Ask the Makeup Doctor

Makeup and Maturing

Makeup and the Mature

I wasn't sure how to name this particular entry - but I KNEW that "Makeup and Getting Older" didn't particularly thrill me!

Ah yes - the maturing process.  Ain't it great?  Looking in the mirror and suddenly, your mother's face is looking back at you.  I'm not saying this is a BAD thing  (mom)- but it sure as hell is a shocker, isn't it?  Anyone over a "certain age" has felt that jolt to their system!

A very good friend of mine - actually a friend from our freshman year in high school - was out buying lipstick, something she rarely does.  She picked up her good old reliable Revlon lipstick and when she put it on - it looked....different.  The color was definitely not the same.  She even checked the bottom of the lipstick a few times (with a magnifying glass...you know the drill) to make sure that she had picked out the right color.

Yes - it was definitely the right color.  But it was different somehow.  She called me and indignantly said that Revlon had changed the color of the lipstick that she had worn for years, and remembered so well.  Because my curiosity was raised, I too went to the drugstore and purchased the lipstick.  It looked the same to me. 

Then it hit me.  The lipstick hadn't changed, WE had changed.  We committed age.  And that particular shade no longer worked for my friend the way it had for the last 30 years or so.  (Told you we were older...I mean, mature!)

Changing

It never occured to me and my other friends, that along with all the other "fun" changes like - perimenopause, gray hair, chin hair springing out of nowhere...but only when you are driving and checking the mirror and seeing the long gray hair that you never, ever saw and having to pluck it right then and there) that our makeup would turn against us.   Makeup was always our friend and ally!   Et tu, makeup?

Foundations that were once perfect - now make us look cakey and shows lines that we never knew we had.  Colors that were so awesome in our "before time" are suddenly different - too dark, too light, just in general, WRONG.

Of course, first we must be in denial for  bit, and definitely put the blame on the cosmetics companies - and then reality sets in.  It isn't them - it's us.

It's time to change...yet again. (And of course, to express our wrath at men, who as they age - simply look distinguished.  I call unfair!)

Don't despair.  It happens to all of us.  Some sooner - some later, but it'll happen.

This is when you go back to square one, and start trying on different makeup - different lines, different textures and different colors.  It helps to go to a makeup artist (you know - kind of like me!) to have them help you along. 

Try some different makeup lines - some are more mature friendly than others.  Hey!  Maybe those counters won't be playing that awful loud music!  (Dern kids, git off my lawn!)

Playing with Color

Look at your colors - get a color makeover.   Read some new beauty books on "mature beauty". 

You have to change your makeup along with your clothing style - and essentially, kind of start from scratch.

If a new beginning of maturity means looking and trying new makeup, I am all for it.

If you want some help or ideas, give me a shout out.  We can do this together.  It'll be...fun?  Yeah, that's the ticket!  I love helping ladies start from scratch.  A fresh new look from a fresh new person...okay, I'm not SO fresh, but fresher.

Makeup ALWAYS makes everything better. (Well - makeup AND chocolate!)

Remember - makeup always washes off...the older thing...not so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAC Store - Hillsdale Mall

Well, FINALLY! 

Yep - a blog post about MAC. My first blog post about it - but I'm sure it will hardly be my last.

Actually, I'm not writing about the MAC line of products, but I am writing about their Customer Service.  Specifically, the Customer Service at the standalone MAC store at the Hillsdale Mall (San Mateo, CA).

Since MAC's inception back in the 80's it quicly became a fan sensation and a media darling - so to speak.  The SA's all wore black, and had that slightly (to be honest NOT slightly) but a very haughty attitude as if we mere mortals in the non makeup world - we mere buyers were so below them it was if they weren't certain if they could speak to us without sneering.

After one to many off-putting SA's, I decided not to use the line - as delightful as the colors and product might or might not have been.

Fast forward to now.

In the years that I've been a makeup artist, it is almost impossible to avoid the MAC line - for a variety of reasons, outstanding color choices and a wide variety of everything you could possibly want.  MAC is a very visible and popular line with the general public and professional alike.

Enter the standalone MAC store at Hillsdale.  I walked in with a great deal of trepidation.  To my surprise, every single one of the SA's were friendly, helpful and most of all, knowledgable.  They looked right AT me - no looking around for someone younger or hipper.  They talked to me, advised me and were friendly and kind.

Honestly, I was taken aback.  Could it be possible that MAC just got a very bad rap - and I felt the negativity and kept away?

Which brings me to the wonderful Natalia.  Natalia is not only knowledgable - she is friendly and kind - and as I said, she knows her stuff.  She won't push you to purchase anything you do not need, or wouldn't enhance you.  She is so accomplished that even I - ever on the watch for customer service and product knowledge - knew at once she wasn't just trying to sell me, she was listening and asking the right questions.

While I was browsing, I saw her at work on a customer and saw first hand her outstanding application of the products.  Her sharp eye was very apparant, manner friendly, and her ability was impeccable.

I am very careful with my clients.  If I cannot be with them when they are shopping, I want to guide them to not only the very best makeup for them, but I want them to be able to walk up to a beauty counter secure in the knowledge that the SA will not only assist them, but won't push them to buy something uunnecessarily, and won't talk down to them - especially when you can be dealing with the 40 + woman.  (We have enough on our plates without a young and beautiful SA looking down on us, or worse, TALKING down TO us.)

It is so comforting to know that I needn't be worried when my clients shop without me.  Every client I've sent to the Hillsdale MAC store has called me with wonderful compliments about the service they received.  No exceptions.  All 100% delighted.  (That ain't easy to do these days!)

So maybe MAC Customer Service got a bad rap years ago, or maybe I had run into some not very good SA's in the past. But now, with the professionals like Natalia and  her fellow associates at the Hillsdale Standalone MAC store-that rap is undeserved. 

Here's to you, Natalia, and to your fellow associates at MAC Store at the Hillsdale Mall - San Mateo, CA. *raises virtual champagne glass*

I'm now a believer.

You'll believe too. 

Now clink those virtual glasses!

 

 

 

 

 

A Makeup Doctor Mystery....

Hi!

Where have you been, I hear you cry?

Yes, once again, a long time since I've last been able to write.

By way of an explanation (and more than a year and 3 months between posts deserves SOME sort of explanation) I have migraines.  Not just migraines, but MIGRAINES.  Chronic and ugly.

Since I devoted last year (and some of the year before to bitterness) I'm once again trying to join the living, and will continue my blog, and hopefully get on some kind of schedule.

Just asked some of my past brides and other theatrical and medical clients  to send me their pictures, which I soon hope to post and will be updating my page as pain permits.

I have been quietly consulting with some theatre groups and some medical groups, and have continued to purchase and review makeup-just been unable to write about it - which, when you think about it, doesn't serve the blogging world, now does it?

Nice to have you back.  Stay awhile.

 

NARS HOLIDAY - THE G-SPOT MULTIPLE

The holidays are upon us!  The makeup counters are wrapped up in their holiday glory, the newest colors twinkling and beckoning with their beautiful and glittering holiday palettes.

It goes without saying (me being me afterall!) that I've begun purchasing some of the beautiful holiday sets.  I have SO much to write about, that I'm getting dizzy. 

NARS HOLIDAY - THE MULTIPLE

First up for me this time is NARS Multiple in G-Spot.  Ya gotta love NARS and his product names!  ALWAYS gets your attention, doesn't it?  You just have to be careful where you discuss your items - you don't want to be yelling "I FOUND THE G-SPOT I was looking for" when you are out with your friends at a holiday lunch. Or - maybe you do.  Perhaps people around you might think you are in "Sex and the City" and filming a new scene or something!  (Just remember - if that happens, you are ALWAYS Samantha!)

Rose With A Hint of Gold

The G-Spot Multiple is beautiful and is indeed the gold infused rose as described on the website.  As with all the NARS Multiples, it is in a convenient twist up case, and easy to throw into whatever bag you are using that night.  I love the NARS Mulitples because you can indeed use it as lipstick or blush - and that means less to schlep around in your tiny little evening bag that is meant to hold a stick of gum and/or a toothpick and nothing more.

On my fair skin, it gives a lovely warm rose with a hint of gold - just beautiful.  It looks as though I just as if I just came in from a very cold night (which is a joke - does it EVER get cold when you are menopausal?  I think not...) and looks as though I'm beautifully flushed. 

This is a definite must have if you are looking for a creamy holiday red - that doesn't scream '"CREAMY HOLIDAY RED!" to the masses.  You will just look beautiful - and better than that - you'll feel beautiful.  And when you feel beautiful - there is NOTHING you can't do or accomplish.

Go and check it out - a beautiful red is waiting for you!  And it isn't polite to keep it waiting!

 

 

Face Illuminator - Laura Mercier Strikes Glow!

You know how when you look at the magazines and the actresses and models have that special "glow" about them?  The kind that ALWAYS seems to elude us normal everyday folk?  The kind that makes us go crazy in the search for the perfect glow?

 Illuminating

 Laura Mercier has done it again.  I've been waiting with bated breath for the absolutely GORGEOUS Face Illuminator.  I ordered it and then began stalking my mailbox, just waiting for it to get here. 

Well - it's here.  And I'm in glow heaven.  THIS is what I've been looking for for SUCH a long time.  Not only does it do the job - it is GORGEOUS as well.  To be honest - I thought - "It's too pretty to use!"  But use it I did, and boy, am I thrilled.

 

An Ethereal Experience

It gives just the right amount of sheen and glow.  You don't need a massive amount at all.  I used my Laura Mercier brush blush - the flatter one, and I gently pressed it onto the product, and then pressed it lightly on the areas I wanted to glow.  It doesn't just "sit" on your face - it blends in and it looks like you are glowing from within.  It isn't like a special color - and will glow differently on different complexions, I'd imagine, but the main thing is, you will look like you have a special and ethereal glow about you - that people just won't be able to put their finger on. 

Laura Mercier's Face Illuminator will just add to your personal mystique.

The mysterious glow.....who doesn't love a little mystery?

 

 

Estee Lauder - Old School

Hi!  It's me again.

I frequent a great many beauty/blog sites as is to be expected, considering what I do.

Makeup Packaging

Inevitably, I read that Estee Lauder is the "old lady"brand, and most younger girls or women aren't excited enough about their packaging to use her product. What a shame to judge the entire product by the cover.  Some of the cutest most impressive packaging have the worst possible products.

So interesting!  When I was a young woman, 20 or 21, the only brands you could buy in the department stores were Estee Lauder, Lancome, Chanel, Princess Marcella Borghese, Clinique and the incredibly modern, Ultima II.  We didn't have NARS, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Benefit, Urban Decay and all of the other brands that are now considered "regular brands". 

A Long Time Ago....

I remember going to the Estee Lauder counter at The Emporium in San Francisco.  A saleslady (now they are beauty advisors, makeup artists, sales associates - but not one saleslady among them!) introduced me to Estee Lauder's eye cream at the ripe old age of 20.  She was a good sales person, and she also introducd me to Lauder's pressed powder, and a love affair was born.

To this day, I STILL use Estee Lauder's products.  Not exclusively because there are SO many different lines, but this line still has some of the best quality products I've ever used.  My HG pressed powder is Lucidity Transparency.  Perfection for a very fair woman as myself.  In the 30 years or so since I first started wearing her powder, I've strayed, tried the newest big thing - and have ALWAYS gone back to that perfect powder.  (They'll be back. They ALWAYS come back.  What movie or book was that from?)

                                                      What's Inside?

Estee Lauder's line has reinvented itself many, many times since my first foray into her makeup line when I was 20 years old.  She has a great line - love the lipsticks, the blushes, and still prefer "More than Mascara" to any other mascara at this point.

So Bright, So Shiny!

So - yes, there might brighter and shinier and really clever advertisements and packaging on the newer brands. Some lines are fascinating with their glimmer and shimmer and special effects packaging - like a 3-D movie.  But - where's the substance?

Don't judge a book by its cover  - think of all the beauty opportunities you are missing!

If you haven't tried anything of Lauder's you are SO missing out! 

If she's been around this long - she obviously doing something right - and it ain't all smoke and mirrors!

 

Laura Mercier -My Continuing Adoration.....

LAURA MERCIER

I know I've written about Laura Mercier's makeup before.  But it is so worth writing about again.

Since I blog about makeup, there are very few lines I've not tried, played with, had crushes on, felt I was in love with - only to have to break up with them soon after we met.  *cue violins*

Not so with Laura Mercier's makeup.  I've strayed - it's my job.  But, I always come back.  I come back to her wonderful Kohl Liners (Black Violet - I cannot deny you!) and I truly cannot live without my favorite eyeshadow of all time, "Morning Dew" (hint to Laura - please, please NEVER let me see this on the Au Revoir list!)

Her newest collection is coming out, and I've already made my list. The Canyon Collection - check it out!  Look at the blush or Cheek Melange as it is called?  Oh my - I MUST have this!

In addition to the lovely color stories, Laura is my staple - I always come back to her eyeshadows - they simply just work.  I use them on myself, I use them on my clients - I might start using them on strangers on the street if I didn't think that someone would call people that would speak to me gently!

Invisible Loose Setting Powder

My newest crush is on her new light and airy powder with the fan brush. (The real name is Invisible Loose Setting Powder, but I like my description!) Instant attraction - love at first sight.  I tried it on myself (of course - that's what any makeup artist does first) and then I tried it on my clients - only to see their tail lights zooming down the street to go and get some for themselves. (Note to clients - could you at least say "bye!" before you go?  Manners, ladies, manners!)

If you haven't checked out her collection recently -  do yourself a favor, and drop by the counter and let a Laura Mercier artist work his or her magic on you. 

We all need a little magic - and what better place than the Laura Mercier makeup counter?

 

 

 

Eve Pearl

Well - hi again!

It's been another long while in-between postings, but my chronic migraines don't really seem inclined to be leaving any time soon, so while I send a pox to my migraines, I'm tapping at the keyboard once again.

Off-Broadway Brands

Many of us in the field of makeup know the regular brand names you see in department stores, as well as the pro-lines that are off the beaten path.  Myself - I LOVE makeup lines that are off the beaten path - I love discovering new products and techniques.  New to me perhaps - but many of these (what I call) off broadway brands have been around longer than I have, which always makes me happy!

Eve Pearl - The Book

Eve Pearl.  Know that name?  Heard that name?  I happened upon Eve Pearls book "Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery" a few years back.  I believe I had heard about her from "The View".  Who can resist such a title?  Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery?  Nice.  I'm all for no surgery.

This book truly is wonderful.  I purchased it back in 2004 when it was released, and constantly referring to it as a skill refresher and guide.

Eve Pearl - The Concealer

A key product that Eve Pearl is known for is her salmon concealer.  I FINALLY got my hands on the concealer a couple of months ago and it is outstanding.  So outstanding, I was enthusiastically showing a client, and ended up giving her mine. (A client and a friend - she had a new job and wanted to look her best!)

This concealer is amazing, truly amazing.  I purchased mine in "Light" and it is creamy and delightful, and does the job a concealer is SUPPOSED to do. My old undereyes (which will celebrate their 50'th birthday very soon) look spectacular.

Eve Pearl - the Makeup Line

I'm so sold on this line, that I just recently (last week) made a purchase of some staples to put into my kit.  I can't wait to try out everything in this line, because if the concealer is any indication, I've entered into HG (holy grail) territory when it comes to product.

So - bottom line - check out this book, and check out her concealer.  Read it - study it - refer to it.  She covers everything in a very easy to understand and well illustrated way.  I know you'll want to try this concealer once you've read the book.  I've already given one away, so check out her site: http://www.evepearl.com

Happy reading, and even happier concealing!

 

 

 

Makeup Can't Help?!?

Well, Hi!

Yes, it has once again been quite some time since my last post. 

By way of a quick explanation, I've been suffering from chronic migraines which have made it very difficult to post on a regular schedule.

If you've ever had a migraine, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say it can be virtually impossible to do anything else when confronted with this disability.  3 trips to the Emergency Room a month can wear anyone down - even if she wearing a fabulous lipstick!

I'm doing my best, and have a backlog of makeup info to get out to you all - and I will do this - but it takes some time.  But thank you all for hanging in there with me. 

My next migraine treatment (and I've pretty much tried everything at this point) will be Botox.  It has been ordered, and I'm waiting for the call that it is in.

My neurologist doesn't have high hopes for it, but I figure, even if I have a terrible ER Grade migraine, think just think how young I'll look!  I'm sure the good folks in the ER won't even recognize me. 

So, my posts may be haphazard, but I'm still in the makeup game. 

Speaking of which - I've tried the new Burberry  makeup line.  And - I'm likin' this new Burberry makeup line...a little too much! 

Laura Mercier Makeup

Back in 1997, I discovered Laura Mercier's makeup line.  It was pretty new, and available at Stanford's Neiman Marcus.  (The only time I ever go into a Neiman Marcus is when I buy makeup or perfume.  Same price, better customer service!  Just sayin'...)  Now you don't have to to Neiman's, Laura's line is at most major department stores, and Sephora.

What a fabulous line.  This was one the first lines that I was truly able to say there was nothing I really disliked about it.  This can be both positive and negative as when you find something you really love, you must HAVE ALL of it to satisfy the craving!  In this post, I'll just go over a few things.

Concealer

I use Laura Mercier's concealers exclusively.  These concealers are in both my personal and professional kits.  I've (of course) tried hundreds of different concealers of many types and of many brands, and hands down, this is still my all time favorite.

The Secret Concealer in the pot - fabulous. I use this on myself and my clients for the under eye area. The consistency is creamy, it covers well, and a little dab will do ya!

I also like the Secret Camouflage Concealer for any other area on the face. You can mix the two colors together, and create the exact color you need for covering blemishes, redness or whatever your little heart desires.  I love the fact that this can be mixed to your liking - especially since none of our faces are uniformly the same color all over. I can make my concealer exactly the way I want it for whatever it is or where ever it is I'm trying to cover. It can take some practice - but once you get the hang of it, you'll be in love.  (I'd better be in love since I just re-purchased ALL 6 of the Secret Camouflage Concealers for my pro kit!) 

Makeup Brushes

Another must-have in Laura's makeup line are her brushes.  Again, makeup doctor/junkie/connoisseur that I am, I've dutifully tried almost every department store brand, and many pro brands as well, and I ALWAYS come back to Laura's brushes.  I tell my clients, if they really want to excel at their makeup application craft, they MUST get some of my "go to" brushes from her line.

My first go to brush is her angled eye color brush.  (Some of my brushes are from 1997 - and still have the original cursive writing on the handle.) The names have probably been changed as she increased her brush line.)  This is the perfect eye color blending brush for the crease area.  Perfect for the windshield wiper effect.  I use this only for blending, and not to apply color.  This is really one of my number one must haves.

My second go to brush is her smudge brush.  I love this one.  It is the perfect size to blend your eyeliner.  Just smudge this little smudge brush along your liner, and voila!  Perfection.

Eye Shadow for All

There are so many other items from Laura's line that I want to talk about.  Along with her brushes and concealers, I also am in love with her eye shadows.  

Ahh!  Laura Mercier's eye shadows. There are shades for everyone - younger, middle aged, or on the older side.  Several gorgeous matte shadows along with shadows with shimmer. Nothing boring about these shadows - a variety of different colors. You won't find the neon look with this line, but since I left my teens many (oh so many) years ago, neon isn't what I'm after.

Everybody wins when Laura Mercier's makeup is involved.

So - go and check out the line, and start or continue your winning streak!

http://www.lauramercier.com.

Illamasqua

I was told about this line by a new friend I met at the MAC store, but had never heard about it before. Nope - not in ANY of the multiple makeup/fashion/celeb culture magazines or sites that I had read or visited.  That alone fascinated me.  I mean, since I peruse hundreds of makeup sites as one of the many things I do for a living, (and for a hobby) you'd think I would have at least HEARD about it.

I was simply buying makeup (gee - I hope you were sitting down - buying makeup is something I almost NEVER do!) and another makeup junkie was in the store and began telling me about the line.

Of course, I was immediately fascinated.  Suddenly, I'm seeing articles about  Illamasqua, seeing Sephora advertisements about it and soon it was available at Sephora.  But only in the Sephora on Powell Street in San Francisco. 

Being in a Sephora (as you well know) is a dangerous thing.  Especially dangerous when there is a long awaited makeup line just sitting there - staring at me - no DARING me to try it.  I don't generally go to the Powell Streets store and since Illamasqua isn't sold anywhere on the Peninsula, being the good makeup junkie that I am, I immediately purchased the liquid foundation, an eyeshadow, two blushes and a lipstick. 

Many times, I will savor the makeup once I get it home. Look at the box, study ingredients, take note of the packaging and generally enjoy the experience, even as I take notes for my clients.

This time, I went for it.  Opened every box that I purchased anxious to see, smell and study the texture.

Just Say Yes to Illamasqua

Impressed - very impressed.  So much so that I immediately placed an online order for the pressed powder foundation in two different colors.  (They were out of the cream to powder in my color.)

The liquid foundation is like nothing I've tried before - and believe me, there are very few foundations that I've not tried!  (Again - hope you are sitting down!)  The color was perfect - the texture was very thick and creamy - meaning a little dab will do you!  With this type of texture, you want to make sure your skin is well moisturized, not only with a moisturizer, but also with a primer.  Or, you can do what I do..add a little moisturizer to the foundation, mix in your hand and you are ready to go. 

I'm still a makeup sponge user - though I also have and use foundation brushes on clients.  I had no problem with the foundation coverage - it did what I want foundation to do - made me look like me, only better.  The color was a good match, and it felt nice on my face.  Even though the foundation is very rich, it didn't feel heavy.

I can also see this being used in theatrical makeup - and I've already begun to calculate how much purchasing all the foundations might cost!

So much to review in such a short little blogging amount of time. 

To Be Continued.....