I meet Christina Vacirca, the Senior Artist at MAC in the Munich Department Store Beck at the MAC Counter. She wears a signature black and loose summery jumpsuit, black string sandals on her well pedicured feet and her hair loosely pulled together in a chignon. She wears almost no lipstick and some sparkling, shiny and glossy eye shadow. I will be going on vacation soon and I always wonder if and how I can wear make-up at the beach, how I can prepare and protect my skin best for hot steamy days and how to look fantastic without any make-up?
IRMA: What do you think about make-up at the beach?
TINA: Just use a tinted moisturizer or use the Studio Finish Concealer which is a perfect cover-up just punctually to hide redness or spots. Never wear lipstick at the beach but stay nude and natural.
IRMA: What is the perfect make-up base during the summer?
TINA: I always use my daily moisturizer, at the moment no eye cream and I never leave the house without my Prep & Prime SPF 50
IRMA: Often I feel like not wearing any make-up during the summer. How can I look good anyways?
TINA: There are three points: Eyebrows, good moisturizer and sunscreen. Start with a well moisturized skin, it always gives you a perfect glow. I recommend letting your eyebrows grow naturally and just groom them with a clean Mascara brush and add some gel for a beautiful arch. Instead of using mascara I just use an eyelash curler which gives my lashes a nice form. You can put some of your lip conditioner into your lashes to make them shine. Use some lip conditioner SPF and of course some SPF 50 all over your face.
IRMA: And what can I do if I have caught too much sun, end up with a red nose and have a great evening ahead of me?
TINA: Just use punctually some camouflage on your nose. This product covers everything, even tattoos. But before use tons of moisturizer and some special skin care against sunburn.
IRMA: What should I carry in my make-up pouch when going to the beach?
TINA: A mirror, moisturizer, a spray can of Evian water, so you can get rid of saltwater on your face and hair, a lip conditioner, SPF 50 and a clean eyebrow brush. You can even put a mini cold pack into your pouch so all the products keep fresh during the day at the beach.
IRMA: Is there a special make-up technique for the summer?
TINA: Yes, during the summer I work a lot with gloss and shine, for example liquid cream for dry skin and shiny powders for oily skin. Or I use Eye Pressed Pigment on the eyes. This product plays with the rays of light.
IRMA: Do you believe in beauty food?
TINA: Oh yes, I do. I recently changed my nutrition into the Ayurvedic direction. When I am at home I cook with gee (clear butter) which makes my skin glow and I stopped drinking coffee. In the morning I drink hot water with a slice of lemon which detoxifies my whole system. I like the idea of being in control of my life style and my nutrition, it is my choice of life and it cannot be changed even by a very busy work schedule.
IRMA: You have said once that make-up is a woman’s best accessory. Can you tell me your must-have for summer and winter?
TINA: For summer it is definitely matte, red lipstick. No eye make-up is required, just wear a cool pair of shades and you are set .
For winter it is a black eye pen which makes my eyes smokey, smudgy or just defined. I wear it with a thick cashmere sweater and pale skin.
IRMA: Thank you, Tina. Now I am ready to go to the beach.
TINA: You are welcome, IRMA. Enjoy!
Christina Vacirca, the M•A•C Senior Makeup Artist lives and works in Berlin (“the city of my life!”), transforming the faces of celebrities from Christina Aguilera and Kanye West to Snoop Dogg. Christina’s artistic influences are multi-faceted and she is keen on finding inspiration in urban settings. Christina has a great deal of experience working backstage at Fashion Week, with a list of credits that includes Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Dsquared2, Blumarine, Vivienne Westwood and Chloé. Christina’s advertising and event credits include the MTV European Music Awards, MTV Designerama, Echo awards, Live Aid, M•A•C Pro Tour Germany and her work is frequently seen in top magazines from Vogue to Vanity Fair. Christina’s attitude toward style and life is energetic: “Be creative, stay modern and never stand still – always stay hungry and passionate.”
IRMA’S BEAUTY CASE
All items have been selected for IRMA by Christina Vacirca, from left to right:
– Clear, eyebrow gel
– Black Dazzle Mascara
– Select Moisture Cover
– Lip Conditioner
– Face & Body Foundation
– Virgin Isle, Cream Colour Base
– Golden Bronzing Powder
Beauty Pouch by IRMA , Paris