After being on Las Vegas’ “The Morning Blend” TV show to talk about the RACHEL Rachel Roy Fall 10, I got a lot of compliments from friends and colleagues telling me that, one, I am very poised (I was actually nerve-racked), and two, that my hair and makeup looked great!
I was smart enough to get a blowout the night before from my regular stylist. She even trimmed my bangs, which looked awesome on-camera. But, when it came to my makeup, I did it myself!
The main reason I felt confident about doing my own makeup is because I’ve been applying makeup on my face for about 30 years. I mean, if anyone knows how to make my punum look cute, it’s me.
But the other reason I felt confident is because I already use HD and pro-finish makeup and beauty products. Ever since I’ve started using this type of makeup, I’ve noticed that my skin looks pretty darn flawless in my Instagram photos and selfies. So I knew it would look great for live TV.
Beyond that, I also knew that heavy application is required under the bright lights of broadcast television. Before my appearance, I practiced and tested my method for heavy makeup application. And it turned out that it wasn’t heavy enough, at least according to my friends and colleagues. So on the day of the show, I applied it heavier than before and it worked out.
While you may not find yourself on television anytime soon, you still want to be camera-ready. I mean, you never know when your photo is going to be snapped and uploaded onto Twitter or Facebook. For everyday makeup, you don’t need to be so heavy-handed. But, I think it pays to use HD and pro makeup in today’s world. So, here’s my makeup process for looking TV-ready and camera-ready:
First, I moisturize (after cleansing) with eclos Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream.
Next, I apply a serum. There are two I love, MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Elixir and L’Occitane Brightening Essence. On this particular occasion, I used the L’Occitane.
After I let the serum seep in, I use a little primer on my T-zone and right above the apples of my cheeks. This is to avoid getting shiny.
After that dries, I then use MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro-finish Foundation. I apply it by using a kabuki brush first. But for areas where I have redness or a blemish, I apply again using the included sponge applicator. I just keep dabbing on the flawed area until it has really good coverage.
Sometimes I add some bronzing powder to shape my face, and then I layer blush on top of that. For my TV debut, I used a lot of both. However, I think that what made my makeup really stand out were my eyes.
I have all sorts of eye cosmetics. But on this particular day, I used this wonderful Sephora Collection eye palette that my husband bought me last Christmas. It is specially designed for green eyes. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s available anymore.
What gave me that extra wow-factor were the false eyelashes I wore for the interview. I won’t wear fake eyelashes every day, but for on-camera use, I think they’re essential. Shopping for eyelashes is tricky. I highly recommend shopping in-store and asking an associate for guidance.
Lastly, I used a pink lipstick and gloss, both with blue undertones. Red tends to bleed on TV and a lipstick or gloss with blue undertones makes your teeth look brighter.
If you have an upcoming special occasion or portrait photography session, I think it’s worth it to hire a professional makeup artist. Check out the photo on my Writing Portfolio page. I hired Hera Beauty to handle my hair and makeup, and I am so glad I did. The makeup artist actually used one of those airbrush makeup systems to create a flawless facial canvass.
But for your everyday, selfie-ready looks, try my HD and pro-finish makeup method. Now… are you ready for your closeup?