Vanity Fair: Q&A with Makeup Artist Trish McEvoy

Vanity Fair beauty director SunHee Grinnell speaks with Trish McEvoy, the innovative makeup artist and founder of Trish McEvoy Cosmetics, about working with her husband, the recent launch of her Treatment Foundation, and why her makeup planner works.

SunHee Grinnell: How old were you when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a career in beauty?
Trish McEvoy: My youngest recollections are of loving makeup, but I would say my pre-teens are when I really knew. I just always loved painting faces, from coloring when I was a young child to making up my dolls, to making up my friends, and, of course, to making up my clients.

Do you have a particular memory from childhood that may have contributed to your career today?

My grandmother’s perfumery in Berlin.

You are known to have created real makeup for real women. What does that mean to consumers, and how did it come about?
It means mistake-proof pigments that are easy for women to apply, by using tools that give them perfect placement every time. When I created my professional brushes, I shaped them to simplify and enhance makeup application. Since the beginning, I have been committed to the creation of the highest-quality products while putting professional makeup-application skills in every woman’s hand.

How did you meet your husband, the dermatologist Ronald Sherman?
On a blind date!

It must be great to work with your husband to come up with an innovative product such as your new Treatment Foundation S.P.F.15. Can you tell us the added benefits of this product and your philosophy behind it?
Some added benefits of my Treatment Foundation S.P.F.15 are the dual-action peptides, green tea, and powerful antioxidants of vitamin A and E that help skin look firmer with a renewed suppleness. It also includes advanced pigments that optically diffuse the appearance of fine lines, as well as S.P.F.15 protection to prevent future damage to the skin.
The philosophy behind the foundation was the ability to really combine skin-care ingredients with color ingredients and with sun protection. It really is such a dream of a product because it allows skin to look better for wearing it, even when the foundation is removed.

You created something for this season that I just love: the deluxe makeup planner in chic black quilted faux leather. Can you tell us what drove you to create this ultimate travel makeup bag, and how does it work?
I designed the original version of my makeup planner 15 years ago, and I am always looking to enhance the system. For me, everything is a work in progress with room for improvement. The deluxe makeup planner is the perfect, easy-to-use makeup system because your makeup is organized and customized onto your makeup pages and in your brush pockets, and then you have your zip-out side compartment for the added beauty essentials! This system is infinitely adaptable and refillable, allowing you to switch your looks from day to day or season to season! It’s a one-of-a-kind makeup wardrobe.

How does one fill the bag? Can you list some of your products that you would recommend for those travelers who feel like they need to bring everything along?
My first suggestion is to keep everything as simple as possible. Look at your makeup style and know how much time you are willing to spend on your makeup and how many products you use per feature. For most women, the necessities are bare bones, but you want to fill your planner with products that are important for your makeup lifestyle. On your makeup pages, you can place your eye shadows and face color. Tuck your brushes, mascara, and any pencils into the individual pockets in the back, and place your foundation, concealer, and lip color in the side pockets. Remember, you can organize the pages in the same order you put on your makeup and suit your planner to your needs. The planner is as much about customization as it is form and function.

What is your motto?
“Make the most of your life, and enjoy it!”

For the full interview, visit Vanity Fair. For more information about Trish and to learn more about her products, visit Trish McEvoy online.

source: Vanity Fair

This Works: Mecca Cosmetics' Q&A with Kathy Phillips

She is the beauty editor’s editor, and has created one of the most awarded global skincare lines, This Works. Kathy Phillips has been the beauty and fashion guru for UK Tatler, The Daily Mail and Sunday Times, spent seven years as Health & Beauty Director at UK Vogue, won numerous international industry awards, and is now International Beauty Director for Vogue, W and Allure in Asia. Mecca Cosmetics shared a few precious minutes with Kathy to find out a little more about the beauty expert behind the brand…

Where did your inspiration for This Works come from?
“I started to have aromatherapy massage when I was pregnant for the first time. The aromatherapy kept me really well, energetic and I have no stretch marks. I was hooked. After that with a big job and a small child the aromatherapy kept me going.”

You are famous for the quality of your essential oils - where do they come from and what is the importance of them?
“We get our oils from all over the world - and they change annually because, like wine, there are good years and bad years for each crop of herbs and flowers. Typically we get Rose from Morocco or Bulgaria, Ravensara from Madagscar, Lavender grown at High Altitude in the South of France, Patchouli from Indonesia and so on. These days we organise for them to be shipped back as an environmental decision.”

What is your daily This Works regime?
“My beauty routine is quite practical really. My luxury is a long bath with aromatherapy oils - In the Zone in the morning or Energy Bank when I need an energy boost. I couldn’t live without This Works Dry Leg Oil - I rub it into my cuticles, legs, arms. I use Active Serum followed by Active Oil for my face, and Clean Skin to cleanse and leave my skin soft - not stripped. It’s just like using an oil cleanser but in a lotion form. I use every bit of my Travel Kit on the plane – never go without it. The bath oils double as perfume - I’m always being asked what I smell of and the Enjoy Really Rich Body Lotion is also a gorgeous smell which leaves a trail of tuberose wherever you go.”

What can we look forward to from This Works in the future?
“We are working on more candles and home scent sprays. For the Skin Care range we are working on a toner and scrubs and a small box of essential skin care items in the form of a starter kit. And we are developing a new fragrance which we will use for bath oils, shower gels, soaps and so on.”

~ excerpted from Mecca Cosmetics' interview with Kathy Phillips

See my prior post on This Works Leg Oil here - it's a fab product; and to learn more from Mecca Cosmeitcs about This Works, view their online site here.

Q&A: Seriesse Skincare with Dana Lee + Giveaway

Who would have thought that model Jennifer Flavin's modeling career had been potentially hampered by her recurring acne? To look at her almost flawless complexion now, it's hard to imagine. The development of the Seriesse product line started with finding a solution that worked for Jennifer and then grew into Serious Skin Care, a line of products that has been a top-selling brand on television for over twelve years. Building upon a successful line of products, the initial product assortment focused on re-branding a selection of the best in anti-aging skin care from Jennifer Flavin-Stallone’s collection. The addition of NVesse-24, a scientifically formulated cosmeceutical ingredient that creates a breathable moisture barrier between the environment and your skin, sets the line apart from Jennifer’s other products. New and exclusive product introductions are part of the plan, including a line of Green Tea with Acai berry just released in mid-July.


The line and the vision has grown into what is now Seriesse International, with product lines available through the company's independent consultants. I wanted to learn more about what makes Seriesse's skincare and technology different than other brands and products out there. So, it was with good fortune that I had the opportunity to converse with Dana Lee, an independent consultant for Seriesse International. You'll see through our Q&A that this isn't just a job for Dana, she really believes in these products! Here's what she had to say.


How did you come to represent Seriesse? I used Serious Skin Care (their parent company) for years. I was a "team-member". This just let you receive samples and promotions. They sent me emails and letters about the new Seriesse line -- I wasn't interested. Then another person (who sold it) contacted me. She told me more info, and I decided to jump in while I had the chance.


How is Seriesse skincare different than other brands on the market today? IT WORKS! Whatever your skin type, Seriesse has the right products for you. Seriesse has a patented ingredient called NVesse-24. This is a revolutionary breakthrough in the beauty business. This invisible shield locks in moisture (up to 20x its weight) and defends skin from the environment. It also protects the product. Most products on the market start to lose their "active" ingredients as soon as they are opened. NVesse-24 keeps products from degrading when exposed. It helps the products keep their vitamin benefits to the very last drop, unlike others where vitamin benefits are lost shortly after opening the product. Plus, it provides a FULL 24 HOURS of protection; it stays on for 24 hours or until you wash it off.


What is your personal favorite Seriesse product? The Glyco cleanser. It is great for all skin types. It gets all my make-up off. I just love it! In the winter, I sometime switch up with the Vitamin C cleanser as this cleanser also helps to brighten dulled, winter skin.


There is so much in the media today about FIRMING facial skin for a youthful appearance. Does Seriesse have products to address that area, and is firming facial skin important in your opinion? Yes, it is important (if you want that youthful look, and who doesn't). Seriesse has a product called Firmesse. It is great! To me, it is like "liquid botox". You put it on, and you can feel your skin getting tighter. I use mine every morning. You apply it to a clean, dry face/neck. After it is completely dry (your face will feel tight) , you can apply your moisture and any other products. The Firmesse will stay for 24 hours! They also have a full line devoted to firming and lifting. It is called Uplift.


Is Vitamin C really as important to the health of skin as we hear? If so, why? In my opinion, Vitamin C is one of the most important products you can use in your skincare. It doesn't matter what your age--everyone should at least have a Vitamin C serum. It really helps all skin types--protects from environment, reduces lines and repairs skin, restores that "youthful" glow. The Seriesse Vitamin C line is rich in Vitamin C, C-esters, NVesse-24, and a lot of antioxidants and botanicals. This is delivered to your skin via a patented Colloidosome delivery system (helps it get the product into skin faster/better).


Let's talk a little bit about products for the body. What will a product like Seriesse's Celluduction do for consumers that other cellulite products fail to do? Celluduction is a breakthrough topical creme. It has a professional spa concentration of nanofied ingredients (including the NVesse-24). Seriesse's own nanofied delivery system insures the product will *get into* skin faster. Celluduction features a proprietary ingredients complex, which studies show can visibly reduce fat pads and can increase the skin's firmness. This should really help the product work faster and better, as most products just sit on top of skin. [side note: I can attest to how quickly this product absorbs into skin after trying it myself - Roxy]


What other products is Seriesse looking to develop in the near future? A complete make-up line. Seriesse already has one of the best mineral make-ups out there. They introduce new products all the time. A new mascara is "right around the corner".


Dana says the best way to find out how wonderful these products are is to just try them. You may contact her directly for a consultation and product information through her website. I've bombarded her with all kinds of questions in wanting to learn more and she has been completely lovely, patient and very knowledgeable each time - thank you, Dana!


And you, sweet angels, are getting an opportunity to try some of Dana's favorite products from Seriesse's Glyco Essentials line. Well, what can I say, Dana is a living doll!

The Details:

One (1) lucky reader will win a Seriesse Glyco Essentials Deep Pore Cleanser and Triple Action Glycolic Treatment Mask Set

valued at $67.50

MAILING ADDRESS WILL NOT SHOW ON BLOG OR WHEN VIEWING ENTRIES (hidden)

NOTE: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your email, name and mailing address to Dana Lee of Seriesse International for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. Failure to include the above information will disqualify your entry. Mailing address/email will not otherwise be revealed and will not be shown here in entries (hidden). One (1) winner chosen at random will receive this prize. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Giveaway sponsored by Dana Lee, Seriesse International. Some restrictions may apply. Entries will be accepted through 11:55 pm on Sun., 07/06/08.

EARTH DAY SPECIAL FEATURE: Q & A with Perianne Skincare's Cora Michael

I can think of no one in the beauty industry I'd rather spend time with on Earth Day than Perianne Skincare Founder and Creator Cora Michael. You guys are in for a treat. I had the distinguished opportunity to interview Cora specifically for our feature story for Earth Day; she exceded all my expectations. Her generous spirit, personable nature and wealth of knowledge about effective skincare - organic, natural and botanical ingredients - is both refreshing and inspired. Oh, and if I've failed to already mention, her products are like nectar from the gods.


1) What inspired you to create Perianne?
I was inspired by the seasons, mainly, and by what I saw as a hole in the beauty market. I wanted to create adaptive, seasonally aware products that would answer the skin's changing needs throughout the year -- something that hadn't really been done yet. I'd always had a hard time finding the right products for my skin as the weather changed from summer to winter, and was incessantly switching around, trying new brands. It was frustrating, and my skin paid the price (irritation, imbalances, etc.). So, I decided to start my own line!


2) Did the way you grew up or your professional history have anything to do with your drive to create your own skincare company?
Yes, and no.
From a personal standpoint, I'd say growing up in West Virginia (where nature is much more accessible, and woven into daily life) made me conscious of the seasons and their effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Also, my mother was always very good about caring for her skin (she looks great for her age!) and that filtered down to me. I have always been "obsessed" with skin care, you could say. From a professional standpoint, my background is in art history -- I have a PhD and I work in the museum world, so I don't have any business training. But you could argue that there is a connection between skin care and art, in that both have to do with BEAUTY, ultimately -- whether it be art or the beauty of healthy, radiant skin.




3) How did you choose the ingredients for your skincare products?
Very carefully! I did tons of research into the properties of different botanicals and essential oils, but really the most important thing was to consciously choose SEASONAL ingredients. It's amazing, but nature really does provide what skin needs at different moments of the year. For instance, in my new Spring/Summer line, ingredients like cucumber, lavender, red raspberry seed oil, and mint -- which are all summer-seasonal -- help skin stay cool, refreshed, cleansed, and protected in the hot, humid months of the year. It's really about trying to achieve harmony and balance for your skin, but also I want to emphasize the importance of paying attention to the seasons, and to how they affect us in all ways.


4) Why is using organic and natural ingredients important to you?
To me, this is a no-brainer. There is no reason to use synthetic, artificial, harmful chemical ingredients when a natural, organic ingredient can do the same thing, and probably better. It's really about health -- for you and for the planet. I've just been reading about Ayurveda -- the ancient Indian system of health and healing -- and one of the things it emphasizes is the use of a whole plant for medicinal purposes, rather than isolating and extracting the active ingredient. The human body is similar -- we are whole -- body, mind, and spirit work together, so to me, using organic, natural products that heal and nurture (rather than harm or compromise) the skin, well, that just makes sense.



5) How is Perianne different from other skincare?
Perianne is really unique -- there is no other brand out there that "thinks" seasonally about skin care. Practically everyone has to switch their skin care routine when the weather changes, so these products answer that need. Also, the thoughtful use of botanical ingredients is unique -- with attention to the seasons and what skin needs at different times of the year in order to stay healthy, supple, and beautiful.



6) In your opinion, what is the most important (or worthwhile) natural, organic or botanical skincare ingredient one may use for healthy skin?
I'm not sure I could pick just one, but right now an ingredient I am really excited about is red raspberry seed oil, which we use in the Spring/Summer Light Face Lotion. Studies have found it to be an excellent antioxidant, but more impressively, it has an SPF of at least 15 or higher -- naturally! I love that it can help heal AND protect against sun damage, and it also looks beautiful (it's a deep, rich red color).


7) How are the Perianne products made/manufactured?
Since we are a small company, I work with an organic skin care manufacturing lab on the west coast. We produce in small batches, so the products are always fresh. As far as ingredients go, we try to use organic whenever possible, and really keep synthetics down to a minimum (we do use phenoxyethanol, a paraben alternative, for preserving the products, though we are moving towards an organic preservative system, as in our Light Face Lotion).




8) Why glass packaging?
Again, it relates to health. In this case, the health of the environment most importantly, since most plastics are produced from petroleum by-products. Glass is also 100% recyclable, and since we use a fairly high percentage of essential oils, the glass doesn't interfere with their efficacy, the way that some plastics can. Plus, I think it looks and feels more elegant, more luxurious.

9) What other products do you plan to introduce over the next year?
Moving forward, we will be developing two more ranges for Perianne: the Transitional Treatments, and the Year-Round Treatments. The Transitional products are designed to help skin adjust to abrupt or drastic changes in weather and temperature, and they will include three masks: one for overactive, oily, or blemished skin; one for dry, dehydrated, sensitized skin; and an enzyme mask, to restore skin's luminosity and freshness (by exfoliating dead skin cells). The Year-Round products are intended to be used as part of your regular skin care regimen, so that will include an eye cream, a granular exfoliant, and a vitamin serum. An SPF which you can use daily over your moisturizer will also be part of the Year-Round line.


10) Name one beauty product you can't live without.
My Perianne toners!!! I love both the Fall/Winter version -- with fennel and pink grapefruit -- and the new Spring/Summer toner, with mint and cucumber. They are both delicious, and really make your skin glow.


11) Any tips on how we can best reduce signs of aging?
Sunscreen, because prevention is the best strategy. Unfortunately, Perianne doesn't make one -- YET (we plan to make a daily SPF part of our Year-Round product line). Also, I have to say I am against "anti-aging" as a marketing concept in the beauty industry. It's a fallacy, since you can't stop time, or the natural process of aging. Besides, some of the most beautiful women I know are over 60, and they have wrinkles, but they have an inner glow that comes from being healthy, happy, creative, and loving. That's really what it's about. I think that supple, glowing, healthy skin is what we should be aiming for -- not sandblasted, botoxed, artificially taut skin!



12) What is your best beauty secret?
Regular exercise and facials four times a year.

13) What other passions do you have besides your business? Dancing is the one thing that makes me most happy -- I was trained as a ballet dancer, and it's just in my bones. Doesn't matter what kind -- I love ballet, jazz, modern, or just dancing at parties with friends. I'm like that guy in "Dazed and Confused" -- when asked what he wanted to do with his life, he said, "I just wanna dance, man!"


For purchasing and more information about this wonderful line of skincare, an ingredients reference "library" or to learn more about Cora: Perianne