TLC’s What Not to Wear is most likely the pioneer in makeover/makeunder shows. For the last ten years, the fashion and beauty squad of Clinton Kelly, Stacy London, Carmindy and most recently, Ted Gibson have been changing the lives of women across the country. I’ve been a fan of the show since its debut so when I had the chance to work with the show when I worked in NYC, I was beyond excited. Fast forward more than five years later, the show comes to a finale, with a celebration in Las Vegas, lucky me…again!
I got to experience this history-making night on Monday and had a chance to catch up with one of my favorite beauty gurus, Carmindy, right before the celebration. And after this juicy sneak peek of what’s to come, I’m suddenly not so sad.
My Beauty Confessions: Your philosophy is all about celebrating true beauty and individual uniqueness. With all the makeovers you’ve done over the years on WNTW, what would you say is the biggest true beauty quality that women overlook or ignore?
Carmindy: Their right to pamper themselves and embrace their natural beauty. So many women after having children, working full-time, having a husband or ever going through a tough time, forget their most beautiful and ancient right as a woman which is to care for themselves without feeling guilt and realizing the true unique beauty they possess.
MBC: Your signature beauty technique, “Carmindizing,“ is a makeup tip that works on all women, is there a Carmindizing 2.0 or a second favorite tip or technique?
Carmindy: Absolutely! When applying liquid foundation or BB/CC Creams always use a non-latex sponge to blend on the product for seamless results and cover the eyelids and under the lower lash line. This will act like a lid primer keeping makeup in place all day.
MBC: You love to travel, what are your in-flight beauty must-haves?
Carmindy: Creme De La Mer for moisturizing my skin, Fresh Rose Sugar Lip Treatment for supple lips with a hint of tint, Blinc Amplified Mascara for natural looking dark lashes that will never smudge or budge, Fresh Satin Luster Palette to Carmindize the face and cream blush in pink for a flush that never looks dry.
MBC: What’s next or the latest with your partnership with Sally Hansen?
Carmindy: I have discontinued my line with Sally Hansen to make way for Carmindy & Co my new line of amazing cosmetics and skincare coming in January 2014! I’m also working on my 4th book called Bloom- A Girls Guide To Growing Up Gorgeous published by Penguin Books due to launch in summer 2014.
MBC: You launched your own beauty app not too long ago, how is it going, what’s the feedback? (I downloaded my avatar:))
Carmindy: It was one of the first of its kind and I love it. I wanted it to help women find a quick easy way to choose the right colors for their unique skin tone and also be able to learn how to apply the most basic looks that work on all women and all ages. I want to constantly improve on it so we have big plans for next year to make it more interactive and update everything with new technology.
MBC: TV show, books, beauty app…what’s next for you? What’s in the pipeline?
Carmindy: Carmindy & Co is going to be HUGE and international. Look out for the most amazing makeup and skincare then stay on the lookout as I Carmindize the world with neutracosmetics, haircare, jewelry, bags and fashion!
MBC: You’re in Vegas to film your last WNTW episode, how are you feeling? What was the sentiment on set?
Carmindy: I’m staying positive but I know it will be a very emotional time. This has been an amazing 10 year journey and I know it will be very hard to say goodbye. I’m happy we are doing it in celebration and going out with a bang not just fading away!
MBC: What are your thoughts on “Vegas” beauty & fashion?
Carmindy: It is really all over the map! There are very savvy and beautiful women as well as the other side of the spectrum. I’m sure with all the tourists there will plenty of people I will want to make UNDER haha!
MBC: If you didn’t pursue beauty, what would you be doing today?
Carmindy: Adventurer! Is that a job? LOL!
And what an adventure it is! Ladies, keep your eyes open for Carmindy & Co coming in 2014! In the meantime, download Carmindy’s app for exclusive how-to videos and tips, follow Carmindy on Facebook and Twitter and continue to tune in to TLC’s last and most epic season of What Not to Wear!
