From reel to real

Ahh… the joy of film. The ability to be inspired by talking, moving works of art captured decades before. These three larger-than-life characters portrayed by equally amazing women will live in our minds forever. The looks created for each film were unique, often imitated but never as good as the original. Instead of copying each look like a cheap carbon copy, professional makeup artist Leo Posadas and top hairstylist Jerry Javier used the pegs as inspiration rather than cheap imitation. They teach us how to apply these one-of-a-kind looks to life today.

ane Birkin in Blow Up

J Jane Birkin may have had a very small role in the controversial British-Italian art film Blow Up, but her small part, not even worth a character name, made Paris take attention. And from there she continued on her career as actress and singer and created a small cult following. A singer, model and actress, Jane was born in London, but was loved by Parisians. She decided to live in Paris with her French husband, the singer, songwriter and sometimes- actor Serge Gainsbourg. She went on to make a good number of art and European films as well as a whole slew of music albums. Many people do not know that the much-prized Hermês Birkin bag is named after Jane, who people claim helped design it together with current Hermês president Jean-Louis Dumas after she declared the Hermês Kelly was not practical for everyday use.

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Jane’s look is all about bangs and eyes. With her large eyes rimmed with black liner, you can choose to use a pencil liner rather than gel or liquid.

Clear skin was first done using Shiseido The Makeup Stick Foundation spread thinly on Nicolette’s face. Shiseido The Makeup Sheer Enhancer Base was then spread to add a light glow to the skin.

Nicolette’s eyes were then given a light dash of color using Shiseido The Makeup Silky Eye Shadow Quad in Beach and Dusk

Leo then swiped Shiseido The Makeup Lip Gloss in Shimmering Petals on Nicolette’s lips as the final touch.

Jane Fonda as Barbarella

The fantasy of every teen boy in the ’60s, Jane Fonda’s role as a highly-sexual crime fighter has often been copied but none was as good as the original. With movie taglines like "Who takes sex to outer space?", "Who gives up the pill?" and "See Barbarella do her thing!" Barbarella was a character both loved and hated by the feminists of the ’60s. One thing is for sure: Barb certainly had an impact on fashion. The big, big hair, matte nude lipstick on the sexy pout, and rich liner all created a look that spelled sex appeal.

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Leo lined Karen’s eyes with Nars Pandora Eye Shadow to give a smoldering look. He added some white shimmer on the lids for a space age feel.

Leo clumped large amounts of Nars Black Orchid Mascara for lashes that were so lush they were out of this world.

Nars Laguna Bronzer, a cult favorite, was used to contour Karen’s cheekbones.

A swipe of Nars Napoli lipstick and Nars Frisky Summer Gloss completed the look.

Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones

No one had a life in Hollywood more tragic than Dorothy Dandridge. The first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award, Dorothy knew that the role of Carmen Jones was a part she was born to play. When the director felt she was too demure to handle the role of the sultry sire, Dorothy left his office furious but returned wearing a wig, short skirt and low-cut blouse which earned her the part – and seduced the director in the process. Filled with hope and bravery in an otherwise "white" Hollywood, Dorothy Dandridge certainly made her mark.

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Leo Posadas knew that anyone attempting to imitate Dorothy Dandridge needed orangey-red lipstick and strong brows. Legendary makeup artist Pat Mc Grath has declared that bushy eyebrows are back so store those tweezers.

Leo first slathered some Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel on Tanya. He then set it with Laura Mercier Sun Dust Loose Setting Powder.

Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil was used to fill in for fuller browns, and Laura Mercier Long Wear Eye Pencil was used to give the eyes a more intense feel.

A swipe of Laura Mercier Coral Lipstick and Laura Mercier Citrine Lip Gloss and you’re good to go!