No More Cougars...CATCH A TIGER IN 2010!!!

A Tiger's Tale and What Makeup Can Do For You!

What a year we've had! There have been many big stories this year, but what was arguably the most unexpected, controversial and talked about story of the year? Yep, you know it folks! The tale about the Tiger who happens to be the world's best athlete and his extra-marital escapades!

Now, there are a lot of people saying his behavior is typical for most high profile athletes and celebrities (umm... and dare we say politicians, too!), but for this squeaky-clean superstar golfer, these actions are far from "par for the course!" So congrats to Tiger Woods, as he has once again proven NO ONE is perfect and even he can't measure up to the image he's worked so hard to protect.

Speaking of image, this leads me to my point for this blog, how MAKEUP for women on a "good" night can help you...CATCH

A TIGER! Think - dramatic music here people! Dramatic music, "dun, dunnnn, daaaaaaaahhhh...!"

SOOOO, do you think these gorgeous bombshells look like supermodels everyday and night? Come on! Whether you are a model, actress or average human being, NOBODY looks great ALL the time! Makeup is powerfulstuff! So, for those who don't wear it on the regular? You may want to try it. Why? For starters, let's look at three of Tiger's tricks!

TOP 3 LADIES:

1)Rachel Utchitel

2)Jamie Grubbs

3) Kalika Moquin

Of course I'm sure you're not engaging in that type of behavior, but regardless, you don't want to find yourself out in public looking a hot mess like these three (before makeup). Now you don't need to be "red carpet ready," but I do suggest a hint of makeup to enhance your best features. A natural makeup for starters and when you go out, try and bump it up a little. So don't just put on a happy face, make it a beautiful one as well! Have fun with it, ladies, create a little spice in your own life, and show those gorgeous faces of yours off to the world!

NO more COUGARS…CATCH A TIGERRRRR!!!

Just make sure he is single!!!!

944 HOLIDAY ISSUE

944 Magazine

The Holiday Issue

If you’ve been following my blog, you know a few things about me. One, I love my career as a professional makeup artist. Two, I also spent years as a classical professional dancer.

That said, I must say it’s funny how your life experiences eventually come full circle, because if it were not for dance I would have never known I could do makeup. I’m sure you’re wondering, “Hmmm…how does that work, Samelia?”

Well, let me tell you. Each time I painted my face before a performance, I became a new character. And the same holds true for the two dancers whose makeup I did for 944’s Holiday Issue.

You guessed it! Working in yet another fabulous setting; this time it was the shoot for 944’s Holiday Issue. Simply put, it was an amazing experience! Being able to work with two professional dancers, Jennifer Perry (who stars in “Spider-Man” on Broadway) and Melissa Barak (ballet dancer performing in the Los Angeles holiday production of “The Nutcracker”) brought back some incredible memories from my days of performing, auditioning and the overall joy of dance.

Now when you see the final results in the magazine, please understand photographer Zach Coco was not shooting a couple of models, he was shooting world-class dancers.

I’m happy 944 is shining the light on a variety of elements for the holidays and it’s good to see dance getting some love!

Thanks 944 for the opportunity!

And friends, make sure you check out at least one of the numerous dance companies (e.g., Alvin Aliey, New York City Ballet, Philadanco, Miami City Ballet) performing over the holidays in a city near you!

BEST LANCOME!!!

Hey Guys!

Welcome to Samelia's first official BEST OF TEST list! What's the BEST OF TEST list? I will explain in a moment, but first let me tell you how the list came into being...

Lately I have been very busy working on videos, photo shoots, etc., and have put aside some of my makeup favorites for the moment in favor of some newer "riskier" areas (if you will).

Risky? To a certain degree, yes, at least for me. You're probably wondering why. Well, like many professionals in my field, I have a tough time trying out new products right away, especially because I use them on a real shoot and there is no room for error. It can cost you big time! Rarely do I do test shoots anymore, so I find myself having to try new products at home on friends and family the day prior to the live shoot. Fun times? Not exactly. Since this is my career it can be just a bit, shall we say, nerve racking?!?

So needless to say, it is rare that I take a chance on a new product without testing it. But, over the past few weeks, I have taken a chance with some of the newer products in my kit. And you know what? The "Lancome" products have delivered consistently and the results have been nothing short of spectacular!

That said, the success I experienced with the Lancome products have inspired me to create a new area in my blog, and I'm calling it, "SAMELIA'S BEST OF TEST." Congratulations Lancome! Your line is the first on the "BEST OF TEST" list (and I imagine it remaining on this list for a while)!

BEST OF TEST

Clockwise: Bi-Facil, La Laque Fever, lancôme génifique youth activating concentrate, Le Crayon Poudre, lancome oscillation vibrating mascara, Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad

There are a number of other products that I will be testing (and perhaps using) on the shoots I'm working, but for now here are my suggestions for those of you reading the blog to use from the Lancome line I LOVE so much!

And there you have it! The BEST products of the month on the first official SAMELIA'S BEST OF TEST list! What better time than the Holiday Season to try them out! You can find any of these at Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Sephora and more.

Your job? It's easy! Go shop until you drop and let me know your thoughts on these products!

Happy Holidays!

Nicole Kidman NIGHTMARE!!!

Style and grace. Two words synonymous with the world's most elegant stars. You see them on the red carpet, in front of the cameras and on the couch with Oprah.

My favorite? Nicole Kidman. She fits the bill 100%.

But to maintain that image, you must maintain consistency with your stylist and makeup artist, and for an "A-Lister" like Nicole, appearance is an area that cannot be compromised.

Interestingly enough, at the December 9, 2009 L.A. premiere of "Nine" she looked great. Yet less than a week later at the December 15, 2009 premiere in New York City, I (like many of my counterparts) was left wondering, "What the BEEP happened here!"

Not trying to be negative here, but a superstar like her cannot be in a position where your public appearance goes from best to less inside of a week!

My professional recommendation? If you have to go with two different makeup artists and have one on each coast, if you're going to get results like this, then forget having two and spend the money on flying the LA person to NY. This will help ensure all is good in your red carpet and paparazzi world!

DJ TIESTO

DJ TIESTO

Recently, I had the opportunity to work with the legendary Dutch DJ Tiesto on a video shoot featuring Nelly Furtado. Let me state for the record, I have a new found respect for DJ’s!

Now work is work, and work is serious, especially when on the set shooting a big video for two huge artists. But on the second night of the shoot, we had a chance to see DJ Tiesto live in action at the Playhouse in Hollywood, CA. And when Tiesto spins, it isn’t just about playing music! He invests time in creating amazing sets designed to create a hypnotic experience for his audience when they are engulfed in the trance.

All I can say is dance, dance and more dancing!

I was honored to be able to work with both Tiesto and Nelly Furtado and play a role with the team involved with making everyone from the dancers to the models look wonderful. After all, it’s not every day you have a chance to enhance the incredible director Alan Ferguson’s video vision of perfection!

The entire team did an amazing job, including London’s Lana Grand (hair), Charlie Altuna and Jany (wardrobe), and yours truly (makeup)!

Needless to say, I cannot WAIT to see the video.

Just take a look at some of the behind the scenes photos and if you have time and get the opportunity, be sure to check out a show!

Tiesto doing his thing!

BAI LING IS SMOKING

Bai Ling…actress, sexy, gorgeous…you know who she is!


Well, yours truly had the opportunity to work with her on one of her upcoming films, “The Confidant.” I found her to be a very sweet person, but in the movie, she plays a SERIOUS gangsta, baby! As for her appearance? You MUST check it out when the film is released. Okay, let’s just say…she looks GOOOOOOOD! I had the fantastic opportunity to help put together her entire package – hair and makeup – and if I must say so, it is amazing (wink and smile here people, wink and smile)!

JUST LOOK AT HER!!!!


CHECK OUT THE CONFIDANT MOVIE!!!

CLEAN UP MAKEUP ARTISTS

Cleanliness as a makeup artist is MANDATORY!!! We must constantly sanitize our products and hands to avoid “Operation Damage”, which is: blemishes, breakouts, and destruction of the skin… I was just on a shoot where the model walked in, had not even sat in the chair, nor seen what I was doing on other models, and questioned, “Are your brushes clean”?

Ahh! How insulting is that!?!

Okay, Makeup Artists… What are we doing wrong?
Well, let me tell you this… We as artists get so wrapped up in wanting to get be efficient for our clients, keep up with the pace of a show, that sometimes makeup artist do not pay attention to the fact that people around us are watching our every move. It is funny, some watch your demeanor, shoes on your feet, if you are picking your nose, wipe your hands and to eventually putting it on their face with makeup later.

SO, LADIES AND GENLEMEN IT’S TIME TO SLOW DOWN!!!

It is a makeup artist responsibility to make people look beautiful no matter how much pressure we are under and keep clean at the same time.

Here Are Some Cleanliness Tips To Get In The Habit While Under The Microscope.
1. If you are a “Sweater”, and you are under pressure, constantly wiping your face or forehead subconsciously, get in the habit of bringing baby wipes and your own paper towels. As if you do not have hand sanitizer… you may always spray alcohol on “your” paper towels to wipe those hands.

2. If you are a “Brush Muncher”, purchase and brush belt, apron that holds brushes, or even a waste set pack. Then, the brushes you held in you mouth germs will not be on someone else’s face later.

3. If you are a “Talker”, have a breath mint then, slow down, and tell the talent “Excuse me, let me clean my _________”. That way the microscope sees you cleaning.


Okay… I’m not perfect, but hope this helps you keep it clean!

Makeup Competition

Ok...I have people all the time asking how can I show that I can do MAKEUP?

Well, here is your chance!

Kissable Lips Cosmetics is hosting a "Fantasty" makeup competiton, in Atlanta, Ga. November 1, 2009, This competiton will help makeup artists bring awareness to their work, win "CASH" prizes, as well as portions of the proceeds will help the HEARTBURN FOUNDATION! So... not only will you be doing makeup, but charity work as well.


WHY NOT SHOW OFF YOUR WONDERFUL TALENT!!!!



FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
KISSABLE LIPS COSMETICS
1.888.743.4264 or 770.909.9484


I'LL SEE YOU THERE!

Too Skinny for Ralph!

FILIPPA HAMILTON



Ok Guys…

Filippa Hamilton is a wonderful model and is over weight by “NO” means! She clearly does not look like this!!!

It is unfortunate she has been fired from RALPH LAUREN… But, if she was disable to meet her contract obligations then Ralph has the right, like any company to let her go.
On the other hand, this latest image has caused an uproar! The “distorted image” is horrible example for women of today…



What do you think?

TAO OKAMOTO

MODEL ON THE RISE!!!
Tao Okamoto

Okay Everyone, she is perhaps my favorite model this season! From beauty to runway, you name it, Tao Okamoto is HOT! She is on fire right now and lighting it up from Phillip Lim runways to Vogue Nippon! Take a look and you be the judge. I think this is one we can all agree on!


JUST AMAZING!!!

"Dancing with the Stars"

M.A.C. = True Pro’s

As a former professional dancer, I am definitely critical of stage makeup because not everyone knows how to do it right and make it work. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Melanie Mills, the makeup department head for the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars” during an event at the Music Box Theatre in Hollywood.

Melanie is not just a wonderful individual; she is truly an exquisite lady!
The Emmy Award winning makeup artist showed off her “ Makeup for Dance” through her creation of beautiful looks with M.A.C. makeup for the Viennese waltz and Tango to name a few! It was interesting to hear what inspired her for each celebrity and dancer's look, as well as how she came up with the color combination to contrast with each glamours costume without it being too much.

Seeing her work on a theatre stage and not on a ballroom dance floor was even more powerful and really showed off her depth as a true makeup artist. To see that the makeup on the stage was just as breath taking as the makeup we see on television was fantastic, because that is not an easy task to accomplish!

So the next time you watch “Dancing with the Stars” know that Melanie Mills is backstage working hard directing a team to crank out those spectacular and intense looks you love so much!

Check out some of the looks from the night and the show…

The Emmys Awards 2009

EMMY AWARD


WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE ON
"THE RED CARPET"

61st Annual Emmy Awards… Wow! We all know it is one of the top award shows in prime-time television, but on this evening, it wasn’t just about the actors and actresses and the awards they receive, but the full package they bring to the event itself!

What does that mean, you ask? Well, next to the show itself, the next biggest thing is what they wear and how they wear it. Being fashionably correct is critical, especially when walking the red carpet and accepting this prestigious award, should one be so honored to receive it. And that’s where yours truly plugs in, as this is the best time for Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe stylists to showcase their talent as well!

After all, if there was no STYLE, what would celebrity life and award shows be (wink and smile people, wink and smile)?!?!

Overall, nights like this can either positively enhance or negatively impact a creative stylist’s career. If the nominee proves to be a winner, his or her hair, makeup and wardrobe MUST be right! If one element is off – hair, makeup, wardrobe is not right – it can harm the artist and make he or she the laughing stock of the day. Not cool and who wants that?

We take what we do VERY seriously because we all want our clients to look great on the red carpet, on stage, in the audience and at the parties. So take a look at some of the looks from last night’s show and let us know who looks hot and who, well, could use a few more minutes in makeup!

FSU vs Miami

MAKEUP... AND FOOTBALL? OH, YES!



Okay, makeup, fashion and beauty fans, you're probably thinking, "Oh man, it's that time of year again," while football fans - especially college football fans - are thinking, "Thank God football season is BACK!"

Now, you are probably wondering why I, makeup artist SAMELIA, am writing about college football? What's the connection?

Well, it is because I want to inform everyone that it is because I would like to inform everyone that there is more makeup preparation then you can even imagine when it comes to football!

Really?

Oh yes!

From the Marching bands playing their music, players practicing intensely for weeks prior to the season opening game, cheerleaders cheering, and fans figuring out how they can show the most spirit possible, college football is a full-fledged PRODUCTION on game day! All of which is on display on game day, with fans and cheerleaders - even players - making up their faces (and bodies in some instances) through tattooing, body painting, character and beauty makeup faces. It does not matter if you're male or female, on the big day, people come together in spirit, love for their team, and it's all expressed through makeup!

Now, for the college football enthusiast (well, any sports fan for that matter), rivalries run deep, and this weekend we get one of the best ones at the start of the season, Florida State University (FSU) and University of Miami! When it comes to THIS college football rivalry, this Miami-born and bred gal happens to be an FSU alum and if anyone understands major theater production played out in a major college football stadium, I do!

Just take a look:





These photos are from one of FSU's biggest Rivals the Miami Hurricanes. If you want to see makeup and possibly feel how intense and passionate the fans are at these events, be sure to tune into ESPN this Monday, September 7 at 8pm ET, and check out the latest installment in this storied rivalry. And for those of you who have never watched or do not follow football, it will be time well spent and broaden your thoughts surrounding how makeup and football collide!!!

GOODLUCK TO THESE GUYS...

HGTV: Makeup, Home and Gardening!

Makeup, Home and Gardening!

So, you're probably asking yourself, "Where's the connection?"

Ahhh! Good question!

For one, we love all three. Second, you can find makeup on the set of HGTV (Home & Garden Television) where they get down and dirty and still look wonderful getting the outdoor work done!

I had the opportunity to be on the set of a new show coming out on HGTV and believe me, figuring out what makeup was best was a challenge in the 100 degree Southern California heat! So for the person that wants to look great doing home decorating and gardening work here are a few tips:

1. For starters try using a tinted moisturizer. It is a light coverage foundation that will not melt off

your face while you are toiling away in the heat.

La Mer-The SPF 18 Fluid Tinted Moisturizer

2. If you have to have a little something on your eyes, use waterproof mascara. So if you rub your eyes, something gets in them, or you're just plain perspiring, it does not run or smudge everywhere.

Dior-Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

3. Use a lip liner on your lips. This way, you won't have to reapply as often as a gloss or lipstick. Any lip color is fine!

NARS-Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Now who says you cannot look beautiful while doing Home & Gardening?!?!

OFF TO MIAMI, FLORIDA...