Elite Artist Community
What is the best ways to create a glowing complexion?
Start with moisturizer or a skin brightening serum. Always exfoliate before a special occasion. Use little base or one that is moist. Use powders that brighten in a subtle way and apply them with a brush.
Pick colors from nature that complement your skin tone, you can't go wrong.
When you purchase makeup try on colors recommended as universally flattering.
To make makeup last longer; layer creams, then powders to create a longer lasting bond.
Work with two concealers: One light in texture, the other one heavier. This gives you coverage for all imperfections.
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In Conversation with Ronnie Specter...
What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
While studying art at university, I became involved in a fashion shoot. Through that, I earned an apprenticeship with Philadelphia's top makeup artists. It just all clicked into place. I left my art studies one year early to pursue makeup artistry. I then attended Joe Blasco and UCLA to study makeup for all media. I guess I realized that I wanted to touch people and make them beautiful or help them create a character.
What advice would you give someone looking to become a professional makeup artist?
Make sure to learn as much as you can. An art background helps immensely with color, anatomy, painting etc. Really love it and want it: that will keep you going until you reach your goals.
What is the biggest mistake you see people making with cosmetics?
Not knowing the right colors to combine. Not blending base from jaw to neck. Also, eyebrows seem to challenge many women.
What three items would you want with you on a desert island?
My husband, my dogs and movies.
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
There’s too many to pick from. I have a European approach to life!
Where is your favorite place to relax?
I’ve got two: Tahiti and my bedroom.
Do you have a makeup secret to help women look younger?
First go lighter on the makeup - mascara and brows excepted. You need mascara to help "open up" your eyes. If you can't wear mascara dye your lashes and then curl them. Well groomed brows give your eyes a large percentage of their expression. Don't go too dark with brows though. Flushed looking cheeks and lips help too. Dewy skin and clever use of concealer help a lot.
What are your favorite/must-have CARGO products?
blu_ray Blush, PlantLove Lipstick, Lip Gloss Quads and the eye shadows.
Are there any CARGO products you think everyone should own?
PlantLove Lipsticks, Lip Gloss Quads, blu_ray Blush, EyeBase if you wear eye shadow, and the Water Resistant Bronzer.
What is the funniest thing that's ever happened to you on the job?
So many. However, I will give you one. While on location in Scotland, we were in a pub after a long hard work week. As the pub was closing, I was persuaded by the crew to try and get us another round. The bartender looked me up and down and then said: "You look mighty fine for a vintage model, but the answer is still NO". It did not end there. The actress I was working with found it both funny and rude, and then quoted me in InStyle.
Bio
Ronnie's interest in makeup began over 25 years ago during her studies at the Philadelphia University of The Arts. It was there that she became intrigued by the concept of color and brush technique in transforming a canvas into a work of art. Ronnie eventually enrolled at UCLA and Joe Blasco to formally study makeup for film and stage. She has since created some of the most memorable screen looks for Hollywood's leading actors and actresses, earning an Oscar nomination in 1992 for the looks of Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in the film Batman Returns and winning an Emmy Award for the television miniseries Poor Little Rich Girl: the Barbara Hutton Story. Ronnie is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and has worked with top celebrities in all media from film and television to print and theater.
