New from Oribe - and Red Lips - Current Favourites - November 2016

If you saw my 'In The Bathroom Part 2' video with Sali Hughes, you'll have seen that although I wear two types of lip products, a strong red lipstick and a baby pink lip gloss - I have approx 372 of each type. Where my house is showroom clean with bleach, I reserve my right to hoard a lippy. I don't mind about price, I love some Rimmel and L'Oreal Reds, and I equally covet the higher end of the market. Having said that, I have avoided the Louboutin craze thus far. My background just can't get its head around a £65.00 lipstick, no matter how exquisitely packaged. 

Oribe, however, have just jumped to the top of my price tree with their new Lip Lust Creme Lipsticks, three intensely pigmented colours that are paraben and mineral oil free, as well as being vegan and cruelty free. All the niceties aside, this lipstick has the instant gratification of the gorgeous packaging, the 'clunk-click' of the lid and the beautiful, deep yet bright of the red. The smooth, satin feel is on a par with a Tom Ford or Chanel and the colour lasts well.

Oribe Lip Lust will be £32.00 and the Oribe Beauty Waitlist is open now and available here: beauty.oribe.com - I'll update as they go live. Get involved. Gorgeous.

Dior Rouge 999 is one of my favourites, and now I have my hands on the matte version too. Happy Days. Perfect for 'bun days' with a scarf and a nice handbag, although I'll still be in my Adidas. ;)

Dior Rouge Dior 999 is currently £23.85 from Debenhams.com and they're $35.00 from Sephora.com 

I think MAC have surpassed themselves with these two reds. On the left, from The Nutcracker Sweet, is So Good For You, technically a matte, but it's not drying or 'flat, and is possibly the best red for me that I have seen in a while. Still available from Selfridges.com for £17.00.

From the Selena Collection on the right, Como La Flor is more sheer, but a perfect 'lip red' colour, and still available online via MAC here, probably because she wasn't as well known in the UK, which is the only reason I can think of that these colours haven't already sold out.

'Fashion Legacy' is the perfect name for the last red on this week's face*. This one is a heavy-duty 'suede' feel that glides on like silk.

Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours are now £17.50 and available from Selfridges and Mac online.

As an aside, MAC are in the process of lowering their prices across the board, so keep an eye out for the extra few quid in your pocket.



*These reds will be on my face throughout the next few weeks via my Instagram (No vlog this week, work too busy).





*This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Random Round-Up No.2

Hi All!

Another week - some Instagram newness for you below amongst other updates..

Kate Somerville Official Goat Milk Statement (file under - 'things you never thought you would type'):
"We added Natural Milk Proteins to provide enhanced skin barrier function to better address the needs of those with sensitive skin.  This new formula is also clinically tested safe for sensitive skin."

A lot of you have asked if the new formula would still be in the Hall of Fame - I don't know yet is the answer (but I really hope so). I'm just working my way through the older formula and will keep you posted.

This is a brilliant super affordable body moisturiser if you're dry. Dive in. Although it has nothing to do with Norway. Odd.

Do not buy this. That is all. Forms into a rock hard square shape and pees out a little water when you try and squeeze it out. I would bin it, but it's so bad that I'm saving it for a video so you can see what I mean.

Bobbi Brown's Bali Brown Illuminating Bronzer and Charlotte Tilbury's Bronzer brush are my new addictions.

This poor love took a right bashing on Instagram for it's packaging. The upshot is that I absolutely LOVE the formula and get compliments on my skin whenever I wear it. The downside is that a great many of us find it impossible to get enough out of the dropper. Although a few readers gave us tips that had been passed on from the BB teams across counters, honestly - if you have to explain how to use a foundation bottle it may be time to rethink it no? However, formula is ace.

Chanel newness is LUSH. Very much-needed and wanted extensions to the Hydra Beauty range including the eye cream (not pictured), a lotion/essence and the Flash which is gorgeous. REALLY gorgeous.

MAC Vibe Tribe is out Mid-May and is perfect for summer skins. Well, unless it's still SNOWING in summer. Yes. It snowed today in London. 29th April. WTH?

Bobbi Brown Beach Glow Sun Kissed Pink Eye Palette was one of my most-liked pictures - you ladies do like your eyeshadows :) and these are perfectly pigmented.

Votary released a beautiful luxury gift box of flannels (face cloths) and I have more gorgeous newness to show you from Votary next week. LUSHNESS incoming.

My most-used brow pencil from Studio 10 now serves as a fundraiser for Look Good Feel Better - great news, great product. More info here: http://bit.ly/1neJlZL 

Viktor & Rolf have released BonBon in a Hair Mist. Yes it smells as good as you expect it to. 

I finally got around to really road testing the Drunk Elephant Serum that so many of you are obsessed with. Review to follow.

That Laura Mericer Body Cleanse in Tea Menthe Citron is THE perfect morning WAKEUP call.

No vlog this week - too busy with loads of work that is mostly for clients and thus confidential - will keep you posted - more blog posts coming though so YAY!

MAC Rodarte Collection - The Result.

Update taken from source - Temptalia - original post here.

MAC to Donate its Global Profits from the MAC Rodarte Makeup Collection to Benefit Newly Created Women and Girls of Juarez Initiative.
MAC and Rodarte apologize to the victims and their families in Juarez, the people of Mexico, the Mexican Government and concerned global citizens.


MEXICO CITY, México, July 29, 2010 – In response to public concern over the limited edition MAC Rodarte makeup collection, set to launch in fall 2010, MAC will donate all of its global profits from this collection to a newly created initiative to raise awareness and provide on-the-ground support to the women and girls in Juarez. MAC and Rodarte are deeply sorry that this makeup collection was so offensive to the people of Mexico and concerned global citizens.

This announcement follows a meeting last evening in Mexico City with MAC executives and Mexican government officials, including CONAVIM (Comisión Nacional Para Prevenir y Erradicar la Violencia Contra las Mujeres/National Commission to Prevent and Eradicate Violence Against Women.)

During the meeting, held at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this collective group committed to working together on the overall direction of the new initiative to help the women and girls of Juarez and to raise global awareness of their plight. MAC executives reiterated their deep regret and reinforced that it was never MAC’s or Rodarte’s intent to minimize the suffering of the women and girls of Ciudad Juarez.

In the coming weeks, MAC and Rodarte will be consulting with members of CONAVIM´s advisory board, as well as other local and global experts, to develop a comprehensive framework that provides grants to local and international organizations with a track record of improving the lives of the women and girls in Juarez.

“We are deeply sorry and apologize to everyone we offended, especially the victims, the women and girls of Juarez and their families. We have heard the response of concerned global citizens loud and clear and are doing our very best to right our wrong. The essence of MAC is to give back and care for the community and our initial handling of this makeup collection was not reflective of MAC’s values. MAC and Rodarte are committed to using these learnings to raise awareness on this important issue and to leverage our unique platform to help the women and girls of Juarez,” said MAC President John Demsey.

“Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. As designers, we strongly feel it is our responsibility to use ideas and actions for the good of our global community and are truly sorry for the offense we have caused. We are raising our voices in support of the strong women and girls of Juarez and joining others who are working internationally to improve their lives,” said Kate and Laura Mulleavy, designers of Rodarte.

Well done everyone involved - especially the bloggers who kick started it. 

And well done MAC - we knew if you heard us loud enough you would listen.

MAC Rodarte Update - What do you think?

STATEMENT FROM M·A·C COSMETICS ON THE M·A·C RODARTE COLLECTION

We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We continue to listen carefully to the comments we have received and have the following plans to address concerns:

We are committed to donating $100,000 to a non-profit organization that has a proven, successful track-record helping women in need and that can directly improve the lives of women in Juarez in a meaningful way.

We are changing the product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection.

As we have done in the past, please be assured that we will communicate details regarding our progress in this matter.

STATEMENT FROM RODARTE ON THE M·A·C RODARTE COLLECTION

We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry.

Helping to improve the conditions for women in Juarez is a priority for us and we are thankful for all the comments calling attention to the urgency of addressing this situation.

What do you think?

MAC Rodarte Collection - Whose genius idea was THAT?

Every so often a company makes a mistake. Sometimes it's a big one.

This is not one of those situations.

Knowing what I know - more of which later - this is not a 'mistake'.

This is SUCH a badly thought out campaign that I am, in all honesty, stunned that it has come out of the Lauder (who own MAC) camp.

In brief:

The new MAC collection is 'inspired' by the factory town of Juarez, Mexico. The very same town that the name 'femicide' was derived from.  What has been going on there for so many years is SO horrific that they gave it its very own name.

What in the name of sanity is INSPIRING about the rape, torture, mutilation and murder of over 400 women (official figures from the Mexican Government - the real figure is estimated to be in the thousands by support groups) I DO NOT KNOW.

These girls/women range in age from 12-22 (in general) and work in the factories of Juarez and Chihuahua. They work insane shifts for about £3.00 a day. The majority of them also have to walk to work in the factories - at all times of the day but usually at night.

And the problem is that a lot of them do not make it home. I would encourage you to read more about it here from Amnesty International. And even here from the most basic of all googled files - wikipedia.

So here's the issue:

The new MAC/Rodarte campaign has lines called Factory, Juarez, Ghost Town and Badlands to name a few. In context, this is about as sensitive as Toys R Us releasing a line of toy guns and calling them 'Columbine' and 'Dunblane'. That would never happen - we would, quite rightly, be in uproar at the commercialisation of horrific murders of children and teachers.

Why oh why did MAC and Estee Lauder not apply that same sense of outrage to the deaths of thousands of lower-working class Mexican girls and women. Maybe I just answered my own question. If these killings were going on in East Hampton or Los Angeles or Palm Beach they would never have even considered it. For. A. Second.

My real fury/shock/sheer unbelievability about this range is this: I know how long it takes to bring something to market.
And how many people are involved.

Most brands are currently finalising Fall or Xmas 2011. Beauty works more in advance than fashion - and that is saying something.

This means that around 18 months - 2 years ago, a group of NPD (new product development - probably about 5-10 people) sat around a table with a group from marketing (in a company of MAC's size - probably around 15-20 people) and said 'We've been asked to do a collaboration with Rodarte based around Juarez in Mexico.' 
And someone said 'Excellent idea!'
They would have signed off a critical path, added the range to their budgets and forecasts for the last quarter of this year, instructed the labs to provide samples, ordered the art department to do mock-ups of visuals, presented the new lines to 'senior management' - who would have to have approved everything, gone in to production, given samples to long-lead press about 4/5 months ago and trained their sales teams at conferences earlier this year.

AND AT NO POINT DID ANY ONE OF THESE PEOPLE - especially in Marketing and Design - say: 'Hang on, where is Juarez? Let me just google that....'
and then say 'Guys, you know what? I'm not sure this is a good idea. Have you actually read about Juarez?'

Come ON.

This line has been a long time in the making.

This is not a mistake. This is a long thought-out campaign - with very little actual thought behind it.  People in those departments would have researched the background/area/stories extensively before mocking up suggested visuals of the colour lines and presenting them to the powers that be for approval.  People at MAC KNEW the situation in Juarez and Chihuahua before this even got past the initial NPD stage. And yet they proceeded. Absolutely gob-smackingly baffling.

These are the real faces of Juarez:

Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Minnie Driver, Eve Ensler and Jennifer Lopez have all been involved in trying to raise the profile of what is going on in Juarez over the last 15+ years.

So what are MAC to do?

Well, their PR machine is in overdrive:

STATEMENT FROM RODARTE ON THE M•A•C AND RODARTE COLLECTION
Our makeup collaboration with M•A•C developed from inspirations on a road trip that we took in Texas last year, from El Paso to Marfa. 
The ethereal nature of this landscape influenced the creative development and desert palette of the collection.
We are truly saddened about injustice in Juarez and it is a very important issue to us.
The M•A•C collaboration was intended as a celebration of the beauty of the landscape and people in the areas that we traveled.

Fashion. Seriously. Bite me.

STATEMENT FROM M•A•C COSMETICS ON THE M•A•C RODARTE COLLECTION
We understand that product names in the M•A•C Rodarte collection have offended some of our consumers and fans. 
This was never our intent and we are very sorry.  We are listening carefully to the comments posted and are grateful to those of you who have brought your concerns to the forefront of our attention.  M•A•C will give a portion of the proceeds from the M•A•C Rodarte collection to help those in need in Juarez. We are diligently investigating the best way to do this. Please be assured that we will keep you posted on the details regarding our efforts. 

Please. Spare me.

This is not the time to dress it up and call us consumers (to distance themselves) and fans (to soften us up).

We are people and customers. Customers. THAT is why MAC have sat up and paid attention. This is a wealthy company. MAC's number 1 door in the UK turns over around £4.5 million a year. ONE outlet. £86538 a week. £12363 a day. £1236 a working hour.

'We are dilligently investigating the best way to do this.'

It's not rocket science. MAC know what they should do.

I realise it is too late to pull the line - and now that it is actually raising awareness of the issue - albeit in a way they may have preferred to avoid - I'm not sure it would do any good.

What they could do is say 'fair enough - we screwed up. How can we fix this?'

What you can do is give 100% of your net profits to a group that supports the families that are trying to give this cause the recognition it deserves - someone like Amnesty International or one of the numerous groups actually working in Mexico with the families of the victims.
Promote the cause all across your counters and stores and raise awareness. You have it in your power to do this.
You can afford it.
You do not need the money.

I'm not the only one. Beauty bloggers have come together in an unprecedented way and are posting about this issue simultaneously both here in the UK, in Australia, Europe and in the USA.
Please read their posts - each has a different take on the subject and all are brilliantly researched and thought out.
Something MAC could learn from.

www.mizzworthy.com
www.britishbeautyblogger.com
www.bangsandabun.com   
www.ladyofthelane.com
www.big-fashionista.blogspot.com
www.vexinthecity.com
www.sofarsochic.co.uk
www.londonmakeupgirl.com
www.lesalondebeaute.blogspot.com
 www.getlippie.com
www.londonbeautyqueen.blogspot.com
www.kraseybeauty.com
www.makeuploveer.blogspot.com
www.sparklesandbows.blogspot.com
www.healingbeauty.co.uk
www.reallyree.blogspot.com
www.just-nice-things.co.uk
www.musicalhouses.blogspot.com
www.liloo.blogspot.com
www.ditzymake-up.blogspot.com
www.perfectly-polished-nails.com
www.makeupsavvy.co.uk
www.sparkleandshade.blogspot.com
www.makeupadviceforum.com

MAC and Estee Lauder are responsible for some AMAZING campaigns in the industry. Evelyn Lauder I believe, is singularly responsible for the phenomenal way the beauty industry got behind, and continues to support, Breast Cancer.

I cannot believe that this sits comfortably with them.

Now is the time for MAC and Estee Lauder to pool their incomparable resources of people, money and power - and remedy this very bad wrong.

*Update - since this posted the number of bloggers that have taken part has reached well over 100.  This amazing group of people who all pulled together can be found here.

MUA of the week - Chiara Guizzetti

This week's MUA is Queen of the Catwalk Chiara Guizzetti.
You know that dream where your backstage at Chanel tending to all the top models faces while Karl Lagerfeld holds court next to you? Chiara does it in real life - and worse - makes a living out of it.. How rude.

How long have you been a MUA?
I got my PDC award in Make up in 2002 in London and did my first photoshoot straight away.
I remember being very nervous…I met the crew in South London and when I saw the photographer with the model I just wanted to run away: he previously gave me all the details about the look..except that the model had black skin (???!!!) It was quite tough but came out very well. That was my first real “lesson”.

How long have you been working in the industry?
Eight years in total. For four years alongside  Space NK, two years with Daniel Sandler Cosmetics and two years as a full-time freelance MUA.

When did you get your ‘big break’?
When I came back to live in Milan and got represented by Green Apple Italia.

 Gianfranco Ferre

What advice do you have for aspiring MUA’s trying to get into the industry?
It’s a very competitive industry, especially these days.
Be nice and people will want to work with you.
Be perseverant, eventually it will pay back.
Don’t rush things: it simply takes time.

Who has been your best client so far?
I worked with lots of lovely people…. but I have a very nice memory of working with Marie O’Riordan, former editor of Marie Claire UK. I did her make-up when she was the main judge for Britain’s Missing Top Model, she’s exquisite, very professional and I feel  so lucky to have met her and worked for her.

And your favourite job so far?
Last year in Venice for the Chanel cruise show. It was AMAZING. From to the gorgeous hotel (booked out just for us) on the Lido, to working with the world’s top models, the magic atmosphere of Venice…Watch for yourself ..here.  (Warning - this video will make you A: jealous and B: crave Chanel)

What are you currently working on/who with?
I just did a shoot for Pierre Ancy.

How many brushes do you own?
Lots. More than 50 I’d say, but I tend to use my favourites most of the time, of which there are probably about 10.

What do you consider your speciality?
My make up style is generally soft, not really into the heavy handed stuff…my strong point is a  good eye for colours.

What is your favourite brand, and why?
I like variety and to be able to choose..so I like to work with different brands: Laura Mercier for concealers, MAC and Becca for foundations, Daniel Sandler for  blushers, Dolce & Gabbana lipsticks, Stila, Kevyn Aucoin, Chantecaille, Shu Uemura, Madina Milano, Stephane Marais, Chanel.

 Donatella and Christopher Kane - like you do...

Your kit is on fire – and you can only save 5 things. What are they?
Bioderma Make up Remover
Decleor Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Emulsion
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (if you don't own this after reading all of these MUA's list it in this section you're clearly missing a trick!)
Lash Curler
Daniel Sandler Watercolour

You can follow Chiara's life on the road blog here.
And check out her amazing website here!

Make-Up Artist Monday - Dorita Nissen

This week's MUA is Dorita Nissen.  Dorita has been in the industry for 13 years and working as a full time MUA for 6 of them.

Dorita during a hard day at the office.

Dorita was born in Denmark and from an early age developed a love for art - so much so that in her teens - becoming an artist was her career objective.  When she finished high school she moved to Florence, Italy  where she completed a course in art restoration. 

After moving to Miami and a short stint at Estee Lauder as a MUA - she was offered a role at a new company by a MUA called Laura Mercier. Dorita worked directly for Laura and assisted her for several years before moving to London.

When did you get your ‘big break’?
The day I could start living off my work - during a shoot for Sunday Times Style I met music photographer Dean Chalkley - soon after he gave me the opportunity to work with him on what would become my first cover for NME - Carl Barat of the Libertines.

What advice do you have for aspiring MUA’s trying to get into the industry?
Originality, a strong back bone and the ability to get on with people!

Who has been your best client so far?
I would never say!

What about your favourite job so far?
All my jobs are favorites, as I love working... I would say though, that working with rock legends such as Roger Daltrey, Peter Gabriel and Depeche Mode rate high!

What are you working on at the moment?
I'm currently working with Faithless, New Young Pony Club and Harpers Bazaar.

How many brushes do you own?
I've never counted them, but over 50 !

What is your favourite brand, and why?
I don't really have a favorite brand, as depending on the job I use different products.
Make up I mainly use includes  Makeup Forever, Laura Mercier, Chantecaille, MAC, Dior and Krayolan...
My first choice for skincare is Sisley, Bioderma and Ina Crystals.

Your top tip?
Be yourself and believe in your work!

Your kit is on fire – and you can only save 5 things. What are they?
Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage, Sisley Confort Extreme Day Care, Dior Show Black Mascara, Laura Mercier Black Extreme Eyeliner Pencil, Rosebud Perfume Co's Smiths Rosebud Salve.

www.doritanissen.net

Make-Up Artist on Monday - Michelle George

I'm starting a new regular posting this week (saints preserve us -I KNOW I know - it's a miracle) - but nonetheless - I am.

I've been fortunate enough to work with some of the best MUA's in the industry - and the majority of them are relatively unknown.  These are the people that are out there everyday - earning a living doing what they love - and they are fonts of wisdom in all things regarding make-up. If you have any questions you would like added for next week please do let me know!  contact@beautymouth.com

First up is Michelle George - a jobbing MUA  who has worked across all aspects of the industry.

Michelle and her favourite little man

How long have you been working in the industry?
12 years periodically. I've worked as a journalist and teacher in between.

When did you get your ‘big break’?
I studied art at college and did a painting for my friend's wedding. His wife was a top make up artist in New York called Alexandra Byrne (more here), she liked my painting so asked me to assist her as a make-up artist. From there I have made numerous contacts within the TV and fashion industry.

What advice do you have for aspiring MUA’s trying to get into the industry?
Get a job working on a make-up counter to help build your kit through allocation. As building your kit can be very expensive and you will not get much paid work as a freelancer to start with.
Always have a business card to hand. Making contacts happens in the strangest places. I have been minding my own business in the ladies, and had the owner of a modeling agency start talking to me....

Who has been your best client so far?
Ray Liotta - it's safest just to call him 'entertaining'!

And your favourite job so far?
Hermes Spring/Summer show: Paris

How many brushes do you own?
Maybe 50?

What is your favourite brand and why?
I have sooo many... M.A.C are good for brushes, as they are reasonably priced. But I don't like their foundation.
I do love Chantecaille foundation though it is very expensive.
I like Cover FX foundation too and it is more reasonably priced and L'Oreal's Colour Match is pretty impressive for a low end brand.
Nars is fantastic for pigment!!!

Your top tip?
Go easy on the foundation and cover necessary parts with a concealer.
NEVER go darker with your foundation; always add colour with blush or bronzer!

What is your speciality?
I'm told it's eyes - and blending. (I can confirm Michelle does a KILLER smokey eye)
I also have a good intuition of what looks good on the individual - I do a lot of 'real women' who say that previous MUA's have always gone OTT on them for wedding trials etc..

Your kit is on fire – and you can only save 5 things. What are they?
Plumful M.A.C lipstick - doubles up great as a blush and lip colour and suits most skin tones
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC5 - the two shades can be blended to match most skin tones
YSL Mascara
Cover FX Translucent Powder - a must for all T.V/film/editorial work
Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream -multi-purpose...

What are you working on at the moment?
I am now running exclusive make-up parties across London in which I educate women on how to look a million dollars without spending as much!

If you are interested in attending or hosting a party, or have any other questions, you can contact Michelle at the link to her group below:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=60826938257&v=info&ref=ts

Advertising v Allocation

We all know the power of beauty advertising in the glossy mags - and the pressure then put on the journalists to write about the advertisers products in their beauty pages.
So much so that if like me, you are a beauty product AND a glossy mag junkie - you will know what is going to be inside simply from reading the headline on the cover..e.g.

'Top 5 Products you MUST own!' - I know what you're thinking!
'Top 5 Facials you MUST have!' - I know who you're thinking of!
'5 Products to get you in to shape for the Summer!' - you get the picture...

Bit repetitive?

Indeed.

It occurred to me that these lists very rarely contain one thing - what the staff ACTUALLY use!

All companies give their staff an 'allocation' - some very generous - some less so (one very famous MU line cut the entire allocation for their UK staff last year due to the economic crisis in the US - B.A.D. move - B.A.D. - upsetting the people who have to SELL your product - genius).

 So, from the girls (and some boys!) - the REAL products you should own!

Advertising v Allocation!

Chanel

Waiting lists for: Nail Polishes/Lipsticks

Staff swear by: 

Blush

'the best colours and packaging'

HydraMax Serum

'LOVE it!'

Chantecaille

Renowned for: Future/Real/Just Skin

What you NEED?:

Talc Free Loose Powder

'Oh my God - you don't realise what a loose powder IS until you have used this'

Mascara Faux Cils

'Permanently sold out for a reason'

Clarins

Biggest Sellers: Hand Cream, Beauty Flash Balm, Multi-Active Day Cream
What do the staff say you SHOULD be using?:

Tonic Oil

'Not just for pregnant women - I go insane if I am low on this'

Generation 6

'Everything in one bottle - can't live without it'

Hydra Quench Mask

'Fixes my face in 5 minutes' 

Estee Lauder
Best known product: Advanced Night Repair Serum (quelle surprise)
What do the staff swear by?:

Lash Primer Plus

'Does EXACTLY what is says on the tube' 

'Cannot live without it'
'Would pay for it if I didn't work for the company!' 

Laura Mercier

Best-sellers: Tinted moisturiser

Everyone should own:

Hydratint SPF15 in Berry, Rose and Nude

'Perfect for every skin colour'

Mac
Renowned for: Spice Lip Liner
Must have:
Lip Glass - all variations - especially clear
'Anyone can use - on its own or over other product'

Nars
Renowned for: Orgasm blush, Laguna bronzer, Body Glow
What the team use?:

Mekong Eyeshadow

'The BEST no-red,no-orange brown'

Dragon Girl Velvet Matt Lip Pencil

Check these testers instore - they are always a stub

'the perfect grab-it-and-go red'

'obsessed with it'

Shu Uemura 
Obviously!: Eyelash Curler
Staff were adamant on this one: 

Eyeshadows 

'can be used wet or dry and the best pigment' 
Drawing Pencil Eye Liner in matt black 
'I can do a full smoky eye with this one product in 3 minutes'

Sisley
Best Sellers: Sisleya, Express Flower gel
The staff order: 
Ecological Compound 
'our best-kept secret' 
All Day All Year

'an unbelievable moisturiser'

Trish McEvoy 
Renowned for: planners
Staff use:
Finish Line
'especially for jobbing make-up artists  - weddings etc - makes everything waterproof'

So - the next time you're at a counter  - say to the staff - 'what do you order on your allocation?'

You may be pleasantly surprised!

Part 1 of 2!



Pictures courtesy of Michelle George