Monday, November 29, 2010

Goldilocks and Makeup Dreams






Jillian Demspey may be know as the wife of a certain Hollywood heartthrob, but she is much more than a trophy wife. In the 90's, Jillian became a formidable makeup artist, known for her shimmery, pretty red carpet faces, and an impressive roster of film and editorial credits. Her sincere, down to earth nature garnered the respect of a loyal Hollywood clientele, including Kirsten Dunst, Kate Winslet, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Kristen Stewart. In 2000, she launched the prestige line, Delux Beauty, sadly now defunct. I still covet the line, and use my Delux Beauty's Crush Cherry Lip and Cheek Stain (found on Amazon) sparingly for special occasions. A vibrant, hot pink cream blush, it's the perfect pop of color for blushing brides or red carpet rides. In 2006, Jillian became Global Creative Color Director for Avon. Jillian has recreated and updated the line with awesome, new pieces. I love a multi-functional product, and the three-fer, Avon's Professional Multi-Pencil is portable and pretty. With one side for eyes, the other for lips and cheeks, it's a no brainer addition to your cosmetic bag. The creamy color goes on smooth and stays put. Available in three color- combos, it's the perfect bait and switch, modern update to an outdated, artistry favorite. Here's to cool chicks doing their thing, and easy, affordable, colorful fun.




















http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=301&pdept_id=609&dept_id=0&pf_id=38682
http://jilliandempsey.com/
Jackie Cioffa Makeup
Michael Waring Photography

Friday, November 26, 2010

Le Palace Royal

CoverGirl Global Creative Designer extraordinaire Pat McGrath has been cranking out awesome, innovative new products. First there was LashBlast mascara and then Shadowblast eye cream duo sticks. I can't wait to see what's next. CG's new Lip Perfection Lipstick launching in January 2011,  is a collision of color and moisture in 44 gorgeous, luxe shades. In just 7 days, your lips will feel magically transformed. Lip Perfection Lipstick is packed with emollients, white tea, shea, avocado and silk protein.
Pat McGrath, who is known for her high, pigmented color does not disappoint yet again. The iconic bullet lipstick feels instantly hydrating on the lips. I love Rush, a pretty, nude pink perfect for all day. Everlasting, a vibrant, ooh la la red, oozes sex appeal and makes me wish I was in Paris at the ball. All the color statement you need, you'll want to dig out your holiday party dress and head out to the dance. 




Check it out http://www.facebook.com/covergirl before the launch.
covergirl.com







Monday, November 22, 2010

I am Une.

When I heard that Bourjois just launched the affordable, all natural, high street brand Une Beauty in the UK, I was estatic.
As one of the oldest French cosmetics companies in operation, Bourjois is an expert in beauty. 'The brand is all about colour, quality and joie de vivre' - and their infamous little round pots (shadows and cheek colors come in cute, color-coded packaging). I helped launched Bourjois in the states and learned invaluable lessons about makeup, beauty writing and PR. It was a fun, exciting, innovative time to be launching such a prestigious makeup brand. I met many of my best girlfriends at Bourjois and still call on these formidable Pr  mavens, for expert, beauty advice.
UNE's formulas are all 98% to 100% from natural origin, most of the products are certified by Ecocert, and the packaging is eco-friendly to minimise environmental impact. I love that Une is taking a simple approach to beauty. The shades are subtle, natural and blend effortlessly. I'm digging the super cute Breezy Cheeks cream blush in a convenient, slide out case. The pink rose shade leaves the skin looking fresh, with a healthy glow. Une is making us pretty, while not breaking the bank.  And saving the planet, one natural shade at a time. 
I'll be waiting, stateside.








http://www.unebeauty.com/
http://www.boots.com







Friday, November 19, 2010

Lucky Like That

I learned about beauty and makeup at a very naive, young age. At 19, I boldly went off to Milan and Paris, to work as a model in the fashion industry. I was lucky enough to have my face painted by the masters. Pat McGrath, Fulvia Farofli and Diego della Palma, to name a few. And then there were the gentile artists of photography, Giovanni Gastel,  Ferri Fabrizio, Toni Thorimbert, and Aldo Fallai were among the favorites. I sat up straight and paid attention to detail. I said please and thank you, and just like that 17 years were gone in a flash. I never picked makeup as a career, it picked me. When Fulvia took one Shu Uemura cool, berry tone lipstick, and used it on my eyes and cheek, I was hooked. It looked sexy, and exotic and deliciously wet. When I started assisting the divine Stephane Marais and watched him create three dimensional eyes with one pencil, I was amazed. I started developing my own style. I love all things creamy on the face, lips, eyes, and cheeks. Nars Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Cayenne, is a deep brown, spicy, cream shadow that is hot, and mysterious. In all those years, I learned something important, and vital to whom I am. Makeup is best worn with confidence, and that comes with time, patience and practice.



http://www.narscosmetics.com
http://www.shuuemura-usa.com
http://www.karlsimone.com/   photography

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

MJ Herbals

I have been dabbling in aromatherapy with makeup applications for years. I never leaving home without a few tried and true essential oils. A few drops of lavender on the temples, soothes even the most stressed out client, and says bye bye anxiety, hello peace and serenity. Even when I have the occasional, "high maintenance" celeb in the chair, they melt instantly, relaxing and softening the face. It's a great way to start an application, and makes the process more pleasant. A few drops of spearmint under the nose works wonders in sticky, smelly situations. Need an instant pick me up? Spearmint does the trick.
I stumbled upon MJ Herbals Salves in NYC at a vitamin shop in the West Village. They are all-natural, organic and beyond heavenly. The First Aid Salve cures minor bumps and cuts, leaving the skin velvety smooth. The Lavender E Salve with Vitamin E, (oh joy!) relieves burns, headaches, stress and anxiety. It's great for rashes and bumps on the body. I like to apply a tiny dab to the face before moisturizer, leaving the skin soft, radiant and dewy.










/http://www.mjsherbals.com/
Jackie Cioffa Makeup

Monday, November 1, 2010

PHOTOCREW.com is Da Bomb

If you haven't checked out Photocrew.com, you don't know what you're missing.
An online community for photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists and more. It's a great site to stay informed and get noticed. Upload your work (it's free!), and find out what's happening in the photography biz. With events, videos, news, blogs, classifieds and Resource Magazine, Photocrew.com is on the cutting edge of fashion.
Go ahead, upload your pictures, you never know who might be watching.

A big thank you to Photocrew.com for adding me, my artistry and Make Up to Model Citi Zen blog excerpts to their community.









photocrew.com




http://photocrew.com/blog/author/jackiecioffa/

Hootan Vahidi Photography
Jackie Cioffa Makeup