Ask the Makeup Doctor

Really?

Well, hi!

Even I didn't think that some crisis could last well over two years. 

Guess what?  I was wrong.

Anyway, since this site has long been neglected, I am in the process of a site revamp.

Look for it in a couple of months!

 

 

Eyebrows - Window Dressing to the Soul

We've all heard that eyes are windows to the soul.  So, I've decided that eyebrows are the window dressing to the eyes that are windows to the soul.  And as such -- attention must be paid.

I was very lucky in my younger years -- eyebrow wise, though I certainly didn't think so at the time!  They were dark, thick, and course and I had to pluck those suckers every damned day -- sometimes twice a day.  It seemed the minute I looked away more eyebrow hair appeared to form a unibrow to join my hazel eyes together.

Eyebrow Pencils, Mascara and Powder, Oh My!    

I never had to use an eyebrow pencil, much less any sort of special brown eyebrow powder to fill in sparse eyebrows. Nope -- not my problem.  When I was little, and my mom would get ready to go out, she'd always have her trusty Maybelline brow pencil in hand and filled in her blonde eyebrows prior to leaving.  She may not have worn any other makeup -- but those eyebrows were ALWAYS filled in.

The other day, I was grudgingly getting ready to go out, and I pulled out my makeup.  I gave myself a cursory glance as I half-heartedly decided what eyeliner I should wear, when I suddenly noticed my eyebrows -- as if for the first time.  Can it be?  Were they looking dull?  Were they looking not only dull, but a bit sparser (no-way!) and even a little gray?

I couldn't believe this was happening to me!  (Doesn't this sound really dramatic, like it should be about the crash of 1929 or something?)  I grabbed something I don't think I've ever used in my lifetime.  An eyebrow pencil. And, I also grabbed something I've used since 1997, but had seriously slacked off in the past few years -- eyebrow mascara.

Oh, It IS Me!!!!!!!!

After adding these two useful (and always used by my clients because I insist) items, I suddenly looked like me again.  Dark brown full and lush eyebrows. 

Ladies -- we are a changin', but we can certainly help ourselves along.  Doing my eyebrows really made a difference.  After all my makeup was on, I looked like me (to me) again and that is the best feeling of all.  If all it takes is a little makeup to make yourself feel like you again, I'm all for it!  And there is nothing easier than adding a little color to make all the difference. 

Don't leave out those "little" things because they are too small to make a difference.

Trust me -- they aren't little, and I LOVED the difference -- because it made me feel like I really hadn't changed that much (looks wise) and I felt the same way I used to feel.

So, dust off those window dressings -- you'll love feeling like you again -- even if only in your eyebrows!  I'll take feeling like me again wherever I can find it!  (And yes -- I did pluck those gray/white ones and got rid of them.)

I used YSL's Eyebrow Pencil in #2.  Great color, and I like the spoolie at the opposite end for grooming.  YSL is available at most high end department stores.  I bought mine at Nordstrom.

I used Paula's Choice Brow/Hair Tint in Sable.  She has other color options as well.  Paula's Choice is available online at http://www.paulaschoice.com.  

 

 

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.

 

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?

 

 

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!

 

 

 

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.....

Trish McEvoy Makeup

One excellent line of makeup you don't hear discussed very often is Trish McEvoy Makeup.

I was re-introduced to the line a couple of weeks ago at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco.

Let me tell you something about this particular line - not only is the product superior, but the knowledge of the Sales Associates and Makeup Artists at this counter are nothing short of superb.  These ladies and gentlemen KNOW their line of makeup, inside and out.  They also really listen to what you are saying, and don't try to steer you to something you've expressly said doesn't interest you, or isn't what you are looking for.

Sak's was having a makeup event, and they had a guest makeup artist.  Because I do makeup artistry, I very rarely get makeovers myself, but my friend insisted that I get one anyway.  So, even though I know the sales gamut, I liked the MA, and sat myself down in the chair.

I didn't tell him I was an artist - not only wasn't there time, but it felt funny to say as I was sitting in his chair and he was going through his routine.  I particularly liked his making up one side of my face, feature at a time, and then letting me do the other.  Very wise, gets the client very involved, and you can learn so much about technique this way, what to differently, what you like, and what you don't.  I was very pleased with his style and his listening to what I had to say.

Superior Knowledge of the Trish McEvoy Line

All of the people at this counter know their stuff.  They know the product inside and out.  They weren't just giving the fancy hard sell - which is a tough thing to avoid - especially given the pressure on makeup counters during these events.  They were funny, kind and on top of it.

Another kudo to the Sales Associates in this line is their outstanding communication.  You can opt to receive e-mails regarding upcoming events and sales.  Though many counters take your information, I've never had follow up as I do with these lovely people.  They unfailingly let me know when there will be specials or sales, or even color choices I might like.  And again, there is never a hard sell - which is very important to me and my clients.

Trish McEvoy is known for her outstanding makeup planners.  A zip around case that hold magnetized pages that you can fill up with her squares of eyeshadow, blush, powder, you name it.  There are 3 sizes of planners, allowing for maximum or minimum storage,  and you can play and mix and match colors to your heart's content. 

Trendy - No - Classic - Yes

The eyeshadow colors aren't as "trendy" as a MAC or some others, but they are well pigmented, feel like satin, and no chalky texture.  You won't have a problem dressing these up or down.  There is a color wardrobe for everyone - and a classic wardrobe at that.

Trish McEvoy is also known for her outstanding brushes - and they live up to their hype.  I have a couple I purchased years ago, and they are still going strong.  I believe Trish was very well known for her brushes long before all of the other lines started carrying/pushing them.  Hers are nothing short of outstanding - although a bit pricey.  Pricey or not, they will last a lifetime provided you take care of them.

In short, check this line out.  You won't be disappointed.  If you are ever in San Francisco, you must stop by the Saks Fifth Avenue counter.  The two ladies there - Greta and Kimberly are knowledgeable, courteous, funny and they know their stuff.  This counter will neither disappoint or pressure you.