First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Christopher Milone

You know who's cool? The makeup artist behind Madonna's MDNA tour, Christopher Milone. Read on to find out how he got his start in the business, the moisturizer he can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am a native New Yorker, born and raised. I Went to the Fashion Institute of Technology for display and exhibit design and always had a strong art background, then eventually went to Makeup Designory for special effects makeup.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I was a dancer in my teens and always did everyone's makeup for shows and performances, and was told I had a knack for it. Didn't really know I could make a living doing makeup till college. I started in retail and worked for every brand under the sun. After a long stint in retail I decided I wanted more, and wanted to do film and TV, so I went to school for FX and a few years later became a member of the makeup union.

What are your top 5 favorite beauty products?

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge Applicator. The best makeup sponge for applying liquid or cream foundations. Flawless application always.

Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation SPF 19. A cult favorite. It's always in my kit to highlight and illuminate anywhere.

FACE Atelier Ultra Sheer Pro. I love and am obsessed with highlighters and this one is awesome, to highlight the cheekbones or mixed with foundation.

Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder. A versatile contour powder or eyeshadow. Use it on just about everyone.

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care Rose Day Cream. Good makeup starts with good skin. I love a lot of Dr. H's products but this one I always carry and it can transform your skin.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Play up one feature or your best feature and that's it. Aimple is better then wearing a full on look with dramatic eyes and a bold lip. Just do a bold lip and some mascara or a sexy smoky eye with lip balm on the lips.

2) Avoid contouring during the day, which can look muddy in daylight. Instead highlight with a good highlighter to bring your features out.

3) ALWAYS wash your makeup off before bed! The skin must breathe and good makeup starts with good skin.

Being a makeup artist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
SLEEP! No joke I have such a busy schedule sometimes all I want to do is sleep. But I do paint and draw when I can. Also I am always doing research and learning about new products.