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Makeup artist, art director, America’s Next Top Model judge and now MMVA presenter - I got some makeup tips & tricks from Jay Manuel (that’s Mr. Jay to you) when I interviewed him just before his debut on the awards stage!

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MuchMusic.com: Hi Jay! We loved you on the series premiere of Canada’s Next Top Model! How do you think the Canadian models on CNTM stack up to the American models?

Jay: You know it’s funny that you ask that because they really surprised me! Well, I was expecting a lot because there are just so many amazing Canadian models who’ve had great careers - like Shalom Harlow, Linda Evangelista, Tricia Helfer. I was expecting these girls to be beautiful, but what I wasn’t expecting was that they would get such great talent for a first time round in a competition, that they would get such great talent. I walked in and saw some of these girls and they were beautiful, but a little reserved. But as you’ll see in the show, they are thrown into the pressure cooker, which is really what this whole industry is, and I was just really proud to see Canada do so well! Because for the first time with any show, it’s all about the casting and then when you’re dealing with a show about models, it’s hard to get a good group of girls. I think those judges have a tough time selecting who goes every week.

MuchMusic.com: We’re only a few episodes in, but can we expect any more Jay cameos in future episodes?

Jay: I can’t say! But stay tuned! I’m from Toronto so when they asked me to be part of the show, I really wanted this format to be successful because other countries have bought the format and I don’t think they’ve done as well. America’s Next Top Model’s in 107 countries and the ratings are strong. And Canada is so close to the States, I just want it to be a success! Anything to be a part of it, and support the show while it’s on!

MuchMusic.com: Who’s your favourite Canadian model?

Jay: I always talk about Linda Evangelista - I remember the time when Linda was doing catalogue. It’s when she had long hair and people were saying “yeah, she’s a pretty model but let’s not talk about her nose”, and I loved her nose! And she really is the true supermodel diva and she’s gorgeous! So she’s one of my favourite Canadian models for sure.

MuchMusic.com: What’s one fashion trend that you’d love to see go away?

Jay: I am so sick of seeing people wear, especially in the summertime, in shorts with sheepskin boots. I just look at them and I become hot! It just drives me insane. I want that trend to go away!

MuchMusic.com: If a girl’s only got a few minutes to freshen up, what’s the best quick tip you can recommend?

Jay: If I had to pick one product to use I’d have to say bronzer. It’s really one of the most underused products ever. If you need to pump up your eyes you can put bronzer all over your eyelids and you don’t have to bronze your whole face but take it along your hairline and down your cheekbones and across your nose, and it’ll bring instant dimension and lift to your face. A lot of people think a bronzer is just for putting ALL across the face. But if you use it differently it can make a huge difference.

MuchMusic.com: For amateur makeup application, would you recommend sponges, brushes or fingertips?

Jay: It depends! You can use sponges for foundation but you’d never use a sponge for eyeshadow. I think if you had to spend a lot of money on one thing in putting together a makeup kit, definitely invest in good brushes. I mean you can buy cheap makeup at little novelty shops, but if you don’t have a great brush, you’re not going to get a good application.

MuchMusic.com: What’s your must-have brush, if a girl can only splurge on one?

Jay: Wow, I can’t have only one! If you can only afford one brush I’d say a good fading brush, something that’s shaped like the ace of spades, because you can any kind of eyeshadow technique, whether you’re doing a creased eye or a great faded eye. Cause it’s really hard to fade an eye without that. And everything else, in terms of bringing in dimension I’d just use my fingers or a sponge.

MuchMusic.com: What was your favourite photo shoot or challenge in all the cycles of Top Model?

Jay: That’s so tough! If I had to choose I’d say the final fashion show in the last cycle in Thailand. I worked really hard on creating that environment. People thought we just showed up at some temple, but you can’t shoot at temples in Thailand so we built that entire set. It was a labour of love and a lot of fun!

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Be sure to watch Canada’s Next Top Model on Citytv, Wednesdays @ 8pm!

Posted on Tuesday, June 20th, 2006 at 3:40 pm by Kat and is filed under MMVA2006.

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