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Can You Guess the Beauty Business Icon?

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:00:15 -0700

Who can forget the iconic bobbed hairstyle of Nancy Kwan or the precisely lined lips of Clara Bow? Behind every oft-copied bob and lipstick technique, there was a makeup artist or hairstylist who created it. (That's Estée Lauder on the left, pictured at a party in the mid-1970s.) So let's see what you know when it comes to the great icons of the beauty business.

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Can You Guess the Celebrity Makeup Artist?

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:00:15 -0700

Behind almost every red carpet event, runway show, and movie set, there's a makeup artist that works his or her magic. Certain professionals in the field, like Bobbi Brown and Carmindy, may be a little more easy to spot in a crowd. But then there are some whose names might be familiar, but their faces may be a little more difficult to recognize. So tell me, in the land of makeup artists, can you guess who's who?

Question 1 of 5

This makeup artist launched his own line in 1995. Can you guess who this bespectacled fellow is?

Bella Quiz: So I Married a Makeup Artist

BellaSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:00:20 -0700

In the land of stardom, celebs are notorious for hooking up with (or even marrying) their costars. But, did you know that there are several actors who've taken a liking to a whole different group of industry insiders?

It makes a lot of sense, actually. Boy meets girl. Girl makes boy look even hotter by applying makeup. Boy and girl get hitched. Curious to learn more? Take my fun quiz below to test your knowledge on the celeb/makeup artist love fest.

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Bella Book: Paul Starr on Beauty

BellaSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:00:22 -0800

Last week I picked up a copy of Paul Starr on Beauty: Conversations with Thirty Celebrated Women ($22.76) and I've already read it cover to cover. Paul Starr is a celebrity makeup artist whose hands have touched dozens of star studded faces including Pamela Anderson, Salma Hayek, Michelle Pfeiffer, Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and one of his personal favorites Jennifer Garner. In the early 80s, he moved to Los Angeles without having any formal makeup training and by 2002 he became so successful that he collaborated with Estee Lauder on a collection.

The book contains oodles of flawless close-up shots, a blurb about each celebrity and a series of interview questions. The topics include everything from what the celebs carry in their makeup bag, how they feel about plastic surgery, how they define beauty, and their personal fountain of youth.

In addition, celebrity looks from the book have been broken down and are accompanied by highlighted diagrams so you are clear about which part of the face he is referencing.

Since the book contains 30 separate interviews, you can pick it up and put it down without losing your place. It's an easy and entertaining read that anyone who loves beauty and beautiful famous women would enjoy reading.

Inside the Career of a Makeup Artist

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 07:00:58 -0700

I love informal interviews with makeup artists, because that's when the best tips seem to come out. This interview with Manhattan makeup artist Kelly Hanna is a good one. You might be surprised to find out her salary ($70,000!), and you'll probably also learn a thing or two. I know I did!

Bold lips are back:"Lips have changed dramatically to be a true classic red or more of a wine or berry color. Matte red is a lot easier to wear than a glossy red. It's surprising how resistant people are to wearing a bold lip color. Whenever a woman has to list her best assets, 94% of the time she'll say her eyes. But people forget that if you have a really great lipstick, it actually draws attention to your eyes."

To find out the makeup mistake she sees most often, read more

The biggest mistake women make with their makeup: "Too much foundation. Foundation should really just even skin tone out-it's not supposed to be a mask. The other thing I see a lot is poor blending, whether it's foundation or eye color. That's a brush problem. People often spend their money on colors instead of the proper tools."

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Meet James Molloy: Makeup Artist From MAC Pro

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:02:59 -0800

Yesterday I told you all about my experience at the 2008 IMATS. I briefly mentioned that MAC Cosmetics has its own professional line of makeup called MAC Pro, an extension of MAC that contains high pigment products that aren't necessarily available to the masses - there are 14 MAC Pro boutiques worldwide compared to the hundreds of standard MAC doors. The products have the same price points and the same sizes; however, the colors are different and are typically more vibrant.

I was lucky enough to sneak in a few minutes with James Molloy, a top artist at MAC Pro, for a tour of the booth and a quick interview. He told me that the loose pigments and glitters are the most popular MAC Pro products. We also gabbed about the common makeup mistakes that women make.

James even shared a top secret professional makeup trick with me. To read all about it, read more.

What is the most common mistake women make with makeup?
I see women all the time who are wearing too much base. To me, there is nothing that looks worse.

What is the most commonly overlooked step when applying makeup?
Prepping the skin is key and so many women overlook it. Use a good moisturizer, make sure that your eyes are well hydrated, and always use a primer.

Can you share a makeup trick with me?
Modern makeup is all about fresh skin, so it's also important that skin looks smooth and somewhat shiny. Use a moisturizing concealer and then take a dry fluffy brush to buff it away. People don't realize how versatile a powder brush can be. This trick will make your skin look naturally flawless.

What is your favorite product right now?
Satin foundations, because they create the illusion that you have no makeup on at all. Again, apply it with your fingertips or a sponge and then take a big fluffy brush to blend it into your skin.

Inside the International Makeup Artist Trade Show

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:00:14 -0800

Over the weekend, I attended the 2008 International Makeup Artist Trade Show, an event that showcases products, educators, and speakers who are involved in the makeup and skin-care world for television and film. It's also a place where makeup artists can purchase products and tools at a discount.

I didn't know what to expect from the show, but seeing a naked man wearing nothing but a flesh-colored thong and body paint was certainly a shock. I was also surprised to see so many zombies and ghouls walking around in broad daylight - I guess I just never really thought about special-effects makeup as part of the cosmetics genre.

Some of the brands in attendance were MAC Pro (a division of MAC for makeup professionals), Dermalogica, Fuse FX, Dead Sea Premiere, and several air-brush companies. I also checked out offerings from Eve Pearl, a five-time Emmy-winning TV makeup artist who is about to launch her own line of products. Another new discovery was Hakuhodo, a manufacturer of high-quality cosmetic brushes (they make MAC brushes).

Throughout the week I'll be sharing all the insights about new collections, techniques, products, brands, and even an interview from one of MAC Pro's top artists with you. But for now, check out photos from the event below including painted bodies and skin effects!

View 14 Photos ›

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An Update on Blush: The Search For the Next Great Makeup Artist

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:22 -0700

Since most of you said you'll watch it, here's an update on Blush: The Search For the Next Great Makeup Aritst on Lifetime. Actress Vanessa Marcil (of General Hospital fame) will host the LA-based show, which will consist of six hour-long episodes. The show will feature InStyle's fashion director, Hal Rubenstein, and celebrity makeup artist and author Joanna Schlip as judges. The ever-perky pixie Charlie Green (also a makeup artist) will function as the show's mentor (a la Tim Gunn). Wondering whether a makeup competition will translate well to the small screen? Rubenstein defends the concept to WWD, saying: “I’m not going to judge the intensity of an eyeliner. I can judge whether you made a woman look beautiful.”

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BellaTV: Get Ashley Greene's Gorgeous Glow

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:02 -0800

Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg has created some of Ashley Greene’s hottest red-carpet looks. In today's episode of BellaTV, she shows us the insider steps to re-create Ashley’s glowing skin and glamorous eyes. Watch now!

BellaTV: A Skincare Tip Straight From the Cullens

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:21 -0800

This week BellaTV brings you an easy-to-remember beauty tip inspired by those sparkling Cullens. We talk to beauty experts Allan Avendaño and Mary Klimek who countdown the hottest Twilight red-carpet moments from the cast's leading ladies. And then, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg shows you how to get updated Hollywood-glam look, inspired by Ashley Greene. Watch now!