MAC Cosmetics - Gordon Espinet; Tips on Holiday Parties and Photos

I ran across this helpful article that interviews several leading cosmetic individuals, including Gordon Espinet from MAC Cosmetics, about how to get ready for holiday parties and the inevitable photos that follow. I’ve included an excerpt, but be sure to head over and read what other artists like Rick DeCecca from Estee Lauder, April Jacob from Pink Beauty, Marie-Johanne Martineau from Yves Rocher, Lori Taylor from Smashbox, and Paul Venoit from Cover Girl had to say.

Gordon Espinet senior makeup artist and VP of makeup artistry, M.A.C Cosmetics:

“The holidays are a great time to experiment with makeup, things like shimmer that we can really be playful with.”

1. Start with hydrated skin. Look for spray-style humectant-fortified waters to help “plump up” your skin. But watch out for moisturizers: Too much can cause your makeup to slip. Use under-makeup products such as depuffing eye creams and lip conditioners, too.

2. For holiday, matte skin is in, but not matte foundation. Look for hydrating foundation and get the matte look from finishing with a powder. If you use a matte foundation and a matte powder, you risk the “crypt-keeper” look. To make eyes seem wider-set, take a dab of highlighter and place on the inner corners of the eyelid.

3. We’re seeing a return to lipstick and a retro red mouth. Anyone can wear red lips — just look for the shade that works for you. And don’t draw it on. Use your fingers and smudge it for a stained look.

Ready for your close-up: Photos with a flash will make you fade away. Try upping the intensity of your makeup by about 20%.