Interview With Nathan Johnson, Project Runway Makeup Artist

For months, I have been absolutely ravenous for new eppys of Project Runway. Every now and again, Bravo throws me a bone in the form of late-night or weekend marathons. But while these re-run nuggets are tasty and entertaining, I need sustenance. I require my Project Runway fix on a weekly basis or I get fussy.

So you can imagine how keyed-up I am that the Season 5 premiere of Project Runway is mere hours away. Can you even stand it? How have I survived without Tim's quirky chuckle or Michael Kors' one liners? "It looked like Comme des Garçons goes to the Amish Country!" Ah...the good old days.

My fellow PR junkies, brace yourself. Today, time is gonna move like molasses. So to tide you over until tonight, I have a little treat. Recently I had the opportunity to interview Nathan Johnson, Makeup Artist for Project Runway. Read on to learn about Nathan's favorite products, and how he makes them work - on the runway and in real life.



When did your fascination with makeup begin?

It began with Boy George. I was blown away with how he would use color to make himself stand out. I found it astounding that he could even make himself look beautiful. I suppose that's when I fell under the spell of makeup. Another biggie for me was Cyndi Lauper. She was (and still is) never afraid to go all the way. When she first came out, she would paint swatches above her lips and use eye colors no one else would ever have dreamed of. In a lot of ways, I think she was a force in creating the make up trends of the 80s.

How do you describe your makeup style?

That's a hard one. Since the majority of my work is for film, television, stage and public appearances, what I do is usually set for me (by the script or the image the celebrity already has). Still, I make sure everything I do has my flair, which is romantic glamour. When I work, I plan very little before I see the woman’s face. I use makeup to bring out all of the things that are uniquely beautiful in each woman.

What would be your dream makeup assignment?

I would be a staff makeup artist on a morning show. That would be awesome for two reasons: I love to be home at night and having normal hours. Second, the thrill of always having new people to work on and never knowing who’s going to sit in my chair is very exciting for me. I also love working with the everyday woman. I think make up should be taught to women in high school. So many ladies have no idea what to with color. They apply it wrong, or stick to the same three colors for their entire life. I get a lot of fulfillment from showing women how to bring their beauty to a new level.

What is a typical day like, for you, on the set of Project Runway?

Except for start of day and touch ups, it's always different. A half hour after call time, the models come into the L'Oreal room. From the second they sit in the chair, we have 30 minutes to hear the concept and execute the makeup. Touch ups only happen once and they happen in such a tiny window of time that we are only able to do what is necessary to the string of 10+ models. There are four makeup artists on the show and, between us, we keep track of every color used on every model. To work on Project Runway, you have to be ready for anything.

On Project Runway, is the model's makeup look a collaborative effort between the makeup artist and the designer? Or do you look to the garment for inspiration and let your imagination go wild? The show glosses over that process, so I am very curious.

It’s both. The designer comes to me with an initial idea or thought and I delve deeper by asking about the garment, the style, feel, fit, mood, colors, etc. Taking everything into mind, I tell the designer my concept and we reach a common ground. It is necessary to guide them at times. I tell them what works on TV, what works for the runway, what will read under the lights, what the judges like, how the colors compliment the look, etc. They know fashion, I know makeup...when we listen to one another, amazing things happen.

Can you share with us some on-the-set beauty tricks?

Have the powder already on your puff! Under those hot lights everyone shines and a pre-powdered puff saves so much time. Also, disposable lip brushes are a lifesaver. You can pop on lipstick or gloss, and then just throw it away. You don't have to keep track of each models brush, just get a new one every time. One thing I do on set that you can do at home is highlight and brighten. Want to make darkness disappear and features pop, use a lighter face powder. After you conceal under the eyes, press in the lighter powder with a dense brush, it will brighten the whole area and banish darkness. Want to make your structure pop, brush the lighter powder onto the top of the cheek bone an along the jaw line. I love the Three Custom Color Specialists face powders, they go on smooth as butter. Just be sure to choose a shade 1-2 lighter than your tone.

What are the trends in makeup this summer?

What I’m doing for summer evenings is a dark black red lip (try Three Custom Color Specialists 'Flapper' from a Century in Red Lip Collection) with a very shiny gloss on top. For daytime or evening, I’m brightening the lid with a champagne shadow and lining the inner upper rim of the eye with black, this gives appearance of a super lush lash line without the eye liner effect. It is fun and flirty. I am also using multiple colored liners on the bottom lash line. Apply the color below the lash line and smoke it out. Of course it depends on the woman’s coloring, but some of my favorites are Three Custom Color Specialists’ Navy Eye Liner, MAC Jade Way Technakohl Liner, and MAC Purple Dash Technakohl Liner.

Which brands or products are staples in your makeup bag/toolkit?

From Three Custom Color Specialists: Champagne, Bronze, Copper, and Silver Eye Shadows, and the Clarifier Pencils (they’re great for brightening the inner rim of the eyes, covering up stubborn spots and blemishes, and adding a nice strong highlight under the brow bone). Bellini Lip Gloss is my favorite. I use it over lip colors because it compliments everything. I also use it on its own because it is universally flattering. MAC Fluidline is a staple. I use it in lots of different colors. I also use some of their Pro eye shadows. Makeup Designory: I love this brand’s eye colors.

What is your number one beauty secret/tip?

Skin is a beautiful thing. Don’t cover it up unless you have to. In my opinion, the biggest mistake a woman makes is layering on too much foundation. Cover only what you need to cover. If you don't start with clean beautiful skin, nothing else will be beautiful. Makeup should say “Look at beautiful woman!” Not “look at that mess.”

Thank you, Nathan, for this glimpse behind the scenes! Be sure to catch the Season 5 premiere of Project Runway tonight on Bravo...it's sure to be fierce.

Carry on!

Somebody Told Me...

This afternoon, I received an email from my girl Tess, over at Three Custom Color Specialists. Tess told me that Troy Jensen, makeup artist to the Pussycat Dolls, had just called from the set of the music video shoot for their new single, "When I Grow Up."

In the video, Nicole Scherzinger will be wearing Three Custom Color's Light Brights Lipstick in Palladium. The dolls loved the shades so much that Troy requested a set of all four shades for each of them!

Totally Tubular Giveaway Winners Revealed

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

I realize that you've got more exciting things to do than spend your day off surfing this site. So I'm not going to hold you too long. The winners of the Totally Tubular giveaway are Eileen Karla Dautruche, Jill Myrick, and Tammy Thiele.

These lucky ladies will receive a tube of Light Brights in Limelight, courtesy of Three Custom Color Specialists.

Congrats!

Check back later for our next contest.

When Sebaceous Glands Attack!

Have you read my recap of the Total Beauty Blogging Summit yet? If not, follow the link to hear all about my adventures this past weekend.

In one of the photos, my t-zone is looking particularly reflective – because I accidentally dropped my holy grail translucent powder on the tile floor in my hotel room and it spilled everywhere. There was white powder all over the place…I mean, if you didn’t know any better, you’d have thought I was sharing the room with Tony Montana.

So for the rest of the weekend, it was a constant struggle between me and my oil glands. But I did learn something at the summit that gave me hope. Oily skin ages better because the extra sebum helps to prevent wrinkles! So apparently, even though it's a total pain in the ass at times, I’ll be thanking my greasy face when I’m older.

But until then, I'll rely on Three Custom Color Specialists Pressed Translucent Powder, which comes in a travel-friendly compact.

Totally Tubular: Light Brights Giveaway!

Good morning, pretties. I was absolutely exhausted yesterday and went to sleep without posting the latest giveaway. My bad.

So without further ado, here’s how we’re spoiling you pretty this week…

The 80’s is back in a big way, inspiring new trends in fashion and beauty. But before you bust out your shoulder pads, leg warmers, and jelly bracelets – be aware that what’s en vogue (and in Vogue) right now is a modern take on 80’s retro glam.

So how do you embrace this trend without looking like a Dynasty reject? Three Custom Color Specialists has the perfect product.

Light Brights (not to be confused with Lite Brite, on of my fave childhood toys) is a collection of moisturizing, balmy stains in DayGlo fluorescent shades. When applied, they let the natural beauty of your lips shine through, while enhancing your pout with a sheer brightness. They can be layered for a fuller coverage, and can also be dabbed on the cheeks for a fresh glow.

Light Brights are available in four rad shades, named after popular NYC dancehalls from the '80s:


Area is a juicy and bright, yet surprisingly wearable tangerine.


Danceteria is a flirty coral for girls who just wanna have fun.


Limelight is a sweet and soft, a pinky peach that pops.


Palladium is a hot pink flash of color fit for any rockstar.

This week, we’re giving you the chance to win a tube of your very own. Three lucky readers will receive Light Brights in Limelight.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Totally Tubular Giveaway.” The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, May 25th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, May 26th, I’ll announce the winners’ names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Bewildered About Bridal Beauty? Three Custom Color Specialists to the Rescue!

Last month, Trae Bodge and Chad Hayduk, Co-Founders of Three Custom Color Specialists, were the makeup maestros for the JLM Couture Spring 2009 Bridal Show (during New York Bridal Fashion Week).

They created a special new lipgloss just for the showcase called, Just Love Me. It’s not yet available on the website, but Three Custom Color Specialists can take phone orders for it. It’s a gorgeous soft fleshy pink with opal and champagne shimmer (see the photo, left).

The bridal pages on their website are a great resource for brides-to-be. They include color charts and step-by-step bridal makeup application techniques. One piece of advice that you won’t find on the website, but Trae wanted to share with Spoiled Pretty readers is this:

"Brides can tend to over do it or under do it. I recommend seeking an expert to collaborate to achieve the best look for your special day."

Holy Grail Translucent Powder

I used to think that truly translucent powder was a thing of myth…like the Yeti. I've finally found one (powder, not Yeti) - and I'm hooked!

Trae Bodge, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists gave me a jar of their Translucent Powder when I visited her in February. My parched face didn’t need it then, but I’m starting to need it now. And come summertime, this will be my secret weapon against Philly humidity and the greasy face that typically results.

No matter your complexion, this product has you covered…literally. But thanks to the ultra-light and extraordinarily sheer formula, all anyone will see is you. Given that most women are one shade in the winter and another during the warmer months, save some time and money and buy one powder that works year-round.

Three Custom Color Specialists Translucent Powder is available loose or pressed, and can be worn on bare skin or over makeup.

Hey There, Agent Orange...Try Some Cool Blush

One bronzer does not fit all. Case in point – Lindsay “Dirty Face” Lohan. Every time I open up my gossip mags, there she is in all her Tang tan glory. Part of me thinks that it’s hilarious. But the more sympathetic part really wants to introduce her to Three Custom Color Specialists' Cool Bronzer.

This unique Cool version (it is also available in Warm) is especially formulated for rosey-toned skin, creating a healthy look without the damaging effects of the sun.

Oil-absorbing ingredients minimize shine for a long-lasting, clean matte finish while providing sheer, breathable coverage.

So if you’ve got cool undertones like Lindsay, learn from her pumpkin-faced pitfalls and go get this product.

Sold at threecustom.com, beauty.com, and makeup.com.

Perfectly Pink Lip Palette

I’m all about a pink lip right now. I just can’t get enough.

And thanks to Three Custom Color Specialists’ Perfectly Pink Lip Palette – whew! – I have a different shade for every day of the week…and then some. This slim compact houses ten irresistible glosses, ranging from light and bright blush to deep and rich rose. There are no throwaways in this bunch.

Special thanks to Trae Bodge, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists, for introducing my lips to this palette.

Ba da ba ba baa…I’m lovin’ it!

The Blogger That Never Sleeps

I am pooped. This past weekend, I was in NYC. Then I took the train back to Philly, just to pack my bags and hop a plane to Dallas. Thankfully, I’ll be back home tonight. But on Friday, I’m full-circle...and back in the city that never sleeps. Speaking of sleep, I haven’t been getting nearly enough lately. Luckily, I have Three Custom Color Specialists' Clarifier Eye Pencil in my makeup bag.

Clarifier is used on the inner rim of the eye to brighten and widen. Next to drawing irises on my eyelids, this pencil is the best way to fake 8-hours of beauty sleep.

Available in two shades (light is great for fair/medium skin tones and Dark is fantastic on medium-to-dark skinned beauties), the Clarifier is also brilliant for highlighting under the brow and as a spot concealer in a pinch.