Juno Press Day

This past Monday I had the pleasure of touring around with actress Ellen Page, and writer Diablo Cody as their make-up artist and hair stylist. They were promoting their movie, Juno. They were great people - very relaxed and uber-cool. The girls were on tour as themselves so I kept Ellen's make-up minimal, rimming her eyes with a brown liner and keeping her cheeks flushed peach. Diablo is rock and roll so I kept her liner as sharp as her wit.

I was also very happy to see my new friends at Fox Searchlight, Zai and Maria, for another full day of interviews and Toronto traffic!

Photo courtesy of Muchmusic.ca

Busy bee

As most careers go, if you work hard you can be rewarded. The great thing about this job is the diversity and these past few weeks I have had my fingers in quite a few pots!

October brought on a Press Day tour for the Darjeeling Limited. I accompanied actor Jason Schwartzman and director Wes Anderson all over Toronto for the promotion of this wonderful movie. We started in radio at Mix 99.9 and AM 1010. Then it was north to Canada AM, back downtown for Entertainment Tonight Canada, ETalk, MTV live, Much Music, and, my personal favourite, The Hour. The two were wonderful and kind, as were the women of Fox Searchlight.

The following day I did a shoot for Canadian Business Magazine and Harry Rosen. The issue will be out in November. I did it last winter as well. I'm crossing my fingers that I can do a spring/summer issue...for no other reason than shooting in an ice rink and a curling rink is COLD!!

Last Monday I met Caroline McCann, a chef in Montreal. She was in the city doing an internet film promotion for Canadian Dairy Farmers and Cheese (you know the cheese is love campaign?). I did her hair and make-up for the job. She was a lovely woman!

Now I am in the middle of doing make-up for the Lise Watier cross-canada tour.

What I love most about these various jobs are the people. It is so great getting to know new people! From PR to Talent, everyone has been so wonderful!

Kelly

Here are a couple of photos of Kelly. I did her hair and make-up in June and she was such a joy to work with!

2007 Bridal Photos

The official "bridal season" is coming to an end and I'm busy collecting photos of my 2007 brides. I feel so honoured to have been a part of the weddings of these absolutely lovely women.

Penny, Cathy and Megan's hair and make-up done by yours truly. Photos courtesy of Emma Smallbone of barebonephoto.

Trend Watch

April?! I have not posted since APRIL?! Well, the summer has been a busy one for me. I moved to Toronto, had weekends full of wedding make-up, and threw in a couple of fashion shows as well.

The most notable fashion show was for the House of Dereon, Beyonce Knowles' clothing line. The look was indicative of the summer-into-fall trend. Peach ruled the runway. A vibrant peach lip, and bronzed skin with a kick of peach on the apples of the cheeks provided a very fresh look. The eye shadow was subdued but the drama resided in the lash-line.

Picks to update your make-up kit for the fall with this trend in mind:

NARS multiple in Palm Beach
Make-up Forever peach blush
M.A.C gel liner
M.A.C lipglass in Prrrr

Now that fall is almost here (warm blankets and hot cocoa are calling!) I am sure to write more. Stay tuned!

Hygiene

This topic is not about the basics of smelling good and being clean. Rather it is a mini-education on a practice that is important to look for when hiring a make-up artist.

You want a fabulous fresh look, but that isn't going to happen if your artist is using tools that aren't cleaned properly and make-up that is past expiry.

Watch for:

*a make-up artist should sanitize their brushes between each client. Using 99% alcohol will do the job quickly
*individual mascara wands will ward against bacteria (and there should be no "double-dipping" with the individual wand)
*cream make-up will house bacteria while powder make-up will not. A make-up artist who sprays the 99% alcohol solution on products like lipstick and cream blushes or one who uses a spatula to extract concealer or foundation shows they respect your face

For your own personal make-up hygiene, wash your brushes (especially ones used for cream make-ups) once a week. You can wash brushes with a mild cleanser and luke warm water or with 99% alcohol (now found beside the other alcohols and peroxides in the pharmacy). If you choose to wash with soap and water make sure the water does not get inside the ferrule (the metal part of the brush that holds the hairs).

Do not be afraid to ask your make-up artist questions relating to hygiene. After all, it is your face, and your dollar!

Model Make-up

This photo was part of a calendar shoot. It is one of my favourite shots. I love the focus on Anousheh (the model), given the all black backdrop and clothing.

When working with models I treat them the same as my beauty clients. I look at their features and adapt the make-up to make them look their best. A lot of people in the industry see models as a blank canvas but in the business of beauty I still think it is my responsibility to make the look work for the model.

*photo courtesy of Maja Hadjuk

Dino Dilio

I studied Make-up and Hairstyling at Complections International in Toronto. I was so lucky to have two of the most talented and recognized make-up artists in the business teaching me the craft. One of those teachers was Dino Dilio. Since I graduated from the program I have worked with Dino on fashion shows, and he has referred me to corporate and personal clients.

I am so excited to now be working as a make-up consultant for his own make-up line. His brushes are so luxe! I really believe in endorsing products that sell themselves. I know that these top of the line products made by this fabulous Canadian entrepreneur will put joy back in the morning ritual of putting on your make-up!

I don't mean to gush, but it's so easy to do when talking about Dino and his new brush line!

Wedding Make-up

Doing wedding make-up is such a pleasure. I get to see women on one of the most exciting days of their lives. As I offer on-location make-up application, the atmosphere is always relaxed and fun.

I pride myself on my ability to communitcate with each of my clients to ensure their make-up is an extension of their personality. I work with each woman to create a unique look that is truly their most beautiful self.

Erin Carpenter Make-up Artist

Welcome to my blog!
This will be a place for me to connect with my clients.
I'll be posting about new beauty products, techniques and trends.
Also keep an eye out for my past and present work.

Erin
* above photo courtesy of Ralph Heinze Photography