I admit it, I can't go into a drugstore without stopping by the makeup aisle...the lure of all of the fun, new colors for spring always pulls me in.
I love makeup, and everything about it. I love the way it transforms women, and makes them feel good, even if it's only buying a lip gloss. Makeup doesn't always have to be the high end designer stuff to make you look good.Many of the top drugstore lines are very comparable to their department store brands and many are owned by the same parent company, employing some of the top cosmetic chemists in the world, making their formulas very similar. So go ahead and shop in your local drugstore, you will find some incredible products at a very affordable price...and who doesn't love a bargain!
As a professional makeup artist, I go through mascara like crazy!
One of my favorites is Maybelline's Lash Discovery mascara in black. I was turned on to this mascara by actress Helen Mirren. This was her mascara of choice on the film, The Clearing.
I was fascinated by the tiny brush. It enables you to get so close to the root of your eyelash, making it a very nice lengthening and separating mascara.
Many top industry makeup artists that I work with swear by Revlon Colorstay foundation. I personally use the whipped formula for a lighter, airbrushed look and get so many compliments on my skin every time wear it. The formula really does last all day whether it's a wedding, covering a tattoo, or worn under the hot lights in a studio- this will not let you down and there are a vast array of colors to choose from.
There isn't an actress or model who hasn't benefitted from using strip eyelashes or individual lashes to enhance their eyes. False lashes give an instant glamorous look to the eyes and has a natural anti-aging effect. As we age, our eyelashes thin and the eyes begin to droop and sag. Adding a few individual lashes at the outer corners, opens the eyes up and adds an instant lift. My favorite lashes are by Ardell. I like the Babies strip lashes, as they are the most natural looking and virtually undetectable with their invisiband.
And for a really natural look, try the knot free individual lashes in black. You simply attach them to your own lashes with a little waterproof DUO glue.
A constant staple in my on set makeup bag is Clean and Clear oil blotting sheets. The tiny papers instantly absorb facial oils leaving your skin clean and fresh. These make my job as a makeup artist so much easier...who needs to be constantly powdering all day?! These are great for men too, and very discreet.
One of my most memorable jobs as a makeup artist, was the time I got to assist celebrity makeup artist Joanne Gair, famous for her incredible Sports Illustrated body painting masterpieces. She was here for a day to do some hand painting for a commercial, and one of her favorite products was Maybelline oil-free eye makeup remover. Seeing the ease that these cleaned up any makeup residue, instantly made me a fan as well, and the best thing about this is that it doesn't burn the eyes or leave an oily feel.
I think I would be lost without Q-tips in my life! They are invaluable as a makeup artist. But sometimes I need a little bit more in my cotton swabs, and reach for a pointed version by Victoria Vogue to correct any smudges and do some last minute clean ups that the round version can't reach.
For instant makeup removal, another set bag and celebrity favorite has been Comodynes makeup remover towels. They make clean up a snap; they are great for sensitive skin, and perfect for travel.
When it comes to blush, I always reach for Milani's Luminoso baked blush. It is a beautiful peachy, pink with golden highlights, and looks perfect on everyone. It's almost identical to the oh-so-popular, NARS Orgasm blush but at a fraction of the cost.
