Simone goofing around on set. Apparently she’s not ready for her glam-shot just yet…google her and you’ll see how she let’s her work speak loud and clear for her.
When you meet makeup artist Simone Otis (she’s prepped the faces of Rachel McAdams, Sarah Rafferty and Kendall Jenner) one of the first things you notice is that she has ah-mazing skin. That, and she’s mastered the art of the ‘no-makeup-but-you-can-bet-she’s-wearing-a-little-something’ look. In the beauty biz for over 20 years, Simone’s handiwork has graced the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair and ELLE Canada, as well campaigns for Joe Fresh, Marcelle and cult-beauty fave, BITE Beauty, plus she’s worked backstage at Balenciaga, Helmut Lang and Marc Jacobs. Eight years ago Simone had her daughter, Suvi, and since then she’s juggled motherhood and career and found time-saving ways to keep her skin and hair in top-notch condition. “Like most moms, before I had kids I had hours to spend on myself—exercising, shopping, or trying out whatever is the latest so-called miracle beauty product. Realistically (and sadly), I don’t have time for that anymore.”
The many faces who have benefitted from Simone’s expertise (Photo credits clockwise from top left): Dave Picard; Karen Collins; Sarah Rafferty by Gabor Jurina; and Karine Vanasse by George Pimentel.
We feel you Simone, which is why we asked her to share her expert beauty secrets and must-have products, the same ones she shares with her roster of top notch clients. What we learned is that once you create a solid beauty foundation (great hair cut and regular visits to an esthetician), looking fabulous really does take five minutes. While we may never look as glowing and millennial as Kendall, Simone’s giving us the goods to get gorgeous and not only look next level, but feel 100 too.
Simone’s daughter Suvi, with her ‘perfect’ puppy.
Simone’s Best Beauty Secrets Aren’t Just for Supermodels
HONOUR THY HAIR STYLIST
LOVE THY SUPPLEMENTS
THOU SHALT NOT FORGET COLLAGEN
THOU SHALL SEEK AN ESTHETICIAN
HER EVERY DAY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
“It’s no surprise that sunscreen is a must for great skin. Supergoop Setting Mist and their mineral sunscreenare my absolute favorites! They don’t use parabens or any weird smelling fragrances, plus they’re lightweight, non-greasy and have very high protection. I can’t get enough of them and use them for myself, my kit and my daughter. (And no, I’m not paid to say this).”
“I’m all over a natural looking blush. I find that it helps to make me look more refreshed and alive. This one doesn’t look to ‘makeup-y’. My colour is Sheer Berry and it gives the right amount of natural-looking colour for most skin tones. For more intense colour, add a light dusting of powder overtop, then go over with a powder blush.”