Carmindy and Mermaid Makeup

So if you’ve ever watched What Not to Wear – the TLC show where Stacy London and Clinton Kelly go through a lucky but fashion-challenged lady’s closet ridiculing and tossing out her most offensive garments before guiding said lady, fairy godmother-style, to a more alluring and well-put-together version of herself – then you know who Carmindy is. That luminous moon-haired vision who glides in near the end of the show to work magic with wands and brushes and all manner of powder and gloss until said lady is whirled around to face the mirror and gasp with astonished pleasure. And the lady always actually looks about ten times more beautiful as Carmindy smiles down on her. Who doesn’t love that moment? Since Carmindy herself is obviously from another world as well as an expert in magical transformation, she seemed an obvious person to ask about mermaidly allure. So I emailed Carmindy and she wrote back that she loves mermaids, has mermaids decorating her NYC and Miami abodes, and even dressed as a mermaid for Halloween this past October…! I thought this was all very suspicious, and I suspect that Carmindy may be a mermaid on other days as well… but that is a question for another time and place.

In the meantime, here is our Q and A and a few photos of Carmindy in her mermaid guise.

Are you a fan of mermaids?
I am and always have been since childhood

What do you think the allure of mermaids is?
The mermaid is the siren. Confident, alluring, free, and mysterious. People are always drawn to the beautiful siren.

How did you transform yourself into a mermaid this past Halloween? Did that take some figuring out or did you just know what to do?
I did some research online and chose my look based on some old illustrations. I used a deep blue eyeliner, then layers of different hues of turquoise – darkest at lashline and getting lighter towards the browbone and iridescent under the brows. When I was all done I added a wash of iridescent glitter across the entire lid.

How can women recreate your look at home?
For a more wearable look, simply use a teal eye liner pencil swept across the upper lash line and a soft sweep of shimmering aqua on lids only. Keep the face balanced by applying a pinky peach blush and gloss on lips and cheeks.

More generally, how can regular humans and/or secret mermaids acquire that mermaid allure in their everyday lives?
Have confidence and a siren sense of happiness and independence. They live in the ocean and swim free, being muses to all.

What are your feelings about glitter? I’ve noticed that on What Not to Wear you seem a bit leery of it!
It’s fine for Mermaids, Tweens and Halloween… that’s it!

Can you recommend any specific products you find especially mermaidly?
*My Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired By Carmindy Luminizing Face Primer. It makes skin glow and feel like silk.
*Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Electric
*Mac Eyeshadow in Aquadisiac
*Makeup Forever Diamond Powder in #07

What is it that you love about doing makeup? Does that sense of beauty and transformation play into your love of mermaids?
I love doing makeup as a way help transform a woman’s attitude about herself. I enhance her natural beauty, empowering her to embrace her unique beauty. That confidence is the core of a mermaid/siren’s whole being. Beauty and confidence, even when you look different to everyone else.

Do you have any favorite mermaid books/films/art, etc.?
I love the older Greek myths about mermaids.

And finally, do you have any other advice for aspiring mermaids?
Know that you must treat life like the ocean. Learn to flow with the swells and currents and don’t lose self esteem or focus.