Every few years it’s a good idea to do a makeup refresh regardless of whether your preferred look is light or heavier makeup. Hair color, distribution of fat in the face, and even skin color (especially older in life) change, and so makeup should change with that. It can cost a few hundred dollars or more to have a makeup application and/or lesson from a pro, but that costs a lot less than a makeover with anti-aging injectibles or surgery.

“Plus, fashions change for ‘the look’, so do you want to look outdated?”, said Deborah Altizio, celebrity makeup artist whose clientele has included Project Runway, Alyssa Milano, Isabella Rosellini,  and Adriana Lima, as well as big name fashion photographers. Her clients have ranged from 16 year olds to women in their 80’s and 90’s.  This year’s look is natural  said she– chocolately browns, dewy skin, shimmer on the cheekbones, and the 40’s burgundy lips and dark eyes.

Whichever artist you choose, if she/he has never done your makeup, the artist should see an image of you in advance to be able to  bring the right colors and products for the session. Let the person know if you want a look for day or evening, and make sure they’ll custom tailor the makeup to your comfort zone (natural looking, Hollywood glam or whatever). My preferred makeup artist is Altizio since besides being very talented, she spends whatever time it takes to teach how to apply the makeup and do the application. She even recommends specific products to buy, always trying to find the right quality/value equation. For instance, three of her picks for me were Charlotte Tilbury makeup, Maybeline lipliner and Cover Girl mascara which she thinks is the best. She’ll also do a sketch of which products to use where.

She also happens to be a lovely person, down to earth and brimming with enthusiasm. Her price for up to a two hour lesson in the place of your choosing in New York City? $350. If you want her to come to Miami for a special occasion makeup her fee is $1500.

Here’s an image of me “after”. Sorry that I’m not sharing the “before” but let’s just say it looked like a passport photo so I’m sparing you ( note: she didn’t do my hair, that was after the lesson).