Lush, lashed life: Madonna makeup artist and shu uemura artistic director Gina Brooke on a NYE look
Musing on a new look for the new year? Where else to find one than at the divine shu uemura boutique: the company's artistic director Gina Brooke knows beauty, and on Friday, Dec. 28, she'll be making an appearance at the store - one of only three in the country - to discuss the new Muse collection inspired by the artwork of French impressionists Degas, Monet, Renoir, and photojournalist Dan Eldon; give customized looks to fans; and share beauty tips. I traded e-mails with the makeup artist to Madonna, Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes, Naomi Campbell, and Gisele Bundchen, and learned a few tricks.
SFBG: What are the quickest and easiest things you can do to dramatically change your look for the new year - or for a special night out?
Gina Brooke: The quickest, easiest way to dramatically change your look for the new year or for an event would be to leave your makeup neutral. Apply mascara and a beautiful bold color on your lips. I highly recommend shu uemura's rouge unlimited no. 165, symbolizing passion, love, and confidence and, of course, femininity - a look that simply classic and will never go out of style!
SFBG: What are your essential tips for brows?
GB: Brows are very important as they frame the face. It is important to not overtweeze, which is a common mistake among most women. Every shape may be different depending upon the natural shape of ones own brown. One must remember: your brows are sisters, NOT twins. So don't be too concerned with making them identical.
For a natural softer look I love using a slanted brush: shu uemura's natural brush 60B, which has a soft, firm, small edge for precision. I use this brush by dipping it into an eye shadow (be sure to match the color of your hair) and apply it to the edge of the lower part of the brow.
I also love using shu uemura's hard pencil, which is a unique pencil that releases the color when it interacts with the oil in the eyebrow hairs. Truly amazing.
SFBG: What sort of makeup strategies have you tried with Madonna? Does she have any specific special tips or tricks or unique issues or needs?
GB: As for Madonna, I've tried tons of different looks on her from color eyeshadows, eye pencils, and color mascara like deep aubergine. She's the ideal client to work with as she's always open to experimenting. In fact, during her last album, I handmade a pair of diamond lashes in her bathroom while getting her ready. She wore them out, and they were a huge success internationally! They were such a demand that shu uemura sold them to the public and at $10,000 a pair.
Dazzling diamante lashes.
For women who want the same effect without paying the price they're available at shu uemura's Tokyo Lash Bars - just ask for twill false lashes in violet (ideal for enhancing blue and green eyes), $20, and our dazzling diamante, also $20. You can wear them continuously as long as you don't apply mascara onto the false lash - lasts much longer than mascara!
SFBG: What are the most fashion-forward things one might try for 2008?
GB: I suggest trying color. I've used metallic green eye shadow on Eva Longoria, and it looked gorgeous! It's all about taking that leap and venturing into unfamiliar territories - you won't know unless you try. It's a new year - go for it!
Gina Brooke will appear on Friday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., at shu uemura, 1971 Fillmore, SF. For appointment reservations, call (415) 395-0953; reservation fee $100 is redeemable in product.
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