Showing posts with label andrea claire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label andrea claire. Show all posts

Beauty Feature: Andrea Claire Dishes on Fall Beauty Trends!

Yikes, September 1st already! Where did the summer go? I thought it only fitting to ring in September with some fabulous Fall beauty trends. Summer is almost done but there are some good things to look forward to - autumn colours, cozy sweaters, fall booties, and of course all the beautiful Fall makeup collections!

I turned to one of my makeup gurus and celebrity hair/makeup artist, Andrea Claire, to dish on what beauty trends we'll be seeing this season! Thanks Andrea for chatting! Stay tuned for my Fall beauty faves!

Fall 2010 beauty is more decisive than previous seasons. I felt that in the past few years we hadn’t really seen a specific trend. This season there will be no second guessing with beauty. Women will still have a choice and keeping with these beauty trends, all women can wear the Femme Fatale or the Pure Minimalist.

Left: Diane Von Furstenburg Right: Lanvin
Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Sparkling, Jewel Eyes

Sparkling jewel tones are making a comeback. They are flattering and let's face it - very fun and wearable!  

Tips: Press on sparkles and pigments as opposed to a sweeping motion. Pressing on the product avoids flaking as well as flattening out the multi-dimensions that are generally in this type of makeup. By sweeping, you can lose the dynamics of the various undertones that produce the reflective quality. To lay glitter over shadow use your fingertip, sponge-tip applicator or even a flat head makeup brush and press on.

Apply loose pigments over pressed shadow as pressed shadow will act as an anchor for the loose minerals and will give it a more consistent application and longevity. Avoid overkill with light reflective shimmers, glitters and pigments as the more you wear, the more you can resemble a Club 54 go-er! Think more modern, mixing flat and reflective textures together. 

Keep in mind, everyone snaps photos these digital days. Flash on reflective textures on your eyes will not always look flattering in photo-ops. Another point to keep in mind is too much near your lash line will make your eyes appear puffy - especially if you are already tired. Brow bone, arch and mid-lid are great application points.

Pair sparkling jewel tones with darker matte shadows. Some colour suggestions for specific eye colours: Brown Eyes: berries, purples and golds, Blue eyes: cranberries, pinks, white golds, Green Eyes: Turquoise, Bronze, copper, Hazel Eyes: steel, champagnes, greens

Lastly, avoid the big flake: Shadow Shields are a key makeup tool!


Left: Donna Karan Right: Givenchy
Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Bold Lips

Tips: Lip liners give you clean lines for a sleeker more precise lip as well as keep the lippy from bleeding. However, lip liners can look too geometric; soften the tip slightly before applying and blend the line with a cotton swab. Another must-do: apply liner AFTER your lipstick which helps to have a less harsh line or shade in the entire lip with your pencil so you aren't left with the 'ring around the mouth' look.

For any lipstick/gloss application make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated (not wet) which will give you a more even application and therefore enhancing the lippy of choice finish.

There are a variety of bold lip shades to choose from this season. Something for everyone!

a. A burnt orange/terracotta lip? Stay away from coffee/red wine - anything yellowing to your teeth as your teeth will look yellow with orange-based shades. Teeth whiteners will help make your teeth look brighter and whiter.
b. A deep, dark amethyst lip? This femme fatale traditional shade is not for the cute or the faint of heart. It's a confident and powerful look. Best worn at night unless your day job is at an uber-chic environment! 
c. A glossy, rich red lip? Glossy reds are the most high-maintenance. Yes, anyone can wear this and with reds being such a classic color you can wear this day or night. Unless you are perfect at lining your lips, best to avoid lip liner. An awkward lip lining paired with a dramatic red can look a bit clown-ish. I love this lip with a dewy-high-lighted skin - so fresh and beautiful. (Do not match with your handbag and nails - it's a tacky and dated 'rule' in my books)

Left: Nina Ricci Right: Louis Vuitton
Photo Credit: Style.com

Trend: Dewy Skin

Tips: Dewy Skin is best achieved with liquids and creams. A must for application is a foundation brush- result is a perfect, air-brushed quality. For powder, the old school puff is great for application; gently press into the skin and then 'buff' with a brush geared to buffing the skin - mix of natural and synthetic bristles or a kabuki.

To get the most out of this trend, apply cream high-lighters with your fingertips and sparingly so you don't look sweaty. A little just under your eyes on your cheekbone is great to as it will reflect light into your eyes acting as an eye brightener. Silver can look harsh on some skin tones and age categories - a champagne colour is a better translation from runway to everyday for every woman.

Liquid Foundation: With a dime to nickel size amount, start liquid foundation application with a foundation brush along side of your nose just under your eyes and blend out without adding more product onto the skin. This is the area with the most imperfections ie: shadows, uneven skin tone... by the time the foundation is blended out towards the hair line you will have minimal product on your skin and as long as you have the right shade of foundation, your base will blend right in.

Powder Foundation:  Best on skin that is normal to oily - dry skin will just appear more dry. Avoid powder directly under the eyes as it will dehydrate and crease exaggerating crows' feet. (I am not a supporter of powder foundation - tried it numerous times, even new formulations, I'm just not a fan of the texture it leaves on the skin)


What Fall beauty trends will you be wearing?

About Andrea Claire

Andrea Claire is a seasoned beauty expert. She started her career in Kitchener, Ontario before relocating to Toronto in the early 90s. In Toronto, Andrea's career quickly blossomed where she went from salon stylist to session stylist. As both a hairstylist and make up artist, Andrea's passion for the industry and thirst for success motivated and challenged her to continually better herself. We have seen Andrea on Stylin' Gypsies, So Chic, Canadian Idol, tv guest appearances and behind the scenes for NY Fashion Week and Canada's Fashion Week. "Relocating" became a popular word in Andrea's vocabulary. In 2006, Andrea relocated with her family to Singapore where she became a regular team member for Bazaar, ELLE, Amica and VIP shoots as well as wrote many beauty articles with tips, tricks and trends.

Beauty Feature: A Makeup Artist and Her Zuca

I love being a makeup artist, but lugging around a heavy kit full of makeup is the bane of my existence! When I started out, I carried my makeup in the traditional aluminum case you get in makeup school. As my makeup stash grew, I graduated to a cheap carry-on luggage. Sure, it fit everything I needed but my makeup was loosely packed in there causing shadows and blushes to break from being dragged around the city. Eventually, I learned to cut down my kit and only take what I really used versus packing everything I owned. I was able to fit everything into a big shoulder gym bag. It was compact, but totally killed my shoulder. 

Enter the Zuca! The buzz about the Zuca Pro Sport bag has been going on for a while and I know of many makeup artists that swear by it. For my birthday my husband, the sweetie that he is, wanted to buy me a Zuca that I had been lusting after for a while (but really I think he was tired of me complaining). Now, if it were in the budget the Zuca Pro Sport bag would have been my choice, but at $295 USD it just wasn't going to happen.

I ended up getting the Zuca Sport which is $130 USD without the utility pouches (on ebay it's $10 cheaper and I wasn't charged a custom's fee). The utility pouches, although really functional, were not a huge priority as I use clear packs already so to save on costs opted out. I figure when my clear bags give way, I can buy later on. It's 1 inch smaller in length compared to the Zuca Pro Sport which is not much. I was almost going to buy the soft kit with wheels on Yazmo but the double wheels are what sold me. Going up stairs, especially subway stairs, is a workout. The double wheels also make it easier on the kit and prevents getting banged up.

Here is where I store the majority of my makeup and tools. 


Doesn't seem like much right? If I kept everything I've accumulated over the years as a makeup artist and a blogger, I would need a whole room dedicated to just beauty products! I even know when enough is enough! If you know me, then I've probably given you a bag of beauty products at some point. Every month or so I go through my stash and weed out the ones I'll never use. My friends love coming over because they know they'll be leaving with some sweet swag.


This is where I store products I still need to test and review (this is not including products laying around in the living room!). Some will make the kit and some will not. In the words of Heidi Klum, "You are out"!


And after all that, this is what I take on a typical bridal job (hot wheel car not included). Like I said, I've learned to cut down - am I really going to use a bright blue shadow on a bride? Probably not. Don't let those clear bags fool you (3 Clear Bags from The Powder Group and the flap velcro pouch from Make Up For Ever) - they are stocked up with loads of product and carry all the essentials I need. However, for a fashion or beauty shoot I'd have to stick my hair stuff in a separate bag that can sit right on top.


This is what the inside of the Zuca looks like after it's all packed up. I pack any miscellaneous items in the extra pouches and compartments - so handy for lashes, sponges, mascara wands etc. I love the mesh compartment inside the top of the bag for extra palettes and pigment powders. My clear bags fit really well in there, but I'm thinking the utility pouches probably carry more. I'll probably buy a few later on (on back order on the Zuca site until June!). 


All packed up and ready to go! I've taken it out a few times now on a couple of jobs and so far I'm extremely happy with the purchase! Did I mention that the top of the bag can be used as a seat that can support up to 250 lbs? I was hesitant to sit on it but it came in handy waiting for a couple of buses. Yup, the aluminum frame is pretty solid. 

The wheels move around really smooth and the bag is easy to maneuver. Mind you, I have to get used to lugging around something with wheels again! My first time taking it on the subway, I had stuck a large book in the side mesh compartments - bad idea. Two times I turned too sharp and the book got wedged between which almost caused me to fall back (have you ever tried running down an escalator going up??)! Thanks to some nice people, they helped move my bag and saved my life Zuca. Going up stairs is much easier with the double wheels as compared to a normal luggage, but definitely still requires some muscle-power.

I highly recommend the Zuca bag if you are a makeup artist especially if you are footing it all around the city. Even if you aren't a makeup artist and just have a ton of makeup, it's great for storing all your items especially with the utility pouches. My Zuca has got to be one of my all-time favourite beauty buys! My makeup finally has a home!

Not convinced? Check out some of my favourite Zuca reviews from makeup artists Rhia at artistrhi and Andrea Claire at Beauty & The Blog! How do you pack your kit or makeup stash? Leave a comment with your link so I can check it out! 

What do you think of the highly coveted Zuca bags? Love it? Hate it? Want it? Too much hype?

Beauty Feature: Beauty Travel Tips With Andrea Claire!

Spring break is just around the corner. If you're planning a get-away, you'll want to read beauty traveling tips and beauty must-haves from jet-setting celebrity makeup artist, Andrea Claire!



Makeup Junkie: What is a common mistake women make when packing their beauty bags?

Andrea Claire: Most women take too many beauty products while on vacation - present company included! My suggestion - streamline. Traveling is not the time to do trendy make up. Think of where you are going and the type of vacation you want. I suggest similar make up to bridal so you will look radiant and beautiful.

MJ: Does it depend on the type of climate what products to take?

ACAbsolutely! If it's a hot sunny humid climate bring a tinted moisturizer with SPF, avoid powders and foundations.  If it's colder/dry climate, bump up your moisturizer.

MJ: What must-have beauty products do you recommend?

AC: NARS The Multiples are great as they truly have multiple uses. A new fave of mine, Kevyn Aucoin's The Prime Color Creme Eye Shadow - the cream to powder finish is great for various climates and easy to carry-on. Jemma Kidd Tinted moisturizer, Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette that has 6 eyeshadows that I can play with and then a lip gloss. I don't wear lipstick anymore - my husband won't kiss me if I wear and well... I love his smooches!

MJ: How do you keep yourself refreshed and radiant when flying?

AC: I do drink a TON of water on the plane and I have a facial spray, Herb Salad Mist by SkinFood - a line from Korea that I got hooked on when living in Singapore. Then a little bronzer blended with Jemma Kidd's All Over Dewy Face Glow. Blend a little extra of Jemma Kidd's glow into your highlight points - it'll give you a lift out of your jet lag!

MJ: If you were trapped on a deserted island what would be your must-have beauty items? 

AC: Since it's plural... My list from from above and Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and sunscreen, so if I am saved I won't look leather-faced and haggard. If I am by myself, can I request a soccer ball so I can have a friend to talk too?! [MJ: picturing Tom Hanks but can't remember the movie??]

Thanks to Andrea for all your beauty tips! For more tips and tricks, check out her beauty blog Andrea Claire: Beauty & The Blog!

Beauty Feature: Fall Beauty Trends With Makeup Artist Andrea Claire

I love gabbing about beauty trends with other makeup junkies and this season's looks are definitely something to talk about. I had the awesome pleasure of interviewing one of my mentors during my early years as a makeup artist, Andrea Claire, on the latest beauty trends for Fall. Find out Andrea Claire's must-do's and must-don't this season!

Makeup Junkie: What will be the top beauty trends we'll be seeing this Fall?

Andrea Claire: The smokey eye, the matte red lip, 80s revival

MJ: What are some trends women should avoid this season (if any)?

AC: 80s revival! I am the original 'LaRoux' from her Bulletproof video with pictures to prove it. :) I lived it and loved it. I wore 5+ colour shadows on my eyes but I was 15 and immersed in Duran Duran, Ultravox, Love & Rockets etc. I love the look but if you had been there done that and bought the lime green shadow you cannot do that again! Besides, it is very much a 'must have young skin' to pull it off. Bold colour blocking with eye shadows can age you and have you looking like you are stuck in a time warp. This look is only carried off if you are an adolescent so if you are 21 and under I say rock it, over 21 opt for another trend of the season.

80's revival at Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 - Style.com

MJ:
What products are a must this Fall in achieving these beauty trends?

AC: I am LOVING all things Yaby these days. Yaby's eye shadow palettes have amazing pigments, blendability and variety. Lipsticks MAC Russian Red or FACEatelier's Magenta. For the smokey eye the trend is to layer a metallic - blue, violet, green or bronze, you can find these in Yaby's palettes or Covergirl's palettes in Dazzling Metallics, Firecracker or Blazing Blues.

MJ: Can you share with our Makeup Junkie readers some expert tips on achieving some of the beauty trends?

AC: Smokey Eyes - layer carbon/charcoal shadows with metallic colour. If you find shadows are difficult to blend with your dark base then layer MAC's Smolder pencil with a Lise Watier's Metallic Eye shine pencil, smudge together with a Q-Tip.

Smokey eyes at Versace Fall 2009 - Style.com

Matte Red lips
- the key to a strong lip is to apply the lip liner after the lipstick so it doesn't appear to geometric. If matte is too drying for you and you live in a cold climate then I would dot a smidge of vitamin e on top - not to add gloss but just a little moisture.

Red lips at Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2009 Couture - Style.com

MJ:
What is your beauty mantra?

AC: It's so hard not to sound cliche here! lol! Be realistic. Be real. Stay gold Ponyboy. Beauty is not serious - beauty is a moment in your day that can convey confidence, flirtiness, calm. What I mean is, all women 'take 5' in their day by touching up here and there - before a meeting you step into the ladies and reapply lipstick, before a date you curl your lashes, apply gloss; or even before a job interview you matte down shine. Beauty is a moment in time that is forever changing. Embrace those little moments but don't be those moments just live in them. See! I sound cliche! HA! Life is short - enjoy it - have fun with it. That's what beauty and fashion is all about; well, to me anyway. A form of expression that can change day to day, season to season - enjoy the trends but remember to enjoy life too.

Makeup Junkie agrees - beauty is a moment in time that is always changing! So have fun with it - play with trends and figure out what works for you. Thank you to Andrea Claire for taking time to share with our readers her Fall beauty tips!

Andrea Claire is a seasoned beauty expert. She started her career in Kitchener, Ontario before relocating to Toronto in the early 90s. In Toronto, Andrea's career quickly blossomed where she went from salon stylist to session stylist. As both a hairstylist and make up artist, Andrea's passion for the industry and thirst for success motivated and challenged her to continually better herself. We have seen Andrea on Stylin' Gypsies, So Chic, Canadian Idol, tv guest appearances and behind the scenes for NY Fashion Week and Canada's Fashion Week. "Relocating" became a popular word in Andrea's vocabulary. In 2006, Andrea relocated with her family to Singapore where she became a regular team member for Bazaar, ELLE, Amica and VIP shoots as well as wrote many beauty articles with tips, tricks and trends.

Andrea Claire's Work

What's next? Andrea and her family have now relocated to Austin Texas where direct flights to LA, NY and Toronto will still allow her to jetset with her beauty box. Andrea has proudly been a mentor for many up & coming young artists, accessible and willing to give guidance; always about positive energy Andrea believes that today's assistant is tomorrow's trendsetter. Inspire and be inspired.

www.aclairebeauty.com
www.judyinc.com/andreaclaire