DC Celebrities digging out just like you and me?

Posted in Makeup, makeup artist blog, male grooming with tags , , , , on February 8, 2010 by susanheydt

Okay so Washington, D.C. has some star power. However, when The Washington Post mentioned the “Celebrities”, who are stranded in this “snowmaggedon”, I realized that 3 of the people (Nancy O’Donnell, Alan Greenspan, and David Gregory) named plus Capitals and United fellow players I had done makeup for I don’t even register as celebrity. Not to say they are not important! Actually, their life stories and contribution to society are more influential than their status. Yet, I couldn’t  help but be let down with the title and significance that the journalists used with the term, “Celebrity” , which was seemingly intended to rouse interest in the reader. When I think “celebrity”, my mind goes to famous “A” list types (Obamas) not “D” list like (some White House staffer). The comments from readers flowed the same direction as mine.

Snow knows no discrimination but removal does. The logistics of allowing people free from the grip of the snow storm is a more appropriate discussion. How are those with medical health issues faring? What about the elderly? Pregnant mothers about to deliver? Those unfortunate souls without power? Animals unprepared for the storm? Travelers trying to get home? The list goes on and on.

To read the article go to the following link. See what you think about celebrities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/06/AR2010020603020.html

Maybe the star power elite of the region were not available to contribute to the article, or just wanted privacy at a time that they are most likely to get it. Either way, celebrity or not, we’ve got more shoveling to do because 10 more inches of the white stuff are on their way!

If you are a big fan of O’Donnell, please view the link from her cover for Pregnancy. Makeup and hair by Susan Heydt.

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/Image/0601cover.jpg

If you are a big fan of Gregory, I’m sorry to say that Men’s Vogue folded right before his big article and photo by Steve McCurry.

If you are a big fan of Greenspan, please see the Fortune link below for the most current interview and photo. Grooming by Susan Heydt.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/05/news/economy/greenspan.fortune/index.htm

Caps fans check out Ovechkin and other team mates in the ESPN Magazine video. Grooming by Susan Heydt.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?campaign=rsssrch&id=3604260&section=magazine&source=san+jose+sharks

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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models’ Makeup Artist: Joanne Gair

Posted in Makeup, makeup artist blog with tags , , , , , on February 3, 2010 by susanheydt

Makeup as Art

The history of Makeup goes back to Egyptian black kohl eyeliner stored in small vessels (circa 3100 B.C). Body Makeup makes one think of Australian Aboriginal tribes from possibly 40,000 years ago. In contemporary society, when does Makeup become Art? How does it differ from oil paintings on canvas? Maquillage (French etymology from 1892), which is makeup for the face, is a three-dimensional experience unlike the two-dimensional  use of the canvas. How does body art of today differ from it’s spirtual past? Making Up America will find out first hand, this March at a MAC Master class, to answer these questions.

To get closer to today’s making up of the human body, one needs to discover the talents of body painter, Joanne Gair. She is the head makeup artist for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. You may recognize Joanne’s work from Vanity Fair with Demi Moore on the magazine cover literally covered in paint. It is fitting that the body painter is from nearby New Zealand. Within the last several years, her home country showed an exhibit of her work at a local museum. So, technically, makeup is art already.

To view Joanne’s talent for makeup go to:

www.joannegair.com

Look for the new issue of Sports Illustrated due out on newstands February 10, 2010 . If you can’t wait,  Letterman is supposed to reveal the new cover on his show February 8, 2010.

To view last year’s artwork go to:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009_swimsuit/painting/

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Blogging: One Year’s Effort

Posted in Makeup, makeup artist blog with tags , , , , , , on January 21, 2010 by susanheydt

   

    When I think of  Julie Powell’s project, to cook Julia Child’s recipes for 365 days, my mind cannot quite grasp how her blog efforts can even compare to writing Making Up America. Yet, the highs and lows of blogging do come to mind. Over the past year, the highlight and low light for this blog came with working at the White House and meeting the First Lady, Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama was gracious and warm. Being surrounded by history, with the added excitement of meeting the world’s most watched woman was an experience of a lifetime.  With that job came the first big interview about my work from Mary Tomer, writer for the Mrs. O website (www.mrs-o.org ), which felt like the call Julie got from the Christian Science Monitor to cook for Judith Jones (editor for Mastering the Art of French Cooking). Doesn’t sound so bad so far. Right?

    Ironically, Powell nor Tomer ever met their subjects (Child and Obama), who brought them their success. Maybe that’s the beauty of admiring someone from afar. I remember a colleague warning me, “You never want to meet your Hero in person because they will always let you down.” For Julie, the dejection came when she learned that Julia did not like her blog. Although later, it was probably a nice feeling for Julie that she did receive a thank you from Julia. For me, disappointment came when the First Lady’s handlers didn’t approve of  my blog’s behind-the-scenes content. Thankfully, however, I had a great experience with them for Elle the first week they were working in the West Wing. As for Mary, I imagine that she may have no qualms at this point in time. That’s good, however, there is something gained by experiencing subjugation. You dig deeper and grow as a person. You decide how it will affect you. You take control of your life’s efforts.

    Motivation for readers, like you, should come from the fact that Julia Child found her direction later in life. She was 49, when her cooking shows took off on television. By her example, it is clear that it is never too late to find and follow your passion. What began as a way for Mrs. Child to learn French and how to cook, became a set of best-selling cookbooks and a Smithsonian attraction (her entire kitchen is available to view so that you feel you are there at the show). Her drive to enjoy life, while paying attention to the nitty-gritty details in her recipes, is a method of success we all can use. One missing link that Julie and Julia share is not having children. Not to fret, there are many other successful women with children, whom  are worth admiring too. Kathy Smith, who is a fitness expert and motivator, is my Julia Child. She raised two daughters, while building an empire of workout routines. A life changer for my personal success, she recommends getting moving through exercise. The energy you get from daily efforts spills into every other area of  your existence. Although I have never met her, she has graciously responded to my communication through Linked In and emails. Maybe it’s better that way. Outside of my family, I like to think of her as my hero. Get motivated, with a New Year’s resolution that can last you a lifetime, by viewing her website.

www.kathysmith.com

Ironically, Making Up America was recently invited back to work at the White House. Being out of the White House Dog House is a great feeling. Live and learn.

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TIME’s Person of the Year for 2009

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on December 31, 2009 by susanheydt

As makeup artists, stylists and photography crew, we rarely get more than a half hour of time to do makeup, style and photograph the powerful people of Washington, DC. This time around, at the Federal Reserve, things were definitely different. Something special was happening. The photoshoot was scheduled to go on for hours and into the next day at several locations, within the Federal Reserve Building and the Treasury Building. Could we be working with the Person of the Year? Speculation from columnist, George Will, was that Ben Bernanke would be the most influential to the economy of 2009. TIME magazine notes that people are chosen, for good or bad, because they influence the most important event of the year.

At the second day of the photoshoot, outside the Treasury Building, prior to any knowledge of the previous night’s alleged gate crashers at the White House, I arrived on the streets of Pennsylvania Ave. for security clearance at 8:15 a.m. Waiting outside in the misting rain, I enjoyed getting to know the photographer, Dan Winters and his crew. We admired the National Christmas Tree, yet to be lit. Our bags were sniffed by an adorable dog, with his own trainer and vehicle containing his crate and comfortable matting to rest on. Because my name was put on the list too close to the time of the shoot, the others entered the building, while I waited for almost 3 hours in total from the time of arrival. I thought I’d miss the job. The Federal Reserve Chairman was due to arrive in no time and I was stuck in a side entrance with no were to sit. At last, I was called to gain access with an escort, who lead me to the bank vault, where the photo shoot would take place. A fantastic shot was captured that had the possibility of being the cover. However, a fine artistic rendition of Ben Bernanke was chosen.

Chairman Bernanke was a man of few words. Rightly so, he keeps it simple. No small talk was exchanged. His mind must be crammed with facts and figures that makes it impossible to observe regular everyday comings and goings. Still, it was exciting to be doing grooming for the Person of the Year.

To view the photo gallery go to the following link…

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1946375_1947251,00.html

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2009 Farewells

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , on December 23, 2009 by susanheydt

Didn’t think a year ago, when Making Up America started, that there would be a need for a farewell to the subjects lost over the year. So it is with reflective sincerity to celebrate the lives of the three people, who made an impact on us.

Natasha Richardson

Photo by Getty Images

Natasha was a kind and gentle person to work with. She must be a heavenly angel.

Senator Ted Kennedy

 Photo by Mark Seliger for Vanity Fair

 

 

 

 

 

The Kennedy Dynasty dwindling but lives on through their history. Wonder how his dogs are fairing without their master. Like the pharaohs, maybe the dogs will be buried near their guiding light.

 

William Safire

Can’t find the photo from the April 2007 Vanity Fair shoot, where Safire showed with only 2 others from the Nixon Administration for “All The President’s Men” photoshoot spanning decades. He must be writing some witty tales enjoyed by fellow politico.

Rest your souls.

 

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Top Ten Reasons Not to Follow the White House Gate Crashers

Posted in Makeup, makeup artist blog with tags , , on December 7, 2009 by susanheydt

With all the hype around the Salahi’s White House Crashing, here are 10 good reasons (think of Lucy with two fists forming as she shakes them at Linus) not to follow the stories swarming around the couple.

10. You are missing your Holiday Shopping through Amazon with all the wasted time following the links and video footage of the same 5 shots of the couple.

9.  Your Boss will notice that you are not up to speed on your work that is already suffering due to distractions from this time of year.

8.  Bravo wins by pulling you into the show that hasn’t even finishing filming yet.

7. Your children will think you lost every rational bit of brain matter by reading multiple theories how the couple got in because they “looked the part”.

6. Reporters will just be giving out information to aid unwanted intruders.

5. We are wasting precious productivity in America, at a time when, we can’t afford to by checking to see who testified or not.

4. The Internet will definitely swallow up magazines and newspapers, once and for all,  by being the first source for gossip and news.

3. Crazy people will feed on the publicity given to the crashers and vow to do their part to seek attention.

2. The Crashers’ lives will go on and survive, like Mr. Woods, with or without our input. Plus, you need to clean out your closets at home or walk your dog.

1. It’s the Holiday Season, so go spread some cheer for a Merry Little Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year 2010! Which just wondering, will you pronounce it  two thousand ten or twenty ten? 

Okay so you can’t stand it. Here’s one more photo of the her in Virginia for Washington Life, during less strenuous times, in 2005.  I did her hair and don’t recall having to “iron it straight” as Givhan reported in the The Washington Post for the State Dinner. Maybe she had it done before this photoshoot. Ms. Salahi is amongst top equestrians in the shoot, probably because of Mr. Salahi’’s polo playing.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/04/AR2009120400051.html

Photo by Zaid Hamid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See, we are reading and writing about the crashers, when we should go find a long-lost friend and wish them a Happy Holiday!

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Makeup Lessons on the Way

Posted in Makeup, makeup artist blog with tags , , , on November 20, 2009 by susanheydt

You asked and you shall receive. Online Makeup Instruction from Suze Makeup. From natural to night out, mother/daughter to bridal bunch, or makeup tricks for fabulous 40 to nifty 50, find out what you need to know. Please leave a comment on what makeup application you’d like to learn more about. For example, you might be interested in how to apply false eyelashes. Maybe you need to know how to apply concealor so that you look rested and not made up. Look back for your personal lesson.

Photo by Edgar Artiga

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GQ’s Maverick of the Year Attorney General Eric Holder: Top Man with a Light Heart and Touch

Posted in makeup artist blog, male grooming with tags , , , on November 19, 2009 by susanheydt

www.gq.com

 GQ Magazine selected their top men of the year amongst athletes, actors, businessmen and political figures.  Attorney General Eric Holder was chosen Maverick of the Year. The following is an excerpt from the photoshoot at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.

The United States Justice Department

Mr. Holder was quite a sport at the photoshoot ,with fabulous photographer Martin Schoeller , for his debut with the Fashion Powerhouse for gentlemen. With a basketball spinning atop his index finger, the highest lawyer in the land made light of the fact that the ball hit among other things in his office; an official looking lampshade holder off a desklamp, a printer, and binders which were sent flying off  his desk. With such critical decisions about the fate of our country’s enemies that loom over him, it was pleasant to see his spontaneity come so easily with a light heart and touch. Let’s just say he doesn’t rattle easily.

It’s always a history lesson while working in D.C. and that day at the Justice Department was no exception. The photo crew learned that Robert Kennedy’s children left circular dents in the gorgeous solid wood doors carved with wheat bales, while playing  in their father’s office, which is now a conference room. It reminded me of the photo of JFK Jr. hiding under his father’s desk in the Oval Office and seeing Ted Kennedy’s dogs sticking close by their owner at the late Senator’s office. The building was reminiscent of the The White House and Supreme Court Building’s walls covered in portraits of prominent figures, who shaped the history of America.

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Latina Magazine’s Woman of the Decade: Sotomayor on Newstands November 17

Posted in Uncategorized on November 11, 2009 by susanheydt

http://www.latina.com/lifestyle/news-politics/her-honor-portrait-justice-sonia-sotomayor

Link above to see the portrait by Platon with makeup by Susan Heydt for Smashbox Cosmetics at T.H.E. Artist Agency.

Making Up America  is honored to have been a part of a rare chance to meet the Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.  Check back for more photos.

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Actors vs. Politicians: Who Garners More Interest?

Posted in makeup artist blog with tags , , , , , , on November 4, 2009 by susanheydt

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Ben Affleck at NBC

 

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Arnold Schwarzenegger sits for Time photoshoot

Barry Levinson, director and writer of Poliwood, is giving us a chance to take an interesting look at Hollywood and D.C.’s volital mix. Who has more influence? Do the politicians or the actors sway our judgement more? In Making Up America, both groups hold the most interest for the readers. Models come in a close third. When you combine both groups, say with Arnold Schwarzenegger  or potentially Ben Affleck, the interest level rises to Ronald Reagan heights. Why do we love to read about these celebrities? 

The top reasons may be….

5. Movie Stars and Politicians make the same mistakes as “Real People” just on a grander scale.

4. Their stories are an entertaining way to escape the doldrums and dream about how we can achieve power and glory while leaving a legacy.

3. Dirty Laundry.

2. They do affect what happens in this country.

1. Actors and Politicians are like the “Popular” kids in High School. We like to look up to the Homecoming King, Queen and Class President. The stereotypes from school are easier to hold onto and how we formed our relationships to go out and thrive in the world.

 

To view Showtime’s schedule for Poliwood go to:

http://www.sho.com/site/schedules/product.do?episodeid=135345&seriesid=0&seasonid=0

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