For many of us, it’s been a brutal winter. As a makeup artist, I’ve witnessed the damage harsh winds and frigid cold can do to the skin – I’m talking sandpaper skin. This past month, every model or actor I worked on had skin/lips so dry and cracked there was no way his or her skin would accept makeup and be camera ready.

What to do?

Moisturizing is key, but the skin must be exfoliated for the skin saving ingredients to work. In the past, I used a scrub, but sometimes the scrub left the skin irritated, which is a no-no for the red carpet or photography. To the rescue is the new professional salon/spa only Clarisonic Pro. Yes, there are numerous vibrating facial brushes on the market, but the Clarisonic Pro has been proven to buff the skin - not abrade and damage the dermis like consumer vibrating brushes do. The Clarisonic Pro also comes with a large body brush to sooth and smooth legs, arms or feet.

How to?

With a gentle cleanser such as Aveda’s Purifying Gel Cleanser, swirl the brush over the entire face and neck – concentrate on areas that are particularly flakey. When finished, rinse the skin and pat dry. Next, apply a thick layer of rich cream – I love Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance Nourishing Anti Oxidant Cream. Let the cream soak in for 10 minutes before blotting.

For cracked and chapped lips, rub a coat of Jane Iredale LipDrink lip on the lips. Using an eyebrow brush or toothbrush, carefully buff the dead and peeling skin way. When finished, reapply the balm.

By following my tips, your model or client should be prepped for a smooth makeup application and ready for the camera or whatever event she is attending.

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