IMATS 2011 - Los Angeles

Well, it’s that time of year again! The International Makeup Artist Trade Show took place in Pasadena, California and for the first time in IMATS history, the entire weekend sold out! 

The Pros were looking forward to the excellent education, informative workshops and interesting panels featuring some of our favorite movies and TV shows. And, even more so this year, IMATS Los Angeles was the place to catch new product launches, stock up on necessities, and try new cosmetic and special effects lines. Best part, it was all under one roof! 

These Pros are huge fans of the show, Face Off so when we ran into last season’s winner, Connor McCullagh, we were ecstatic to see his newest creation. Head to toe, his character was covered with such intricate detail (and those nails!), even part of her “glands” lit up with multi colors! We also ran into Face Off finalist Gage Hubbard at the Iwata booth. He was in the airbrush phase of this creation and the layers of this creature were amazing!

We got to speak with the man behind the masks, President and Owner of Tech Works FX Studios Inc, Valek Sykes. As well as creating and providing robots and creatures for feature films, he also offers workshops at his school for Animatronics and FX. For more information on taking classes with Valek, visit http://www.animatronicschool.com. 

While walking the floor, we got a few close ups at the student competition makeups:

After visiting our friends at the Alcone booth to stock up on our favorite sponges and mascara wands, we got to speak with the creator of Cozzette Inc., Roque Cozzette, his vegan brushes are making a name for themselves in our industry and he recently launched a new brush cleaner that is packed with essential oils, lavender and lemongrass to give your brushes a cool, refreshing scent while ridding them of makeup and unwanted oil. We were so taken with the scent, we actually thought it was a body spray at first!

We had heard of lip tattoo transfers, and to be honest, we weren’t sold on the idea, so when we saw the Violent Lip booth, the Pros wanted to get the skinny on this new trend. From American Flags to leopard print, they have just about every color and design you could want. With just a quick trim to match your lips, it applies just like a temporary tattoo and lasts for hours. We can definitely see them being used on a music video or for fashion work as they take only minutes to apply and are definitely eye-catching. For more information visit www.violentlips.com.

We made our rounds and the shopping spree continued as we picked up new brushes and tools at Royal Langnickel (they have excellent art and FX brushes), and said hello to our friends at Embryolisse, Eve Pearl, BeautySoClean, Purely Cosmetics and CoverFX. We also saw that Z-Palette released their new “Pro Palette” - the same convenient and space saving palette is now slightly wider and longer to hold even more and to accommodate those products that are extra large or oddly shaped!

The Pros are always beauties on a budget, but we couldn’t resist adding to our Hakuhodo collection. Cathi picked up a tapered powder brush that feels like a massage everytime you use it. Not so sure that one will make it into her kit... 

While the Inglot booth was overrun with anxious makeup artists and credit cards were flying, Cathi found her way to the gel eyeliners. She had been told the pale blue gel eyeliner (#88) was a must for waking up tired eyes and was better than the old white pencil trick. She had to get her hands on it, but she was a bit too late, it was totally sold out! She did find an excellent peach color, #81, that will be a great for Summer and fits in perfectly with the coral trend going strong right now! These gel liners are paraben free, waterproof and can also be used as body paints. This particular peach color would also be useful in an FX kit for certain burn wounds, healing scars, etc.

We are Avid fans of the show, Dancing With the Stars, and department head makeup artist Melanie Mills recently launched her magical Gleam body product that is used to bronze and “glowify” the contestants. We jumped at the chance to get our Gleam on.

Here is Cathi’s before/after arms using the Light Gold color:

 

Gleam comes in four shades: Light Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold, and Deep Gold, and is made with Jojoba Seed Oil which makes it hydrating, yet lightweight. Gleam applies like a mousse and smells like a vacation, now if it could only magically make us dance like they do on the show! The Gleam representative gave us a very useful tip: if your body makeup needs to be waterproof, simply apply the Gleam and then spray over it with an aerosol waterproof sunscreen. 

Workshops and classes at IMATS feature some of our industries top artists demonstrating their trade and sharing tips and tricks with other fellow artists. It breeds creativity and unity among the industry and there is always something new to learn!

The Pros recently purchased the Reel Creations Basic Effects Kit, so when we saw that President of the company, Fred Blau was teaching a basic course using the kit to create quick on set bruises, cuts, and tattoos, we had to attend!

This class was especially helpful for Cathi because while she does do light special effects work, she learned so many quick tricks of the trade from Fred. He literally made a scab, with blood, in a matter of seconds. At the end of each application, he used his Blue Aqua Sealer - what he calls, “The Sealer that Seals Other Sealers.” He demonstrated the product by applying a tattoo and coloring it in, then using the sealer, he sprayed it once, and instantly ran his hand over it. While it should have still been wet and smeared, it didn’t budge! We went straight to his booth and bought two more bottles!

Being that we work in such different environments and sets everyday, we never know what the day will bring - whether it’s skin type, lack of air conditioning, or if the actor is going to be doing strenuous activity and we won’t be able to jump in for touch ups. Needless to say, a great sealer is a must for us. We have since used it on every single beauty makeup since, and have noticed the need for touch ups are few and far between. One small mist is all it takes! It is waterproof and oil resistant. This product would be perfect for brides as well. You can buy products on their site, www.reelcreations.com, and be sure to check out “Fred’s Tips” for helpful hints from the veteran artist.

We were most excited about the True Blood panel. As huge fans of the series, we love the gruesomeness they create. As the seasons progress, so does their creativity, and they always seem to find the most extreme way to use ample amounts of blood and body parts.

The make-up and special effects team consists of Andre Bustanoby, Lana Grossman, Todd Masters, Brigette Myre Ellis, Dan Rebert and Mark Viniello. They have found a balance of making characters like Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Pacquin) look like the flawless Southern Belle of Bon Temps, while at the same time covering her in “gook” from an exploded vampire and still making it look realistic!

The panel was nothing short of entertaining, as the team had come prepared with slideshows, lab test videos and tons of never before seen test and continuity shots. They also gave a sneak preview of what’s to come in Season 4. We don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say, new creatures will be introduced, and they are much more crass and disgusting than anything you’ve seen thus far.

The panel did reveal some tools used, and some behind the scenes secrets. For instance, when a vampire is exposed to the sun for an extended period of time and starts to burn, they used a combination of tinted colodian, blackened coffee grounds and skin transfers. As far as those vampire tears go, they are at times an actual red tear solution and sometimes a visual effect. Because the tear has to brim in the eye base, it is extremely difficult to make it look seamless. The red also stains the skin, which prolongs the filming process for touch ups, in which case, the visual effects are put in afterward.

Overall, the weekend was a success, and fun was had by all. A huge THANK YOU to Makeup Artist Magazine for all of their hard work planning and coordinating the sold out event! Looking forward to what 2012 will bring!  For more information on upcoming IMATS in or near your area visit www.makeupartistmagazine.com and purchase your tickets today!

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!