Rachel! Rachel! Rachel!

Sports Illustrated

Center:Rachel Hunter

Model Rachel Hunter!

Certain things come to mind when you think of Rachel Hunter. There's the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, her marriage to Rod Stewart, and most recently, her role on "Gravity" on the STARZ! network.

Well, yours truly recently had the opportunity to work with Ms. Hunter and the cast of the "Gravity"and I have to tell you, this sexy blonde bombshell from New Zealand is not only breath taking, she is so sophisticated and so humble! She is simply terrific!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

February has been a wonderful month. It is always great to end it with my "BIRTHDAY"!

SO...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MI!!!

Fashion Week

2010 Fall Fashion Week!!

I had a wonderful time at fashion week... Last show for me today with designer Chris Benz and the wonderful Lancome Team! Backkk to Los Angeles in the am...

Valentine's Day 2010

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

OK... so I know this has nothing to do with what I blog about regularly. In my opinion, people should take the time everyday to express or show the love they have for that special person,place, or thing... "Good LUCK"! On the other hand, felt this was interesting and wanted to share this with you all. May be very useful on this day!!!

Red
Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-honored way to say "I love you." The red rose has long symbolized beauty and perfection. A bouquet of red roses is the perfect way to express your deep feelings for someone special.

Pink

As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an expression of admiration. Pink roses can also convey appreciation as well as joyfulness. Pink rose bouquets often impart a gentler meaning than their red counterparts.


Yellow

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship.

White

White roses represent innocence and purity and are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings. The white rose is also a symbol of honor and reverence, and white rose arrangements are often used as an expression of remembrance.

Orange

With their blazing energy, orange roses are the embodiment of desire and enthusiasm. Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement and are an expression of fervent romance. A bouquet of orange roses will send a meaningful message.


Lavender

The unique beauty of the lavender rose has captured many hearts and imaginations. With their fantastical appearance, lavender roses are a perfect symbol of enchantment. The lavender rose is also traditionally used to express feelings of love at first sight.

TODAY is #4 of 2010 Fall Fashion Week

Fall's 2010 New York Fashion Week

Fall 2010

New York Fashion Week

As you know yesterday was the first day of the Fall’s 2010 Fashion Week in New York City. Take a look at some of the designer’s best and makeup from the shows:

DAY 1:

L.A.M.B

Gwen Stefani really did an amazing job with the sexy, futuristic and military style clothing line. Makeup is very strong as well.

Erin Wasson x RVCA

Erin Wasson x RVCA in the models fourth season I really like the Metallic color on the eyes with the stressed eyebrow.

BCBG Max Azria

Was very chic with clean geometric silhouettes and the hair was slick with simple makeup.

Other designers: Chado Ralph Rucci, Cushnie et Ochs, Richard Chai Love, and more

Alexander Mcqueen

I got the news early this morning from a friend of mine, “Alexander McQueen has died”!
All I could think was... "Are you JOKING"!
Then hearing the devastation in her voice... crying and telling me she is late for work! I realized it is TRUE “Alexander McQueen is dead”!

We have truly lost one the world’s most extraordinary designers! Why he killed himself no one will ever know. Be he will be missed...


R.I.P

Shawne Merriman

LIGHTS OUT!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Meet Shawne Merriman

Makeup shows its face once again! And this time it’s on the face of NFL superstar linebacker, Shawne Merriman.

For those of you football fans out there, you probably know #56 as the San Diego Chargers’ Hitman as Mr. “Lights Out,” one of the most ruthless and feared outside linebackers in the NFL. Well let me tell you…it was “LIGHTS ON” with this very down to Earth Pro Bowler while we were on the set for SET magazine’s editorial photo shoot with photographer Zach Cordner.

Now you may have heard a lot about Merriman the player, but did you know about Shawne the “supermodel?

As makeup artists, we have the opportunity to work with people from many different professions, athletes included. While most players are a little scared to do things that are “out of the box” so to speak, I was quite impressed with how Shawne let those of us on the style team to do our jobs and be creative! That team was led by his barber Rahmel, wardrobe specialists Charley Altuna and Jany, and on men’s grooming? Yours Truly of course!

How can you as a man (or ladies, for your men out there) take better care of yourself from a grooming perspective? Well, here are a few simple things men should do to keep themselves up. For starters, a fresh haircut and shave are essential. A good cleansing of the skin followed by the right face moisturizer and body lotion, are next in line. Please don’t forget chapstick/lip balm. And to top it off, have (or develop) a great sense of style!

If you cover these basic things, you will see any man developing a ruthless sense of confidence! Although it may have taken us a couple of hours to get Shawne Merriman for a shoot, guys, it will only takes 10-15 minutes a day to look and feel your best!

Some Products used. That you may want to try!

Jean Paul Gaultier- Moisturizing lip balm Great for "MEN"!

Dior Homme Dermo System-helps skin become softer & firmer in time. Even the driest of complexions are healed and soothe's sensitivities skin.

SPARTACUS

“SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND”

Ok…so how many of you have seen “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” the new Friday night hit show on STARZ?

Well if you haven’t checked it out yet, here’s a hint – DO IT! NOW!

It is one of the most action-packed and one of my favorite shows of the new year!

I had the opportunity to work on a photo shoot with photographer Florian Schneider and Spartacus’ cast members: Andy Whitfield (Spartacus), his leading lady Erin Cummings (who I found out in conversation is such a sweet Southern girl – ahem, like me! J), along with Peter Mensah, Viva Bianca and others. The experience working with such wonderful people was not only eye-opening, it makes watching the show on Friday nights at 10pm THAT much better!

Screen Actors Guild Awards!!!

THE 2010 SAG AWARDS

“FACE” OFF!!!

Where you tell me what “FACE” had that best makeup on the Red Carpet?

Kate Hudson





















Adam Lambert

















Drew Barrymore

















SO LET ME KNOW YOUR FAVORITE FACE...

Makeup and The 2010 Census

You're probably wondering where we're going with makeup today, right? We see how it shows up on the red carpet, on television, in videos, in magazines, etc… Are you aware of how it shows up on the political landscape? So where did makeup show up this time?

“The 2010 Census”

Recently, I had the chance to work with the United States Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, and the 2010 Census. For those of you who don't know, Locke was the first Chinese American Governor. Marking him as the first and only Chinese American Governor in U.S. history.

It was a pleasure and an honor working with the Secretary. And for a few hours, "yours truly" had a front row seat at politics in America and it helped give me a clear understanding of why each of our voices really DO matter.

It's interesting how we as Americans tend to complain so much about what we do and what we don't have, we lose perspective on essentially how good we really do have it in this country. We don't think about supporting and helping others who are less fortunate in places such as Haiti (a country struggling on a daily basis let alone trying to manage through a devastating Earthquake), until major crisis hits.

Which brings me to my point. Fill out your Census when you receive it.

The 2010 Census form will be sent out in March to the United States and Puerto Rico. The Census is important for a number of reasons. The data collected by the Census also helps determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

It also helps communities receive federal funds each year for hospitals, emergency services, bridges, tunnels, transportation, schools, and other public works projects. In a country like ours, natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, fire and earthquakes happen. So on a base level, fill it out and make sure you and your family are accounted for. It can help ensure your community has the best chance at protecting emergency services, etc.

This means a lot, especially to those of us here in California as we may lose a seat this year if most of the people do not fill it out. So fill out the Census when you get it. It takes five minutes or less, about the time it takes to read this blog.

And as far as what type of makeup I used on the Secretary…

NATURAL OF COURSE!!!

THE 2010 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

FASHION “FACE" OFF!!!

Each year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) presents The Golden Globe Awards. Not only do The Golden Globes tend to serve as the "kick off to the red carpet season," they are truly a fan favorite!

While the Golden Globes celebrate outstanding achievement in television and motion pictures, yours truly is here to celebrate what we love SO much (hmmm...I can't imagine what that would be "wink wink!"), our favorite celebrities makeup!

So, it's time to introduce Samelia's Fashion "Face" Off!

You tell me what "FACE" had the best makeup on the
2010 Golden Globes red carpet?

Clockwise: Mariah Carey, Kate Hudson, Carrie Ann Inaba, Shaun Robinson, Christina Hendricks,
Kat & Karen Kreamer, Penelope Cruz, Zoe Saldana, Olivia Wilde

Clockwise: Adrian Grenier, Mike Tyson, Chase Crawford,
Taylor Lautner, Neil Patrick Harris & boyfriend David Butka

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!