A surprise cover!! This was from the same day we shot Lisa Ray for Harper's Bazaar.

photographer: Colston Julian

fashion stylist: Nadia Pizzimenti

hair, makeup & nails: Andrea Claire using Marc Anthony HC, FACE atelier and Dashing Diva Design FX assisted by Delia Lupan 

Read a digital copy online here.

Lisa just got married - you can see some of her gorgeous wedding photos on Lisa's Facebook page.

More from behind the scenes:

Stunning right? And this is just a photo from my HTC ONE S...

I LOVED this - a little magic happened when some stray balloons were carried to Lisa by a slight gust of wind.

I NEVER jump in for a photo-op... I couldn't resist - Lisa was just so much fun! [Not that everyone else I have ever worked with isn't...]

I do have a picture with John Abraham and I where I was being goofy and the magazine we were shooting for printed it in their behind the scenes - I was so embarrassed but it was so funny... I will scan it if I can ever find it...  I am a Fashion Hoarder... now THAT'S a show - I know many of us F.H'ers... I'll host it...

PS - Lisa's bun from the Bazaar shoot? I have actually gotten emails about her bun - it is in fact: a sock bun. And yes, I had poo-pooed the sock bun on my blog but I had travelled from Singapore to Canada with a pared-down kit so I used my unused socks from my Air Canada business class amenties. For a photoshoot it's fine but for a wedding I recommend the hair donuts vs socks. IF you insist on wearing socks in your hair at least pick a pair that match your haircolour - black hair + white sport socks = not a chic 'do.

Currently I am in Toronto for work / visiting friends and family and I popped into my agency to discover that I had a FABULOUS basket of goodies sent to me from a beauty PR firm. Hair, makeup and skincare galore! [Thanks ladies at Langton!]

Oooo, what to play with first??!

I choose a theme: Elizabeth Arden.

I started with a lovely serum; Good Morning Skin Serum.  Loved how it went on. Like butta [butter]. I recommend waiting a few minutes prior to applying the rest of your makeup to allow it to absorb. This works beautifully as a primer.

Next I used the Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Makeup, SPF 15. I am thrilled that the colour they sent me was perfect for me; Warm Beige. The texture is quite creamy so I was a little concerned that it would look greasy but it set nicely on my skin with a soft, velvety texture. I love it so much for myself that I think I will get the concealer pairing...

On my cheeks is the Ceramide Cream Blush in Plum, a colour I don't normally wear but was pleasantly surprised! The wear was very nice too. It faded a little after about 7 hours but I still had colour left, a soft plum-y glow - great for daytime or at night if your makeup focus is on your eyes. [PS Plum's not online yet...]

My lips, Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in a rich Casis, a break from my norm as I don't really wear lipstick. I loved the colour and it wore off a bit when I gorged on my New York Fries Poutine but I still had colour left despite my chow down.

So that's it. That's all the makeup that I have on in my photo. No powder. You'd have to tie me down and put powder on me. Hate the stuff. It makes you look old. I am old and haven't used powder since I was a New Wave cool kid punk in the 80s. Powdered my face so much it cracked and bled from dehydration - so NOT kidding.

POWDER CHALLENGE: Dear Makeup Companies: Do you think you have an AWESOME powder to prove me wrong? Convince me. Send it on over but remember, I'll be honest about it!

Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Skin Serum

 $34.00 by Elizabeth Arden at Ulta

Awaken your skin with this vitamin enriched skin serum. This smooth and easily absorbed serum is enriched with Vitamin A to nourish and brighten your skin as well as Avocado Extract to moisturize, Ginseng Extract to increase circulation, and Sage Extract to balance your complexion.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick

 $22.50 by Elizabeth Arden at Macy's

SHOW OFF YOUR LIPS. SHOW OFF YOUR LIPSTICK. Brilliant moisturizing color. Lasting comfort and shine. Plumper, fuller looking lips. Encased in gold.

If you were out last night in the midst of the schwanky Distillery District, east end of Toronto you would have found all the beautiful people at the Sutherland Models party. [needless to say, I was there]

Sutherland Models has always been dear to my heart. The bookers are as lovely as their models; always cheery.

The event was a blur for me, not from alcohol but from all the fabulous, friendly faces that I was getting hugs from! It was as if the party was the Andrea Claire Reunion party! [If you follow my blog / career you know that I live in Singapore] I've been out of Canada for 4 years, managing in the odd visit/work trip. [ahem call Judy Inc if you want to book me from now until July 5]

There were too many great people to name but also dear to my heart are two of my favourite assistants - well, not assistants anymore! Dee Daly and Sandra Yang are off and running with their own fabulous projects!

As you may or may not know, models are more than just pretty faces, some read too! OMG, I am kidding! Well, no, they do read but... oh nevermind.

 I loved that they had set up little 'scenes' that were incorporated into the party.

'Where's the gym?' Random workout girl

Then we have...

"Have you seen the pool" With her entourage...

I know, I know. I have a rough life hanging out with all kinds of riff raff.

Now THAT'S how to throw a party!!

To see more pics of the night check out Chantale's site

AND FYI:

This is so kickass. Directed by photographer Christopher Wadsworth in collaboration with Brandon/Sutherland Models.

The song is by Metric, a kickass Canadian band.

Yeah, us Canadians are rad.

You'd think I got new editing software or something.... ;D

I am drudging through files and came across this old clip from ETalk Daily.

I did the Degrassi girls for a Fashion18 magazine shoot. The lovely girls were being interviewed on ETalk at the same time. Don't they look fresh and pretty? FACEatelier foundation - my kit staple.

Hair and makeup by Andrea Claire assisted by Dee Daly [who is an uber talented makeup artist who only assists me when I beg... and when I am in Toronto] 

In 2007 I did an appearance on CH Morning Live using FACEatelier.  5:30 am is when I started - so yes - I look tired. No need to tell me; but the ladies all look FAB!

Why am I posting this? Well - because many of my tips are still relevant today!

20s - you guys are lucky! Youth on your side you can wear most makeup looks

30s - careful you don't fall into the trap of wearing all the same makeup as your 20s.

40s - if you lip line hasn't started to fade in your 30s it will probably start now - sharpen up your natural lip line for definition.

50s - you can totally rock a smokey eye - don't let anyone tell you differently! Greys work beautifully on you!

60s+ - define your brows and lips - add more colour to your cheeks and avoid any frosty makeup which adds to the appearance of lines.

Have a beauty question? Leave it below!

xo

AC

PS - Don't check out the website for me on the screen - no longer in existence - ditched that name faster than you can spell d-i-v-o-r-c-e.

Check out my work online at Judy Inc.

International Women's Day. March 8. [Please 'LIKE' my CozyCot profile here.]

What does that mean to you? Politcal? Family? Historical female accomplishments?

So many women internationally have done so much for us, the kinder sex. But we are far from the weaker. Not anymore.

Celebrate International Women's Day for what it means to you. What do you think about?

I think of my mother and all that she has taught me. For standing by me. For raising me with integrity. For the unconditional love.

I think of my Grandmothers.

 My grandma Jean, whom I think of often and miss terribly. Who taught me joy and catching bees with honey aka 'If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all.'

My Farmor (Danish) Inger, who has taught me laughter can be the best medicine.

I think of my daughters - the women of the future. Who have taught me patience :) , and love in a whole new level. And forgiveness [I learn forgiveness daily with my teenagers]

I think of my sisters who have taught me to be yourself.

My aunts who have taught me the importance and closeness of family no matter how far away you live.

I think of my close girlfriends who have taught me trust.

I think of those women who are my peers and mentors.

All of these traits inspiring us to be better people, better women.

Recently I was invited to participate in CozyCot's search for 100 Most Inspiring Real Women.  An email popped into my inbox. I hesitated.

Well - I am a successful hair & makeup artist who was a single mother with 2 children in Canada. I have starred on TV shows, led teams for Fashion Week, Canadian Idol, magazine shoots, celebrities for red carpet etc etc - all while being a single mother.

 I think - correction... I do inspire.

For all those single mothers who think they can't be a mother and...(insert desire here). Yes, you can. And yes, I am re-married to a fabulous man who has whisked my girls and I to a wonderful lifestyle in Singapore as 'expats' - but. I got to where I am on my own; with drive, determination, love, integrity and my chin up high. (not too high, I'm not stuck up or anything)

[This image is two years old]

 My children have always come first.

[Back in my single mother days, I took my girls for a cottage vacation. My agent called mid-week. Could I come home to shoot a Good Charlotte video. My girls were pleading in the background 'No mommy. We want to stay. Please say 'no' mommy!'

I said no.*

My agent 'But, Andrea, it's Good Charlotte and you have been requested to do their video' ]

My children come first. Integrity and family. Two traits that are very important to me.

Sure life is a little easier now. But no matter where you are in life, you will always be faced with challenges. It's how you deal with and overcome those challenges.

I am proud and honoured to have been selected as one of  CozyCot's 100 Most Inspiring Real Women.

Thank you CozyCot! 

*My girls now know who Good Charlotte is and tell me that I should have never listened to them and worked with the band. But, karma has payback. Last year I had the pleasure of working with Lady Antebellum. It was an honour to work with them and they are ridiculously charming and sweeter than honey.

 PS: My agent, Judy Inc was my agent then and still is. A supportive agent who has listened to my tears and frustrations over the years but also my happiness and joy. For that, I am grateful. Smooches to Charles, David and Tracy! (Mitchell too, but you haven't had to listen to the frustrations... yet)

As a chic hair & makeup artist and a chic Mom I can say I have used unchic Ziplocs in both my makeup kits and my diaper bags.

As I sat flipping through my September Allure, I squealed at page 70! Yup, I squealed over reusable zippered sandwich bags 'cuz I am THAT cool.

I currently live in Asia but these uber awesome TILI Bags seem to sadly only be available in the US or Canada. But you can bet your sweet chapstick that I'll be grabbing some while I am in Toronto shooting from the 23rd of Sept to the 12th of October!

 [Hint: Call my agent at Judy Inc if you are looking to book me for a shoot during my Toronto visit]

 Recently I had the pleasure of  flying from Austin,Texas to Toronto, Ontario to do hair and makeup for Lady Antebellum. The only challenge I had was I arrived in Toronto and my luggage didn't! Thankfully I had 24 hours before I had to be on set with Lady A. (A gazillion phone calls (zero name dropping) to the airline got me my luggage at 6:30 pm the night before I needed to be at the band's hotel at 5:00 am!)

I don't even know where to begin! The days were long but the company always remained fabulous! (I think I overuse the exclamation mark but, I believe in this post, it's worth it!)

While I can say country music does not monopolize my music collection I do own some Dixie Chicks, I do turn up the radio when Shania is on and I am now a proud owner of a Lady Antebellum cd! I guess you can say I am a fan of the cross-over country music.

While listening to Lady A answer many interviewers' questions a few answers stuck in my mind, one being: Like music for the music, not the genre. Well said and so true. Charles, Hillary and Dave were troopers going from station to station, performing, q & a's etc - and in-between while we were driving around they were still sweet as pie ... err... honey, of the American kind, just see for yourself:

This photo borrowed from MuchMusic, At Home with Trevor Boris. This was my last day with Lady A. I loved Hillary's dress!

 It was a great two days, I was thrilled to be a part of the energy. A HUGE congratulations to Lady Antebellum and their success.

In this photo Lady Antebellum with my assistant Earl. Good for him jumping in for a photo. Truth be told, I always want to snap a pic with the people I work with but I always think their time with me should be solitude and relaxation, not another photo-op. I may change my mind on this... :)

Curious as to the beauty products being splashed around?

Sure - I'll share!

Over the 2 days I used various products on Hillary, here are a chosen few to list:

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm to die for eye cream that I use on everyone

FACEatelier #3 foundation

MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

Kevyn Aucoin Prime Creme Eye Shadow in Pristine

NARS Eye Shadow in China Blue

Cargo Eye Lighter (my new tearduct love!)

L'Oreal Voluminous mascara

Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry and Marmalade

Hair, again various products, namely Bed Head Hard Head hairspray, trust me a little goes a LONG way!

The guys appreciated my Clean And Clear Blotting Sheets, oil absorbing film that has ZERO makeup, they're a conversation starter too. 'What's that??' is often heard as you press them on someone's face. I tend to forget not everyone knows all about makeup.

 What did I learn in my 2 days with Lady Antebellum? I do like country music (check out track 8 Stars Tonight on the Need You Now cd - awesome song) AND I will never check my makeup kit on the way to a booking! (will be purchasing a Zuca Pro carryon for future travels!)  

** A BIG thanks to Borman, EMI, The Green Room and of course to Lady Antebellum for a great day!

 **Look for Hillary in an upcoming InStyle magazine shoot! Curious if they let her keep her gold metallic Minx nails I put on for her**