Products of the Month - July!

Professional makeup artistry has its perks to say the least!  Exotic travel, glamorous clients and gratis product!  But, just because makeup artists receive “gifted” product from manufactures does not mean that the products work for all genres of professional artistry.

Consumer products can cross over into our world, but most are made for every day use and can’t handle the pressure of being “on set!”  

IMPO Pros use and test all the products we are sent gratis for approximately 4 to 6 weeks both on and off the set before we meet to decide which skin, hair or makeup products are up to par!

To be blunt, some pass and most fail our “tests!”  Unfortunately, the rigorous hours on a television, film or photography set can make even the best consumer friendly products cower under pressure!

The Pros from IMPO have decided to form a new post titled “Products of the Month,” which will feature products that have passed what the Pros like to call “The On Set Test!” 

The On Set Test is when the Pros use products on set, either during a television, film or photography shoot or for a live event (like the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, etc.).  The products endure numerous on set hours under hot lights, outside, uncontrolled location heat, wind, dust, freezing cold temperatures and sometimes, numerous makeup/hair changes.

The products are used on all different skin types and rest assure that if a product is featured in this new monthly post, it is because our Pros have fallen head-over-heals in love and we feel the product is exceptional!

So without further ado, let’s unveil our July Products of the Month:

With summer in full swing, the Pros have decided to feature products that are ideal for this time of year (even though we use them all year long)!

Jan Marini Daily Face Protectant – if you don’t use sunscreen daily regardless of the weather…shame on you!  Leathery skin is not attractive or healthy and the genius that is Jan Marini has made it extremely easy to incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare regime.

This product is brilliant in the fact that it is not a traditional white-pigmented sunscreen that can take several minutes to rub into the skin and absorb.  The Pros have found that this is the only sunscreen that does not oxidize foundation and concealer!

This product also contains a powerful antioxidant formula, which means that it is actually good for your skin and won’t cause breakouts! Bonus – it is waterproof so fantastic for sports and water play.  It does not feel oily or greasy and gives an instant oil-free, matte finish!  Click “here” to read Jan Marini’s 11 Reasons to Stay Out of the Sun!

Nurturing Force Wellness Aloe Vera Skincare Blot Out Offensive Shine + Oil Control Cream – the Pros were gifted this product at the recent IMATS Convention in Pasadena, California and we think it is genius!  Applied after normal skincare, it creates an instant matte canvas and barrier that soaks up oil secretion throughout the day!  This is not gel based, but a fast absorbing cream that will slow degradation of makeup so no more slipping, crawling, creeping, cracking or bubbling!  The Pros use this on all our clients for HD, stage, film, etc.  Bonus – no added color, fragrance or animal testing! Ideal for men with bald, shiny heads!

Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion – a gift from the sunless tanning gods!  This product comes in Light/Medium and Medium/Deep and we also love the tinted lotion for the face.  This product is a lotion, which means that it absorbs quickly into the skin! Bonus - because you can actually “see” where you have placed the product you can ensure that you are rubbing it into the skin and not creating streak marks.  For best results we recommend that you exfoliate your body first and wash your hands after application.  Clinique does recommend a drying time of 15 minutes before coming in contact with clothing.

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint – the Pros were gifted this product to try for an upcoming shoot with an actress who was extremely adamant that only natural products were used on her skin during filming.  Most mineral based products, while amazing for every day use, suffer under studio lighting and do not give enough coverage for extreme close up on HD cameras, but this moisture tint from Youngblood proved to be different!  It is sheer on first application, but you can build it up to cover small skin imperfections (most tinted moisturizers don’t have enough pigment to cover – they just provide a sheer “wash” over the skin).  Bonus – this product is packed with free-radical fighting antioxidants, calming botanicals and nourishing minerals.  Plus, it protects your skin from environmental damage!

Youngblood Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder – this product saved us during the shoot we mentioned above because our actress was extremely allergic to any type of talc powder.  The Pros grabbed this powder out of our kit and were amazed at how incredibly finely milled this powder was, which left our actresses complexion flawless, almost looking airbrushed. Bonus - if you are prone to excessive oil or live in a high-humidity area, this product will keep your makeup fresh and matte for hours!

ColoreScience Corrector Kit – this palette has become our “go to” palette in our professional kit!  It offers five shades of powder corrector that perfectly camouflage any skin discoloration.  Corrects and lightens red tones like Rosacea or blemishes, blue tones like dark, under eye circles, brown tones like sun spots or yellow tones like sallow skin from medication side effects. Comes in two kits for light/medium and medium/deep skin tones.  Bonus – we also use these colors as highlights, concealer, contour and bronzer.

MAI Couture Rejuvenate Oil Blotting Papier – we purchased these amazing blotting papers at the recent IMATS Convention in Pasadena because we just HAD to have them!  They are incredible for absorbing and removing excess oil without disturbing makeup or adding powder to the face.  Infused with lavender oil that calms nerves on hectic shooting schedule days, they have become a luxurious addition to our Pro kits and personal makeup bags!  Bonus – these blotting papers are also available in blush colors or bronzing color for instant application sans brush or to add a pick-me-up of color when touching up the face!

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow – since one of the summer time trends seems to be matte makeup, we are in love with Bobbi Brown’s cream shadows!  They last all day and won’t crease or smear.  Our favorite colors are Shore, Ash, Malted and Cement.  They leave a matte finish and the Pros love to apply these shadows with a brush or fingertip, plus they are safe for contact lens wearers.  Bonus – Bobbi Brown also makes these shadows in shimmer and metallic colors!

Make Up Forever Aqua Cream Liner – originally created by Dany Sanz for water ballet, this formula withstands extreme conditions!  Water, perspiration and humidity are no match for this amazing pencil!  It is seriously waterproof, smudge-proof and tear-proof with highly pigmented, intense color.  Comes in so many fun colors that we Pros love to use them as a pop of color on the eye when using matte, neutral eye shadows.  Bonus – these are great for the water line!

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash – this is 100% the best waterproof mascara we have every used!  Ultra-pigmented specially designed to give lashes exceptional volume!  Gives lashes curl, volume and length!  Bonus – you can get great pay off with just one coat!

Cover FX Bronzed FX Bronzing Powder – if you are looking for an amazing bronzer then look no further!  This product creates a radiant, sunny hue on the skin with a matte finish!  Oil-Free, paraben-free and packed with skin soothing properties so it is perfect if you have sensitive skin!  Bonus – comes in colors that are perfect for all skin tones!

NYX Cosmetics Rouge Cream Blush – we love to pop a bit of color just on the apples of the checks to compliment a bronze glow and to give the face some dimension!  We love a pinky-toned cream blush like Glow from NYX!  This line is very pigmented and lasts all day!  Dab on the skin with fingertips or a brush and blend!  Big Bonus – this line is extremely inexpensive so you can afford several colors!  Check out their lipstick colors too!

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector – this is by far our most favorite lip gloss!  Contains 3D pigments to enhance the lip’s natural color, fullness and shape!  Comes is three colors, but we are partial to Rose Shimmer.  Bonus – can be worn alone or with another lip color and the Beige color is the perfect nude lip color gloss!

Embryolisse Lotion Micellaire – this is a rinse-free makeup remover!  Yes!  You heard us right…rinse-free!  The Pros use this product a ton when we are on set and need to change makeup looks in a hurry!  Made for all skin types, this cleansing lotion is made with a solution of cornflower, witch hazel and chamomile water.  It is like a cleanser and toner all in one!  Even water resistant makeup is removed easily!  Bonus – impurities and daily pollution are removed in one sweep, leaving the face clean and clear so for those beauties that hate to take their makeup off at night…you now have no excuse!!!

Votre Vu On Holiday Collection – O.K. beauty junkies…the IMPO Pros literally died when we received this product line in the mail!  This is a luxurious body collection that will take you on a mini-vacation!  Take a deep breath and float away to your happy place while you exfoliate and bathe your skin in this sumptuous treatment!  The scrub will lift away dead cells and improve your skin’s texture, while the gentle cleanser nourishes and replenishes your tired, dry skin with moisture.  Complete your holiday with a spritz of the body oil and enjoy the intoxicating fragrance. Use on legs, feet, arms, stomach or wherever you would like to lock in precious moisture! Bonus – Votre Vu’s entire product line is natural and made with a blend of essential oils!

Fountain of Youth!

It seems as if we have summer on the brain here at IMPO considering our last two posts were all about sweat-proof and beach appropriate makeup "dos"!  Also in our last post, this Pro mentioned some makeup contentions that get under my skin and make me cranky, but I left a few peeves out thinking they would be perfect to mention here (and because I would like to think that our reader’s benefit from my misfortunes).

This Pro has worked with so many lovely individuals over the past 20 years, but I have to say that what I notice most about some of my clients (who shall remain nameless) is that they don’t treat themselves very well.

Oh sure, they have fame, fortune and everything that goes with it (isn’t that a song lyric?), but when they sit in my chair and expect me to work miracles on skin that has been exposed to excessive cigarette smoke, dehydrated from too much partying, overly spray tanned to the point that Oompa Loompa orange is now their skin tone, or they look like a two-dollar hooker because they were too tired to remove their makeup last night, it can turn this very patient MUA into Mommy Dearest (now you know why there is a wire hanger in my makeup kit – wink, wink)!

They think that their “on call” estheticians, dermatologists, plastic surgeons and makeup artists (like me) will repair the damage (and we do for a price), but wouldn’t it be better for their bank accounts if they just took good care of their skin?  Spoiled brats!

Maybe I am in the wrong business?  Maybe I should be a mapmaker!  Instead of selling “Maps of the Stars Homes," those people on the corner of Sunset and Vine could sell my maps to the “Stars” directing them to the Fountain of Youth!

Here is what it would say…proceed straight into your bathroom and hang a right (or a left) till you reach your sink; stop, look both ways to make sure it is safe and reach across the vanity until you can grab your cleanser or face wash and scrub that makeup off your face!  Washing your face twice a day everyday, moisturizing, eating right, drinking water and most importantly, using sunscreen will ensure that your skin stays baby soft, tight and smooth!  I would even provide a compass rose in the bottom corner for authenticity purposes!

Doesn’t this seem easy?  Then tell me why I see women (and men) on the daily with wrinkled, leathery, chapped, flaky and burned skin begging for my help!  I am a makeup artist, not a magician and if I were their mother, I would spank their tushie and put them in the corner!

Sunscreen is crucial to having younger looking skin!  You must apply sunscreen everyday to your face and body regardless of whether or not you think your skin is being exposed to the sun.  Just driving in your car to work, the light is reflected and hitting the skin on your face, neck, chest and hands aging them in the process.

For this post, I have consulted with a dear friend and dermatologist and she tells me that in the past 20 years, the number of skin cancers and melanoma has doubled, with many victims under the age of 40!  Even if it is cloudy, overcast or it is the middle of winter, your skin needs protection.

She says, "here is how you can be sure you are using enough sunscreen this summer; if your sunscreen bottle is 120-ml, which is enough full-body daily protection for 2 months and you have half a bottle left at the end of summer…you have not used enough!"  Make sense?  You need more than you think!

If you stay out of the sun between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can get away with using an SPF of 15, but if you are going to the beach, golfing, hiking, waterskiing or engaging in any type of outdoor activity between those hours, you should use an SPF of 30 or higher.

I know, I know…you are going to ask, “what about getting a golden tan?”  Notice how no one ever asks, “what about being all wrinkled and splotchy and having surgery to remove skin cancer?”   It’s your life!  I am just passing along some very sound advice!

Here are the facts about sunscreen (aka sunblock); is a lotion, spray or gel that absorbs or reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn – Wikipedia.

According to the American Cancer Society, the use of sunscreen prevents the squamous cell carcinoma and the basal cell carcinoma however, the use of sunscreens is controversial because many do not block UVA radiation, which does not cause sunburn, but can increase the rate of melanoma.  So, you should be looking for sunscreen with UVB and UVA protection.

Here is a list of this Pro’s sunscreen must haves;

SkinCeuticals – Daily Sun Defense SPF 30 – UVA/UVB sunscreen with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  Use on body and face.

SkinCeuticals – Sport UV Defense SPF 45 – UVA/UVB sunscreen with transparent zinc oxide, water and sweat resistant for face and body.

Shiseido Suncare Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 – nourishing sunscreen for the face that provides the ultimate protection from UVA and UVB rays.  Also protects against sun-induced premature signs of aging.  For use on face and body.

Cosmedicine – Global Health Face UVA/UVB SPF 30 Sunscreen – delivers broad spectrum protection with no irritation, resists sweat and humidity.  Won’t run or drip into the eye area. For use on face.

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant - Waterproof formula with powerful antioxidants and hydrating complexes.  Does not feel greasy and absorbs into skin easily. For use on face.

Aveeno – Continuous Protection Sunblock SPF 50 – long lasting, waterproof and lightweight in convenient, one-touch spray.  This Pro’s kids wear this all summer long.  It is so easy for them to apply and protect those hard to reach areas.  Since we go through so much sunscreen during the year, this is also economical!  For use on body only. Great for sensitive skin.

Pro Tip: don't forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, tops of your feet and to your scalp if you are not wearing a hat. These areas can be very painful if sunburned!

Speciality sun protection products:

ColoreScience – Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush – quick and easy application – best for use on face and neck.  Refillable, recyclable and reusable.  Matte or sparkle texture.  Available colors: clear, perfectly clear, almost clear.  This Pro uses the matte formula for on-set touch up.  Only negative is that you cannot clean the brush!  Component is such that cleaning or disinfecting the brush will cause cleanser to leak into the sunscreen powder, which means that each actor must have their own individual product to avoid contamination.

Make Up Forever – SPF 50 primer - my friend and fellow Pro MUA, Victoria Stiles, turned me on to this amazing primer.  It minimizes pores and fine lines while protecting the skin from UVA/UVB rays.  Victoria suggests wearing this under a foundation that does not contain an SPF to prevent "white out" during flash photography.  Click here to read more!

Kate Somerville – Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen – a quick absorbing, oil free formula that delivers powerful sun protection and a rich dose of antioxidants for further protection against damage and premature aging.  No white residue.  Apply after washing face and before moisturizer.

Shiseido – Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 – nourishing lip balm that defends against UVA/UVB rays and also provides moisture to reverse dryness.

the Balm – BalmShelter SPF 17 Tinted Gloss – this Pro is totally in love with this lip gloss and wears it all summer long!  It is long-wearing and protects against those UV rays.  Favorite colors:  Daddy’s Girl, Uptown Girl, Dream Girl and Girl Scout. 

After sun products:

jeune d’age organics – after sun exposure and proper cleansing of the face to remove toxins, use this serum to help replenish your skin's moisture.  It is great for dry skin and will absorb quickly without a greasy feel.  This product is housed in individual packets so that each application will be fresh and less oxidized.  Great for travel.  All natural/organic skin care.

Avene – After-Sun Care Lotion - light weight, non greasy lotion that restores skin's barrier and prevents moisture loss. Soothes, calms and cools the skin after sun exposure.

 PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Don’t exfoliate before going out into the sun because that can increase your risk for sunburn and do not exfoliate after a sunburn!  Wait until the redness is gone before resuming exfoliation.  If you have recently had any form of chemical peel you should avoid all sun exposure until your doctor determines your skin has fully healed.  Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids can increase the severity of sunburns so they are not recommended after sun exposure. You can use various products containing Aloe, Tea Tree Oil or Chamomile to help heal and soothe sunburn pain and itchiness from peeling skin.

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO - we are on hiatus for about a week!  During our short break this Pro will be filming in Paris, France and the other Pro will be attending the upcoming IMATs Convention in Pasadena, California.  Make sure you follow us on Twitter because this Pro will be "twittering" live from the set in Paris or fan us on Facebook and keep in touch through our status updates (both buttons are located on the IMPO sidebar)!  We will be back soon!