Get to know Colleen Stone, celebrity makeup artist of Blush and Beyond.  I have worked with Colleen for many years and love her esthetic eye and her ability to give the models great-looking skin onto which she does her makeup magic.

How did you get into makeup artistry?

I was a model myself for over 20 years and I wanted to stay in the industry.  Make-up always interested me and it seemed like a natural transition.

What is the difference between working with celebrities versus models for fashion, etc.?

Usually with celebrities you need to keep in mind the look that they are known for, whereas with a model you use makeup to totally transform her.

What has been your favorite all-time assignment?

I don’t think I really have an all-time favorite assignment, but when everyone on the team gets along and everything just comes together, the pictures turn out so much better.  It’s like magic and that gets everyone on the set excited.  Although, I have been fortunate enough to have met people I otherwise woundn’t have in this industry.  I was very excited to have made up Venus Williams for Vogue Magazine with André Leon Tally as creative director on the set.

What is your “secret weapon” in your makeup kit?

I can’t divulge all my secrets!  Kidding aside, I think my secret weapon is the way I can make someone have perfect skin using a combination of the correct foundation and concealer.  One of my favorite foundations is Makeup Forever HD.

What current beauty trend do you think everyone should skip?

I don’t think there is a current beauty trend per se that everyone should skip, but I think it is important to keep in mind that the really edgy trends look great on the young and as you mature you should find the looks that works best for you, that enhances your features, while still keeping current with colors, for example.  It is good to try not to get stuck in a rut using the exact same shades year in, year out, as makeup products do improve and using colors that worked for you 20 years ago might not be the same for you now.

Best skin-perfecting advice for being camera-ready:

To be camera-ready you need to make sure your foundation really disappears onto the skin, and that you face and neck and chest are the same color.  Try your foundation on in natural light on your neck and if it blends right in you have found your shade.  Don’t forget a fine dusting of translucent powder, because photography enhances shine.

Favorite new beauty trend that ail take your look from summer into fall:

The makeup trend for fall is a more matte skin and lip.  By this I don’t mean a matte like in the 90’s, as it still has the look of real skin.  Think about not using the highlighter and giving the skin a light dusting of powder.  It makes everything a bit more polished which looks great with the fall color palette.  Also try a satin lipstick instead of a gloss, as it is more on-trend.  

Where can our readers find you online?

I recently started a beauty blog called Blush and Beyond!  I am having a lot of fun with it, giving out makeup advice, etc.  I am represented by Ford Artists for assignments.  You can also connect with me on Pinterest @ blushandbeyond and Facebook @blushandbeyond.  Follow me on twitter @blsuhadnbeyond too!