Monday, September 04, 2006



Paula Dorf: Confirming Why We Love Makeup

Two BeansTalk staffers got to actually meet one of our makeup idols, Paula Dorf (that's her in the image left), at the Showtime Emmy Suites. Dorf heads up Paula Dorf Cosmetics, and created a line of professional makeup brushes while working as the key makeup artist for some of music's top performers (including our all-time favorite pop star, Stevie Nicks). Once on set, Dorf realized the heavy foundation was no match for the heavier lights, and walked over to a local art supply store, cut up high quality paint brushes and began to apply foundation to skin with a maestro's hand, began the widely copied technique of using brushes to apply foundation. This lead to the creation of her own collection of professional makeup brushes.

When we left the Paula Dorf make-up area at the suites (our associate editor was getting touched up on her Cyndi Nistal-created brows; more on that later), Dorf was engaged in a major conversation with Judie Nitzin, whose husband Gregory Itzin was was nominated for an Emmy (he plays the president on "24").

The Sephora site (www.sephora.com) says Dorf’s makeup is the best of the best in terms of the makeup, but no makeup look.

Paula Dorf’s Tricks of the Trade


1. Paula Dorf Eye Primer $24
Dab this cream neutralizer onto lids prior to applying shadow to help color stay true and last all day.
2. Paula Dorf TransFormer $17
Turn any eyeshadow into liquid eyeliner with a drop or two of this wonder fluid.
3. Paula Dorf Enhancer Baby Eyes For Eyes & Lips $16
This peach-toned pencil brightens the lower rim of the eyes, making them appear wide open. Also, try it above your lip line for the prettiest pout.
4. Paula Dorf EyeLite $24
Say goodbye to tired eyes. This feather-light cream diffuses light for an instant pick-me-up, and a relaxed and refreshed look.
5. Paula Dorf Perfect Lash? $15
This lash conditioner thickens every last lash for a full, lush look. Apply a few swipes before applying mascara to help plump thin, sparse lashes.
6. Paula Dorf Perfect Illusion $20
Prime your lips with this emollient perfector that plumps the lips and stops feathering.
7. Paula Dorf Sweep Away? Clean Up Stick $10
Now you see it ' now you don't. This instant clean up stick magically sweeps away makeup mishaps in seconds.

We’ve certainly written enough on BeansTalk about our favorite lipsticks, but Dorf’s is definitely a contender. We love the lip color Bikini, new from Dorf (it’s on Dorf’s actual site, http://www.pauladorf.com/); it’s exactly the kind of bronzy prettiness we need to accent our growing collection of chocolate colored clothing. Both of the lucky staffers who met Dorf loved the color (although one of us had a lipstick disaster involving overly curious younger household members and guests). The other of us loves the vibrant red of Legend. Paula Dorf Lip Color, $19.