Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.
When I first met Makeup Artist, Napoleon Perdis, I couldn't stop smiling. His positive energy lights up a room and his knowledge of painting faces surpasses many. Trust me, you want to get to know this guy. Here's his beauty advice, must-haves and use of donkey milk.
Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.
My latest Masterclass tour in Australia! I shared my personal makeup tips and tricks with my amazing partners across and taught them how I prepare a face for the everyday customer, runway, trend, and more.
What’s your beauty philosophy?
Beauty is about confidence and empowerment. You are in control of the image you project to others. Be the very best version of yourself you can be, and do it every day.
What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?
Optrex Eyedew Dazzling Eye Drops - These drops make the whites of your eyes pop immediately, helping to diminish any signs of fatigue.
Hand Sanitizer - Clean hands are a MUST when you are a makeup artist! Always store some in your kit and use before beginning makeup application.
Breath Mints - You have to get up close and personal with clients as a makeup artist and nothing can ruin a makeover experience quite like bad breath.
Glycerin - I mix this with water and put the combination in a spray bottle to create radiant, glowing skin all over the body on photo shoots. To really amp up the glow factor, I also mix in a bit of my Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Primer. The result is gorgeous, super shiny skin.
Brush Cleaner - It is imperative to clean your brushes after each use to keep them in top condition and for hygienic purposes. Always keep a bottle in your kit and spray on brushes after each client.
Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?
Donkey Milk! Cleopatra was known to bathe in the youth-enhancing milk, and I took her ancient beauty secret and made it modern with my Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser. It leaves skin soft, supple, and cleansed. It’s especially amazing for dry or mature skin. I personally use it on my face and body – and I’ll never turn back.
Spill your best beauty advice.
Never forget to bring out your inner celebrity! Treat every day like you’re stepping out on a red carpet. It sounds cliché, but when you look good, you feel good, and that translates to every aspect of your life.
What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?
Always use a primer! I can’t say it enough - not to prime IS a crime! One of the makeup mistakes women make is not allowing their foundation to become one with their skin, and primer is an easy but effective solution. It ensures a smooth landing for your base and keeps skin looking fresh all day long. My Auto Pilot Pre- Foundation Primer is gentle on skin and soothes the complexion for a flawless finish. If your skin needs an extra boost of radiance, my Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting primer will lift and flatter the face thanks to its glow-giving properties.
The Fall 2011 Elise Overland collection was presented on an ice rink at the Standard Hotel. To create this Icelandic “winter playground,” the models had an ethereal look. David Cruz for Tresemmé was the lead on hair, and he pulled all the models’ hair back into a ponytail from the roots, then made a fishtail braid and used the braid to form a kind of deconstructed bun. Since the designer’s collection was pretty big on texture, he didn’t want the models to look like animals and give them a lot of hair! The fishtail braid bun is simple and tightly frames the face, but still adds that extra pizzazz for the runway.
Napoleon Perdis did the makeup, and the look was all about luminous skin. He avoided using creams and gels, and used minimal foundation so that more light would reflect off the models. To prep the skin, he applied Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum and Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer.
The Venexiana fall 2011 show was bold and dramatic featuring clothes that ran the gamut from edgy, short leather dresses to cascading sequin evening gowns that I can only imagine being worn on the red carpet!
Philip Pelusi from Tela Design Studio chose to do a “Venetian top knot” – the perfect medium between a classic French twist and a traditional top knot. This elegant hairstyle perfectly complimented the collection because it’s not too overpowering, yet not too simple either. Pelusi used his own Tela Beauty Organics line of products on the models’ hair. He used Dry Shampoo to instantly clean and rejuvenate the hair. After spritzing on hair, he applied a little bit of Composer, a damage and split end repair solution. It initially feels sticky but once you run it through the hair it gives more control, making the hair easy to twist into an updo.
Napoleon Perdis was the lead on makeup, and he told me that the look was influenced by Venexiana designer Kati Stern who is “Northern European, expensive and luxurious.”
I was so thrilled to get a personal makeover with my all-time favorite make-up artist Napoleon Perdis. While I was enjoying champagne and chocolates at his New York apartment; I was shown his new makeup collection, taught inspiration behind the look, and of course easy application tips.
Napoleon Perdis is known for enhancing natural beauty and his makeup tips are perfect for any woman wanting just a bit of color. His inspiration for the season was his homeland – Australia. Say hello to a warm winter glow. Here are some tips I picked up on how to enhance your beauty.
