Feature interview: Backstage with James Vincent

Makeup artist James Vincent/ Image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde 

Rising star in both the fashion and entertainment industries, James Vincent has been putting his beauty mark on some the most famous faces in the world. From top models to pop stars  Vincent is quickly becoming  a major force in the business of making women more beautiful. Style Wylde caught up with Vincent backstage at the Samantha Pleet Spring 2012 runway show to discuss tricks, trends and how to apply false lashes like a pro. 

tools of the trade, lashes, liners and shadows from Makeup Forever/Image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

SW: Can you tell us a little bit about the look you are doing for Samantha Pleet today?

JV: Samantha Pleet is very young, cool, and urban. We are doing a modern mod look, a Twiggy London look that is  focused on the eyes with lots of lashes and everything else more muted.

image:S.Whittle for Style WyldeSW: What products are you using to create this look?

JV: To give the skin and all over smooth and fresh look, I am starting with Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation, then to give the cheeks just hint of color I am using Make Up Forever Microfinish Cream Blush. After both are on, I go over everything with a beauty blender. I always, always use a beauty blender, it works with all make-up and it really gives you that smooth finish.  On the eyes I am doing this really cool, kind of roughed up look using a neutral base shadow, followed by a slightly darker taupe in the crease for definition. After that I'm adding Make Up Forever Aqua Black to line the eyes, and along the crease to increase drama. To finish the look we are doing false lashes on both the top and bottom, with more emphasis on the bottom to get that cool, mod look.

SVincent trims a lash strip before application/Image:S.Whittle for Style WyldeW: WOW, that is going to  be a really bold look, is it something women can, or should be doing in regular life?

JV: First of all, I don't think there are any set rules in beauty. Women sometimes get caught up in the idea of something being 'just for day' or 'just for a special occasion'. But if you like it there is no reason you can't do thinks like dramatic eyes, or false lashes even in the office.  I always tell my clients two things. First, when trying out a more dramatic look for shadow start with a soft brush. Softer brushes deposit less color with each stroke so you can slowly build up a look, instead of applying so much color in one stroke that it gets everywhere. Second thing, to make lashes work for everyday trim false lashes down before you apply them. Just carefully cut off the very longest outer lashes from the strip. This will give you a much more natural look. Then later if you want to amp up the drama again, you can always add the longer lashes back on. 

the finished look for Samantha Pleet S/S 2012/ Image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

SW: What about that liner, how can 'regular' women do a look like this at home.

JV: Make Up Forever Aqua Black is a great product. It is absolutely budge proof, smudge proof. I recommend it for all my clients that maybe don't have time to do a lot of touch-ups throughout the day. You can put it on in the morning, and it still looks great for drinks after work.  I use it on celebrity clients also, I used it on Gaga for her video as it stays on through sweat, tears, whatever.  But for my non-celebrity clients, and regular women I would say start with a light line and build from there. Have fun try things out. Make-up is creative, it's a way to express yourself.  There are no rules!

Ready to try James Vincent's false-lash application tricks for yourself? Style Wylde is giving away a pair of Make Up Forever lashes to two lucky readers. Simply fan us on Facebook to be entered to win. Drawing will take place October 15th, open only to residents of The United States and Canada. 

Update on Monday, October 17, 2011 at 9:52AM by Cynthia Anderson

Over the weekend we drew the winners for the Make-Up Forever lash give-a-way. Congrats to SW readers Misty and Katie! Get ready to get your glam on girls!