Sebastien Tardif for Bobbi Brown

Sebastien Tardif has represented Bobbi Brown world wide.  He recently graced our shores arriving straight from New York fashion week to impart just a little of his maquillage magic.  Allison Browning shared a moment of his time.

What trends or fashion icons are inspiring you this season?

I am really inspired by all fashion accessories right now. They truly make the ensemble and reveal some interesting personality trait of the wearer.  

How is this working into the make up looks that you’re currently creating with Bobbi Brown?

When I do someone’s makeup I always take clues from the accessories worn and it gives me a good sense of how to compliment the overall look. I never match the eye shadows with the dress colour for instance but will rather add a colour accent found in jewelry, shoes or handbag.

How can we humble make up junkies get this look?

First and foremost, beautiful, real and clean looking skin with a satin finish is the key to pull any look together. Then choose a feature you would like to focus on albeit eyes, cheeks or lips. Knowing what you are going to wear, proceed to compliment that feature with a fun bolt of colour or a sheer looking accent found in your earings or maybe your belt. The possibilities are endless: Bright coral creamy-matte lips, a cobalt eyeliner or a pop of pink blush for the cheeks etc. The rest of your features should be nude or neutral looking to ensure a clean and modern finish.

Have you a favorite face you love to work on- tell us who?

I actually love discovering a new face or new features every time I do makeup. I personally like the challenge of playing up different skin tones and bone structures and see that twinkle of satisfaction in the woman’s eyes when I am done. Nelly Furtado was a wonderful experience as much as was Alek Wek for instance.

What’s it like to be behind the scenes on New York fashion week?

It is just another day at the office… All kidding aside, of course I find it extremely inspiring to work with other creative minds. When you get in the same room top designers, stylists, art directors, hair stylists and makeup artists, there is some major electricity in the air that could light up an entire city!

What’s the best part of your work?

The best part of my job is that I get to do something that I have a passion for. To quote Confucius: “ If you chose to do something that you love, you will never have to work for the rest of your life.”

…and the worst part?
Long assignments taking me away from the people I love.

Can you give us three golden make up rules?

First rule: there are no rules! Secondly, Skincare choices always directly impact the finish and longevity of the makeup.  Thirdly, always stay hungry for new makeup trends, tips and techniques as it is the most valuable quality of any successful Makeup Artist or makeup lover.

If you had only five Bobbi Brown products to create a simple ‘gotta fly out the door in five minutes’ look what would they be?

When pressed for time, there is nothing like providing skin with hydration with Protective Face Lotion SPF 15 which is great for all skin types, corrector/ concealer for maximum freshness around the eyes, Rose Shimmer Brick for glowing eyes & cheeks, Buff Lip Gloss which looks great on everyone and of course Smoke Lash Glamour for optimal defined eyes. The clock starts now!