Spring is in the air and we Tango Divas are getting
ready to pack our bags and do a little sightseeing. But before we zip up our gorgeous Goyard carry-on, we
need to make sure we have the basics packed. And that
is where Maria O’Reilly, 33, can help us out, because
when it comes to looking fabulous, she’s the expert.

With celebrities under her care like Sophia Loren and
Oscar winner Helen Mirren, you can trust that she
knows what she’s doing.

Maria gets it ­ in more ways than one. Besides being a
very talented hair and make up artist, she is an
explorer and survivor. Maria moved to the United
States from Ireland in 1997 and was determined to
build a career in the United States.

As she says “I
was fortunate to win the green card lotto so say no
more!”

Between her jet-setting and beautifying, she
survived 5 brain aneurysms. Yes, 5 of those deadly
beasts. While some people would live in fear from such
tragedy, Maria smiles widely and says in her adorable
Irish accent, “Well, they didn’t kill me, did they?!”

Now, when she is not styling on location for
television or feature films, you can find her
on the board of the Aneurysm and AVM
Foundation helping support groups and organizing
fundraising events.

I caught up with Maria when she made me look fabulous for my
7×7 magazine photo shoot. I had some time alone, so I
asked her some very important questions:

* * * *

1. Tell our readers about some of the latest trends in
make up?

Organic and Mineral products. Companies are starting
to understand that mineral-based products are safer
for your skin. I recommend products like: Jane Iredale (www.JaneIredale.com) and J.P. Durga (www.JPDurga.com). Both these brands are great for the skin, don’t clog
your pores and give you a healthy glow.

2. What are the 5 must-have items every Tango Diva needs
to pack when she travels?

1. Waterproof mascara: shu uemura

By the pool or swimming, the eyes will still always
look great (www.shuuemura-usa.com).

2. Sheer lip gloss or lip tint: Cargo

In a Cargo can of lip gloss, you get two colors—my favorite is San Fran!

(Available at Sephora and coming soon to www.cargocosmetics.com.)

3. Blotting papers: Boscia

When it’s humid and hot out, these blotting papers
keep your skin shine-free.

4. shu uemura eyelash curler

Always walk them out on the lashes for that curved
look, don’t just squeeze them (www.shuuemura-usa.com).

5. Cheeks and Lips in One:­ Bobby Brown

Lips and cheeks cream blush ­in
blushed rose—easy two-for-one product to pack that gives you an “on vacation” glow.

Website: www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

3. What are some basic vacation road rules with make up?

Get rid of foundations, leave the heavy make up at
home. Leave your skin open to get air—you are on vacation
after all. If you want to use something, use tinted
moisturizer.

Sun block and hydration is a must! My favorite lip
balm to keep lips radiant is Kanebo: Total Lip Treatment.

If you don’t like to be in the sun, then try
moisturizing shimmer body lotion, Body Bling by Scott
Barnes. Mix with moisturizer and you are good to go!

4. What was the best decision you made in your life?

To travel and work abroad. It’s definitely one way to
expand one’s mind.

5. What is your most memorable travel moment?

Traveling to Cordoba, Spain with my cousin Catherine
for a wedding. Enjoying the food, wine and amazing
culture of the people into the wee hours of the
morning… the way it should be done!

6. What was the worst travel experience you had?

Getting stranded at Narita airport in Japan for three
days due to snow.

7. What have you learned about yourself through
traveling?

I’ve learned that it is very important to indulge and
get involved in the culture of the country you’re
visiting in order to really experience what it has to
offer. As said: “When in Rome do as the Romans do.”

8. What moment in your life did you feel the most alive?

I have to answer this by saying recovering from two
back to back brain surgeries to clip five aneurysms
that I had… Thanks to my Neurology team at UCSF!

9. If money and time were no object, where on earth would
you go?

It would have to be the Seychelles off the coast of
Africa. I read about this island when I was twelve and
still have yet to get there!

10. Who is your hero?

My college teacher for guiding me in the right
direction to my career and passion as a make-up
artist.

11. Where in the world do you know a lot about and would
make a great resource for our Divas? Tell us about it.

I think it’s got to be my homeland of Ireland, and the
spot is the ring of Kerry. Rent a bike and cycle up to
the top of the ring to Lady’s View and experience “the
forty shades of green” throughout the valley. It’s one
of my personal wonders of the world.

12. And finally a word from our Featured Diva, you in your
own words, give us a stirring, Diva-worthy battle cry
for women everywhere to hear!

Let your hair down, live it up and don’t forget your
waterproof mascara on vacation!

About the Artist

If you are in the Bay Area, and need to look like a
million bucks, let Maria work her magic on you. She
will take your drab to fab! You can visit her online
at www.mariaoreilly.com.