A few months back my husband, Andrew Stiles, did a shoot with the super cute Jane Levy.  She's on the TV show Suburgaory on ABC.  Firstly, I love a red head.  Few and far between in this town (although there are some great ones representing: Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Deborah Ann Woll from True Blood).  She has lovely porcelain skin and sparkly blue eyes, and even better.... a terrific dry sense of humor.  We had a lovely day shooting her and I am excited to watch her star rise.

Get the Look: Elizabeth Banks at the Man on a Ledge Premiere

For the Man on a Ledge Premiere, Elizabeth wore a stunning gold paillette dress from Pucci with really sexy Christian Louboutin gold shoes, so we used lots of bronzes on the eyes and warmed her skin to a sun kissed golden color.  The bronzes made the blue of her eyes just pop.  And I love the warm rosy nude lip color because it keeps the look from feeling washed out, but it doesn't take away from the eyes.  I applied the foundation as I always do, using a synthetic brush and a Beauty Blender.  After it was set I dusted a little bronzer at her hairline and on her cheekbones to give that beachy glow.  For the eyes I took a deep brown liner and smudged it into the lashes top and bottom, and into the waterline.  Then I blended the color and brushed on a deep bronze shadow over it.  A little black liner on the top lash line defined the eyes and make the lashes look thicker.  And so did a few coats of black mascara. You know I love my mascara!

Foundation:

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisturizing Foundation #023

Powder:

Chanel Poudre Univesselle Libre #40

Blush:

Jouer Mineral Blush in "Peach Bouquet"

Bronzer:

Jouer Matte Bronzer in "Golden Honey"

Brows:

Anastasia Brow Wiz in "Medium Ash"

CoverGirl Clear Brow Gel

Liner:

CoverGirl LiquiLine Blast in "Brown Blaze"

Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick Color in "Cocoa"

Eyeshadow:

Josie Maran Argan Beautiful Eyes Quad in "Beautiful Nudes"

CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in "Bronze Fire"

Mascara:

CoverGirl LashBlast 24 in "Black"

Lips:

Inglot gloss  #53

Body:

Prtty Peaushun in "Medium"

Get the Look: Chloe Moretz at the Critics Choice Awards

I got to work with the adorable Chloe Moretz for the first time last week, getting her ready for the Critics Choice awards.  I was so excited to work with her....I love those green eyes, full brows and lovely fair skin.

I kept the look pretty simple, just a smudge of color on the eye, a soft rosy cheek and a sheer neutral pink on the lips.  We kept it young and fresh and easy.  She's only 14 after all!

After moisturizing, I applied foundation and then a bit of liquid blush on the cheeks, right onto the apples. After setting that with loose powder I brushed up her brows and set them with brow gel.  I used a little cream shadow and smudged it along the top and bottom lash lines, being sure to keep the color edgeless and soft.  A curled lash and a bit of mascara fished the eye off and a swipe of lipstick gave the lips a little warmth and shine.  I wish I could say there was more to it, but sometimes simple is best!  Especially when you have such a pretty young face, no need to overdo it.

Moisturizer:

Yonka Pamplemousse

Primer:

Tom Ford

Foundation:

Armani Luminous Silk #2

Blush:

By Terry Rose de Rose liquid blush in "Coral Rose"

Powder:

CoverGirl Professional Loose Translucent Powder

Eyes:

Bobbi Brown Metallic Long Wear Cream Shadow in "Black Violet"

Mascara:

CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara

Brow Gel:

CoverGirl Clear Brow Gel

Lips:

NARS lipstick in "Cruising"

Get the Look: Paula Patton at the Golden Globes

Paula was wearing a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown, a beautiful sunny yellow.  We wanted to keep the look light and pretty, focusing on lashes and cheeks, playing up the happy element of the color.

After prepping the skin, I used a flat synthetic foundation brush to swipe on the foundation, applying it to the bridge of the nose, the cheeks, the forehand and the chin.  Then I used the brush to blend the color out towards the jaw and hairline, going over the base with a criss cross motion to ensure that it's well blended and there are no lines.  I used a little concealer to cover any darkness under the eye or redness along the side of the nose, feathering it out so it blends perfectly with the foundation. Before I powdered, I use a dual fiber brush to apply a bit of cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks and then after I powdered  I used a touch of powder blush to brighten the face a bit more.  I like to combine cream and powder blush, just make sure you apply "like to like" so use the cream blush before you powder, and the powder blush after the makeup is set.  Next I focused on the brows.  I gave them a nice full look by adding a little to the shape with pencil.  The key to making it not look too heavy is to run a clean spooly through the brows after you fill in with pencil.  This softens the lines and blends the color in, making it undetectable.  Set the brows with a clear gel, brushing the hairs into the desired shape.

For the eyes I started by sweeping bronzer that was close to her skin tone over the lid, giving the eye a wash of warmth and a little depth, while still looking like skin.  Then I took a black liner and drew a black line all along the upper lash line, pushing it into the lashes.  Taking a small synthetic brush, I smudged the line, softening the edge, making it less severe. I used a little black liner on the bottom as well, pushing it deep into the lashes so that when mascara is on, the illusion is thicker, darker lashes.

The eyes--soft liner and strong lashes--were the focus of the look, so the lips and cheeks were just meant to compliment them.  A soft pale, peachy lip made her look radiant without distracting too much from the eyes, and the wash of warm pink on the cheeks gave her a fresh, healthy flush.

I gave Paula her lipgloss, a few cotton buds, and some blotting papers for her to take with her on the red carpet.  I wish I could be there to touch up my clients when they get there, but alas, once I leave them they are on their own.  The challenge is fitting all of those touch up supplies in those teeny tiny clutches!


Foundation:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Liquid Makeup in "Rich Sand"

Concealer:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Concealer in "Light"

Powder:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Pressed Powder "Light Bronze"

Bronzer:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer "Light Bronze"

Blush:
CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink with CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in "Lush Berry"

Liner:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Eyeliner on "Black Onyx"

Brow pencil:
CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers pencil in "Midnight Brown"

Shadow:
CoverGirl Queen Collection 1-Kit Eye Shadows "Down to Earth" and "Copper Penny"
CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadows in "Shimmering Onyx"

Mascara:
CoverGirl Queen Collection LashFanatic in Black

Lips:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Gloss in "Starlet Sand"

Get The Look: Paula Patton at the GQ Men of the Year Party

For the GQ Men of the Year Party, Paula wanted to sex it up a little, so we went with pretty bright pink lip and a sexy, flirty eye with fluttery lashes.

After prepping the skin, I applied a bit of foundation and concealer where needed.  Before I powdered I used my fingers to apply a little of the By Terry liquid blush, concentrating on the apples of her cheeks and added the luminizer on her cheekbones and the bridge of her nose.  After powdering I dusted on a bit of bronzer on top of the blush to add a golden glow and to soften and blend the cheek color.

I subtly strengthened Paula's brows, making them just slightly bolder than they are.  I love a strong brow and a strong lip together.  Brushing them up also made them a little thicker.  Using a warm gold, I added a little dimension and depth to they eye, but I mostly focused on liner and lashes to make her eyes be the stand out feature.  Deep grey and black shadow paired with black liner gave her eyes a feline look, while lots of mascara finished it off. 

Paula pressed the lip color gently onto her lips from the tube, and then I did a light dusting of loose powder over it to give it a more matte texture.  We skipped liner so the lip would have a soft edge.

*Paula is the new ambassador for CoverGirl Queen Collection, which is very, very exciting!*

Foundation:

CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Liquid Makeup in "Amber Glow"

Conealer:

Chanel Correcteur Perfection in "Beige Santal"

Cheeks:

By Terry Rose de Rose Liquid Blush in "Coral Rose" 

CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer in "Golden Tan"

Luminizer:

Benefit "Sun Beam" Liquid Luminizer

Powder:

Tom Ford Beauty Translucent Finishing Powder in "Sahara Dusk"

Brow:

MAC Brow Pencil in "Spiked"

Liner:

LiquiLine Blast Eyeliner in "Black Fire"

Eyeshadow:

Chanel Les 4 Ombres in "Kaska Beige" & "Smoky Eyes"

Mascara:

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Lasting Mascara in "Very Black"

Lips:
CoverGirl Queen Collection Lip Color in "PowderPuff Pink"

Get the Look: Nikki Reed at the Breaking Dawn Part 1 Premiere

Nikki's dress had a bit of a Grecian feel so we went for a clean, elegant look. Too much color would feel over the top. I focused on luminous skin that felt effortless, with a subtle hint of color on the eyes. 

For the skin I prepped with Yonka's moisturizer and then mixed Tom Ford Beauty Traceless Foundation in "Natural" with a little Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Golden so that her skin would have a soft, luminous glow. I always use the Beauty Blender to blend out the foundation.  I can't work without it, it just blends makeup so well.  For the cheeks I used a touch of Inglot cream blush in #83 for a little soft warmth, applying with my fingers and blending it out with a brush, and Benefit "Sun Beam" highlighter on the cheekbones and bridge of the nose for a pretty sheen. I set the base and blush with a light dusting of CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in "Translucent Medium".

For the eyes I used CoverGirl SmokyShadowBlast (the Lavender side of "Silver Sky") on the lid and a bit under the lower lashes and then a little of the bronze side of the SmokyShadowBlast in "Bronze Fire". I applied it with a brush to keep the lines soft and undefined. I popped a bit of the gold Sun Beam over the cream shadow to add extra luminosity. Afterwards I gave the lashes a good squeeze with an eyelash curler and put three coats of CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume mascara in Black on the top and two on the bottom.

On the lips I used CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss in "Slaphappy" over a little CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipliner in "Sublime".

Moisturizer:

Yonka Pamplemousse

Foundation:

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation in "Natural" mixed with Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in "Golden"

Powder:

CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in "Translucent Medium"

Blush:

Inglot Cream Blush in #83

Luminizer:

Benefit "Sun Beam" 

Eyeshadow:

CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in Silver Sky and Bronze Fire

Mascara:

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black

Lipliner:

CoverGirl LipPerfection in "Sublime"

Lipgloss:

CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss in "Slaphappy"

French Glamour

Get the Look: Jessica Alba at the Clinton Foundation Gala

I worked with Jessica Alba again last week, she was attending the Clinton Foundation Gala event.  She wore a beautiful outfit from Dior, I especially loved the jewel toned skirt, so lovely.

Jessica has the most beautiful skin, so we kept it dewy and luminous, and her "new mom"radiance certainly added to her glow!  I used a bit of a cream bronzer and highlighter on the cheeks and then added a bit of warm shimmery pink blush to add a little extra "happy" to the cheeks.

For the eyes I used a new product from Shiseido that I am in love with.  It's a long wearing cream shadow with great pigment and intensity, and it is now in heavy rotation in my kit.  The brown has a perfect amount of glittery shimmer in it, making the eyes catch the light and radiate warmth back.  The purple is the perfect bright violet, and mixed with the brown, it was really stunning. (You can't really see the colors in the picture, sadly.)  I added a little black at the lash line for depth, and of course, heaps of mascara.

The lips were a softly shimmering warm beige gloss.

Foundation:

Armani Luminous Silk #8

Powder:

NARS Mountain

Cheeks:

MAC Mineralize Blush in "Lovejoy" 

Hourglass Illume Cream to Powder Bronzer in "Bronze Light"

Brows:

Anastasia Brow Wiz in "Ash Blonde"

Eyeshadow:

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color "Leather" & "Purple Dawn" 

Mascara:

Helena Rubinstein "Feline Black"

Lips:

Armour Beauty Gloss in "Edie" with Dior Addict in "Lace Beige"

Sun Kissed and Wind Swept at Michael Kors S/S 2012

I worship at the altar of Dick Page and I love this look that he created for Michael Kors.  It's subtle, but there's still a statement.  I love that there are only two colors on the face.  Truly beautiful.  

Very Pretty at Versace.

Oh how I love a beautiful, simply made up face.  I do love the less is more approach, it's just as hard to get right as a full on full makeup look.  The dewy skin, perfectly groomed brow, the barely there pink cheek and the glossy peachy/taupe eye.....pure perfection.  I wish this kind of look translated to the red carpet, Hollywood would be a more beautiful place.

I Heart Tom Ford.

I am so beyond excited for the new Tom Ford makeup collection to come out....I even dreamed about it the other night.  No, seriously.  The line of lipsticks he came out with last year were so spectacular, I can only imagine how delicious the rest of collection will be.  It's already out in England (lucky ducks) so I've been stalking the website for Selfridges, ogling the shadows and lips new lip colors, imagining the textures and what the colors will look like in person.  Here are the highlights from my wish list.

I am certain that this foundation is nothing short of perfection.  And I'm so glad that Mr. Ford included good colors for darker skin tones.  I cannot stand when a makeup line neglects foundations for women of color, it makes me crazy.

I mean, just look at these shadow palettes, they are gorgeous!  I might just throw away all of my other shadows.

Nothing groundbreaking about these brushes, but these are my favorite shapes for eyeshadow brushes (they look like #217 from MAC and the brush from Sonia Kashuk's line).  But they're just plain glamorous, so I want/need them!

Contour and highlighter.  Enough said.  Want it.

I have a weak spot for blush.  If you have these two colors you don't need any others.  They are so flattering on everyone.  Hopefully Christmas comes early and I get sent box of goodies from their PR company before I lose control and order the whole line from the Selfridges website.  I have been chomping at the bit about this line for months and now it's almost here and I am so excited I can almost smell the makeup, taste the lipstick and hear the perfect *click* of the compact closing.  Le sigh.....

Gorgeous at Gucci. S/S 2012

So far this S/S show season, the makeup has been really soft and pretty, no real strong makeup looks. Until now.  Gucci brings the sexy with bleached brows, softly contoured cheeks and a smoldering black eye that is somehow equal parts sex kitten and rock and roll.  I love the shape of the eye and how it just pulls you in since it's the only strong feature.  And I never, ever, ever get tired of a bleached brow.  Ever.

UK Glamour: Beach Beauty

This is from the third story I worked on in Mexico in January for British Glamour with the amazing editor Alessandra Steinherr and fantastic photographer David Gubert.  I love a single pop of color or point of interest with makeup and this story is no different.  A bright matte mouth or shot of silver on the eye with no other makeup makes a strong, clear statement.  And I love the idea of a powerful look on the beach.  Not overly made up, but playful and intentional.  That and SPF are all you need!

UK InStyle with Diane Kruger

A few months back I got to work with Diane Kruger, who is as gorgeous as she is lovely.  I had wanted to work with her for a long time, so I was thrilled when I got the call.  She is so amazing in front of the camera, making the clothes all look effortlessly cool with her easy going attitude.  It's such a pleasure to work on a face like hers.... The editors wanted a more polished look for the cover, but a more stripped down look for the inside story, so for the story I kept the look really simple, playing with structure and soft depth on the eyes, beautifully sculpted brows and a barely there lip color.  

Get The Look: Jessica Alba at the ALMA Awards

I have made up a lot of faces over the years, many beautiful faces, but I got to make up Jessica Alba the other day and I was blown away by her beauty.  What a stunning, stunning woman.  Plus she had just had a baby 4 weeks before, and you would never guess.... The lady has great genes!

For the ALMA Awards we went for a bit of a grey smokey eye and pretty skin, a little warm pinky-apricot on the cheeks and a pale pink gloss.  Simple, pretty and cool.

All products are by Revlon

Foundation:

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in "Caramel"

Concealer:

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in "Medium" and "Medium Deep"

Blush:

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Blush in "Honey"

Luminizer:

Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in "Gold Light"

Powder:

Revlon PhotoReady Powder in "Medium/Deep"

Eyeshadow:

Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Quad in "Sterling Rose"

Eyeliner:

Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeliner in "Black Velvet"

Mascara:

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in "Black"

Lips:

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in "Crystal Lilac"

New Beginnings.

A month ago my husband and I had a baby girl.  She is amazing and beautiful and we honestly couldn't be happier.  Or sleepier!  But that goes with the territory, right....?

This will not become a blog filled with baby pictures or anecdotes about parenthood, but I felt like I should mention what's happening in my life, if for no other reason than to excuse me from diligent posting.

That said, she's the most beautiful baby in the world.  Who will have an endless supply of makeup at her finger tips.  Let's hope she has a beauty-tooth!

Get The Look: Nikki Reed at the Teen Choice Awards

Nikki was wearing a dress that had a sweet, relaxed bohemian vibe.  Her hairdresser, Kristen Ess, gave her a soft romantic updo so I kept the makeup simple and bronzed and pretty.  Anything too "makeup-y" would have felt overpowering and out of place with the rest of the look.

I used a little luminous foundation wherever it was needed and then set the base with a medium toned loose powder.  Using a soft fluffy brush I applied a slightly luminous bronzer on the apples of her cheeks and a little beyond for a soft, summery sun kissed glow.

For her eyes I used a warm brown color all over the lid, and blended it right up into the brow bone.  For a little definition along the upper lash line, and to make the lashes look thicker, I used a deep forest green color and smudged it right into the lashes making the upper lashes look even fuller.  (I skipped mascara on the bottom to emphasize the upper lashes.)  To keep the lip understated I used a sheer, warm pink that gave just a hint of color to her lips.


Powder:
Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre in #30


Cheeks:
MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in "Medium Deep"


Eyeshadow:
3 Custom Color in "Warm Camel"


Foundation:
Armani Luminous Silk #6.5


Eyeliner: 
Burberry Eye Definer in Midnight Ash #3 (deep forest green)


Brows:
Anastasia Brow Wiz in "Brunette" and Anastasia Brow Gel


Mascara:
DiorShow Extase in Black


Lips:
Guerlain Baume au Coeur in "Rose Venus"

Get the Look: Jamie King

Jamie King is a stunner.  And her years as a major model lend her the ability to morph and experiment with her look in a unique way.  She loves to play with makeup and she wears it so well.

I started with a light moisturizer and lip balm, as I always do, and then used the Beauty Blender to apply a light coat of foundation.  I am loving Burberry's new makeup line, and their foundation is one of my new favorites.  I set the base with a loose powder (I almost never use pressed--it just breaks in my kit) and then used a pretty light bronze blush that brought warmth and a touch of glow to her cheeks.

For her eyes,  I used a warm bordeaux/wine color on the top lid and a touch under the lower lashes that made Jamie's eyes look incredibly blue.  I used more of mid-tone bronze for the area above the crease, and softly blended it towards her brows.  I darkened and lengthened her brows slightly for a little drama.... I love the contrast of her dark brows with her cool blonde.

I rarely do a lip AND an eye for the red carpet and this look was no exception.  I kept it light handed by using a warm pinky nude lip that is one of my favorite colors.  I thought it looked so beautiful with her skin tone.


Moisturizer:
Yonka Pamplemousse


Foundation:
Burberry Sheer Foundation in Trench #6

Powder:
Koh Gen Do Natural Lightening Powder

Blush: 
NARS "Luster"

Eyeshadow:
Josie Maran Argan Eyeshadow in "Chianti" and "Embrace"

Brows:
Anastasia Brow Wiz in "Brunette"

Mascara:
Dolce & Gabbana Volumized Lashes

Lips:
NARS "Cruising"

UK Glamour: Beach Goddess

This is the second of three beauty stories I did recently with British Glamour.  I adore the beauty editor, Alessandra Steinherr.  She has great vision, and is so fun to work with....I'd work with her any day of the week!  David Gubert shot this story as well.  The gorgeous Bridget Malcolm made my job easy, giving me a lovely canvas to work on.  We channeled the vibe of a 50's italian movie star who was stranded on a desert island.  Now if only we could all look this glamourous when we're shipwrecked....

Get The Look: Rose Byrne at Zimmerman Event

It was a warm summer night in Hollywood and Rose was wearing a very cool, easy glamour dress from Zimmerman, so we went with a non-fussy summer look.  It was an outdoor event and it seemed right to go with a fun lip color.  Not too much on the eye, a sun kissed cheek and a bright, happy coral lip.


Using the EcoTools Bamboo Foundation Brush I swiped foundation onto her forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and then used the Beauty Blender to thin out and blend the color.  I set the base with a little loose powder and then gave her a bit of a sunny glow with bronzer.


I kept the eyes very simple since the lip was such a statement.  I swept the Almond shadow, a warm, lightly shimmery shadow, all over the lid and then used a bit of the Chestnut color to add depth to the crease of the eye.  Heaps of mascara, after curling the lashes, gave the eyes a sweet doe eyed finish, and a bright slash of color on the lips finished up the look.


Foundation:
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation #6


Blush:
Benefit Hoola Bronzer


Powder:
Chanel Poudre Universal #40


Eyes:
Burberry Eyeshadow in "Almond" and "Chestnut"


Mascara:
Lancome Virtuose in  "Black"


Lips:
Tom Ford Private Blend in "Ginger Fawn"