Kriss
Soterion-Blevens has done the makeup for every single primary nominee who has
politicked their way through New Hampshire this season, except Donald Trump.
"Donald Trump does his own hair and makeup," she said. "He
usually comes ready. He’s expressing himself in his own style, and I’d never
want to interfere with that. Maybe a little blotting powder." She’s never
seen him with a makeup artist.
"He’s
got his hair down to a science," she said. "He has a signature look
he carries with him that is his look, and that’s far better than changing it up
all the time."
The
Donald, by modes far more mystifying than his beauty routine, is an anomaly.
For the last six elections –– as far back as Jimmy Carter’s bid –– every single
other presidential candidate has come to Soterion-Blevens for his or her New
Hampshire primary makeup. In 2008, at the first Democratic debate on CNN ever
broadcast in high definition, Soterian transformed Hillary Clinton’s look by
eschewing typical red or nude lips. Instead she blended three shades on the
spot, for a color that came to be known in the press as "the lipstick." The shades were three of
Soterion-Blevens’s own shades from her line Kriss Cosmetics –– Firefly, Red Rocks, and Pleasure, and
that simple mixing of colors had tabloid writers, beauty experts, and people
watching at home wondering whether Clinton had surgery or just a really good
night of sleep.
Soterion-Blevens
went on the road after that, becoming the Chief of Makeup for Special Events
for CNN and went on the road for 18 debates straight in 2008. She claims the
science of light reflection is the key to presidential makeup, and a good
primer, like the one she formulatedexplicitly for TV, has been the key to deft
political messaging for the candidate she’s been making up for decades.
Consistency is key here, particularly for women candidates like Hillary
Clinton, whose faces get consistently picked apart. For male candidates,
appearing as if they’re well-rested and lively, but not wearing makeup, must be
a constant. "Sometimes in the beginning, candidates don’t even care about
makeup. But as we get closer to the general election, the heat is on," said
Soterion-Blevens.
"The
biggest correction is with skintone," said Soterion-Blevens. "It’s
that drawn-out redness –– maybe they’re not eating so well so their skin is
kind of ruddy, or they’ve got dark circles, or dim spirit. I like to lift
everyone up with light tricks."
"I want to
make people feel comfortable as they deliver the message of their lives."
Her
brush wields influence; she spent September 11, 2001 at Logan Airport with Tom
Brokaw, waiting for George W. Bush to reopen the airways for Americans after
the attacks; she made up future president Barack Obama in the basement of the
Kodak Theatre adjacent from her hero Max Factor’s original manufacturing plant.
The Los Angeles Times has called her"the face of power."
Soterion-Blevens has long channeled the strength of her artistry unto others:
"I want to make people feel comfortable as they deliver the message of
their lives," she said.
Comments
Post a Comment