SPOTLIGHT - Kim Greene




In my world of professional makeup artistry my inspiration and motivation comes from other Pros who mainly work in the film industry.

I admire artists who not only ooze talent, but also are expert communicators, negotiators, organizers, listeners, teachers, product testers, leaders, jugglers and who are very skilled problem solvers. These artists are usually also entrepreneurs.

Kim Greene is one such artist! I have admired her work for years from such films as Terminator Salvation, A Prairie Home Companion, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Charlie's Angels and The People vs. Larry Flynt, just to name a few.






She has built a very solid career in film, but also works in television and print. Kim also, somehow, finds the time to teach, blog and invent products that are used by professional artists behind-the-scenes.



Kim Greene started her career in 1992 and has worked on everything from Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday to Get Him To the Greek! 

Actresses such as Drew Barrymore, Christina Applegate, Neve Campbell, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel and Minka Kelly have all relied on Kim and her makeup talents. Actors such as Woody Harrelson, James Franco, Seth Rogen and Zac Efron have requested her to be their personal makeup artist and if that weren't enough, Kim Greene has also been Department Head on some pretty major films.







To say that she knows a thing or two about makeup artistry is such a huge understatement! I was so excited when Kim decided to start a blog and share her behind-the-scenes secrets. Since I have never had the privilege of assisting or working along side Kim, her blog is a learning tool for me that will prove invaluable.



Her blog is called Kim Greene's Makeup Tips from the Set and if you are smart, you will bookmark it immediately because it contains secret tips and tricks that Kim has discovered in her 20 years as an artist.



Kim is new to blogging, but I know that her blog will become extremely popular. I mean, who wouldn't want to know what Drew Barrymore's personal makeup artist is using on Drew's skin, eyes, cheeks and lips?



The best thing is that you know that the products Kim suggests have been truly put to the test! 12-hour work days, under hot lights, difficult weather conditions and sleep deprivation are just a few obstacles that Kim deals with daily and no doubt she has become quiet the magician!





She also invented The Kim Greene Bag Line, which I use both personally and professionally. Her bag is the "set bag" of choice for many Pro makeup artists because they are durable, reliable and stylish!



She designed her line because she was working and traveling so much from set to set and her desire to keep her professional and personal life organized pushed her into creating a bag that was unique and functional.

These bags keep all product and supplies sanitary and easy to find because they are "clear". For Pro artists, digging through a black set bag on a dark sound stage to find a lip gloss or powder for touch up is extremely frustrating! Kim made that problem disappear and she did it in a very affordable way.

Her line has several cosmetic and travel bags to fit your needs. This Pro uses the Premier Bag as a set bag when I am working and I use the Essential Bag for my personal cosmetic bag. Kim has other bags called Brush & Stuff, which keeps brushes, lip pencils, eye pencils, hair essentials and other products organized and not spilling in the bottom of your larger bag or purse.




If you are like me, organization is a must! I hate feeling unorganized or worse, being perceived as slow on set because I am not able to quickly accomplish a makeup touch up. I never have to worry because Kim Greene's bags keep everything orderly!

I have seen artists pull out zip lock bags from their larger set bags containing an actor/actresses makeup - that doesn't work for this Pro, even though it appears to be a practical and cheap solution!

Made of heavy PVC gauge vinyl, these bags clean up easily and because they come "clear" or "clear colored" it is easy to coordinate several actor's individual needs on set efficiently.





Costumers, Hair Stylists, Manicurists, Estheticians and even Prop Masters have discovered the organizational benefits of The Kim Greene Bag Line too - they're not just for artists!






In writing this blog post and doing my research, I realize that I need to purchase more bags! I am in need of more Essential Bags for heavy cast days and I will add more Brush & Stuff bags to my never ending list of must haves!

I have said this a million times - the Pros know! So, read Kim's blog because she will steer you in the right direction on solutions to skin and makeup issues.  Purchase one of Kim's bags and kiss your organizational woes goodbye!  Also, if you are a professional artist, visit The Makeup Space on MUAtv and take Kim Greene's seminar on The Secrets to being a Good Department Head Makeup Artist - Organization, Design and Communication.



"Like" The Kim Greene Bag Line on Facebook where you will get up-to-date information on new products and if you are a movie buff, you can see some great behind-the-scenes photos.

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

I carry small first aid items in Kim's Brush & Stuff bags too and they keep my temporary tattoos and transfers safe inside my larger kit.  You can purchase Kim's bags online at www.thekimgreeneline.com or from the following retailers:

USA:

Frends Beauty Supply – North Hollywood, CA
Naimie’s Beauty Supply – Valley Village, CA
Nigel’s Beauty Emporium – North Hollywood, CA
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply – New York, NY
Alcone – New York, NY

Canada:

Beautyconnexion – online

International:

P.A.M. – London, England
The Makeup Foundation – Melbourne, Victoria Australia

Iconic Beauty!



In my career this Pro has worked with all types of beauty. I see beauty in areas that others would not and I believe that every person has the ability to be beautiful regardless of the “gifts” bestowed on them by genetics!

Iconic beauty is, to me, a woman that personifies time. Usually these women are exceptionally gorgeous like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, etc. This blog post will concentrate on the iconic personas of today because these women are still out “there” on our televisions, on our movie screens and in our magazines.

The women highlighted today are Pro favorites! Ask me why and I will answer…"because they keep it real!" They don’t pretend to be something they are not. These ladies are just that…ladies, but with, and pardon the expression, a set of “balls” on them that make this Pro envy their determination.

They are magnetic, passionate, powerful, successful, talented and yes…gorgeous!  These women are also all over the age of 60 and there is no slowing them down. Whether they are performing, fundraising or fighting for a cause politically, these women are iconic beauties with a style that we should celebrate.

Since this is first and foremost a beauty blog, I thought it would be appropriate to write a beauty breakdown on how to “get their look.” As you read this post you will notice a pattern. All of these breakdowns will contain age appropriate makeup recommendations. These mega stars don’t allow or want their makeup artists to overly make them up, unless the magazine spread or movie character calls for it.

Please don’t be fooled, just because this post is focusing on more mature women doesn’t mean that you can’t use the products listed regardless of your age. Everyone can wear a matte eye shadow or those with a slight shimmer and a nude lip does not have an age requirement!

Let’s begin with a lady that I had the pleasure to work with long ago…Sigourney Weaver. Ms. Weaver is 61 years young and is best known for her role as Ellen Ripley in the Ailen film series.  Other notable roles include Ghostbusters, Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl and the most recent Avatar.


I am currently working with an actress that reminds me very much of Ms. Weaver. Her name is Reamy Hall and I always think of how Ms. Weaver’s natural bone structure, which Reamy has too, is perfect and that the need for a ton of makeup is totally unnecessary.

To get a natural, daytime appropriate look like the photo above, try the following products:

Skincare/Prep: Every good makeup starts with great skincare and prep.  Don’t make the mistake of investing in cosmetics without making certain that your skin is ready.  This means purchasing products that are right for your skin type.  If you are not sure what you need then visit a professional or even a cosmetic counter and test products before you buy.

Foundation: depending on your skin’s texture and tone you may want to invest in a more expensive foundation and purchase one that contains SPF protection.  I recommend the following from Chanel: Lift Lumiere, which visibly diminishes the look of wrinkles and fine lines and it controls shine without chalkiness. Vitalumiere if your skin suffers from fatigue and dehydration. If you are oily then try Mat Lumiere or if you have normal skin try Pro Lumiere. These foundations are best because of their blend-ability, wear-ability, coverage and they will not settle into lines or wrinkles.

Concealer: you will want to use a concealer that is also a treatment because you do not want that product settling into any fine lines around your eyes! This Pro recommends purchasing a concealer that is also an “eye brightener,” which will help disguise the appearance of wrinkles and deep creases. Try Jan Iredale’s Active Light Under Eye Concealer, which contains ingredients that will calm tired eyes and reduce puffiness while lightening up any dark areas.

Face Powder: set your makeup with a light dusting of face powder, but be careful not to over do it! Powder tends to settle into creases and can have a very flat effect on the face. Try Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish Powder, this product contains real diamonds, which have a subtle reflective quality, but is free of shimmer. A very light dusting is recommended and gently buff into the skin using a soft buffer brush.

Contour: bronzer is used to sculpt cheekbones and to contour the jaw line. Using Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, which is a light cream-gel bronzer with a small, tapered blush brush, lightly apply toward the back of the cheekbone near the ear and blend down toward the nose, but stop before the nasal labial folds. Tip: you are trying to “lift” the face, not drag it down and the closer your bronzer or blush gets to your nose, can cause the appearance of “droopiness.” Blend and buff the bronzer into the skin diminishing any demarcation lines. You can also blend up onto the temples and into the hairline.

Cheeks: blush should be a light, peachy/pink tone either matte or with a slight shimmer. Eve Pearl’s Blush Trio in Sweet Cheeks is a perfect palette. Sweep a fan brush over all three colors and apply lightly on the cheekbone avoiding the apples of the cheeks. Remember the tip listed above, you do not want to bring your blush down near your nose. Keep the blush higher to create the appearance of a “lift.”

Highlighter: this product can be your BFF because Highlighters create a natural glow and bring a sheer, reflective light to the skin. Eve Pearl’s Bronzing Highlighter Trio (Classic) can be lightly swept along the orbital bone, down the nose and across the chin.

Eyes: Jane Iredale’s Perfectly Nude Eye Shadow Kit contains 5 shades of beautiful, age appropriate color for the lid, crease and brow bone area. The darker colors in this range can also be used as a soft bottom liner. Use Cream as an all over wash from lid to brow, blend Cappuccino into the crease and create a slight “V” shape in the outer corner and blend to erase any harsh lines. Use Antique Gold or Cream at the brow bone. Tip: line the lower inside waterline with a matte white or flesh-tone eye pencil. This is a great trick for opening the eyes and help to whiten the eyes when they are tired.

Eyebrows: make sure to fill in your brows! Choosing a color close to your hair color is best or have your brows tinted. Tattooing is a harsh look for more mature women and is not endorsed by this Pro! Try Laura Mercier’s Brow Definer, which is an innovative wax/gel formula that coats the hair lightly and because this product is a gel formula, it has a longer wear-ability factor. Apply with an angle brush.

Eyeliner: as we age our natural, dark lash line begins to fade leaving the appearance of sparse, light lashes that can instantly age our eyes. You will want to use a powder, pencil or gel liner and smudge into the upper lash line.

Mascara: plenty of black mascara, waterproof or not, will also help to bring out your eyes. Some women are embracing false lashes or even opting for eyelash extensions. All of which can be a benefit.

Lips: choose a lipstick that is hydrating with a little bit of plumper. This Pro loves Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Ginger. Tip: coordinate your lip and cheek color. If you are using a peachy/pinky blush tone then either a pinky or peachy color for the lips will work. Rose color seems to be a favorite for mature women, but certainly not necessary and if you are going for a coral, choose a deeper color and unfrosted! Lip pencil is optional, but use if your lipstick tends to bleed.


Here are a few more photos from the past that depict Ms. Weaver’s ageless beauty:




Moving on, here is a woman who has the “Midas touch!” Everything she does turns to gold or platinum! Barbara Streisand was born in 1942, which makes her 69 years young. She has won 2 Academy Awards, 8 Grammy Awards, 4 Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award and she has sold over 140 million albums worldwide!


This Pros all-time favorite Streisand movie is Funny Girl! I could watch it a thousand times and “Hello Gorgeous” are words that every woman should say to herself (out loud) when they look in the mirror!

To get Ms. Streisand’s simple yet sophisticated look from the photo above, I suggest the following products:

The recommendations listed above for skincare/prep, foundation, concealer and powder are the same.

Eyes: Dior’s 5-Color Eyeshadow-030 Incognito - these colors are incredibly soft and glide onto the eyes without tugging or smudging. You can build the intensity for day to night looks and you can line under the eyes creating a natural looking definition. Sweep Matte Beige from lid to brow and under the bottom lash line. Use Taupe Shimmer lightly in the crease. Warm Brown Shimmer should be blended into the upper lash line as liner.

Brows and Mascara recommendations are the same as above.

Cheeks: sometimes highlight and bronzer is all you need. Try Smashbox’s Step-By-Step Contour Kit - it will help you cheat genetics and it comes with an easy-to-follow guide that will ensure you place your bronzer (contour) and highlighter properly, just like a Pro!

Lips: M.A.C.’s Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Whim is a light beige, perfectly nude lip gloss that isn’t sticky or goopy!

Here are a few more photos from the past that highlight Ms. Streisand’s timelessness:





Last, but certainly not least, is an actress, political activist and fitness guru…the incredible Jane Fonda. Ms. Fonda is 73 years young and rose to fame in the 1960’s with films such as Barbarella. She tirelessly protested the Vietnam War and she describes herself as a liberal and feminist. As controversial as Ms. Fonda was back in the day, there is no denying that she is a powerfully strong woman and an incredible beauty.


To achieve Ms. Fonda’s flawless look from the photo above, use the following products:

Again, following the skincare/prep, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, contour/highlighter, brow and mascara products mentioned above with one addition:

During skincare/prep add Embryolisse’s Anti-Aging Re-Densifying Eye and Lip Contour Cream to your regime. This product is specifically designed to erase fine lines and deep wrinkles. Eyes will appear brighter, lips redefined and the face will overall appear younger.


Cheeks: Guerlain’s Blush G Serie Norie for a pop of color (notice the placement in the inspiration photo above).

Eyes: using two palettes from Elizabeth Arden – Color Intrigue Quad in Neutral Cashmeres and Color Intrigue Duo in Autumn Leaves to get the look. Begin with the lightest shade from the quad palette as an all over wash of color from lid to brow. Switch to the duo palette and use the peachy tone on the lid blending up into the crease. Switching back to the quad palette and use a combination of the taupe shade and the medium brown tone to create a crease and blend being sure to erase any harsh lines. Keep the darker shading only in the crease and away from the lid and brow bone. Back to the lightest shade from the quad palette as a brow bone highlight. The darkest shade in the quad palette can be smudge along the top lash line and the bottom lash line for eyeliner. If you find that this shade is too dark then switch back to the duo palette and use the deep brown shade instead.

Lips: line the lips using a natural toned lip pencil. Eve Pearl’s Lip Pencil in Cosmo is a perfect shade. Apply Smashbox’s Photo Finish Lipstick in Beautiful. Complete the look with Youngblood’s Lip Gloss in Demure.



Here are a few more photos spotlighting Ms. Fonda’s iconic beauty:





Pro Tip and Tricks: 

If you feel that you need more concealer on your cheeks, chin and around your mouth and nose because of age spots, sun spots or rosacea, then try Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer and Treatment. This product will erase and hide any discolorations. Blot on with a damp sponge and blend or stipple on using a pointed brush. Also, if you find that you need to touch up your face during the day, but don’t like using a pressed powder, switch to blot papers. These genius cloths will remove shine without adding makeup and they are sold in every drugstore!