Behind the Scenes with GQ & Vogue

This was a fun shoot I just did with Guggenheim Productions in New York City, working behind the scenes with GQ magazine and Uniqlo for Vogue TV. Stylists Brett Fahlgren and Cara Crowley showed us how to dress and accessorize for spring and I prettied everyone up!

Images and tips from the day: Brett is GQ's stylist who introduced the male looks from Uniqlo. This boyishly handsome model is Lorenzo Vargas (who has perfect skin). A little Laura Mercier concealer to brighten his eye area, Fashion Fair pressed powder to take down the shine and Lorac Bronzer to add some warmth and contour. 

Lorenzo

Gorgeous Marina Theiss is originally from Brazil. Here she is with hair stylist and makeup artist Amanda Beczner doing her lovely long locks. (Amanda and I are both petite so Marina towers over both of us.)

Marina Theiss

For Marina's fresh makeup look:

Chanticaille Compact cream makeup on areas as needed.

A pinky nude lip.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer to brighten under her eyes.

A soft brown eye shadow washing the lid and a touch of eyeliner in black on the top eye line.

Lots of my favorite mascara, Laura Mercier Faux Lash and lots of my favorite bronzer from Lorac.

Just Discovered! Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara

OK, maybe not “just.” I discovered it last summer but I'm only getting around to writing about it now. However, I can still help you just discover it! When it comes to eyes, lashes can make a big difference. Some like false strip eyelashes as they are so dramatic, but it's generally not my preference because they look so, well...false. If you want to wear falsies, try individual false lashes because they lengthen and thicken without looking fake. In case you’ve never tried (or even heard of) them, they are six or so wispy lashes you can glue on where you’d like. (Gluing anywhere near eyes might sound scary but it’s only a tiny bit of lash glue that secures the pieces.) They look amazing. And while I am perfectly happy putting them on others’, when it comes to my own makeup I get so BORED if anything takes more than a few minutes. False lashes are for more dedicated makeup wearers. Which, though I am a makeup artist, is ironically not me.

I can confidently tell you that Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara is the perfect alternative. While it is called “Faux Lash,” it makes lashes fuller and more dramatic without looking fake. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t clump like a lot of thickening mascaras. And it’s easier and faster to put on than individuals. 

When I first got it, I decided to test it against another popular “false-looking lash” mascara that had just launched. I roped someone in as my guinea pig and put Mascara 1 on one eye and Mascara 2 on the other. I asked her to look in the mirror and pick one. She immediately pointed to Faux Lash and said, “I want this one!  It was no scientific test, but soon after, she ran out and got one.

This is one of my best new(ish) discovery and a staple in my makeup kit because I use it on almost everyone. I often don't have a lot of time on shoots ("Are you ready yet?" my dear producer friend Chad often says), so I love that it doesn't take any time. If you're looking for a new mascara (or just new lashes!) try this is definitely one to try.

Long Lash Tip: To go even bigger you can  put individuals on and then Faux Lash on top!

Behind the Scenes: The Journey of Hope Fashion Show

Established in 1973,  Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is recognized as one of the world leaders in clinical and laboratory research, education, community outreach, and the prevention and control of cancer. The Journey of Hope Fashion Show was part of the One Night One Show One Cause event hosted by PRS Guitars and headlined by Journey - all in support of the cancer center. The show was led by Pamela DePalma of DePalma Enterprises and her celebrity fashion team of stylist Chamisa Lamm, hairstylist Kristan Serafinoand makeup artist Robyn Tamura (me). We created the event's runway looks to reflect the spirit and rock band style of Journey.

Chamisa Lamm

STYLING Years of working at MTV and music-driven fashion shows made Chamisa Lamm the perfect stylist for this event. Using clothing from Andy Hilfiger of Andrew Charles, and an assortment of designers from Boutique 1017, Chamisa wanted to create a show to “energize, inspire and entertain.”

Her philosophy is that “killer shoes, killer walks and stand-out accessories” are necessary for any fashion show - Sugar Scout jewelry vamped up her looks. Nicholas K footwear and Luichiny gave the models extra attitude. Journey loved Chamisa’s styling so much they requested the clothes!

CHAMISA'S TIP: Have lots of accessories! When an outfit's too plain or needs a little extra something, having a collection of accessories to choose from allows you to be able to finish off any look.

MAKEUP

The look I created focused on eyes and lips. Because the clothing made such a statement, the makeup needed edge to match but still simple and not overdone. Having two talented students from the The Temple Paul Mitchell School, Robin McDonough and AshleyCreighton to assist were essential to make it all happen. A big thank you to Robin and Ashley!

Cat-Eyes 

• LORAC Eye Shadow in Taupe blended in the crease contours eyelid.

• LORAC Pro Liquid Eyeliner in Black on bottom and top lash lines extended past brow adds drama to eye shape.

• White shimmer on inner corner and tops of cheekbones gives a glowy contrast.

• Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara gives, as its name implies, a faux lash look. With 12 models to do in very little time, false lashes were out and Faux Lash Mascara was in!

Rich, Deep Lips A deep plum lip liner to line blended with a rich, wine-colored, creamy lipstick.

EYELINER TIP: LORAC's liquid liner is cream-based so it's easier to apply than a traditional liquid liner. But if cream or liquid liners are too difficult for you you can still use a sharpened eye pencil for this look.

HAIRSTYLING

Kristan Serafino's elegant Twisted Top Knot completed the high fashion styling. Here's how to recreate it:

• First smooth hair with Kiss Silicone Protection Flat Iron.

• Then brush hair into a high ponytail with a hair band. Use the crown of the head as a reference for ponytail base.

• Twist loose hair from ponytail until hair coils and secure it with bobbi pins.

• Apply Elnet hair spray to control fly-aways to finish the look.

KRISTAN'S HAIR TIP: Criss-cross two bobbi pins into an "X" to secure Top Knot from moving. Once hair is secured use hair-pins to hide bobbi pins.

With the hard work done and the fashion show a success, we sat down to a concert with Journey. Before it began, the group asked who in the audience had been affected by or knew someone affected by cancer. Every person raised their hand. It made me tear up and feel even more honored that we were able to come together for an event dedicated to make a difference.

Robyn, Kristan & Paul Mitchell National Educator Dana Ratliff Howson in action.

Michaele Salahi of the Real Housewives of D.C.