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NYC Style: Makeup Artist Nancy Sprague

By Kimberly Rae Miller

Name: Nancy Sprague

Website: http://www.nancyspraguemakeup.com/

Borough/Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Profession: Makeup Artist

Brief Bio:

Nancy Sprague launched her makeup artist career in Paris after attending the Sorbonne. In France, Nancy worked with some of the top film directors, fashion designers, and photographers in the industry, such as Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto, Jean Paul Gaultier, Romeo Gigli, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Nancy eventually returned to the United States, first to Los Angeles were she worked in the film and television arena, and then to our fair city of New York where she creates works in film, television, fashion, and magazines. Her work can be seen on the pages of Allure, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Self, InStyle, and making up the faces of fashion's leading models.

How would you define your personal style?

Taking impeccable care of one's self reflects on how one looks and feels. We have access to the most talented style makers. I've listed a few that help me achieve my style below on my favorite pics.

In addition I stay connected to the arts and don't just focus on fashion.

When you're making someone up, what are you looking for/what kind of process do you have?

I first determine where the makeup will be worn. Is it for a red-carpet event, editorial, HD or Bridal? Next I focus on the most attractive feature, play it up with color; highlight and shadow to create a beautiful face.

Are there any make-up trends you wish would just go away already?

Isn't it enough that the American Cancer Society has almost criminalized tanning salons? Yet I see skin tones raging from nutmeg to mochachinno. The tan in a can is trying too hard. Self-acceptance is called for.

What are the biggest makeup mistakes you see people make on a regular basis?

The biggest makeup mistake that I see; too much liner under the eye it pulls the focus downward and gravity is already doing that for us.

Favorite Five: What are your favorite stores in any of the five boroughs (to buy make-up, or fashion)?

Pro Makeup: Makeup Forever is the one line of products I always have in my kit.

From pro to novice you can find everything you need, and great makeup artists to help achieve the most fashion forward creations.

Makeup Forever
8 E.12 Street
New York, NY
10003-4427
(212) 941-9337

Hot New Makeup: Inglot open their first store in Times Square last year and are quickly expanding in the US. From pale to outrageous they have one of the most extensive color ranges in cosmetic collections. With the help of their expert makeup artists (Ann helped me and she was wonderful) you build a custom palette with color to suit you. A must visit!

Inglot
1592 Broadway
New York, NY
10036-1526
(212) 247-8170

Hair Color: The best investment in a fashion accessory goes hair color; after all you wear your hair everyday. Ben Stuart at Cutler salon takes in to consideration a client's skin tone, eye color and personality to determine the best color for you. Cutler also has a hair care line with UV protection to help guard your color.

Cutler
47 W 57th St
New York, NY
(212) 674-2210

Haircuts: For a superb haircut I go to Clifford Stafford. He begins the hair cut dry so he can see what the hair does, examines the shape of your heads, then shampoos and finalizes the cut for an absolutely perfect style. He has a large cliental of "at home services" and you can also find him at Gil Ferrer Hair Salon.

Clifford Stafford
21 East 74th Street
New York, NY
10021-2685
(212) 535-3543

Reiki Facial: I love to multitask and that is what aesthetician Paula Zdovc does. Using only the finest products she decongests my skin and clears my blocked energy. I leave feeling wonderful and my skin is radiant.

Paula Zdovc
20 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065
(212) 535-6878

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