A Chat with Creator of LORAC, Carol Shaw

Well known in Hollywood for creating behind-the-scenes beauty magic, Carol Shaw is one of our favorite local treasures. Longtime makeup artist, turned entrepreneur, Shaw brings timeless red carpet tools to beauty consumers via LORAC cosmetics.

BEAUTYNEWSLA: Was creating a product line always part of your plan?
CAROL SHAW: No, it wasn’t. I was a working makeup artist, but after years of struggling with my own ultra-sensitive skin and dealing with my celebrity clients’ sensitive skin, I had a heart’s desire to create a makeup that was extremely gentle, non-irritation, and looked and felt like real skin!

BNLA: We’re huge fans of your eye shadows ““ Do you have a personal favorite product in the line?
CS: I love my eye shadows, too. However, I can’t live without my oil-free wet/dry powder makeup. It instantly makes my skin look even and silky-smooth”¦ without making me break out!

BNLA: Is there anything known as the LORAC signature product? Any cult faves so-to-speak?
CS: All of LORAC’s complexion products do very well. A cult favorite is the LORAC “TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer.” Celebrities, makeup artists and women everywhere tell me how much they love this product!

BNLA: As you know, LA is the forefront of red carpet beauty & glam”¦ We’ve already gotten through the Golden Globes and SAG. What beauty trends should we be looking forward to for the Oscars next month?
CS: You will always see glamorous red lips on the red carpet with lashes and eye liner. You will also probably see smoky eyes paired with light lips.

BNLA: Are you doing any nominees or presenters? If so, can you give us any hints about their looks?
CS: I have a couple of people pending, can’t say yet. My signature look is smoky dark eyes with glowing bronze skin and light glossy lips.

BNLA: Do any of your celeb clients have LORAC products they don’t leave home without? Anything YOU don’t let them hit a red carpet without?
CS: Debra Messing always has my new QVC “Evening Out” compact in her clutch on the red carpet. It has everything she needs to touch herself up…concealer, powder, mirror and all the tools she needs to apply. Evening Out is a must-have for the red carpet and for everyday.

BNLA: What’s coming up for 2010?
CS: I have beautiful paraben-free Multiplex glosses coming out for spring that are infused with 3D multi-dimentional pigments that make the lips look fuller and sexier than ever!
We have three new Baked Eye Shadow Trios – Rockstar (blue), Star Struck (plum) and Star Studded (Bronze/Green).

And if you’re a fan of my eye shadows, you will love my new eye shadow primer called “Behind the Scenes.” It is the best primer on the market! It’s lightweight and easy to use for crease-resistant, long-lasting eye shadow.

BNLA: What beauty trends/looks to you see differing from NY to LA, if any?
CS: It seems like women in LA wear more makeup, but they sure buy a lot in NY!

BNLA: If you had to sum up Angeleno beauty in a few words, how would you describe it ““ as opposed to the rest of the world?
CS: Bronze, bold and beautiful!

BNLA: In three words, Carol Shaw is…
CS: Sensitive, creative and fun!

BNLA: In a sentence, LORAC is”¦
CS: …the red carpet authority.

BNLA: Where can we look for you next?
CS: I will be on QVC on February 8th at 4PM EST. Tune in!