Makeover Pittsburgh!

Watch for a new show this fall, called Makeover Pittsburgh!
It will premiere on Comcast in the On Demand section.
I was honored to be a part of a fabulous makeover crew, featuring hair by Tom Beckes from The Salon at Saxonburg, and clothing by Carabella in Oakmont.
When I say this was my dream job, I truly mean it!
Our makeover winners, Bonnie and Marcia, truly touched all of our hearts in a very special way...we laughed, we cried and most of all, we changed lives!
Thanks Kym, thanks Comcast...can't wait until the next episodes!

WPXI Interview with makeup artist Patty Bell

Local Makeup Artist Brings Experience To G-20
By: Jessica Woiner, WPXI.com

PITTSBURGH -- This month’s G-20 Summit promises to provide politics, protests and plenty of paparazzi.
But, who will keep global dignitaries and international reporters looking their best?
Pittsburgh freelance makeup artist, Patty Bell.
Bell, a 20 year TV and film makeup veteran, was contacted by German News Network ARD to provide make up for its news anchors.

“My other concern was that I am working for a German TV station, so would there be a language barrier?” pondered Bell. “But all of the anchors speak English and German.”
Bell said she has worked in tight security situations before, having many of her makeup kits searched, but she found getting credentials for working the G-20 an arduous task.
“I basically had to give my life away to work on this G-20,” she said.
But security and communication are not Bell’s biggest issues with the freelance gig.
“My biggest concern is getting there,” Bell said. “I am thinking I will allow myself an hour to get there, and I only live seven minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh.”
Although Bell’s transportation concerns are uncertain, her job once she enters the convention is clear.
The German news station sill set up two rooms to occupy their anchor desk.
Copyright 2009 by WPXI.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

www.wpxi.com/news/20859038/detail.html

...what if film crews ran the world?

This has definitely been one of my favorite commercials this year, but my only complaint, because I have worked on thousands of commercials over the past 20 years is....they forgot to call "last looks" on the bride before she walked down the aisle!

On every film set around the world, makeup, hair and wardrobe are called upon at the very last minute to do a final check before the actor appears on camera.
It is the trained eye of that artist to perfect and correct any imperfection they see, such as: shine, a mascara fleck, a hair out of place, and the dreaded...lipstick on the teeth! No one is perfect...not even actors, but it is the job of the makeup artist to achieve that goal.

Many actors become friends with their makeup artists as they trust their keen eye to assure them that they look their absolute best, at all times, whether it's on the big screen, red carpet or a magazine cover. You can guarantee that behind every big celebrity is a well paid makeup artist who worked an hour or so on her face!

We are trained to fix, correct, repair and beautify, sometimes all in a matter of seconds, and it all gets magnified on the big screen for the world to see!

I salute the makeup artists of the film world, who work, round the clock, day or night, in sickness and in health, in strange locations, and weather conditions, tirelessly making their actors beautiful, (or grotesque), day after day...only for the world to see their name go flying by for a split second, in a tiny credit on the big screen!

...If the world were ruled by makeup artists...it would be such a beautiful place to live:)

Makeup advice for the over 40 crowd!

I was recently interviewed by Leann Sabato, of Cosmetiholic.com, regarding makeup for the mature woman.
It was an honor to be a part of her makeup artist Monday blog!

"Aging isn't easy and makeup can either make you look older, or turn back the years. Award-winning, celebrity makeup artist Patty Bell gives us the low down on how makeup can help or hurt, and how to take 10 years off in an instant.

What are the makeup rules for aging skin?
As women mature, the "less is more" rule, really applies here! All those years of sun worshipping really does catch up to you eventually, so this is the time to: add a night cream to your skin care routine; stop smoking; stay out of the sun; eat healthy; exercise drink lots of water; and ease up on the foundation,powder and heavy eyeshadows!

How can women avoid crepy skin, caused by foundation and powder?
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Some foundations and powders can actually make the skin look older by settling in the fine lines. You want to look for a light, moisturizing foundation with sunscreen, and skip the powder altogether.
For daytime, I would suggest a tinted moisturizer. I have found that some of the mineral foundations look chalky and shiny on mature skin, so I never recommend them to my older clients, and avoid heavily frosted eyeshadows and bronzers as they will only draw attention to the crepiness. And never, ever use pancake makeup - save that for the morticians!

What makeup changes should a woman make when she begins to notice fine lines?
When you first start to notice fine lines, I would suggest using a Retin A cream at night, drink lots of H2O, exfoliate your skin and look for any moisturizers with Hyaluronic acid in it, which plumps up the skin by attracting water And most importantly, wear sunscreen!
Be conscientious as to where your lines are occuring: Sometimes women get lines on their upper forehead from applying mascara, sometimes they are from smiling (which is okay & completely natural) and sometimes the lines are from sleeping on your side. Many times the lines around the mouth & lips, may be from smoking. But remember that aging is a natural process and It's best to just own those lines...you earned them!

What makeup tips/trends make women look older?
Too much makeup instantly makes a woman look older. Very dark lips, tons of mascara, pancake makeup, black eyeliner, blue eyeshadow, and frosty pink lipstick can instantly age and date you. Today's makeup should be fresh & clean...regardless of your age! One should never hide behind their makeup, like a mask.

What makeup tips/trends make women look younger?
Sometimes the subtlest changes can make all the difference in a woman's face, and take off 5-10 years without surgery. As we age, our eyes tend to droop, our lashes and lips become thinner, our skin loses elasticity, our eyes lose their vibrancy & our teeth fade...but have no fear, makeup can cure everything!
A little concealer such as YSL Touche Eclat ($40, ysl.com can instantly brighten and lift the under eye circles.
An eyelash curler such as Shu Uemura's can instantly open up the eyes.
A touch of Visine, and some navy mascara will brighten your eyes and instantly refresh you.
Cream blush like Stila's convertible colors are a great way to add a pop of color to your face, without looking heavy.
Individual eyelashes such as Ardell's can add a touch of glamour to your look and are very inexpensive way to take off 10 years!
Finally...look into teeth whitening. Who wants to look at yellow, stained teeth?
These tips can work for all ages, and they are a lot cheaper than a face lift!

What is your favorite foundation for mature skin?
Airbrushing really looks beautiful on mature skin, but that's not always an option for the every day woman.My all time favorite foundation for mature skin is Visiora. This foundation seems to melt right into the skin & blend perfectly. It is used on a lot of films by every top makeup artist in Hollywood & is virtually undetectable on those big close ups, and it just leaves flawless looking skin. I am also a big fan of Laura Mercier and Chanel foundations."

...thank you Leann!

The importance of Trial Runs!

I was inspired by the fabulous wedding planner, Sumer Schmitt, of Simply Perfect Weddings to write about the significance of having a trial run for your makeup and hair style for your wedding day.
On movie sets it is called a screen test, an actor never goes on the big screen without trying different makeup looks for that character...same thing in the wedding world, it is called a "trial run", both are extremely important when it comes to you looking your very best as you star in the biggest production of your life...your wedding day!

On this one day in your life, you get one shot (hopefully) to look the best you ever did and, this is not the day to experiment with new hairstyles, or makeup colors that you have never worn before.
This is the day you want to look like you...only a touch more glamorous!

Here are a few tips that every bride should think of when hiring a professional makeup artist:

Remember that you are interviewing the makeup artist, and hair stylist as well. You two will be working together very closely & it is very important that your personalities get along, especially the day of your wedding.

Most artists charge for trial runs, so make sure that fee is discussed ahead of time...after all, their time is valuable. Plan on at least 90 minutes.

Your artist should be prompt, professional & very calming to be around.

Never hire someone without seeing their work. Ask to see a portfolio or photos of their work, and ask how long they have been in business.

Experienced artists know the importance of working fast, following a schedule & being cordial to other vendors involved.

Ask for testimonials of former clients.

Get a trial run at least 3-4 months before your wedding.

Make sure you are done tanning when you go in for your makeup trial.

Mention any & all product allergies at your trial run, and if you are on any medications.

Bring along your current makeup so we can see what routine you are used to doing. It is okay to use your own products!

Never feel pressured into trying new colors or buying anything...this is your day!

Be open to new suggestions to enhance your features for your photos, sometimes your every day makeup, and colors, do not work well for photography.

Bring along "tear sheets" of some makeup looks that you like.

Make sure you have a waterproof mascara!

Do not get a facial close to your wedding date. Some facials are meant to draw out impurities in the skin which can cause breakouts.

Make sure your artist takes photos of your new look and writes down all the colors they used on you, so they can duplicate that exact look on your wedding day, so there will be no surprises!

Coordinate your makeup and hair time with your wedding planner- you never want your hairstyle or makeup application to be rushed the day of your wedding. Plan on at least an hour for both.

Check your finished application in 3 way mirrors, and outdoor lighting. You want to make sure you look good in all angles,and lighting!

Think about adding individual eyelashes or a strip lash for an elegant look. I've seen eyelashes make women look 10 years younger!

It is very nice to see the entire bridal party perfectly made up for your bridal photos, and don't forget the mothers of the bride & groom...it is their big day, too!

If you do like the artist & agree to hire them, ask for a contract, and discuss what it will take to reserve their services for you, many require a deposit, and some are non refundable.

And finally....makeup can always wash off, so if they don't get it right the first time, they try again, until YOU are happy...that's why it is called a trial! You try different looks until you get that picture perfect look that is just right for you!

Remember...that wedding photos last a lifetime and you want to make sure that the money invested in professional makeup artists & hairstyling is money well spent.

...update 1/28/10
our article was just picked up for publication on Wed Alert.com!

Congratulations Jaclyn and David!

Debi and I recently had the pleasure of working with the wonderful Jacyln & her bridal party on 8/29/09.
Her wedding was held at the Bella Sera in Canonsburg, such a great venue for a wedding.
We think she made such a beautiful bride, she even got married in the church where I got married...St. Bernard's in Mt. Lebanon.
Thank you Jaclyn, and give that cute little puppy, Annie a big smooch from me!
makeup by Patty Bell
Hair by Debi Maker
photography by Araujo Photography

Makeovers for a cause!

"Patty,
Thankyou so very much for a fabulous day! You are so awesome! Beautiful inside and out! So kind to give all the glamour goodness to the young girls! Peace,love,and blessings to you!
Karen"




...I would like to thank everyone who helped me out on my fundraiser for Gilda's Club of Pittsburgh.
Photographer Archie Carpenter, and model/stylist Karen Goss generously donated their time, and talents to help their girls look, and feel their absolute best and have a fun time doing it!
In addition to a skin care class, and makeup application, manicure and a pizza party...the girls got to experience a real photo shoot, complete with a modeling lesson, designer wardrobe, wigs & platforms shoes!
A good time was had by all!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!