Eyes as Black as Night

Lancome Design 9 Color Eyeshadow & 2 Color Blush Makeup Palettes

Hottest look around right now is dark charcoal eyes.  From the runway to celebs-carbon colored eyes are all the rage! According to L’Oreal makeup artist Collier Strong- black eye shadow goes well with every skin tone and eye color!  You can’t go wrong with this one ladies! As grungy as black eyelids may seem in theory, they really can look sexy and chic when applied correctly.  Start by investing in a good quality shadow/eye pigment. My Beauty Match insider’s pick Lancome’s Color Design eye shadow in The New Black. Add a little eyeliner and you’re ready to go!

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Get Kim K’s Glow!

Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Fluid Makeup – No. 1.5

Wondering how Kim Kardashian got that flawless skin look at her wedding?  Well, yes maybe it has something to do with Kris Humphreys but it also has a lot to do with her foundation! According to Celebrity Magazines, Kim wore Hourglass Veil Fluid makeup for her big day and boy did it make a difference! Hourglass provides long lasting coverage while fighting the signs of aging thanks to the ingredient Matrixl. This luminous foundation contains no parabens, no sulfates and no synthetic dyes or fragrances. Hourglass comes in a variety of shades so there is a color for everyone!

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No Muddy Eyes – Smokey Eyes!

Shany Professional Makeup Kit, 78 Color (See all Makeup Sets)

How many times have we tried to get the perfect sexy smokey eye only to end up with a muddy mess? There is definitely a ‘science’ to getting the perfect smokey eyes. Insiders at My Beauty Match swear by an easy 3-step process. Choose two complimentary colors, one lighter than the other. Use the lighter color on the lid, fill the crease with the darker color blend up with a small brush.  To top off the look add a dark liner along the lash line. For an extra smokey look you can line the bottom of the eye and smudge.

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Feature by Celebrity make-up artist and NARS Cosmetics trainer Norman Sands

What is your take on office-appropriate make-up? What does that mean exactly?

Office make-up is about being polished, professional and fresh!

Think about make-up the same way you do about clothing.  At NARS we call this “Wardrobing”.  With make-up you have basics, modern classics and accessories.

In your opinion, what should be a woman’s basic face at the office?

For most women it’s about effective products and time saving applications.  In the morning you want to keep it simple and easy.

>>> Where to start with your office make-up:

1. Start with a bit of foundation, concealer (as needed) and set with a light powder to even out the skin tone.  Powder foundation is a great alternative for summer and can be used for touch ups.

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2. Next add a little warmth with bronzer on the cheeks.  This does wonders, especially when you feel tired or need to look refreshed.  Remember to pay attention to the eyebrows, as they frame the face…. A bit of mascara and something on the lips — and you’re out the door in minutes.

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Here are some colours from NARS Cosmetics you might want to try for your office look:

* NARS Powder Foundation PA

* Duo Concealer, Multiple Bronzer

* Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

>>> What kind of make-up should you apply for a job interview?

The most important thing is that you want them to remember you, NOT your make-up.  A little glow on the cheeks or gloss on the lips can be a nice touch.  You want to be perceived as confident and polished.

François Nars, creative director and founder of NARS Cosmetics, says that …

“Great skin is the first step in looking beautiful”

… so it is important to remember to take care of your skin as well.

>>> What are some good colors or color palettes for a job interview?

As a rule, warm shades look the most natural.  Think gold, bronze, taupe, copper, chocolate tones for the eyes. These shades can always be complemented with shades like plum and gray.

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As for lip colour, it depends on your confidence level and the environment you work in.  Pinks, peaches, rose and corals are acceptable on the lips.  Depending on your work environment and comfort level red lip colour can be appropriate.

NARS Gipsy Lipstick is a sheer red that is appropriate for the office and boardroom.

>>> When it comes to office make-up, what should a woman avoid?

Like your wardrobe, don’t wear evening or club wear to the office.  Save the glitter, sparkle and false lashes for night.  Chances are if you think it is too much for the office, it probably is.

I would avoid garish colors and dramatic colors.  It’s a good idea to save those for evening.

What about if your office is more laid back or if you have a more creative job? What sorts of liberties can you then take with your make-up?

If it’s fitting for the clothing you wear, you should be okay.  A little glow on the cheeks always looks nice and youthful.  Gloss is appropriate for all occasions.  Be sure to dab a small amount on the bottom lip and blot lips together.

>>> Red lips are always in fashion!

The timeless red lip has even made its way to the corporate world.  There is something very empowering about red lipstick, just as men have “power ties”.  Television shows like “Mad Men” and HBO’s “Grey Gardens” has introduced the vintage red and coral lip to a whole new generation.

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Remember the make-up rule of creating balance.  If the focus is going to be on a bold lip then the rest of the face should be in balance.  As a rule, choose one feature and go light on the rest.  Black mascara complements bold red lips well.

Here are some colours from NARS Cosmetics you might want to try to achieve the perfect red pout:

* Jungle Red Lipstick

* Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

* Outsider Lipstick

* Niagara Lipstick

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Here’s a photo of Norman Sands below!

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All photos provided by NARS Cosmetics

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A lot of women are NOT going to hire the services of a professional makeup artist for their 2009 weddings because so many of us are trying to be more conservative with our money during these difficult times. When celebrity makeup artist Norman Sands, one of my favourite makeup artists and the makeup stylist and trainer for NARS Cosmetics, offered to give some wedding makeup tips to my readers, I jumped at the occasion because it doesn’t matter if you’re getting married in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s … you still want to look glamorous and outrageously beautiful on your big day.

Not that I’m into name-dropping, but let’s face it Norman worked with some pretty big Hollywood names. He’s worked with Leighton Meester (“Gossip Girl”), on the set of “Entourage” and he worked during the September 2008 New York Fashion Week shows (for the Spring 2009 collections) for designers like Chris Benz, Max Azria, Marchesa.

Norman has also worked in the past with Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, Elaine Irwin Mellencamp, Catt Sadler (of E! Network), Dario Franchitti and Sandi Patty.

You can see why I’m always so extremely excited when Norman is willing to pass on his wisdom and experience!!!

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>> Here are some much-needed makeup tips on wedding makeup from celebrity makeup artist Norman Sands:

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* Perfecting the complexion with an ethereal glow is timeless (a glow that makes you look youthful).  The best way to achieve this look is by using a lightweight moisturizer with a pearlescent finish that adds luminosity to the skin. And NARS Brightening Serum would be my recommendation of choice.

* Think of words like “fresh”, “soft focus” and “luminous” when choosing makeup for your wedding day.  Remember that it’s about looking timeless and sophisticated more than trendy or sun-kissed (aka don’t wear too much bronzer).

* As professional makeup artists, we tend to focus on the complexion when creating a makeup look for special occasions, the red carpet or a wedding.

“Skin is 50 per cent of the makeup” — Francois Nars

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* The right foundation is critical when preparing for your special day.  I recommend NARS Firming Foundation as it gives the complexion a flawless finish without being heavy or mask-like.   The technology behind this foundation is very sophisticated and helps the skin appear more radiant and youthful.

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“Apply foundation with the fingertips to create an undetectable finish and always set foundation with a loose powder … a makeup artist’s best friend.”

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* I love Maldives Multiple (a shimmering pink champagne) applied with the fingertips to the cheeks upward set with Luster or Super Orgasm Blush to the apples of the cheeks.

Blush should always look like a natural flush or lightly pinched.

* Bridal makeup is about luminous skin, bright eyes and a beautiful lip color.  It’s about enhancing your features and not seeing makeup.

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“By layering a cream then powder on the cheeks and eyes your instantly add depth, dimension and wearability.”

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“I always recommend a trial run if you are using a makeup artist, and take a few photos to see how the makeup will look in photos.  Most brides will need a little extra blush against the white dress and camera flashes.  Wear a white or light colored top close to the shade of your dress when trying on wedding makeup.”

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“Instead of touching up with a lot of layers of powder carry oil absorbing sheets and lightly dust the center of the face with a soft focus matte powder (NARS Perfecting Powdered Sheets and Nico Blush).”

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* Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are perfect for brides because they give long lasting lip color. They are enhanced with silicones and vitamin E to moisturize and plump lips. Try NARS’ Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Pencil and Niagara or Mitzi Lipstick.

* As a rule, gold and bronze tones work best on the eyes while pink and peach tones work for the cheeks and lips.  These tones tend to be universally flattering and timeless.

*If you want a vintage look, nothing says retro like the classic red lip.

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“You should keep lip gloss to a minimum on your wedding day.  Finish off any lip look by applying a dot of gloss to the center of the bottom lip and press together.  Too much gloss can cause lip colour to fade or feather and makes grooms unhappy.”

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>>>>Ladies, if you’ve found these tips from Norman Sands useful, don’t forget to leave us your comments below. We’d love to hear from you and we’d love to pass on your comments to Norman!<<<

The Bridal Image by Greg Perez Photography

Photo of Norman Sands and model by Kurtis Bowerstock Photography

*** This is an exciting post because Norman Sands will share some of his makeup tips for the holidays that were featured in a recent edition of OK! magazine. As with all of Norman’s tips, this is as detailed as can be ladies!***

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Let’s start from the beginning, here are three mistakes women make when they use sparkles:

1) I think women get overwhelmed with all the options and they don’t know how to wear sparkle makeup.

2) It can be difficult to know where to start because women don’t want to get it wrong … after all, we’ve all seen the girl at the party who looks like she’s from the cast of Xanadu!

Cast of the musical Xanadu below:

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3) Most women are fearful of sparkle but also drawn to it … it’s sort of a love/hate relationship.

That said, adding a bit of glitz is a fun way to give your makeup a festive holiday twist.

Tip from Norman Sands: Pair sparkle with matte textures to keep makeup sophisticated and modern.

The idea is to add radiance and luminosity in a playful way and NOT look like you spent the afternoon at Libby Lu.

Tip from Norman Sands: You should shy away from products that look like chunky craft glitter.

Many women feel like they can’t or shouldn’t wear sparkle but it’s actually more about how and where it’s applied.

1) Choose no more than one to two features to add sparkle and keep the rest neutral. If you wear sparkle all over your face, you’ll end up looking like a seven year old school girl!

2) Think of shimmery sparkle as an accessory … use it sparingly in specific areas.

3) If you are afraid of sparkle then opt for shimmer or metallic textures.

Normand Sands’ step-by-step guide to adding sparkle to your holiday makeup:

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* Glitter pencils are an easy way to take a day look to the office party. Depending on the shade they can be used on the eyes, lips, face or body. I’d recommend these NARS Cosmetic shades: Le Sept, Mud Club and Danceteria Glitter Pencils.

* Keep sparkle close to the lash line or inner corner of the eyes to brighten and dazzle eyes.

Glitter pencils can also be used as an eye shadow base. Blend onto the lid and set with a complimentary powder shadow.

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Tip from Norman Sands: Sparkle and shimmer makeup should be applied with a soft natural brush to avoid using too much. Try the NARS Cosmetics Wide Contour Brush #16 for eyes and Kabuki Yachiyo Brush for cheeks.

* Silver and gold combined on the eye is very flattering and modern.

* For something fun dust your favorite shimmer shadow onto mascara before it dries for eyes that sparkle.

* You can also apply false lashes that have a sparkly band at the lash line (Sephora Glitter Lashes are great).

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* Remember that all that sparkles in not gold.  You should try silver and copper shadow to brighten tired eyes.

2) Your CHEEKS: 

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* Use a fluffy soft brush and dust over bronzer to highlight and illuminate the complexion. Try using Ita brush #28 by NARS Cosmetics.

* Add some sparkle under the brow bone, on the inner corner of the eyes, on the top part of the cheekbones and in the center of the face for a candlelit glow. You might to take a look at these pressed powder options by NARS Cosmetics: Venus, Macchu Picchu or Gold Rush Sparkling.

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On Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) I used Nars Brightening Serum with Toumota Bronzing Mutiple topped with Super Orgasm blush to give her a dazzling radiance.

Don’t forget to catch some great tips from Norman’s makeup tips he applied to create an amazing look for Leighton Meester: Norman Sands shares his makeup tips from a recent makeup job with Leighton Meester (star of Gossip Girl)

Tip from Norman Sands: Add a little blush beneath the brows blended into the outer lid to brighten and give the eyes a lift.

3) Your LIPS:

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The twist: Apply Galactica Lacquer (Sparkly Lip Gloss) first and blend bright lipsticks over.

Here my favorite trick: Apply a frosty lipstick over glossed lips for a patent leather shine. Sexual Healing lipstick is the perfect frosty lipstick to do the job.

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Remember that shimmer, frost and sparkle textures makes lips appear pouty and fuller while golden lip gloss shades will accentuate any red lipstick and create ultra glamour. You might want to try Moon Fleet or Greek Holiday.

Tip from Norman Sands: Apply lip gloss to the center of the bottom lip with fingertip and blot lips together. Too much gloss causes lipstick to feather and bleed.

4) Your NAILS:

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Tip from Norman Sands: Glitter polish is very long wearing and more difficult to remove than other polish textures.

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The bottom line is simple: have fun … it’s only makeup!

Top photo of Norman Sands and a model by Kurtis Bowerstock Photography

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Spending time with Senior Artist Jane McKay from MAC cosmetics is like sitting down with an encyclopedia of makeup.

Her knowledge is so vast that I could barely keep up writing all tips she was sharing with me.

I hope you read part one of this incredible feature and here’s part two!

5) What about ethnic beauties? How can Asian women, Latinas and darker skin beauties work with makeup trends as they age?

* It’s very important that you choose a concealer and a foundation that will help achieve an even look. Ethnic beauties usually have a hard time at it with dark spots on their face and it makes such a huge difference when you even out the skin.

* Ethnic beauties MUST invest in the right foundation and the right texture for their skin.

* Ethnic beauties usually have a yellow undertone and using pink will seriously brighten and open the face.

6) Can you give us three easy tricks so that women can turn their daytime look into a nighttime look in five minutes?

It’s so easy to go from daytime makeup to nighttime makeup in a few easy steps:

* Wear fake eyelashes because it adds instant glam factor.

* Use a black pencil inside the eye and add a black line on top of the eyelid – if you don’t like black pencils, don’t be afraid to use grey or dark brown instead … this will give your eyes a lot of drama.

* ALWAYS wear gloss when you go out at night.

7) As a makeup artist, what are the three things you see that women do with their makeup that drive you crazy?

It really comes back to what I had said earlier. Woman of every age group have a problem with

* Choosing the right colours for their skin tone.

* Properly blending colours so you cannot tell one colour starts and the other ends.

* Not overdoing it when it comes to makeup … you don’t have to wear a lot of makeup to look good.

#8) At MAC you offer a consultation service. Why are those consultation services so important at providing some guidance to women when it comes to applying makeup properly for your face?

* Our beauty consultants have years of experience.

* The recommendations are suited to your specific needs.

* With each new season, you should really consider getting a makeup-bag-tune-up.

* A makeup consultation is fun and playful … it’s the ideal way to get a great new look that will enhance your features.

* When you book a consultation with a MAC beauty expert, your fee is deductable against products you buy. So in the end you get great advice and you get products that you’ve tried on and feel comfortable wearing.

Jane also recommends bringing in your makeup bag so that the beauty expert can guide you with what you have and you don’t end up buying the same colours you already have at home.

9) What are some of the hottest makeup trends for fall 2008?

* The burgundy lip is very popular this season. “At MAC Cosmetics we call it Devine”. ***Krizia, do you mean “Divine?”**** Women over 35 can still wear this trend, but instead of wearing a heavy burgundy lip, you might want to use burgundy as a stain and top it off with a clear gloss … that way you get the burst of colour, but the colour is not wearing you … you are wearing it.

* The perfect-flawless face is important. “At MAC Cosmetics we call it Honed”. Skin is the most important part of makeup. It doesn’t matter what colours you wear or how expensive is your makeup … if you don’t have beautiful skin … then nothing will really look quite right.

* Purple is an undeniable trend for the season and it’s a PERFECT colour for ethnic beauties. When it comes to purple, don’t have to use it on the entirety of the lid and you don’t have to use too much of it. Just a dab of purple will open your eyes!

* This season is all about the sexy eye and using eyeliner is key. “At MAC Cosmetics we call this 7tease” (aka 70s) and it really elongates the eye. That said, it’s still important to keep the eye liner soft and not hard.

Contouring is THE secret of celebrities!

During my makeup session with Jane she showed me how to contour. She revealed that many of the Hollywood stars have A-list makeup artists who use contouring with powder to really help define, minimize certain features or sculpt the face.

She used one darker bronzer on the outer part of my face and a lighter colour of Mineralize Skin Finish on the bridge of my nose, around my mouth and under my eyes to soften lines or any hollow effect I might have.

It was incredible to see the difference. That said, contouring is an art and that’s the kind of question you should have for your beauty consultant. They can show you to contouring your face and then you can practice at home and do it yourself.

My MAC Cosmetics face!

It took Jane about 20 minutes to do my face and that included the contour and also miraculously hiding all my hyperpigmentation marks with the MOST incredible concealer I’ve come across.

Here’s the list of colours Jane used on my face:

* MAC NC 50 Select Cover Concealer

* Medium Dark Mineralize Skin Finish Pressed Powders

* Dark Mineralize Skin Finish Pressed Powders (she used this as a bronzer on the outer parts of my face)

* Antique Gold Cream Colour Base (this is one of the best gold shades I’ve ever tried)

* Espresso (this is the perfect shade of brown)

* Parfait Amour Eye shadows (this is an incredible shade of purple)

* Lingering brow pencil

* Pink Swoon blush (this such a beautiful bright shade of pink … it instantly brightens and opens my face)

* Viva Glam 1 lipstick (this is a lipstick with a cause)

* Fix+ Spray (this is a spray that fixes your makeup and it’s a great hydration tool when you have to be on an airplane)

It was interesting when she said that she did exactly what she had done on her face that morning on my face, but she simply used shades that were appropriate to my skin tone … since she was a fair-skinned blonde and I’m not.

Here’s the finished look:

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I’ve been wearing MAC Cosmetics for a long time now. I mix some MAC colours with my other makeup items and I cannot remember when was the last time my makeup bag didn’t include at least three to four MAC products.

Lately, I’ve been wondering if MAC Cosmetics was a line that was still appropriate for women over 35. When you look at a cosmetic line like Bobbi Brown where all the colours are greyed down it’s easier to see how women of a certain age would gravitate towards that line.

MAC Cosmetics has much brighter and bolder colours and I wanted to understand how women needed to approach the line as they age.

I met with Senior Artist Jane McKay for a little MAC education.

During my meeting with her, I had some precise questions and she in return had very precise answers. She also managed to give me a 15-minute face that completely hid all of my hyperpigmentation spots (you’ll see the photo at the end of part 2).

Senior Artist Jane McKay from MAC Cosmetics makeup and beauty tips:

1)  What are some of the top essential makeup products women over 35 should NOT be without?

It’s all about the face. Before even thinking of makeup products, women over 35 need to focus on having the perfect canvas (aka the perfect face). The reality is that:

“Skincare is 90 per cent of the end result … every women should strive to have beautiful, translucent, natural looking skin”

This is very easy to create when you know the steps:

1. Exfoliant: This is an absolute necessity once or twice per week – as you age your skin will not rejuvenate its self as quickly. MicroFine Refinisher is a cleanser from MAC that contains an exfoliator to help your skin glow.

2. Moisturize: That’s so important at any age, but more so as you age in order to keep your skin protected against dryness.

3. Use SPF Protection: You really should never leave your home without at least an SPF 15. I’d recommend the MAC Studio Moisture Fix with an SPF 15. We also carry products with protection as high as SPF 50.

4. Foundation: Use the right shade of foundation for your skin tone. If you’ve been using the same foundation since your teens, you should get a makeup consultant to make sure the shade and the consistency is appropriate for you.

5. Use a concealer: you’ll be able to hide a multiple of sins thanks to the magic of a concealer.

6. Use powder: One again, you want to use the right shade of powder to finish your makeup. Mineralize Skinfinish from MAC comes in different shades and it’s perfect to set your foundation.

7. Use a bronzer: A bronzer that is NOT too dark will do wonders at contouring your face. You really want to only use bronzer on certain parts of your outer face and you should NEVER use bronzer like you use a finishing powder.

2)  What are some of the three biggest mistakes women in their 30s, 40s, 50s make when it comes to their makeup?

* They chose the wrong colours for their skin tone

* They do a poor job at properly blending colours

* They wear far too much makeup

You have to remember that after the age of 35, it’s no longer about colours but it’s about intensity. You want to choose the right colours for your skin tone and you want to make sure you’re not using too much of anything.

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* Fake eyelashes are great to intensify the eyes and give them that instant pop.

* The best way to use false eyelashes is NOT to choose a pair that is too thick.

* You want to choose ones that aren’t full and you want to cut them in half.

* You want to really only glue the fake eyelashes at the outer part of the eye.

* As women age, their eyes will droop downwards, fake eye lashes will help lift and open the eye.

4) What are the three “must-dos” women in their 30s, 40s, 50s should take into consideration when approaching makeup.

In my opinion you MUST:

a) Moisturize

b) Use a natural looking foundation

c) Use bronzer in a shade that’s not too dark

I’ll add a fourth one … it’s important to use blush because as you age your circulation slows down and you need blush to bring some brightness to the face.

I’ll also add to ALL women should wear pink, gold and coral shades because those colours do such a good job at illuminating the face.

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***Procter Gamble Beauty is offering their Fall 2008 Look Book … you can download it at the end of this post!***

I still remember my reaction at a summer P & G Beauty function when I found out that famed makeup artist Pat McGrath (and P & G Global Creative Design Director) had created the fall 2008 runway looks for a number of big designers and that we’d be able to get a sneak peak.

When I heard that, I gasped and for about a few seconds I stopped breathing because U.K. base Pat McGrath is one of the biggest international makeup artists and she’s worked on pretty much every single big fashion show you can think of and she’s been responsible for creating memorable faces for designers such as Prada, Miu Miu and Dolce and Gabbana.

She’s been dubbed by Vogue magazine as THE most influential make-up artist in the world!!!

There were a number of looks from Balenciaga, Lanvin, Gucci, BCBG, Christian Dior, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana (D&G), Anna Sui, Y-3 and Bottega Veneta.

All of the looks were dazzling, but I thought that some of them could actually easily translate from runway to real-way for women over 35!

In the end, I found that four of these looks were perfectly suited for models and real gals.

You’ll find in the Fall 2008 P & G Beauty LookBook the makeup trends I thought were absolutely flawless:

*   Bottega Veneta: If there is purple, I will automatically love it. Purple is the colour of the season and I cannot tell you how much I adore this look.

* Dolce & Gabbana (D&G): This look reminiscent of the upper-crust-very-proper-British-aristocrat will be a big hit this fall. The look is clean and sophisticated.

* Anna Sui: This look screams natural-fresh-simple-beautiful!

* Louis Vuitton: I quite like this look because it’s quite sculptural and it has a touch of the 80s in it. This look is perfect for office wear and for after-work cocktails. I also can see this working in the evening with a very glamourous gown.

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You can download the Fall 2008 P & G Beauty LookBook and simply take it with you to your nearest store that sells Cover Girl makeup to get the look of the season.

**** Download the P & G Beauty Look Book for fall 2008 ****

Now, the LookBook doesn’t come with PatMcGrath, but given how much details are offered … it’s the next best thing to being able to afford the services and expertise of one of the world’s best makeup artists!

Photo provided by Procter Gamble Beauty

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I think the idea is to use these tips along with your NARS Cosmetic beauty expert to create a look that works for you and that’s age appropriate.

As you’ve noticed this is my third feature on celebrity makeup guru Norman Sands. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, from all the makeup artists that I’ve interviewed Norman has made the biggest impression on me for his passion for his craft and his dedication to educating women on how they can look their best.

Norman created a face-chart for Leighton Meester, who is one of the actresses from thew smash-teen series “Gossip Girl”. Norman was responsible for given Leighton a perfect-fresh-look for her front-row seat at the 3.1 Phillip Lim show during New York City’s recent Fashion Week events.

I kid you not, these types of insider’s makeup tips are very valuable, and even if you’re over 35 … you can still find a way to make this work for you. Since we are talking about NARS Cosmetics then you know that it’s all about glamour and chic and never about gaudy or tacky.

Celebrity makeup artist Norman Sand creates the perfect face for Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester (all the makeup used is NARS Cosmetics):

“Leighton is not a fan of a lot of makeup or heavy foundation so I focused on creating an ethereal look around luminous skin.” – Norman Sands

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1) After bonding over our mutual love of good skincare, I prepped her skin with Mud Mask for about 10 minutes to make her beautiful skin even more flawless.

2) I used Balancing Toning Lotion to remove the mask, soften the skin and prep the skin for moisture.

3) I mixed Aqua Gel Hydrator with Brightening Serum to give the skin instant hydration and radiance.

4) Aqua Gel is a secret weapon used for photo shoots and during Fashion Week as it is 87 per cent water with Aloe and Grape Seed Oil.  It soothes, plumps and hydrates tired and overworked skin.  The Brightening Serum is a lightweight moisturizer with a pearlescent finish that instantly lights up any complexion.

5) I then applied Firming Foundation in Punjab under the eyes and around the nose with clean fingertips.

6) I also applied the Multiple Bronzer in Tuomota to the cheeks and temples to warm up the complexion.

7) I buffed St. Tropez Powder Foundation into the skin with the NARS Botan brush to set the complexion and bring lustre back to avoid a powdery look.

I highlighted her cheeks and the center of her face with the Multiple in Maldives to give a pink-champagne glow.

9) I set the cheek with Luster blush and then added golden-ethereal finish using the Yachiyo brush #27.

10) For her eyes, I used bright shimmering in Cyprus Single Eyeshadow. I used a sheer bronze as a base and I also smudged it under the bottom lashes.

11) I blended Blondie Single Shadow in the bridge of the eye to give a slight contour and I used the shimmering lilac side of Elsa Duo Eyeshadow on the lid to give the lids a pop.

12) I used damp #2 Push Brush mixturing Single Eyeshadow in China Blue and Bali to line the eye.

13) The eye look was finished with Kaliste Eyeliner Pencil (a true teal) in the inner rim to set off Leighton’s honey-coloured eyes.

14) I applied two coats of Bamboo Waterproof mascara (a pure brown). This coated the lashes without making the lashes look clumpy.

15) The lips were moisturized with Sabrina Lip Treatment with SPF 20 to give the lips a sheer melon shimmer pout.  Fantasia Lipliner Pencil is one of my favourites because it creates a barely-there-peach when you don’t want to see the lipliner color.

16) I topped off the lips with the Giza/Boogie Nights Gloss Duo (a sheer nectar and metallic raspberry).

17) Final touches:  I blended Super Orgasm blush on the apples of the cheeks.  I then added Luster blush under the browbone (by adding a bit of the blush color it gives the eye a brightening lift).

18) I also used Brightening Serum on her arms and legs for a moisturizing healthy glow.

I’ll admit that might be a lot of steps for the average woman and since you don’t have to walk the carpets of New York fashion week, I’m sure that if you take this face chart to your nearest NARS Cosmetic counter a beauty expert can help you find the five-minute face version to this.

That said, this kind of insider’s look into celebrity makeup really gives you a better appreciation into what it takes to create the perfect face for the camera!

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Norman, was so incredibly generous with his tips that I really had to cut this post into two parts and I really want to make sure you read all the information he provides because most of us will never afford the luxury of having an expert makeup artist on speed-dial.

You can read part one of my interview with Norman Sands here: My interview with Norman Sands Makeup Stylist and Trainer for NARS Cosmetics

I’ve interviewed a number of makeup artists in the past, but Norman is surely one of the most passionate and also one of the most detailed experts I’ve had the pleasure to sit down with. I knew volumes when it comes to makeup, but this discussion with Norman allowed me to learn so much more.

I also hope you’ll enjoy this interview with Norman Sands makeup stylist and trainer for NARS Cosmetics:

1) Beauty Match: What are the fall 2008 makeup trends at NARS?

Norman Sands:

1. Kohl Rimmed Eyes
2. Clean and Simple
3. Bold Lips
4. Luminous Skin
5. Sunset Hues

2) Beauty Match: How can women over 35 adopt the fall 2008 makeup trends so they look good on them?

Norman Sands: I think it’s always important to keep in mind what we refer to as “runway to real-way”.  It’s about making a trend that you like work for you.  Modern makeup is about confidence, lifestyle and personal preference, at NARS we call that “wardrobing”.

François Nars says “skin is 50 per cent of the makeup” so this season it’s all about beautiful skin.

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Norman Sands: François Nars created the line because as an artist he was frustrated with what was available at the time, often having to mix several lipsticks to create the perfect red.  He created cosmetics that had true payoff, rich textures and long wearability.  He lauched 12 lipsticks at Barney’s New York in August 1995.

Nars’s philosophy is simple: “Strong pigments create true color and velvety textures provide optimum control in application!”

4)  Beauty Match: What about the smokey eye that has been popular for so many seasons now … is that still a strong trend?

Norman Sands: We are moving from the smokey eye to the smouldering and kohl rimmed eye.  Each season it’s about updating makeup techniques. The smokey eye will always be a timeless classic but the application, color and techniques will change each season.

The perfect smouldering eye is created by layering and blending texures on the eye: 1) At NARS we start with a cream shadow (Zardoz, Lili Marlene or Savage). 2) Next blend a beautiful metallic over the cream shadow (Ashes to Ashes Single Eyeshadow, Isolde Eyeshadow Duo). 3) Then we follow with Cordura Eyeshadow applied with Smudge brush #15 close to the lash line keeps the look more wearable.

One of Norman’s beauty secrets: “I love to smudge a shadow over an eyeliner pencil.”

Kaliste Eyeliner Pencil (a true teal) on the inner rim of the eye is the perfect way to add drama to this season’s rich browns.

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Norman Sands:

* Red will always be a timeless classic.  NARS is known for the signature red lip. Because we are a “luxury lifestyle brand” at NARS we tend to let women find the trend that fits their lifestyle.

* This season at 3.1 Phillip Lim International Makeup Director, Ayako, wanted to achieve a bold, berry-red coloured lip. Ayako, NARS International Makeup Director, applied the NARS Lipstick in “Fire Down Below” (a pure blood red with no blue or orange) to the entire lip. She blended the NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in “Dragon Girl” to the centre of the lip to brighten and empower the red.

* One of my favourite bold lips to create is “Niagara” or “Casablanca” lipstick with “Boogie Nights” lip gloss.

6)  Beauty Match: What are some of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to NARS makeup?

Norman Sands:

* That it is only for young girls.  It is a luxury lifestyle brand.

* That is only a colour line … when we have a complete line for skincare and complexion.

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* NARS Cosmetics has the ability to be many things to many people: a stylish accessory, a guilty pleasure or a makeup wardrobe staple.

* NARS can be described as classic, modern, luxurious, and chic.

7)  Beauty Match: What are the three biggest mistakes women make when it comes to their makeup?

Norman Sands:

1) The overly dark lip liner

2) Forget the brows

3) Matchy-matchy with the eyes, cheeks and lips

I’ll also add these other big mistakes:

4) Wearing the wrong foundation (too dark… too heavy)

5) Not understanding that makeup is only about color not realizing that it is ultimately about skin…about finding the right treatment and complexion products.

6) Skipping the blush altogether.

7) Thinking that makeup is an “all or nothing” concept (either you go out with a full face or no makeup at all … that’s wrong … makeup can only be about mascara, blush and a lip-shade … voila!)

#8) Beauty Match: What are the three “must-dos” women in their 30s, 40s, 50s should take into consideration when approaching fall 2008 makeup.

Norman Sands:

1) Moisturizing the skin is key.  A well-hydrated complexion appears more plump, radiant and healthier and younger.  Try Hydrating Moisture Cream and Brightening Serum to help bring back the lustre and luminosity to the skin.  Both revitalize and retexturize for smoother, brighter skin and give the complexion a beautiful satin finish.

2) Using a makeup primer is very important to create a protective base for longer wearing natural looking foundation. (NARS Makeup Primer is oil free and silicone free)

3) Choosing the right foundation that performs for your desired finish and coverage (I’d recommend the new NARS firming foundation with Polypetides, Dermaxyl and plant extracts).

I’ll also add these other must-dos:

* Foundations have come a long way from the days of pan-cake or pan-stick.  Technologies have given women many options when it comes to perfecting the skin. Go for the Glow!

* As we age, skin tends to appear dull, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the condition of the skin. (The Multiple, Duo Multiples)

* It’s so important to properly line and define the brows, eyes and lips… as we age because we lose brow and lip definition.

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9)  Beauty Match: What if a woman wanted to create the “five-minute face” – what are the NARS essential steps to quick and beautiful makeup?

Norman Sands:

1) NARS Brightening Serum a lightweight day-time moisturizer that brightens skin immediately with an illuminating pearlescence.

2) Concealer applied under eyes, around nose, chin and forehead and any areas that need covering.

3) Apply the Multiple colour palette in South Beach, Maldives, or Cannes to cheeks, eyes and lips.

4) Apply powder foundation with the Botan Brush to create the flawless airbrushed complexion.

5) Mascara (of course)

6) Top off the entire look with lips with your favourite gloss … you might want to try “Chihuahua” or “Supervixen” Lip Gloss, or a Velvet Matte Pencil (which doubles as a lipliner and lipstick).

10)  Beauty Match: What about ethnic beauties? How can Asian women, Latinas and darker skin beauties work with makeup trends? Are there certain fall 2008 trends they should really embrace and maybe others they should avoid?

Norman Sands: Beauty trends tend to transcend race, rather it’s more about lifestyle confidence and preferences, personal style … adjusting to your preference and skin tone … revealing one’s own true beauty transcends race and age.  At NARS we are about creating a “Makeup Wardrobe”.

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Like every beauty editor, I have my favourite colours for the fall and I also have my favourite brands. I have to say that since “discovering” NARS earlier this year, I cannot get enough of their colours.

I made a bad assumption when walking by the NARS counter in the past in assuming that the bold colours were suited for 10- and 20-something girls. In reality the colours are true colours … meaning that what you see is what you get. This means that you don’t need to pack on your makeup in the hopes of getting the colour that you originally thought you bought.

You know how you buy certain makeup and get home and try it on to disappointing results because the colour was quite lighter than you expected and you had to pack on many layers of the colours to achieve the desired look? Well, this is NOT a problem you’ll have with NARS.

For a very long time, it was all about Bobbi Brown for me, but from one collection to another I was getting increasingly bored by the repetition of different-shades-of-neutral. Don’t get me wrong, there are still incredible seasonal shades that Bobbi Brown creates, but as a whole, I find the colours quite demure.

What I like about NARS is the fact that you get colour without it ever being garish or over the top. It’s just beautiful shades of colour that opens the face and lip-shades that make your lips mega-kissable.

Not long ago I was extremely lucky to be able to catch Norman Sands while he was in town for a fall 2008 NARS makeup training session and he was able to sit down with me to give me the insider’s story on the company’s philosophy when it comes to beauty, skincare and makeup for women over 35.

Norman has a very impressive resume and it’s no wonder he’s such a whiz-kid at what he does.

Norman has been a makeup artist for more than 10 years, Norman has polished his craft through projects including television and music video shoots, print editorial work, celebrity appearances, bridal assignments, fashion shows, and theatre productions.  Editorially, his work has appeared in Stuff magazine, and he regularly contributes both his beauty expertise and makeup artistry to cover shoots and beauty stories in Indianapolis Woman, Indy Men’s Magazine, and St. Louis Woman magazines.  He appears regularly on the FOX 59 Morning News and CBS WISH TV, and serves as beauty reporter for tvwebcity.com.

Norman has worked with designer and icon Diane von Furstenberg on the launch of her beauty line; Reggie Wells, the celebrity and personal makeup artist to Oprah Winfrey; Joe Costa, an international artist for Yves Saint Laurent Beaute; Ayako, world renowned makeup artist and International Makeup Director for NARS; and Tim Quinn, Celebrity Face Designer for Armani Cosmetics.

Norman’s talent has earned him a varied celebrity clientele that includes Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, model Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp, and Grammy-award winning singer Sandi Patty.  He has also worked with athletes such as race car driver Dario Franchitti, Billiards Champion Jeanette Lee “The Black Widow”, and Olympic Gold Medallist Tamika Catchings of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, as well as on-air talent such as Catt Sadler, of the E! Network, and Joni Michels of FOX 59 in Indianapolis, and personalities such as Susan Guilky, Miss Indiana 2005, and Nicole Brink, Mrs. World 2002.

Most recently, Norman displayed his talent at New York Fashion Week, working on such shows as Costello Tagliapietra, Willow, Nicole Romano, 3.1 phillip lim, James Coviello, Daryl K, Lela Rose, and Cynthia Steffe.

You can understand why I was soooooooooo incredibly excited to meet Norman!

This is going to be a long and detailed look at makeup trends for women over 35 … so I’ll have to cut it right here and continue in part two!

Every time I have the opportunity to speak to beauty insiders, I never miss out on the chance. How else are you going to get those beauty secrets that you cannot get any other way?

Lancôme is coming out with a beautiful summer 2008 collection called ‘Summer Bronzing’ … don’t you love the name?

During my interview with Sandy, I wanted to talk more about the collection and summer 2008 makeup trends, but I also wanted to discuss how these trends applied to women over 35. You’ll find a lot of great beauty secrets in this interview.

Before I forget, I’ll give high marks to French cosmetic giant Lancôme for having an expert on ‘beauty at any age’ … this is testament that companies are recognizing that as women add candles to their birthday cakes, they still want to continue having fun with makeup.

Beauty Match speaks to Sandy Linter, Lancôme Beauty at Every Age Expert and makeup artist:

1) Beauty Match: I know that bronze shades are hot, hot, hot for summer 2008, but why is the Sun Cherub Compact Bronzer from Lancôme’s summer 2008 Collection so popular with celebrities and makeup artists?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: I love using this compact because it glides on the skin. Even pale complexions look natural, healthy and energized after using this bronzer. Let’s face it – bronzers are a blessing. I use the #7.5 Shu Uemura fan brush to apply. Especially on lighter skin tones because it distributes the color evenly. Then I also dust on collar bones and décolletage. I love the Sun Cherub compact and use it on my celebrity clients.

2) Beauty Match: Do you think women should wear bronzer only in the summer, or should this be worn year-round?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Bronzer can be used all year long to warm up the skin tone. It doesn’t necessarily make you look tan, but gives you a warm glow.

3) Beauty Match: One of the Color Design Cabana Bronze Eye Shadow Palettes is centred on a gorgeous palette of bronze shades. Can any skin tone wear bronze shades? Are certain complexions not suited for those shades?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Bronze shades can be worn by anyone. The idea is just to wear one shade at a time, so the eye doesn’t look too metallic. Darker skin tones should use more yellow, dense colors. If the hues go too metallic on a mature eye, simply mix the shadow with a matte hue to soften the shimmer.

4) Beauty Match: I know that you’ve recently appointed two beautiful spokesmodels over 40 (Juliette Binoche and Laura Morante) for your new Lancôme promotional campaigns. Would you say that women over 35 can (and should) embrace this new “bronze” trend?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Age has nothing to do with bronzing. It is a preference. Juliette Binoche has flawless pale skin. She looks stunning either way. I’m sure Laura Morante would look beautiful with a bronzer.

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Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Of course it works! Just don’t apply too much metallic on the eyes. If you are wearing a liner, it can accentuate the metallic pigments, so a light touch is key.

6) Beauty Match: Would you say that women over 35 can play with the smoky eye trends?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Yes! Women over 35 can achieve a beautiful smoky eye which can soften the skin. Don’t use strong liners around the eyes. Keep everything blended and beautiful.

7) Beauty Match: What are the three “must-dos” women in their mid/late 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s should take into consideration when approaching summer 2008 makeup trends.

Sandy Linter from Lancôme:

1. Use body moisturizer. Add colour to skin if necessary with self-tanners and don’t forget the tops of your feet.
2. Don’t embrace every single trend that comes along, but certainly keep an open mind!
3. If you think you can’t wear a certain lip shade, don’t give up. For a softer look, apply the lipstick, then go back and add liner as needed.

8)) Beauty Match: What are some of the three biggest mistakes women in their mid/late 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s make when it comes to their makeup in general?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme:

1. Don’t forget to apply blush to the cheeks when you’re wearing strong eye makeup. Otherwise, you’ll look off balance.
2. Less is not more. The “less is more” approach makes women afraid and as they get older, they ultimately wear nothing. It’s all in the technique. I’m a big believer in teaching women how to do their makeup. Even something as simple as curling your lashes the correct way can open the eye area.
3. Over-plucked brows are a no-no. Learn how to fill in brows that have become sparse over the years. Use a perfectly coloured brow pencil and brush them upwards. If you’re unsure about brow maintenance, visit a brow specialist who can work with you and your brow shape.

While I was in Europe, I had my fill of magazines at a more reasonable price than I would buy them at home. Not only did I buy every possible magazine, but I also raided the archive files of all my girlfriends.

While flipping through an old edition of Elle France, I found a really enlightening article titled (when translated): VIP Guide to Aging-Well. This definitely caught my attention.

So how do French women seem to age so effortlessly?

The French fashion magazine Elle France summoned a number of skin care experts, hair dressers, designers and stylists to give French women some advice on how they can look their best as they age.

Here are three series of tips from this expert beauty panel. These might be French beauty tips, but they apply equally well to anyone who intends of looking as good as they can as they age.

Skin care & makeup tips:

* Don’t spend all your money on expensive anti-aging skin care creams and gels. Do invest in whitening and brightening your smile. Nothing ages you more that a yellowish smile.

* Never leave your home without SPF protection. It’s the best year-round anti-aging secret to protect skin from burning.

* If you don’t like SPF creams, consider buying a foundation that has SPF in its formulation.

* Make sure you choose the right shade of foundation. A foundation that is too dark will seriously age you.

* Make sure you don’t apply foundations that are too heavy. There is nothing that ages you more than a caked on look. A more natural look will help you look more youthful.

* The same rule applies to makeup as you age: keep it light. Your lipstick, gloss, mascara and eye shadow should all look as natural as possible.