Working With Celebrities

I'm often asked what it's like to work with celebrities. When it's Wendy Davis it's easy, because she's so naturally attractive, and looks great on camera.

Yes, it's hard work: early mornings, long hours, multiple locations, and yes, a lot of cooks in the kitchen on a campaign like this. However, when the end result turns out as well as this did, I feel like my hard work was worth it.

Thanks to a great crew and great editing,  it's better than I could have even imagined. However, this is video, not a still image, so hair and makeup are not photoshopped.


Need a professional to help you make your image stand out?

Rob Lowe!

Sometimes my job is ultra fun. To answer all of your questions, yes, Rob was nice and a pleasure to work with. Yes, he really looks that good. No, he hasn't done anything to his face. Yes, he needs a little makeup. Yes, he's married and has a lovely wife. If you have a question I have not answered here send me an email. I work with a lot of celebrities and other high profile people on events, television shows and broadcasts. I also work with real people. Please do contact me for your event, broadcast, film, commercial or photo shoot. penny (at) pennysadler (dot) com

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 commercials and sometimes it's more television 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 we were constantly battling the heat, humidity and winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour. Keeping the hair from blowing is simply impossible. I've posted a couple of photos from these shoots, taken in a more controlled environment.

The key to long wearing makeup even in the Texas elements, apply it properly in the beginning! Prep the skin with sunscreen and moisturizer if needed. Apply 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. Finish with 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.  I taught three classes: bridal makeup, eye makeup 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.

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.

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?

Best Of Texas

I love it when a last minute call for work, turns out to be something fun. That's what happened last Friday, when I was in the studio and found out the on camera talent was, Texas musician, Dale Watson.

It had been a long time since I'd seen Dale, and I was happy to be reintroduced to his classic, Texas, country music. My first thought when he walked in the studio was how cool he looked and it wasn't going to be a difficult makeup job. I also discovered he is a really nice and gracious guy.

If you love country music and want to hear someone who is truly original yet "the real deal" Dale Watson and  his band are it. You can catch them most Monday nights in Austin at, The Continental Club. Or check the website for a town near you. Dale Watson Tour Dates

Classic is Forever

A simple but elegant chignon for the Marina film shoot;  perfect for a black tie event, wedding or, in this case a night of dinner, dancing, and gambling on a luxury vacation cruise. I really enjoyed the chance to create pretty and classic looks for the Marina film shoot. A bit of glamour mixed into daily life is just so civilized - even if it is staged. To see other hairstyles go here.

A Day In The Life

This photo is from a recent shoot for the Golf Channel. David Feherty interviews PGA legend Lee Trevino. I've worked with a lot of professional golfers and, I have to say none of them really want to be fussed over. When they see me they pretend I'm not there. Lee Trevino was no exception. I can be pretty charming when I choose and, I did manage to talk him into letting me do a minimal male makeup and hair styling. I am often asked, "what do you do with men?" My answer is "as much as I can get away with."  Seriously though, the most important element of any makeup - man or woman - is to make the skin look as even and healthy as possible. If I'd had my way with Lee Trevino I would have erased the circles under his eyes but, I think that would have really pushed his boundaries.

Getting Glam On The High Seas

As mentioned in an earlier post, I spent two weeks working with a production crew filming marketing materials for a luxury cruise line.  Production work normally requires minimal hairstyling, but for this job, I was asked to create very elegant and sophisticated hairstyles. This was challenging and gratifying  at the same time as, it forced me to use skills that are not often called on.  I was also blessed with a model who had absolutely gorgeous thick hair, with just enough natural wave to help me mold it into a beautiful up style. I am grateful to all the wonderful hairdressers I've had the pleasure to work and study with over the years especially Martin Parsons and Guy Kremer. for sharing their knowledge and helping me expand my repertoire.

Just Another Legend

Crew photo with NFL legend and ESPN host Ron "the jaws" Jaworski. Many thanks to photographer Ray Hand who does his magic and gets us all hired back. Can you guess which one is Ron Jaworski? 

Oceania Cruises - It's Not The Destinations, It's The Journey

I recently had the luck to land a two and half week job on board a luxury cruise ship. As part of the hair and makeup team I was asked to create glamorous hairstyles and makeup in keeping with the elegant interiors and upscale clientele of the new ship christened the Marina. Many of you may have seen the news coverage on Entertainment Tonight with Mary Hart, the godmother of the the Marina. This was my first time on a cruise ship and I have to say, I am ruined. Absolutely, spoiled. The ship was beyond luxurious and the crew was first class 24 hours a day. As soon as I complete my edit of 1000 plus photos I'll be back and tell you the rest of the story.

Do you know this man?

I first met Terry Bradshaw on a photo shoot for Frito Lay products. This was about the time he switched to doing commentary for Fox with Howie Long. Terry is probably one of the most popular and recognized players in NFL history. Working on a show with Terry recently, I heard the crew commenting, "this guy has 4 Superbowl rings!" I'm not really a big sports fan but that's pretty impressive. Over the years I've worked with Terry on various projects from the Frito Lay shoot to book covers and commercials. Fourteen year later I decided it was time to take the photo op.

Beauty and Brains

Had a great time working with NY Times bestselling author Sandra Brown again.
The shoot was for Hardcover Mysteries, author series.  Always gracious and professional, Sandra is a pleasure to work with. She loves makeup and the process of getting "glam" for the camera. Can't get much better than that!
The first time I met Sandra she covered, Evidence of Love, a true murder mystery, Lizzie Borden style. Sandra's new book, Smash Cut, will be out July 20, 2010. To read an excerpt click here.

Laura Leighton

I am often asked if I enjoy working with celebrities. When I relate that question to actress Laura Leighton the answer is definitely yes. Laura is a natural beauty known by most people as Sydney Andrews on Melrose Place. She will appear in flashback scenes in the new season. I felt incredibly lucky to work with Laura Leighton for the Melrose Place media tour in Dallas, last fall. There’s nothing better than having a beautiful face like Laura’s to work with, unless it’s a beautiful face without attitude…that’s Laura, voted by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world and still relaxed and confident enough to allow a stranger to show up at her hotel room at 6:00 am for her hair and makeup session.
Laura honored me with her trust in me as a makeup artist and hairstylist, offering only minimal guidance regarding her preferences. To collaborate with a true professional is one of the true joys of my job. Perhaps the question should be asked “do you enjoy working with professionals?” The answer is “ Absolutely, yes!”

Melrose Place Press Tour

I am often asked if I enjoy working with celebrities. Or someone will ask, "who's the most difficult person you've ever worked with?" I guess everyone wants a story but the truth is I've been very lucky to have worked with some really lovely people. Laura Leighton who will appear in flashback scenes on the new Melrose Place and Collin Egglesfield were no exception. When I asked for a photo for my portfolio they did not hesitate. No drama there. If you liked Melrose Place before, the new show won't disappoint.
Locally Tuesdays on CW33.

Chris Botti

World class trumpeter and composer Chris Botti, in the makeup room at Channel 13. Chris made an appearance to help raise for funds for PBS and promote his upcoming concert in Dallas, April 2010.
His most recent studio album Italia, featuring songs with Andrea Boccelli, Dean Martin and Paula Cole will soon reach gold status.
How could I not like him? He's talented, he's handsome and he's Italian! Thanks for the foto Chris.

Are We In Kansas?

Are We In Kansas?

Speed HDTV

NASCAR - Dickies 500 NCTS
7:30 pm CST
Texas Motor Speedway


Not your usual broadcast makeup - Penny Sadler was asked to create the faces of the characters from the classic film, The Wizard of Oz for the NCTS pre race show on Halloween night. Speed TV's Phil Parsons, Rick Allen and NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip appear as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. Sadler was excited about the opportunity to work for Speed HD and use other skills of her craft. Definitely a treat!

Is Green The Color Of Beauty?

Texas Discovery Gardens hosted their first Organic Fashion Show with organic and recycled fashions and home living products from local retailers, a silent auction, music and a fashion show produced by Rhonda Sargaent Chambers of RSC Show Productions. The models natural beauty was enhanced with bronzer and glossy nude lips applied by celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert Penny Sadler. Stay tuned for more on organic beauty products as major cosmetic manufacturers warm up to the green trend. Sadler is known for her knowledge and expertise on the latest trends in cosmetics and skin care.

Do Makeup and Murder go together?

The answer is yes when makeup artist Penny Sadler was on the set of Court TV's series, Murder By The Book. For this episode filmed in Arlington, Texas, Sadler glammed up best selling author Sandra Brown, who has made the New York Times best seller list 55 times. Sadler said, “Working with Sandra and a fantastic crew for 2 days was such a great experience. Sandra has a winning combination of beauty, charm, and brains. I always consider myself lucky when these opportunities appear.” The episode with Mrs. Brown and based on the book, Evidence of Love, will appear on Court TV in November.

Big Easy

January 19 - 23, 2007

Penny Sadler last seen in the Big Easy, that's New Orleans, Louisiana, working with Meeting Professionals International. In spite of a 5:00 am crew call she found time to visit the French Quarter and dine in some of the famous local restaurants.