· By Mary Dale

Talking Beauty and Wellness with Make-up Artist Celine Russell

Celine Russell has a devoted following for good reason - she prepares her clients for their biggest moments with a world class eye she honed during her extensive time on editorial shoots. With an intuitive understanding of exactly what is needed for each client, such as the perfect shade of blush, paired with her own sage life advice, your time in Celine’s chair is one of true transformation.  

While her career began in the editorial world as a prop stylist assistant, she quickly realized her gift was getting models ready for the shoots. Upon training with Academy Award nominated makeup artist Tina Earnshaw in Los Angeles, she devoted her career to makeover magic, and we couldn’t be more lucky to have her. 

We are thrilled to host Celine this month as Verde Lusso’s first ever Make-Up Artist in Residence, which includes Celine hosting private make overs in the store (fully booked but join the waitlist here). I got to chat with Celine on all things beauty and wellness, and I’m happy to share more from Celine with you below. 

Tell us about your journey into becoming a makeup artist.

It all started as a child loving to draw, paint, and create. When I look back at my work, I loved to draw faces. It was all over my notes in high school. I loved to get my friends ready in high school and college. I had a natural “knack”for it.  The interesting thread that influences my work to this day was spending so much time in nature. We grew up in the country and the natural beauty of the land stamped itself on my heart. 

I had the opportunity to work at a magazine early on and found myself doing the makeup for the editor & the models on set. It was the perfect fit. In that time period, I had the opportunity to train with a celebrity artist. It was the confidence and direction I needed in my career. 

 

You’re known for creating the perfect glow for your clients. What are your top tips for recreating this at home? 

It really starts with skincare. I am a huge fan of oils for the face and have been for years. Also making sure the face is totally clean at the end of the day. I'm a fan of using a makeup removing wipe followed by cleansing the face. I’ve told clients for years to watch out for fragrances in their skincare & makeup. A lot of the time when I see breakouts or angry skin that’s the culprit.  Go for a glowy cc cream type product to give coverage & glow, a good lip balm, go light on powders. Use powder only  in the “T-zone” if needed 

 

You’ve been a long time clean beauty girl, tell me about your journey into clean beauty and wellness?

 I was introduced to a functional practitioner 15 years ago and it changed everything for me. I saw glimpses of a healthier lifestyle when I lived in LA and I knew there was more to explore. I have a family history of some health issues and I knew I wanted a new way of approaching things. When I started to see the connection with food, chemical exposure and emotions, everything clicked for me. 

 

I know you’re really into wellness, tell us your top 5 tips for increasing your wellness. 

 Holistic health truly involves spirit, soul, body… meaning health in all parts. For the spirit: take time daily to build your faith. For the Soul: getting your emotions healthy. There’s more & more research about the tie between emotions & physical well-being. And as for the body: Nourish the body through sunlight, time in nature, fresh organic food and clean quality water. A top read I recommend is “Good Energy”. A great one stop shop for overall health 

What’s your typical morning routine, including skincare, wellness, and make up? 

 I try to get early morning light in my eyes to set the circadian rhythm (ideally barefoot in grass).  I try to do this during a time of prayer and thoughtfulness first thing in the morning. I'm a huge fan of a slow intentional start to the day. I love dry brushing and finishing the shower as cold as it can get. A good healthy breakfast, The Peachie Spoon has the tastiest blood sugar balancing recipes. On non-shooting days I'm not wearing much makeup, but I don’t skip a day with skincare. I’m loving my Agent Nateur regimen that Mary Frances introduced me too. 

What are your favorite products at Verde Lusso?

  • Agent Nateur Holi Trinity: Loving the holi trinity regime. My skin looks and feels so good. It is truly an elevated sensory experience. 

  • RMS Volumizing Mascara:   I like the RMS mascara a lot. For a natural mascara it gives a lengthening, very pigmented lash and I did not have fall out with it.