Behind the Look: Melanie Inglessis

Meet Melanie Inglessis, one of most in demand makeup artists in Hollywood. Working with A-listers like Rosamund Pike, Kate Hudson, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele and Cameron Diaz, she's been swamped during awards season.  Here' she gives us a peek into her makeup kit and dishes how to get a mini face lift.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

Working on the most exciting project right now but it's secret! Hit me back in July!

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Confidence is beauty.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

1. Talika eye patches! They're the best in the business and are re-usable up to three times! It tightens the under eye skin, helps with puffiness and dark circles.

2. Organic Pharmacy Rose Water  You can apply this all day long to rehydrate the skin.  On the plane, on a hot day!

3. A peachy blusher to add to any make up. It's freshen up the look.  Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Dolline is the best blusher for everyone.

4. A good concealer!  Cle de Peau concealer is the best!

5. Chanel Bronze Universal is a great product for a very natural sun kiss glow.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Giorgio Armani Lip lacquer are pretty amazing, because the color and intensity is very strong.  Also, Orlane Anti Aging Oxygenation System is just AMAZING!

Spill your best beauty advice. Inner beauty is as important as outer beauty!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? A little highlighter on the inner corner, the brow bones and outer corner of the eye ( in an upward movement) will make you look like you go a mini lift!!

EXCLUSIVE: Lea Michele's SAG Awards Makeup

I just got off the phone with Lea Michele's Makeup Artist, Melanie Inglessis for Lancome.  Literally, she sent Lea off to the red carpet for the SAG Awards and called me as she was packing up her kit.  New BFF!  Their day began at noon and she called promptly at 3:30PST/6:30EST.  It took Lea 3 1/2 hours to get ready with her glam squad today.  Here's the scoop... Lea texted her prep team a pic of her dress about a week ago so they could brainstorm and collaborate on her look for the night.  "Once we saw the dress we decided to go for a feminine, yet sexy and soft look," Inglessis commented.

Using an angular brush, Inglessis used Lancome Liner Design Long Wear Caligraphy  Liner in Trendy Grey to line Lea's upper lids.   "It's a classic installation on the retro feel of black, winged eyeliner."  The trick to doing it yourself is to keep your eyes open and stare straight into the mirror as your drag the brush out and wing it exactly where your eye ends.  Q-tips are a savior in case your line comes out too thick.  Following the winged line, Inglessis blended Illamasqua white shadow with Lancome Color Design Eye Shadow in a matte grey called  Ciel du Sior.

"Because it's long lasting, which is good for the red carpet, I use Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 Hour Foundation (available in March) and always define and contour Lea's cheekbones," Inglessis said.  The pop of color on her cheeks is credited to Shu Uemura Glow On Blush.  "Powder makes everyone look old so I only powder her T-Zone right before she hits the red carpet and she carries blotting papers in her bag."

To enhance Lea's natural red lip color, Inglessis dabbed Lancome Rouge In Love Lipstick in Rouge Rendez Vous on her lips with her ring finger.  "I didn't need to define her lips and wanted them to look really natural so tapping worked," Inglessis explained.  She then did the same with Rodial Glam Lip Balm.  Lea carried both in her clutch.