High-definition TV is supposed to bring a clearer and more realistic images, than analog TV, which is very good for the viewers, but not necessarily for the celebrities and TV personalities, revealing in details all the imperfections they might have.

Professional makeup artists have been suffering to adapt, especially with the formal, government-mandated switch from analog television to digital, which officially becomes the nation's norm on June 12. Even though it is not them who will appear on the screen, makeup artists know that they are going to be stricktly judged based on how their clients look. As a result, they started to make friends with lighting directors, and are cautioning celebrities to stay out of the sun and get more rest, and what is more important, they are probing new cosmetic products that have been designed specifically for HDTV.

"High Definition is the too-much-information camera," says Gregory Arlt, MAC Cosmetics' director of makeup artistry. "You have to treat the makeup like a tight, not-retouched beauty photograph," he said. That means that different approach towards makeup is necessary. Instead of covering up flaws, makeup artists now have to enhance what they have got. "You want to mimic real skin, just make it better," says Los Angeles-based artist Marie DelPrete, who works on CBS' "Rules of Engagement."

Anything that tends to shine, whether it is frost or shimmer makeup, will more likely appear wet and accentuate wrinkles, cautions DelPrete. In contrast, anything too matte will look too dry and flaky. The makeup artist at this time prefers to use a combination of HD-specific products and other foundations and moisturizers that come in light and liquid formulas. For a long time she has also been using a MAC Strobe Cream, which acts as a skin brighter and clarifier with iridescent particles.

The new cameras capture a picture that is between 3 to 4 times sharper than a regular video film, says Nick Gavrelis, vice president of global development at MAC. The focus of the makeup must be on the texture of the skin, and that is why the perfect canvas are needed, he said. The makeup must be moisturizing, sheer and applied in thin layers, Gavrelis advised, and recommended MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural baked powder for face. It is very smooth and spreadable with a matte final look, he explained. The makeup expert said that he also likes to use micronized mica, silicone and wheatgerm oil in order to give dimension to the skin and not leave it flat looking the way heavy powder or old-school pancake makeup would.

However, while makeup experts are more than willing to carry out their experiments with new products, that might not always be the case with regular consumers, who are likely to be loyal to a skin-care or foundation products that have been working for them for a while. The experts are sure that if they will be able to show the consumers that there is something else that might work better, they will make the switch. It is not going to be easy to get the right look, but once people do, they will not want to go back to their old beauty routine, said Gregory Arlt. "If it looks amazing in real life, it will look amazing in HD and vice versa," he said.

Source: The Daily News Online

Tags: Beauty

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