Happy Tuesday from snowy Winter Park! We’ve had a ball skiing and tubing for the last two days, and today we’re exploring the area on a snowcat before heading home tonight. I can’t wait share our weekend with you soon, but today let’s talk makeup!
I was lucky enough to work with Suzie Moldovan, the award-winning makeup artist from Los Angeles, again for the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Resort Collection photoshoot for Nordstrom. She’s seriously amazing, and I never feel prettier than after she’s worked her magic. (See behind-the-scenes of that shoot in this post.)
After working with her on our last three projects, I’ve gone from being fairly indifferent to makeup, to a complete makeup junkie! Now I stop at the Nordstrom beauty counter on every visit. And from the number of questions I’ve had about colors and products we used for the shoot, I’d say y’all are right there with me!
Suzie shared five amazing makeup tips with us in this post (like how to get fuller lips and brighter eyes!), and is sharing more today…plus the products and colors we used for Resort Collection.
Savannah Embroidered Tee | Cabo Pool Shorts | Sandals
Sedona Wide-Leg Pool Pant | Mama SP Sweatshirt
Not only is Suzie insanely talented at what she does, but she’s one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve ever known. You get to know a person when she’s 5-inches from your face for 12-hours a day! I trust her so completely, I honestly never even look in the mirror all day…she does her thing, and I know that it’s going to be exactly right.
I love her approach to makeup…“I’m not painting over someone’s face, I’m bringing their beauty forward.”
Proof of her transforming powers….my Before & After from the Resort Collection photoshoot.
Five Makeup Tips from the Pro, Suzie Moldovan
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Real glow comes hydration on the inside, which also creates the right canvas for makeup. For two weeks prior to the shoot, I hydrated like it was my full-time job by drinking tons of water, and using extra-rich moisturizers day and night. The night before the shoot, Suzie loaded my face with La Mer to help combat the travel and desert air of Palm Springs.
2. Use concealer properly
Concealer is meant to neutralize the color under the eyes and brighten the face. It doesn’t cover bags or do other tricks, so a heavy-hand is only aging you. Suzie’s go-to is Nars Creamy Concealer for skin of all types and ages. It’s a light and creamy formula that doesn’t slide off or settle in creases. She also applies it after doing the eyes to clean-up any fall out.
3. Reconsider setting powder under the eyes
First step for concealer is to prep the area with a light eye cream so the skin doesn’t absorb the makeup. Concealer is a tool to brighten our face and make us look younger, but if used improperly, it can do the opposite. If you have crepier skin under your eyes (typically those of us over 35), powder will settle into the creases and actually age you! Light and creamy formulas like Nars Creamy Concealer don’t require setting with powder. (Just a quick dab with your finger to smooth out any makeup that’s settled throughout the day). If you’re particularly oily under the eyes and feel the need to set your concealer, add a thin line of powder just under the lash line.
4. Prep the Lip
Dry-brush your lips with a toothbrush and water to exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick.
5. Highlight Eyes
Add a dab of Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter to the inside corner of your eye to lighten and brighten. Highlighting the waterline will also open and brighten the eye.
Okay…now let’s talk about the products and colors Suzie used for all the looks we shot for the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Resort Collection! The most important first step is hydration, so she prepped my skin with Charlotte Tillbury Magic Cream.
MAKEUP PRODUCTS:
Primer: Becca Backlight Filter
Foundation: Custom blend of three shades
Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy in ‘Creme Brulee’
Blush: Stila Convertible Color Dual Creme in ‘Gerbera’, layered under Nars powder in ‘Orgasm’
Contour: Charlotte Tilbury ‘Film Star’
Highlight: Charlotte Tilbury ‘Film Star’
Bronzer: Stila ‘Matte Bronze Medium’
Eyes: Smashbox Cover Shot in ‘Pinks & Palms’
Eye Liner: Gel Liner in waterproof raven
Mascara: Bobbi Brown Everything in ‘Black’
Brow Pencil: Anastasia in ‘Taupe’
As for lips, y’all know I love a bright pink lip, so Suzie assembled an entire palette of bright pinks, reds, and corals specific to the Collection, and changed my lip color for almost every single outfit! I couldn’t believe the difference it made in showcasing the clothes.
Below are the main colors we used repeatedly…all of which I’ve now added to my arsenal.
Lips: Nars ‘Niagara’ with Nars Gloss ‘Orgasm’ // Catalina Ruffled Romper | Flat Sandals | Earrings
Lips: Nars ‘Yu’ // Laguna Ruffle Back Dress | Hat | Tassel Earrings
Lips: Nars ‘Red Square’ with Nars Gloss ‘Orgasm’ // Naples Swing Halter Dress
Lips: ‘Charlotte Tilbury ‘Bosworth’s Beauty‘ // Naples Swing Halter Dress | Cuff
Lips: Nars ‘Charlotte’ // Santa Fe Ric Rac Top | Denim Skirt | Cuff | Earring
Lips: Nars ‘Roman Holiday’ // Seaside Jersey Romper | Tassel Straw Bag | Disc Earrings
Lips: Kevyn Aucoin Molten Lip in ‘Kate’ // Savannah Embroidered Tee | Cabo Pool Shorts
Lips: Kevyn Aucoin Molten Lip in ‘Kate’ // Palm Springs Maxi Dress | Sandals | Earrings
Lips: Nars ‘Yu’ with Nars ‘Roman Holiday’ // Palm Springs Maxi Dress
Lips: Bobbi Brown ‘Punched’ // Naples Halter Dress | Cuff | Earrings
Lips: Charlotte Tillbury ‘Bosworth’s Beauty‘ // Carmel Halter Top | Cropped White Pants | Tassel Earring | Cuff
Lips: Nars ‘Yu’ with Tarte Maui H2O Gloss // Laguna Ruffle Back Dress | Hoop Earrings | Ring
Lips Mama SP: Nars ‘Juliette’ with Nars Gloss ‘Orgasm’ | Lips me: Nars ‘Charlotte’ mixed with Kevyn Aucoin Molten Lip in ‘Kate’ // Palm Springs Maxi Dress | Jean Jacket
So many gorgeous colors, right? And isn’t it incredible how a simple thing like lip color can change and impact the entire outfit? Literally the only change in makeup from pic to pic is the lip! Are you a bold lip girl, or prefer to keep it neutral? I got my love of bright lips from my grandmother…it instantly brightens your face and smile.
I hope this post was helpful and answered all your makeup questions pertaining to the Resort shoot! Feel free to leave any others, or requests for future beauty posts!
Find more Makeup Tips from Suzie here, and more behind-the-scenes of the photoshoot here.
[Shop our Makeup Faves]
*Photos by the darling and talented Valorie Darling. This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, but all opinions, product selections, and lipstick obsessions are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
I loved this post SO much! You looked GORGEOUS, and Suzie is AMAZING! Added a couple of lipsticks to my cart! And that Charlote Tilbury highlighter!
You are a doll, pretty woman! Enjoy the snowcat and we’ll explore these excellent make-up tips.
Hi Cassie,
Loved this post…..one thing I’d love to know that maybe you and even Suzie can weigh in on is how those of us without access to a makeup artist or glam squad can find make up that is just right for us (colors, etc.). It seems that employees at department stores and beauty stores alike are usually just trying to push their brand. Any tips or help is much appreciated!!!
That’s a really great question! But also one of the reasons I like to shop the Nordstrom beauty…those ladies aren’t tied to just a single brand or counter. Especially if you book a makeup appt with one of them, they’ll use all the brands!
mmmm…are you wearing false eyelashes?? they look so good!
Yes!! Suzie applies individual lashes for the shoot! She then applies mascara to marry the false with my own.
I don’t think I have ever commented before, if I just had to say how stunning you look in all of these pictures. And also just so joyful and vivacious. Congratulations.
Oh my word, thank you so much!! I really appreciate your kind words! xo
omg these lip colors are killing me!
You look beautiful! Questions on beauty-
Do you think you could
Share tips on how to wear lipstick in general? Like lipstick 101? Sounds odd but I have only worn it a few times in my life. (Probably bc I prefer heavier eye make up and my lips are small) But! I totally would if I knew how to wear it. As in- when do you put it on? First thing? Only when you won’t be eating or drinking? does it stay on while you drink and eat? Do you have to constantly check to see if it’s smudged? How often do you reapply? Tips to choosing the “right” color for your skin and coloring? I have been to the Nordstrom counter several times and haven’t been successful on this topic.
Also, would love to learn the next step of pairing lipstick with outfits. I have worn a red lipstick and it was fun but if it smudged even a little it was fairly obvious and tacky.
Thank you!
I love these questions! We can def look into doing more lip tutorials!
The picture of you and your Mother is just darling! That is frame worthy.
I noticed that your foundation was a custom blend of three shades. Were they from the same foundation? And if so what foundation did she use? You looked beautiful as always and thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! She used HD Foundation/Makeup Forever with a beauty blender
The photo of you and your mom looking at you adoringly is so sweet and you both look great in Palm Springs!
I have a question for a future beauty post: your tips and advice on getting a spray tan. My BIL is getting married in May, aka the end of a long, gray Michigan winter, and I’m thinking about getting a spray tan for it, but I’ve never done anything more than some gradual tan lotion or Airbrush Legs. I’m very fair and blonde. Thank you!
Good question! I have a post on applying self-tanner that might help, too! https://hisugarplum.com/sugarplum-style-tip-self-tanner/