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The Voice’s Makeup Artist—Darcy Gilmore—Shares the Show’s Behind-the-Scenes Beauty Secrets

April 9, 2013 at 5:33 pm
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Viewers of season four of The Voice have seen some major changes in front of the camera: Shakira and Usher have taken over for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. But one thing that’s remained the same is behind the camera—Darcy Gilmore is still holding it down in the makeup department. As the head of makeup, Gilmore’s in charge of directing her team of artists and working with each contestant to achieve their star-worthy looks. Here, she lets us in on what it’s like to work on the hit show plus shares insider tips that you can use for yourself (no singing required).

What’s the atmosphere like backstage on The Voice? Do you get a lot of time to sit down with each contestant and figure out his or her look? 
“Well, actually, we begin prepping long before they come back once the coaches have selected their teams. So, we already have an idea in advance of what we want to do as far as changing their looks and updating their looks. And we’re coming back now this week and shooting what’s called ‘the battles.’  So at this point, it’s a pretty big push into a new look. At least 50% into a more polished, artist look. So we’ve already done a lot of the footwork before they even walk in the door. And then as far as backstage goes, it’s pretty hectic but scheduled. It’s very calculated. There are no accidents when they actually get on TV completely camera ready. It’s completely organized.”

So does each contestant have a strong opinion of what they want their vibe to be based on their music style or do they kind of give you room for creativity to help them create their look? 
“I think it’s 50/50, actually, because a lot of these artists already have been A&R’d [Artist & Repertoire] from other companies and a lot of these artists have had an image created for them. Once you start speaking to someone, it’s very clear how much is their own image and how much has been created for them so we’re very sensitive to that, and to where they want to go. I think people who are the most versatile with their looks benefit from our team, from the makeup, hair and wardrobe.”

Do you have any special insider tricks for making up their faces under such bright lights? Is their any highlighting or contouring? 
“We have a laundry list of tricks that we won’t tell. But we will say that every inch of the skin gets covered with makeup including their hands and eyes and ears. They are polished and primed. It’s a very elaborate makeup application and we use several different companies, which we are blessed to be supported by. It’s super interactive. I’m really lucky because my team and I have such a good friendship on top of the work relationship so we’re always sharing secrets. And if somebody really likes a product then they buy seven of them and we pass them out to each one of the girls. It’s like a community. It’s almost like a sisterhood. It’s really great.”

Can you share any tricks for the average person who just wants to look great in pictures?
“Well, all of the products that we use, anybody can buy. We use a combination for body. We use Carlene K Cosmetics. She works for my team and she has her own body bronzer. It’s super simple to use. And if you want to break it down, you can use a moisturizer with it to cut it in half and then apply it. I would also suggest layering. Layering is a big thing we do so use a concealer and then face makeup, and then a matte powder all the way down the neckline. The number one makeup mistake is the face not matching the body. So you really have to marry the two. And I find that makeup transfers onto the wardrobe so I like to set it with powder. Get a big fluffy brush and bring that all the way down the neckline. That way there is no demarcation. That way you also don’t see makeup; you see just a flawless skin.”

What’s your favorite product to use?
“I love powder. I’m just a powder fool even though people are really afraid of it. Nowadays, powders are not the same as they use to be. I don’t think you have to be afraid of it. In fact, you can do an entire makeup of powder on men, which I love. A lot of our guys just get that. And that’s something to talk about there because a lot of men are afraid to wear makeup but if they get the right powder you literally can’t see it. I love Girlactik, too. I’ve been using the Sparkle Sets ($20, girlactik.com) and their Eyeliner ($19, girlactik.com).”

If you only had two minutes to do one thing to a contestant or client, what’s the one thing you would add to their look? 
“If they have good skin, I’d probably use Stila Convertible Color ($25, stilacosmetics.com) because you can use that on the lips and cheeks. You have to have multipurpose products.”

Maria Menounos Talks Inexpensive Spring Trends, Keeping Her Workouts Fun and Her Best Kept Hair Secret

March 8, 2013 at 1:24 pm
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Extra co-host Maria Menounos is tearing up New York City promoting her new film, Adventures of Serial Buddies, a comedy out this week and her latest fashion project with Marshalls. In between her Better TV and Today Show segments, Menounos and I caught up on fashion, fitness and, of course, beauty.

 What are you working on with Marshalls?
“I’ve been shopping at Marshalls for years thanks to my mom. I love that you can go there and get on-trend pieces for prices that won’t break the bank. Marshalls has these amazing buyers who make deals with companies so you get what’s in department stores, like bags from Italy, for less. You can buy three dresses instead of one, and saving money is really important. My savings has helped me own a property and make a movie! Plus each store offers something a little different.”

What are some of your favorite spring finds from Marshalls?
“This mustard dress that I’m wearing is one of them. They have tons of great wedges—black and nude, white bags, printed and lace tops and chambray blouses, which I love with white shorts and wedges.”

I know you’ve done DWTS and even WWE wrestling. What’s your favorite workout?
“I do this all day [running from one gig to the next]! Sometimes I play basketball with a bunch of guys. I recently took a Spin class, which I loved but thought was really hard. And once, I took this drum class, where we were doing squats the whole time. I like to make my workouts fun so I don’t feel like it’s work. And speaking of WWE, it was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I got a trainer and learned how to wrestle. They were shocked.”

What’s your go-to healthy snack?
“Rickland Orchards granola bars—they’re really yummy and easy to eat on the go.” (Menounos is a spokeswoman for the company.)

Your hair and makeup look gorgeous. Any tips to share?
“I take off my makeup off every night, even when I’m working late and I’m on my computer answering emails in bed until 1 in the morning. The Neutrogena face wipes are my favorite. And before bed, I use the Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue to keep my hair soft and looking healthy.”

Girls’ Star Allison Williams Spills on Her Hit Show, Her Skin-care Routine and Her Obsession with SoulCycle

February 8, 2013 at 11:32 am
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Breaking beauty news: HBO’s Girls’ star Allison Williams was just crowned the new face of Simple Skincare. Let’s just take a moment to talk about her shiny, perfect hair, her gorgeous smile and her fluttery long lashes. I had the pleasure of chatting with her about the insider beauty secrets she picked up in hair and makeup, her favorite workouts and what’s it’s like to work on one of the hottest shows in television. Watch my interview here!


Favorite Find Friday: The Beauty Department’s V-Day Makeup Picks

February 8, 2013 at 10:42 am
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With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, there’s no better time to get all romantic and wear the most classic color in the beauty world: red (obvi). From sheer cherry to true red to vampy oxblood, there’s a shade for everyone. Here, three sexy ways to wear it.

On your lips for day:
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Mightiest Maraschino ($16, clinique.com)
“After trying red after red, this one is now my favorite go-to red lipstick. The juicy cherry color—it’s the perfect combo of red and pink—pops against my ivory skin tone. The subtle shine makes it feel fresh and less severe than a matte lipstick. Plus, the hydrating formula keeps my lips feeling soft all day—very kissable!”
-Molly Ritterbeck, associate beauty editor

On your lips for night:
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8hr Lip Gloss in Cherry Flash ($10, lorealparis.com)
“I usually stay away from red because it can be a little tricky to pull off, but this sheer gloss makes it so easy. It’s so long-lasting—perfect for long nights when re-applying is not always convenient. The vibrant color stays true and leaves my lips looking full and shiny.”
-Jessica Carter, beauty intern

On your nails:
Kevyn Aucoin The Nail Lacquer in Blood Roses ($26, Barney’s stores)
“I was never a huge fan of red nails until I swiped on this deep berry plum polish. It has a black base so it’s a little grungier than most red shades. I wear two coats of it on short, squoval nails and feel instantly chic.”
-Heather Muir, beauty director

FITNESS Beauty Intern’s Gym Bag Beauty Must-haves

January 10, 2013 at 11:29 am
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Courtesy of Under Armour

Compiling the ultimate beauty-equipped gym bag can be tricky, especially if you exercise before work or during your lunch break. Here’s a roundup of products that keep my bag light while still meeting all of my beauty needs.

I wash my hair only a few times each week, but sometimes I’m left with no choice (like after Spinning). Bumble and bumble’s Be Color Minded Kit ($28, Sephora) is great for dire-wash situations since the 2-ounce shampoo, conditioner and styling balm are all free of sulfates and harsh chemicals that can dry out hair when used often. And for days when my hair needs a little pick-me-up, dry shampoo is my hero. I keep a mini can of Redken Powder Refresh 01 ($8, redken.com for salons) in my bag at all times. I love that it adds volume with leaving an annoying white residue.

If your gym’s locker room doesn’t provide a blow dryer, look for a lightweight folding one, such as the X5 Superlite Mini Nano Tourmaline & Ionic Dual Voltage Travel Dryer ($49.99, Folica.com). This packs a surprisingly powerful blast despite its small size.

Moisturizing after a shower is an absolute must (especially during the winter months), so I always make sure to keep mini bottles of body lotion on hand. Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion costs only $1.99 (burtsbees.com) for the travel size and leaves skin super soft. It smells fresh, and its lightweight formula won’t leave your skin slick or sticky.

If you don’t want to bring your entire stash of makeup with you, invest in an interchangeable palette, like Bobbi Brown 3-Pan Palette ($10, Bobbibrown.com), which allows you to swap out blush and shadow colors according to your look that day. And, if you have any contact lens cases lying around, here’s a trick: fill one side with your favorite face cream and the other with foundation. This way, you don’t have to miss out on your must-haves in order to downsize.

 

—Jillian Ruffo, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden

December 21, 2012 at 12:25 pm
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I stumbled across this eye makeup gem while perusing how-to makeup YouTube videos. No matter who I was watching, from young girls to seasoned pros, nearly everyone seemed to be using this shadow primer, so I had to try it. I did, and I haven’t stopped using it since. It sounds dramatic to say that the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden ($20, urbandecay.com) can change your life but it comes pretty darn close! It transforms any shadow into a super long-wear, totally crease-free color. I put it on in the morning—yes, it’s an extra, but worth it, step—and my makeup doesn’t budge all day. I tap it on my lids and up to the brow bone until I feel it dry down to a matte finish then I layer over my regular eye shadow. I’ve even started using it under my eyes as well to help hold my concealer in place.

Favorite Find Friday: Lorac Pro Cream Eyeliner

November 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm
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The perfect eyeliner is hard to find. Kohl pencils can smudge easily and liquid—for those of us with a shaky hand—can result in looking like a hot mess. Meet my eyes’ new best friend: Lorac Pro Cream Eyeliner ($19, loraccosmetics.com), available in black, dark brown, navy and plum. It’s a cream liner so it glides on smoother than a pencil but isn’t as slippery or messy as a liquid liner. It’s small and portable—perfect to house in your purse or your gym bag. My favorite part is the tapered eyeliner brush that comes with it. It helps you achieve a neat line plus it fits conveniently inside the cap.

—Daniella Araujo, Beauty Intern

Four Fall Trends To Try Right Now!

November 12, 2012 at 5:14 pm
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Sequin eyebrows, purple lips, crimped hair—some runway trends look like they belong in a circus. We made simple tweaks to a few of our favorite looks so that you can wear them in real life. 

Oxblood Nails: This vampy red hue is popping up everywhere in the fashion world. Think it’s too bold for your wardrobe? Test-drive it on your nails first (the dark shade looks best on short, squoval-shaped tips). Our top picks: CND Nail Colour in Dark Ruby ($9, cnd.com) and Zoya Nail Polish in Oxblood Red ($8, zoya.com).

Messy Topknot: Tired of your ponytail whipping your neck while you log miles on the treadmill? Meet the topknot. It’s just as easy to do but looks cooler. Secure a high ponytail then wrap the tail around the base, creating a knot—it doesn’t have to be perfect; the more casual, the better. Leave the bejeweled headband at home.

Shimmery Green Eyes: Update your typical smoky eyes with green shadow. Tip: Snag trendy colors (like green!) at the drugstore. Sweep a wash over your lids or rim your upper lash lines for a toned down version of the winged green shadow below.

Sheer Red Lips: Rushing from a workout to the office? Save time by swiping on a tinted red lip balm and keeping the rest of your face natural. You’ll look pulled together but by swapping a balm for the lipstick version, you won’t need a lip brush or a ton of mirror time.

Photo Credits: Catherine Malandrino New York Fashion Week/Courtesy of CND;  Katya Leonovich New York Fashion Week /Courtesy of Beautypress.com;  Jason Wu New York Fashion Week /Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics;  Nina Ricci Paris Fashion Week/Courtesy of Beautypress.com

—By Daniella Araujo, beauty intern

Think Pink: Five Beauty Goodies that Give Back!

October 25, 2012 at 12:45 pm
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October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, which means companies are churning out beauty products that not only help you look good but do good, too. We’ve spent the past few weeks sifting through them. Here are our faves:

Ahava Hope Blossoms Mineral Bath Salts ($22 for 32oz., ahavaus.com). Sprinkle a capful of these white floral-scented salts into a warm bath to soothe achy muscles after a tough workout. Even better than the spa-like effect: Ahava will make a 10% donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in support of their mission to help fund research and promote education and early detection.

Nails Inc. Nail Lacquer in Pinkie Pink ($9.50, sephora.com). This is the perfect way to show your support—right down to your fingertips. Paint just one nail (like your pinky) with this metallic pink polish to add extra sparkle to your manicure. $1 from every sale will be donated to Breast Cancer Campaign.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick ($3, drugstores). Meet a great multi-tasker to toss in your gym bag. Use it as lip balm, body balm or rub a little between your fingertips to tame pesky flyaways. Palmer’s will donate 15% of sales of specially-marked Palmer’s products (with a minimum donation of $100,000) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Stila Positively Pink Set ($18, stilacosmetics.com). The adorable pink ribbon blush adds just the right amount of pink to your cheeks to fake a post-workout flush. Top off your look with a swipe of shimmery lip glaze and you’re good to go. $1 from every purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($36, clinique.com). This cult classic facial moisturizer is not only super light and hydrating, but it comes with an adorable charm key ring. $10 from every sale of this limited-edition product will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® while supplies last.

Natalie Coughlin on Eye Health and Killer Brows!

October 17, 2012 at 11:00 am
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Natalie Coughlin makes sure to protect her eyes with UV-protective sunglasses.

Swimmer and 12-time Olympic medalist, Natalie Coughlin, has been keeping busy since the Summer Olympics in London, but she makes sure to set aside time to take care of herself. As the LensCrafters lifestyle expert, she understands the importance of eye health not only for her sport, but also for her everyday life. After checking out some of the new trends in eyewear at a recent LensCrafter’s event, we caught up with Coughlin to get her best health and beauty tips.

How can a healthy lifestyle lead to better vision and stronger eyes?
“Well it’s really important to take care of your body and that includes everything from eating well to preventative care for your eyes. I wear my glasses but I also make sure to wear my sunglasses whenever I’m outside, especially being a someone who swims, I am constantly in the glaring sun so it’s really important that I take good care of my eyes.”

What are some of those healthy habits that you try to incorporate into your everyday life?
“Having a healthy diet is really important so eating things that are high in vitamin A, luteins and omega-3s are really good. Eggs are really good; kale, dark leafy greens, things like that and then fishes that are high in omega-3s are all really good for your eyes. And I just always having my sunglasses on me.”

As a swimmer and an athlete, how important is it for you to have strong, clear eyesight?
“It’s so important to have really good eyesight. Our races come down to 1/100th of a second so when you’re making judgment calls going into the wall or into the finish, or trying to figure out where you are based on the flags, you have to be able to see clearly where you are going.”

I know you love to cook. What are some of your favorite healthy meals to make?
“I love to cook! I will cook anything and I am a big believer of cooking in season. I actually have a pretty big garden at my house. I grow a ton of kale and so one of my favorite go-to’s is a green smoothie everyday. It’s not really cooking but it has kale, romaine, celery, parsley, coconut water, apples, bananas, pear, and lemon juice. It’s something that I drink every morning or as a snack and it has super good vitamins, minerals and enzymes. I’ll make a big batch and have that waiting for me everyday.”

Coughlin showing off her dark frames, bold brows, and a bright lip!

Do you have any makeup tips for readers who wear glasses?
“Whether you’re wearing glasses or not wearing glasses, I really believe in having a very well-defined brow. As someone who swims all the time, I don’t get to wear any makeup when I am in the pool, so having a well-groomed brow is so important to me. I think it frames your face well, and then for the night, if it’s a little dressier like tonight, I play up the lips to complement my glasses.”

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