Make up guru, Susan Posnick

Susan Posnick’s career is about as glittering as they come.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, she has worked with some of the most beautiful faces in film and fashion including Cindy Crawford, Lauren Hutton and Renee Russo as well as magazines such as American Vogue, Bazaar and Allure.

We caught up with Susan for our colour issue to find out more about her extraordinary life and why she is passionate about ethical make up.

Hi Susan.Tell us a little about how you got to be doing what you’re doing today?
I was a make up artist, travelling internationally and working in film, fashion and beauty. In 1998 I was diagnosed with skin cancer, which gave me the impetus to develop Colorflo – a product with substantial sun protection that would not feel heavy or melt off in the heat. As I developed the line, I saw a need for beauty necessities – portable, multipurpose products that could move with you-that you could keep in your office drawer, in your nappy/gym bag, and in your carry case when you travel…

Why are natural ingredients in cosmetics so close to your heart?
Because I personally have such sensitive skin, I wanted to create my hero product, Colorflo, with as few ingredients as possible. After researching every possible avenue, I decided that creating a pure, natural mineral product with physical sun block was the right product for me.

And your products are refillable as well. Good call! Why do you think so many other make up products are not?
The bottom line is money–companies want you to replace everything, and often, because they make more money that way. In keeping with the idea of making beauty simple, it made more sense for me to make high quality, refillable products. The quality of the Colorflo brush is so luxurious, I couldn’t fathom anyone throwing it away…economically and ecologically refillable products just made more sense.

What defines Susan Posnick make up?
Making beauty simple.

What make up item could you not live without?
Colorflo without question. You get your foundation, powder, sun protection and luxurious brush all in one refillable, travel-ready container.

Men are increasingly getting into skincare products. Do you think men should wear make up?
Everyone should wear sun protection everyday – if that means Colorflo, then I’m all for it! Also, a little under eye concealer, and a little bronzer never hurt anybody…as long as it’s not obvious!

DaisyGreenMagazine.co.uk is read by women of all ages. Do you think a woman in her 20s should apply make up in a different way to a woman in her 60s?
Yes. A women in her 20s has a lot more room to experiment-with colours, textures, formulas, and so on…By the time a woman is in her 60s, she’s hopefully found a ‘look’ that suits her, best – always with a little colour on her lips to brighten the face. Also, an older woman should never use traditional liquid foundation and powder because it settles into the lines of the face, enhancing everything you’d like to avoid enhancing.

The most important thing is that any woman, from her 20s to her 60s, should always use her make up to enhance, rather than to mask.

You have made up some extremely glamorous, famous ladies in the past. Can you share any secrets with us??
When I met Sienna Miller, without realising who I was, she told me her favorite make up product in the world was my Colorcorrect pencil! That was a great personal moment for me.

What next for Susan Posnick the person and Susan Posnick the make up brand?
The person – I’m looking towards the next step of my life as I prepare my daughter for university and her life beyond…also, I want to continue to work smart, have fun and attempt to keep a balance in my life-at least most of the time!

The brand – the launch of our new Coloressential lipcolors is upon us (launches in the UK in July 2009). It’s a collection of five universally flattering shades of berry, pink, red, nude and coral. With this product, we have combined the finest natural ingredients with cutting edge technology for luxuriously moisturising lipcolor. They are housed in a travel-ready compact case with a unique magnetic closure that keeps the cap secure.

For the future we are going to continue to launch more innovative beauty necessities; and as always, to make both life and beauty simple…

Find more make up tips from Susan here and a review of her Colorflo powder foundation on DaisyGreen here. Susan Posnick cosmetics are available in the UK from www.skinbrands.co.uk