It's time for my annual Oscar review of the nominees for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling.  EMMA (Amazon) Marese Langan, Laura Allen and Claudia Stolze (photo from Google Search) This elegant yet witty film is gorgeous in its hair, makeup and costuming (also nominated). The makeup is clean and simple, as appropriate for the early 1800's. Mutton chops and ringlets are why this film was nominated, as they are in abundance and the delicate makeup and soft tendrils of hair on Emma exude the innocence we are supposed to believe of her character.  It's a lovely updated version, making this the twelve adaptation of the film.  Check out Vogue's article for more insight into the looks of the film.  HILLBILLY ELEGY (NetFlix) Eryn Krueger Mekash, Matthew Mungle and Patricia Dehaney My favorite kind of makeup is character makeup. Character makeup is subtle but incredibly transformative. The actor under the makeup is familiar but perhaps you can't quite put your ...

 Have you ever heard of The Community Loan Fund Of The Capital Region?  The Community Loan Fund is an organization that helps stimulate the small business economy. How? They provide low interest small business loans to women and minority owned businesses of the Capital Region (Upstate NY).  They also provide job training and technical assistance for entrepreneurs. The best part?  Individuals like you can invest extra cash to enable this success in your local community.  The Community Loan Fund’s growing number of investors – over 450 individuals, faith-based institutions, unions, foundations, banks, and other business and civic groups – collect interest on their investments and enjoy a 100% repayment rate. You may be wondering why I'm talking about this impactful organization this week. The Community Loan Fund is a huge part of The Makeup Curio Story. Because of them, I was able to move out of the back room of my house in 2017 and open our first retail space at...

  Every actor should know how to do their own theatrical makeup. It's one of the reasons I created the Theatrical Makeup Intensive - to provide the tools for success backstage. Our Theatrical Makeup Intensive includes the Graftobian Deluxe Student Kit but it was important to me to tell you why this kit is valuable. Here's highlighting the key items every actor should have in their makeup kit: Theatrical Creme Foundations With five shades of foundation, you're sure to get the perfect shade to match your skin tone. Don't forget for large theaters, your foundation color should be slightly darker than your skin tone, as the lights always wash you out. Setting Powder Every costumer will thank you for having an arsenal of setting powder in your kit. When set with powder properly, theatrical makeup doesn't move. Outdoor theater with heavy costumes? Add an alcohol-based setting spray tp seal the deal. Eyeliner Eyeliner creates character and accentuates the eyes. Become sin...