Sunday, May 4, 2014

Definitely Not Politics As Usual

 Wendi McLendon-Covey 

100th Annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner


Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo
Hair by Kristan Serafino
Makeup by Lori Hamlin Penske
 
Wendi McLendon-Covey in Carmen Marc Valvo - 2014 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner Wendi McLendon-Covey Carmen Marc Valvo - 2014 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Bridal Week - Mark Zunino for Kleinfelds


Backstage at Mark Zunino S/S 14

October 15, 2013  |  Backstage with TEMPTU
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photos by Rebecca Wong


Mark Zunino Face Chart


Mark Zunino makes wedding dresses for the everywoman-the everywoman who happens to favor body-hugging silhouettes, crushed crystals, and extravagant trains. At his Bridal Fashion Week S/S 14 show, the designer aimed to eliminate distinctive facial features to prove that any bride-to-be could wear his beautiful creations, regardless of appearance.
That didn’t stop the makeup team, led by Key Artist Lori Hamlin, from giving the models glowing complexions. They primed faces with S/B Primer, then created blank canvases by masking eyebrows and eyelashes with S/B Adjuster in White and airbrushing the entire face with AIRpod Foundation.
The eyes were lined with a beige pencil, and lips were dabbed with deep red gloss. The final touch? Black pixie cut wigs that were edgy and sophisticated. - Rebecca Wong

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1st time trying the new AIRpod!
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Ali Blackhurst Knudson leading the airbrush team backstage
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Congratulations to Mark Zunino, the team at Kleinfelds & DM Hair for putting on such a fantastic show!  My team, and I, are honored to have been included.

Thank you to my incredible team.  You are a class act.

Lisa Hamlin
Elva Oliva
Ali Blackhurst Knudson
Alison Cornely
Meredith Hayman Hanson
Lisa Bluto
Jules Waldkoetter
Kirsten Fredrickon
Alana Guy
Kristen De Gregorio
Melinda Sarabia
Joan Mangels
Ashley Meyers









Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Look for Pnina Tornai




THANK YOU

Ardell
Blender
Carita
Lancome
Laura Mercier
Temptu

for your generous support.
i couldn't have made it through bridal week without you.




Bridal Week - Pnina Tornai for Kleinfelds


Backstage at Pnina Tornai S/S 14

October 14, 2013  |  Backstage with TEMPTU
Pnina Face Chart 



The look was sexpot meets princess bride in a bedazzled display of decorated corsets and voluminous trains at today’s Pnina Tornai’s SS’14 Bridal Fashion Week show. Models gracefully skated down the runway at Kleinfeld (the bridal mothership!), with airbrushed skin, intensely rosey cheeks, and bubblegum pink lips. Like her dresses, the makeup “bridged the gap between fantasy and reality,” said Key Makeup Artist Lori Hamlin.
To make the girls look like living mannequins, Hamlin’s team prepped the skin with S/B Primer, then covered dark circles and blemishes with Undereye Concealer. The skin was then perfected with AIRpod Foundation.
Hamlin made the eyes irresistibly flirty with winged faux lashes. Lips and cheeks were brightened with a high-intensity pink blush and lip gloss. To recreate, try AIRpod Blush in Pale Pink on the cheeks and Peony Pink on the lips. - Rebecca Wong


Thank you to the team at TEMPTU for your generous donation of makeup.  My team, and I, appreciate your support! 


Wednesday, March 27, 2013


"Although beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the feeling of being beautiful exists solely in the mind of the beheld." 
 Martha Beck 
 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Beauty Hunter

When you are credited with discovering Heidi, Eva and Claudia, it's no wonder you become known as "The Beauty Hunter".  Thomas Zeumer is the real deal!  It is always refreshing to meet someone who is as nice as he is successful.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have met him and look forward to collaborating with him in the future. 



Wednesday, April 4, 2012

My advice for Spring in the New York Times!!

You Can Fall Out of Bed and Look Good



GOODBYE, lip liners, brow pencils, spackled-on foundations. The hottest beauty trend of 2012 is imperfection.

The new look for the new year is effortless, minimalist, just-out-of-bed-with-your-lover, according to leading hair and makeup artists. They say that stiff coiffures, overdone eyes, defined lips and matte skin are out. Tousled hair, smudged eyeliner, dewy lips and luminous skin are in.
The look is “coming home from the party,” not “going out to the party,” said Terry Barber, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics. “Perfection got slightly boring.”
And the must-have tool to achieve perfect imperfection is recession-friendly: your fingertips. Use them to smudge eyeliner, smear bronzer, press bright stains into your cheeks and lips. The application of the makeup is as relaxed as the overall look.
“Pout your lip and just push it into the lip,” advised Matin Maulawizada, the global artistry director for Laura Mercier whose handiwork will be on display at the Pamella Roland runway show next month during New York Fashion Week. “It should look underdone.”
Emily Kate Warren, a member of Dick Page’s Shiseido fashion runway team who has also done makeup for Yoko Ono and Jennifer Jason Leigh, calls the 2012 lip “Popsicle mouth” because it appears as if the wearer has been sucking an ice pop. (A variation of the mouth was seen at the Viktor & Rolf spring 2012 runway show.)
To achieve the Popsicle, Ms. Warren advised forgoing lip liners and wands and applying a swab of bright color in the center of the lips, then pressing them together and rolling. “The darkest gradation should be in the center and should blast out to nothing,” she said, adding that the technique is also a way for women timid about sporting a high-wattage lip to try electric orange or red.
Another beauty buzzword for 2012 is restraint. Experts said makeup should not be applied to the entire face. Under-eye circles and blemishes may be covered with concealer, but the rest of the skin should be left natural, à la Ali MacGraw in “Love Story.” If you wear a dark lip, then keep the rest of your skin polished, like Tilda Swinton. Brows are natural, not cartoon geometric.
To embrace the moment, skip mascara, like Lady Gaga did in the fall, or try mascara in, say, blond or red to match your hair color. Lori Hamlin, a New York City makeup artist who counts the lissome cooking personality Padma Lakshmi among her clients, said she likes Yves Saint Laurent’s Mascara Volume Effet Faux Clils in burgundy.
Even that old standby, the smoky eye, is out of vogue.
“Lose the smoky eyes,” said Mr. Barber of MAC. For a fresh look, he suggests swiping brown mascara just on the roots of your eyelashes, then dotting a bit of brown pencil in between (he likes MAC Coffee eye pencil). This year, texture, like metallic or wet eyelids, is all the rage. The total effect, he said, is “modern pared-down glam rock.”
Ms. Hamlin agreed. “The smoky eye will never go out of style, but a different way to use it is to use the metallic tones,” she said. “It just makes it a little bit softer.”
Another updated option is to almost reverse the smoky eye by applying shadow and liner below the bottom lash line instead of on the lid, according to Ms. Warren. On her own eyes she draws a haphazard pencil line below her lower lashes, then smudges it with her finger, for a look similar to one worn by the models at Alexander Wang’s spring 2012 runway show.
To those in the habit of ringing their eyes with liner, she suggests easing up and just lining the eyes from the outer corners to the middle, like the models at the spring 2012 Dolce & Gabbana show.
This summer, expect to see even more 1970s glam-rock inspiration, with makeup in aqua and gray, which Mr. Maulawizada of Laura Mercier said is making a comeback. “All of it’s done in a very understated way,” he said.
But before then, spring will bring a few darker hues, like mauve. “It just kind of reflects the times,” Mr. Maulawizada said, referring to the grim economy and pop-culture references. “You see shows about mysticism, the occult, vampires.”
One place to avoid trends, vampiric or glam rock: your eyebrows.
“Eyebrows should not be trendy,” said Anastasia Soare, the eyebrow guru who has tamed the brows of Oprah, Madonna and Naomi Campbell.
While brows should be groomed in a way that is most becoming to your face, Ms. Soare said, you can experiment with color. The heavier the eye makeup, the lighter the brows. (She recommends using tinted eyebrow gel instead of bleach, as the latter can turn brows orange). With a minimal makeup look, she said, go for bold, dark brows.
“You must have balance,” Ms. Soare said. “You cannot be like a Christmas tree.”
Hair should complement the casual, natural look: a simple ponytail, a chignon, a bun you plop atop your head as you wash your face in the morning.
No matter the style, to be au courant, hair must be conditioned and shiny. But shiny hair doesn’t necessarily mean clean hair.
“Make a hair resolution for 2012,” said Oscar Blandi, the stylist who has tended to the locks of Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba and Kelly Ripa. “Make sure you don’t wash your hair every day.”
A hair glaze at least once a month is essential, he said, especially for men (who he said request it more than women) because it seals cuticles, making gray hairs at the temples appear brighter and thicker.
These beauty indulgences make such a difference, said Mr. Blandi, that New Yorkers opt for them even in the current economy.
“You may have no money in your pocket,” he said, “but you feel like a million dollars.”


NYTimesFashion on Twitter



Matthew Richardson

Monday, April 2, 2012

For all the brides who've asked....

By: Kristina Grish


Think back to your days as a bridesmaid -- the time and energy spent organizing showers, stuffing envelopes, lending opinions, calming nerves. Of course you were always happy to help out. But if you're honest, you probably wouldn't call the experience a picnic. So a nice thank-you gift would've been much appreciated. And when I say "nice," I don't mean an ill-fitting robe or monogrammed ashtray (with the bride and groom's initials). The only winner there is Goodwill.

Now that the Manolo's on the other foot, and you are the bride, do right by your best ladies with an indulgent treat they can actually use: a beauty bag -- one filled with must-haves they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves. It's actually really easy, since you can choose brands that fit your budget and save time shopping online. Most importantly, your sidekicks will feel like a million bucks.

"Though it's the bride who's the star, all of the women who've supported her along the way should sparkle too," says
Lori Hamlin, a celebrity makeup artist who's worked with brides for 20 years. She's suggested the beauty bag fillers below. Include all four in a pretty gift bag or mini-monogrammed tote, tie with a bow, and check one more to-do off your list.

Lip Balm
We're not talking about a cheap tube of wax here. "A good lip balm will hydrate, smooth, and keep lip color on longer," says Hamlin. She says a quality balm will be absorbed into the lips and leave no sticky residue, so it helps your lips look healthy and smooth. This way, bridesmaids don't have to worry about dry or cracked lips -- even after lots of mingling and gabbing -- and lip color won't look faded in pictures. Tell your girls to put it on first, under lip color, and reapply throughout the day. For a splurge, Hamlin suggests the ultra-rich
By Terry Rose Balm, $58, which can also be used on nails.

Oil-Control Blotting Papers
After wearing more makeup in a day than they would in a week, your girls may start feeling greasy and self-conscious. "Blotting papers pick up oil, remove shine from the skin's surface, and refresh the skin without adding more makeup," says Hamlin. A lot of brands make these, but Hamlin likes
Shiseido PURENESS Oil-Control Blotting Paper, $18.

Mascara and Eyelash Curler
Hamlin says to never underestimate the powerful impact of gorgeous -- and waterproof -- lashes. "Curling your eyelashes is an easy way to open up the eye without adding a lot of extra makeup," she says. As for mascara? "Go waterproof, since weddings always make us cry, and it wears longer in hot weather or while dancing." Hamlin likes
Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara, $29.50, which doesn't smear, clump, or smudge.


A Treat to De-Stress
Spending so much time and attention on a demanding bride can wear a girl out! Help your bridesmaids relax after the wedding with at least one item that promises to pamper and rehydrate. "Anyone who experiences an emotional event, stays up late, or drinks alcohol will benefit from hydrating treatments," says Hamlin. She suggests bath products that target stress, replenish moisture, and detoxify the skin, like
Comfort Zone Tranquility Bath Oil, $88. Stress, fatigue, and dehydration can also wreak havoc on eyes -- think dark circles, puffiness, and increased lines. Eye treatments and patches, like Carita Progressif Anti-Rides Eye Contour Micro-Mask, $72.30, will help your 'maids look healthy and rested post-wedding.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

A Good Day

One of the first things I tell makeup artists who ask me for advice is to never be afraid to reach out to someone whose work you admire.   In all of the years that I have been doing makeup, I am frequently reminded just how lucky I am to have a career that allows me to meet so many talented and interesting people.  When you are in the presence of greatness, everyone in the room can feel it. 
A few years ago, I was honored to be hired to do Stockard Channing’s makeup for the Tony Awards.  I am rarely star struck but have to admit that I stood in amazement at the effect she had on everyone around her.  Even the celebrities who interacted with her seemed to be in awe.  It is a little crazy that a girl from Flint, Michigan could find herself sharing an elevator with Stockard Channing, Liza Minnelli and Dolly Parton.   When the doors opened backstage to a crowd of hundreds of dancers, choreographers, stage hands, producers, etc., every chaotic motion stopped and the sea of people separated to provide a clear path and applaud for the legends of Broadway as they passed.  It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.
Yesterday, while at a photoshoot with Stockard, and the all-star cast of her new show Other Desert Cities, I was amazed again to see the company that she keeps.  You can’t imagine how much talent can fit into one dressing room.  As I was taking it all in, a well-dressed man turned to me, and with an energetic voice said, “Hi! I’m Vincent”.  I was taken aback because I already knew who he was.  I was meeting Vincent Longo, one of the first makeup artists whose career inspired mine.  I never spoke to the legends in the elevator, but did not want to miss this opportunity to let Vincent know how much he influenced me as an artist and how much respect I have for his work.  I took my own advice and he was everything I imagined him to be.  It is not every day you get to work side by side with one of the few who made you want to be an artist in the first place. 
Yesterday… was a good day.   

Monday, August 8, 2011

Dishin Out Beauty


Congratulations Heidi Brod and Lisa Stolov!
 

Join the foodie beauty revolution...
You can be a Beauty and a Foodie and find everything you love all in one cool, sometimes sexy and always witty daily newsletter.





I will be dishing out beauty tips in my own section on their site.  Please subscribe now and take a peek at my introduction video.




I'm looking forward to dishin out beauty with you!

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Congratulations Connie Britton!

A well deserved Emmy nomination for your role on Friday Night Lights.  You are an extraordinary actress and a true lady in every sense of the word.  You deserve the accolades coming your way!




I was backstage with Connie before her appearance on David Letterman last week.  Click below to watch the interview and see my makeup on Late Night!


Saturday, July 30, 2011

Foundation 101



You would be amazed at how much makeup I use to make someone look like they are wearing none at all.  The keys to natural looking makeup are taking care of your skin, picking the right colors and blending, blending, blending!

Makeup only looks as good as your skin does, so take care of it.

When wearing foundation, it is crucial to know that you have chosen the right shade.  It is difficult to make the wrong color look good.  A perfectly matched shade will improve the appearance of your skin no matter how amateur your application techniques.  The right color and formulation will instantly change the way your skin appears. This is not the product you use to make your skin look darker or more tan.  That is the job of a bronzer.  Foundation is intimidating to a lot of women simply because it is misunderstood.

The solution is simple.  Seek help.  This is the one product you need to invest in.  To make sure you are wearing the right shade, you must try it on.  Therefore, I suggest you go to a makeup counter and get help making the choice.  First, determine which formula meets the needs of your skin type.  Then, choose a shade.  Every shade will have either a golden, neutral or pink undertone.  Once you determine the tone of your skin, you simply need to find the depth of color that matches best.  The easiest way to find a match is to pick a few shades that resemble your skin.  Apply a dab of each along your jawline.  Line each shade up next to each other and choose the color that matches best.  You must check the match in natural light.  Indoor lighting can affect the way colors appear on the skin.  Do not be afraid to go outside with a mirror before purchasing. 

Once you have the foundation that is right for you, the next step is to blend, blend, blend.  Always apply foundation to the skin with your fingers and then blend with the tool of your choice (your fingers, a sponge, or a brush).  Besides your finger, never dip a tool directly into your foundation because it will cause you to apply more than what you need and you will end up replacing it more often than you should.  I recommend a sponge to blend larger areas and a brush to target smaller nooks and crannies.  Brushes allow you to blend product with precision while controlling the amount of coverage.

Concealer and powder go hand in hand with foundation.  Once your foundation is blended, apply concealer to the areas that you believe need extra coverage.  Do not forget the inside corner of the eyes and around the nose. Loose powder is often used to set a foundation and keep makeup on longer. 

It is a shame that so many women wear foundation that is too dark, concealer that is too light and have no idea what powder is supposed to do. Most women want a natural look but have no idea how to achieve it.  Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.  Start with foundation.  When you get this right, we can discuss the rest. 

 

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Meet Max Irons...



When your father, Jeremy Irons, is known as "the greatest British actor still breathing", you would think that there would be a lot of pressure.  If so, I couldn't tell when I worked with Max, before his Red Carpet appearance at this year's Met Ball. His down to earth demeanor and gracious charm were refreshing. I have no doubt that he will step out of his father's shadow in no time.   

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Return of Colored Mascara

The Return of Colored Mascara

By Elizabeth Regalia
 
 
Colored mascara may bring to mind punk rockers of the 1980s, but smart makeup mavens know that, when used correctly, it subtly boosts your natural eye color. “Apply one coat of black mascara first, and then use the colored mascara to highlight the lash tips,” says celeb makeup artist Lori Hamlin, who works with A-list clients, including Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi. “This allows you to enhance the shape of the eye and define the lashes -- without looking too bright. The light will pick up the subtle color, similarly to highlights in hair.”

Whether your eyes are baby blue or emerald green, the key is to contrast them with your colored mascara. Here’s the rundown of what works best:

If you have brown eyes: Dark gray, brown or plum will highlight the different shades in the iris.

If you have blue eyes: Yellow-based hues -- like warm metallic brown, copper, gold or bronze shades -- will brighten baby blues.

If you have green eyes: Anything in the plum family, including shades of purple or burgundy, will make green eyes look their greenest.

If you have hazel eyes: Hazel eyes allow you to choose which shade to contrast. They can be made to look greener with plum shades, or bluer with gold or amber tones.

When it comes to choosing a shadow, Hamlin suggests keeping it neutral or in the same color family as your lashes. “If you choose vibrant shadow colors with vibrant mascara, your eye color will look less intense. All you will notice is the makeup and not the eye. And remember: You should notice your eyes, not your eye makeup, at first glance!”

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/skynesher

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

To Stephanie... Much Love... Jordan Knight

Today, we have Justin Bieber, but in the 80's, it was all about the New Kids on the Block.  My younger sister, and her friends, spent hours in our basement before concerts making signs in hopes that they would somehow be noticed.  There is such a purity in the excitement of young fans who are eager to support the people and things they love. Isn't that what life is all about? 

Included in this group of fans was Stephanie Crawford Mance.  She continues to be a loyal supporter of things that move her.  In fact, she was the first person to sign up to follow my blog.  I want her to know that it matters and that her gesture is appreciated.

Stephanie, although your signs may not have gotten you face to face with the NKOTB at the time, it has finally come full circle.  I told Jordan Knight all about you when I worked with him yesterday.  He wanted you to know... he saw your signs!

A small token of "our" appreciation...



From us, to you, thank you for your support.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Backstage at the Young Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles

It is not every day that you are asked to straighten the tie of a legend!


Francis Ford Coppola, Me and Jeff Bridges


The 13th Annual Young Hollywood Awards airs tonight on ION Television @ 9PM ET/PT.




Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Getting Jessica St. Clair Ready For Her First NBC Upfronts

One of my favorite things about living in New York City is being around so many talented people striving to make their dreams reality.  Jessica, my friend, you have arrived!  The world is about to find out what I already know...


 
http://www.nbc.com/bff/video/my-eyes-my-eyes/1327478/

Congratulations to you and Lennon for writing and starring in the comedy, Best Friends Forever, that will be part of NBC's new fall lineup.  

Looks like you won't be driving that Marshall's bus much longer! 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

False Eyelash Overview / Trends

Every girl should have the experience of wearing false eyelashes at some point during her life.  They magically transform a face and are are my secret weapon!  Here are some basic tips on getting started.