Dita Von Tesse is a classic beauty and burlesque performer. Miss Von Teese is one of the few beauty icons who has very pale ivory skin. She is a natural blonde but dyes her hair and eyebrows a luxurious shade of raven black. Her type of beauty goes back the the pin-up glory days of such artists as Bettie Page.
Dita is the 1st BEAUTY ICON I am featuring….
Dita Von Teese "the Queen of Burlesque"
Dita Von Teese is an American burlesque artist, model and actress. She was born Heather Renée Sweet on September 28, 1972, in Rochester, Michigan, the middle of three daughters.Her mother was a manicurist and her father was a machinist at a company that made graphite. She is of partly Armenian heritage. She was classically trained as a ballet dancer from an early age. She started her career at strip clubs then she began some glamour modeling, before she eventually became a fetish model. Her retro pin-up look, frequently emulating Bettie Page in photo shoots. Von Teese stands at 5 ft’ 5″ (165 cm.) and weighs 114 pounds (52 kg)
Dita Von Teese is interviewed by Tina Turnbow is a professional makeup artist, who is known for lending her celebrity clients editorial polish.Dita offers her favorite beauty products and her make-up and hair tips in the article.
This past Cinco De Mayo, I enjoyed sipping a new signature cocktail from Cointreau with the brand’s beautiful spokesperson, Dita Von Teese. The cocktail, which was called the MargaDita, was as well put together as the lady herself. Between sips, we discussed the power of sunglasses, damp skin and her opium-den requirements.
TT: If pressed for time when doing your makeup, what are your bare essentials?
DVT: Flawless skin is the most important thing, then red lips. In exactly that order. Red lips don’t look good on blotchy, uneven skin. I use Dior Capture Totale Foundation, and a dusting of Mineralize Powder by MAC. Dior Dolce Vita is my favorite red lipstick. When in a rush, I tie my hair back and throw on a great pair of sunglasses…and voila! Don’t underestimate the cosmetic power of sunglasses. It’s worth spending a bit of money on a quality pair. I usually go for Dior or Louis Vuitton.
TT: I can tell that underneath the foundation and powder you have lovely skin. How do you care for it?
DVT: I have really sensitive skin, and a few allergies, so I stay on it. I recently had a bout with rosacea. I was told by a big name dermatologist, “this is your life now,” because he couldn’t figure out how to get rid of it. A million creams later, I went to a real skin doctor in Orange County. He prescribed a pill and one lotion, and boom, it was gone. The moral being: find the guy who takes your insurance.
TT: He sounds knowledgeable. Did he give you any other tips?
DVT: Yes, he said it doesn’t matter what moisturizer you use. Just make sure you put it on right after cleansing, while your skin is still damp. That way your pores can absorb it while they are still open. So choose any cream you like for the face and body. My choice is always Creme de la Mer- it’s pricey, but so worth it.
TT: Do you usually prefer a very matte look?
DVT: Always, glowing is not my thing. A matte finish diffuses any features about my face that I’m not comfortable with, while shine highlights them. It’s like soft-focus magic. Plus, my favorite look in makeup comes from the era when women kept their skin matte and flawless.
TT: Who are your favorite beauty icons?
DVT: Oh, my all time favorite is Betty Grable. Her look, her humor and most of all her spirit and sense of individuality. Just like Madonna 20 years ago. She was unlike anyone, and stayed true to herself. Modern day, I find Carmen Dell’Orefice very unique and fantastic.
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TT: Has it taken time to find what works best for you?
DVT: My look has taken time to evolve. I’ve gotten to a place where I feel pretty and confident. I think that’s important for anyone. Personally, I have no reason to change it, no matter what people say or advise. I will save baring all for the person I am intimate with.
TT: When you have time to put a “cat eye” on, what is your favorite liner and do you have any tips about application?
DVT: Stay in shape with it. When I go a while without putting it on, it’s always rough at first. But when I’ve been applying it daily, it’s “whooosh;” it goes on seamlessly. Generally, getting that perfect, flattering line is hard! I look down into a mirror to apply it so I can see the shape and match them up better. Make sure not to pull your eyelid out at the side, because when you let go, the line will be a completely different shape. My favorite liner is Guerlain Divinora Liquid Liner. For lashes, its Dior Show Mascara. A truly winning combo!
TT: Being a natural blonde, what do you use to darken your brows?
DVT: It’s easy with Just For Men hair dye. I’m kind of a do-it-yourself person as far as my hair, makeup and styling go. I’m in the process of writing a beauty book, where I do it all. It’s hard work. But nothing good comes easy.
TT: As for your incredible figure- how do you stay in shape?
DVT: I think variety is key. I prefer the competitive atmosphere of a classroom setting, like yoga or Pilates. That keeps me going. Although performing on stage is great exercise! I just haven’t been doing it as much as I’d like. It’s all the requirements and special effects I need to do a show. Many venues are not big enough or are not set up for everything. Many can’t accommodate my Opium Den, for example, which is part of my most opulent show. I won’t settle for middle of the road- I go for grand. I’m pretty particular, as you might have guessed.
SOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dita_Von_Teese http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/face-time-dita-von-teese/
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/1343/Mineralize-Skinfinish-Natural/index.tmpl
