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THE HOTTEST MAKEUP LOOKS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Exclusive Interview with Celebrity Makeup Artist Elke Von Freudenberg

New York and Los Angeles based Celebrity Make-up Artist, Elke Von Freudenberg, spends her time doing photo shoots and fashion shows on both coasts.  Join us as she brings you the latest tips and tricks for the hottest looks this holiday season.  According to Elke, “Makeup has never been so glamorous!”

Elke is also the Editor-in-Chief on the online ‘The Beauty Newsletter” which brings to her worldwide readers her latest product picks and beauty tips that she uses every day on top models and celebrities.

What is your background as a makeup artist?

I started doing makeup back in 1982. Pretty much did every friend in high school for the prom and dances, which then lead to models that I worked on for photo shoots and tests. I also worked as an esthetician for 13 years in a salon, doing facials, waxing, makeup, eyebrow shaping. Now I do eyebrow shaping for personal clients.  I also was a makeup trainer for Aveda for 8 years, training their sales associates and makeup artists in the product and techniques.  Currently, I live in New York and Los Angeles (mostly Los Angeles right now) and I do photo shoots, runway, makeup artist training and working on my online beauty magazine.

We asked Elke, what she thought the top looks were for this holiday season.

What is the #1 beauty look off the runways this holiday season? And how do you make it wearable for the average women?

Makeup is for the first time in a long time, very wearable.  Elegant, classic, beautiful makeup that I think any woman can wear.  Take for example the top look this season.  A deeper red wine lip, soft black or gray eyeliner on top lashes, a soft rosy cheek and a light eye shadow. Think simple, yet classic.  It’s a return to the 40’s look that was all the rage about 7 years ago, but now it’s a little more modern. No fake eyelashes, no perfect blood red lips, it’s a little more doable.

What are the makeup trends for this season -- Winter 2004-2005?

A top trend that I saw a lot of on the runways is the white eye shadow. But it’s not the old 1960’s matte white. It’s a sheer, shimmery, sparkly white that goes either on the lid,on the eye brow bone, or over the whole eye. How little or how much is up to you. The look is a shimmery ice crystal quality. It’s actually really pretty on! Think romantic holiday candle light dinners!

What else is a top look for the holiday season?

Rosy cheeks are still in, but it’s a different feel. Rosy red tints and stains are the colors for cheeks, but it’s pared with a simpler face.  Matte skin, mascara, clear lip gloss. The rosy cheek mimics the ‘I’ve been skiing all day’ look.  But it’s softer. More refined. It’s a really nice day time look.

Also, nudes are really in. Especially for day.  Nude warm chestnut browns in the crease of the eye, warm browns as contouring under the cheekbones (yes, contouring is coming back!) and a nude glossy lip. To keep from looking too nude, pair it with the rosy cheek!


What are some of your favorite tricks that you do for photo shoots?

My favorite trick is using loose powder on the face very lightly before applying any foundation. Though I use it for models and celebrities so they don’t shine quickly under the hot lights, it’s also a great trick for anyone with oily, or combination skin.  What it does is trap the shine and oils of the skin before it can break through the foundation, causing the skin to look shiny.  The trick is to apply very little powder after you’ve applied your makeup as well. Too much powder, pressed or caked on is what makes skin oily.  

Another favorite trick is to apply a lot of powder blush on your cheeks before foundation. More than you think you need.  Then apply foundation as usual. A liquid foundation is best. What this does is keep the blush on longer, and by peering through the foundation, it also looks very real.  The trick is to find the right amount of blush to apply so it doesn’t look too much.  After a few tries, you’ll really like the look!

Another favorite is to apply mascara after you’ve applied your mascara, and if you hit yourself with the mascara near your top lashes, let it dry a bit. And then blend in with a shimmery eye shadow (a dark bronze or a copper is my current favorite) and smudge the mascara into the top lashes as liner.  You’ll get the look of an eye pencil, but the mascara, because it doesn’t have the wax of a pencil, will last all day long.