If you saw a lot of killer beauty looks on the red carpets at TIFF 2014, they might have been the work of the very talented Toronto-based makeup artist and hairstylist Caroline Levin. Levin was busy doing beauty touch-ups for celebs at The Stylist Box on Dundas, where Gail McInnes and Christian Dare hosted their annual celebrity red carpet lounge, The Stylist Suite. We caught up with the beauty expert to find out some of her best makeup tips and favourite trends of the moment…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I am a makeup artist and hairstylist based out of Toronto. My background of art and design combined with my passion for aesthetics has led me into the beauty industry. Over the past few years I have gone from studying Fashion Communication at Ryerson University, graduating from Complections Makeup Academy, to working on fashion and advertising sets. I have mentored under some of the top beauty talent Canada has to offer within the industry. As an artist I’ve always been attracted to shapes, shadows, and angles. A person’s face is the perfect canvas to be creative and allows me to bring my vision of beauty to life.
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What will you be doing at The Stylist Suite during TIFF 2014 and what are some big red carpet trends?
At The Stylist Suite at TIFF 2014, I was providing beauty touch-ups. As an expert, I was there to help people look red carpet ready, compliment last minute additions, or help any makeup mishaps. The red carpet is all about glamour, and this past award season was all about the matte lip and extended smoky lid, so those were two of the big trends I worked with.
As a member of the beauty/fashion industry, please give us one of your favourite pieces of fashion/beauty advice, be it a DIY tip, beauty secret, fashion faux pas that’s actually a “do” in your books, or a little known trick that saves time or creates comfort…
Mascara is the key to drawing attention to your eyes and making them stand out. Technique is equally as important, if not more significant than the tube of your choice! An eyelash curler is one product that makes a dramatic difference. It makes lashes appear longer and opens the eyes. For a longer lasting curl, use your blow dryer to heat up the curler for 20 seconds before curling your lashes. Wait a few seconds and begin curling at the root of the lash. Press the curler together and hold for another 20 seconds. I also recommend moving the curler to the center of your lashes, then repeat.
In honour of TIFF 2014, what Hollywood stars do you think have the best style and why?
My ultimate style icon is undoubtedly Rooney Mara. Her minimalistic urban-sleek style is always focused on structure and silhouettes. On the red carpet, Rooney is poised and polished from head to toe. Rooney’s entire look has a dramatic edge and her makeup always holds a feminine touch. She’s often seen painted in a nude palette and occasionally adds a moody dark lip.
Finish this sentence: I love TIFF because…
…beauty influences film and film influences beauty. I deeply enjoy watching films and use them to inspire my work. It’s great to see all the genres from around the world and from local talent.
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What products are always in your beauty bag?
Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer, and Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.
What style trends – fashion or beauty or both – are you obsessed with right now?
Monochromatic beauty looks. I have been obsessing over ivory and taupe shades in every texture I can get my brushes on! This look is all about applying varying neutral shades throughout the entire face. Washes of ivory or honey from brow to crease, complimented by sweeping soft browns or ambers on the eyelid. Then using similar tones for the skin to emphasize natural highlights and shadows. Contouring and illuminating the face makes skin look youthful by drawing light into the face. Such sculpted looks were seen for fall at Givenchy and Marc Jacobs. I love this look as it partners makeup with a woman’s features to create a flawless aesthetic.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Twitter and Instagram.