Nylon TV featuring SOKO from Min Min Ma on Vimeo.

Though walking around with an umbrella in the summertime is quite uncommon anywhere else expect in Asia.

Hmm… not so practical.

So Doctor D. Schwab Umbrella Medium Environmental Moisturizer would be a happy comprise for the health and style conscious. And coming from a makeup artist, this sun protection is by far the best I’ve ever tried.

Scans courtesy of www.fashioncopious.com

Scans courtesy of www.fashioncopious.com

“… The best kind of inspiration comes from live human beings who have mastered whatever they do, whether it’s flowers or music or a craft. The point is to be exposed to creativity and excellence – the benefit comes more from learning to think like and have the passion of a master, than from being good at whatever he or she is teaching you.” (The Diamond Cutter by Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christine McNally)

Marla Boehr (the brunette) from Elite Models as one of the mannequins, Greg Bitterman for hair and I for makeup.

It’s beautiful to look at but I am glad I don’t have to leave home.  I wonder though for the ladies who do need to step outside and conquer the world, what can they do to still look pretty and dainty without too much fuss?  Simple: cream based and water-resistant products. Let me break it down for you.

Snow when in contact with human face turns wet, cold and yucky. Mascara is a day to day must and under the current circumstances, waterproof mascara is a double must. Try Shu Uemura Precise Volume Mascara Waterproof. Something like Dior HydrAction Deep Hydration Skin Hint SPF 20 helps with windblown blotchy and dry complexion. Wear cream based products for eyes, cheeks and lips keeps the makeup longer lasting. Professionals often use this technique when shooting under the water, on the beach, in the rain and etc. Remember to look for shades with warm undertones like Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow Pearly Pencil in Metallic White, Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow in Cocoa Shimmer, Nars Cream Blush in Penny Lane, Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera and DuWop Icedteas Translucent Lip Treatment in Strawberry Kiwi. Avoid purple, blue or green to avoid looking like a popsicle.

“What do you do?”

“I am a makeup artist.”

“Oh funny, you don’t wear much makeup yourself.”

“Well a little, it just looks natural. Besides caring for my own face is the last thing I think of when I am at work.”

Another typical observation: most of my makeup artist friends are big naturalists when it comes to their own grooming. Maybe it’s a trend. Maybe it’s a coincidence.

So going back to the typical conversation above, yes I do wear makeup. In fact, I am going to show you what I have in my cosmetic bag dated today February 10, 2010.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Fresh Moisture: my friend Vannesa (not a typo) introduced me to this product. It’s great as a base and day/night moisturizer.

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment: not kidding, 99% of makeup artists have this in their kits primarily used as lip balm.

Cinema Secrets Cream Foundation in 302-65A: I also use this brand professionally. Apply with finger tips, sponge or foundation brush. Please note that the shade in photo below is not 302-65A.

Chanel Soft Pressed Powder in Mimosa: takes the shine away and leaves the skin natural looking.

Maybelline Twin Brow & Eye Pencils in Black: price is right and does the job beautifully.

Cargo Smoky Eyeliner Duo in Brazil: includes 1 powder eyeliner and 1 cream eyeliner. Wear single for natural feel. Combine the two for dramatic, out and about look.

L’Oréal Telescopic Clean Definition mascara in Blackest Black: one of the best I tried on my thin and short lashes.

Escents Aroma Blend in Hoola: gets many compliments.

Here’s another nostalgia: from an reinterpretation of Estée Lauder’s 1969 Azurée Fragrance comes Tom Ford’s exquisite 2007 Azurée special edition makeup collection. By the way, what did you think of A Single Man?

In this picture: The Lip in $4, The Cheek Glow in #2, Eye Duo in #3, and The Lacquer in #1.

BY John Van Der Schilden for German Amica Magazine. Unfortunately the magazine went out of business.

BY Nelson Simoneau for Flare Magazine.

BY Geoff Barrenger for Lush Magazine. I used lots of body paint…

BY Geoff Barrenger as well with the beautiful Johanna Stickland from Supreme.

BY Matthew Stylianou shot with an 8×10 Polaroid camera. This is one of my first beauty shoots.