Putting Your Best Face Forward with Tim Quinn

Upon meeting Giorgio Armani National Director of Creative Artistry and makeup guru Tim Quinn at the Giorgio Armani counter at Saks Fifth Avenue at Short Hills Mall on Saturday, and scoping out his shoes (chic smoker's flats reminiscent of Stubbs & Wootton), I could tell our conversation was going to be fun. 

Tim Quinn working his makeup magic skills.

His warm and ridiculously friendly personality made talking makeup with him effortless. And since he's known as a Celebrity Face Designer, I knew I'd be getting great tips and advice.

For Spring, Armani released their Luce collection, which features more ethereal colors in lighter shades inspired by Mr. Armani's love of light and it's effects on color. I personally love this palette (below) as it features shimmering grays and golds that leave a subtle, yet noticeable sheen. 

I asked him about red lipstick specifically - being that us bloggers love our red lipstick - and if women really still use lip liner. The jury is out on that, but if you feel like your lip color is bleeding, Tim said you can use concealer or foundation around your lips.

And what should every woman  have in their makeup kit? "The right foundation changes the look, and should perfect any imperfection you may want to hide," Tim reveals. 

When giving tips to women on makeup, there's never one rule that's universal. Instead, he likes to refer to it as "'Wardrobing your foundation', much like your clothing. On the weekend, you might go casual and wear jeans, and just might want tinted moisturizer. But when you're getting ready to go out, you want to really up the ante; you need a light reflecting foundation." 

And a big myth: Foundation can be matched by testing it on your hand or neck. Not so much. For an accurate match, Tim recommends letting a professional help you find your perfect tone. "You want to have an accurate look," he explains. "Buying makeup at a drugstore can be difficult because you can't test the products. Don't be afraid to ask for a trial. Take advantage of the makeup counters, and ask for samples." 

"Even when I get someone ready for the red carpet, I do their makeup at 10 in the morning, and the red carpet isn't till 3, because by the time your makeup is done, it hasn't soaked into your skin. Put it on. Do your hair. Get dressed. Let it become part of you." Tim Quinn

A big thanks to Tim for gabbing with me! If you have the chance to meet him, jump at the chance!