Pittsburgh, PA – Behind the dramatic actors and actresses is that layer of foundation that keeps it all together. And, I really do mean foundation! With every model’s come hither smize, a Makeup Artist is hard at work behind-the-scenes priming, primping, and creating that perfect look. Christine Wertman, Makeup Artist and Trainer, gives Glam and Graffiti readers an inside look while on the job and secret makeup tips for February.

As the Head Makeup Artist for Pretty Little Things, a film that recently premiered at South Side Theater in early February, Christine had been hard at work creating the perfect look for each character. Makeup Artists play a dynamic role on set. How should the character be conveyed? Will the make-up be enough or too much for the camera? Intrigued and hungry for fresh and inside Makeup tips, I jumped at the opportunity to interview Ms. Wertman putting the behind-the-scenes Beauty Artist into the spotlight.

{Photo Cred: Jack Megaw}

{Director  Alex Di Marco and Christine Wertman. Photo Cred: Heidi Schlegel}

GG: The film you last worked on, Pretty Little Things, had a unique setting as it was filmed on the streets of Pittsburgh. What was the inspiration behind creating your characters’ makeup to convey certain moods, the environment, and the time?

Wertman: Typically in film, the producers have a very clear idea of what the characters should look like. I am careful to follow their direction, but never shy away from the opportunity to add my own creativity if the crew is open to it.

For the main character, Tommy Fulmer, there were two main factors in his make-up application. We shot in 85 degree weather which meant a lot of scenes with no makeup. Another factor was his mood and his character’s life struggles. He needed to look weathered and real. To get this “weathered” look, we gave ‘younger’ Tommy make-up such as primer with silicone to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, very light foundation to cancel uneven areas, and high definition power to bend light from flaws.  He also wore balm on his lips, I defined eyebrows, and applied matte bronzer to create a healthy youthful look.

{Photo Cred: Jack Megaw}

GG: Men’s Make-Up: A lot of people (mostly men) don’t believe us when we say they wear it. It’s true! They can and DO wear it…but, you can never tell. What is the secret if a guy wants to give it a try? A little foundation? Stay far, far away from the Adam Lambert style (guy)liner?

Wertman: True, men can get away with some secret makeup tips. For every day, they can (and should) use skin care with SPF. Also, I know some guys who have used some concealer and tinted moisturizers which are lighter than foundation and not tell tale. Bronzer is unisex and let’s face it we all like a tan healthy look without the tanning bed! Personally the first thing I will do when applying men’s makeup is fill in the brows and put on clear hydrating lip balm. It is the quickest change and doesn’t feel too emasculating!

“For every day, they can and should use skin care with SPF.”

                                                   — Christine Wertman on necessities for men’s skin.

GG: What were your daily activities throughout an average day shooting?

Wertman: There is a time schedule so you know what scenes they will be shooting and who needs done when. When the priority character ready, I stand by with brushes for lighting touch-ups that will have to be reset to fight the elements: heat, lights, tears… it can keep an artist on their toes! While they reset for the next scene, this is when the makeup will be done for the next actor. It is interesting because one moment you’re working with blood and berating a gritty face, and the next you need super model glam, and you are whipping out false eyelashes and beautiful lip colors!  On set, in makeup, xpect the unexpected!

{Photo Cred: Jack Megaw}

“I stand by with brushes for lighting touch-ups that will have to be reset to fight the elements: heat, lights, tears… it can keep an artist on their toes!”

GG: What was your favorite part of your position?

Wertman: I love working behind-the-scenes. You see everything. You’re not in charge…you are creating a vision, and then, you see it come to life. Frequently when you are doing makeup on an actor you will get the real person, and you will get their character. They are in and out of character when you’re working with them and it is cool to see both sides.

The cast were all so welcoming and appreciative. It is sad when the film wraps. You get close in a very odd way, I think the stress makes everyone bond. Doing the makeup gives you such a personal connection to the person, and their character!

* * * * * *

@we are looking for the DL on the juicy tips for this year’s make-up!

Here are Christine’s best tips for 2012! Which one will you try?

GLAM TIPS:

Raise a Brow

Structured and bold brows have been working the magazines for too long! Softer and more natural eyebrows are coming back. Wertman advises to, “fill them in and follow your natural brow line, use a soft brow pencil from Anastasia or Laura Mercier. Think of almost as if you’re drawing hairs!” For splotchy eyebrows, she recommends to try using powder filler like Benefit’s Browsing. The powder is pigmented and has a wax alongside the powder to set.

{Edwin Shaw Photography for Front Row Monthly. Makeup by Christine Wertman}

GI Joe, GI Gravy, Gee, I Want to Join the Navy

No time for a full eye? Try lining upper lash line with a Navy Pencil. Wertman says that Navy has the magical power to make the whites of the eyes look whiter allowing your own eye color to shine brighter and take away any fatigue that seems to always show up in eyes first.

Feeling Blue? {Designer Credit: MJ Whalen, Photo Credit: Jordan Beckham Photography for Front Row Monthly, and  Makeup by Christine Wertman}

Whiplash

Wertman highly suggests Laura Mercier Full Blown because “it has a beautiful, full, thickening effect and has held up on my busiest days.” She also likes a mascara with a separating comb, such as Buxom Mascara, that defines and stretches the lashes for a dramatic look.

Building a Good Foundation

Oily skin? Pressed and or loose mineral powder is the solution!  A blending brush allows you to build it until I feel the coverage is even and enough to disguise an uneven skin tone.

{The ‘Beauty Blender’, Sephora}

“Spend a little more money on your sponge and it will become your best friend…”

If you are a lover of liquid, use a sponge to apply after your moisturizer and primer. The secret? The sponge! Spend a little more money on your sponge and it will become your best friend. You can wash and re-use. Not all sponges are created equal. If you have a sponge that gets plumper when you wet or add foundation, it is not good quality. It will absorb product and give you an uneven application. Try the blender sponge, a Sephora makeup sponge, or my favorite, Laura Mercier’s, as it is antibacterial and comes in packs of 4 for $15!

Your Last Minute Tip On-the-Go…

Don’t forget to swipe on your signature lipstick or favorite gloss and go, go, go girl!

Thanks for the inside scoop Christine.  And, readers? Glam on
.

XOXO,