BM: Your A-list celebrity clientele list is more than impressive. Have you had requests for cruelty-free or organic makeup?
PV: Natural makeup is definitely becoming more popular. The biggest concern I’ve seen is when people have allergies, so I started to integrate more natural products into my kit. The masses’ first introduction to more natural makeup was with mineral makeup. People now understand ingredients like parabens; by further educating the consumer, they will then create a larger demand.
BM: Can you tell our readers of a special-occasion makeup technique that keeps Hollywood’s elite coming back to you time and again?
PV: I create looks that are tailored to faces. The key ingredient, though, is how you work with highlighter on the face. You can create natural looks, but use light reflection techniques that create the sizzle. I highlight to further sculpt the cheek bones and define the eyes. Add highlighter to the apple of cheek, the temple, inside the eyes, to get that pop. Celebrities see this as part of the treatment or application, but not a lot of people do this. It propels the look to the next level.
BM: In your roster of celeb clients, you work with a lot of men. What is your top grooming tip to keep men looking great?
PV: My top three tips are to exfoliate, moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. A lot of men don’t take care of their skin. They need to be proactive earlier in life.
BM: With the rise in global awareness of all things eco, do you sense big change in makeup en masse? What is a favourite natural brand of yours?
PV: We are seeing more awareness, which is providing the customer with options. Do we have more work to do? Of course. People want to create the looks they want in a more healthy and manageable way.
Cold Sore FX is my rock star product right now. It cuts down the lifespan of the cold sore significantly. With most cold sore remedies, once you feel that initial tingle you have an hour or two to medicate before it flares up. Once the cold sore is inflamed, the medication is useless. But Cold Sore FX works at all stages of the cold sore. Propolis ACF is the natural, active ingredient. It also acts as a barrier between the cold sore and makeup. I’ve seen it work, know it works, and I am happy to share it with people.
BM: You have conquered so much in the beauty and fashion worlds. What do you see as one of your big accomplishments?
PV: I am always so excited about seeing clients look the best they can look. When you can give people the right information and the right tools, magic can happen. That’s a success story to me.
