Sunday, October 23, 2011

My Makeover by Fernando Cadavid, Chantecaille Global Makeup Artist

Last Saturday, I was greeted at 10:00 am sharp at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria by Fernando Cadavid and Alicia Cortes, one an "old Chantecaille friend," one new. Alicia is the resident Chantecaille specialist at Neiman Marcus Tysons. Fernando is a Global Makeup Artist for Chantecaille and was visiting Chantecaille counters in the DC area last week to show us how to look "Chantecaille gorgeous."

Fernando and I spent a lot of time chatting. I am always interested in the path talented artists take into their field, and I've learned that it's seldom linear or expected. I've never asked someone how they came to be a makeup artist (or how they because a fragrance expert) and heard the answer, "I went to school to learn the skills."

When Fernando was an undergraduate at USC, like all undergrads, he had to study electives. He was majoring in architecture. On a whim, he selected special effects makeup and loved it. Then he studied editorial, cinematic, and stage makeup, and he felt the lure. However, he stuck with his chosen career path and earned a bachelor's degree and a master's in architecture. From there, he went to work in his field.

One night, while working overtime on a project he wasn't enjoying, his mother called from the East Coast. In frustration, he told her he hated the project - he even hated his job. His wonderful, supportive mother told him to make a change, reminding him that he was young and it was never too late to follow his passions. Two weeks later, his contract came up for renewal, and he quit - not knowing what he would do next.

One night he went to a dinner with a friend, who brought along one of his own friends, Sue Devitt. Can you see where this story is going? Sue was sure Fernando was a makeup artist and that she has seen him working somewhere. They talked about his background and passions. She was making a personal appearance at Barneys that week and asked Fernando to come along and try his hand supporting her as a freelancer. He did, and his career as a makeup artist was launched.

While working for Sue, Fernando started to make connections. Celebrities like Heather Thomas recognized his talent and connected him with her friends (isn't that generous, sharing your makeup artist?). Fernando's career grew because he's really great. He became a successful Los Angeles makeup artist, always grateful to Sue for the start.

One day, about five years ago, he met a Chantecaille account executive who recognized his overwhelming talent and talked to him about a position with Chantecaille. Long story short, he joined Chantecaille and has been with the company since. That's how an architect became a famous makeup artist!

How did he make me look this good? I took notes. Fernando started with Nano Gold Firming Treatment and Biodynamic Lifting Cream to prep my skin. Then, he selected the new Classic Palette for color, starting with my eyes. He used the new Hematite Gel Liner Pencil and Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara in Black. For concealer, he chose Total Concealer in Alabaster. I think he used Future Skin foundation in Alabaster. He applied St. Barth's Compact Soleil bronzer and the blush in the New Classic Palette. He enhanced my eyebrows with Ash Blonde Brow Definer and finished with lip color: Tea Rose Lip Chic topped by Brilliant Gloss in Sweet. Every item was applied perfectly. You can find all of these beautiful products at Chantecaille's Web site. Sweet is a shade that was just brought back, but I had it from its last appearance. I have a fully stocked Chantecaille makeup wardrobe, the true sign of a Chantecaille groupie. The moment something new is introduced, I buy it.

As you've already read, I went off and had my hair styled by Brandon Martinez, so we took my photos after that session. I was feeling very special. Makeup and hair by the pros! All that work (and a lot of chatting) took 2.5 hours. No wonder Hollywood celebrities spend all day preparing for the red carpet!

I left my new friend Fernando showing Natalie Callado some great eye shadow colors for her eyes. Natalie is the assistant manager of the beauty department, and I asked her to help us with a "live shot." Fernando's next appointment had not arrived at that point. She was a good sport - and looked great.

There were red roses on the floor at the RéVive counter, and I wanted a photo to remember the Artbox 9, Dr. Gregory Brown's appearance (which I will feature this week), and my Chantecaille makeover. Kathy Shoreman helped me, snapping this photo before I left the store. It was a wonderful day!

If you ever get the chance to sit in Fernando's chair - and I'm sure you will because he travels constantly - take it. He'll give you a look that you can recreate to be "Chantecaille gorgeous" every day. If you like Twitter, you can keep up with Fernando @ChantecailleArt. There is an Events page at Chantecaille's Web site. Once it's updated (it was scheduled through this weekend), check to see if there's a Chantecaille event scheduled to occur in your area sometime soon.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty (with a little help)

21 comments:

Elizabeth said...

You look so fabulous in these photos - especially the one next to the red roses! This entire post is reminding me that I need more Chantecaille in my life.

Eileen said...

Well, now we know your secret! For those of us who were admiring your makeup in the post about Brandon, we have the answer: Chantecaille!

Thanks for all the details and the interesting back story on Fernando. The Chantecaille palette and esthetic is perfect for giving you a delicately refined and elegant look. From hair to make-up to wardrobe, you glowed! That was such a successful day: hair, skin care, make-up all enjoyed in the company of friendly and creative people who love sharing beauty.

Now that summer is behind us, I love using a very light application of St. Barths under my cheek bones and along my jaw line. Although it was intended as a bronzer, I think it is more successful as a contouring product. Its soft, pink-tinged beige makes a beautiful contour for us fair complected gals.

Giovanni_Rocco said...

I am very jealous of the awesome service that you get from your N.M store. The ladies here in my town are Bs and they make me feel uncomfortable overtime I go.

LoveSugarBabyDoll said...

beautiful!
what a fun day :)

Clarisse said...

Gorgeous looks! You had a wonderful day and look very happy on the photos:-) I love the last one: a rose among roses!

Lucy said...

What a wonderful time you had! Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos and interesting story of Fernando's career with us. You look smashing!

Nemo said...

Charlestongirl, you are lovely. And you have such fun! Spending your days surrounded by beautiful people and beautiful things! I call that Heaven.

Kelly said...

You look gorgeous!

Leigh said...

Thank you for such a great piece of reporting, Charlestongirl. This type of post is among my favorite to read. I can find swatches on any plain old beauty blog, but only yours delves into the history and science while keeping us abreast of what's happening in the DC metro area. You always look wonderful in your maekover photos, and I love that you get the artists to pose too; it's fun being able to put faces to the names!

Myself, I was tempted to ask Lloyd Cassler for a picture last Saturday, but wimped out. What if he declines? After all, I'm just some random girl. Is there an etiquette to these sorts of things? Thanks, by the way, for sharing the link to my makeover post. It's always great to receive positive feedback.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi everyone!

One comment from me to everyone...

Thank you, Elizabeth! I just knew I would love the red roses photo - and I did. :)

Eileen, my secret was 2.5 hours of professional work. LOL! That is exactly how Fernando used St. Barth's on me. It contours without leaving a lot of color - absolutely perfect. Thanks!

Hey there, Giovanny! That's awful. They can't all be snotty - really? Maybe you just need to find the one great person there?

Hi LSBD! It was fun. It's so nice that we can take advantage of all the free opportunities to work with pros.

Thank you, Clarisse! Don't you love red roses? If I had the money, I would ALWAYS have fresh flowers in my home. They make me feel good. One other problem is Charlie. He thinks that any greenery that walks in the door is for his munching pleasure.

Thanks much, Lucy, Nemo, and Kelly! I wish I had the time and energy to replicate his professional work every day.

Leigh! Loyd is a ham. I've taken a zillion photos of him. I'm sure he would have been delighted to have you take his picture. Now, you must go back. There's your reason to pay him another visit soon. :)

Mamavalveeta03 said...

Gorgeous, girl!!! I love the way your eyes have definition, but don't look overly made-up. And your skin looks perfect (as a MUA, the hallmark of a great makeover!!). Lip color is ideal for you--brightens and makes you look so fresh. Great job!

Anonymous said...

wow! glamourous and natural at the same time. good make up aritist for a perfect model.
Rachel

lizzybee said...

You look absolutely gorgeous, which is not that hard to do when you are born so beautiful- I'm certain. Thank you for this great post ! xo Beth in Pgh ;-)

Charlestongirl said...

Hi MamaVal, Rachel, and Lizzybee!

This is getting embarrassing! I put those photos up to show you what a great job Fernando did. I am NEVER comfortable putting up photos of myself. I can pick at these photos, even though he made me look glam. It's my wrinkles! And my nose...and my jaw. Gosh, just too many flaws. He did a great job of hiding them. [wink]

He did make me look more glam than I would normally make myself, but, naturally, glam photographs so well. :)

Leigh said...

@Chalestongirl - Oh, all right, if I MUST . . . Ha ha!

Laetitia said...

You look so great, Best Things!

Even though the roses are at the Revive counter, they feel very Chantecaille. I love the rose water base in all of their products.

Is there a reason Fernando chose to mix the Biodynamic cream and Nano gold for a base? I used to be a Biodynamic junkie, but have switched over to the Nano gold range after falling for the eye cream.

Rosamaria said...

Wonderful! I really enjoyed this post. Very interesting story. Thank you for having such an intelligent, informative and fun beauty blog!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Laetitia!

I agree on the roses! They are very Chantecaille.

I'm not sure why he mixed them, but I'll admit I do the same at home, so I didn't think twice when Fernando did it.

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you so much, Rosamaria!

Sophia1105 said...

Charlestongirl, you always look stunning! Thanks for the great story about Cadavid, I can only imagine how the understanding of architecture makes one a highly skilled make-up artist! My fiancee loves architecture and honestly, he's the one I always get the *best* advice from, better to enhance the form than hide it under accessories.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Sophia!

It makes sense that an architect would know features, doesn't it?

Thank you!