Makeup artist Porsche Cooper first crossed my radar- and I subsequently fell in love with her work- after viewing The Glamourai’s new editorial series last year. She had an uncanny ability to make the models look glamorous and polished while keeping the skin looking fresh – like it could breathe. The looks were also attainable, and to me, that’s the sign of a TRUE artist.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, she got her start working for M.A.C. Cosmetics while in college. She relocated to NYC after graduation and made the NYFW rounds, working backstage at Roadarte, Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler and more.
She’s since worked with countless brands, magazines, and celebs (FLIRT! Cosmetics, M.A.C., Elle Varner, Cosmo Magazine to name a few), and shows no signs of stopping.
KP FUSION reached out to Porsche to learn more about how she got her start, some of her favorite products and a few tips to boot!
What’s your preferred genre of makeup?
I would have to say fashion. Whenever I am on set for an editorial, I am at my most excited and inspired.
What’s one beauty secret you can share with KP Fusion readers?
I have to say two! First, I think women should start using preventative eye creams around the age of 21…my Mother taught me this, and she has virtually no wrinkles around her eyes! I am a huge advocate of preventative care.
Secondly, carrots, carrots, carrots! I love that carrot juice is so healthy and so good for your skin and eyes. It all starts with your skin, so drink up!
Now that the cooler weather is upon us, what’s your #1 tip we should remember when it comes to personal beauty?
Hydrate, no matter your skin type! If you are prone to have dry skin, stick to creams with hydrating time release functions: this way your skin receives moisture throughout the day. And for those with combination/oily skin, remember that although your skin is oily, it still needs the balancing hydration of a moisturizer. Don’t skimp on skincare!
What are a few products that you absolutely cannot live without?
I love Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir so much that I wish I could drink it. It hydrates, tightens pores, refreshes skin, and helps to give a glowing complexion. Perfect for travelers who suffer from dry cabin air.
I also love La Mer’s Rejuvenating Eye Serum. I consider this a magical product. For those suffering from dryness around the eye contour, this product plumps, soothes, and hydrates the skin literally overnight. A total must have!
No one wants dry lips! This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves as an Artist. It doesn’t matter the brand, I always suggest a lady carry a lip balm with her, especially in these cold wintery months. One of my favs is by mens skincare line Jack Black that can be found at Sephora. For a measly $7 you can have tingly smooth lips that will never disappoint!
What is your favorite consumer brand and professional brand of makeup?
I love so many cosmetics lines, [both] the high end luxury brands and drugstore bargains. I loooooove Covergirl LipPerfection Lipcolors as they are moisturizing and uber long wearing. Armani foundations are some of the best in the business, YSL is known by the world over for their highlighters (Touche eclat), I love the Mineralize Skinfinish powders from .M.AC., Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancers are my absolute favorites, and I love L’Oreal Paris liquid eyeliners…I personally use them every day!
Where do you think people should splurge vs. save?
I always splurge on skincare (my favorites are Sisley-Paris and La Mer). I think you should always splurge on the one or two things that are most important to your beauty regime, and save on the not-so-important items. It definitely is all relative, but I can surely live without a $50 lipstick.
Are there any Fall beauty trends that you’re loving right now?
Very little is “new new” in beauty, so the re-evolving trends of dark berry lips and contoured cheekbones are always delightfully sexy. One look I’m totally into though is “stained rouge” – the look that french women have embraced for years. To achieve, try my fave NARS Velvet Matte lip pencils in any shade. Warm up the pencil on the back of your hand, and then pat onto your lip balm prepped pout using your ring finger. Uber sensual and fresh!
We all have beauty looks that we consider iconic; what’s yours?
Defined brow, cat eye liner, red lip.
Do you have any cool projects lined up that you can share (is a makeup line/book/tutorials on the horizon)?
Many ideas are circulating around in my head, but I have wonderful shoot that I was apart of with photographer Jamie Beck, Kevin Burg, stylist/art director Kelly Framel, and hairstylist Bethanny Brill for the wonderful designer Nonoo…stay tuned for the reveal!
Any tips for aspiring MUAs?
Live your life! It all starts with a dream, an aspiration, a thought, a wish. We all have the power to become our best selves, and that can only happen by living the life we once imagined. I never went to school for makeup, but attribute my growth to perfecting my craft over the years and learning from my counterparts.
Thanks Porsche! To learn more about Porsche’s work & for booking, visit her site here.
Credits: all photos: www.porschecooper.com