Celebrating Way Bandy, and his super fresh, timeless “American Look”

Way Bandy is still a name that makes many in the make up industry bow down and give props all around the world, and his pioneering work is the reason that a legion of beauty professionals exist today. He arrived in New York City in the mid-1960s and began working at a modeling school as a makeup teacher, back when there was no such thing as an editorial force like Pat McGrath or a mass-market phenomenon like Bobbi Brown or Nars. Before Bandy, models were asked to apply their own makeup, and when he started showing up with his kit at photo shoots around the city to lend a helping hand, the profile of the make up artist started to go through the roof. A major face on the editorial scenes in the 70’s and 80’s, Bandy really was the first beauty superstar. He was also the man behind the creation of what is still known as “The American Look”: fresh faced, unabashed sexiness that made you look twice at the girl next door. Think freckles that aren’t hidden away under layers of foundation, well groomed, thicker brows and a glossy pink lip, paired perfectly with healthy, thick, seriously tousled hair (a perfect example above, starring Rene Russo). This is a look that still inspires to this day, and if only Bandy could still be around to celebrate its longevity.