Beauty Chat: MAC's Keri Blair on Achieving Flawless Halloween Makeup
MAC Cosmetics Senior Makeup Artist Keri Blair grew up in a farm town in Maryland, but her unlikely punk-rocker aesthetic was influenced by British pop bands, Cyndi Lauper, and even candy. Because the idea of making a living as a makeup artist seemed remote ("Too enjoyable to feel like a bona fide career" she said), her initial foray into beauty was studying chemistry to create her own hair-dye colors. Blair began working in video, doing lighting and sound, before meeting a makeup artist who inspired her to forge a cosmetics career. ELLE.com caught up with Blair to discuss All Hallow's Eve beauty, including her best tips on how to create a bespoke gothic lipstick (and make it utterly portable), the best retro reds, and how to turn eye-shadow into a super-scary mask.
ELLE: What are some ways to create a mask using makeup?
Keri Blair: Eye-shadow, or any other powder product, can make a mask or block of color on the face. Map out the shape first with cream-color base or concealer, then set it with powder. Using a sponge or a flat brush, you can stipple on the eye-shadow to create an intense, long-lasting look. You can also use eye and lip pencils to draw a look, and color in the shape with the pencils for a more intense effect. I suggest frosted metallic shades when fading one color into another; they're easier to blend.
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ELLE: How about some easy tips for looking retro?
KB: If you are going for a specific shape or trying to elongate the eye, use a nude pencil or an eye-shadow to create an outline of the shape desired. Start at the inner corner of the eye and work outward to create a thin line, slowly building your line to the thickness you'd like. Small angle brushes work well for getting that perfect cat eye. Turn the brush so that the longer end of the bristles are facing away from your lash line, and work in towards the nose. As for the ideal retro red lip, MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Russian Red and Ruby Woo work every time!
ELLE: Vampy lipstick is having a moment right now trendwise, but it's always hot for Halloween. What are some tips to achieving a gothic, vampire/glampire lip?
KB: Take your favorite red or wine-colored lipstick and add a bit of black eye pencil to it. I like to pre-mix the color on the back of my hand. Add enough black to deepen the shade and use a brush to mix. Fill in your lips with a neutral shade, like MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture, starting in the center of the lips and working towards the edges. Next, use your lip brush to add the blackened vampire/gothic shade. Layering the pencil under your lipstick will give you hours of wearability. If you are heading out to a party, load up a retractable lip brush with your custom shade so touch-ups are a snap.
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ELLE: What is the best way to apply false lashes?
KB: False lashes take a little practice. Always measure the lash to make sure it fits comfortably on your eye, because one size does not fit all. If you need to, trim from the outer edge and use a lash adhesive that has some play time. Duo adhesive looks white at first, then dries clear. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the lash and let it set for about 30 to 60 seconds to ensure that when you place the false lash onto your natural lash, it will be tacky and instantly grab onto your lashes. If using liner over your false lash, draw a line with black eye-shadow. After the lashes dry, apply a coat of gel or liquid liner to blend the lash band away.
ELLE: If we're channeling an '80s look, how can we best achieve that via makeup?
KB: The '80s were all about color. The skin was matte and the cheeks were contoured using sharp, geometric lines. Eye-shadows were colorful and applied from lash to brow. To give Brooke Shields a run for her money, keep your brows full and brushed up using hairspray on an old toothbrush.
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ELLE: What would you use to draw on animal noses/whiskers for cat costumes?
KB: I like MAC Cosmetics Fluidline and a small precise pointed liner brush.
ELLE: What is your favorite Halloween look you've created?
KB: Last year I was Punky Brewster for my friend's Halloween wedding. I even got a Punky Power approval from Soleil Moon Frye on Twitter-year made!
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