Debi Nova Shoot!

Thank God for sunny days! I have been so busy that I would have completely forgotten that it was summer at all without them. I have been fortunate enough to have spent many long days on beach shoots and have the world's most perfect farmer's tan to prove it. A few weeks back I did a fun shoot on Malibu Beach with the beautiful Debi Nova. Debi is definitely a name to watch out for. She is a true beauty and extraordinary talent. I was very happy to work again with my two great friends, Nate Jensen (Photography) and Randy Stodghille (hair). As you can see from the picture of Debi, the collaboration was a stunning success.

This shoot was so much fun. I kept the makeup simple because I wanted Debi's natural beauty and amazing spirit to shine through. Often, when you come across people like Debi, you really do have to apply (and stick to) the "less is more" rule. Her energy can be clearly felt in her music. If you haven't heard her hit "Drummer Boy" yet (or if you didn't see her performance on "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the stars") then do yourselves a favor and go listen to it. I really can't say enough wonderful things about this girl.

So, down to business: I am probably better known for my super glam approach to makeup so it was a nice change to be able to show you this softer side to my work. Debi is gorgeous with or without makeup so I decided to go with a less-is-more approach. I encourage those of you who like to wear a lot of makeup to try this look, especially in these summer months. Don't be afraid to approach glamour from a more subtle, natural angle.

Here's a quick breakdown: I started off with perfecting Debi's skin with a little MAC Face and Body (using a damp beauty blender sponge for a sheer application). Then, under the eyes and tops of the cheeks, I used a Kevyn Aucoin Skin Enhancer. A little Urban Decay Bronzer all over for warm glow then some Apricot Creme Blush on the apples of the cheeks to finish the skin.

I kept the eyes all about the lashes! Debi already has long lashes but I wanted to amp them up even more. I lined the eye with Prunella MAC pencil and blended it out. I popped the corner and brow bone with SMASHBOX BEAM collection. I finished off the eyes by curling the lashes and applying one coat of MAC Zoom mascara. Finally, I stacked my custom new lashes to give a full look. I like the subtle glamour look they give. These lashes come in small clusters and will be available in the spring. You can also get this look by using my "Vegas" lash! (available at www.smokeandmirrorsbeauty.com)

I used L'Oreal Inffaliabe lip gloss in plumped pink to bring out the lips and to keep me from having to reapply so often.

One of the best parts of my job is being able to uncover a person's real beauty. So often people hide themselves under their makeup rather than enhance what they naturally have. This is a key element when working with somebody like Debi Nova. She has the most beautiful energy and spirit and I think you can see that in this look.