Celebrity makeup artist Dee-Dee Marcelli took some time out of her busy schedule to speak with us, share her insider beauty tips for the season and even give us a sneak peek of what's coming up for the end of the year!
About Dee-Dee Marcelli
LTK: Tell us a bit about your background.
Dee-Dee Marcelli: Having worked as a celebrity makeup artist for over a decade, I've had the honor of being nominated for an Emmy Award two times as a result of my extensive work in television. Since the mid 90s, I have worked with everyone from George W. Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan to Queen Noor of Jordan and Queen Latifah to Denzel Washington and Paris Hilton…the list goes on and on!
My career in makeup began when I worked in a department store, initially selling Revlon, and quickly realized the "fun job" was painting on people's faces! After a few years, I worked my way up to National Artist for Chanel Cosmetics. I then took college courses and trained at several top makeup schools, including specialized training for dealing with scars. My first big break was working as a makeup artist for the American Music Awards.
LTK: What led you to a career in makeup artistry?
DDM: My makeup career seemed to find me. I always loved makeup as a girl. I had my sales job in cosmetics early on just to make money while I pursued a singing career. As life would have it, "when one door closes…" so nearly the minute I decided to take makeup as an actual career seriously, it took off. To me, when something flows in your life then you're doing the right thing.
LTK: What does beauty mean to you personally?
DDM: Confidence, warmth, charisma. You can be the most beautiful person aesthetically but if the warmth of your soul doesn't shine through, NO amount of makeup can cover up the inside for very long!
LTK: Looking hot and feeling cool are basically synonymous during summer. What are your recommendations for achieving a basic, everyday look that's fresh and summery?
DDM: When it's hot, perhaps humid outside, it's not a good idea to wear layer after layer on your face. Instead, using products that can serve well and perform multiple functions makes common sense. A moisturizer that has sunscreen and serves as a sheer foundation is perfect! Add a little gloss and mascara - you're good to go.
Tricks of the Trade
LTK: Share your tips for creating a natural, sunless tan on the face.
DDM: There are so many options, including spray tan, self-tanning lotions, powder or liquid bronzers. I personally like a powder bronzer applied with a BIG FLUFFY BRUSH! I find that mistake-proof. You can also continue a bronze look down to the décolletage area so that everything blends properly.
LTK: How about bare arms and legs? What is the best way to get them glowing with minimal effort and, of course, without worrying about the harmful effects of the sun?
DDM: When nylons went out of style, the "perfect bare leg" needed to be created! That's fine when you're in your 20s. However, most women need a little help to feel comfortable running around with bare legs. I absolutely love Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs. It can also be used on any part of the body. It's easy, fast and looks natural even in daylight! Here's a tip: Use a good loofah in the shower before applying to exfoliate and smooth your skin's texture (and remove any flaky, dry skin).
LTK: If you could offer only one piece of beauty advice to any woman, what would it be?
DDM: If you don't want to take the time daily to put on makeup, there are a few things you can do every six weeks to wake up looking better. Get your brows groomed, dyed and shaped. Lashes can be tinted. Employ a good skin care regimen daily. You are important. You take the time to brush your hair and brush your teeth, right? So take five minutes to pay attention to your face; you owe that to yourself.
On the Beauty Horizon
LTK: What makeup trends should we be on the lookout for as we approach fall and winter?
DDM: Everything is coming up GREY! Grey is the new black. Gold flecks are prevalent in almost every gloss heading into the new season. Great holiday glosses to look out for are Red Cherry by Yves Saint Laurent. Want to be noticed? Try Christian Dior Red Stocking! As we head into the holiday season, Chanel Glossimers in Iridescent, Gold Light and Delight will give the perfect luscious sizzle to your lips!
Nails are dark, yet subtle. Try Yves Saint Laurent's Tuxedo Gray and Rich Coffee. If you're not a makeup maven, head for the Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier counter for the best the season has to offer in neutrals.
LTK: Do you have any final tips or comments you'd like to share?
DDM: I hope I have provided some inspiration and help. We are all born different. It's the luck of the draw. The most important thing is to love yourself and take the best care of yourself that you can. Whenever I feel a little down I just add a little manufactured pretty!
In addition to Dee-Dee's current work on such shows as So You Think You Can Dance & The Tony Rock Project, she is available for private consultations and offers her services for weddings and other special occasions. She can be reached at DeeDeeMakeup@aol.com. Her resume can be viewed at IMDB.
