If you’re a golfer, you may already have the latest issue of Golf Digest. If you’re reading this, however, I am guessing you probably don’t. Either way I think we can all appreciate a group of accomplished and handsome gentlemen walking across the green, right?
The January 2013 Golf Digest cover shows celebrity golf pros Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy at the Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. Celebrity hairstylist Kristan Serafino and I had so much fun working (as we always do) making them camera-ready.
Now - this job was a very big deal for those around me because I am surrounded by golfers. My father-in-law, for example, could not believe my incredible good fortune to work with Rory McIlroy. In his eyes, I now made it big.
Rory McIllroy is the #1 ranked golfer in the world. I know because whenever there is golf, it’s on our TV. Being #1 can make a guy lose his perspective, become arrogant and careless (as we’ve seen before). Rory, however, is just the opposite - more humble and kind than most people you know.
Before I left, my husband told me to tell Rory he had visited his hometown. I answered with something like “No.” Didn't think Rory would be very interested. But when we had some down time and nothing to talk about I, yes, mentioned that my husband had been to his hometown. As noted, I did not expect him to really care. Instead I was surprised by his genuine interest when he asked, “Really? Why was he there?” Since I didn’t have any idea, it appeared that I either made the story up or don’t know my own husband. (Have since learned he was on a college golf exchange program in Ireland.) So thank you Rory, for helping me get to know my husband better. And for showing a graciousness that a #1 golfer in the world should have.
Though men have asked me to create moles or wanted eyeliner or mascara, most are pretty straightforward. If they’re not on camera much, they are sometimes alarmed when they see a makeup artist. But these athletes are used to cameras following them around on any give day, so they were fine and we just made sure they looked polished and right for the occasion.
Of course, your average guy will say he doesn't want makeup - and maybe he doesn’t - but at the end of the day everyone still wants to look good when the pictures come out.
CAMERA-READY SKIN Some common men's skin concerns:
Larger Pores Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector has an ultra smooth texture and minimizes the look of pores. Squeeze a bit on fingertips and smooth on skin.
Oil and Shine A lot of people have told me they like Boscia oil blotting sheets. At shoots, I use Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets throughout the day. Oil-blotting paper is especially good for men because it absorbs oil without adding anything to skin. Just press and blot on skin so it looks matte, not shiny.
Redness Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Powdertakes down both redness and shine. It now comes in a compact form (used to only be a loose powder). I use it on almost everyone, even if they don’t particularly have redness because it just evens skin so nicely.
Dark Circles and Discolorations Most guys don’t want foundation - a little concealer is usually all you need. Concealers give more coverage than foundation and you can use only where needed. Hide dark circles, blackheads, other areas that are uneven. I still love YSL Touche Eclat. Guys may want a package less shiny and glam, however. Alternatives such as Lab Series Power Brightening Eye Balm may be more acceptable.
Chapped Lips A chap stick such as Niveafor Men Replenishing Lip Balm used morning and night should do the trick. If this is a consistent problem, lips can also be gently exfoliated before applying a lip moisturizer each night. Drinking more water helps too.
HAIR Kristan styled the golfers’ hair, making each looked smooth and perfectly natural. After the shoot, she cut and shaped Rory’s locks. In the days that followed, we saw Rory on TV with his new hair, looking good and winning tournament after tournament. I can’t take credit for that. But Kristan can. When we discussed his winning streak she said, “It’s all about the hair.” So far it seems to be holding up as Rory is still #1. (Watch for if/when he needs another cut!)
