Sunday Feature: You Go Girl! Featuring Makeup Artist To The Stars Andrea Claire!

Every Sunday I feature a blogger, artist, photographer, makeup artist, actress, socialite or all around awesome person on my blog in a feature I like to call "You Go Girl!" or in some cases "You Go Boy!".

This week Ill be featuring makeup artist to the stars Andrea Claire!

Ive been a long time fan of Andrea's and having gotten the chance to chat with her here and there I'm constantly impressed by her sweet, open and friendly nature. She's done it all in my eyes and is truly an inspiration not only as one amazing makeup artist but as a person too.

Being such a fan of course I had to feature her so I can share her talents, thoughts & advice with all of you ;)

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Who is Andrea Claire and why are you so fabulous?
Andrea Claire is a hair & makeup artist, wife and mother. Fabulous is a big word but... insert bio here: Known for beauty by creating luxurious skin tones and lustrous hairdos, Andrea's contemporary style and joie de vivre keeps her in demand with regular and new clients. Andrea has a knack for forecasting the trends and translating clients' visions into reality. A must-have team player on your set. Andrea Claire is a seasoned beauty expert with extensive print, runway, and on-air makeover experience. A hairstylist and make up artist, she’s worked in Toronto, Singapore, New York and parts in between. Her television and on-air makeover credits include Canada’s Stylin' Gypsies, So Chic, Canadian Idol, and various tv guest appearances. Andrea's work has been seen in campaigns for L'Oreal, Revlon, Lancome, Unilever and P & G and has led teams for NY Fashion Week and Canada's Fashion Week. While living in Singapore, she became a regular team member for Bazaar, ELLE, and VIP magazine shoots. A frequent 'go-to' expert, Andrea has also authored many beauty articles with tips, tricks and trends. Celebrity clients have included: Kelly Rowan, Miranda Richardson, Sarah Slean, Alanis Morissette, Bill Nighy, The Veronicas, Natalie Imbruglia, Dayle Haddon and others.

Where can we find you on the world wide web?

I have a blog - www.andreaclaire.onsugar.com; a web www.aclairebeauty.com and a killer agent www.judyinc.com/andreaclaire. I admit to googling my name when bored - it's funny what I have found... When I click on my name I hold my breath as I read, you never know if someone has something negative to say. Proud to say all flattering! *gush*

What beauty product(s) would you recommend and why?
I have a plethora of products on the go that can change season to season or year to year. I have been using Dermalogica skin care since 2003 and cannot live without it, most other products can be interchangeable.

Whats your 'go to' beauty product when doing bridal makeup?
My go-to for bridal: FACEatlelier foundation, NARS Orgasm blush, L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof mascara, Ardell Lashes, Jemma Kidd All Over Dewy Glow, CARGO Cosmetics EyeLighter - this is my basic and then I build from there. I know some people may think as reading 'Gosh, she's giving out all her secrets.' Pffft. No secrets here; I'm an open beauty book.

How did you get your start in the beauty industry?
I was an 80s New Waver when I was training to be a makeup artist - I did it ALL then, thankfully with limited self-portraits to prove it. haha. I then just naturally progressed. I went from being a makeup artist for a salon to doing nails and makeup for them. That same salon (in Waterloo at the time) asked me to train to do hair colour. I did, loved it and then moved to Toronto and got my hairstyling licence too. I worked in Yorkville at Civello in the early 90s for 2 years before going freelance. FYI- that first Waterloo salon fired me as according to the owner I would do nothing in this industry..... hmmmm... ok, thanks for the support, Dude. I think that's why I turn away no one who asks for advice. Everyone starts somewhere and everyone needs a mentor.

My favorite line(s) of beauty products is?
I really don't have a favourite makeup line. There are so many great products out there. I have certain go-to faves (see my bridal list above) but not one line could I commit to.

Who would you say have been some of your favorite celeb or high profile clients?
I recently worked with Lady Antebellum - they were great! Alanis Morrisette - very lovely and I think the most intelligent person I have worked on. She was asking me my opinion of various global topics, politics, world hunger, war, etc... and I blanked. I remember thinking I was giving my peers a bad rap - hoping she didn't leave thinking my brain cells were taken away from my aerosol sprays. Kelly Rowan - very classy, sent me a thank you card. Bill Nighy. I can honestly say, out of my list of celeb clients I have had all wonderful experiences. I love working Red Carpet and press junkets. I love music videos too but the hours in videos kill me.

Do you have any "rules" about makeup/beauty you live by?
No rules. If you Wear it, Rock it. I just made that up! :) My new tagline! lol. Some women you see in a very strong makeup or elaborate hairstyle and although it may look great, they seem awkward in body language. If you aren't comfortable, don't do it; or tame it so you feel like you. It's fun to play with the trends and not get stuck in a rut but don't let you friends or over-bearing mother/sister/bff/hairstylist tell you how you look good; you know how you look good - listen to yourself. I get very protective over people, even when I don't know them. I'm a Pisces, it's a curse.

Are there any makeup or beauty faux pas you really really cant stand?
Geometric lip liner, powder and misshapen eyebrows; it's as repetitive as 'drink 8 glasses of water a day' Sometimes I think ALLURE should just be free for women over 17.

Are there any beauty trends that you love right now?
Bronzed skin and tousled buns. LOVE.

Do you have a favorite beauty guru/mentor?
Kevyn Aucoin (rest in peace), Sally Hershberger, Oribe. Can I honourable mention 2 of my past assistants? Greg Wencel and Dee Daly. I have had many assistants over the years that I have watched grow into fabulous artist. *tear* They are all grown up! I am so proud.

Are there any beauty secrets or tips that you have learned over the years and think all women should know about?
I am glad that I had gotten into good skin care- that is a must! Sunglasses all year round cuts down on crow's-feet. I am older than some may think. I get carded ALL the time. PS - I NEVER wear powder. Dermalogia Multi-Vitamin Eye Cream. Buy it, thank me with a card. :) (btw -I am botox and filler free... so far...not to say I am not open to it...)

Was there a product you bought due to word of mouth hype that you just weren't pleased with once you tried?
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - I just don't get the hype.

Favorite foundation, lipstick & mascara?
FACEatelier Foundation, MAC Cosmetics lip anything, L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

What can people expect from Andrea Claire in the future?
As my husband says: I am always up to something! lol. So who knows. I have many doors open and opportunities a-knockin' - I just have to make decisions.

Any last words or advice on beauty?

My advice on beauty for all women: Be you. If you love you than everyone will love you too. Being you can be following the trends to the letter or it could be you not wearing the up-to-the minute colour. I know all women want to look good, that's an easy one- but your version of looking good might be different than your best-friend's opinion (unless you are looking for a make-over) and that's what makes the beauty and fashion world so great - options; and options can change daily, just like our minds. :)

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As always a BIG thank you goes out to Andrea Claire for being one fabulous lady ;) I wish her nothing but the best as she heads off to Singapore for yet another chapter of her exciting life!