Sue Devitt Beauty

As I type these words I am flitting between the keyword, another website and some lovely cosmetic goodies. The site and goodies in question originated in the mind of Australian celebrity make-up artist Sue Devitt.

Sue's products are works of wonder. Her personal mantra is: "Beauty is an adventure …with endless destinations. The world is my muse." And the products really reflect this philosophy, particularly items like the Hydrating Marine Minerals Eye Palette which was inspired by the colour, texture and light at Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro.

I love products like this because it gives you the opportunity to be creative and mix it up. Literally. Choose to either use each shade individually or swirl them together to give a smoky, intense look - perfect for the upcoming party season.

Watch this space for my interview with Sue.

http://suedevittbeauty.com/

The Beauty Spot: Susan Posnick

When a brand claims to be "the simple solution for busy women who want to put their best face forward in the least amount of time," I simply can't resist. I want to dive in and find out more, and experiment with all the fabulous products, of course.

First things first though, let's get to know the founder of Susan Posnick Cosmetics, the Susan Posnick. Get ready to be impressed...

Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Susan Posnick, the founder of Susan Posnick Cosmetics whose philosophy is to make beauty simple for women of all ages and all lifestyles by offering a line of make-up that combines unique formulations with innovative, portable packaging.

How did you start in the beauty industry and how did do you get to where you are today?
I was a make-up artist, travelling internationally working in film fashion and beauty having the time of my life painting the faces of models, celebrities and rock stars when out of the blue in 1998, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. I decided to step back for a while and focus on developing a product with substantial sun protection that wouldn't feel heavy or cakey or melt off in the heat - and that was how my very first product ColorFlo mineral foundation was born. As time went on, I saw a need for beauty necessities - products that were portable, practical yet stylish, multi-purpose, but also products that were natural and kind to the skin.

Can’t live without beauty item(s)?
The great thing about my products is that they can all easily fit into the smallest of make-up bags as they are all pretty much dual ended and multi-purpose so I can carry all of my must have items! If I had to choose my can't live withouts, I'd say ColorFlo as its fool proof - you have your mineral powder, brush and SPF26 all in one swirl of a brush and you don't need to worry about it for the rest of the day! Oh and my new ColorEssential lipcolors - they are enriched with paracress which is a sustainable South African plant with antioxidant properties and also pomegranate which is super soothing and protects the delicate lip areas from free radicals.

Describe a day in your life...
Just recently it's been a whirlwind of travelling the world promoting my new ColorEssential lipcolor collection so it feels like I haven't had a typical day in so long! I've just returned to the States after launching it in the UK which was such fun but it's nice to be back home to spend some time with my daughter.

What are your thoughts on the beauty industry at the moment (trends, financial climate, organic, natural products, Dr brands etc)?
The bottom line is money -companies want you to replace everything, and often, because they make more money that way. In keeping with the idea of making beauty simple, it made more sense for me to make high quality, refillable products. The quality of the ColorFlo brush is so luxurious, I couldn’t fathom anyone throwing it away… economically and ecologically refillable products just made more sense.

With regards to trends for SS09, we are seeing a riot of red lips emerging but keeping things sheer - my ColorEssential in Milan suits this look perfectly. There is also a slow move into muted eye colors—taupe's, browns and grays, along with dusty corals, pinks, nudes on the lips. Another trend we’re seeing is really bright colors on the eyes, but in small doses (like a pop of color with ColorEyeDefine in Turquoise/Topaz).

What are your brand’s philosophies, and how do you put them into practice on a daily basis?
In a nutshell, Susan Posnick Cosmetics is the simple solution for busy women who want to put their best face forward in the least amount of time.

Name some hero products in the range...
My ColorFlo and also my ColorMe Mineral Blush as the formula is anti-bacterial and sweat proof and looks gorgeous and velvety on the skin. I love my ColorCorrect as it instantly brightens and corrects in seconds and or course my ColorEssentials. I'm really proud of these - we tested each shade on over 200 women to get their comments and to ensure that all five shades complement every skin tone and the feedback we had was just incredible.

Greatest achievement to date?
Overcoming several bouts of skin cancer and from that part of my life, going onto develop ColorFlo.

Hopes for the future?
On a personal note, I’m looking towards the next step of my life as I prepare my daughter for university and her life beyond…also, I want to continue to work smart, have fun and attempt to keep a balance in my life, at least most of the time!

For the brand, it's about continuing to develop innovative beauty products that people love and want to use - as simple as that!

www.susanposnick.com

The Beauty Spot: Sadie Hewlett

It's always a pleasure and a complete eye-opener to talk to make-up artists... They always have great visual ideas for catwalk looks and for styles and trends that can be easily recreated by women on the street.

Here I speak to one of my favourite artists, Sadie Hewlett, who gives us an insight into life as a working make-up artist, her key S/S 09 trends and colours and who she admires in the industry.

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Sadie Hewlett and i am a freelance make-up artist.

How did you become a make-up artist?
I used to work for Prescriptives as a cosmetic consultant but I always wanted to be a make-up artist. I trained at Greasepaint 7 years ago. I chose Greasepaint as they have such a good reputation and as an agency and they still get me the occasional job. My first job was assisting one of my tutors whilst I was still at training at Greasepaint and it went from there.

Name some of the celebrities you've worked with...
Lily Cole, Duncan James, Peaches Geldof and Myleene Klass

Describe a day in your life as a make-up artist?
One of the reasons why I love my job is that every day is different. Normally I arrive at the shoot and have a chat with the stylist and have a look at the clothes to get a idea of the look for the shoot. If I'm working with a celeb I always like to have a chat with them so I can get a idea of how they like their make-up done before we start. When you'ra a make-up artist you tend to be very busy at the beginning of the shoot then you might just do touch u'ps throughout the rest of day.

What are your tips to achieve a flawless make-up look that doesn't look too 'done', just in time for the Spring?
I've never been a fan of heavy make-up (unless it's for a specfic look) I always start with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm before foundation as it gives such a flawless skin. As for foundation, Ilove Lancome Photogenic Lumessence, as it gives the skin a lovely glow and has great staying power! I'm also loving cream blushers at the mo. As for powder, MAC's blot powder is great as it isn't too heavy and does just blot away the shine.

What are the worst things you can for your skin?
I know you will have heard this before but sleeping in your make up! It really blocks up your skin, please take it off. Smoking is also really is terrible and I can tell who smokes just by looking at them!

What do you think are the best colours for Spring/Summer 2009?
I'm loving all the soft peaches that are around at the mo. They generally suit any skin and really lift your complection.

Which celebrity do you think has a great look and why?
Nicole Richie has a real effortless style and always looks amazing. I love Kylie and she looks great either fresh-faced or with full make-up, and I have to say Madonna - she is my ultimate style icon.

Who else do you admire in the beauty industry?
Kevyn Aucoin was an amazing make-up artist. His books are really worth looking at, such a talent.

What is your advice for aspiring make-up artists?
Keep on at it, it does take time! It's very tough but it's always very rewarding. I love my job

What's next for you?
More of the same! I have lots in the pipeline for this year.

Find out more about Sadie and her work by calling Minx Agency on 0207 733 8333