#makeup interview

TOUCH UPS // MODEL // ALEX NOIRET

Alex Noiret is one of the most special models I have worked with.  In her photos there is something in her eyes that tells you there is so much going on inside.  As a makeup artist, you are in the face of your subject, up close and personal.  Sometimes your model lets you into their world.  When I am doing Alex's makeup, I find myself getting lost and surprised over and over again at her thought process, ideas, and perspective on the world and life as we know it.  She is a dreamer, she is a lover, and she is truth to herself.  I could sit and listen to her talk all day long.

What is your daily beauty routine like? Take me through a step by step picture of when you wake up to when you walk out the door with your routine starting from skin care, to makeup.

The first thing I do when I wake up is rinse my face with cold water. I let it dry for the most part on its own, to let some of the moisture sink in. Then, I always always always put sunscreen on -  I have really fair skin, so I use La Roche Posay 50+ or a sunscreen that protects it well and is creamy rather than oily.  I will even apply sunscreen every couple of hours or when I feel like I need to. Make-up wise I typically don't do much, though I do carry in my purse with me Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua that I mix with sunscreen for a slightly fresher look, a dark brown eyeliner from Guerlain to draw on my usual little cat eye, and a red lipstick for going out at night- maybe a bright orange red YSL or 'Lune Rousse' from Chanel as a stain.

Do you have a strange or unique beauty secret?

I don't know if it is 'strange' however I do believe that sunscreen works wonders in protecting the skin and I even will apply it at night before going out!  It gives a sort of glow to the face which I like, too. Also, I never use face scrubs (unless I just had a shoot where there's impossibly hard paillettes/sparkles to get off)- I find that it most often than not is really harsh on the skin and causes it to dry out.

  Do you have any things in your diet that you've included that aid in inner and outer beauty?

  Eating right- lots of veggies, lean meats, vitamins, etc., shows not only on the outside, but you'll feel much better on the inside, which in turn shows from within. I also think that it is important to nourish and take the time to prepare and savor each meal (if you can). Even if I'm alone I like to cook and make things look nice- just because it's healthy doesn't mean it has to be boring! Little things. Little joys.

  If you could give someone one beauty tip to live by, what would it be?

Smile! You'll always look better when you smile. A smile is charming and happiness is magnetic. Also, sunscreen.

What beauty Icon do you have?

My grandmother was and is my ultimate beauty icon- she was that woman that always took care of herself, always was presentable, always paid attention to detail, and always looked incredibly, effortlessly chic. Growing up she was the one that imbedded the desire for beauty in me- not only to seek and see beauty in personal physical ways, but the desire to seek and see these things in the world. I still to this day strive to be like her. She is an incredible woman. What is your background? Do you think there are cultural difference between your heritage and American ways?

I am Franco- American. I was born and raised in France for most of my life, and yes, I'd definitely say that there are cultural differences! Both have their better or worse sides to them. The French pay a lot of attention to physical beauty (the stereotypes are wrong! haha) - I found that even my ex would be interested in using my crèmes and maybe even had more than me! The people take care of themselves- but it isn't a glamorized or superficial thing- it is just engrained in the culture, it is just how people are brought up. Food and quality is important, I think the French live more day-to-day. Then, the Americans are very outgoing, very warm, on-the-go, and it seems to me are more so the dreamers. Which I find fantastic and it is true- in America there is opportunity. You can become anything.

Have you always been interested in beauty and fashion and design industry?

I'd say that I was aware of fashion and beauty at a pretty young age- my grandma would always take me window shopping with her and explain to me the different fabric materials and colors of clothing. Throughout the years she would always bring me into her room and show me her clothes and jewelry, she would explain to me the importance of a beautiful home, cooking, gardening, etc. She would always point out little beautiful details as we'd walk in town. So, I think part of that mentality stuck with me. My knowledge and love for actual fashion & the business grew with time- though I remember I had always wanted to be a model secretly, and I also remember that the first model that I ever followed was Karlie. I knew she was going to be big.

  What does beauty mean to you?

As cheesy as it sounds, I do believe that beauty truly comes from within. A happy and confident person is automatically beautiful and glowing.

Then, there's the world. Beauty is everywhere, in every one, every thing.  Recognizing those things makes me happy. I love beauty, or maybe I just love the world, in that case.

  What makes you feel beautiful?

A little feature about my makeup thoughts and artist views on Raffles Bazarre's Makeup Artist Monday Blog

http://rafflesbizarre.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/mua-monday-tabby-casto.html