,” Fine says. “I used a gorgeous brown shade of eye shadow with a really great shimmer of pearl near the inner corner of the eyes. Then I lined the inside with a beige liner to bring life to the eye. Of course, a false lash, because you can’t hit the red carpet without one, then top it off with a few coats of mascara on the top and bottom lid.”

Products Sam Used:

- Cream Foundation (Sam loves Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick – an essential for great skin)
- Bronzer (Try a matte when creating this look, stay away from shimmer)
- Coral Blush (Knars in Exhibit A or Cargo in Laguna are among Sam’s favorites)
- Eye shadow (Use a trio with brown, shimmering pearl and vanilla to create this carved out eye)
- Mascara (Waterproof lasts longer and will come in handy during an emotional acceptance speech)
- Lipstick in a pink/coral (Sam went searching for the perfect shade with the right consistency and found it in Dolce & Gabana’s new line. The shade he chose was Goddess – make it your splurge purchase!)

Vanessa Williams Interview With Marta Walsh

Image via www.bellasugar.com

I couldn’t be more excited today sharing with you my interview with fabulous Vanessa Williams!

Vanessa Williams doesn’t need too many introductions but here is why she is so great: Vanessa is a singer, songwriter and actress. She made history on September 17, 1983 when she became the first woman of African descent to be crowned Miss America. Williams then launched a career as an entertainer, earning Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations.

Vanessa Williams is also known for her role of Wilhelmina Slater on the hit TV series: Ugly Betty which has been renewed by ABC for a fourth season, and will air on Friday nights at 9:00PM Eastern/8:00PM Central starting Friday October 9, 2009.

In this interview Vanessa Williams talks to Marta Walsh about the BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign. Gives advice to women considering BOTOX® Cosmetic for the first time. Lists her favorite skincare products for face and body. Gives us a sneak peek into her makeup bag. And shares some of her future projects.

Marta Walsh: What is the most memorable moment of your career?
Vanessa Williams: It would have to be my opening night on Broadway “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1994). As a musical theater major, it was the ultimate success!

MW: When did you first become interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic?
VW: Six years ago, I noticed fine lines developing between my brows that made me look stressed, so I spoke with my dermatologist about my skin care routine and non-surgical options. Together, we decided that BOTOX® Cosmetic was the right option for me. It’s a quick treatment, and my natural looking results last up to four months!

MW: How do you feel BOTOX® Cosmetic changed the appearance of your skin?
VW: BOTOX® Cosmetic helped to reduce the “11” lines between my brows.

MW: What advice can you give to women who are considering BOTOX® Cosmetic for the first time?
VW: All women – and men! – who are considering treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic should speak with a licensed, experienced physician whom they trust. Our faces are dynamic and expressive, so it is important to speak with your physician to discuss your expectations. To find a physician in your area, visit www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com, click on “Is BOTOX Cosmetic right for me?” to find a doctor in your zip code.

Vanessa Williams poses at the “Express Success” Rack Relay Race charitable education program in New York’s Grand
Central Terminal Tuesday June, 30, 2009 benefiting the not-for-profit Dress for Success organization that helps
disadvantaged women succeed in the workforce.
(David Goldman/AP for Chandler Chicco Agency)

MW: What compelled you to team-up with Allergan, Inc. with their “BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign?
VW: I’ve made no secret of the fact that I am a fan of BOTOX® Cosmetic. So when Allergan – the maker of the product – asked me to join them and Dress for Success for this campaign, I jumped on board.

To honor working women, Allergan is donating a quarter of a million dollars to Dress for Success to help provide economically disadvantaged women with the tools they need to enter the workforce with confidence.

Also, through the “BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign, we will be educating women about BOTOX® Cosmetic at several community events around the country and supporting Dress for Success. I invite everyone to go to www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com  and come out to one of our community events where the cost of entry is simply a donation of nearly new professional attire for Dress for Success.

If you aren’t in one of the local markets, know that up to $50,000 of the total $250,000 donation will be generated through an online drive, with Allergan donating $2 to Dress for Success for each of the first 25,000 consumers who visit and register on the web site.

Vanessa Williams, right, and Dr. Doris Day, grab a donated blouse off a rack to dress a mannequin as they participate in
the BOTOX Cosmetic: Express Success Rack Relay Race Tuesday June, 30, 2009 in New York’s Grand Central
not-for-profit Dress for Success organization that helps disadvantaged women with donated clothing for the workplace.
(David Goldman/AP for Chandler Chicco Agency)

MW: Why is it easy for you to be honest about incorporating BOTOX® Cosmetic into your skincare regimen?
VW: I don’t see any reason to be secretive. As an actress, I’m often asked about products I use to maintain my appearance. I love my results from BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments — so why wouldn’t I share that with other women? There have been more than 20 million treatments in the U.S. since its FDA approval in 2002, and I think we all should feel free to talk about it!

MW: Aside from BOTOX® Cosmetic, what are some of your favorite skincare products for face and body?
VW: Perfekt tinted skin gel, which creates a great natural appearance; Mila Moursi moisturizing oil; and Proactiv deep cleansing wash.

MW: What can we find in Vanessa William’s makeup bag?
VW: My favorite eye brow pencil is a Japanese brand that has a screw tip, so it doesn’t need to be sharpened.

MW: What is your favorite lip gloss?
VW: MAC Cosmetics lip gloss in “revealing.”

MW: What is your favorite shampoo & conditioner?
VW: Acquage moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

MW: What are one or two things some people may not know about Vanessa Williams?
VW: I really love cars – sport cars with leather seats. Also, on the weekends I love to listen to Irish music! I’ve actually incorporated some of these sounds into my new album “The Real Thing” with Concord Records.

MW: What’s next for Vanessa Williams?
VW: Well, as part of the “BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign, I’ll be hosting local events in San Francisco, Dallas and Miami. If your readers live one of those cities, they can RSVP to attend at www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com .

Also, we are getting ready to film season four of Ugly Betty, which is moving to Friday nights. I’m looking forward to filming the musical episode later this year. Also, I will be on tour for my new album – check out my Web site for upcoming tour dates!

It was a pleasure to interview Vanessa Williams, you can find out more about Botox Cosmetic at the official website: www.botoxcosmetic.com 
also check out the Vanessa Williams official website: www.vanessawilliams.com

Iman and Vanessa Williams hit the red carpet at the launch party of their stylist, Sam Fine, for his DVD “The Basics of Beauty.” Plus, Vanessa reacts to being chosen as one of TV One’s hottest bachelorettes.

Watch video (just click image below) by Access Hollywood of Sam Fine at the launch of his DVD, Basics of Beauty on June 18th 2009 at The Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza!

Talking Makeup is glad to share with you some images from last night’s Sam Fine Basics of Beauty DVD event hosted by IMAN at the Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza (June 18th 2009)!

From Left: Vanessa Williams, Sam Fine, Lisa Iran

From Left: IMAN, Sam Fine, Deborah Cox, Vanessa Williams

Everyone was sipping on NUVO sparkling Liqueur cocktails like the Iman Tonic, the Sam Fine Sparkling Sunset, and the Fine Basic Beauty (vodka on the rocks). Attendees included Vanessa Williams, Deborah Cox, Taraji P. Henson, RuPaul, and Wendy Williams!

Sam Fine and Taraji P. Henson

In honor of working women who have helped make BOTOX Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) the most popular physician-administered aesthetic treatment for the last seven years, Allergan, Inc. just launched the “BOTOX Cosmetic: Express Success” charitable education campaign. Spearheaded by actress and singer Vanessa Williams, the campaign will benefit the not-for-profit Dress for Success, an organization that helps disadvantaged women succeed in the workforce, through a $250,000 donation from Allergan.

Allergan is donating $2 to Dress for Success on behalf of each of the first 25,000 people who visit and register on the campaign Web site, www.ExpressSuccessCampaign.com  click to Get Involved!

When pledging support on the ExpressSuccessCampaign.com Web site, you also can enter to WIN a trip for two to New York City to have lunch with Vanessa Williams, read Vanessa’s personal blog as well as get interview and workplace tips.  This is such am amazing opportunty!

About Vanessa Williams: Vanessa Williams has achieved success in every area of entertainment, including the worlds of music, theatre, film and television. She has sold millions of albums, earning multiple Grammy Award nominations and countless other awards and honors. She has starred in numerous films, television and Broadway productions and has won or been nominated for the Emmy , Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards and has won two NAACP Image Awards for her role as the deliciously wicked Wilhelmina Slater on the hit ABC series, “Ugly Betty.” Concord Records will release her 13th album, “The Real Thing” in June and she recently appeared in the box-office hit, “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”

About Allergan, Inc.: Founded in 1950, Allergan, Inc., with headquarters in Irvine, California, is a multi-specialty health care company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices that enable people to live life to its greatest potential – to see more clearly, move more freely, express themselves more fully. The Company employs more than 8,000 people worldwide operates state-of-the-art R&D facilities and world-class manufacturing plants. In addition to its discovery-todevelopment research organization, Allergan has global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries.

About Dress for Success: Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 90 cities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, the UK and the West Indies. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 500,000 women work towards self-sufficiency. Visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org  to learn more.