Journey

At the Hollywood & Highland complex in the heart of Hollywood, the ground is inlaid with dozens of anonymous 'how I made it' quotes from film industry folks both past and present. Here I have highlighted 4 from the Golden Age of Hollywood that tell of their defining moment on their journey to success! The first is from Paramount's star designer, Edith Head. I've read some books on her and found that although she was ambitious enough to pull this stunt, she also knew she had the talent to back it up. Sometimes a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do!

MGM Stars

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, the great studio MGM boasted that it had "more stars than there are in heaven". Taken in 1943, this is a promotional photo of many of the actors under contract with MGM at the studio's 20th birthday party. Can you spot your favorites?!

*click on photo to enlarge!!*

1st Row: James Stewart, Margaret Sullivan, Lucille Ball, Hedy Lamarr, Katharine Hepburn, Louis B Mayer, Greer Garson, Irene Dunne, Susan Peters, Ginny Simms, Lionel Barrymore

2nd Row: Harry James, Brian Donlevy, Red Skelton, Mickey Rooney, William Powell, Wallace Beery, Spencer Tracy, Walter Pidgeon, Robert Taylor, Pierre Aumont, Lewis Stone, Gene Kelly, Jackie Jenkins

3rd Row: Tommy Dorsey, George Murphy, Jean Rogers, James Craig, Donna Reed, Van Johnson, Fay Bainter, Marsha Hunt, Ruth Hussey, Marjorie Main, Robert Benchley

4th Row: Dame May Whitty, Reginald Owen, Keenan Wynn, Diana Lewis, Marilyn Maxwell, Esther Williams, Ann Richards, Marta Linden, Lee Bowman, Richard Carlson, Mary Astor

5th Row: Blanche Ring, Sara Haden, Fay Holden, Bert Lahr, Frances Gifford, June Allyson, Richard Whorf, Frances Rafferty, Spring Byington, Connie Gilchrist, Gladys Cooper

6th Row: Ben Blue, Chill Wills, Keye Luke, Barry Nelson, Desi Arnaz, Henry O'Neill, Bob Crosby, Rags Ragland

Makeup Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Miss Jan and BettieBoo~ You are the winners of the Make Up For Ever makeup sets giveaway!!

Miss Jan~ please email me at wink@katiecustermakeup.com sometime before New Years so I can get the treats out to you. BettieBoo~ I found your email on your blog, I'll drop you a line today. Hopefully it's still current.

I also want to thank those of you who gave me such a warm welcome back and kind words regarding my health. I hope you enjoyed this contest and will do more in the future! xoxo

Makeup Giveaway!

As an 'I've started blogging again' contest, I have two new cute sets of Make Up For Ever product available to two lucky readers! This contest is open to everyone worldwide. (If you are outside the U.S. please keep in mind longer shipping time and possible customs fees you may have to pay.)

If you would like to enter, please leave me a comment below and the 3rd and 7th commenter will each win one of the sets. I approve the comments before hand, and will publish the comments on Friday, so we won't know who is in what place!  (If less than 7 comments, we'll do the first two. If no one comments :(  we'll save it for another day!) I cannot guarantee which set you will receive, but you are more than welcome to request one! Also, please have an email to contact you- either in your profile or if you feel comfortable leaving it in the comments. If not, please keep an eye on the winner's announcement post. The contest ends Friday December 18th at 12noon EST. If you have any questions, please email me wink@katiecustermakeup.com GOOD LUCK!!! xoxoxox

*click on image to enlarge*

FEMME FATALE A super sexy red collection for the vamp in you!

Eyelash #101- a full, lush mix of black and brown synthetic hair

Blush #14- a rich deep plum great for all skin tones

Ink Liner- super black velvet texture liquid liner with sponge point applicator

Lipstick #44- deep red in a creamy satin finish

Plexi-Gloss #403- a bright pink-red gloss

PINUP GAL A cheeky pink collection for the flirt in you!

Eyelash #403- a cat eye flare with black synthetic hair

Blush #12- a soft plum-pink good for all skin tones

Ink Liner- super black velvet texture liquid liner with sponge point applicator

Lipstick #33- rich bubble gum pink in a creamy satin finish

Plexi-Gloss #209- a bright fuchsia pink gloss

Your Beauty Mark

I just picked up my copy of Dita Von Teese's Your Beauty Mark! Dita fans have been waiting for this beauty bible for years and it finally launched on December 1st. It's an eye catching coffee table book you will be proud to display in your home and reference it time and time again. It's full of the most insanely beautiful and provocative photos as well as stories, tips, inspirational motivators and step by step guides to achieve your most glamorous self. She also introduces us to some of her eccentric and dapper friends. I was actually surprised at how much text there is! It's literally wall to wall all things beauty.

It's $45 US dollars and worth every penny. At just under 400 pages, Dita steers the reader to maximize on what makes themselves stand out. To capitalize on our own beauty mark and be the best version of ourselves. There are many photos I've seen before, but many more that I have not. Even though she has had her own signature look for over 20 years, each photo opportunity still allows her a twist on her hallmark signature. Accentuate, practice, own it!!

The book's creative director is Rose Apodaca who also wrote the forward and contributing with delightful illustrations is Adele Mildred. Dita keeps good company as these ladies are not only chic and creative but have their own distinct beauty mark as well. I'm posting some photos to tempt those who have yet to get a copy! Thank you Dita for allowing us to sit at your vanity, pick your brain and start or continue our own beauty mark journey!

*click photo to enlarge*

Hedy Doodle

Google honors Hedy Lamarr today as this marks her 101st birthday. They've made her their doodle!

I'm blogging from my phone today so I'm not sure how to imbed a video, but check out this animated link of Hedy as a doodle!

http://youtu.be/Z0gu2QhV1dc

Hello Again

Happy Halloween!

I haven't blogged in a year and a half, and just now have gotten motivated again. If you've followed me from the beginning- way back in February 2007- you'll know that I only blog what and when I want for my own enjoyment about my passions- Old Hollywood and makeup.  Of course though, I'd like people to be reactive and enjoy as well!

I also plan to be a little more open and personal. During this hiatus I've been working and moved around a bit. I'm still a freelance makeup artist and am now focusing completely on the film industry and some production work, as opposed to doing a little bit of everything. I really want to learn more about my craft like spfx, facial hair application, character and fantasy work, that sort of thing. I've so much to learn! Why am I not a legendary Westmore brother?!! It's too bad The Westmore Academy is no longer in business.

This past June, I flew from my beloved Los Angeles back home to the Philadelphia area as I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. When I'm up and running again, I'll go back to LA. The past 6 months have been brutal and still more to deal with, but the fact I can see toward the end and am now excited about the future is a good turning point!

If you'd like to connect with me:

Email: wink@katiecustermakeup.com
Instagram: @katiecustermakeup
LinkedIn: Katie Custer
Periscope: katiecustermakeup 
My website: www.katiecustermakeup.com

I got rid of my Facebook 2 years ago, so these are my only social media accounts. Maybe I'll do a Facebook makeup page some day! STAY TUNNED!! I've got a lot of content to post like fun themes, Q & A's with some fantastic vintage/retro folks and giveaways! (You know I like a giveaway) Anyway, because it's Halloween, here is the Master Jack Pierce doing his thing on Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr.

1930's Vintage Glamour Day at The Egyptian Theatre

Looking for something fun to do on Sat May 31st? Head on over to the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood! The Theatre is holding a wonderful event called the 1930s Vintage Glamour Day: MakeUp, Fashion & Film.

A vintage fashion show, film screening, make up demos from Bésame Cosmetics, hair tips from Sandra D, Joan Renner of The Vintage Powder Room, vintage clothing display from Paper Moon Vintage, old fashioned ice cream sodas, and a book signing with Marsha Hunt of her book on 1930s and '40s style will comprise the afternoon. Sounds divine!

For more information, please visit our friends at the American Cinematheque blog for details!

The famed Egyptian Theatre, home to the first movie premiere in 1922

Lovely Gabriela Hernandez of Bésame Cosmetics in her new Burbank boutique

Vintage America with Ginger

Entertainer and vintage enthusiast Ginger Pauley has developed a pilot that we would love to be picked up! Starting in the movie capitol of the world, Los Angeles, Ginger tours America reaching out to those who share a common interest: keeping Vintage America alive! There are vast treasures to be discovered and learned about. Architecture, automobiles, music and more, Ginger allows us a close look at the products and people who were America's lifeblood in the 20th century.

If you may recall, I met Ginger here! She is beyond sweet and insanely talented. Please reach out to her and let her know how much you enjoy Vintage America with Ginger. Be sure to keep up with her social media to see when she will be performing~ links are on her website. Thanks Ginger! XO
Vintage America with Ginger Facebook page

Around Town- Philadelphia

Another fab vintage gal spotted around town!  This time in Philadelphia. I met Jessica Saint at a special event for makeup artists at the Make Up For Ever Boutique. She couldn't be missed with her striking looks and ruby lips. I wish I would have snapped a photo of her glorious winter coat with faux leopard fur collar... but she kept her other accessories classic with a black patent leather purse from the forties and some retro inspired t-strap slippers.

Jessica is an extremely talented makeup artist, hair stylist and pinup model. She's based in NYC but does travel. Check out her work and make sure to follow her on social media; links in contact section. Thanks Jessica!!  XOXO

www.jessicasaint.com

Happy Birthday!!!!

Oscar Finery

Chapeau

Book Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Bettie Boo! She wins a copy of Marilyn's Red Diary! Thank you to all who entered. I am planning on doing more fun giveaways soon :) xo

Book Giveaway: Marilyn's Red Diary

Meryl Moss Media Relations has graciously donated a brand new copy of the just released Marilyn's Red Diary by E.Z. Friedel for a contest giveaway!! If you would like a chance to win, please leave a comment and one winner will be picked at random. U.S. residents only (sorry international friends) Giveaway ends Saturday June 15th 12noon EST. **I have removed the spam protector, so please comment away!**

Who or what killed Marilyn? This is a question that many people have wanted to know. There are theories of course...what do you believe? This fictitious account explores Marilyn's last two years in her own words as written in the red diary that never left her side.


Press Release:

"When Marilyn Monroe died in 1962, her estate was worth $370,000. In 2011 the subway dress from The Seven-Year Itch sold for a whopping $4.6 million. Add the gown she wore when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy, which sold for $1.26 million in 1999, and one thing is clear. The clothes are worth more than the woman who wore them.

More than a half-century after she was found dead on the night of August 5, 1962, Hollywood’s tragic dream girl continues to fascinate. We’re still mesmerized by her endless appeal to powerful men of every stripe, her troubled childhood, her magnetic screen presence and the mystery of what killed the woman who created Marilyn Monroe.

Based on shocking new information, author and physician E.Z. Friedel offers a fictional first-person account of what might have happened to the former Norma Jean Mortenson in Marilyn's Red Diary (Beech Hut Publishing LLC; June 1, 2013; $9.99). Friedel draws on his medical knowledge to explore some of the darkest questions concerning the troubled star, including who may have killed her, as he recreates the last two years of her life. This provocative and scandalous narrative is told by Marilyn herself, as she recounts the events of the day – and the steamy, sexual encounters of the night – writing in her red diary all the details and dirty little secrets about some of the most powerful people in history and entertainment.

Marilyn confides in her diary information about the President of the United States, his brother the attorney general, the CIA, the Mafia, her loyal psychiatrist, her overbearing drama coach, insensitive producers, husbands, lovers, and her ongoing struggles with drugs and alcohol. Friedel calls upon his professional expertise to deliver the most shocking revelation of all—just how Marilyn may have been killed and who was responsible.

Marilyn's Red Diary is at times funny, scandalous and sad, but always brutally honest. Marilyn Monroe is caught between intellectual giants—her awkward, award-winning playwright husband, Arthur, and her dashing politician boyfriend, Jack. Then along comes Jack’s fiery brother, Bobby. The world’s dream girl relates her intimate adventures in this touching portrait of a hard-working, extremely bright woman, trapped in her own sensuality and, tragically born far ahead of her time."

For more information about the book and the author, please visit Marilyn's Red Diary! For those that do not win, you can purchase this book through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Thank you to Alissa and Liz at Meryl Moss Media! x

Vintage Rides

I forgot I had these photos of a vintage auto show from last September!

Click photos for bigger view!

Debbie Reynolds is Unsinkable

As you may know, I love a good Old Hollywood Biography! Who of us doesn't? I just finished reading Debbie Reynolds' latest autobiography Unsinkable. It came out this month and is already getting spectacular reviews! Publishers Harper Collins were kind enough to send me a copy for review.


From the press release:
"Actress, comedienne, singer, and dancer Debbie Reynolds shares the highs and lows of her life as an actress during Hollywood's Golden Age, anecdotes about her lifelong friendship with Elizabeth Taylor and her experiences as the foremost collector of Hollywood memorabilia, and intimate details of her marriages and family life with her children, Carrie and Todd Fisher.

A story of heartbreak, hope, and survival, "America's Sweetheart" Debbie Reynolds picks up where she left off in her first memoir, Debbie: My Life.

Unsinkable is illustrated with previously unpublished photos from Reynolds' personal collection."

She states in the beginning that the first section of the book is what she has been up to since 1988 when she just married her 3rd husband, and the second part would be filled with memories and scoop on the films and people surrounding her at that time.  My plan was to speed through the first part to get to the scoop, but quickly found myself immersed in the first part~ a great soap opera filled with ambition, betrayal and...murder?? So much has happened to her both good and bad, personally and professionally that it's obvious she really is unsinkable. Apt, don't you think?

Of course, one cannot mention Debbie Reynolds without mentioning the Eddie/Elizabeth fiasco. That was the late 1950's version of Jennifer/Brad/Angelina. She touches on this and does so without too much emotion. I think after talking about it so much it works in the reader's favor to see it somewhat objectively. What does affect her more in my opinion, is the hurt she has endured from her 3rd husband. Not only does he gut her emotionally, but puts her reputation as a business woman on the line. No one can say she doesn't defend herself with grace and dignity.  She showed that during the Eddie tribulations and continued to do so during legal troubles she unwillingly found herself.  Luckily she had a small group of hardcore friends including her children, Carrie and Todd, who were by her side since day one.

A common thread weaving through all of this is her dream of a Hollywood Memorabilia Museum. She has been a collector of discarded props, costumes and the like since the 1960's.  When the great studio MGM liquidated their property in the 1970's, she was there to buy as much as she could. To them, it was dead weight.  To her, and many others, it is history and dreams! Where was the respect? She had amassed a huge collection including many costumes from Cleopatra, Singin' In The Rain, The Seven Year Itch, The Wizard of Oz and many more films. Sadly, each location she found, and there were many, somehow eluded her. By the time she was forced to auction off a bulk of it, she had given up hope. Bittersweet. Hopefully the collectors that now own these gorgeous items love them as much as she did!

Okay, what about the scoop you ask?  There were many things I didn't know. Carrie tells us in the forward that Debbie has a remarkable memory and that stories come all the time.  This is one of the reasons she decided to continue with her story as there is still so much to tell! At 81 years old, that's a lot.  She refers to herself as a 'Girl Scout' and horrified when she witnesses Elizabeth and Mike Todd beat on each other and being chastised  by all when later told it was a form of foreplay.  There were times when she performed at her Hotel and Casino for free, just to entertain and interact and save money for the debt machine that was her Las Vegas dream resort.  I loved the story of when she would faint on cue to avoid being yelled at by a certain director until he learned how to talk to her humanely.  Fred Astaire took her under his care while she was training for Singin' In The Rain and showed her the more flawed side of him. Here are some other things you will find out about:


Who did Debbie discover jumping naked on a couch while singing opera?

Who came to the rescue of a sick Carrie while Debbie was away in another country?

Why did she buy Bob Fosse a jock strap?

Which Rat Pack member was an outstanding kisser?

Who tried to punch her in front of a large audience?

Which iconic costume sold for $5,520,000 and broke all records at her memorabilia auction?


AND SO MUCH MORE! I know, right?!?!  I've always like Debbie and am thrilled she is still around to share more memories and anecdotes, in addition to continually working. Have you seen her body of work? She is currently playing Liberace's mother in HBO's Behind the Candelabra. She is also on social media!  Please check out her Facebook and Twitter!!  Be sure to also check out her website where you can see and buy from her still wondrous collection of old Hollywood costumes and artifacts.

Thank you to Tracy at Harper Collins and to Debbie Reynolds for continuing to amaze us!

Canine Coiffure

1933

Caricatures