During my recent trip to the Makeup Show Orlando, I had a chance to meet celebrity makeup artist Merrell Hollis. Merrell is an Emmy-nominated makeup artist and grooming expert who has worked with multiple celebrities, including Naomi Campbell and Diane Von Furstenberg. His work has appeared on mega magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. He’s also the head of the Makeup Department on the Wendy Williams Show and the Creative Director for Black Opal cosmetics.
With such a busy schedule, I was excited that Merrell Hollis had a little time for a Q&A with me. Since I have such a diverse group of readers, I wanted to get the inside scoop from Merrell on how a woman can achieve red carpet ready makeup look everyday from the comfort of her vanity.
Here’s what Merrell Hollis had to say!
1. What are 3 must-have items every woman should carry in her makeup bag?
The three must have items every woman should carry in her makeup bag are:
1. Black Opal’s Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder
2. Make Up For Ever’s ME304 Emerald Green
3. Black Opal’s Even True Flawless Skin Liquid Color
2. If a woman only has 5 minutes to do her makeup in the morning, what features should she focus on?
If a woman only has five minutes to do her makeup in the morning, she should focus on her challenge areas, put on mascara, a bronzer, clear lip-gloss and then head out the door to tackle the world!
3. Wendy Williams always looks fresh and flawless on her show. What are some key tips to achieve a bright-eyed look at home?
Thank you! We have such an early start time so that’s great to know. The key to looking fresh no matter what is to focus on your eyelashes – the bigger the better, but be sure to avoid clumps – this will help to “open the eyes”. Also, add a cheek shimmer cream to highlight and give the skin a beautiful glow and finish with a neutral lip – this will draw more attention to your eyes.
4. What are your favorite ways to incorporate color into a makeup look, while still keeping the look work appropriate?
Work makeup looks are different for everyone depending on what field you are in and what career level you are at. My favorite tips while still keeping your look work-appropriate and having fun with color is to use rich shades like a deep eggplant or navy blue mascara. I also like a red lip and if you can, sneak in color eyeliner too.
5. Speaking of color, what is your favorite makeup color trend for the holiday season?
I love talking about color and the fact that women are having so much fun with color right now! My favorite color trend for the holiday season is to pair a smoky green eye look with red bold lips – which may sound cliché, but I love this look especially during this festive time of the year.
What is your favorite beauty tip from Merrell Hollis? If you could interview Merrell Hollis?
Leave a Reply