JLO and Scott Barnes in an About Face moment.

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the star-studded launch of celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes’ new book, “About Face“.

Even if you’ve never heard of Scott Barnes, you’ve seen his work; he’s a whiz at making up the faces of Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mariska Hargitay, and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland for red carpet events and magazine spreads. He’s most famous for giving JLO her signature glow: a monochromatic look of bronzed skin and pale lips. That “lit from within” look spawned a makeup line and signature product, Body Bling, a tinted moisturizer that transforms pale skin into sun-kissed gorgeousness.

I made my way down to NYC’s Meatpacking District to Provocateur, a new club in the Hotel Gansevoort, and immediately was greeted by red carpet excitement. Countess LuAnn de Lesseps from NYC Real Housewives fame stepped out first, and then throughout the next hour, Judith Light from Ugly Betty,  Cheyenne Jackson from Third Rock, Kelly Rowland, Kat DeLuna, and finally Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. What a scene inside–the club has a permanent catwalk installed in the center of the room with banquettes facing it along the perimeters. Outrageous made up models dress in black catsuits danced to mixes of Jennifer Lopez’s new single, “Louboutins” and Lady Gaga tunes, with images from Scott’s work projected on a big screen in the background.

Once past everyone’s entourage–there were a ton of security guards, handlers and scary looking bodyguards–I slinkered into a banquette, sipped on  Bombay cocktail called NY Easy (made with simple syrup, lemon juice, Bombay Sapphire and Club Soda), and took in the crowd. Fashionistas, magazine editors, photographers and NY’s glamazons,  roamed and from across the room, I spotted the dimiutive Christian Sirianno, past winner of Project Runway. While I didn’t get too close to JLO (her entourage was especially good at keeping her in a bubble) I could see that she looked gorgeous and glowing, of course, in a black strapless dress and four-inch Louboutins.

On the way out, I grabbed a goody bag (ok, my most favorite part of the evening. Who doesn’t love free stuff?) filled with Scott’s book, a full size tube of Body Bling,  makeup and spa gift certificates. As I went through the loot at the sushi bar next door–I was starving, and they didn’t serve one morsel of food, just heavy-duty cocktails– I determind one thing is for certain: Scott Barnes is a makeup artist in the the truest sense. His genius book gives you all his best tips and techniques, so that even if you’re makeup shy, you can look like a Hollywood star. I may not be stepping out on a red carpet anytime soon, but right now, I’m ready for my transformation.