This and That

Since my last post things have continued to move full speed ahead. I find that the type of work I do seems to go in cycles. Sometimes I work on lots of commercials, sometimes lots of TV news and satellite broadcasts. Recently I've worked on shows for the Food Channel, HGTV and the Speed Channel.

Working outside in Texas is challenging especially in the spring and summer. Either it's too hot, too humid or too windy. The past couple of shows I worked with female hosts and both days we dealt with humidity and winds blowing up to 40 miles per hour. Keeping the hair from blowing is simply impossible. I've posted a couple of photos from these shoots and of course you can't tell what was going on with the weather because the photos were taken in more controlled environments.

The key to long wearing makeup even in the Texas elements is to apply it properly in the beginning! Prep the skin with sunscreen and moisturizer if needed. Then a silicon based primer to help the makeup go on more smoothly and give it staying power. I also use a liquid or gel eyeliner because it's more water proof than pencil and doesn't smear. Finally powder. As the day goes by I usually only have to touch up under the eyes and the lips.

I also had the opportunity to teach for Last Looks Makeup Academy here in Dallas. I taught three classes a bridal makeup class, eyes only and airbrush makeup. The classes were small so the students got lots of one-on-one attention and extra tips and tricks I use on set.  Everyone had a great time and learned a lot. If you are interested in classes in Dallas, let me know or contact Heather at Last Looks Academy in Los Angeles. If there's enough demand she'll bring the school to Dallas.

A Little More About Me

It's been busy lately. Lots of production work and a trip to California thrown in. Then makeup artist Jennifer Kinford asked if she could interview me for her website A Beauty Loft.
It occurred to me that the interview would be of interest to those of you who would just like to know a little more about me. And it's full of tips on products and skincare.
I also wanted to thank Jennifer and suggest you have a look at A Beauty Loft where you can find the latest celeb hair and makeup tips and product reviews. Feel free to send me your beauty questions, share your thoughts or just say hello. Here's the link for the interview.

Taste of Dallas with Chef Sara Moulton

Here I am with Chef Sara Moulton at Taste of Dallas. Sara was promoting Mission Foods and did a tasty demo using, what else? Mission tortillas. Sara was really nice to work with and very easy going. Over breakfast she recounted some interesting bits about her career and working with the infamous Julia Childs.
It's not often I have the opportunity to sit down and have an unhurried meal with "the star." And can I say eating with a celebrity chef was a bit intimidating. When the food arrived I instantly wished I'd just ordered the same thing Sara did. I don't remember what we ordered, I just remember her food looked so much more interesting than mine.
Sara is the author of several best selling cookbooks. Most recently her book Sara Moulton's Every Day Family Dinners received best cookbook of the year award by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Read more about her appearance at Taste of Dallas 2010 here.

Passion For Travel

I have happily married my love of makeup and beauty with a passion for travel in my first published travel story. Wanderingeducators.com is a treasure trove of information for all things travel related; well organized and well written. I'm very proud to be the new, travel/style editor.  Read the story here.

Yes Anderson Cooper!

Anderson Cooper was in Dallas in November. Don't ask me why. The important part is I got to meet and work with him as he broadcast 360 Anderson Cooper via satellite from Dallas.  Friendly but, not as talkative as one would expect. However, he is just as good looking in person as he is on camera. So does he need makeup? Definitely. Everyone needs makeup for television. Even Anderson Cooper. If only I could have had 5 more minutes with him in the makeup chair. That's the way it always is, even with high profile people. Thanks to In Motion Imagery for booking me on this. Now what can we do about the guy in the striped shirt?

Beauty and Travel Essentials

My latest story for wanderingeducators.com features products and ideas for making travel more comfortable and assuring you arrive at your destination looking as fresh and as you did at departure,,, almost. Read the story here.

Haircolor Icon Beth Minardi

Recently I had the honor of working with Beth Minardi on a video project, introducing her new product line, Minardi Luxury Hair Care. Beth is an icon in the professional hair color industry. I've been watching her on stage since the beginning of my career, more years than I care to recall. She was a delight to work with, gracious and funny and a natural beauty. Thanks for trusting me Beth. Learn more about Beth Minardi here.

Sometimes You Just Have No Control

For these bridals  I did hair and makeup at my location in Dallas then, the bride flew to San Antonio where these photos were taken. I gave her a few tips on how to keep her makeup fresh and how to touch up for photos since I wasn't going along for the ride. She kindly sent me these after the session with a note, "I think they turned out great." I thought so too considering everything that had transpired between the time she left my place and arrived at the location in San Antonio.
Since photographs are forever I worry about all the details. I want perfection. The note and the photos told me the day had been in a success. Sometimes you have to let go.