Melody Iafelice is an on-Air Beauty Specialist and Professional Makeup Artist, who has two decades of dedication, experience and passion of making people look good.

Melody Iafelice
Makeup Artist & Pro Beauty Maven
Instagram : @melodyiafelice

How did you get your start in the beauty industry?

My love started really early at about four years old, when I used my mom’s fuchsia lipstick to paint some furniture (still love pink) and by 6, used to recite TV beauty commercials. I did work in hair studios throughout high school, but the idea of me with scissors and mixing hair color as a career, not a good one LOL. I felt a more natural fit with the cosmetics industry and switched over.

What types of services do you offer to clients?

My clients are from several areas of the industry, so I fit into varied roles when needed and it’s never boring. As a Brand Spokesperson, I work with PR firms and companies to bring their products to TV, when in the role as a Product Trainer I share in-depth information with sales associates to educate and inspire them on the brand and products. Being a Makeup Artist, I provide makeup services for all types and sizes of projects for photo-shoots, fashion shows and special occasions, groups and private clients. For individual clients I also have a service, similar to what a wardrobe stylist does, except I’m in your makeup and skincare bags, not your closet. It’s personalized to each client’s goals and includes personal shopping, makeup lessons and more.

What’s the best part about your job?

I never get tired of helping someone look fabulous on the outside, because it has the power to positively influence feelings on the inside. The bonus is the stories and conversations I hear, oh boy if my makeup chair could talk, but I don’t makeup and tell ; )

I love the photos from on your online portfolio especially the look you created for MODO Magazine Feb 2013. How do you prepare for photo shoots?

Thank you. For fashion and creative shoots, I like ‘inspiration images’ to get an idea of where the creative director wants to go. If I’m heading up the makeup, it’s the same thing but my own ideas. As for my kit, after each shoot I make sure everything is back in its compartment and brushes washed, so I’m always ready to run to the next booking.

What have been some of your favorite shoots and do you have any upcoming projects you want to share with us?

As for new projects, there is always something popping up, but there are a few good ones in negotiations, so keeping my fingers crossed. Tough to pick a shoot, because the favorite is the one you’re on at the moment, however, when the team works very well together you can see it in the final images and that’s when you love a shoot even more.

I liked your segment Essie Nails & Chanel Makeup ‘How To’ do the Spring Beauty Color Trends on Rogers Daytime TV Ottawa. One of my favorite things to do is get pedicures – I love the OPI brand. With spring weather finally here – do you any tips for preparing for sandal season?

Confession: Of all the beauty rituals I’m not overly crazy about spa pedicures, maybe I just haven’t been wowed by one yet. Instead I prefer to take care of my petit size six feet at home. Just a little attention to them every day helps. The micro-pedi is like a mini sander for feet and I use it every morning. At night, it’s the fresh Bliss Foot Patrol for moisturizing and exfoliating. Be sure to use a basecoat before polish no matter the color; it’ll prevent nails from yellowing. As for polish – go bold, soft or bright, have fun!

Instagram: @melodyiafelice

Do you have a daily beauty routine?

As a wife and a mom to 2 boys my bathroom is a girly time sanctuary with all its lotions and potions. My day to day routine can be from 5-20 minutes in the morning with basic makeup and hair, and around 5 minutes in the evening.

Daytime care is all about gentle cleansing, light layers of hydration and glowing skin for me. I always use my Clarisonic facial cleansing brush every morning. I LOVE Facial oils, they keep my skin hydrated and stress free. Then of course use eye cream and top it off with my go-to moisturizer for the past 2 years, the French Lait Creme Concentrate (24 hour miracle cream) by Embryolisse, lightweight and effective.

My makeup routine for most days is simple; primer, complexion enhancer (currently addicted to Hourglass’ tinted moisturizer) volumizing mascara, pink or peachy blush and usually a nude lip, but trying to use color more.

As for hair, I’m pretty low maintenance (although my collection of styling products and tools say something else) and try not to heat style or wash it every day, so Batiste dry shampoo has been a favorite of mine for a few years and prefer the volume version XXL.

For evenings, it’s deep cleansing and makeup removal plus anti-aging and repair. I prefer to use cleansing oils or balms to dissolve makeup and the rest of the routine is with Perricone MD products that I recently purchased. The Blue Plasma a non-acidic daily ‘peel’ for smoother and brighter skin, without redness or irritation, is amazing and a new favorite!

What are five beauty products you can’t live without?

Just five? Ok I’ll try.

1. Clarisonic facial cleansing brush
2. Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL
3. Carmex lip balm
4. A nude shade of lip product,
5. Makeup primer, and I really tried for 5 but I can’t go without…
6. some form of complexion enhancing item; a concealer, foundation, tinted moisturizer…to even out and perk up my skin tone

What is the most common mistake women make when applying or choosing cosmetics?

The biggest makeup mistake I see is usually with color selection of complexion products (concealers, foundations, tinted moisturizers).

Shades can’t be chosen based by what’s seen in the package or by using the back of the hand to ‘test’ the products (Um, you don’t wear makeup there, so it will never be right on your face).

Get color matched every time you buy a new one (color varies from brand to brand and skin may have changes too).

Instagram: @melodyiafelice

For applying – it’s in the tools!

Ditch those mini things that come with your palettes and compacts. Use proper tools and keep them clean, for better blended results.

Michelangelo did not paint his masterpieces with his fingers!

Tools don’t have to be pricey to be good, check out Real Techniques brushes they work well and affordable.

What one product should women never leave the house without?

I like a good ‘complexion enhancer’ something from the following items; tinted moisturizers, concealers, foundations, BB creams etc.

When skin looks good, any other makeup you may apply looks even better.

The choice is yours, and the right formula applied well (you don’t need to wear it all over) can make skin look radiant, well rested and possibly more youthful!? Many formulas are so amazing, they can have SPF and much more.

What are some of your new favorite beauty products out in the market right now?

Ahhh there are so many great ones! But here are the ones I’m reaching for lately:

• Obsessed and collecting the YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stains glossy lip stains, the shine and color have good staying power.

• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, a great texture and coverage for dark circles. Hourglass Ambient Powder adds a subtle glow to the skin.

• Caudalie Divine Oil smells incredible, use on hair, body, face.

• Josie Maran Argan Oil Infinity Cream, it can do soooo much.

• Perricone MD Blue Plasma, love what it does for the overall appearance and texture of my facial skin.

Let’s hear some of your favorites…

fashion designer: There are a few. Dolce & Gabbana, for their colors and prints. Carven for their slight twist to classic shapes and Isabel Marant for her chic and hip pieces that have a classic feel to them.
piece of clothing you own: My immediate faves are a Tory Burch sleeveless leopard print dress because it works year round and can be worn really dressed up or simple. An Alice and Olivia white one shoulder feathered top, it was such a steal and just fun to wear.
place to shop for clothes: I shop everywhere, online, boutiques, large stores, Winners. You just never know where a treasure is waiting to be discovered.

How would you describe your style?

Classic with an Edge. I have an eclectic collection of accessories – jewellery, shoes and bags so I use classic shapes of wardrobe pieces and add accessories for the edge.

Do you have any style tips you would like to share with our readers?

Find a way to express or inject your personality into what you’re wearing, that’s personal style! Shoes, bags and jewellery are perfect for this.

Don’t get caught up in trends, not all are meant to be worn by everyone.