Inside Mrs. O's Makeup Bag
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 9:30 AM Over the past few months, our inbox has been full of inquiries about Mrs. O's makeup. And though we love a Mrs. O style challenge, it's proven difficult to uncover Mrs. O's beauty secrets - until now. Mrs. O regularly turns to Chicago-based makeup artist, Ingrid Grimes-Myles. That much we had known, as Grimes-Myles was listed in the photo credits of the September 2007 issue of Vogue, which featured stunning photographs of Mrs. O taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.
In the past few days, Grimes-Myles has begun to open up to various media outlets, sharing fantastic Mrs. O makeup tips that we're happy to now pass along. According to an article by Cheryl Jackson of the Chicago Sun Times, Grimes-Myles worked as the lead makeup artist for a local Chicago television station, WGN-TV. A few years ago, she was called in to help with preparation for a television interview with then Senator Mr. O. He opted to forego make-up, but Grimes-Myles began chatting with Mrs. O and the two quickly became "fast friends".
Since then, Grimes-Myles has done Mrs. O's makeup for high profile events such as the Democratic National Convention, the Election Night rally in Chicago's Grant Park and for more recent interviews with 60 minutes and Barbara Walters. (The latter two appearances seemed to spark the most interest in Mrs. O's make-up, particularly her lipstick.) Grimes-Myles is also behind Mrs. O's makeup for the much anticipated March 2009 Vogue cover and will style Mrs. O's makeup for appearances throughout the inauguration. In the Sun Times article, Grimes-Myles described Mrs. O's makeup as "not an avant-garde look. It's a professional woman. We want her to be read very natural and polished." It seems Mrs. O brings the same philosophy to her make-up as she does her fashion.
Speaking with US Weekly, Grimes-Myles also revealed her plans for Mrs. O's inaugural makeup. Mrs. O lipstick fans, take note. For Mrs. O's daytime look, Grimes-Myles said she would pick "chic neutrals", enlisting the help of the followng products:
Model Co. Colourbox eye shadow in Seychelles
Stendahl mascara in Noir Black
POP Beauty Blush Cake in Natural in Nudes
It Cosmetics Pencils Dual Ended for Lip in Attract and Energy
For night, Grimes-Myles will give Mrs. O "major glam, with deep, smoky plum-lined lids" (is there a clue about her gown in here, we wonder?).
Her essentials for Mrs. O will include:
Mineral Essence eye shadow in Merlot
Bloom liquid eyeliner in Jet Black Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten in Berry
Paula Dorf Color Sheer lipstick in Innocence
For those of you lucky enough to attend the inaugural fesitivities, Grimes-Myles passed along these beauty survival tips to DailyCandy. Finally, we asked our resident Mrs-O.org makeup artist, Mrs. B (Laura Bunning), for her thoughts on Mrs. O's makeup:
"Mrs. O has a very pretty, natural look but isn't afraid of an occasional splash of color. She has expressive eyes that pop with smoky eye [makeup], and a beautiful smile that looks great with a bright lip. Women are interested in her makeup for the same reason they are her wardrobe - they admire her style and want to see what's next." Want to see what's next, indeed!
Misc
Reader Comments (7)
What was the lip color Michelle Obama wore during the interview with Barbara Walters?
I have the same question as Kim.... was hoping to learn the lip color worn by Michelle during the Barbara Walters interview?
LOVE this blog !!!!
Honestly, I think that's the single most asked question on this site. I would give the Paula Dorf lipstick a try (maybe it's carried at Sephora to try out first?) Ingrid Grimes-Myles told US Weekly that she planned "to use a neutral tone on the lip, but add a gloss for shine" and then named the Paula Dorf Color Sheer Lipstick in Innocence. Can't be sure, but the description and color seem very similar to Mrs. O's lipstick from the Barbara Walters interview.
I can only offer one suggestion regarding the appearance of your facial expression. If the president is to come across as a more peaceful leader, you might consider changing the shape of your eyebrows to look less aggressive as the first lady. Strength of a woman is great, but subtle strength is more becoming of a woman standing next to the president of our country. A compassionate look will help his future term.
Linda, respectfully I disagree. I think Mrs. O's arched eyebrows are gorgeous!
I love the new America, God bless !
http://www.myspace.com/davidbouns
db
I can't tell you how LONG I have searched for information about Mrs. O's lipstick from the 60 minutes interview. Thank God I found this site. I love it! Thank you for leading me on the right path to finding that lipstick/gloss.