TotalBeauty.com chats with Sue Devitt, celebrity makeup artist and founder of the Sue Devitt brand of cosmetics and skin care
Q: There are so many makeup artist lines on the market. How do you work to differentiate yourself?
A: For me, the adventure is trekking out to the far and distant corners of the world for inspiration. It's about seeing beauty in undiscovered territories, in landscapes and in natural environments that slowly reveal themselves, whether under a setting Serengeti sun or the gorgeous landscape of Mt. Kilimanjaro. My exquisite formulations are all inspired by exotic destinations that I visit; sometimes by the colors of the environment, and other times by the flowers and natural ingredients, which I'll research to see if they contain a skin care benefit I can blend into a formulation.
Q: You were one of the first makeup artist brands to add anti-aging and other skin-benefiting ingredients to cosmetics and now many brands do this. Do you take this as a compliment or has it made your mission more challenging?
A: I identified a niche in the market that had not yet been explored. While makeup artist brands changed the landscape of the cosmetic industry by offering the right shades to consumers, they had done little to raise the bar in terms of formulations that benefit or improve the quality of the skin. Since I have a background as a makeup artist as well as a formulator, I can work closely with our private group of chemists to formulate makeup that has the most exquisite colors and terrific skin care benefits. My decision to add skin-care ingredients to makeup was also a holistic decision. I prefer to cover skin with beautifying pigments that will improve the skin's health and quality. That's something that all women deserve and should have access to.
Q: We're impressed with all of the places you've traveled. What was the best trip you've ever taken?
A: How can I choose just one? With my bags and kit packed and at all times ready for adventure, I've trekked through the lava terrain of Iceland, the streets of Old Havana, from Uruguay and Tanzania to the mountains of Ouarzazate, Morocco, scuba dived The Great Barrier Reef, Sardinia, the South Pacific and the East China Sea. All offer a piece of the earth's raw beauty and the wisdom and learning from rural communities. It would be difficult to leave any of these destinations uninspired!
Q: Where haven't you traveled, but would like to go next?
A: I would love to climb the mountains of Machu Picchu.
Q: What tips or ideas do you think Americans can learn from the various cultures around the world when it comes to beauty?
A: Having been able to experience so many different cultures, I've found that beauty is not always perceived as purely external. Other cultures value finding a balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual elements of ourselves and I think we can learn from that as a society.
Q: You support the Africa Foundation. Tell us more about your involvement with them. What has your support to the foundation meant to you?
A: As an explorer with a passion and respect for a variety of global traditions and environments, I developed a deep affinity for one of the world's oldest lands, Africa. That long-abiding connection led to my involvement with the Africa Foundation, which is dedicated to sustainable empowerment and development of rural African communities, focusing on education, health care and income generation. Overseeing Africa Foundation's hydration programs, I frequently visit local communities and schools to determine effective ways to create and maintain irrigation and perma gardens, which are essential in supporting life, overall health and well-being. From devising plans for capturing rainwater to working with existing tanks and spearheading communal water delivery, I have found my journeys to be both inspirational and heart-felt.
Overall, it is my belief in the intense benefits of hydration that has given this concept a deeper, more far-reaching meaning to me. Hydration for skin and body is important to us as a beauty company, but is also a global issue we are addressing with our current philanthropic efforts. My travels to Africa and involvement with the Africa Foundation have provided me, not only with experiences that I am so grateful for, but also with inspiration for one of my latest collections, one that I hope will also give something back to the communities of Africa. A portion of the proceeds from my Destination Eye Palette in Serengeti benefits the Africa Foundation to provide water solutions throughout Tanzania. I believe that the generosity of nature creates inspiration for beauty. We can follow its example in creating beauty through generosity.
Q: If a consumer were to experiment with your line for the first time, which products would you recommend to them?
A: I would recommend these essentials as an introduction:
The MicroquaticTM Oxygen Infusion Masque -- it does two great things to create healthy skin: The self-activating foaming experience draws out impurities from the skin while infusing it with oxygen, which plumps fine lines, creates firmness, and leaves your skin with an amazing natural glow.
Either the 70% Triple Seaweed Gel Foundation or the SpaComplexionTM Hydrating Marine Minerals Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15, which provide beautiful, even coverage and infuse the skin with beneficial skin care ingredients. The SPF protects the skin from harmful ultra-violet rays. Both products are very nourishing and hydrating.
The Eye Intensifier Pencil is the perfect product to create a "quick eye" and to enhance your own natural eye tone. But it's also the trick I use on the red carpet to make eyes really standout. Also important, they're smudge-proof and water-resistant, thanks to Nylon-12, an innovative ingredient that only we use.
Q: What are some of your other fave products -- outside of the Sue Devitt line?
A: First, the Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Masque -- the natural formulation and rose scent is very uplifting and contains fewer chemicals than other masques. I use it once a week to keep my hair shiny, super soft and healthy. Second, Vaseline Intensive Rescue Healing Hand Cream -- I'm constantly applying hand cream and I absolutely love this formulation, it really hydrates the skin and the ingredients penetrate without leaving residue, which is very important for a makeup artist. Third, Neutrogena SPF 70 Sheer Cover Sunblock -- Being from Australia, I never leave home without sun protection; it's an absolute necessity especially with all of the travel I do. This formula is lightweight, sheer to the touch and fast absorbing, which makes it essential for my outdoor shoots. And finally, a Goody Hair Clip -- I like to keep my hair out of my face with these claw clips, especially when I'm running from meeting to meeting. It keeps me looking polished and put together, plus they don't damage hair the way elastics can.
