Cassandra: What is the best and healthiest way for men and women to get that Caribbean Glow without baking in the sun?

Kim: A spray tan or airbrush tan. A spray tan is done in a booth by a machine (mystic) and an airbrush tan is done, in detail, by a human, which I personally prefer. An airbrush tan is also best for men, especially if they are hairy because it is done by hand and there is more control with application -The spray tan can streak. An airbrush tan is also better for very light skin tones and darker skin tones. It creates a beautiful golden glow and a more natural look for the face, feet and hands.
For more information on tanning tips from the experts, go to www.healthlife.net and listen to my radio show-BEAUTY BY KIM. Click on ARCHIVES and listen to the show with Melanie Mills-Head makeup artist for Dancing With The Stars (GREAT tips on tanning) and the other show I recommend is TANTALIZING! Everything you need to know about “Safe Tanning” are in those two shows.

Cassandra: What’s the number one thing to have for a day out in the sun?

Kim: SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES and a HAT!!! I know those are three things, but they are all equally number one! You always want to protect your skin, eyes and head/face.

Cassandra: How could a women look natural but still have good coverage and a nice made up face?

Kim: Achieving a natural look with good coverage is more about makeup application then the makeup itself. It’s all technique. BLENDING,BLENDING and more BLENDING! Always blend the jawline, hairline and anywhere else that needs it. That’s the real trick. You never want to look like you’re wearing a mask. Also, invest in good brushes. They will last you a lifetime if you take care of them.
I also tell people to not buy anything they haven’t tried on first Choose a base (foundation,tinted moisturizer) that matches your skin. Go outside when selecting your color and make sure it looks good in natural light. Use concealer slightly lighter then your skin-tone and blend it. I also recommend an eye cream 1st before applying concealer under the eyes and then patting it with your finger, gently. That will soften the look. A little bit of loose powder applied with a puff or brush (using downward strokes or it could catch on to tiny hairs on the face and look cakey). I recommend a good bronzer, applied lightly around the face,neck and cheeks.
A little peach/corol blush looks good on everyone. Apply it on the apples of the cheeks, where the sun would normally give you that sun-kissed look.
A soft lipliner that’s BLENDED – Hard lines on the lips will make you look dated and can ruin a natural look.
A peach or pink lipgloss also looks good on everyone and is very sexy but still natural.
For eyes, a pretty eyeshawdow base for the lid and soft colors for the eyes. A little bit of eyeliner applied close to the upper lashes and smudged with a good mascara will pop your eyes. Use a eyeshawdow color (soft black or brown) applied with a smudge brush, for a eyeliner.
Use a powder to fill in your eyebrows instead of a pencil. Don’t forget to brush your eyebrows! It blends it all in.

Cassandra: What’s the “hot ” look or product for makeup right now?

Kim: RED lips are back! False eyelashes are “in” now. Both individuals and strips

Cassandra: What’s your favorite place to visit in the Caribbean?

Kim: BARBADOS. I spent a lot of time there and miss it everyday.

Cassandra: We both love good foods and have had some great meals together- What’s your favorite Caribbean food?

Kim: Plantains. I LOVE Plantains. I practically lived off them years ago. My second favorite is Jerk Chicken. I can’t forget the Rum Punch. I know it’s not a meal, but I think there were times in Barbados where I forgot to eat and survived off Rum Punch! (LOL)

Cassandra: What do you do when you want to have the Caribbean wherever you are?

Kim: I always want the Caribbean wherever I am so I’m always playing reggae music.
Whenever I visit the Caribbean, I always buy CDs from the Local music stores and musicians. I play them in my car all the time. It prevents road rage – Just kidding, but it does make my commute to Los Angeles much easier and fun!

Contact Kim: www.kimthemakeupartist.com