Besides the singing, is anyone else watching how JLo manages to look different but fantastic in pretty much every episode? Seriously, that woman never has a bad hair/makeup day.
So when I came across a book by Scott Barnes, JLo’s personal makeup artist and the man credited with coming up with her trademark ‘glow’, I had to buy it.
Scott Barnes’ unconventional approach to makeup application – e.g. contour and highlight first, everything else later, is a revelation.
Unlike some other makeup books which focus on basic techniques and variations of looks on the same models, About Face goes through a series of ‘transformations’ where Scott Barnes puts his trademark glow on women of all ages and ethnicities (though mostly very beautiful women!) and explains (with pictures!) how he has gone about doing that.
On each transformation it’s not just the glow he focuses on (that’s a given) but based on their lifestyle, face type or occasion he demonstates a different look for each woman. (So we get to learn more techniques as well!)
What blew me away was instead of a completely un-made-up ‘before’ picture with harsh lighting, the women were asked to come in with their own makeup applied for the ‘before’ picture (one of them even confessed to applying more makeup that usual because she was worried about her picture). It’s absolutely amazing how much he is able improve on their own makeup routines (the ‘after’ photos are astounding), and given the step by step pictures you know it’s mostly makeup and not photoshop (though I think there is a smidgen of that...who doesn't these days!)
My personal favourite was of course, the transformation of Danielle, a mono-lidded asian woman (hello!) who, though pretty before, is made to look like a supermodel with some master contouring and eye makeup.
I tried this look on myself and was amazed at the success, a testament to his easy to follow instructions and sound techniques! (I hate it when I try to follow a book look and end up looking completely different.)
He also writes in a conversational way which flows well and is a pleasure to read. It feels like he’s a friendly voice in the same room (albeit a very talented one) advising you on what to do.
Some of his looks (especially the heavily contoured ones), though amazing, is a lot of makeup and perhaps more suited to night, but most of the tips and techniques are applicable most of the time and a welcome addition to any beauty routine.
Some of his looks (especially the heavily contoured ones), though amazing, is a lot of makeup and perhaps more suited to night, but most of the tips and techniques are applicable most of the time and a welcome addition to any beauty routine.
One of the few makeup books which has seriously changed the way in which I apply makeup and in my opinion, a must-read.
Available at bookstores for AUD $34.99
I got the Kindle version for only US $9.99 – a bargain! But I’m considering getting the book version too, I love the physical feel of books…
I also found his website: www.scottbarnes.com, what can I say – I’m a fan!
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