Keeping up with Spring Super, New York Make-Up Artist

My first TIME Cover!

2012-02-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Martin Schoeller | Makeup/Hair: Spring Super | Feb. 2012

Spring's 2012 Spring Inpiration

2012-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Twiggy: Still Inspiring

2012-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00


Screenshot from editorial shoot, Spring 2012, shot by Alex Palombo Styling by Annie Nicholas, Hair by Mel Paldino, Makeup by Spring Super

Dramatic Makeup for Real Simple Magazine

2012-01-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

View the entire story here

For the iridescent effect here, makeup artist Spring Super, who produced all the makeup looks in this story, suggests smoothing a skin-toned primer on your entire lid (she used Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Warm Beige; $22, sephora.com) to prevent creasing. Then top with a richly pigmented blue shadow (such as Nars Matte Eyeshadow in China Blue, $23, narscosmetics.com). Next, apply a bright violet shadow (like MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Star Violet, $15, maccosmetics.com) on just the lid’s center—the most visible part—for added drama. And to really set the look aflutter, glue on Elise Faux feather Eyelashes #430 ($4, madamemadeline.com).

2012 Radenroro Campaign

2012-01-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Isola Shoes Campaign

2012-01-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

Book Project: 'Pretty-Masculine'

2012-01-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

I volunteered and collaborated with many artists and photographer, Mike Ruiz, for this exciting and important project benefiting GMHC.

Mike Ruiz, Photographer:
"Pretty Masculine" is the apogee of my latest effort to capture humanity out of context. It is the culmination of my desire to incorporate my hyper-stylized and fantasy-driven style of photography and reinterpret the male ideal from a new perspective. It has been my intention to open a forum of sorts and, in so doing, inspire thought and dialogue with respect to finding alternative ways of looking at the world around us. In this case, to look at masculinity beyond what might be considered the stereotypical man."

Below:
Sizzling behind the scenes of the making of Mike Ruiz's book "Pretty Masculine" benefitting GMHC.

T.V. Ad Campaign shot by Martin Schoeller

2012-01-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

New Beauty by Richard Gary, Photographer

2011-04-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

GLAAD PSA, Starring Alan Cumming

2009-12-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

Mother Nature vs. Serena Williams Tampax Commercial

2009-12-08T10:45:00.001-08:00

Makeup and Hair by Spring Super

Radenroro 2010 Collection

2009-11-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

As always I had a great time collaborating with the designer of Radenroro-New York, Liquica Anggraini for her new collection for Spring 2010! Check out the entire line at www.radenroro.com.

Makeup Mentor...We've Got Lift-Off!

2009-06-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Makeup Mentor Launches at the Makeup Show 2009

The chatter of attendees at this year's Makeup Show was charged with enthusiasm and optimism about the new kid on the block, Makeup Mentor. Makeup artists, students and business owners alike saw Makeup Mentor as a positive addition to the industry.

Artists were enthusiastic about The Mentee Program, expressing emphatically that something like this program has been long overdue. Shannon Thompson, a Film, Theater and Special Effects artist of 13 years wrote, "There is a HUGE need for guidance in this industry. I wish I had someone help me when I started."

Spring Super started this company to fill the void of business experience that exists amongst many makeup artists today. It is holding them back from making a living at their dreams, even if they are great artists! We believe that is not fair and every single person deserves to make a living, preferably doing what they love. We do everything in our power to help.

The experiences we have had with Mentees have been wonderful and very gratifying. We see immediate results and so much progress, so quickly. The proof in the pudding, so-to-speak, as every single one of our clients has this experience.

We believe we've got it right, we believe we have Lift Off!

Embryolisse - pronounced embryo-leez

2008-11-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

Never before had someone in my makeup chair asked me "Mmmm, what moisturizer was that", until I used Embryolisse Lait- Creme. Now it happens every time!

My first experience with Embryolisse was at Fashion Week earlier this year. I am always snooping around other MUA kits backstage to see who has what. Let me tell you, Embryolisse is the new black. It was everywhere. Of course I went right out, got me a tube, and haven’t gone a day without it since.

Almost every single person I put this product on is visibly impressed, and is compelled to ask about it. I was asked about it so often and it was so hard to find that I started carrying samples for my clients. It's now available in select pharmacies in Manhattan but can be more easily purchased online, at Temptu and Alcone.

This is a product whose reputation has been built by word of mouth. Professionals used it and loved it. They told everyone, those people told everybody, and now it’s all anyone is talking about. People are pointing it out to me saying how great it is. Funny how these things work.

It has now been featured in many beauty magazines as the 'new big thing'. Judging by personal experience and feedback from clients, this product and the entire line does something incredible, it works. It's great for any skin type and has neutral packaging, which makes it appealing to men, as well as women.

Another must have for home and kit!

www.embryolisseusa.com

News from the Big Apple...

2008-08-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

LE Book is OUT and I'm IN!

Check out the page that my agency has this year...that's my work on the bottom-right!

Colby O'Donnis on Regis and Kelly

I had the pleasure of working with Colby, Akon and their dancers for their performance of the song 'What You Got' on Regis and Kelly. Thanks to them, their dancers and crew. Had lots of fun!

Airbrush...an artist must have!

2008-04-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Never has there been more controversy amongst makeup artists as there is around the question of airbrushing. Some believe it's the only way to apply foundation, while others resent it or maybe just fear it. Perhaps it's the use of machinery and a device called a gun that is intimidating?

Regardless of your position on the question of airbrushing as a tool for makeup artists, the medium is flourishing and is often a requirement for a professional artist to have in her arsenal of skills. If it is not going anywhere, best to know what's out there, what works...and more importantly, what doesn't!

I have been using and instructing airbrush for many years and found that if you do not use the right products, your experience can be horrible. Using the right products makes all the difference. Complaints of issues such as dryness and cracking, flatness, bad skin color choices are usually what I hear from artists who have airbrushed, and claim it does not work for them.

Because airbrushing is still a niche in our industry, I've found that the products available vary extremely from brand to brand. It seems that little product development has been put into airbrushing by most of the major brands and their products are less effective next to the smaller developers who have been doing it longer and specialize.

Temptu Airbrush, from my experience as a customer, is the best in more ways than one. Most importantly, they specialize in airbrush cosmetics. Everything is made for the skin including formulas for foundations, temporary tattoos and other special effects. They have a luxurious silicone based airbrush foundation that is far superior to any other brands...hands down! The finish and soft focus glow is truly beautiful and comes in colors for all ethnicities and undertones. Other brands I have tried are usually water based and dry or silicone based but don't have the tone or finish of Temptu.

One of Temptu's best traits is their customer service. Staffed with working artists, all with at least a decade of experience in the industry, anyone you speak with will be able to help you with even the most complex project. They love to help and always come through in a makeup emergency!

My advice, try airbrush with Temptu before deciding. Airbrushing opens the door to more creativity, control and speed. It's a great tool to have in your kit!

COME See Me...I will be teaching Temptu Airbrush classes at The International Beauty Show April 27 – 29, 2008 at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York, NY!

Temptu.com

Seasons change, why do my colors have to?

2008-03-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Having a name such as Spring, perhaps the season issue is more blatant for me. I've always wondered where the heck this season issue started in relation to beauty and fashion.

Why is it that every season magical color fairies decide what colors we should start wearing? Where did this phenomenon start and who does it benefit in the end? I was on a mission to find out.

When Spring and Summer comes along, things get warmer and brighter, we naturally gear ourselves toward more fitting colors in our makeup and fashion choices but why do we need an authority to tell us exactly what shade of pink, purple and peach we need to be wearing? And what happens if we don't adhere? Do we get a ticket from the fashion police? Will we instantly be noticed in a crowd as someone who didn't do her homework on the subject and be kicked out of the cool kids club?

Let's look at where this all started. We all know that color, and it's associations and meanings are as old as time. Purple, for example, was originally a color of royalty because of the high expense to create it. The pigment for purple was hard to obtain back then. But when did it start getting forecast and made into trends?

"Before 1915, it was the milliners, the US hat makers, who were responsible for setting color trends for the US textiles industry.", according to The Color Association of the United States. They have a pretty thorough history on their site and they are an organization dedicated to setting color forecasts for all sectors of industry. They put out extremely detailed reports on the subject each season. They are telling manufacturers and advertisers what colors to use in order to make the most...you got it...profit.

As usual, what's driving this is sales. Studies are done with color association, what pleases people as well as world-wide production of pigments, textiles and other goods that would effect the price and production of goods. This totally effects the beauty and fashion industry's decisions for what new products they will create and how they will market them to us.

It is not a coincidence that everyone somehow agrees on these colors. Pantone and other color companies follow suit. Fashion and beauty companies produce their stuff and flood the magazines and other media, who enthusiastically report on these new 'trends'. They also convince us to like them. The magazine beauty trend choices are made more by their advertisers and all of the free product they are sent each month than anything else. Usually associating the use of the colors with fashion shows, makeup artists, beauty/fashion editorials, celebrities and other desirables, we are fed a constant diet of these colors. Before we know it, we're falling in-line, buying the new shade of pink that is suddenly everywhere.

The result is our choices being made for us just for the benefit of business. How much money do we throw at buying the new colors every season? The new shade of lip gloss? How much money is wasted manufacturing our desire to buy these products?

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE COLOR. I don't love our choices being made for us. Every season I feel forced to incorporate these new trendy shades into my makeup work as well as do something 'new' to influence the trend. Sometimes I'm inspired by these new trends but usually I am burdened by them, I feel trapped into using them.

I would much rather our color choices be personal and organic. We should wear the shade of red that looks best on us, regardless if it's trendy or not. That is the main point I want to make...look at seasons and their color trends for what they are...suggestions made by companies wanting to sell you something. Consider them, but make your own decisions, wear the colors that make you feel good, that make you look good.

Just got laid blush!

2008-01-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

You know what I mean. Some like to clean it up and call it ‘pinched cheeks’ but even that sounds dirty. It’s proven that a slightly flushed look is the most attractive as it reflects health and the look of arousal. It sounds crazy but it’s true!

I have been testing the array of different lotions and potions designed to give this look and I have always been slightly disappointed until now. I found Benefit’s Benetint to be difficult to blend. Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Blush always has too much shimmer, although I love the color choices. Tarte’s Cheek Stain is sticky and doesn’t last long. Hard Candy’s nail polish packaging is just impossible to use. Who wants to apply blush with a nail polish brush?

O Glow by Smashbox Get it? Orgasm Glow?

It does everything you want it to…it comes in a handy plastic tube, so much easier than a glass bottle. The color is intense, somehow looks natural on every skin tone, is easy to apply and silky smooth. Your cheeks look flushed, youthful and dewy. Can’t go wrong and I am surprised every time I look in the mirror to see that it’s still there. Great job Smashbox!

I look forward to more Os! (I hear there is an O Gloss out)
Buy O Glow at Smashbox.com

Bestest Waterproof Eyeliner

2007-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Is there really a need to carry eyeliner that isn’t waterproof? After having my supposedly long lasting Maybelline eyeliner fail on me during my client’s rehearsal for a live performance at the Fashion Rocks concert, I vowed to find the best, longest lasting, sweat and rocker proof eyeliner. It not only needed to be long lasting, the color selection needed to be vast, be creamy and smudge-able to get soft edges before it sets.

I tested Lancome, as it was a salesperson’s recommendation at Sephora. Urban Decay is my niece’s favorite...and she wears more eyeliner than Avril Lavine! I also tested a handful of other brands.

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil was far superior. Their website claims “The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too.” – I can’t say it better myself. It far outlasted the others and comes in a great selection of colors. This winner, based on the packaging and marketing style of this line, surprised me, I un-fairly assumed that it was a lower quality, teen focused line. Under all the glitter, crazy colors and funky packaging are some quality products with a creative edge.

Buy 24/7 at Sephora.com

Makeup Artist Tested, Client Approved

2007-10-01T15:51:00.001-07:00

As professionals, Makeup Artists must do their homework when buying for their kits, which can also be viewed as buying for their client's skin. Wild sweating Rock Stars and Athletes who need durable water-proof makeup. The hyper creative beauty story that is so intricate, if the model blinks or even breathes, your masterpiece is ruined. There can be a lot riding on whether or not these products to work.

Concern for the health of your client's skin is also important. You have a short time with them and you can utilize it by helping clients with their personal skin care. Using and recommending products that make their skin feel and look healthy can help them. I am often shocked to hear what my client's skincare regimens involve. All of this requires a lot of product research, trial and error.

They pay attention to what you're using. What's in your kit and in your bathroom has more influence than you would think. And not just those in your chair, but the entire crew.

People are out there, being paid to tell you what to use, what to buy, but with the motive of profit, their message can be misleading and outright untrue. With many years of being a makeup and product junkie under my belt, I like to share the knowledge!

Having spent countless hours in Sephora, testing products, trying products against each other, trying them on myself as well as using them on the job, there are definitely superior products and what's amazing is that they aren't always the most expensive or most obvious choice. I am also sent tons of product from all sorts of brands to use how I wish. I give them away to friends and clients and they give me their feedback.

The best ones make their way to my kit.

Here are the top products that I have found. Some you can buy in a drugstore, some are only available at smaller, independent stores, all of them great!

Feedback totally encouraged!

Aerosmith and Fashion Rocks!!

2007-09-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

What an exciting day. I worked as the assistant to Makeup Artist Lauren Cohen, Aerosmith's artist for their performances at the Fashion Rocks concert at Radio City Music Hall on Sept 6.

I did every band member's makeup except for Steven Tyler and had a great time with everyone. I also got to stare at some other celebs including Usher, Mary J Blige, Maroon 5, Jeremy Pivens (love you Ari Gold!!), Ashlee Simpson, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez and Fergie.

This is a whole other world, the world of celebrity, definitely a learning experience but I'm not so hip on the butt-cheek lip-locking that must be done.

My First International Beer Ad Campaign

2007-08-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

Shot by Steve Hellerstein...can be found on giant billboards, bus stops and magazines!

New work...updated website

2007-07-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here are few shots from various stories I've recently posted to www.springsuper.com Lemme know what you think!

Bolsheviks and Timothy Greenfield Sanders

2007-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Feb 7 I got the double honor of working for Timothy Greenfield Sanders, an amazing photographer who is considered one of the top photographers of all time. He is truly the best photographer I've ever worked for.

On top of that, the shoot was for the American Red Cross's new ad campaign celebrating celebrities and 'regular' people who volunteer with the organization. The shoot was with Paul Shaffer from the David Letterman Show. He was really sweet and we all had a great time.

So where do Bolsheviks come in? The shoot was in Timothy's house and inside is literally dozens of original pieces of amazing artwork. One of them is a lithograph by Andy Warhol of V.I. Lenin. I am a huge admirer of Lenin and I asked Timothy about the piece. We got to talking about Russian history and it was a lot of fun. It's not often you get to discuss politics at a shoot and it was refreshing.

Maybe it's Maybelline

2007-02-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

I sometimes freelance for Maybelline on different PR events throughout the year. Chuck Hezekiah, Maybelline's consultant and my friend, selected me to be on his team for 2 amazing fashion shows that took place this past Tuesday. It was an honor. He designed the perfect fall looks for each designer's style and was a breeze to work under.

The designers, Gustavo Cadile www.gustavocadile.com and Rafael Cennamo www.cennamocouture.com, both had gorgeous collections and beautiful models.

Overall the night was a lot of fun and a great experience.

Interview with Nuda Magazine

2007-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

Check it out...pretty cool. The pic of me is pretty squished...I'm curvy but not THAT curvy :)

http://nudamagazine.blogspot.com/2006/11/makeup-forever.html

Tips for New Makeup Artists

2007-01-31T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am a very very anti-catty makeup artist. There is no reason for us to look at each other as competition; there is enough work for all of us. Instead, we should look at each other as colleagues. Here are a few things I had to learn the hard way that I wish a fellow artist had told me...

1. As lame as this may sound, ONLY AGENCY MODELS IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

2. Don't put off meeting with agencies because you're afraid your book isn't ready. You'll never think you're ready. Just do it and look at is as a learning experience...and you never ever know...they may just love you!!

3. Be picky when deciding to work for prints with so-so photographers. I have a stack of CDs of shoots that I can't put in my book because the pictures are bad. Either they are un-retouched, bad lighting, bad model or just plain bad. I know that when you're first starting out you never want to say no to a job because you're just happy to do a shoot. But unless you really need the practice, don't waste your time. It's a real let down getting images that you can't use when you worked your butt off on a test. Go after the photographers that YOU LOVE, trust me, they are probably still testing sometimes.

4. You are your kit...I didn't realize how sad my kit was until I moved to NYC and saw a real pro kit. I kid you not, I had Lancome gift with purchase products and sad selection. It took hundreds of dollars to get a great kit together but it is so worth it...you look like you're worth a million bucks if your kit is great. That means professional grade products, good selection, clean packages and organized layout when you set up.

5. Always sanitize your hands and your product!! I had a client today that was so germaphobic I had to use her products and brushes. If you have a boss, don't think they won't complain because they just might.

6. Always keep business cards/comp cards on you...even if you don't think you'll need it. I've gotten jobs from people I've met on the subway and from people I met on a job that was just passing by. You never know!

7. Assisting is NEVER below you. I have been doing this for 10 years and I still assist. I do it for the money, to see what other MUAs are using in their kits and to make connections. It's a great way to meet people and hopefully get work passed on to you later. It should never be degrading and don't let the key treat you like crap...that was never a part of the deal right? Assisting does not mean slave! Stand up for yourself when necessary and don't let someone take advantage. In all my jobs assisting, this has rarely happened but just keep your eyes open.

8. Never talk crap about anyone to anyone else on set. You never know who already knows someone and it's just plain un-professional. Always have a smile and look eager to help. Don't hide out by your makeup chair like a wallflower. It's sad but true, you're judged on your personality on a shoot almost more than your skills.

9. Don't wait for people to call you. Set up a shoot yourself. Call the modeling agency you like and find out who their new faces are. These are new models that also need work in their books and are usually available to do a shoot in exchange for images. Stylists, hair people and photographers too. Develop a concept, pitch it to the photographer that you think would do well and find some crew. The photographer will appreciate your help and you'll have more of a say in creative direction and hopefully end up with images that suit your needs.

10. Learn how to use Photoshop. I have had to re-size, re-touch and who knows what with images I've gotten back from photographers. They don't always retouch makeup right and for the shot to be good enough for your book, some adjustments may be in order. Always get permission from the photographer first but learn how to crop, resize images for your website and portfolio, retouch blemishes on skin etc. I'm addicted to Photoshop and love retouching...to me, it's like a new form of makeup artistry and better me fixing it than a photographer who may not understand my vision.

Friends...fellow artists...feel free to add on to this list and tell me what you think!

A Lesson in Etiquitte for Photographers

2007-01-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

OK...a little lesson in etiquette. It's not a great idea to call a MUA, or any crew member for that matter, and tell them "Yeah, the MUA I originally booked is not available, can you do the shoot? It's tomorrow and there's no pay."

Perhaps I'm being crabby but on a moment's notice, I don't feel compelled to drop my plans to help you out. I'll let you slide if the your work is so amazing I can't pass up the opportunity.

Next time just lie and say it's a last minute shoot, and that they're your first choice.

Hey, we're artists and we're sensitive, we need our egos stroked sometimes too.

March to Bring the Troops Home!

2007-01-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

I spent this past weekend in Washington DC and attended the Anti War protest and rally. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country taking time out of their busy lives to stand up for what's right...bringing the troops home now!

As a make-up artist, I don't have much social power, in fact I'm sure that my participation in advertising and marketing campaigns push us in the wrong direction so I find it's important to do something during my free time to stand up for what's right and hopefully if we all do that, we can change the world. Our first task must be to bring the troops home. Too many people are dying at the hands of the U.S. and our troops are being used to carry out a dirty agenda. We gotta give them hope and support by letting them know we're against the war just like them. There is no doubt in my mind that the majority of troops don't want to be there and they need support from the folks here at home to gain the courage to say no, I won't kill another Iraqi. That's how it was done in Vietnam...soldiers organizing against their officers and refusing to fight.

The 4th Anniversary of the war is very soon, check here to attend the protest on March 17, 2007 http://answercoalition.org/

Welcome to my Blog!

2007-01-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be a good idea as a freelance MakeUp Artist to write about my experiences. I love reading other MUA blogs and although I'm not a globetrotter just yet, I get to do some pretty cool stuff.

Hope you like it :)