James Vincent is passionate about the artistry of makeup and has left his mark on every genre, including film, television, editorial and runway. His work has graced the faces of Lady Gaga, Liv Tyler and Jane Fonda, to name a few. I was so excited to interview him to score some inside beauty tips for the everyday woman and find out what new products are hot this season.
Lips
For summer, Vincent encourages women to embrace the bright colors seen on the runway. He loves how Natalie Portman rocks this look on the red carpet, wearing bright pink on her pretty pout. He suggests pairing a vibrant mouth with natural looking skin and eye makeup. Swipe on your favorite mascara and you’re ready to go. To get this look, he suggests trying Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar ($13). The makeup artist creation combines the smooth, moist application of a lipgloss with the intense color of a lipstick. I love that it gives you the best of both and there are 39 fun shades to experiment with. Anime (neon pink), Harlot (vibrant cherry red) and Safety Orange (true orange) are trendy shades to experiment with this season. A little goes a long way, so apply just a dot sized amount with an angled lip brush.
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick ($19) is another bold option, with 50 hues to choose from, that make a statement.
Eyes
Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclat ($40) is one of Vincent’s favorite tricks for bringing light to the under eye and opening up eyes to make them pop. This complexion highlighter covers up lines and dark circles, giving the illusion of a full nights sleep.
He is also a huge fan of the graphic smokey eye this season. This sexy and distressed look is perfect for a hot night on the town. Pair with a liquid liner, such as the new Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner ($23). Don’t worry about your color melting in the sun. The liquid liner will be locked into place, since it is water resistant and sweat proof. Choose from an array of 15 playful matte, iridescent and sparkly shades.
Skin
Vincent believes that one of the biggest mistakes women make in their beauty regiment is sacrificing their skin care. This the most important step, since the skin serves as the beauty canvas. He was avid about the makeup artist “must have” product-Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè ($25). Otherwise known as the 24-Hour Miracle Cream, this lotion is the beauty trick that numerous makeup artist use to make skin appear flawless. “The makeup artist…cult favorite is perfect for any skin tone and skin type and keeps the skin looking refreshed and revived,” he shares. Who doesn’t love a product with multiple uses? It acts as a primer, moisturizer and makeup remover. I can’t wait to add this to my makeup bag.
Make Up For Ever’s HD Elixir ($38) is his secret weapon that prepares skin for foundation and helps makeup last all day, while feeling like you are wearing nothing.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer ($45) goes a long way and this foundation can give light to full coverage and always looks natural. Vincent recommends mixing 2 shades of foundation to perfectly match your skin tone.
Vincent adds, “These products are really all about the beauty that exists…and kind of focusing on that. To me, it’s not about changing someone or hiding things, it’s about celebrating them, and I think that these products really allow me to bring out the best of what exists.”