Local Makeup Artist Shares Fall Beauty Trends

Bold eyebrows, oxblood lips and a new version of the classic smoky eye are all hot beauty trends for fall 2012, so says popular makeup artist Jay Alvear who was named one of the “22 People to Watch in Westchester County” by Westchester Magazine in December 2011.

Alvear, a consultant for several fashion publications, should know. He’s hired regularly by top French magazines Jalouse and L’Express, among others, and has lent his creative touch to Fashion Week in Milan, New York and Paris, as well as working in the film, TV and special effects industries.

He’s even applied makeup on stars like Taylor Dane, Joan Osbourne, Neil Sedaka and Kristi Yamaguchi, and has also worked with Bethenny Frankel, the natural foods chef and former “Real Housewives of New York” star to make her lashes longer.

A Mamaroneck native, Alvear, 23, says that while eyebrows last season were very full and more masculine-looking, this season’s brows are still full but have a more feminine, natural look.

One really hot trend this fall is oxblood lips and nails. In fact, the color is being duplicated in other areas of the fashion world, from handbags to jeans and heels, but on the runway, it’s been very popular, says Alvear.

The look is achieved by using a dark red/burgundy lip color. A semi-matte, satin lip effect seems to be particularly popular, Alvear adds, as opposed to the more glossy looks of the past.

For gals unsure of wearing such a dramatic shade, Alvear says they shouldn’t worry since it can enhance any skin type. “You have to be ready for it and you have to know how to wear it,” he suggests. Indeed, finding the right shade of lipstick can be a daunting task for most women, says Alvear, who originally wanted to be an art teacher before his career in makeup artistry took off.

Once women find the right color lipstick, applying it the proper way is essential, he cautions. A neat tip, says Alvear, is to apply a lip liner all over the lips, then apply the actual lipstick.

The smoky eye is making a comeback, says Alvear, a look that can be achieved by blending colors flawlessly together. “Rich, warm, natural colors are a must this season,” he adds. Also popular are eyelash extensions.

Instead of the long-lasting extensions that are all the rage these days, however, Alvear likes to use the semi-permanent eyelash extensions. One of his favorite eyelash products is made by Ardell, which last 24 hours, is less expensive and comes in different styles of black or brown. A starter kit can be purchased in most local drugstores.

In addition to going for a more natural look by using less foundation rather than more, Alvear, who studied art at SUNY Purchase, says contouring is a great way to define the face. Professional makeup artists always use a bronzer that is a shade or two darker than the natural skin tone, Alvear explains, and then apply it to the cheek bone, forehead, chin and other areas of the face using special brushes.

Even though Alvear uses some of the world’s most expensive makeup on fashion models, there are still some great, less costly products for the average woman, he says, many of them for sale in local drugstores and specialty makeup shops.

For instance, Maybelline’s line of volumizing mascaras are high on Alvear’s list of must-haves as well as Make Up For Ever HD, a new generation of makeup that promises to be invisible on HD cameras and to the naked eye. It can be found in Sephora.

Two MAC concealers, the Studio Finish product and the Pro Longwear concealer, are some of Alvear’s favorites. “Sometimes it’s good to splurge on makeup for certain things, such as concealer and foundation,” says Alvear, but less expensive items can be just as good, he adds.

MAC products can be purchased in the MAC store in The Westchester and in local department stores such as Bloomingdales, Macys and Nordstroms, all of them located in the White Plains area.

Being in the world of special effects and theatrical stage makeup has been particularly interesting and challenging for Alvear, who’s worked on the set of the play, “Sleep No More,” as well as a few others.

In fact, he was busy decorating people’s faces and bodies leading up the Halloween celebrations last week. While special effects work in general is fun, Alvear says it’s also more time-consuming and challenging. “However, I get to use those same skills I’ve learned up to now but differently; it’s a way to challenge myself and to really get me thinking.”

To reserve Alvear for a makeup party or private makeup session, visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JAlvear.xo?ref=ts&fref=ts