Keeping up with Spring Super, New York Make-Up Artist

2013-03-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Gabby Douglas, Gold Medal Winning Gymnast

for The Hollywood Reporter

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

"Gabby Douglas is a total sweetheart and an absolute pleasure to work with!

She is an inspiration for women everywhere" - Spring Super

2013-02-15T10:02:00.001-08:00

For a few seasons now I have done hair and makeup for Lubov Azria, Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIA & Herve Leger brands.

This year I was also invited to attend the
BCBG MAX AZRIA Fall 2013 Ready to Wear fashion show!

I have worked many fashion shows and the atmosphere backstage is usually rush, rush rush. We may catch a glimpse of the show on a monitor, which is inspiring in it's own way. Watching the show as a guest was relaxing and with the beautiful, sexy designs, colors and music, you are wrapped up in the show and really feel exactly how the designers want you to feel. I was inspired in a new way.

My overall impression from fashion week this year is that things have gone in a very modern direction. A lot of clean lines, tailoring and androgynous looks. I also saw a lot of "white on white", cobalt blue, burgundy and black/white striking graphic prints. Sadly I also saw a lot of fox fur and as usual, models were predominantly cast very thin (sizes 0-4) and definitely not representative of most women's bodies (two things I think the fashion industry struggles to correct)

The creativity and atmosphere though was super exciting and inspiring and I can't wait until next season!

Verizon Summer 2012 Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

2012-07-30T09:27:00.004-07:00

Photographer: Spencer Heyfron

New Work | Giant Billboards | Verizon Campaign

2012-07-06T09:11:00.002-07:00

Hair and Makeup: Spring Super
Photographer: Spencer Heyfron

Are You Ready for Spring?

2012-03-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

Reasons I LOVE Intelligent Nutrients!

2012-03-13T10:14:00.003-07:00

There are many reasons to LOVE this line of products created by Horst Rechelbacher. Who's that? The original creator of Aveda who developed an incredible line, sold it to Estee Lauder and now the ingredients of Aveda include carcinogens. Estee Lauder is a very questionable company for many reasons and I would urge folks to dosome research and join the boycott. But this is about Intelligent Nutrients and what they stand for and actually do.

REASONS I LOVE INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS:

1. THIS COMPANY IN NON-PROFIT!

- Many poisonous ingredients used in cosmetics are there because they are cheaper. Being non-profit ultimately means that the people who work for this line get paid and the rest is invested right back into the company. This can help them make choices based on people and the planet, not profit.

2. CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS, FOR REAL ORGANIC!

- Many of the ingredients in" IN" are grown on Horst's organic farm. All of the ingredients are certified organic, plant based which means it's not poisonous, it's good for you! How lovely to know my lip gloss is not poison; only yummy plants.

3. NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS OR TESTING.

- this makes everyone happy, especially vegans, vegetarians and animal-rights lovers.

4. THESE PRODUCTS WON'T CAUSE CANCER.

- I cannot stress enough how poisonous the chemicals in our everyday beauty products are. The average woman uses 16-20 products a day, all of which likely contain carcinogens. As a professional stylist, that number is probably double. Beauty must be healthy.

My first TIME Cover!

2012-02-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Martin Schoeller | Makeup/Hair: Spring Super | Feb. 2012

Spring's 2012 Spring Inpiration

2012-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Twiggy: Still Inspiring

2012-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00


Screenshot from editorial shoot, Spring 2012, shot by Alex Palombo Styling by Annie Nicholas, Hair by Mel Paldino, Makeup by Spring Super

Dramatic Makeup for Real Simple Magazine

2012-01-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

View the entire story here

For the iridescent effect here, makeup artist Spring Super, who produced all the makeup looks in this story, suggests smoothing a skin-toned primer on your entire lid (she used Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Warm Beige; $22, sephora.com) to prevent creasing. Then top with a richly pigmented blue shadow (such as Nars Matte Eyeshadow in China Blue, $23, narscosmetics.com). Next, apply a bright violet shadow (like MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Star Violet, $15, maccosmetics.com) on just the lid’s center—the most visible part—for added drama. And to really set the look aflutter, glue on Elise Faux feather Eyelashes #430 ($4, madamemadeline.com).

2012 Radenroro Campaign

2012-01-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Isola Shoes Campaign

2012-01-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

Book Project: 'Pretty-Masculine'

2012-01-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

I volunteered and collaborated with many artists and photographer, Mike Ruiz, for this exciting and important project benefiting GMHC.

Mike Ruiz, Photographer:
"Pretty Masculine" is the apogee of my latest effort to capture humanity out of context. It is the culmination of my desire to incorporate my hyper-stylized and fantasy-driven style of photography and reinterpret the male ideal from a new perspective. It has been my intention to open a forum of sorts and, in so doing, inspire thought and dialogue with respect to finding alternative ways of looking at the world around us. In this case, to look at masculinity beyond what might be considered the stereotypical man."

Below:
Sizzling behind the scenes of the making of Mike Ruiz's book "Pretty Masculine" benefitting GMHC.

T.V. Ad Campaign shot by Martin Schoeller

2012-01-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

New Beauty by Richard Gary, Photographer

2011-04-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

GLAAD PSA, Starring Alan Cumming

2009-12-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

Mother Nature vs. Serena Williams Tampax Commercial

2009-12-08T10:45:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

Radenroro 2010 Collection

2009-11-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

As always I had a great time collaborating with the designer of Radenroro-New York, Liquica Anggraini for her new collection for Spring 2010! Check out the entire line at www.radenroro.com.

Makeup Mentor...We've Got Lift-Off!

2009-06-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Makeup Mentor Launches at the Makeup Show 2009

The chatter of attendees at this year's Makeup Show was charged with enthusiasm and optimism about the new kid on the block, Makeup Mentor. Makeup artists, students and business owners alike saw Makeup Mentor as a positive addition to the industry.

Artists were enthusiastic about The Mentee Program, expressing emphatically that something like this program has been long overdue. Shannon Thompson, a Film, Theater and Special Effects artist of 13 years wrote, "There is a HUGE need for guidance in this industry. I wish I had someone help me when I started."

Spring Super started this company to fill the void of business experience that exists amongst many makeup artists today. It is holding them back from making a living at their dreams, even if they are great artists! We believe that is not fair and every single person deserves to make a living, preferably doing what they love. We do everything in our power to help.

The experiences we have had with Mentees have been wonderful and very gratifying. We see immediate results and so much progress, so quickly. The proof in the pudding, so-to-speak, as every single one of our clients has this experience.

We believe we've got it right, we believe we have Lift Off!

Embryolisse - pronounced embryo-leez

2008-11-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

Never before had someone in my makeup chair asked me "Mmmm, what moisturizer was that", until I used Embryolisse Lait- Creme. Now it happens every time!

My first experience with Embryolisse was at Fashion Week earlier this year. I am always snooping around other MUA kits backstage to see who has what. Let me tell you, Embryolisse is the new black. It was everywhere. Of course I went right out, got me a tube, and haven’t gone a day without it since.

Almost every single person I put this product on is visibly impressed, and is compelled to ask about it. I was asked about it so often and it was so hard to find that I started carrying samples for my clients. It's now available in select pharmacies in Manhattan but can be more easily purchased online, at Temptu and Alcone.

This is a product whose reputation has been built by word of mouth. Professionals used it and loved it. They told everyone, those people told everybody, and now it’s all anyone is talking about. People are pointing it out to me saying how great it is. Funny how these things work.

It has now been featured in many beauty magazines as the 'new big thing'. Judging by personal experience and feedback from clients, this product and the entire line does something incredible, it works. It's great for any skin type and has neutral packaging, which makes it appealing to men, as well as women.

Another must have for home and kit!

www.embryolisseusa.com

News from the Big Apple...

2008-08-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

LE Book is OUT and I'm IN!

Check out the page that my agency has this year...that's my work on the bottom-right!

Colby O'Donnis on Regis and Kelly

I had the pleasure of working with Colby, Akon and their dancers for their performance of the song 'What You Got' on Regis and Kelly. Thanks to them, their dancers and crew. Had lots of fun!

Airbrush...an artist must have!

2008-04-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Never has there been more controversy amongst makeup artists as there is around the question of airbrushing. Some believe it's the only way to apply foundation, while others resent it or maybe just fear it. Perhaps it's the use of machinery and a device called a gun that is intimidating?

Regardless of your position on the question of airbrushing as a tool for makeup artists, the medium is flourishing and is often a requirement for a professional artist to have in her arsenal of skills. If it is not going anywhere, best to know what's out there, what works...and more importantly, what doesn't!

I have been using and instructing airbrush for many years and found that if you do not use the right products, your experience can be horrible. Using the right products makes all the difference. Complaints of issues such as dryness and cracking, flatness, bad skin color choices are usually what I hear from artists who have airbrushed, and claim it does not work for them.

Because airbrushing is still a niche in our industry, I've found that the products available vary extremely from brand to brand. It seems that little product development has been put into airbrushing by most of the major brands and their products are less effective next to the smaller developers who have been doing it longer and specialize.

Temptu Airbrush, from my experience as a customer, is the best in more ways than one. Most importantly, they specialize in airbrush cosmetics. Everything is made for the skin including formulas for foundations, temporary tattoos and other special effects. They have a luxurious silicone based airbrush foundation that is far superior to any other brands...hands down! The finish and soft focus glow is truly beautiful and comes in colors for all ethnicities and undertones. Other brands I have tried are usually water based and dry or silicone based but don't have the tone or finish of Temptu.

One of Temptu's best traits is their customer service. Staffed with working artists, all with at least a decade of experience in the industry, anyone you speak with will be able to help you with even the most complex project. They love to help and always come through in a makeup emergency!

My advice, try airbrush with Temptu before deciding. Airbrushing opens the door to more creativity, control and speed. It's a great tool to have in your kit!

COME See Me...I will be teaching Temptu Airbrush classes at The International Beauty Show April 27 – 29, 2008 at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York, NY!

Temptu.com

Seasons change, why do my colors have to?

2008-03-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Having a name such as Spring, perhaps the season issue is more blatant for me. I've always wondered where the heck this season issue started in relation to beauty and fashion.

Why is it that every season magical color fairies decide what colors we should start wearing? Where did this phenomenon start and who does it benefit in the end? I was on a mission to find out.

When Spring and Summer comes along, things get warmer and brighter, we naturally gear ourselves toward more fitting colors in our makeup and fashion choices but why do we need an authority to tell us exactly what shade of pink, purple and peach we need to be wearing? And what happens if we don't adhere? Do we get a ticket from the fashion police? Will we instantly be noticed in a crowd as someone who didn't do her homework on the subject and be kicked out of the cool kids club?

Let's look at where this all started. We all know that color, and it's associations and meanings are as old as time. Purple, for example, was originally a color of royalty because of the high expense to create it. The pigment for purple was hard to obtain back then. But when did it start getting forecast and made into trends?

"Before 1915, it was the milliners, the US hat makers, who were responsible for setting color trends for the US textiles industry.", according to The Color Association of the United States. They have a pretty thorough history on their site and they are an organization dedicated to setting color forecasts for all sectors of industry. They put out extremely detailed reports on the subject each season. They are telling manufacturers and advertisers what colors to use in order to make the most...you got it...profit.

As usual, what's driving this is sales. Studies are done with color association, what pleases people as well as world-wide production of pigments, textiles and other goods that would effect the price and production of goods. This totally effects the beauty and fashion industry's decisions for what new products they will create and how they will market them to us.

It is not a coincidence that everyone somehow agrees on these colors. Pantone and other color companies follow suit. Fashion and beauty companies produce their stuff and flood the magazines and other media, who enthusiastically report on these new 'trends'. They also convince us to like them. The magazine beauty trend choices are made more by their advertisers and all of the free product they are sent each month than anything else. Usually associating the use of the colors with fashion shows, makeup artists, beauty/fashion editorials, celebrities and other desirables, we are fed a constant diet of these colors. Before we know it, we're falling in-line, buying the new shade of pink that is suddenly everywhere.

The result is our choices being made for us just for the benefit of business. How much money do we throw at buying the new colors every season? The new shade of lip gloss? How much money is wasted manufacturing our desire to buy these products?

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE COLOR. I don't love our choices being made for us. Every season I feel forced to incorporate these new trendy shades into my makeup work as well as do something 'new' to influence the trend. Sometimes I'm inspired by these new trends but usually I am burdened by them, I feel trapped into using them.

I would much rather our color choices be personal and organic. We should wear the shade of red that looks best on us, regardless if it's trendy or not. That is the main point I want to make...look at seasons and their color trends for what they are...suggestions made by companies wanting to sell you something. Consider them, but make your own decisions, wear the colors that make you feel good, that make you look good.

Just got laid blush!

2008-01-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

You know what I mean. Some like to clean it up and call it ‘pinched cheeks’ but even that sounds dirty. It’s proven that a slightly flushed look is the most attractive as it reflects health and the look of arousal. It sounds crazy but it’s true!

I have been testing the array of different lotions and potions designed to give this look and I have always been slightly disappointed until now. I found Benefit’s Benetint to be difficult to blend. Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Blush always has too much shimmer, although I love the color choices. Tarte’s Cheek Stain is sticky and doesn’t last long. Hard Candy’s nail polish packaging is just impossible to use. Who wants to apply blush with a nail polish brush?

O Glow by Smashbox Get it? Orgasm Glow?

It does everything you want it to…it comes in a handy plastic tube, so much easier than a glass bottle. The color is intense, somehow looks natural on every skin tone, is easy to apply and silky smooth. Your cheeks look flushed, youthful and dewy. Can’t go wrong and I am surprised every time I look in the mirror to see that it’s still there. Great job Smashbox!

I look forward to more Os! (I hear there is an O Gloss out)
Buy O Glow at Smashbox.com

Bestest Waterproof Eyeliner

2007-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Is there really a need to carry eyeliner that isn’t waterproof? After having my supposedly long lasting Maybelline eyeliner fail on me during my client’s rehearsal for a live performance at the Fashion Rocks concert, I vowed to find the best, longest lasting, sweat and rocker proof eyeliner. It not only needed to be long lasting, the color selection needed to be vast, be creamy and smudge-able to get soft edges before it sets.

I tested Lancome, as it was a salesperson’s recommendation at Sephora. Urban Decay is my niece’s favorite...and she wears more eyeliner than Avril Lavine! I also tested a handful of other brands.

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil was far superior. Their website claims “The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too.” – I can’t say it better myself. It far outlasted the others and comes in a great selection of colors. This winner, based on the packaging and marketing style of this line, surprised me, I un-fairly assumed that it was a lower quality, teen focused line. Under all the glitter, crazy colors and funky packaging are some quality products with a creative edge.

Buy 24/7 at Sephora.com

Keeping up with Spring Super, New York Make-Up Artist

Gabby Douglas, Gold Medal Winning Gymnast for The Hollywood Reporter Makeup and Hair by Spring Super "Gabby Douglas is a total sweetheart and an absolute pleasure to work with! She is an inspiration for women everywhere" - Spring Super

For a few seasons now I have done hair and makeup for Lubov Azria, Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIA & Herve Leger brands. This year I was also invited to attend the BCBG MAX AZRIA Fall 2013 Ready to Wear fashion show!

This year I was also invited to attend the BCBG MAX AZRIA Fall 2013 Ready to Wear fashion show!

Verizon Summer 2012 Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

New Work | Giant Billboards | Verizon Campaign

Are You Ready for Spring?

Reasons I LOVE Intelligent Nutrients!

My first TIME Cover!

Spring's 2012 Spring Inpiration

Twiggy: Still Inspiring

Dramatic Makeup for Real Simple Magazine

2012 Radenroro Campaign

Isola Shoes Campaign

Book Project: 'Pretty-Masculine'

T.V. Ad Campaign shot by Martin Schoeller

New Beauty by Richard Gary, Photographer

GLAAD PSA, Starring Alan Cumming

Mother Nature vs. Serena Williams Tampax Commercial

Radenroro 2010 Collection

Makeup Mentor...We've Got Lift-Off!

Embryolisse - pronounced embryo-leez

News from the Big Apple...

Airbrush...an artist must have!

Seasons change, why do my colors have to?

Just got laid blush!

Bestest Waterproof Eyeliner

Gabby Douglas, Gold Medal Winning Gymnast

for The Hollywood Reporter

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

"Gabby Douglas is a total sweetheart and an absolute pleasure to work with!

She is an inspiration for women everywhere" - Spring Super

For a few seasons now I have done hair and makeup for Lubov Azria, Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIA & Herve Leger brands.

This year I was also invited to attend the
BCBG MAX AZRIA Fall 2013 Ready to Wear fashion show!

This year I was also invited to attend the
BCBG MAX AZRIA Fall 2013 Ready to Wear fashion show!