Dressy Bessy

A matinee during the week, while everyone is working. One of my absolute, favorite past times. An empty, dark cinema and the magic of film. Transports you to another world, where problems are forgotten. The big screen, the compelling story, stunning visuals, an actors' transformation. Blissful entertainment. The writer in me craves creative illusion.

'Tis the season to celebrate movie making, blood, sweat and years it takes film to make it to the big screen. Award Season's in high gear. Hollywood buzzes with stars, directors, producers, screenwriters, press, agents, designers, stylists, hair and makeup artists. Smack dab in the eye of the Hollywood storm,  equal parts exciting and exhausting.

Stars rely on their beauty team to get them through the whirlwind, looking fabulous.
Some award worthy beauty products I count on to create Oscar worthy faces,
stunning day and night. Joan Rivers will be left speechless.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, radiant dew coverage creates a flawless veil of gorgeous skin. For a bit more coverage try Armani Maestro Foundation, great as a primer and for those needing a bit more coverage. Holds up on camera! Armani's Celebrity Face Designer Tim Quinn should know, he's en route to LA to beautify Hollywood's A list stars.

Armani Lip Maestro in striking bold color and long lasting wear, delivers vintage Hollywood glam with a modern updated twist.




by Terry Touch Expert Advanced 

Multi Corrective Concealer Brush brightens the eyes in seconds, hides imperfections in a luxurious push pen formula, a must for before and after touch ups.

Light-Expert Compact
Mineral Foundation Compact.
The all in one powerhouse powder compact.
Delivers a luminous matte protective veil of coverage.





L'Oreal Infallible Shadows pack a serious punch.
The texture goes on smooth, doesn't fall on the face and lights up the eyes in Megawatts.
Gold is my go to favorite. Apply to the lid, inner eye, lower lash line creating chic, camera ready eyes.








Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and False Lashes
No starlet's face should be left incomplete.
Shu's eyelash curler and false lashes,
the ultimate in red carpet eye candy.



Mac Cosmetics
Matte Bronzer, a flat bronzer with no shimmer, spot on for creating texture, definition, warmth and an overall tan.
Pink Swoon Blush is a warm pink, and a favorite of a super diva client. She turned me on to the blush and an application technique. Applied just above the high cheekbone, the skin will light up the stage.




2013 Best Actress Oscar's category. Quvenzhané Wallis aged 9, is youngest Best Actress nominee in history of the Academy Awards... and Emmanuelle Riva, 85, the oldest. Women of every age are sublime, talented, lovely and beautiful.

Golden Globes... Here We Come!

The Master of Flawless Faces

Tim Quinn

Celebrity Face Designer
and National Director of Creative Artistry Giorgio Armani Beauty

I met Tim in 2001, at the very start of the Armani Beauty, US launch. I had returned from Milan after two decades working as a model. For a time, I had the privilege of being an Armani girl, walking the runway, doing press & magazine work, posing for the Armani Exchange campaign in the states. My picture got scrapped. I was half naked, it was too racy for the 90's, I suppose. I consider walking the runway for Mr. Armani one of the highlights of my career. You see, I really couldn't walk, so I faked it. And prayed no one would notice. No one did, I retired a champion achieving my goals. Let's face it, I was pushing thirty. It was time for a new career, a new strategy.
When I heard about the Armani Beauty launch, I brazenly got an interview to work as a makeup artist. We had to do MU tests. A novice, I was nervous. Tim was there, helping, smiling and rooting me on. He knew how green I was, but took a chance. As the years went by, I watched and learned. I would get better, and he was always ready to offer advice, lend a hand. 
Tim would become a household name in the beauty biz, and a force to be reckoned with. Forget his masterful eye and talent, the flawless, effortless, glowing faces he creates. I am most impressed with his good nature, manners and ease with his clients. He chats while doing an application, and one can't help but fall under his spell. He never gets rattled, he's fun, sophisticated and charming. The celebrities, and editors LOVE him. His A LIST beauty clientele is far too long to mention. When I reached out to him to see what he's up to, this busy award season, he responded immediately via email, and ARMANI BEAUTY products arrived on my doorstep the next day.

Here's a breakdown of just a week in the life of the jet set artist.



Designer Lift Foundation



Rouge Lip #401

Tim used Armani Beauty's Designer Lift Foundation on Calista Flockart at the Globes. His 'must haves' this busy time include Eyes To Kill, lash stretching mascara. Rouge Lipstick in  #401 is a striking burnt red, that looks glam on any skin tone. So very chic, it has a magnet snap closure, with the signature logo right on the product. Perfect to carry in your clutch, for a Celebrity worthy touch up, it's to die for. 



Eyes To Kill Stretch Mascara


Some non Armani products Tim loves, (Every great makeup artist has a few 'other' favorite Brand pieces)  make this hectic time easier, and applications a snap. Tim likes Clarisonic Cleasing Brush, "I won't leave home without it." Tammy Fender Recovery Cream, he suggests using it post parties and for those long flights zipping around the country. Sigma Makeup brush set is lovely, and a super great value. Hampton Sun Bronze, " a serious shimmer to add on the body post foundation touch up." Yes, great artistes makes sure every bit of exposed skin is flawless. I like MAC's Face & Body, it's great for the legs, chest, and back. I learned the trick from a PRO, a friend, a gentleman and a scholar. I studied the master at work, and learned many invaluable lessons on life and beauty. And laughed, a lot. Beauty has never been so fun, when you're lucky enough to spend the day getting primped & pretty with Tim.

Hampton Sun Bronze

Sigma Brush Kit

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/default.asp

http://hamptonsuncare.com/usa/index.php

http://www.tammyfender.com/

http://www.clarisonic.com/shop/sonic_skin_cleansing_systems/index.php?gclid=CIHqvcujgK4CFYPc4Aodm2um3w

- "After training in Milan alongside the world-renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, Tim Quinn joined the Giorgio Armani Beauty team with the launch of the brand in August 2001. His myriad experience as an artist includes work in TV, print, and film.

As the U.S. front man for Giorgio Armani Beauty, Tim has traveled internationally hosting special events to promote the cosmetics line. His words of wisdom have graced the pages of W, Elle, Glamour, Lucky, InStyle, and Cosmopolitan. Tim has been featured as one of the "25 Beauty Stars" in W Magazine and has made a presence backstage at several award shows including the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the ESPYs. In addition, Tim has been featured numerous times on television programs such as the Today Show, Extra and E! Entertainment.

Tim has worked with celebrities such as Glenn Close, Debra Messing, Kim Cattrall, Tara Reid, Gwen Stefani, Jordana Brewster, Kate Bosworth. "

"I Love Being Me, Don't You?" Sandra Bernhard

I had the pleasure of working with Sandra Bernhard in NY for years on many projects. From Press Junkets, to the talk show circuit, to "Queer Edge with Jack E. Jett" in LA. The Everything Bad & Beautiful Tour in NYC, the Posters, Press & Opening, and the short film by David Brind, featuring Sandra and Cady Huffman "Twenty Dollar Drinks." 
Sandra was one of my first big-time celebrity clients, and one of my favorites. Her off-screen persona is wickedly smart, well read, versatile, an activist, humanitarian and kind, fun lady. 
She gave me the confidence for whoever came next. Thank God, for that. 'MC' would be on the list. I was ready.


After countless times painting her face, I could show up with a small kit and be done with it. Mac's Viva Glam IV on the lips, Mac Blush in Dolly, Black Kohl liner and a deep eggplant on the lid. Mac's half lash # 20 and Armani's LSF in # 4 with a dollop of #6 depending on the desired bronze effect. We had it down to a science.




I learned a lot about life, and not just about makeup. I enjoyed our time working together. We moved on to different projects and working with different people. That's the nature of life and the biz. Karmically, she remains a cosmic friend. 
She's the kind of person who still calls and remembers your birthday. If you get the chance to see her perform, don't miss the opportunity. She will invigorate, move, enlighten and revive your spirit, touching your soul.

http://www.sandrabernhard.com/
http://www.twentydollardrinks.com/
http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/

"I'm very much an optimist. I don't think I could do my work if I didn't believe there was some kind of hope for humanity."
Sandra Bernhard 

Time After Time

Armani Beauty has launched a new line of skincare, Regenessence. I'm a huge fan of Crema Nera, so I can't wait to use the new line. Regenessence 3. R claims you can 'gain up to 6 years of youth.' Going back six years on the face? Heck, yeah I'm buying. Who wouldn't want to look younger, but keep the wisdom of 'age'? It's a win, win. I'll try anything once, as long as it doesn't require needles or cutting. Regenessence 3. R 's formula is lightweight and provides eight hours of hydration. Regenessence Youth Regenerator, moisturizing up to 24 hours, creates a glowing, pretty canvas. I have learned over the years by the masters, start with flawless, glowing skin, and the rest of your makeup application will be seamless. That goes for the boys, too. Beauty may only be skin deep, but radiant skin makes anyone look flawless. If it's good enough for Megan Fox, the face of Regenessence, it's good enough for me.

REGENESSENCE:
"Inspired by advanced regenerative medicine research pioneered by Dr. Peter Lorenz at the Stanford School of Medicine, Regenessence 3.R technology targets the 3 levels of the skin with 3 powerful ingredients: ProXylan, Linseed Extract and Vitamin CP. The results: In 1 hour, wrinkles reduced  71%. In 6 days, skin is rebounced and radiant 88%. In 1 month, gain up to 6 years of youth."

                              




























Jackie Cioffa Makeup for CieloBluePro.com
MyrnaSuarezPhotography.com  for Just Ask the Locals
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-armani_us-Site/default/Home-Show

Gems and Stones

Armani Beauty's Spring Collection, 'La Femme Bleue' Eye Palette has some lovely jewel tones, melting winter into spring. I love the rocking violet and shimmery, sea green worn alone, swept lightly over the eye in a subtle wash of color. When paired together, the violet and green create a crazy beautiful, turquoise blue. The luminous gray and white offer endless shadow combinations. The translucency reminds me of the beach, an exotic, gem filled location, filled with brilliant hues of bold color.

Most of you know by now I'd be lost with my Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. So I decided to start experimenting with the Fluid Sheers again. Oh my God, genius! I forgot how pretty they look on the skin, creating a shine and luminosity nothing short of magic. I asked which shade Armani Celebrity Face Designer, Tim Quinn likes using and was sent Fluid Sheer #7. He is a makeup god. I have learned many tricks watching him work, reapplying them to my happy clients' faces. #7 is the subtlest shade of pearlized pink. A dollop mixed with LSF Foundation creates a mesmerizing glow to the skin without the glitter. It can also be applied with Armani's Blender brush, under the brow bone and along the high cheekbones, for instant glow and vibrancy. Pretty in Pink never looked better.

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

A Little Taste of Heaven

Before venturing out of the house, I never leave home without applying a dab of Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation. Just a dime size, applied to the whole face makes the skin glow, ready to face the day, looking pretty and polished. Whether I'm headed to the park with my pooch in sub degree temperatures, getting glammed up for fashion week, or even working the Oscar circuit, I'm confident with LSF in my kit. I use #4, #5, often and like #6 and #8 for a slightly bronzed look. I love #9 mixed with Crema Nera. I used the combo on Lake Bell's gorgeous skin. She showed me a picture, and wanted to look tan, like a Greek goddess. It worked, she was stunning, like bottled up sunshine. I have worked with Armani Beauty since the launch of the brand, and as a model in Milan long before that. We go way back, and I have never stopped loving the brand or the man. I will not waver, LSF is my number one my go to sheer foundation. LSF is a genie in a bottle, leaving the skin luminous, yet free from imperfections. Armani Beauty is offering a one day promotion today, you get to try three of my very favorite products with a purchase. This is your chance to see for yourself. What is, in my opinion, the very best. After all, who would expect less from the Maestro of perfection?

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/special-offers/special-offers,default,sc.html

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

Who Says Young'ins Have All the FUN?

I worked the More Magazine's Reinvention Event (women over forty) with Giorgio Armani Cosmetics and got to meet hundreds of fabulous women. With guest speakers such as Laura Bush, Nora Eprhon, Tim Quinn and many, many more illustrious women, one couldn't help but feel inspired. Armani's ten minute mini-makeovers were a huge success. We had an endless line of clients that turned into hours of fun, intelligent conversation and beautifully painted faces. Tim Quinn, genius Artistic Director for Armani Beauty was on hand with helpful hints and gorge color suggestions. Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 goes on smooth & matte, and looks clean with full twelve hour coverage. The best part, it's weightless and feels like air on your skin. I recommended Crema Nera face and eye cream to all the fearless 40+ ladies that sat in my chair. Crema Nera is enriched with minerals and stimulates cell metabolism, resulting in plumper and firmer looking skin. The light weight formula leaves the skin looking radiant and ready for the perfect make up application. I admit I can't wait to get my hands on it.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

www.more.com

When I Grow Up

Last month I made-up Lucky Magazine's creative director, Andrea Linett for a Lucky video post on Fall's must-have shoes and which clothes to pair them with at the trendy store Dolce Vita. Sorry for the delayed post, I got busy in August eating ice cream and cutting the grass. Anyhow, thought it was worth the visit. I dig Andrea's cool downtown, rocker, boho vibe style. She's the kind of lady I wanna be when I grow up. Smart, easy, put-together, & funny effortlessly mixed together. Her makeup request was simple, flawless skin with a touch of powder. I added a bit of Giorgio Armani's Sheer Bronzer #1 and a dab of gloss for fun, and she was on point and camera ready. Oh, and her jewelry style is the sickest. She always has at least one piece I covet. Everyone knows, I am usually bangled, stacked and decked out in everything from Chrome Hearts to Me & Ro to Helen Ficalora to old school charms from my father. That's a whole other post. Much to my delight, we're doing a jewelry shoot this week, so stay tuned...

www.luckymagazine.com

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Jackie Cioffa Makeup

CEW Beauty Winners on QVC

QVC and beauty? It's a winning combo that draws billions of dollars for the Cosmetic Industry. I'm spoiled, I live in NY and can walk out my door and pick up, play with, check out any new product my heart and face desires. It's great that women all over the country can see on tv what's new and exciting. Last night QVC teamed up with CEW bringing in the CEW Beauty Award winners. I tevo'd the show and quickly scanned the products. DARAC, CEW Beauty 2009's Indie winner looks interesting, congrats to Mally Roncal and her Volumizing Mascara Duo (Mally is the Mascara queen on her celeb clients) & YSL Lipstick works for me anytime. I really tuned in to see the big winner of the night & my gorgeous artist friend, Tim Quinn from Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. Congrats to Armani for winning CEW 2009 Beauty Award's Prestige Face Product with Face Fabric Nude Makeup. Genius, stellar. I am already a huge fan of Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation. I would die without it in my kit. Face Fabric, as Tim put is "silky, layering, and buildable yet translucent & luminous on the skin." It's semi-matte texture is "silky like second skin, leaving a beautiful glow." It's tres-so-chic portable, yay!

www.mallyroncal.com

www.qvc.com

www.cew.org

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

'Da Boys

I like working with the boys. They're chill, fun and uncomplicated. They tell you stories that are never about beauty, but about life in the Bronx or hopping a train to Philly with a backpack just because. This crop of young guys are a new kind of James Dean. I admire their Cool Hand Luke swagger. I shot Grey Boys for D La Repubblica della Donne magazine with photographer Taghi Naderzad. Taghi gets the odd moment, the inn-between cool captured on film. I love how he works, the off putting poses and the freedom of unbalanced movement. I kept the skin clean with a hint of bronzer (Giorgio Armani's Bronze Mania), much like a boxer's sheen.

Grey does matter, it's the mystery between black and white.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

www.dweb.repubblica.it.com

www.taghinaderzad.com

Jackie Cioffa Makeup at Priano.com

Tuan Ahn Tran Hair at L'Atelier NYC