New year, new beautiful you

Happy 2014!

The new year is the perfect time to revamp your beauty routine, simplify your old makeup routine and start fresh.

It's time to give your makeup, and yourself...a makeover!

Begin by organizing your current makeup collection, take inventory of what you have, what you need and what no longer serves you. Toss any products that are old or broken. Discard any rancid smelling lipsticks, foundation that has separated, and dried up mascara.

Find the products that you know will work best for you and stick with them to save you time and money in the future. This is my favorite way to organize my makeup stash.

Get a makeup lesson from a professional makeup artist who will tell you what colors work best for you. Bring your current makeup that you use along with you and learn the latest tips and techniques to make you look your very best this year. Sometimes it's just the tiniest improvements that make the biggest difference in your appearance & makeup is one of the best, and most inexpensive ways to upgrade your look. Take pictures, ask questions...this is your time to learn the correct way to apply your makeup that is best suited for you.

Now is the time to ditch the heavy foundation and powder that can tend to be very aging, and try the new BB or CC creams for a lighter than air, perfect flawless looking, complexion. Today's new foundations are some of the best formulas I've ever seen. They often combine: a foundation, sunscreen, primer and moisturizer all in one, and a little goes a long way.

Matte lip colors and pencils are all the rage right now. The formulas are moister and longer lasting and not quite as drying as the matte lip colors from the 1980's. Try a fun berry, plum or purple shade to compliment the rich jewel tones of your winter wardrobe.

Today's lip colors are actually good for you, some even good enough to eat, like the BITE brand. Their lipsticks contain Resveratrol, which is equivalent to 5 glasses of wine...my kinda lipstick:)

Maybe it's time to visit your hairdresser and add a few highlights, (or lowlights), to your hair to lift your spirits during the cold winter months.

If you've never had bangs before, give it a try- they are a fun way to update your hairstyle, give you a younger look, and a great way to hide any lines on the forehead!

Even curling your hair a different way, can completely change your look. If you've always curled your hair with a regular curling iron, try a larger barreled iron for a fuller, looser curl. Don't brush it out when your done, just run your fingers through it to create a gentle wave and spray it lightly with a brushable hairspray like Elnett used by every top hairstylist in the world. I like the unscented spray the best.

I also love the new clip-less curling rods- it gives a nice beachy wave to the hair and instantly updates your look. You just simply wrap the hair around the wand, and loosely pick the curls apart with your fingers...it's a beautiful look.

Another life saver for me on my shoots has been the Halo hair pieces.

It's a great investment for women that would like to add a little length or thickness to their hair. It is quick and easy to use, just place the halo on your head and pull your own hair over top of the hair extension. It is practically invisible to detect and worn by so many celebrities and news anchors...and the best thing of all, it can be washed, dried, colored and curled and does not damage your existing hair like hair extensions or clip in extensions.

And my final beauty tip to brighten to begin the new year as healthy as can be is to visit the dentist and take care of that smile and whiten those teeth. Nothing ages a woman more than stained, yellow teeth.

I believe a beautiful smile is one of our best assets and one of the cheapest "facelifts" we can do for ourselves, and the perfect accessory to show off that new lip color!

Here's to a more beautiful you this year!
Cheers!
Patty

Superwomen in Heels Awards

It was quite an honor to be recently named the 2013 Makeup Artist of the Year at Pittsburgh Style Week!

Thank you Wadria Taylor of Style and Steel for creating such a special and memorable event for Pittsburgh.

It's a bird, it's a plane ... no, it's 'Superwomen in Heels' at Style Week Pittsburgh Day 2

Written by Sara Bauknecht on Friday, 09 August 2013 7:00 am.

Style Week Pittsburgh sashayed to Pittsburgh Winery in the Strip District for Day 2 of the inaugural event, which recognized some of the city's leading ladies in fashion design, makeup, photography, modeling and more.

The theme, "superwomen in heels," was carried out from the designer shoes positioned among the wine barrels and hanging on the chandeliers to the stiletto wine bottle holders the 10 honorees (some pictured above) were awarded.

The night kicked off with a performance by Anqwenique Wingfield & Groove Aesthetic, followed by KDKA-TV's Lynne Hayes-Freeland leading the award presentation. The winners are listed below, with more photos of the event.

Day 3 of Style Week Pittsburgh starts at 6 p.m. at CAVO in the Strip District. Tonight's theme will be "Decades," a snapshot of fashions from 1970s to today.

Young fashionista on the rise ..... Makayla Wray

Most stylish host ..... Vanessa Doss

Most stylish artist ..... Vanessa German

Style icon of the year ..... Debbie Norrell

Model of the year ..... Ernesta Pollard

Makeup artist of the year ..... Patty Bell Makeup

Stylist of the year ..... Lakisha Pattin, Focus Fashion

Fashion photographer of the year ..... Mary Beth Kratsas, MBK Photography

Fashion designer of the year ..... Lana Neumeyer

Superwoman of the year ..... Demeatria Boccella

with Mary Beth Kratsas photographer of the year

Greentree Woman is Makeup Artist to the Stars

A huge thank you to the Tribune Review for the recent newspaper interview!

Mention this ad and receive 50.00 off of your makeup session!

By Charlotte Smith 

Published: Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 9:00 p.m.

Updated: Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Patty Bell of Green Tree began her career as a young model and then got her start as a makeup artist thanks to her neighbor, Judy McKenzie, who was a Ralph Lauren Cosmetics representative.

Bell began working in a department store where she was “discovered” and then hired for a commercial by director Glenn Przyborski.

This led to state licensing as an esthetician and training to be a certified airbrush makeup artist.

A member of Pittsburgh's Makeup Artist Association, the New York Hair and Makeup Union, Pittsburgh Professional Women, and Pittsburgh Women in Film and Media, she also devotes time to the American Cancer Society's “Look Good, Feel Better” program.

She has worked on photo shoots for national companies that are based in Pittsburgh, such as American Eagle, Rue 21, Modcloth and Dick's Sporting Goods. She also does makeup for appearances by sports teams such as those recently involved with the Stanley Cup playoffs, CBS Sports, Monday Night Football, ESPN and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

She is most proud of working on a life-changing TV show called “Makeover Pittsburgh.”

She has traveled to Nova Scotia to work on a large ad campaign with Sidney Crosby.

She has met President Barack Obama. She has worked on CNN with Vice President Joe Biden who, when she told him that her mother was a big fan, picked up the telephone and actually called her mother, thanking her for her support.

She was one of the makeup artists for the films “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Perks of Being a Wallflower.”

Other celebrities she has worked with include Joan Rivers, Drew Carey, Ted Nugent, Amy Adams, Samuel L. Jackson, Joe Namath and Mario Lemieux.

“My favorite thing is to teach women how to look their very best,” Bell said.

Although most of her work is on location, she has now opened a studio in Green Tree and offers bridal consultations and private makeup lessons.

She can be reached at 412-298-3936 or online at www.onlocationhairand makeup.net or at www. pattybellmakeup.com.

Charlotte Smith is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media and can be reached at 724-693-9441 or charlotte59@comcast.net.

Favorite Drugstore Beauty Finds

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.

Always on the search for that perfect, "your-lips-but-better" color, I found a drugstore brand I absolutely love and it looks great on everyone, Maybelline's,  Color Whisper lip color in Made-it Mauve. The natural looking lip color glides on like gel and feels so good on your lips.

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.

L'uvalla certified organic skincare

I am very lucky to live in a town with such wonderful hospitals and doctors.

UPMC is one of the premiere hospitals in the US and I have been privileged to work on many commercials, videos and billboards for this health care giant over the years.

One of my most memorable UPMC commercials I worked on last year, was with actress, Alla Korot, former soap star and now current co-owner of L'uvalla certified organic skin care. She is as passionate about her products as she is acting, and her skin was absolutely flawless.

After we wrapped the commercial, she was kind enough to send me some of her products in the mail to try and I have to say I was very impressed with everything she sent me.

Using the L'uvalla line is like feeding your skin some of the long lost nutrients its been lacking.
It's such a comforting feeling to know that every ingredient they put into their products is both natural, organic and very good for you. There really is something to be said for the old saying, "if you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin."!

Her Balancing Cream for normal to oily skin was one of my favorite products. It instantly absorbed into my skin, leaving it hydrated and matte...a perfect combination for my oily skin, and completely free of toxic chemicals.

Alla was such a beautiful soul to work with and I really enjoyed the time we spent together on set, and making her even more beautiful for our commercial.

Many celebrities love and endorse her line, and now I can see why!

Green is the new black

Ladies, if there is one thing you must add to your spring makeup collection this season, it is green makeup!

Emerald green is taking over the runway, the theaters, and now your makeup palette.
I have no doubt that the "OZ the Great and Powerful" in the theaters this month has something to do with the green craze;)  

 One of my favorite ways to wear green eyeshadow is to wet it to give it a nice sheen, then apply it to the eyelid. I love colors that have some iridescence to them such as MAC, Makeup Forever and Urban Decay.

Green liner has always been my favorite eyeliner to make hazel eyes sparkle.
I have three go-to colors from Urban Decay that I absolutely love:
Graffiti, Stash, and Mildew. The colors all glide on effortlessly and stay put...24/7!

If you're afraid of color on your eyes, you can ease into it slowly by adding just a pop of color along your upper lash line, while keeping your eyeshadows neutral.
If you're feeling really daring, try a glitter liner for evening along the upper lash line, Stagedive is gorgeous and fun!

Colored mascara is always a cool way to add some life to your eyes. Hard Candy makes a green mascara. I like to add it over black to add a little pizzazz!

And who wouldn't want to wear false green eyelashes?! My latest discovery from Ardell...just in time for St. Patrick's day, available online or at any drugstore.

And finally to top off your green makeup palette, you must have Spring Bean lip gloss by MAC! 

Be not afraid...it doesn't actually go on "lime green", but just tints your lip with a nice golden tone.

Makeup Timesavers

I am so excited it is finally March, and spring is just around the corner.

After a long winter, it's so great to finally see the sun peeking through again. Daylight savings time can really reek havoc on my system for a while, so I am always searching for the best products that can make me, (or my clients), look more awake, refreshed and make up that time that mother nature took from us!

Losing that hour of sleep over the weekend, hurts, but it's nothing that a little concealer, (and caffeine) can't handle...or how about a concealer, with caffeine, to instantly perk up the eye area?

Smashbox High Definition Liquid Concealer does all that! The caffeine helps sooth the redness and puffiness around the eyes, while never getting cakey. Apply this after your foundation to lighten under eye circles and soften the lines.

Spring is the time to shed the heavy foundations and lighten the coverage with some of the newer BB creams. I'm a huge fan of Miracle Skin Transformer. It gives a flawless, airbrushed look to the skin while moisturizing, priming the skin, minimizing pores and providing a SPF 20. The formula glides on like silk resulting in perfect looking skin without looking like you're wearing a full face of makeup.

Continuing my quest for flawless skin, another one of my new beauty time savers comes from celebrity makeup artist, Kendra Richards. Heir Atelier Ultimate Makeup Prep is a hydrating serum designed to moisturize, nourish and prime the skin for a beautiful complexion. The silicone free formula is so lightweight and immediately absorbs into the skin. It's a must have on all of my shoots as it keeps the makeup looking fresh all day.

And finally, on those days where you just want to look alive, and fresh and have absolutely no time for makeup, there's always time for NARS Multiples. With a quick swipe of the stick on your cheeks, eyes and lips, your skin glows and instantly perks up with sheer beautiful color with a hint of vitamin E and acai oil.