All in a Day's Work

I admit it. I assist, but only if I like the artist I'll be schlepping for. Twenty years in fashion has granted me this wee bit of freedom. When I got the call to assist a famous makeup artist with Peter Lindbergh, I did not walk, but ran to the studio. Peter is one of my all time favorites. A master of black and white, and a gentleman and a scholar, he was nice to all. That is the true test of a seasoned pro, they make the whole the team feel important. There must have been 20 people on set and everyone was treated with respect. A lot of 'top photographers of the moment' speak through their handlers, never acknowledging the lowly assistants. That's just bad manners and low self-esteem in my book. Imagine my delight, when Robin Wright walked in. Trying to stay focused, I kept pinching myself. I am a fan and from time to time still get star struck. Robin is stunning, and a unique, brave, ballsy actress. Her skin is flawless, without a stitch of makeup. Even sick, (she had a flu) she was courteous and ready to get down to business. The makeup was kept to a minimum, the skin was left bare without a hint of foundation. A soft, brown eye pencil (similar to Helena Rubinstein's #o2 Soft Brown) was applied to the crease and blended in.The subtlest hint of liner was dabbed directly between the top lash line. That was it. Every so often, the rare individual comes along who doesn't need a lot of primping. Their radiant, star quality shines bright from within. Robin has that in spades, lighting up the room, the camera and the stage.

http://www.buy.com/prod/helena-rubinstein-silky-eyes-smooth-glide-eye-pencil-02-soft-brown/q/loc/67984/216002918.html
Peter Lindbergh Photography

Ice Ice Baby

I love David Lynch and his hauntingly, beautiful women. His rich colors and textures on film are dark, decadent and exciting. It got me thinking, Blue Velvet shades can be worn and brought back from the 80's.  Armani's Smooth Silk Eyeliner pencil # 3 in a blackened, cobalt blue lined across the top and bottom lid and smudged outwards is a sultry, cool alternative to black. Keep the skin bare, adding the slightest hint of sheen  moisturizer will compliment the blue icing.
For a softer pastel touch, try Cover Girl's Smoky ShadowBlast in Tempest Blue as a pretty wash of color all over the lid. It's got that Pretty in Pink wish I was sixteen again, fresh feeling. I use CG's ShadowBlast dual sticks in every shade. They go on soft and easy, and light up the eye with dewy, gorgeous shimmers of color. A while back, the lovely Zoe Schaeffer asked for makeup tips for a blue story on Glo.msn. If you have not seen Glo yet, check it out. It's a sleek site for women, covering the best in style, beauty, living and relationships. It's smart, fun and elegant.




http://glo.msn.com/beauty/true-blue-3155.gallery#stackState=0__%2Fbeauty%2Ftrue-blue-3155.gallery%3FphotoId%3D4080

http://www.covergirl.com/beauty_products/eye_shadow/

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/_us/_en/makeup/eye/eye-liner/smooth-silk-eye-pencil.htm

Beauty Gone MIA

It's about time for a bit of frivolous fun and eye candy. While I have been busy in the land of screenplays and books, the beauty world has soldiered on without me. Or so I thought. Thanks to RM for the email regarding the mention on SpaBeautySchools.com as "One of the top 50 Makeup blogs." SWEET!!! I think it's time I get my pretty back in high gear.

Mac's Eye Pigments in varying shades of gold and Nars Velvet Lip Pencils have seen me through the Oscars, Fashion Week, various bridal weddings and an upcoming hush, hush celeb wedding. A dab of Mac's Blonde Gold, Old Gold, Golden Lemon, or White Gold on a bare eye with a few coats of mascara and smudged, black liner is ultra sexy, modern and appropriate for any occasion. Use a thin brush to apply the pigment or dab a bit on the back of the hand for better control, patting on the lid. Add some false lashes and presto, camera ready. Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Red Square is not for the timid. The tangy, red color is beautifully bold and the pencil is smooth and creamy. Thank you RM and SpaBeautySchools.com for noticing, and reminding me that there is always time for a polished face.

http://www.spabeautyschools.com/article/v/10043/top-50-makeup-blogs/

http://www.maccosmetics.com/

http://www.narscosmetics.com/