Slice Cosmetic Pencil Sharpeners

I really never thought I'd get super excited about a cosmetic pencil sharpener...but I have, and just wanted to share my latest discovery with you, thanks to the recommendation of my friend, celebrity makeup artist Kendra Richards.

Slice cosmetic pencil sharpeners are the cadillac of sharpeners- a great compact, sleek design by Michael Graves. It is the perfect companion to my high end cosmetic pencils - no more shredding and tearing my expensive pencils apart with cheap sharpeners!

This unique design catches all the shavings in the bottom of the container, while the dual German stainless steel blades sharpen your 8mm and 12 mm pencils to a precise point. It even comes with its own handy cleaning pick, and for 9.99, it's worth every penny, and makes my life as a makeup artist, so much easier!

But the best thing about Slice, is that founder, TJ Scimone donates 1% of all product sales to help fund autism research. His son Alex is autistic...now that is beauty with a cause.

Supah Ninjas Season 2

Last summer was spent at 31st St. Studios with a bunch of crime fighting teens filming, Supah Ninjas Season 2 on Nickelodeon.

I loved this super talented cast, which consisted of: Ryan Potter, Gracie Dzienney and Carlos Knight and the charming, witty George Takei!

Here are some behind the scenes pics from the "Shadow Fly" episode:

shadow fly billboard by our fabulous art department

these fans saved our lives all summer

Ninja hair and makeup team

ninja power!

green screen

yes, our actors really had to hang!

those nin-juice pants were so heavy, but really cool

the beautiful ninja, Gracie Dzienney

the super hot high school set

filming a Supah Fly commercial on green screen

our amazing camera department

we loved our stunt men- always made us laugh

it takes a village to film a 16 week TV show!

Thank you Nickelodeon for an incredible experience..check out Shadow Fly, a cool episode to work on with lots of special effects, stunts and some great acting.

Supah Ninjas: "Shadow Fly" S1
Get More: Supah Ninjas Episodes,Supah Ninjas,Supah Ninjas Games

Beauty on the GO!

As a professional makeup artist, I am always on the go, reorganizing my kits, and looking for the best possible cases, products and containers to make my life and job, so much easier.

Here are some of my favorites:

A few years ago, I was working on the film, Adventureland, shot on location in Kennywood Park. We were constantly toting our makeup bags and kits all over the park, and after 15 hour days on the set, our shoulders were aching!

It was then that the key makeup artist introduced us to a really cool, rolling case, made by Zuca.
Besides holding all of my products, it fits on an airplane AND doubles as a seat while standing in long lines, or sitting around on movie sets. The coolest thing is that you can customize your own case and the wheels light up. I get so many compliments ever time I take it out...mine is pink, and very cute:)

In my Zuca case are many palettes that I have created from the hundreds of lipsticks, blush and eyeshadow pots. I love the MAC cosmetics and Z Palettes.
Z Palettes are a great way to put all of your favorite powders, blush and shadows in one case. Just pop your shadows out of the containers and place them in the magnetic cases.

Another makeup artist must have is the Kim Greene Premiere makeup bag. The see thru set bag, with all of the different compartments, keeps your actors makeup organized, allows you to see whatever makeup products you are using, and grab them quickly for touch ups. Love, love, love these bags!

The airlines love these bags, too!

Evian water spray is a must for hydrating and refreshing the skin when traveling. It can also wake you up on those long car & plane rides. On movie sets, we use it to make the actors sweaty, and mix it with eyeshadow to make eyeliner- I can't live without this stuff!

I love multi tasking products such as Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. This is a great time saver as it is a moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen...a huge time saver for those hectic mornings.

Rosebud salve lip balm is another cult classic. It's one product that can do it all, great for lips, nails, dry skin, even hair! The strawberry scented balm is heavenly.

 Nurturing Force Lavender blotting papers are a great new product used to absorb oil from the skin, and save you from caking powder on your face- they smell heavenly and the packaging is so clever!

For quick, and gentle makeup removal, I am a huge fan of DHC's Make Off Sheets- perfect for on the go touch ups! They're made from 100% cotton and aloe vera, a natural skin healer.

 

And after a long day of travel, or on the set, there's nothing like Burt's Bees peppermint foot lotion- the best cooling, tingling feeling for tired feet!

Hello 2013!

It's been a while since I've blogged...sorry, work just got the best of me!

 2013 has been quite a busy one already.
 Another successful Steelers season has come and gone, (at least for the makeup department) and now my attention has been focused on working with NBC on the Pittsburgh Penguins home broadcasts...such a great group of people to work for...let's go PENS!

Mike Emmerick Hockey Hall of Fame announcer

 Podcasts for the Discovery Channel and UPMC have been keeping On Location artists busy as well. We are very fortunate to live in a city with the best doctors in the world right here in Pittsburgh, and very thankful to work for the great folks at Summer Productions.

 But I wanted to let my clients know that we will now be offering private makeup lessons, makeovers and even small parties at our small studio in Greentree or we can bring the experts to you for a fun girls girls night out party.

We now offer Fluhme Cosmetics to our clients as well. I was fortunate enough to help create some of the looks of the shadow palettes with owner Tiffany Fluhme.
Please call us if you are in need of a new spring look!

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