Co-author of “Basic Face” with Cindy Crawford, this New York-based makeup artist-turned-entrepreneur, who changed the cosmetics game by partnering with Target in 1999 to release the first makeup-artist brand in the mass market, shares her insider tips
Morning routine:
I like to start my mornings with an invigorating workout and a subsequent steam. A consistent gym regimen is a must because it cleanses your pores and does wonders for your skin. After the gym, I jump in the shower with Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, it’s my morning wake-up in a bottle! The invigorating scent smells fabulous and leaves my skin squeaky clean without stripping it of moisture. Another must-have for me is the StriVectin SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub, which I use every morning in the shower. I feel like my face doesn’t come to life without using this exfoliator to remove all the dead cells, leaving my skin radiant and ready to face the day.
Moving on to my daily makeup routine, I believe everyone’s makeup kit should include core basics, just like a good wardrobe always has a white shirt or black dress. I always start with a great moisturizer, serums, lots of lotions and potions, followed by a primer to ensure my skin’s texture is at its prime condition. My trick is to apply my creams when I wake up and go about getting ready, saving color cosmetics for last, allowing enough time for the product to absorb completely into the skin. Next, I go in with a good foundation to even out skin tone and eliminate any dark spots or redness. Remember, you do not have to apply foundation all over the face. Apply it on an as-need basis to save time. Then I like a bit of blush—I tend to go for crème blushes so my skin looks dewy. Next I curl my lashes and add mascara. After these simple steps, I feel polished and pulled together in no time!
Overnight skin ritual:
As my skin matures, Valmont Prime Regenera I intensive moisturizer has become key in maintaining a supple, smooth complexion. I like to slather on this cream day and night as well as an intensive moisturizer right before I go to sleep so my skin stays hydrated overnight.
Who cuts/colors your hair:
I’m very low maintenance when it comes to cutting my hair since I’m so used to getting it trimmed on set, so it really is whoever is around but when it comes to my color I swear by Michael Casey at Sally Hershberger.
Hair habit:
I use Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color and Signature Moisture Masque, I love the amazing fragrance and richness of this dynamic duo. The condition of my hair has completely transformed since using these products. A dream product for my coarse curly hair, they’re the only thing that can soften and tame my kinky mane! For a night out on the town, I use Oribe Volumista and Royal Blowout, essential for creating a voluminous and smooth style, plus it leaves the hair with an enchanting scent. I also love the Supershine Moisturizing Cream to eliminate frizz and it leaves my hair incredibly shiny; I load this on everyday—it will completely revitalize even the dullest of tresses.
Favorite eye look:
One of my favorite looks I created was for Cindy Crawford in Italian Vogue in the early ’90s on a shoot in Cheyenne, Wyoming at a rodeo. It features a classic smoky eye that transcends the test of time—the photo looks as relevant today as it did 20 years ago. I love the juxtaposition of rough and natural at the same time. I always keep my Instructional Eye Shadow Palette in Eye on Neutral on hand because it makes creating a dramatic smokey eye easy. For a quick, simple smokey eye, you can also line your upper lash line with a kohl liner and then smudge it out with a brush like my Synthetic Domed Crease Brush.
Go-to lipstick:
It is hard to choose just one as it depends on the look I’m going for, but a great nude and universal mauve are my two most frequented shades. For an everyday, laidback look I always use my Satin Luxe Lip Color with SPF 16 in Roseberry, a berry mauve lip color that looks like my lips only better. When I want to amp up my look, I pair a dark smoky eye with my Satin Luxe Lip Color with SPF 16 in Soft Nude for a sultry show-stopping style.
Nail color of the moment:
When designing my nail collection I always stick with colors that look beautiful on hands and this season gorgeous gem-inspired shades and metal metallics are in. My favorites are Hocus Pocus, a deep amethyst, and Two Cents, a dazzling copper.
Signature scent:
Fracas by Robert Piquet Parfum. This has been my signature perfume for years—the delicate notes of tuberose are seductive and feminine.
“Never without” product:
I am never without my All Covered Up Concealer. As I’ve aged my eyes have hollowed out more, so I use this high coverage cream to completely smooth fine lines and eliminate darkness. Sometimes I even use it as a touch-up foundation product too.
Secret to staying young and beautiful:
Working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. I also find being around young people with young energy and young minds and learning form my kids helps me stay modern and relevant.
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