The Mighty (Tim) Quinn
I have known Tim Quinn since 2001, when we at met at Saks Fifth Avenue by chance and struck up a conversation - not about makeup, but about life. Immediately, I knew, there was something special about the former model, who had just finished studying with the legendary Pat McGrath (who helped create the 2001 debut line for Giorgio Armani Beauty).
Many a fashion designer has tried to launch and re-launch beauty lines; most have not stood the test of time. Which begs the question: Is it the product, or the people, who represented the line? Clearly, for Giorgio Armani Beauty it is the latter, and in no small way, the success is due to Quinn's true artistry and beautiful spirit. Tim understands that beauty comes not only from maquillage, but from within, and has an uncanny ability to bring out the "celebrity" in every woman.
Michelyn Camen: Why are you called a celebrity face designer?
TIM QUINN: My job is designing “faces” for the celebrities that we (Giorgio Armani) dress for red carpet events. I have worked backstage at many award shows including the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the ESPYs. Some of my favorite celebrity faces are Uma Thurman, January Jones, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Debra Messing, Victoria Beckham, Kim Cattrall, Gwen Stefani, Kate Bosworth, Andrea Mitchell, Minnie Driver, Ziyi Zhang, Jordana Brewster, Brooke Shields, and the late Farah Fawcett.
Using your favorite celebrity faces as a guide, please share some of the products you use on women with complexions ranging from the palest ivory to the deepest brown.
TQ: For a pale complexion, take notes from January Jones’s red lip. For her, I used Rouge D’Armani 400 to create a glam look. For a medium complexion, I’ve done Roberta Armani for many events. On her, I use Fluid Sheer #3, Eyes to Kill Palette #3 and Eyes to Kill Mascara in Black Steel. For a dark complexion, like Kerry Washington (top), I used Face Fabric #6 to create a flawless complexion.
For a Latina/Mediterranean complexion (like yours Michelyn), look to Jordana Brewster. On her, I used Blending Blush Duo #2 to accent her cheekbones, creating a subtle, natural glow.
TQ: Farrah Fawcett and I bonded over our cancer battles – her strength, compassion, and endearing sense of humor were an inspiration. My dad was sending coffee cakes (which he baked) to both Farrah Fawcett and Alana Stewart regularly. One day, Farrah called me and asked would it be ok to call my Daddy and thank him, and would he know who she was? I laughed and said it would make his day – which it did; to this day a picture of Farrah Fawcett and Alana Stewart that they sent him holds center court in their living room!
Although Spring 2010 is on the catwalk, real women want a change of face for fall. What are the must haves for every woman this Autumn?
TQ: Red lips!! I love Rouge d’Armani in 400 and 401. The purple smoky eye is also very popular this fall – our Eyes to Kill #3. Velvety skin is also big this fall. Our Lasting Silk UV Foundation is the best foundation to achieve this look.
Like quite a few women, I simply cannot carry off the glamorous scarlet lip or the intense plum and aubergine pout everyone is touting this season. What’s newer and more 'glam' than my typical warm rosy pink lipstick?
TQ: I believe there is a red for every complexion. For those who feel that they can’t wear the red and purple trends for fall, try a more sheer version of the red, like our Sheer Lipstick #6. I also love the idea of Lipwax #4. And to keep the color from being so intense, pat it onto the lip.
Once and for all how do you achieve the perfect ‘smoky’ eye?
TQ: Start with eye liner to fill in the roots of the lashes both on bottom and top. With Eyes to Kill #3, use the center color (Gunmetal Grey), feathering up from the lash line. Then using the outer color (Royal Purple) graduate the color to the crease; also smudge along the lash line. Lastly, use the middle color (silver) at the inner corner and under the brow. Top off with lots of mascara!
[Also be sure to check out Tim Quinn's fabulous how-to videos on acquiring a flawless complexion, getting eyes that kill, and going for all-out red carpet glam.)
How important is foundation to a “natural” look. If you can only recommend one Armani foundation which do you recommend and why?
TQ: Too many women skip foundation. Foundation helps to even the complexion and balance the skin tone. For the most natural look Face Fabric is a must-have! The “nude” look is achieved through weightless and seamless coverage that optically diffuses imperfections.
If a woman could own just one Armani Beauty product that takes them ‘drab to fab’, which is it?TQ: Fluid Sheer – the Champagne undertone brightens and lifts the skin – either tapped onto the cheekbone or blended into the foundation.
Mr. Armani was quoted: “Women want to be sexy, so ... I will make them sexy.” Which Armani fragrance do you recommend to bring out their sensuality?
Idole D’Armani – it captures the essence of femininity, a citrusy, spicy floral eau de perfume
Author’s note: RIP Farrah Fawcett.
- Michelyn Camen
Camen is a New York City based fragrance specialist and the owner of FifthSense N.Y.C. where she consults for luxury, beauty and fragrance companies. She also provides personalized fragrance evaluations based on body chemistry, psychology, fashion, and lifestyle. She is an Editor for Fragrantica.com, the Fragrance Columnist for UptownSocial.net, the former Senior Contributing Writer for Sniffapalooza Magazine, New in Niche Columnist for Basenotes and Editorial Director/Fragrance Editor for Beauty News NYC & LA. Email her at fifthsensenyc@aol.com or Michelyn AT Fashiontribes DOT com.
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