Interview with Brett Freedman, Celebrity Makeup Artist

We recently interviewed celebrity makeup artist and founder of VANITYMARK, Brett Freedman, who has glammed up the faces of Vanessa Hudgens, Jenna Fischer, Leighton Meester, Kelly Clarkson, and Reba McEntire.

We asked him a few makeup and beauty questions that you, our readers, wanted answered! See his responses below…

1. What products do you recommend for girls with very pale, milky white skin?

Foundation wise I would go for something with a touch a pink to it. The very pale foundations with a hint of vanilla generally give most skins a duller, less ‘natural glow’ finish. The best way to choose is to line up several foundations in your range and see how the color variations ‘pop’ once next to each other. Since paler skins tend to be drier I’d suggest a hydrating formula w/sunscreen. Triple duty in one bottle. LORAC Breakthrough Performance Foundation is great for any pale gal’s beauty arsenal.

Eyeliner wise I’d mix up your usual brown or black liner and go for a slate or pewter gray. This shade will define the eye buy give a touch of softness. Since the color is uncommon it will give a subtle, modern edge. I like mark Eyemarker Color On Line in Jet.

Lip wise I’d go for a gloss with a touch of shimmer. This is great for fair gals in that it will give lips a bit of depth and lively look. I like Benefit’s sparkling sheer raspberry gloss in Friend’s in High Places.

Bronzer wise I’d suggest staying away from the too deep standard bronzers. Instead get a lift of color with Coty loose powder in Suntan. It’s so sheer and the color is muted and more natural looking on fair skin.

2. Do you have any secrets to covering up acne, blemishes, and breakouts?

I always use a duo concealer. The two varying shades help you dodge and downplay. For new, bulbous blemishes I add a touch of Clearasil to matte out and re-texturize. I then dab on a bit of foundation to cut the ‘neon-y’. I then take one or a mix of the duo concealers with a tiny brush to dot and cover the middle or reddest part. For blemishes that are healing I skip the Clearasil step and only use the concealers. Once it’s flatter and healing you want to mess with it less. It will be drier and in healing mode. I like Laura Mercier Undercover concealer.

3. Do you have any makeup tips for middle aged women? Good ways to hide wrinkles?

Use a foundation and concealer with a touch of silicon in them. They will move with the skin more. Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-To-Powder Foundation is a great, sheer foundation that won’t settle into fine lines. Concealer wise I like Clinique Advanced Concealer cover up in the tube.

Blush wise I’d choose something in a cream or gel formula. I like the dewiness of their finish. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush is great.

Lip wise I’d go for shades that look healthy and juicy. Choose lip enhancing berry or melon like shades. This goes for cheeks, too. Resist, for day, shades that lean toward the brown or grayish hues.

4. What do you recommend for girls with bleach blonde eyebrows that want a darker, more defined look?

I’m a big fan of brow gels or glazes. It’s like a sheer mascara for your brows. It never really reads as make up since it’s just deepening the color of something that already there. I have 4 shades in my Vanitymark line that add vividness and definition in a snap! For something more lasting go for brow and lash tint. These are safe tints that are available at most beauty supply stores.

5. What is your favorite mascara for beautiful bold eyelashes?

I have 3 favorite mascara brands:

Of course, my own ‘the LASH’ for the blackest blue black finish.
Loreal Volumunous is a great mascara that’s always nearby at any drugstore.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide goes on beautifully.

What do you think of Brett’s makeup tips? Let me know!