Feelin' Fine

Hola locas,
Well! Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending the launch of my dear friend Sam Fine's makeup how-to DVD, called FINE: THE BASICS OF BEAUTY ($24.99)! There we are, looking eerily like brother and sister. Oh ladies, I'm SO excited. Sam and I have been musing about this DVD on and off for years, so I'm thrilled to see the dream come to life! For the uninitiated, Sam Fine is one of the most influential celebrity makeup artists, like, ever (just ask his devotees, including Iman, Naomi, Halle, Veronica Webb, Tyra, Queen Latifah and Queen Rupaul). Ten years ago, he wrote the bestselling makeup book, FINE BEAUTY, and now he's expanded his beauty empire with this gorgeous instructional DVD, which educates both "regular" women and aspiring makeup artists on how to create great face. There are application tips, professional tricks, tool how-to's, and tons of practical advice on how women of color can look their most amazing-mazing. Finally, right?! The DVD comes out in May, but in the meantime here are some tips from Sam on how to create a devastating 15-minute face. And...time!

SAM FINE'S 15-MINUTE FACE:

1.) PREP: After applying moisturizer, press a tissue to your face to blot off excess shininess. This evens out your skin texture so your powder doesn't go on streaky or blotchy.

2.) CONCEALER: Use your finger to apply concealer over blemishes and under eyes (if you need a bit more coverage, use a stick foundation as concealer...just make sure it's a shade or two lighter than your complexion). When concealing the undereye area, make sure you fan the color out over the cheeks so it looks seamless. To set, dust a translucent loose powder allover with a big, fluffy brush.

3.) BROWS: Fill in brows with two different brown pencils--one a shade lighter than your haircolor, the other a shade darker. This makes for a more natural look!

4.) LASHES: Before curling your lashes, wipe your mascara wand with a tissue and apply a thin coat to lashes. This technique actually sets your lashes, making the curl last longer! Followup with another, thicker coat.

5.) FACE: Instead of blush, choose a powder bronzer two shades darker than your skintone, and dust it along cheekbones and the outer perimeter of your face (ie, hairline, jaw, etc.). Not only does this technique give your face a sultry glow, it adds dimension. Has your face ever looked mask-like in pictures? It's probably because you applied only ONE foundation or powder shade. The thing is, no one has a monochromatic skintone! Adding bronzer helps give your complexion natural-looking dimension. The lesson? Don't go anywhere near a camera without first applying bronzer.

6.) LIP: Line and fill in lips with a pencil a shade or two darker than your skin color. Follow up with your favorite gloss or lipstick, and you're done!

Brilliant. Thanks Sam! Make sure you stop by www.samfine.com to pick up the DVD in May. Love you,
Tia














PS: Here's an example of Sam's exquisite handiwork, up close. This was seconds after he painted my face for my
IT CHICKS author photo. I've never looked so delish, honey.