Sandy Linter, a renowned celebrity makeup artist and New York personality, has held a legendary status in the beauty industry since the early 70s. As a master of her craft, her transformative talents have graced the faces of celebrities, models, socialites, and individuals from all walks of life. Her influence extends beyond the makeup chair, seamlessly blending an elevated conception of beauty, a keen vision for facial shaping through makeup, and the allure of fashion photography. A Studio 54 enthusiast and a key figure in the disco era, Sandy's journey, well-documented in print and film, is marked not only by her high-profile relationships, notably with America's first supermodel, Gia Carangi, but by her enduring talent, genuine spirit, and survivor instincts. Co-authoring "Makeup Wakeup" with Lois Joy Johnson, she unveils a beauty guide for women over 40, showcasing her candid approach, from discussing personal experiences with Botox to engaging in revealing conversations with supermodel friends. Sandy also was the author for “Disco Beauty” in 1978/79. From her early days in Studio 54 to co-authoring a book, she continues to captivate with her authentic approach and unwavering dedication to the art of beauty.

Please share some insights into your early days in the beauty industry and what initially inspired you to become a makeup artist.
I was inspired to be a makeup artist from the magazines in the 1960s. The models were all so beautifully made up. That's what attracted me. I knew their names, and I remembered their faces. I studied their makeup and I started applying my makeup similar to theirs. At least I thought so. It was a bit heavy at times but that was the look. It took me a while to finesse that look. My mother was my first victim. She loved it and was very encouraging. Getting back to the magazines, the makeup always stood out. The models all looked so confident. I wanted that. Beauty and confidence.

Sandy Linter and Carolina Herrera 1978/79 in the Tod Papageorge’s book. We never met that’s how Studio 54 was.

Please recount a memorable moment or event from your time at Studio 54 that had a lasting impact on you.
The early days in the beauty industry were just that. I knew every model, photographer, and hairdresser. I worked with every editor of every beauty and fashion magazine. I worked with the best photographers, immediately. Then I was working in a hair salon, Mr. Kenneth. You may have heard of it, if you are watching the feud with Truman Capote on one of the networks. I was doing all those socialites and some of Truman's Swans. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was one of them and she was the ultimate Swan. I did the makeup of Shirley Lord, beauty editor of Vogue. She wrote a two-page story about my makeup with illustrations for Vogue. Then I was off! Chris von Wangenheim, Scavullo, and Avedon were the first of the photographers I worked with in 1973/74.

Studio 54 came in April 1977. For 33 months I went there as often as I could. there was never a dull moment. There was never a reason not to go. I had some of my best times with my friends getting ready with hair, fashion, and makeup. We would leave when we felt like it, which was amazing just to dance and party, without a care.

One night--December 31, 1978, while going to New Year’s Eve I was captured by two photographers, Allan Tannenbaum and Tod Papageorge. The Allan Tannenbaum photo appears in Ian Schragers' book “Studio 54,” and the Tod Papageorge photo appears in his book, “Studio 54.” That's pretty amazing. In one photo I'm sitting next to Carolina Herrera, looking for a cigarette in my disco bag. In the other I swung my leg over Coty award winning designer, Charles Suppon, while he went along with my antics for the camera. It was unusual to be photographed at Studio. We could all do whatever we wanted because we were never photographed, no cell phones and cameras were rare. So these photos of me are rare.

When my career first started I was considered a fashion makeup artist. I did the purple eyes of 1981, the black eyes of 1975, the sculptured brown cheeks of 1975, and the dark brown lips of 1975. As I grew older I softened my approach to suit the person, and I did mostly beauty. And soon enough Women Over 50 became my niche.

Sandy Linter photographed by Joe Novak in 1978. Sandy is in Scavullos’ makeup room

Name some unforgettable people in your life.
I worked with the model Patti Hansen and when she partied she invited myself and hairdresser Harry King to meet her boyfriend Keith. Patti and Keith Richards left a lasting impression. They are both warm, friendly, and unpretentious. It doesn't matter if you haven't seen them in years, when you do, it's like old times. I was working with Chris von Wangenheim for Vogue when he put together an iconic shoot with myself and Gia. They were two memorable people, whom I loved. They were gone too soon.

Sandy Linter and Gia in Oct 1978. Photography by Chris von Wangenheim.

You've worked with a diverse range of celebrities. Are there any particular individuals who have left a lasting impression?
There are so many. Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, the most generous person. She gave me a Rolex watch, after I had been attacked and mine was stolen. I did Cheryl Tiegs makeup when she wed artist, Peter Beard, in 1981, another handsome unforgettable character. I also did Patti's makeup when she married the charming and talented Keith Richards in 1983. The super loyal Elizabeth Hurley, whom I met when she was dating Hugh Grant. They were a beautiful couple and so memorable. One of my co- workers at a hair salon was Linda Ramone. She was dating Johnny Ramone. Johnny and Linda Ramone are another unforgettable couple. My makeup skills got me everywhere.

I was dating a guy named Tommy Pashun, who was in the inner circle of Andy Warhol and his friends. Andy is another unforgettable person. And dear Tommy was a great guy.

Describe your personal beauty philosophy and how it has evolved over the course of your career.
My personal beauty philosophy is to keep yourself updated. Don't be just repetitive. If something doesn't feel or look right after a while, change it if you can or figure out how to live with it. That could be makeup or hair or surgery. Don't procrastinate go to a professional for advice.

What are some of your favorite makeup products at the moment?
At the moment, I love the colors (shadows, blush, eye pencil lips) from Chanel, the Complexion drops from Westman Atelier. Aucoin Beauty has some amazing products like its Glass Glow face.

La Mer skin care is a great recommendation. I used La Mer renewal oil on Maye Musk for her PhotoBook cover shoot with Mike Ruiz.

Social Media.
http://www.facebook.com/Sandy.Linter
http://www.instagram.com/SandyLinter

New Years Eve going into 1979. As it appears in Ian Schragers’ Book Studio 54. Charles Suppon is a Coty Award wining designer.

Interview by Makenna Tourville, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Sandy Linter, Legendary Makeup Artist Based in NYC