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!
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!
Posted at 11:23 AM in Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Cleanser, Concealer, Cream, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Creamy, Creamy Blush, Creamy Flush, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, face illuminator, Fashion Magazines, Film, Flush, Foundation, Glow, Highlighter, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Artist, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Customer Service, Makeup Magazines, Makeup Makeover, Mascara, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Multi-Use, Multi-Use Product, Multiple, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, SA, Sales, Sales Associates, Sheen, Skincare, Standalone MAC Store, Television, The Makeup Counter | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Cleanser, Concealer, Cream, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Creamy, Creamy Blush, Creamy Flush, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, face illuminator, Fashion Magazines, Film, Flush, Foundation, Glow, Highlighter, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Artist, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Customer Service, Makeup Magazines, Makeup Makeover, Mascara, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Multi-Use, Multi-Use Product, Multiple, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, SA, Sales, Sales Associates, Sheen, Skincare, Standalone MAC Store, Television, The Makeup Counter | Permalink
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.
Posted at 01:42 PM in Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Cleanser, Concealer, Cream, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Creamy, Creamy Blush, Creamy Flush, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, face illuminator, Fashion Magazines, Film, Flush, Foundation, Glow, Highlighter, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Artist, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Customer Service, Makeup Magazines, Makeup Makeover, Mascara, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Multi-Use, Multi-Use Product, Multiple, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, SA, Sales, Sales Associates, Sheen, Skincare, Standalone MAC Store, Television, The Makeup Counter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: aging, blonde eyebrows, blush, brow powder, brunette eyebrows, changing, combing eyebrows, dark thick eyebrows, eyebrow makeup, eyebrow mascara, eyebrows, eyebrows are window dressing to the soul, eyeliner, eyemakeup, eyes, eyes as windows to the soul, eyeshadow, gray eyebrows, hazel eyes, lipstick, makeup, Maybelline, not plucking eyebrows, Paula's Choice, plucking eyebrows, plucking eyebrows, powdered eye makeup, spoolie, spoolie, unibrow, white eyebrows, youth, YSL
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!
Posted at 08:23 PM in Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Cleanser, Concealer, Cream, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Creamy, Creamy Blush, Creamy Flush, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, face illuminator, Fashion Magazines, Film, Flush, Foundation, Glow, Highlighter, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Artist, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Customer Service, Makeup Magazines, Makeup Makeover, Mascara, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Multi-Use, Multi-Use Product, Multiple, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, SA, Sales, Sales Associates, Sheen, Skincare, Standalone MAC Store, Television, The Makeup Counter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: CA, CA, Hillsdale MAC Store, MAC colors, MAC Makeup, MAC makeup, MAC Products, makeup, makeup advice, makeup application, makeup counter, Natalia, SA's, San Mateo, standalone MAC store, standalone store
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.
Posted at 11:02 AM in Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Cleanser, Concealer, Cream, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Creamy, Creamy Blush, Creamy Flush, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, face illuminator, Fashion Magazines, Film, Flush, Foundation, Glow, Highlighter, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Artist, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Magazines, Makeup Makeover, Mascara, Medical Makeup, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Multi-Use, Multi-Use Product, Multiple, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, SA, Sales, Sales Associates, Sheen, Skincare, Television, The Makeup Counter, Theatrical Makeup | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: blush, lipstick, lipstick, makeup, makeup artistry, makeup consultant, makeup consulting, makeup doctor, makeup review, makeup reviews, migraine, products, purchasing makeup, review, writing makeup reviews
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?
Posted at 09:19 PM in Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Cleanser, Concealer, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Fashion Magazines, Film, Foundation, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Artist, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Magazines, Makeup Makeover, Mascara, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, Skincare, Television, The Makeup Counter | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: blush, cheeks, color makeup, color stories, eyehadow, fan brush, Laura Mercier, loose powder, makeup, makeup brush, makeup collection, makeup counter, makeup magic, makeup makeover, new blush
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. 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!
Posted at 07:06 PM in Blush, Books, Bridal Makeup, Celebrity Makeup, Concealer, Cream Foundation, Cream to Powder Foundation, Customer Service, Drugstore Makeup, Exfoliate, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Fashion Magazines, Film, Foundation, Holiday Makeup Collections, Lipstick, Loose Powder, Makeup Brushes, Makeup Magazines, Mascara, Mineral Makeup, Miscellaneous, Powder Foundation, Pressed Powder, Skincare, Television, The Makeup Counter | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: concealer, makeup, makeup books, makeup concealer, makeup guide, makeup products, makeup products, makeup techniques, undereye makeup
My search for the holy grail of skincare has ended. Actually, it ended many years ago when I discovered Paula's Choice from The Cosmetics Cop, Paula Begoun. I like her skincare products. They work for me, my skin looks great, and I still have money left over in my endless pursuit of makeup. Her sunscreen alone has changed my life, and I now wear it as a moisturizer as well. 365 days a year, Paula's Choice Sunscreen is slathered onto my face and body.
I like Paula's makeup line too, but I have to be truthful - I can never be faithful when it comes to makeup. Oh, I try to fake myself out - but I'm on to me. I know I'm faking. I will never find just one cosmetics brand and only use that one. Never. I know very well the prettiest color is just around the corner.
But skincare? Another story all together. We all pretty much stay faithful to our favorite skincare, whether it be an eye cream, or a moisturizer. Friends might tell us to try this fabulous new cleanser, and even though we try, (or tell them we will try it) we are secretly afraid that we will break out, or that something vile will happen if we abandon our beloved brand. This is why all cosmetics companies push their skincare. They know their customer will always come back for more skincare, even if they've moved on to another lipstick or blush. The fear factor alone will being them back.
I was astonished to learn this when I started to freelance for different cosmetic companies. I told the interviewer that I was a makeup artist, not a skin care specialist. They told me in no uncertain terms that skincare was what I must push - and push hard. They pointed out what I now accept as fact - women will always be loyal to their skincare, and that brings in the sales and the money.
I learned that was true. Most returning customers were returning for their favorite eye cream or their favorite moisturizer or serum. They would definitely look at the makeup colors, but for the hard cash, it was the expensive moisturizer that they wanted. The very expensive one with exotic ingredients that they swore was making them look 10 years younger, and they would look at least 20 years older if they didn't use it.
I'm actually no different. I just happen to fall for a skincare line that did what it said it would do, made no ridiculous claims, and worked for me. Don't even tell me that you have a sunscreen that you swear works better than anything I've ever tried. I've tried them all. I found it. And I'm NEVER going to switch. I mean, just think what would happen to me if I did?
Posted at 05:00 PM in Skincare | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)