Thank you, Kate and WePropel.com

I was quite honored to be chosen to be a featured entrepreneur on the new blog, WePropel.com, celebrating women business owners,
Here is a link to the blog:

OCT
31
2011
Spotlight: Patty Bell of Patty Bell Makeup



Patty Bell has the tools to get you looking your best! She’s one of the most sought after makeup artists in Pittsburgh. She’s been called the “unofficial” makeup artist to the Pittsburgh Steelers because of her work with Steelers TV for the past 10 years.

She’s also worked with Samuel L. Jackson, Kate Walsh, Lance Armstrong and many more celebrities.

She’s broken into a highly competitive field with ease and is living her dream!

We’re so excited to share her story with you. Enjoy Patty’s Q&A!

___

Introduce yourself and business as if you were speaking from the cockpit:
Good morning ladies and gents. This is your captain, film and television makeup artist, Patty Bell, and owner of On Location Makeup, speaking to you from the movie set, Elixir, where I am working as key makeup artist. I will be flying here for the next 23 days. Sit back and enjoy a wild ride in the fast-paced world of television movie making… it’s lights, glamour and lashes in this ABC family musical.

When did you earn your wings?
I’ve been a makeup artist since 1986 where I got my first pair of wings on a commercial with director, Glenn Pryzborski. My agent, Deb Docherty plucked me out of the department store and gave me my first job with Hartwick/Przyborski.

My career took off after that and I eventually got into the New York hair and makeup union in 1990, (thanks to my friend, Paula Pappas) and assisted on my first film, Iron Maze.

20+ films later and thousands of commercials and videos later, I’m still going strong and loving the ride where every day is a new adventure.

If you could name a nail polish color after yourself or your business, what would it be?
It would be called:
“Not A Shrinking Violet”…Aptly named for my first grade teacher who told my mom that she didn’t have time for…shrinking violets, aka, me;)

This color is for all those late blooming violets, who shine brightly in all their glory and make the world a more beautiful place.
It’s a sparkling, vibrant violet—fun and calming, magically enhancing whomever it touches.

Not all flights are smooth. Tell us about how you handle turbulence in your business.
Being freelance offers its share of turbulence as a makeup artist, as you are basically on call 24/7, always awaiting your next job. There are only so many jobs to go around in an over-saturated, highly competitive market.

The key to survival is learning how to get through the slow periods, which is why I do a little bit of everything: print, film, TV, video, sports, brides…Pittsburgh is a town that can offer a wide variety of makeup jobs and a great place to start.

Looking back, the people that were the toughest on me in the beginning of my career, made me who I am today, and have taught me: patience, strength and professionalism, and to always put your best work out there, no matter what.

Who is the wind beneath your wings?
My mom is the wind beneath my wings and has always been my biggest supporter, fan and confidante…I don’t know what I would do without her.

Advice to other women as they navigate the business world?
Women need to support each other instead of knocking each other down.

Success doesn’t happen overnight…you have to earn your wings in this business and never stop learning or volunteering your time or skills to help those in need.

More often than not, your attitude and professionalism is what gets you hired and re-hired in this business, so be kind and nice to everyone you meet along the way, as they could be your boss someday!

And most of all, be positive, check your ego at the door and be open to any opportunity that comes your way.

posted by KATE STOLTZFUS | 0 comments

Discover some amazing physicians in Pittsburgh with the Discovery Channel

On Location Makeup has been hard at work this past year partnering with the Discovery Channel and UPMC Pittsburgh working on some incredible life changing videos for physicians and patients.
It has been quite a journey and we are so lucky to live in a city known for having some of the top experts in their field right here in Pittsburgh.
We've laughed, we've cried, been in and out of every hospital and operating room in Pittsburgh, but most of all, we've learned some pretty amazing things along the way all while making the doctors and patients look their very best for these videos, and we hope you do, too.
The first show aired 9/10/11 called Life Changing Medicine hosted by Dr. John Whyte, chief medical expert for the Discovery Channel....here is a preview:

Seductively French

Seductively French
With thanks and appreciation for including my beauty tips in your article!

Looking Sexy... Not Silly

I asked a panel of experts what they thought:
What can women over 40 do to look "sexy"?

What common mistakes should they avoid that might make them end up looking "silly"?
The answers I received were amazing! Here's the advice they had to give:
#1 - Give the Girls a Boost! Like the rest of the body, breasts change as we age, yet women will continue buying the same bra size for years. Have your size measured by a professional at your local lingerie or department store. You'll be surprised how much slimmer and younger you will look with proper support and shaping. After you are certain of your correct size, treat yourself to a new 'under-wardrobe' of lace and loveliness. It will be your secret weapon. From Angela Farrell, E-Commerce Manager for Simone Perele French Lingerie

#2 - Nurture Your Inner Vixen
Get out of your sweats and t-shirts and put on some sexy lingerie for yourself -- or your partner. There is nothing hotter than a matching bra and panty, or a pair of thigh high stockings. Putting on a pair of sexy panties under a dull business suit or your pair of favorite jeans gives you a feeling of mystery, power, and a little rebelliousness!
From Rebecca Jennings of HipsAndCurves.com

The next 5 tips come to us from professional film and television makeup artist, Patty Bell

#3 - Less is More!
Lighten up on the foundation and powder. Nothing ages a women more than heavy pancake makeup that settles into the fine lines and wrinkles.Switch to a tinted moisturizer to add a nice dewey glow to the skin and only powder the nose if needed.No one should ever see your foundation- it should be used sparingly to even out your skin.

#4 - Don't be Afraid of Mascara!
It instantly opens your eyes and makes them look bigger! A navy mascara makes the whites of your eyes, pop!Add an extra coat for a little more pizzazz and concentrate on the outer corners to add a sexy cat eye, or add a few individual lashes, by Ardell for that extra Hollywood glamour.

#5 - Concealer is Your Best Friend!
No woman should ever go without under eye concealer. It instantly brightens the eyes and takes years off.Look for shades that have a yellow undertones to take away the purpleness under the eyes, and always apply after your foundation.

#6 - Have a Crush on Blush! As we age, our skin becomes dull and lackluster, but with a nice flush of blush on the apples of the cheeks, you can instantly brighten your complexion and look alive! I like Milani's Luminous blush for a nice, healthy glow- it's a beautiful pinky coral shade with gold highlights that looks great on everyone.

#7 - Swap your lipstick, for Lipgloss!
Don't be afraid to add a little sparkle to your life- toss out your dark winter shades and lighten your lip color for spring with a sparkly gloss to give you a younger, fresher look, guaranteed to take years off. Your lips will look fuller and sexier, especially at night.

#8 - Avoid the sun, embrace sunglasses!
While it seems contradictory to both avoid the sun and to embrace sunglasses while in the sun, we all know its impossible to completely avoid sunshine. If you do go in the sun, glop a high SPF all over your face and neck and wear sunglasses. Crows Feet are the quickest way to give away your age. The sun, married with squinting in the sun, will bring them on prematurely. So, you may not only look your age, but you may appear older. While a tan makes us all look good, being the hottest 80 year old in the home is essential when looking to date as an octogenarian. Follow this tip and reap the rewards as you gracefully age.

From Jodi Ambrose of In Your Face Publishing

#9 - Sexiness is an inside job. While a hot body, perfect features, and trendy clothes in general say "sexy," that all loses its appeal when you see someone is shallow. Conversely, people who are imperfect in their appearance but are fulfilled in their self-expression radiate confidence (Mick Jagger) and a love of life. If there is any doubt about that, remember that some of the hottest people on the planet have been the most miserable (Marilyn Monroe) or were cheated on (Halle Berry). Be who you are and do what you do best, and you will be sexy in your own unique way. From Psychotherapy/Clinical Hypnosis, Speaker/Author, Nancy B. Irwin, PsyD, C.Ht.

#10 - Get the raw glow! Your skin will shine and you'll look fine on a diet rich in raw foods. Cooked, dead, and processed foods age your skin, making it dull and pale, while a diet rich in raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lightly cooked fish is great for the skin! The omega-3 fats from walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds and small oily fish are the best single thing you can do to prevent and reduce wrinkles. From Susan Schenck, author of "The Live Food Factor, The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit" and TV host for LiveFoodFactor.com

#11 - Look and feel bulletproof The key to being sexy starts with thinking you are sexy. A great place to start is committing to looking "bulletproof" every time you go out. You should be able to say, "I look like a million bucks" every time you check your outfit in the mirror. Say it enough times and you will embrace your sexiness. Embrace your sexiness and others will too. From Jeremy Hamburgh, Hitchcraft dating consulting

#12 - Just a Hint is All You Need Less eyeshadow, less red lipstick, less low cut blouse and less short short skirts. Just above the knee and a hint of that gorgeous cleavage, nude color lips and neutral tones are all ultra sexy. don't try too hard either. Pulling up your skirt is not sexy but bending down and giving a brief glimpse of stocking top is. From Rochelle Peachey, founder of I Love Your Accent

#13 - Wear a Non-Toxic Mineral Sunscreen
The biggest tip to keeping a youthful look is to wear your sunscreen daily and not just any sunscreen, a non-toxic mineral sunscreen is ideal."

From Tricia Trimble, Founder of Suntegrity Skincare
#14 - Green Juice to Hydrate Your Skin
To keep your facial skin super sexy and glowing, start your morning off with an ultra cook, alkalizing cucumber juice! Not only do cucumbers hydrate you pronto (while caffeine first thing will only case more dehydration), they will also help alkalize your body and bring everything into a state of "ahhhhh"! Your skin will be hydrated and with daily use, you will likely "get the glow" that so many do from daily green juicing. Recipe: Wash 2 medium/large refrigerated cucumbers (organic/unwaxed), run through your juicer... wa-laa, instant beauty drink! (Yields approx 16oz.)

From The Healthy Lifestylist, Tina Pruitt
#15 - Use Sea Buckthorn Oil Women have two clocks but it doesn't have to move at the same speed for everyone. The little known secret is that you can ignore standard time and select a clock of your own. One that cannot halt the aging process but can absolutely slow it down. One of the keys is sea buckthorn oil. Derived from exotic berries generally found in harsh and extreme climates, this 'miracle' all-natural ingredient is widely known in Russia--and a powerful element of Russian beauty--but remains a virtual secret in the US.
Marina Gleyzer, owner and CEO of Spring Beauty Spa

The Beauty of Life: First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Patty Bell

Many thanks to Jamie Sanders for featuring me on her blog, The Beauty of Life!
I am so honored to be included with so many industry greats!
The Beauty of Life: First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Patty Bell

From the Pittsburgh Steelers to the upcoming movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Pittsburgh-based makeup artist Patty Bell has a pretty hectic schedule. She's also one of the sweetest people you could hope to come across! Read on to discover her favorite blush, the makeup brush she thinks everyone needs in their makeup kit, and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and graduated from the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy as a licensed cosmetician. I have been working as a print, film and television makeup artist since 1986 and love every minute of it! I'm currently working as key makeup artist on the film The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
Makeup artistry kind of found me! In high school, I could always draw portraits and also did some modeling. That combination, plus the love of fashion, makeup and photography, has made me who I am today. Right after high school graduation, I went to modeling school and it was there that I knew that I really loved makeup. I soon began doing all of my friends, read every book that I could by my idol, Way Bandy, and then my next door neighbor hired me to be a makeup artist for Ralph Lauren cosmetics. After working for years in the department stores, I got "discovered" by my agent, who hired me on my first commercial. My career took off after that, and I eventually got into the hair and makeup union out of New York, IATSE #798.

I am best known for doing natural beauty makeup and makeup for sporting events, having worked for Fox Sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 years.

What are some of the moments that stand out as highlights in your career?
Wow, so many highlights after so many years...being nominated by my peers as Pittsburgh's Master makeup artist was pretty cool, as well as landing my first national magazine cover and my first film.

Working for television shows such as: The Young and the Restless, Monday Night Football, Versus and NBC Sports is always fun, as well as national campaigns for American Eagle, Levi's and Rue 21.

I also got to star in Makeover Pittsburgh last year, and travel to Novia Scotia to work with NHL's Sidney Crosby, which I loved!

I am very blessed to live in a small/big town with so many amazing opportunities and work with so many legends!

What are your top 5 favorite products?
1) M.A.C Blot Powder Pressed: MUST have in my kit!

2) YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch: love, love, love this stuff

3) NARS Laguna/Orgasm blush

4) Mason Pearson hair brushes

5) M.A.C lipliners and Powerpoint Eye Pencils

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Have a makeup lesson at least once it in your life -- the right makeup application can make you look years younger and take 10 years off your life! Don't be afraid to try something new ... it's only makeup, it washes off!

2) ALWAYS use a sunscreen, and AVOID tanning beds at all costs! Make sure your foundation has a sunscreen in it. Using makeup does have its advantages, as foundation really does prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

3) An eyeliner brush is the one makeup brush everyone should have! Seal your eyeliner with eyeshadow to prevent smearing.

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?

In my "spare" time, I love being at home with my two teenage boys, and my two collies! I also enjoy spending time with friends, shopping, music, photography, reading, writing and being outdoors.

World-famous artist Burton Morris teams up with Eat'n Park for Smiley's ...

Pittsburgh is home to many talented artists, some I can even call my friends...but on one occasion, I had the distinct pleasure and honor to work with one of the very best...world renowned, pop artist Burton Morris.
We were invited into his Penn Hills studio to film him painting the iconic Eat 'N Park Smiley Cookie! Burton was commissioned to paint the world famous cookie for the 25th anniversary celebration in June.

As an artist myself, watching him paint was such a treat, as it has always been my dream to own one of his paintings, but I got something even better...Burton signed prints for everyone on the film crew and autographed his coffee table book for each of us as well!
What a kind, generous man and a really fun shoot to be a part of!

Special thanks to Pryzborski Productions for the opportunity to work on his video and for giving me my start many. many years ago!

Rock, Pop and Doo Wop sneak peek: Ronnie Spector

One of the highlights of 2010, was the opportunity for On Location Makeup to take part in, Rock, Pop and Doo Wop that airs on WQED Pittsburgh and nationally on PBS. Getting to work with such legendary acts as: Ronnie Spector, Jefferson Starship, Davey Jones, Hermans Hermits, was a dream come true!
Thank you PBS - please support public television!

Behind the Scenes with Brandi Engel

Make sure you check out this month's issue of Maniac Magazine featuring cover girl, Brandi Engel of Pittsburgh's CW network.
New spring makeup looks featuring the work of Patty Bell.
And..check out some more behind the scenes footage with the beautiful Brandi at work!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9-tvLP-PIs

Pittsburgh Profile of the Week: Patty Bell

Pittsburgh Profile of the Week: Patty Bell
Thanks Colleen and April from Maniac Magazine!

Word of mouth is often the best advertising for a business, not only because its free, but because it spreads like wildfire, something Patty Bell knows very well. Some people (including this MANIAC) might say Patty is living the dream: she employs her friends, works with celebrities and models, and gets to make people pretty- as her job.
Patty has been a makeup artist for the past 20 years in the film, television, and photography industries. After a friend of hers starting giving her name out to another group of friends, Patty started to receive calls asking for her mastery of skills and know-how to be put to use for their parties and weddings. The word spread quickly about Patty and her team of makeup experts and suddenly On Location Hair and Makeup, her business, was in high demand for everyone’s special day. Getting started and growing a customer base was only the beginning, though. Patty says that determination, passion, hard work, and professionalism are all keys to running a successful business. As for being her own boss? “I love being able to pick and choose my clients, and setting my own hours,” Patty says.

Patty Bell got her start doing make-up for parties and brides, and continued to the celebrity and fashion worlds.
And Patty picks and chooses the best. Her clients range from sports stars, models, politicians, and brides. She works with every girl’s dream man, a.k.a. Sidney Crosby, on a regular basis (she calls him “her buddy”), but also divulges that she’s worked with Drew Carrey, Amy Adams, Tommy Lee, and even Samuel L. Jackson. She’s been working with the Steeler’s for ten years and claims that’s where her loyalty is.
Although born and raised in Pittsburgh, where the snow is abundant and unavoidable, Patty admits she’s anti-snow, claiming that she’s “seen enough” throughout her life. Even though makeup is her forte, Patty knows all about style in general; her favorite designers include Dolce and Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli. When she reaches into her makeup bag, though, she goes for a plethora of different brands. Her favorites are Dior, Urban Decay, and MAC but Patty admits that she really just loves all makeup. Her favorite trends right now are matte lips, flushed cheeks, and, of course, perfectly flawless skin. As far as fashion goes, she’s partial to the bohemian rock star look.

Penguins star Center Sidney Crosby is just one of the many celebrities Patty Bell has worked with.
“Less is more,” says Patty when asked for basic daytime and office style tips. Leading her clients away from an often committed (and amateur) mistake of too many colors and focal points, Patty suggests that women keep their look simple, but still elegant and classy. This can be achieved by wearing neutrals with a pop of color and a single, great accessory.
She suggests similar guidelines for makeup, “Clean skin, neutral shadows, a rosy cheek, and natural lip color goes a long way in the office.” She adds that its best to keep the perfume to a minimum. “I hate to see women over do their wardrobe and their makeup routine for daytime/work- save the glitz & glam for evening,” she says. And if you’re almost scared of the makeup brush for fear of destroying a good thing (like this MANIAC blogger is), you can find refuge in Patty’s words to live by: Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
By Colleen McGuckin

New campaign with Geno Levi Salon

Makeup artists Patty Bell and Susie Popovich recently helped create the new looks for Geno Levi's new salon shot by Redford Photography under the creative direction of Jennifer Schlieper of Geno Levi salon.
Legendary, rock star hairdresser, Geno Levi created some amazing looks, modeled by his beautiful staff...all equally as nice and kind as the master himself!
Make sure you check out his fabulous new salon on Route 19 south in McMurray, Pa.

On Location Makeup wins the Bride's Choice award from Wedding Wire.com once again!

We are very honored to once again receive the Bride's Choice award for 2011 from Wedding Wire.com!
We have loved and appreciated all of our brides and their families and will continue to offer excellent service this year to all of our future brides...thank you so much!
Please read our reviews here at Wedding Wire.com and feel free to leave us a review if you haven't already.

On Location Makeup teams up with Discovery Channel and UPMC for a great video series

Our artists, Patty, Susie and Julie had a very busy fall with the Discovery Channel and UPMC as we teamed up with them to create a very powerful physician training series for doctors all over the world.
Needless to say, we learned a lot from these doctors, and know that we are very lucky to live in a city with such incredible hospitals, and doctors.

C Harper Ford commercial shoot with Hines Ward!

Latest commercial I worked on with Pittsburgh Steeler, Hines Ward- a great guy & lots of fun to work with!

Spay Day 2011 Online Pet Photo Contest

Spay Day 2011
Online Pet Photo Contest

There is nothing more near and dear to my heart than helping animals.
Please support the Animal Rescue League of Western Pa., and vote for my beautiful collie, Buddy!
We adopted him one year ago, after he was found roaming the streets last Christmas while a sever case of pneumonia, kennel cough & a kidney infection.
We are happy to say that he is healthy & happy and enjoying his new life with his BFF & step brother, Cody!

Every vote and every dollar goes to support this fantastic organization and what they do.
VOTE FOR BUDDY!