There are many reasons I feel certain my fiancé and I are truly in love, with one of them being he’ll watch movies with me. I know this sounds a little loony, but allow me to explain. I know the honest, harsh truth: I am without a doubt one of the worst flick-catching companions. I always have more questions than comprehension, and at first this may seem like a really airheaded thing to say, but it’s simply because my beauty-obsessed brain gets all caught up admiring the lipstick of a character speaking instead of listening to what they’re saying.
With TIFF 2013 in full swing, not only is there plenty of opportunity to admire cinematography and on-screen beauty looks, we can actually see the real deal on the glamorous red carpet and marvel at the stars. The red carpet requires special techniques, tips and tricks to keep celebrities looking tip-top, because there’s no take-two for a quick frizz fix in real life. Here are a few red carpet secrets we can all use in real life, and leave the daydreaming for the on-screen looks…
The Perfect Pony
There’s something about a ponytail on the red carpet that evokes an air of ease and looks fresh. That is, unless it’s a droopy, frizzy mess. Hairstylist to the stars Yann Varin spills his secret to create just the opposite: Start by prepping hair, as it is of utmost importance to create grip, hold and the right texture. Lightly spray hairspray onto a paddle brush, smooth through hair, and then flip upside down and repeat to ensure all angles look perfect. For a polished yet fun pony, add some volume. Varin’s tip? Smooth the top half of your hair into a half-pony, tease the tail, and then secure the rest of the hair all together with a second elastic.
Looking Lit From Within
Unsurprisingly, highlighter is the best way to get a glowy, dewy look. Surprisingly? Gloss can sub in for shimmery highlighter, which looks far more natural and still delivers that glowy result. Ying Chu, Marie Claire’s beauty director, gives us the scoop: “Apply clear balm — Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream is a makeup artist favourite — to your eyelids whether bare or with eyeshadow underneath. Add a sheer illuminator to tops of cheekbones and dab gloss to the center of your lips over your lipstick. This’ll freshen up your existing look and add instant glamour.”
Bronze Goddess
Looking healthy and golden is a red carpet staple, and there isn’t a better person on the planet than Fiona Locke, St. Tropez’s top Skin Finishing Expert, to share her tips – the very same ones she uses on clients such as Kate Moss, Eva Longoria and Gwyneth Paltrow. Exfoliating the day of is a must, as is mixing the formula with a bit of regular moisturizer for spots like ankles and elbows for the most believable result. Creams and mousses deliver the most natural tan, while spray and lotion formulas pack a deeper punch. To enhance your tan and add definition and radiance, illuminator should be added to collarbones, shoulders and shins.
