November 22, 2008

First makeup lesson at... a restaurant!

Today I wanted to share a very touching story that happened last night.
I got together with friends to say goodbye to our friend Mami.
She is a brilliant woman who is dedicated to helping in the medical field.
Night after night she is at the Institute Pasteur testing molecules and has very little time for herself.
I put together a "girls only" package filled with perfume, lip glosses, eye liners and lipsticks.
I chose very basic easy colors. As the gifts were all opened and kisses made the rounds, one friend Fleur whispered to me that I should perhaps show her how to use the products.
Fleur felt Mami wouldn't use the products if she didn't know how to use them but wouldn't ask because she is shy.
I quietly led her to the bathroom and offered to help her.
She was like a kid getting free candy as her eyes lit up slowly applying the eye liner.
She wears glasses so she was afraid that she couldn't see to do it right.
I helped her and the results were amazing. Just lipgloss with a pretty fresh stain and eyeliner.
Mami was not only glowing and beautiful but joyous because she was doing something for herself.
I realized that this experience is one of many that happens every day.
I know that when Mami arrives in Tokyo, she will be wearing her new products and be more confident.









November 19, 2008

Cleaning Makeup Brushes




I do many makeovers so I make sure that the brushes and tools I am using are clean.
Being bacteria can linger on a sponge or brush, nobody wants to be greeted by a bad surprise.
It is especially necessary to watch out in department stores or specialty shops where sales are more important than the client and proper hygiene. Who knows how many faces have been touched by the same brushes.
Cleaning brushes if they are your own can be done about once a week if you're using the same colors.
Baby shampoo is the best to use being it is mild on the bristles.
Take a little pea size of shampoo in the palm of your hand and then swirl the brush into that.
Rinse till you have no more color left. Be gentle when you are cleaning them off.
You can take a towel or kleenex and gently pat the excess water off.
Mold the brush wet into the desired shape then leave to dry.
I tend to just leave my brushes dry bristles up in a container.
If you are often in a pinch like me and need to clean a lot on the spot, purchase special brush cleaner available at any store carrying cosmetic items.
Put a little dose on a kleenex and clean your brush.
Repeat till brush has no more color.
A great solution in France that is inexpensive and mild on your brushes is Savon de Marseillais.
You can just swirl your brush directly onto the soap bar and scrub away.
I love the honey - almond one personally!