Hollywood Makeup Legend Muses on Red Carpet Beauty

On the red carpet, many glamorous looks  draw  inspiration from the iconic looks of Hollywood.  From the 20’s through the  40’s, to the sexy 60’s and beyond Celebs look to the past for inspiration.  Marv Westmore, a third-generation professional Hollywood makeup artist who has been nominated himself six-times for an Emmy, has more than 45 years in makeup experiece working in the motion picture and television industry.  Marv has created looks that recall all of these glamorous periods.  He continues to pass along his knowledge and skill to aspiring makeup artists.  Read on for some of Marv’s tips.

 

Mr. Westmore founded the M.G. Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts in Hollywood in 1981.  During that time he has trained thousands of makeup artists who are now working in the field today.  The Westmore Academy is now owned by Empire Education Group, which also owns Empire Beauty Schools.

With awards season in full swing, Empire decided to ask this makeup legend, whose life’s work, experience and inspiration will be eventually be translated into the makeup program at Empire Beauty Schools across the country, for his take on some of the Hollywood glamour recently on display on the red carpet.

 

“These women know they are going to be photographed from all angles by countless photographers,” said Marv. “Having a professional makeup artist and hairstylist is the key to maintaining their glamorous, beautiful, professional public image.  Here are five looks that I absolutely adore and that, as a makeup artist for nearly half a century, just make my heart sing!”

 

MEGAN

A Hollywood siren, Ms. Fox has a sultry beauty, forcing an emphasis on her eyes by lightly pulling her chin back.  I love how the cheek color is subtle but warm enough to give her that fashionable sunken cheek look, bringing emphasis to her cheekbones.  She has placed her eyeliner just about equal on her upper and lower eyelids with a slight emphasis to the outside upper eyelids. This draws the majority of attention to her commanding eyes – smart move by her makeup artist!  She has deliberately kept her lip color soft but still defining. You will see her smile but the emphasis is still on the beautiful eye area.

 

NATALIE

  

Ms. Portman reminds me of the classic Hollywood star – the perfect mix of glamour and elegance.  Her foundation and blush are soft and natural and leave her with a beautiful glow. Her eye makeup is simple yet effective in defining her beautiful eyes.  My only complaint is the flat shape of the brows, which, even though it might be current trend, create an expressionless frame to the eyes. The lip color is a bright spot on her lovely face and her overall look.  Her hair is clean and neat, but does nothing to really frame or flatter her face.

 

SCARLETT

Here you have a simple yet effective makeup to enhance Ms. Johansson’s natural beauty and that is what makeup artistry is all about.  Less is quite often more.  Her eye makeup clearly defines her beautiful eyes and places most of the emphasis on the upper lid where it should be.  Her eyebrows do bring attention to her eyes, but I feel they need a little more arch to them to really frame her eyes.  The lip color she selected not only brings color to her face, but also defines the beautiful shape of her lips.  Her hair style is not really flattering or framing to her face and elegant neck. It could be more glamorous, especially since she is so known for mastering that quintessential uber-glamorous Hollywood look.

 

JANUARY

As a makeup artist, the first thing I always notice about Ms. Jones is that she has such an exciting face shape.  Her artful use of a false eyelash on the outer edge of her upper eyelid creates a very open glamorous look that is just beautiful.  I love that she didn’t make the eyebrows too dark – they perfectly draw attention to and artfully frame her eyes.  I really like the color of lipstick she used as it kept her total look in harmony with her dress and gives her a bright and friendly smile.  She gets my vote for best hair!

 

ANGELINA

  

Her skin appears flawless and her blush is soft, well blended and in keeping with her lip color.  The eye makeup defines her eyes well, bringing emphasis to the outer upper eyelid. The lower eyelid area is softly lined to complete the eye definition.  Brows are shaped to frame, emphasize and draw attention to her beautiful eyes and her lipstick color is light but dark enough to outline her famously full lips and make them the focal point of her beauty.

 

“What a fabulous job all these artists did, and what a fabulous career to be a professional makeup artist trained to do these one of a kind looks for the world’s most famous faces,” said Marv.  “There is no job in the world I would rather have given my life to!”

 

Marv is also past president of the Makeup & Hairstylist Guild, Local 706 and some of his makeup credits include Doctor Dolittle, The Buddy Holly Story, Blade Runner, V, V—The Final Battle, Breaking Away, Futureworld, Elvis, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Ode to Billy Joe.

If your ready to consider stepping into a career in beauty yourself visit Empire Beauty School to learn more about some of the carreers in Beauty there are.