Natasha Bedingfield sings "Strip Me" for Live with Regis and Kelly.

Natasha Bedingfield used her "one voice in a million" to rock out on Live with Regis & Kelly. I was thrilled to do her makeup again and even more excited when she chose a nearly neon pink lipstick to go with her signature lush lashes. Natasha wore Le Metier de Beaute mascara, the Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Palette in 708 Amber Design (the same type of palette worn by Nora Zehetner for the CFDA Fashion Fund awards), and Lancome Color Design Lipstick in Wannabe.

Natasha's hair was done by Ricardo Rojas of Ricardo Rojas Salon. 

Have you bought Natasha's new album "Strip Me" yet? If not, download it here via iTunes. Definitely buy the deluxe version for some videos of Natasha singing live in studio. I was listening for inspiration while packing my kit the night before the show. Natasha's best known for her happy songs like "Pocket full of Sunshine", "Love Like This" and her debut single "Unwritten", but I'm a big fan of her ballads also. My favorite track on the new album is called "Recover." After a break up, you listen to "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis, but if you're in it till the end, listen to "Recover". On a personal note, I'm hoping the next song I'll catch myself singing in the shower is "Timid Song" by Our Lady J (sigh).


Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Alicia Silverstone, Saffron Burrows, Natasha Bedingfield, Nina Garcia, Rose Byrne, Isaac Mizrahi, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff, Beau Biden and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, The Rachel Ray Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows including Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Latina, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com 

Monique Pean and Nora Zehetner for 2010 CFDA Awards

Designer and southern boy Billy Reid took home the big prize this November at the CFDA Awards. Among those in attendance to celebrate the winners were jewelry designer Monique Pean and actress Nora Zehetner. Fortunately for us, I was asked to help them get extra gorgeous for the evening and I even got to bring along my pal, the fabulous hairdresser Michael Angelo. Celebrity stylist Nick Steele found them some great dresses for the occasion.

Makeup.com totally loved their look and even mentioned it on Twitter!

I was thrilled to work with Monique for the second time, having done her makeup previously for the Costume Institute Gala. Nora and I hadn't met before, but we got a kick out of learning that we both
did ballet when we were younger and she was born in El Paso, Texas, where my mother grew up.

Nora is Wearing:
Absolue Oil Free Lotion by Lancome
Luminous Silk Foundation in 5 by Giorgio Armani
"Un" Cover Up in 11 by RMS Beauty
Shape & Light Face Defining System by Mally Beauty
5 Couleurs Designer in 508 Nude Pink Designer by Dior
Definicils Precious Cells Mascara by Lancome
Lip Tar in Stalker by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics


Monique is Wearing
Kiehl's Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer in Dark
Lancome Color Design Eye Shadows in Filligree and The New Black
Lancome Color Design Blush in Creme Couture
Nars Lip Gloss/Lip Stain duo in Stolen Kisses and Pampa
Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara

Click for more photos from the CFDA awards via Style.com

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Alicia Silverstone, Saffron Burrows, Natasha Bedingfield, Nina Garcia, Rose Byrne, Isaac Mizrahi, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Latina, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Buy Cheer, Give Cheer with Toms this Holiday Season!

My dad and I hung out this weekend and started talking about charities. We really appreciate people who come up with clear specific goals as with Locks for Love, Dress for Success, or One Frickin Day. It's critical to know where your donations are going since some groups are more efficient than others. Corporate giving is publicized loudly, especially among products that have a donation built into the price. Some are wasteful, like the Ethos bottled water from Starbucks that includes a 5 cent contribution to bring clean water to impoverished countries. (Considering how much pollution is generated by the production and transport of bottled water, you're better off drinking tap, reducing your carbon footprint, and donating $3.95 to CarbonFund.org.)

Some people have been more focused. Upon recommendation by Elettra Wiedemann,  Lancome donated one tree, via CarbonFund.org, for each of the first 10,000 bottles of their Cell Defense anti-aging serum. Every cent from every Viva Glam Lipstick sold by MAC goes to the MAC AIDS Fund. Each tube raises enough money for a rapid HIV test, a starter kit of school supplies for a child orphaned by or living with AIDS, or even a pair of shoes!

Speaking of shoes, one of my favorite companies is Toms. Their "one for one" guiding principle has them donate one pair of shoes for each pair of shoes they sell. The began with casual, unisex canvas shoes, but have expanded into warmer boots, wedges, and even some sparkling flats for the holiday season. Check out their new digital holiday catalog or see the full range at Toms.com.

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Alicia Silverstone, Saffron Burrows, Natasha Bedingfield, Nina Garcia, Rose Byrne, Isaac Mizrahi, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Latina, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Natasha Bedingfield Walks the Pink Carpet for The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - Makeup by Andrew Sotomayor

Natasha Bedingfield

The holiday season officially begins not when "hark, the herald angel sings", but when the Victoria's Secret Angels don wings. While Heidi Klum and Seal have sung on stage in the past, this year's entertainment was provided by Katie Perry.

Fortunately, the musical talent was not restricted to the stage. The front row was just as glamorous  with Natasha Bedingfield sitting front row and accompanied by her sister, Nikola Bedingfield. I had the honor of doing Natasha's makeup for the occasion. It was my first time working with the chanteuse and she made it special by bringing her great spirit and even jokingly singing a bit.

For her makeup look, the songstress had me remix 40's glam by adding 60's chic lashes that evoked Twiggy herself and pop art orange lips, both which flatter the classic winged eyeliner. This was the red carpet...pink carpet...version of one of several creative art and tribal driven looks featured in the music video for her new single "Strip Me". The song is featured on the soundtrack for the feature film "Morning Glory" starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton which opened the same evening. Go see it!

Natasha wore several products by Le Metier De Beaute including the Precision Liquid Eyeliner and the Anamorphic Lash Mascara. Also featured in this look is Morange lipstick by MAC and Luminous Body Glow in Medium by Red Carpet Kolour. Click below to see more of Natasha's makeup looks, including some awesome tribal inspired beauty, in her new music video "Strip Me". Her new album debuts December 7th, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon today.

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Alicia Silverstone, Nina Garcia, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Isaac Mizrahi, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Latina, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, and numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Fashion Week Recap: Wonderland Beauty Parlor and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics celebrate Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out was as thrilling this season as ever. It fell on the second day of NY Fashion Week which meant I was seriously booked and seriously all over town!

I started that morning doing makeup for one of my all-time favorite clients Elettra Wiedemann, who was off to join other celebs like Andre Leon Talley and Diane Kruger front row at Jason Wu's S/S 2011 show.

After a hug and an airkiss goodbye, I bounced over to Lincoln Center to assist celebrity makeup artist Fabiola (who's worked with celebs like Scarlett Johansson, Brooke Shields, and Eva Mendes). Fabiola was the Key Makeup Artist this season for the Buckler men's show. Skincare was provided by sponsored by Nickel.

AndrewWernerPhotography.com

I hopped back on the subway to Union Square to meet a friend from Kiehl's who wanted to get glam before their FNO event at their Lower East Side flagship. Next season, I should ask to get picked up on a motorcycle.

Photo: Vanity Fair

Finally, I made it to Wonderland Beauty Parlor to celebrate the arrival of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I was thrilled to co-host the event with makeup artist Katie Pellegrino (who's work has appeared in Elle, NYLON and Self magazines) and David Klasfeld (makeup artist and founder of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics). There were over 900 events this year, but we're happy to report that Michelle, over at AllLaqueredUp, listed the event as one of the top 29 "Must See" parties.

The invite - Makeup by Katie Pellegrino, Photo by Michael Webber

Wonderland was packed. Fortunately, there were plenty of Belvedere Cherry Bomb cocktails to go around. Even more fortunate was how perfect the bright pink beverages matched Wonderland's CMYK interior design palette, and the OCC Loose Colour Concentrate of the same name.

Loose Colour Concentrate in Cherry Bomb

Guests got to be the first ever to experience the OCC Fresh Face service. Recognizing that you don't always want full on red carpet glam, this express airbrush makeup application takes only 15 minutes and is perfect for those times when you want to look great but not like you tried.

Everyone was amazed how flawless their skin looked but also seemed like they weren't wearing any makeup at all. Personally, I love that they created a water based formula which avoids the waxy effect that can happen with some silicone based formulas. I've also found it can be matte or dewy looking depending on what kind of moisturizer is applied first.

The team from Yeah New York stopped by Wonderland to interview David, Katie, and I and included us in cute video below. Wonderland appears 6 minutes in. Watch to learn more about the OCC Fresh Face and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.

Fashion's Night Out 2010 from YeahNewYork on Vimeo.


Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Isaac Mizrahi, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Latina, InStyle, Glamour, People, and numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Heidi, Nina, Michael, and Dinosaur Jr all agree..."Keep the Glove"

The blog is back! Fashion Week was flanked by some really big projects so I've got a lot of cool stuff to catch you up on. I'm coming off three weeks without a day off and mostly 4 hours of sleep, but I watched an episode of The Rachel Zoe Project online, and in the closing credits she references working 40 days in a row. I'd die.

For Project Runway S08, E03, the challenge was to use unconventional techniques and materials from the party store for a red carpet look. Unfortunately for Casanova, he ended up in the bottom three, but while the judges said his gown failed to come together elegantly, they admitted he has lots ideas, and he accepted their criticism with humility, an eagerness to learn, and a bit of class.

One of his fabulous ideas that didn't get featured on the show, can be seen in the extended judging on MyLifetime.com. All three judges agreed it was uber-cool, and a Project Runway first, when Casanova asked the L'Oreal makeup team to use a paper doily as a stencil and give model, Sarae, a set of painted on lace gloves. After some experimentation with an airbrush, we found the most effective technique was to use a sponge tipped applicator and the black cream eyeliner for opaque shapes, and black shadow with a brush for a veil of color. Casanova wasn't afraid to get his own hands dirty and jumped right in to give this bit of body painting his personal touch.

Watch this clip for a close up, and unanimously favorable reactions from the judges.

 

So who's Dinosaur Jr? Well, be glad this band, originally from Amherst, MA, wrote "Keep the Glove". If they hadn't I might have gone with the title "Whether or nor you liked it then you should have put a glove on it". I'd die.



Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Melissa George, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Latina, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com 

Oh Rubber Ducky, where were you this weekend?

Friday August 27, 2010

If there's anything I've learned from watching Grey's Anatomy (Only the T.R. Knight years of course), it's that challenges, sorrow, and love only ever come in close proximity, and in heavy doses. This week, I was dealt the first two, but fortunately a friend has been blessed with the latter. After an unusually challenging week, I've arrived at the beautiful Delamar Hotel in Greenwich CT for the wedding of a dear colleague. As the new old saying goes, "always the makeup artist, never the bride". That said, it's not me but makeup legend, Sandy Linter, providing atelier services at this event (Though I may lend an improvising hand if the need arises. I hope everyone here matches my shade of Mally Visible Skin powder in Tan that I do).

My plans for a midday arrival were foiled, and instead I arrive close to midnight as some pre-celebration events have all but flickered away. The first thing I notice when I open the door to my room is the TWO bath robes neatly laid onto the bed. If only the same care had been given to not reminding me I am single at the second wedding in two days.

With the kitchen closed, room service is out of question, but the idea of eating Dominos alone in my room is completely unacceptable. I decide the best thing, rather than wallow, is to soak. Meredith Grey style, I begin filling the tub with hot water and throw in an entire travel sized bottle of Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au The Vert body lotion into the water (Delamar offers the same kind provided to my morning clients who were staying at the Regency Hotel on Park Avenue).

As I struggle to use the cappuchino machine in the hall to make a cup of Decaf Roobis Chai, I get an idea. Grabbing as many Harney & Sons Fine Teas White Vanilla Grapefruit teabags as are courteously provided, I return to my room and toss each tetrahedron shaped sack into the tub. (Please don't tell my friend at Argo Tea, the makers of ChariTEA which raises money for a new important cause each month, about my...infideli-tea). Tea is filled with antioxidants and there's nothing like a bathtub concoction of "with our compliments" to free radical ideas of going ballistic at my agitators via telephone.

Having found a sachet of lavender petals in a gift bag from the bride-to- be, I toss those in too, along with the formerly ornamental pink orchid from the basin (Wine glasses were made to be broken and according to Guerlain, orchids are meant for the skin).

Though six foot three, I do my best to enjoy the silence as I shift between keeping my Michael Phelps length torso submerged and warm. As I consume my midnight snack of pretzels and Ritz Cracker sandwiches (which haven't tasted this good since I was young enough to be handed a juice pouch of Capri Sun to soon realize it contained only air...Don't remember? Lady Rizo tells the story with panache and an obscenely outre pair of false lashes), I read one of the tea wrappers to see that Harvey & Sons Fine Teas are members of 1% for the Planet and therefore donating 1% of their sales to improving nature. A company that is conTEAentious? For some reason, this provides a bit of calm.

Now that the water, and my temper have chilled slightly, I'm ready to dry off, climb into my king sized bed, and be grateful for life and the gift it is to just be...in tea.

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Isaac Mizrahi, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, and numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Kevyn's clients could nap, but mine have to blog!

Just another day at the office

Kevyn Aucoin used to have his clients lie down on a pillow while he did their makeup. It was how he used to do his little sister's makeup when they were kids. Unfortunately, my clients don't always have the time to relax. Sometimes they have to work throughout the entire application. Kerry Diamond of Lancome was just that client tonight!

Kerry and I go back a bit so we're really comfortable working together. She worked on her computer while I did her makeup for a special screening of Eat Pray Love (which was fabulous), that Lancome organized especially for an audience of makeup artists. We literally didn't need her to stop typing and look up until it was time to curl her eyelashes. Everything, including the eye shadows, liner, under eye concealer, and even mascara, was done while she wrote about it on The Lancome Blog!


I've also done makeup while a client was riding in an Escalade and once even in a private fitting room at DKNY! Even in funny situations, I love what I do and that's why it's...DRAMA FREE MAKEUP!

Read Kerry Diamond's full story at The Lancome Blog!


Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Bloomingdale's Presents Girls Night Out

Bloomingdale's is hosting another Girls Night Out event this Thursday in their Y.E.S sportswear department. To celebrate the event, Bloomingdale's put together this fun video. Best of all, my pal Cassie is one of the backup dancers! You've seen this red headed vixen as Andy South's model this season on Project Runway, but Cassie has also toured nationally with the Radio City Rockettes! Mom always said "Don't play on the stairs", but for Bloomingdale's I would definitely make an exception.

Enjoy the video and check out the details for Girls Night Out below!

 

Bloomingdale's - Girls Night Out

August 12, 2010 Girls Night Out at Bloomingdale’s - Stop by Y.E.S. Contemporary Sportswear from 6-8pm for an evening of live beats, sweet deals, and a can't-miss dance performance. Shop and save 20% off your regular price purchase of $200.00 or more and score a free metalskin leather wrap bracelet in store.

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, and numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Andrew Sotomayor interviewed for Marie Claire!

In case you missed in, check out this beauty story in the June 2010 issue of Marie Claire. Beauty Editor, Nino Chao, picked up on the hot craze of red lipstick (normally a fall favorite) which has made a colorful splash this summer. Read on for my tips on how to ride this wave...I mean, trend. Also, get insight on why Latinos are now heating up fashion, beauty, and culture more than ever before.


(To read the article, click this image for full sized, zoomable text)

For more beauty tips visit Marie Claire magazine. 


Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Project Runway Season 8 Premieres Tonight and I'm officially In!

Today is the day!

Project Runway Season 8 premieres on Lifetime tonight at 9/8c! The first time I worked with Project Runway was when Joanna Coles, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire magazine, asked me to do her makeup for her appearance as a guest judge last season. (Watch it again here: Project Runway: Season 7 Episode 5 Videos | myLifetime.com). I was thrilled when Key Makeup Artist, Scott Patric, later asked me to be part of the team that prepped the models for the finale at Fashion Week, and bonkers when he asked me to join the crew for Season 8.

Season 7 Episode 5 - Makeup for Joanna Coles by Andrew Sotomayor, Nina Garcia's makeup by Danilo Omo)

My longtime friend Nick and I used to meet at my apartment every Thursday to watch the very first season of Project Runway back in college. I will never forget how personally we took every comment, good or bad, about our favorite designers, among them Austin Scarlett. My buddy, celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin, introduced me to Austin (they go way back) almost two years ago for a photo shoot where I got to create makeup to go with some of his most delectable creations. Also premiering tonight is a new show featuring Austin teamed up with season 2 veteran Santino Rice for On the Road with Austin & Santino.

  Designs by Austin Scarlett, Makeup by Andrew Sotomayor

Santino Rice and Austin Scarlett in "On the Road with Austin & Santino" 

I'm seriously sworn to secrecy, so for now all I can say is that Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia are even more beautiful in real life, (with a little help from their personal makeup artists Linda Hay and Danilo Omo), Michael Kors's wit is sharp as a tack, and all three are very pleasant. Besides that, most of my time was spent with crew and the models. This diverse group of girls, were nothing short of animated backstage. I'm looking forward to the fabulous premiere party tonight, for which they're playing hostesses.

All in all, I can best compare this experience to playing pinball at Peter Piper Pizza out west while on summer vacation as a child. For me,  I can say that each day on set was colorful, fast-paced, exciting, challenging, sometimes noisy, filled with new friends, unexpected turns of events, surprising outcomes, and ultimately something I'd been anticipating for what seems like a very long time.


Throughout Season 8, look for lots of color courtesy of the makeup team who are Scott Patric (he's the one with the goatee and Key Makeup Artist), Hope Choman, Masako Kizuki, Albee Franson, Kristen Arnett, Jorge Luis Buenavad, Deborah Altizio, Gabrielle Padilla and myself.

Scott Patric appearing in Marie Claire magazine

Watch Project Runway on Lifetime 9/8c or online at Lifetime.com 

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

"Rupaul's Drag U" Serves Up Real Female Fierceness

While LOGO TV's hit show Rupaul's Drag Race is on summer vacation, for Rupaul's Drag U, school is now in session.

In this new series, everyday women are teamed up with a former contestant from Rupaul's Drag Race in a competition that's less about huge hair and more about living large. The first episode features three self-described tomboys who's self-confidence (and femininity) goes from zero to six-hundred in three point five.

A good friend once said, "Some people have baggage...well, I have luggage." Unfortunately, these women have baggage, and lack a good wardrobe. One contestant hadn't worn a dress in twenty-five years, and another was afraid to because of a past history with assault. Fortunately, Rupaul and his  "falculty" of drag-professors are ready to school these real women in the art of big hair, big lashes, big shoes, and a take-no-prisoners attitude that would have Helen Reddy singing.

As always, music, fashion, and television icon, Rupaul Charles, who's lived enough for nine lifetimes, does what he does best presenting something unexpected, outrageously entertaining, and almost always classy. Some reality television features fake tans, fake breasts, gaunt figures, too much awful makeup, trashy clothes and fake personalities that inspire higher viewership for diet drug commercials. Oddly, the real women contestants on RuPaul's Drag U show off fake hair, full figures, lots of delicious makeup and of course trashy clothes, but instead hyperbolic alter egos that inspire a sense of humor, better posture, and the chance to shatter your status quo.

Surely these women won't return home start to wearing floor length sequin gowns and teased wigs, and of course extreme makeovers never last. That said, for one contestant, lipsyncing and dancing to Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was her chance to feel ecstatic and find the boost of confidence she needed to reinvigorate her marriage.

While not everyone will be ready to accept the idea that real women dressing in female impersonation garb is a metaphor for spiritual awakening, Rupaul's Drag U reminds us that no matter where our lives have gone, each morning in your makeup mirror offers the chance to put your best face forward.

Click here to watch full episodes and bonus clips of Rupaul's Drag U.

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, and numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

StylieList.com Interview! Read my Tips for Wearing Makeup with Glasses

Check out this post from StyleList.com. Grace Gold interviewed a few makeup artists including yours truly to find out about great makeup to wear with glasses. I reminded Grace, "Don't forget your brows! Glasses frame your face, and brows frame your eyes. Fill in with a powder pencil for subtle definition."

Plus, "Sweet Individual" lashes by KreAt Beauty are a great way to open up your eyes and add definition. "They have this unique "V" design that makes your eyes look sweet, wide-eyed and are great for an extra boost." I love alternating the different lengths for a lush, but believable look.

To get more tips, click to read the full article:  Makeup for Glasses

Sweet Individuals are available at Wonderland Beauty Parlor in New York City (212-524-2800) and KreAtBeauty.com

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, Forever 21, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, and numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com

Photographer Greg Endries Steals The Artist Spotlight on Advocate.com

Have you ever seen a photo of someone that made you pause, slightly perplexed by their beauty? Where the initial impact of their attractiveness is superseded by fact that he or she becomes endlessly more interesting than you first thought? Where they're more than beautiful because something is slightly off? Perhaps spellbinding? Spellbinding in such a way that you wish you could step in the photo and transfix people with the same cool attitude as possessed by the subject? Greg Endries takes photos like that.

Photographer, and friend, Greg Endries was recently featured in the Artist Spotlight on The Advocate.com, which noted the diversity of his work. In the interview, he describes his work as "Fabulously glamorous while at the same time not taking itself too seriously." The expressions Greg captures are often intense or crafty, and though I know otherwise, I can't help but imagine him with a smirk or a giggle as he snaps away.

Greg has photographed famous faces including Dita Von Teese, Jon Hamm, Jamie Presley, Peter Paige, Vivica A. Fox, Matthew Rhys, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Tim Gunn. He's also shot for German GQ, Elle,  InStyle, US Weekly, and worked on television shows including Project Runway. That said, it's his photos of fringe-type characters which are personally finessed to a slightly heightened reality where color is dense, looks can kill, and I desperately want to live.

See more of Greg's work at gregendries.com

Andrew Sotomayor is a celebrity makeup artist in New York who's worked with Juliette Binoche, Kerry Washington, Saffron Burrows, Rose Byrne, Justin Kirk, Jonathan Groff and champion boxer Andre Berto. His clients have appeared on Project Runway, The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Day New York, and CNN. He's created the makeup for Victoria Beckham's denim and eyewear look books, and assisted on fashion shows for Dior, Diesel, Marchesa, and Project Runway. Magazines like Marie Claire, Shape, InStyle, Glamour, People, numerous blogs have interviewed him, and he's appeared on television for Access Hollywood. Andrew leads makeup artistry workshops for the students at The High School of Fashion Industries. See his work at DramaFreeMakeup.com