MIXING THE ELEMENTS | SHERYL LOWE
We love statement jewelry and the idea that when wearing an arm stack, we're sharing a number of stories that completes our look as well as telling others about ourselves! We took a moment to chat with Sheryl Lowe about her namesake line Sheryl Lowe Jewelry. We wanted to know how she went from working on TV/film sets as a MUA, her passion for jewelry, creating her line as well as creating an additional line - MR. LOWE which has been modeled by her sons and husband, Rob Lowe. We also wanted to know more about her process in terms of creating the pieces and finding the right gemstone that will carry her vision.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You started in the industry as a MUA and have worked on a number of films! What led you to deciding that you wanted to put your creativity into making jewelry?
SHERYL LOWE: I started designing and creating jewelry when I was 14. I visited local bead shops and made designs for close friends and family. That started my passion for gemstones and exotic rare beads. When I was on-set as a make up artist, my passion for jewelry was always there. As I moved from set to set, venturing to new locations for each project, I continued to collect jewels and beads. These have since grown into parts of my collection now, and trained me to have the eye that I do today.
AM: I am an Accessory Expert, Fashion Stylist and Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir of Athleisure Mag. I have always believed that an accessory tells a story that starts with the designer who created it and continues with those that wear it. When did you realize that your passion for creating these pieces would be best served in creating Sheryl Lowe Jewelry and what story are you conveying with your pieces as a whole?
SL: I didn’t set out to found a company, although I’m wildly grateful for what Sheryl Lowe Jewelry has become. It really began as a way of connecting with other women artistically. At a certain point, demand became significant enough that I had to transition my little passion of the heart into a business, but I’ve always fought to keep the experience as personal as when I was stringing beads and creating necklaces out of my closet as a teenager.
AM: What is the ethos behind your brand?
SL: Classic with an edge.
AM: You handcraft each of your pieces and use a number of stones and precious metals. How do you go about sourcing your stone pieces and what does that process involve?
SL: Each stone is chosen specifically for every new collection. My method is to focus on how something makes me feel when I hold it and am looking at it.
AM: I have always loved stones in my jewelry, what are 3 of your favorite stones that you like to use?
SL: Rainbow Moonstone, Emeralds and Turquoise
AM: Where do you get inspiration from to create your line?
SL: I am inspired by timelessness, effortlessness and sex appeal and how something makes me feel when I wear it. Currently I am in a Brigette Bardot era, South of France phase.
AM: In looking at your site, I love a great wrist stack and love your Spring Sands Bundle, Black Diamond ID Bracelet and Multi-Color Opal + Pearl Bracelet with 8 Diamond Rondelles. What are 3 pieces that are your favorite?
SL: One of my staples I wear everyday is my silver diamond ID bracelet. I love mixing chains with beads so I will always layer one of my favorite color beads to create my own personal arm party.
AM: You have had Oprah, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani, Maria Shriver, Gwyneth Paltrow and more wearing your brand. Who would you say is the Sheryl Lowe customer?
SL: My client is a woman who is classic but likes to have a bit of adventure. She aspires to add a special piece to her collection and she wants something that tells a story and brings meaning to her life.
AM: If a customer has a specific stone that they would like to use can they work with you to create a piece? Can a customer bring a stone that they already have to incorporate into a custom piece?
SL: We love the challenge of creating a piece out of someone’s special heirlooms.
AM: What led to the launch of MR. LOWE?
SL: Starting from the beginning, I have always designed pieces for men and women and my husband has always worn my designs so it was natural to launch MR. LOWE
AM: I think it’s great that you had your husband and children model the line, who is the MR. LOWE customer and where do you get inspiration from when you’re creating this?
SL: The MR. LOWE man is the corporate outdoorsman, an adventure seeker and
sports enthusiast.
AM: I love a number of the bracelets from the men’s line and would wear personally as I’m a fan of Onyx and Malachite! What are 3 of your favorite pieces from MR. LOWE?
SL: I am a girl who appreciates a man who mixes chain with beaded bracelets for a textured look. Some of my favorites are the black onyx, blue lapis and green jasper. I also love our bracelets made from old record vinyls.
AM: Your pieces are sold at luxury retailers including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and you are a member of the CFDA as well. Where do you see Sheryl Lowe whether it’s upcoming projects, increasing your assortment etc?
SL: I love when new clients discover Sheryl Lowe designs. That’s what excites me the most.
AM: Philanthropy is a business model that is built into your brand. What organization do proceeds of your line go to and why was it important for you to include this?
SL: Recently I designed a set of Amethyst bracelets with all proceeds benefiting The Women's Alzheimer’s Movement, a cause close to my heart.
AM: When you are not designing or planning your upcoming collections, how do you take time for yourself?
SL: I love to read a good book, listen to music, and spend time with my two sons and of course take a romantic walk on the beach with my husband.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Nancy Neil Photography
Read the AUG ISSUE #80 of Athleisure Mag and see MIXING THE ELEMENTS | Sheryl Lowe in mag.
Featured
R3DCARP3T
SHOT AT 575 PARK AVE #1507 | PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Farkas | STYLING Kimmie Smith | MUA Kat Osorio | HAIR Lea DeLoy | NAILS M&A Beauty Nails |
MAI TIME WITH JEANNIE MAI
Our issues are always filled with our faves and range in various areas that we are intrigued and enlightened by. We've been fans of Jeannie Mai ever since she appeared on the Style Network's "How Do I Look"? Her approach to making all women feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin is such a refreshing one in an industry that is not known for embracing these values.
We had the chance to hangout with Jeannie and shoot her cover at NYC's 575 Park Avenue while finding out more about her style career, being a fashion correspondent as well as being one of the co-hosts of FOX's The Real.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background as we remember you first from your days on Style Network 'How Do I Look' and your use of 'wearapy'. Share with our readers what wearapy is.
JEANNIE MAI: My mom taught me that my style is my business card. After I graduated high school I was teaching women in my hometown of San Jose on how to dress for their body type and helping celebrities perfect their makeup for the stage. I knew my message to brand your beauty needed to be taught to millions, so I moved to LA to promote that message. I was honored to take on being the host of "How Do I Look" and began teaching my philosophy about "wearapy" - the idea that you can change your opportunities from the outside in.
AM: We know that you started as a MUA. Share your path from transitioning from a Celebrity MUA, to a Stylist to an on air personality.
JM: Makeup is the most inexpensive tool you can use to transform your image. Again, my mom was a key player in teaching me all the power that comes in owning what's most unique about me. I marketed myself well throughout the Bay Area as a makeup artist and stylist and was blessed to be at the right place, at the right time...while I stayed prepared for my moment. I went from painting faces of stars like Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, and Alicia Keys to styling them whenever they needed because at the time there were no assigned stylists from record labels. While I enjoyed helping celebs, empowering everyday women was my passion. So I moved to LA to begin sharing my message on television.
AM: You have a number of shows you're a part of! Tell us about The Real - what was the process like to getting a spot as one of the co-hosts and what is it about this talk show format that is so exciting for you?
JM: The Real is the sickest celebration of authenticity and girl power in a daily talk show. I am thrilled to work beside Tamera Mowry Housley, Loni Love, and Adrienne Houghton - we are a dream team. Don't get me wrong, it's hard work and we don't rest until we put our hearts out there at our Girl Chat table every single day. But what's most exciting is listening to our fans and hearing the incredible stories of lives being changed and affected through our stories of truth and progress to be our best.
AM: The fashion industry is glamorous, but it's also one that many find is harsh in terms of over photoshopping, representing diversity, weight etc - we have always been struck by how you represent and carry the message of women being comfortable in the bodies that they are in - do you feel that you are a role model for this and what led you to representing this acceptance/platform?
JM: I am the best role model for me. At 38 years young I embrace all it took for me to really enjoy the body I'm in and the woman I live to be. I wouldn’t be keeping it real if I didn't say I haven't touched a photoshopping app or struggled with my image, but being a woman means owning the right to do what makes you fabulous as long as it helps you serve your mission in life.
AM: We love #MaiTips - share 3 of your tips with us on achieving great effortless summer style and what are 3 tips that we should consider when we go to summer weddings?
JM: I have 3 tips that can work for both!
1. Invest in head wraps, scarves, and hair accessories. It’s the most effective piece to pull an outfit together, frames your face, and is always a classic stylish touch.
2. Before leaving the house work on the best poses and stride with your outfit and shoes. After all, it’s all about making an entrance and a lasting impression in pics!
3. Use deodorant not just under your arms, but behind your knees, inside your elbows, and down your cleavage as well. Nothing worse than feeling sweat after sitting in the sun, especially at a wedding, but a little help in those areas help you feeling dry and fresh day to night.
AM: You're always on the go, what are your must haves to travel with in terms of makeup, snacks and style finds?
JM:- Makeup: Minnavi skin care masks are a must for hydration and luminescence, they have a time release of nutrients that keep my skin in check through any type of weather. I use them religiously before any red carpet or date night with the hubs!
- Snacks: Chia seeds are necessary for energy and digestive health & Dang coconut chips are delish as a healthy fat and sweet!
- Style Finds: I am addicted to eyewear. I purchase glasses from every city I visit, and love how every style frame can add instant sophistication to my looks.
AM: With the summer upon us, how can we get a great glow for our skin to have that sun goddess kissed look?
JM: See my Minnavi skin care tip above. No really, these masks save lives. Prep it with Tulura skin oil (both the serum and the oil set) and I swear you will skip foundation.
AM: Do you have any travel plans this summer?
JM: I'm thrilled to be executive producing and shooting my series of "How Do I Look Asia" in Singapore that will be airing in 33 countries, and taking mom to Sri Lanka and Korea after. The girls and I from "The Real" will be going on vacay this summer, and my besties Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson from Too Faced Cosmetics and I will be headed to Italy immediately following that trip.
Did I mention I’m obsessed with travel?
AM: As a busy woman, how do you achieve a balance between work, life in general and assessing your own needs for personal time to recharge?
JM: First and foremost I start my day with a prayer of expectation of what's to come, and I end my day with gratitude for the unexpected. I feel that balances me for anything to come that day. Second, I prioritize spending time with what’s most important to me, like my husband, my family, the outdoors, great friends, and a really good Old Fashioned at the end of it all!
AM: What projects are you working on at the moment that you can share with us and where will we see you next?
JM: I have an exciting project I'm working on with my awesome Mama Mai, I'm writing a book, starting a YouTube series, and we have a whole new side to "The Real" coming out for you next season!
AM: If there are additional items that you would like to share with us, please feel free to share!
JM: I appreciate the heck out of Athleisure Mag for taking this time and can't wait to hear more from your readers. Please do connect with me on my socials so we can keep in touch! Mad love.
AM: We loved creating this shoot for so many reasons and another character that plays throughout the luxury apartment's unit 1507 at 575 Park Ave, which had great touches that brought an additional layer of character to our cover shoot! We interviewed Louise Phillips Forbes, Licensed Senior Associate Real Estate Broker at Halstead Property in Manhattan.
LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: It’s simply stunning! I absolutely love the renovation that was done here. There is an abundance of designer details and high-end finishes that discerning buyers really appreciate. Plus it has open city views, including Park Avenue, and sun-drenched rooms throughout so it’s a delight to be in day or night. It also has a well-proportioned floor plan with separate bedroom wings providing ultimate privacy. Entertaining here is a pleasure with a loft-like great room that beautifully combines living and dining. The living room boasts a decorative fireplace and thoughtfully designed custom built-in bookshelves, while the dining area is complemented by a built-in banquette flanked by crafted custom display cases. The bold designer choices in the kitchen are very chic, featuring a stunning mosaic tile floor, dark custom cabinetry, black granite counter tops, and high-end appliances. It looks like something right out of the pages of Architectural Digest.
AM: Tell us about who represents this property.
LPF: I am very honored to be the broker representing this exclusive listing. I have been working in residential real estate for more than 28 years and currently hang my hat at Halstead Property’s Park Avenue office, where I’m proud to lead the firm’s #1 team. My portfolio of clients includes buyers, sellers, and luxury developers all over NYC and my career sales are in excess of $3 billion. I consider myself more of an educator than a sales person and it’s a privilege to be a part of this process with people, after all, your home is the base upon which the rest of your life is built.
AM: The interiors of this property really made us feel at home, who were the interior decorators of this space?
LPF: I agree, it is a sophisticated aesthetic but still very warm and inviting, a home you feel comfortable in. That is credit to the current owners, an elegant husband and wife team who love to entertain and appreciate family time. They had a vision for the renovation and made it a reality. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design so it’s her impeccable taste reflected in the interior design choices throughout, but he also has a discerning eye and would consider himself a collaborator in the final result. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them on several transactions in the city and I’ve thought each of their apartments was designed to perfection, but this one is very special.
AM: What amenities are offered in this building for residents?
LFP: Built in 1927, The Beekman is an elegant residence designed by George F. Pelham with an Italian Renaissance style that embodies a global lifestyle. Pied-a-terres are permitted and the full-service, white-glove amenities include: 24-hour doorman, concierge, valet, maid service (five days a week and monthly thorough cleaning), fitness room, central laundry room, private storage, engineering staff, and an onsite building manager who is terrific. Situated on Park Avenue at 63rd Street, the building is also home to the alluring French restaurant, Vaucluse, Chef Michael White's masterpiece serving impeccable food with an interior fashioned by Meyer Davis, that beautifully integrates contemporary design elements with the natural grace emblematic of Provence.
AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that is directly around the building.
LFP: The coveted location is convenient to Central Park, fine dining and charming cafes, luxury boutique shopping, art galleries, museums, and gourmet grocers. Plus Equinox is just one block away and there is public transportation nearby if needed.
AM: For those that are interested in purchasing this unit, how can they find out more information?
LFP: It would be very easy to call this lovely apartment home given that it’s move-in ready. Simply bring your toothbrush ;)
To schedule an appointment, people can contact me directly and I will be happy to show them the apartment and discuss the purchasing details. I can be reached via email at lphillips@halstead.com or at 212-381-3329.
AM: Where can readers find out about additional properties that you represent?
LFP: Visit my website and click on the tab for “My Listings.” You can view pictures and videos along with detailed descriptions of each property I’m working with.
Read more from the May Issue and Mai Time with Jeannie Mai as well as more info on the unit we shot in via our chat with Louise Philips Forbes of Halstead in mag.
Featured Celebrities
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Rae Morris
BEAUTY ESSENTIALS WITH CELEBRITY MUA, RAE MORRIS
We took a moment with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Rae Morris who is renowned as one of the most influential Makeup Artists in the world. She is not only a number one best-selling author, but also a four times Australian Makeup Artist of the Year, the longest serving Makeup Director for L’Oreal Paris (2003-2013) and has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame.
With the success of her new book, Makeup Masterclass, which took 2 years to shoot in Australia as well as NYC, we talked about her new release, her must have tools that she designed and what makeup is an essential that we should know about.
ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist and who were your inspirations?
RAE MORRIS: In the 80’s, I was a model for about 5 minutes, and that was a time when faces were transformed to look “unrecognizable.” That’s when my love for makeup began. I was also blessed to be around the birth of Culture Club, Marilyn, and Ziggy Stardust, where men wore as much sometimes more makeup than women!
AM: Makeup Masterclass is such a powerful and comprehensive book that showcases tools, maintaining skin, methods and the end result of creating a large number of looks that are popular whether they are rocked on the streets, or in a number of shows/movies that we watch. How did you go about putting this project together?
RM: The experience from the previous five books really helped, but the aim was to create a book that not only combined but also eclipsed all my previous books into one big bible. Probably the hardest bit was putting into words some of the creative processes and techniques that I’ve developed and use everyday. Normally, I would just demonstrate them, but for the book I had to illustrate with words and diagrams. I’m really proud of how my “Eye Phi” turned out. The project itself ran over 2 years. We shot first in Sydney and then in New York. Then the real work started. In the end, it was almost over-engineered. It had the best paper, rose gold embossed hard cover, dust cover… Our lead designer even flew to the printer and slept there for five days to make sure they got the color grading right!
AM: It's been 7 years since you wrote your first book, what do you feel has changed in the industry since then?
RM: I can't even believe how much has changed in the industry in the last 7 years since Makeup Guide was released. If I could turn back the clock and be told in that seven year’s time, 13 year-olds will have their own “channel” in the form of youtube, etc and women who never even knew what a contour cream was, would not only know ten types, but they would also know the makeup artist’s secret of applying it. There is so much “free information” available.
AM: You have your own line of tools, and in the book you go through the kinds of brushes. that one should have - what are 3 tools from your collection that you suggest that every makeup kit should have?
RM: No.3 Ultimate Cheekbone - I believe the most powerful anti-aging thing a woman can do is contour, but it can be confusing. This brush takes all the guesswork out of it for you. It carves the perfect cheekbone in less than 3 strokes.
Radiance Brush (26) - I honestly believe no foundation brush comes close to this one. It’s the softest (but still firm) and it works with all foundation types (from liquid to cream to powder) by applying foundation in seconds. It is a favorite of Kelly Roland, Paula Abdul, and Sarah Jessica Parker just ordered one. Also, the Radiance was seen all over the back stage atthe McQueen show in Paris.
No 7. Deluxe Point Shader - This brush will change the way you do your eye makeup. It’s super soft, perfect for creating the perfect socket, but just by adding pressure to the brush you can create the best Smokey eye in seconds.
NO.14 Perfect eyeliner - Eyeliner brushes are essential, you can use them for the obvious “Eyeliner” tasks or just to intensify your chosen eye shadow around the lash line. I have three sizes in my brush range, as one size does not fit all! You may want a precise fine line or a bold "Audrey Hepburn” line, so I recommend using the the right size brush to achieve the line size that you want.
AM: Even skin tone is something that is essential to any makeup look. You share a great tip on how to ensure that you are matching your skin correctly; can you share this with our readers?
RM: It’s a myth to match your foundation to your jawline; your neck is usually much paler than your face due to it being blocked from the sun. You always want your face and body to be the same color, so always match it on the décolletage area and if you fake tan you need to darken your base.
AM: What makeup/skincare brands do you personally advise that we should have?
RM: For makeup I love Nars, M.A.C. and I’m so in love with the I.T concealers and foundations, and Ellis Faas creamy eyes are my favorite. For skin care I love Ultra Cuticles MD, or anything that’s active, I love the little tingle I get when I use the vitamin “A’ and “C’s” and I love having omilux light and gentle peels, I would rather spend the money and go to a dermatologist or a cosmetic physician and see results, than spend so much money on hype.
AM: Of the looks that you create in Make-up Masterclass, which ones are your favorites and which ones do you personally wear yourself?
RM: I do love the cover of Shanina Shaik. I love the femininity and the prettiness of the makeup. For me, I don’t actually wear makeup (rarely) to work. I don’t want to show off to my clients what I’m capable of, but if I had to pick a look it would be the second look I did on Shanina. It’s all about the eyeliner, with everything else paired back.
AM: What is a day in the life for you as a Celebrity Makeup Artist?
RM: Four makeup bags, two assistants, and everyday is different. It’s a balancing act between the photographer, the client, and the model; what they want me to do and what I want to do. So it’s constant consulting and decision-making. It’s more stressful than you might think, especially with all the egos involved (including mine). The makeup is the easy bit.
AM: Are you able to tell us celebrity clients that you have worked with and/or those that you would like to work with?
RM: Some I can tell. Others I keep quiet for confidentiality reasons, so I don’t get hammered with questions about them when the cameras are off. My “keeping them private policy” is why these clients keep booking me.
So here are a few of my faves: Pink, Jessica Biel, Ellie Goulding, Kelly Roland, Paula Abdul, Shanina Shaik, Miranda Kerr, Cyndi lauper, just to name a few…
AM: Paula Abdul wrote the forward for your book and we know that you did her makeup on So You Think You Can Dance, Australian edition - how did you get her to be involved with your book?
RM: Some celebrities you work with become close friends. I consider Paula a friend, rather then a client now.
Yes, it was on that show that we met and we just started a great friendship. She always had this way of complimenting me and my work. She would say the best quotes about me, to me, so she just was perfect for the job.
AM: How do you stay balanced with so many projects that you work on and what fitness methods do you do?
RM: I’m actually completely out of balance (balance has never been a word anyone has used to describe me) and I have never exercised. I'm always too exhaust-
ed. I was brought up in a gymnasium, my mother was an instructor so it traumatized me for life. It’s always all or nothing, so I’m either working on the most creatively challenging jobs with 5 assistants, or I’m sitting at home watching “Peppa Pig” and playing Play Dough with my two year-old. Or I’m sleeping, so I suppose that’s balance?...
SHOT AT Ava DoBro | PHOTOGRAPHY Eugene DeLucie | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA/HAIR Kat Osorio | MODEL Heidi Li |
HELLO WEEKEND
| Cheetah Bodysuit ELEKTRIX LOVE | Sport Bra/Striped Long Sleeve Tee AVOCADO ACTIVEWEAR | Headband BUFF | Workout Gloves PROPS ATHLETICS | Cropped Sweat Pant FOREVER 21 | Trainers NEW BALANCE | Talisman Necklace SEQUIN JEWELRY | Earrings E SHAW JEWELS |
Our shoot focused on our model on a lazy Saturday in her apartment from getting up, relaxing, and getting a work out in. Ava DoBro is located in Brooklyn's Navy Yard and has a few things that are worth noting.
AM: What is the concept behind the design of the building?
AD: The building is unique in that it offers two distinct AvalonBay products (AVA DoBro and Avalon Willoughby Square) with a series of shared amenity spaces throughout. Feeding off the energy of the neighborhood, AVA DoBro creates a slender, fully-glazed silhouette anchoring Downtown Brooklyn. Interior designer CetraRuddy brought this dual-branded concept to life by creating two separate communities, each with memorable spaces and experiences geared to a specific target market. Avalon caters to a classic and sophisticated design sensibility, while AVA reflects a more eclectic, neighborhood-inspired design.
AM: What are the amenities offered at AVA DoBro?
AD: AVA DoBro offers residents a Children’s Play Room, comfortable Chill Lounge, Fitness Center, Fitness Studio and 30th Floor Rooftop Terrace to lounge, entertain and grill. Pet-centric amenities include a dog-washing station and vast rooftop dog run. Additionally, the lobby offers immediate access to AVA Brew, an on-site specialty coffee shop. By the end of the year, residents will also have access to an exclusive 58th Floor Lounge with north- and south-facing terraces with stunning views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.
AM: Accessibility seems to be a major aspect to this rental property with the access to subways on the corner, coffee shop etc, what colleges and larger businesses are in the area that would be draws to potential residents?
AD: Residents are drawn to the easy access to Manhattan and the emerging commercial and retail district of Downtown Brooklyn. The nearby MetroTech Center and King County Supreme Court house thousands of jobs, while Brooklyn Law School, NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus and New York City College of Technology flood the neighborhood with students.
AM: Who decorated the space featured within our photoshoot?
AD: CetraRuddy is the interior designer for the project and Pushcart Coffee operates AVA Brew.
AM: What are other selling points in this building?
AD: Beyond the AvalonBay brand recognition, residents are especially fond of AVA Brew, the full suite of building amenities, range of unique apartment layouts, the pet-centric amenities and the friendly building staff.
AM: For those that are residents, what are the neighborhood selling points?
AD: Residents are attracted to the immediate access to Manhattan, rapidly-emerging neighborhood, active streetlife and unique services and amenities AVA DoBro offers.
AM: Is there anything that we should know about the Brooklyn Navy Yard area?
AD: The Navy Yard is undergoing a radical transformation and is quickly becoming an integral piece of Brooklyn’s waterfront redevelopment. A magnet for pioneering, energetic and creative entrepreneurs, the Brooklyn Tech Triangle is fueling a renaissance to grow the innovation economy in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Read more from the Aug Issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Kelley Quan
IN THE MIST WITH KELLEY QUAN
Last month we popped by a beauty event and got up and close and personal with celebrity makeup artist, Kelley Quan, who is also the founder of the Pocket Spa - a must have beauty device that keeps you refreshed and cool that's great from pre-makeup, makeup, and after you take it all off.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background as a makeup artist.
KELLEY QUAN: My beginnings as a pro artist were not your typical journey as I started as a painter and as fate would have it, makeup found me rather than the other way around! That said, once I saw the capacity for what was possible to create on a body, well, there was no going back to canvas for me!
I have been a makeup artist now for 20-plus years working mainly in the fashion and beauty, and advertising areas and still love everything about the industry. To be able to travel the world and work on some of the most beautiful people on our planet has been a true gift. It's also so gratifying to work with other creatives and be part of a team. The business is all about collaborative efforts and I love how we can come together to produce images that are really dynamic.
As an artist, I have always been known as a “skin” girl, meaning that while I use loads of foundations, powders, primers etc.. I want the skin to look like I didn’t - “that she just woke up that way” perfection. There is an inner glow and sheen the skin has when it’s in peak condition, it is so unmistakably gorgeous and I aim to achieve this with every single job. There are so many ways to produce this, and depending on my subject I’ll switch up the application and products that help me achieve the look I’m after.
All of what I do as an artist has an emotional connection. Essentially, my mission is to get my subject to shift the perception she has of herself. It’s an incredible feeling when she can see what I see, and feels all the more beautiful because of it. I have found over the years that when I can get my models to feel an inner beauty, that it makes everything that I do on the outside even more impactful. Think of it as a Mind, Body, Spirit makeup application!
AM: With all the time that you spend on set, how did that assist in creating the Pocket Spa?
KQ: One of the things I have done since the beginning of my career was to use mineral waters or floral mists as a prep for the skin. It was effective before any makeup was applied, but you had to be very careful if used afterwards. It could destroy all the hard work I’d put into the makeup application in one spritz! I tried to find a fine mister or atomizer that would allow me to hydrate the skin, but just wasn't anything that was fine enough. It got me thinking about what I wanted and what technology was available that would help me to create the right vapor-mist. After many trial and errors, the first Pocket Spa was born. From the beginning, I knew that this was a much more effective way to hydrate and the extra benefit of helping maintain the makeup was just icing on the cake! All of my subjects were very receptive to all the experimentation with various prototypes and were critical to the development of the final product you see today. I thank them all for all the zany test drives they have had to endure!
AM: Tell us about the Pocket Spa and why it's essential within our beauty and daily routine?
KQ: The Pocket Spa is a compact, refillable and rechargeable personal humidifier that uses nano-technology to turn plain water into a moisturizing-mist of tiny water droplets that are small enough to penetrate deeper levels of the skin and replace moisture that is constantly being leached from skin by natural and environmental factors such as soaps, detergents, dry air, heating systems, air-conditioning, air travel and UV from the sun. I think it's an essential part of a beauty routine because it instantly delivers much-needed hydration to the skin where it needs it most, not just to the surface and helps to maintain the skin’s overall quality.
There are a ton of benefits to using it daily— After cleansing and moisturizing: the Pocket Spa is a more effective way to hydrate and not only adds moisture deeper into the epidermis but also helps skincare to perform even better. For a daily routine, I recommend using the Pocket Spa in the morning, during the day and in the evening. There isn’t such a thing as over use because the device only uses water to use it whenever your skin is crying out for some attention!
AM: In addition to being able to use water, tell us about the fragrances that you created that can also be used and will there be additions?
KQ: In addition to using plain water, I also recommend using my Aquasol ™ waters which were specifically created for use in the Pocket Spa. Each are small batch distilled and chemical and oil free. Re:Fresh is a bright, fresh fragrant water. It stimulates the skin and wakens it up, preparing it for a skincare/makeup application. Ingredients are: Hydrosol of Organic Melissa for inflammation and calming as well as antibacterial qualities, Lime to address congestive and anti-inflammatory issues and organic Rosemary improves mood, helps to clear the mind, and relieves stress and is also has anti natural antibacterial qualities.
Re:Generate is a heady blend of ingredients that are super regenerators which prepares the skin for replenishment during the sleep hours and encourages a general calm as well. Ingredients are: Hydrosol of Rose, Neroli, Frankincense, and Melissa. This combination will not only assist in reducing inflammation and promote health tissue and cell regeneration, it will calm and relax you as well which is why I recommend it for evening use or when you need to reduce stress. The combination of each of these ingredients was carefully crafted to promote a deep sense of calm, while also promoting regeneration of the skin.
AM: Do you see more devices being included within the Pocket Spa?
KQ: I have plans to expand the line of product to include a few more beauty devices to target cleansing and also a broad market version of the Pocket Spa.
AM: Where can we get the Pocket Spa and do you have any dream locations/sites that you would like to see the Pocket Spa on?
KQ: Currently, the Pocket Spa is available at AHALife, Open Sky, Nigel’s Beauty Emporium in Los Angeles and Blur Beauty in Toronto, Canada. I am in the midst of a distribution deal for North America and the UAE. I would LOVE to be in Sephora of course, especially in their new brand discovery area, but I also love Blue Mercury stores as well. I have a special spot for New London Pharmacy too as I am a New Yorker and over the years as an artist have bought some of my favorite brands from this little apothecary. It would be fantastic to be part of that family!
AM: What are the benefits of using Pocket Spa?
KQ: There are several advantages of using the Pocket Spa. First of all, while I have talked about it mainly as beauty device, it is also an amazing product to use for dry eyes or sinuses - even the hair. The micro vapor soothes those delicate areas to add instant hydration and relief. In addition to this, the Pocket Spa is a great traveling companion. It will help to keep your skin in great condition even at 30,000 feet. And don’t be surprised if your seat mate asks you to borrow it!
AM: Please share anything else that you would like us to know about you and/or the Pocket Spa?
KQ: As an artist, I have always taken great care to understand each of my clients needs. For every product I develop, I consider the consumer and have a singular mission in mind. It is to have highly effective products that create a memorable user experience. Whether it be from my hand crafted vegan beauty brushes , or the Aquasol, or the Pocket Spa, each work toward the goal of helping my clients look and feel amazing with ease.
SHOT AT El Barrio Artspace | PHOTOGRAPHY Fernando Sippel | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Angel Morales | HAIR Selda Cortes | MODEL Viktoria Avramchuck/MAJOR MODEL |
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
OPENING SPREAD | Mesh One Piece Swimsuit YANDY.COM | High Waisted Skirt WOW COUTURE | Earrings and Cubed Pendant Necklace E SHAW JEWELS | Gold Bracelet SEQUIN JEWELRY | IMG 1 LEFT | One Piece Mesh Cut Out YANDY.COM | Shine 2 MISFIT | Earrings and Amethyst Necklace E SHAW JEWELS | IMG 1 RIGHT | Zipped Dress WOW COUTURE | Layered Necklace and Earrings SEQUIN JEWELRY | IMG 2 LEFT Colorblock Swimsuit YANDY.COM | Seashell Necklace E SHAW JEWELS | IMG 2 RIGHT | One Piece Swimsuit YANDY.COM | Earrings and Necklace E SHAW JEWELS | IMG 3 LEFT | Banded Crop Top WOW COUTURE | White Short AMENPAPA | Statement Necklace and Stacked Bracelet SEQUIN JEWELRY | IMG 3 RIGHT | CUT OUT BODY SUIT WOW COUTURE | Raincoat HELLY HANSEN | Shine 2 MISFIT |
Read more from the May Issue
THE CHILL ESCAPED
| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Katie Robinson | HAIRSTYLIST Rachel Hopkins | MODEL Brandon Keel/ADAMS Models |
LEFT | Mac Moto Jacket MARC NEW YORK | Jeans DSTLD PREMIUM DENIM | Owl Talisman Necklace SEQUIN JEWELRY |
RIGHT |Jacket VICTORINOX |