As soon as the 5 minutes of glory are over, the flurry of breaking down begins. Makeup is wiped off, hair is pulled out of its form, models re-dress and fly out the door to do it all again at the next show. You may not have your own team of screaming Italians to help you get dressed and out the door in the morning, but that scenario might sound somewhat familiar even if you are just living your own busy life!

To keep things simple, let me break down the two most dominate trends I saw for Autumn/Winter 2010 in makeup:

1. Bronze, gold and copper shimmer eye shadows swept on and under the eyes

2. Deep purple lips

The gold eye is pretty easy to achieve. Shimmery shadows can be very forgiving and gold, depending on the tone, tends to look good on everyone. Try out some different shades on your eyes using a fluffy shadow brush and play! If you want more intensity, try wetting the brush just a little. Then pick up powder eye shadow with it and go straight to your eyelids. Or start with a cream base like RMS Cream Eyeshadow in Solar, then powder over with a complementary gold shadow. Finish it all by dabbing a bit more creamy gold to the center of the lid and inner corners of the eye. You’ll see that doing this really turns it up a notch!

The deep purple lips are much more high-maintenance. So you really have to make sure your lips are smooth and your skin looks great, with all the redness concealed, before diving in. It’s not an easy look to carry through the day or over a meal. Chances are it will bleed and get ruined within a short period of time, and you’ll have to do touch ups constantly. This is something to try for more of a glamorous night out. Clubs where the lights are a bit lower are definitely more forgiving and a dark lip can be very inviting.

Lastly, these two looks were not meant to be worn together. So pick one and have fun!

Embrace Your Color
If you are afraid of looking too pale, think of beauties like Nicole Kidman who go year-round with creamy skin. The rays of the sun don’t do kind things for you later in life. That’s when you will be wondering how to get rid of all the wrinkles and discolorations the years of baking and burning gave to you.

Cover Up
Wear and reapply sun block anytime you are outdoors, especially between the hours of 10am and 2pm when the sun is at its strongest. The lighter skinned you are the stronger the protection you will need…and don’t skimp! Cover your body from head to toe…yes, even your toes. You’ll avoid getting ugly burns and peeling in uncomfortable places if you plan ahead. Then use hats and clothes as appropriate to avoid over-exposure.

Fake It
With so many options available for safe, sunless tanning, there’s no reason to be without the glow of golden skin and to protect yourself from the harmful and aging rays of the sun. I recommend trying an all-natural one like Lavera’s.

Tropical Inspired Makeup
When it’s hot and we are playing outside, the last thing we need to worry about is piling on a lot of makeup that’s just going to melt off anyway. So may I suggest my ultra-simple and ultra-beautiful summer makeup look.

Position yourself with a mirror near natural daylight so you can get the best idea of how much to apply.

Start with your favorite concealer under the eyes and anywhere else that might need a little coverage.

Follow with a bronzer. Begin at the cheeks and sweep up to the temples, and then the hair line. Then finish with whatever is left on the brush, across the nose and over the eyelids. I really like the mineral bronzer by Jane Iredale.

Next, curl your lashes and add a sweep of dark brown mascara. Black is too harsh for this Summery look. To avoid raccoon eyes, use a mascara that is smudge proof for the hotter and more humid days.

Finish it all off with a juicy, tropical color of lipstick that plays off the bronze tones in your face. This week I found myself in love with a deep coral I created by mixing a lip-liner and lipstick (both called Mali) and finishing it with a lip-gloss (named Rio) from Primitive Makeup.
Maybe it was the names which suggested foreign adventures, but I think the love I felt was because the color lasted for hours while staying creamy and it really picked up the blue in my eyes. For those of you with warmer skin or brown eyes, try colors in the pink or red family…be daring and most of all have fun!

[article written for French Tuesday's Newsletter - sent out to 25,000 people around the world!]

Your wedding day is coming up, and if there weren't enough details to think about, then someone poses the question, "How are you going to do your makeup?" Ack!

For many women makeup is a mask to hide "defects". Or I hear them say they feel as if their drawer is a jumble of expensive products in delicious containers with colors that never seem to look as great at home as when they were dazzled by them in the store. Some feel they aren't skilled enough and give up entirely and some artfully indulge in makeup-play.

Whether you find yourself in one of those categories or not, a wedding is no time to mess around.  Wedding photos were meant to last a lifetime, and the majority of those photos will show your face.

First consider all aspects of your beauty routine.

Makeup can only look as good as the skin it’s on. Pay attention to the importance of good nutrition, hydration, and an appropriate skin care routine with products that are safe from harsh chemicals.

For wedding makeup there are two routes to go, hire someone or DIY

Finding a great makeup artist is really important because they are highly skilled in a variety of photographic situations and will consider your complexion, the style of the dress, lighting, weather, theme of the wedding. Ultimately, their work can ensure that your face looks as good as possible, for as long as possible throughout the wedding and reception.

Asking questions and noticing how you feel about the type of responses you get will give you a signal if that artist is right for you. Of course you would do well to have a trial and make sure you love how you look before making a decision.

The blushing bride; a modern yet traditional way to approach makeup

Gone are the days of spackle and war paint with distinct looks that date the photos.  Most grooms will say they want to see their bride and recognize her coming down the aisle!  Now brides are showing off the radiance of healthy skin, a pinkish mouth with a subtle color in the cheeks, and eyes that seem to have no discernible makeup on them, but accentuate a lovely shape and eye color. 

I am a rare type of makeup artist because when I look at a woman, I wonder, “What is the least amount of makeup I can put on her as possible while still making her look fabulous?” So I emphasize natural tones in the face, and bone structure with discreet contouring.  

On the flip side some brides will play up one feature, like a 40's style red mouth to coordinate with their wedding theme.  That can be so much fun and look beautiful if done well. The idea is not to look like a theater actress, but rather a more dramatic version of the modern, glowing bride.

My absolute favorite trick for making a bride's eyes pop is applying different sizes of individual false lashes all across the eye.

Please remember that no cosmetic will replace self-care and personal-esteem. Your allure as a woman is powerful and complex.  Makeup is a tool to make you look as beautiful as you really are which attempts to mirror to others how you feel, without turning you into someone else. 

Enjoy your wedding day, enjoy the process of getting married and enjoy who you are in this moment.

By Kristen Arnett

Here's a hint. This is what it looks like...

In addition to the lovely write up they did about me, I always find their information regarding cosmetics and safety is relevant, clear and timely.

I invite you to take a moment to peruse their site and to consider the effects of the ingredients you might be using on your skin. 

If you have any issues clicking on the link above, the full article can be found by cutting and pasting this address into your browser: http://goddesshuntress.com/2010/05/19/makeup-artist-kristen-arnett/

I’ve learned from my various travels that packing lightly, but not compromising your beauty routine can be a challenge, but is possible.

First, pack what you need for where you are going and the kind of situations you will be in. Are you going to be roughing it in nature and feeling casual? Then take only the bare essentials. If you will be partying it up in some rather glamorous spots, you absolutely need to have what it takes to look fabulous while being efficient on space.

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Small Skincare)

Creams, lotions, serums, face wash, etc. are all considered in the “liquid” category. So if you will be traveling on a plane with liquids in your hand luggage, you must pack your items to fit within the security guidelines or you will have to trash that wonderful moisturizer you love. I have yet to see a female security officer become sympathetic and allow a passenger to keep her $80 jar of whatever…even when crying is invoked!

If you are now considering re-bottling any of your items into smaller, empty travel containers, think twice. Some products which are packaged in glass or certain types of plastic are reactive to other materials. The chemistry of the product can shift dramatically depending on what it comes into contact with, be it packaging or exposure to light. To avoid this hassle, get your mini-bottles direct from the manufacturer. Many companies offer travel or trial sized versions of their products, that you may not even be aware of unless you ask for them. If you are concerned about reactivity, the best option is a small, dark glass bottle.

Always Bring Protection

No, I don’t mean that kind! Try to think ahead about protection you might need in the form of sun block for the sunny places, bug repellent for the tropical places and thicker moisturizer for colder climates. I find it so funny how frequently I notice that women will forget sun block, but remember to bring their mascara. Trust me, if you burn up like a lobster, no one will notice your eyelashes. Make room for it, because by the time you “need” it, it will have been too late!

The Multi-Purpose Makeup Bag

Palettes are a girl’s best friend in this case. Many companies like Aveda, Stila and MAC offer empty palettes which can be filled with a variety of eye-shadows and blushes. I suggest taking a palette filled with basic, multi-purpose colors to be used on eyes for shadow, liner, and even to fill in eyebrows.

I love the RMS Beauty cream pots which I use with my fingers, eliminating the need to pack brushes. The two I get the most use out of are Seduce and Smile. With Seduce I can contour my cheeks and eyes, while adding a bit of a bronzy look to my face. Smile, gives a fresh pop of color to the apples of my cheeks and a pumps up the natural tones on my lips. They help keep me looking healthy and natural.

If you want a bit of variety in lip shades for your weekend, streamline things by packing a couple of lip liners (like neutral pink and bright red) instead of bulkier lipstick tubes. Use the lip liners to fill in the lip entirely and finish with gloss. You can even mix the liners to create a totally new shade.

I’d love to hear any tips you might have to share on the subject, so feel free to leave comments for me and your fellow readers.

Happy Travels!

In celebration of French Tuesday's 7th year in New York, I began to focus on the exquisite beauty of all things French. Predictably the food, wine, cheese, champagne and fashion are all very celebrated delights of the French culture. Though as a makeup artist and an American, I find the simple elegance of a French woman utterly alluring and often foreign to the culture I grew up in.

How do French women look so beautiful so effortlessly? How is it they always seem to know when enough is just perfect?

For many women makeup is a mask to hide "defects". Some feel they aren't skilled enough and give up entirely and some artfully indulge in makeup-play. Whether you find yourself in one of those categories or not, think of the French woman: sophistication mixed with wonderful femininity that brings out every asset she has, often with a playful flair.

I am an rare type of makeup artist because when I look at a woman, I wonder how I can put the least amount of obvious makeup on her as possible while still making her look fabulous. I do like the French do, pulling out natural tones in the face on the eyes, cheeks and lips, then emphasize bone structure with discreet contouring.

I encourage my clients to consider all aspects of their beauty when we discuss makeup; the importance of good nutrition, hydration, and an appropriate skin care routine with products that are safe from harsh chemicals, bringing to the forefront the radiance of healthy skin.

Makeup tips to bring out your "Ooo La La!"

Spackled on makeup is not elegant, so use foundation and powder sparingly.

My absolute favorite trick for making eyes pop is to apply different sizes of individual false lashes across the lid after mascara. Then the eyes seem to have no discernible makeup on them, but accentuate a lovely shape and eyecolor.

Dab on a pinkish glow to the cheeks and lips, and you are set for the day!

To step it up a notch at night, find your signature, semi-matte, red lipstick and re-apply it as often as needed. For extra French points, find a lipstick and mirror compact dripping with glamor to use for all public touch ups. Yves Saint Lauren lipsticks are particularly appealing to the eye.

The Attitude

Makeup is a tool to help you look as beautiful as you really are and attempts to mirror to others how you feel, without turning you into someone else. Your allure as a feminine creature is both powerful and complex, and as the French women know, no cosmetic will replace self-care and personal-esteem. Go ahead, work the French attitude and enjoy being your beautiful self!

Happy Anniversary French Tuesdays and to its French women!

Rehydrate Inside and Out.

Your body and skin need a lot of water in order to function in good health. As soon as your body is dehydrated, not only will you feel more tired, but you will look it too, with dry skin that makes you look older.
When I travel I take special vitamins that help my body absorb water better which has helped with jet lag and recovering from a night of drinking. Also, a good rule of thumb is for every glass of alcohol, drink a full glass of water (not mixed with Vodka, because that doesn't count!)

If your skin is showing signs of dryness, help it along by giving it a moisture treatment. There are a variety of great moisturizing masks on the market, so you can start with one of those or simply move along to applying a moisturizer right for your skin type. If you already have oily skin, and are prone to breakouts, you'll need something light-weight and oil-free. If you have super dry skin, you'll need a rich, creamy moisturizer. I've been using the Wild Rose Moisturizer by Korres.
It's a more natural product that boasts being free of mineral oil, Propylene Glycol and Silicone. A tiny amount goes a long way and it claims to have the added benefit of repairing fine lines and hyper-pigmentation.

Gentlemen, don't be afraid of women's skin care, it can work for you too. Just find something that doesn't have a strong feminine scent. Or seek out one of the many skin care lines now available and tailored to suit your masculine needs. Stores like Whole Foods have wonderful uni-sex products, so go take a peek, get some samples and see what you like.

Eat it!

Pay attention to the foods and drinks you are consuming because those could be having an unpleasant effect on how you look. Check out The Beauty Diet, written by Lisa Drayer, a client of mine. It's filled with terrific information and recipes for eating your way to looking great. Some beauty building foods are fresh salmon, tuna, plain yogurt, blueberries and almonds.
Find more recipes and excellent reasons to stop stuffing a slice of pizza down your mouth while running off to your next appointment, in one of Dr. Perricone's books.

Just for the Ladies...Get rid of the evidence!

Make sure that you remove all of your makeup from the day or night before. All of it! Use makeup remover and a cotton swab to get in between eyelashes and lids so you can get rid of any residue from mascara, pencil or shadow that will otherwise sink around the lines of your eyes making them look dark.

Bags are for travel, not for under your eyes.

Get a good concealer that is not more than one shade lighter than your usual skin color, with a slightly pink undertone to help cancel out the blue in those dark circles. 

Perk up!

Now that you have your skin and eyes looking better, apply makeup as normal but stay away from colors with a lot of red in them, which accentuate tired eyes.

If you feel the need for some color to perk up your skin, then use a bronzer with a fluffy brush and glide it over your cheek bones and eye lids. Follow by curling your lashes and a swipe of mascara only on the top lashes. Adding mascara to the bottom lashes will only help draw attention to dark circles.

Now you Super Men and Women can keep your faces looking just as glamorous as your lifestyles!

by Kristen Arnett for French Tuesdays Newsletter

Which color is right for you?

Visible lip liner is like having visible panty lines…it’s a “don’t”
Obvious lip liner just isn’t pretty or fashionable. The first rule for keeping your bright color under control is to line your lips with a matching toned pencil or a nude color that blends into your natural lip color.

Cupid would be proud…
When applying lip color, be precise. With such bright shades it’s extra important to keep the edges of the lip crisp and emphasize the Cupid’s bow. What’s the Cupid’s bow? It’s the center part of your upper lip where there are two peaks with a curved “valley” between them. Since Cupid is the Roman God of erotic love, I think you’ll be headed in the right direction no matter what!

Don’t gloss over it
When lip color is bright, don’t use gloss. That’s just over-kill and could start to make you look a bit vulgar when what you want to achieve is hot and fashionable. Also with all that gloss your pretty, well-drawn lips will start to slide off and you could end up with a clown-mouth.

Mistakes happen
If you make a mistake with the color, it gets smudged or is going in the wrong direction, take action immediately, because bright colors will leave a stain. Use a cotton swab soaked in makeup remover to take off the mistake, then use a bit of concealer over the area to hide the stained color, and then you can re-draw the line.

Leave your mark
Add some extra fun to your day by leaving your lip-print on a romantic letter, a mirror, or a cute cheek. Just be sure to re-apply afterward!

With lips like these you are sure to make St. Valentine look twice.

by Kristen Arnett for French Tuesdays Newsletter