As Beautiful As You Want To Be

With the Oscars still fresh in our memories, I thought it was a good time to answer questions from women readers. As a 30-year veteran makeup artist for film, television and print, I may have done it all. Whether I’m grooming a star for the Academy Awards or doing a backyard wedding here in La Cañada, I’ve made bad skin look good, small eyes appear large, long noses seem short and collar bones turn boney. I’ve changed wispy fine hair into a lion’s mane and even used gaffer’s tape (duct tape) to create an instant, temporary face-lift! When lights, camera angles, lenses and retouching are under my control, a beautiful celebrity can become flawless, which raises the hopes of viewers that they, too, can have star-powered looks.

Everyone wants to look like a star. Clients always ask to have Sandra Bullock’s hair or Angelina Jolie’s eyes. If I have learned anything in 30 years, it is this: We are all responsible for our own beauty! You can be as beautiful as you want to be, even without a production crew. The secret, I’ve learned, is these celebrities look remarkable because they take remarkable care of themselves. You choose your “beauty quotient” by making good choices about your grooming routine, your thoughts and what you eat.

Start by evaluating your personal beauty routine. Is your grooming area a space that is your own with good natural light? Is it clutter free? No matter whom I am grooming, an efficient and clean station is my first priority, as it should be for you. Organize your products so that they are clean and easy to reach. Discard makeup that is outdated, lame, or “seemed like a good idea at the time.” Worn out cosmetics make you feel just that ? worn out. The eye shadow that was your favorite back when you attended LCHS may not be what you need now. Keep your routine simple. Knowing what not to do is more important than knowing what to do. Step back and take a new look. Rethink your current hairstyle and the colors in your makeup drawer. You are continually evolving as a person so your cosmetic needs change as well. Be open to new methods and tools, and you won’t fall into “graduation halt” (wearing the same hair style and makeup for 20 years).

Now consider your thoughts. Managing your stress will maintain a line-free face and bring you a sense of calm. Be aware of the muscles in your face. Release tension that happens thoughtlessly. Keeping your facial muscles at ease will reduce your wrinkles by 80%. Enter a room with a smile, your head held high and with good posture, and you will radiate charisma.

The more vital or fresh food you eat, the more healing energy is available to your body. You feel energetic when your body has all the nutrition it needs to repair itself because there is “fuel” left over. This extra “fuel” puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face. Feeling tired and unmotivated is often caused by a diet high in processed foods. Eat fresh to feel fresh!

It is just as possible to be beautiful here in the Crescenta Valley as it is a stone’s throw away in Hollywood. You call your own shots. Take remarkable care of yourself and be as beautiful as you want to be.

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See you in two weeks.

Love and Health, LoaLoa