The Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Blog

Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann’s Travel Diary

Mecca Cosmetica — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:43:05 +0000

Our Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann, has just returned from a whirlwind tour of the US, where he met with some of our key brands and got the low-down of upcoming trends.

Here is Tony’s Travel Diary:

Tony visits: NARS

When: Wednesday 18th January
Where: Nars NY – 900 3rd Ave, NYC
Who:
1.    François Nars: Founder
2.    James Beohmer: Director Global Artistry
3.    Tracy Dennis: Director Global Artist Training, Development Makeup Artistry

Why are they inspirational?

François Nars: what can I say? He’s the oracle!!!

François Nars

Tracy Dennis: The backbone and facilitator of all-things-Nars in Artistry. She is a wealth of knowledge and the most delightful, uber-cool lady. I always love my ‘Tracy-time’!

James Beohmer: The leader in Artistry globally. Has been with the brand since it started and the Nars brand is in his DNA. He has worked at all levels and now leads the way from working with François (with Make Up Your Mind) to Head Artist at many NY Fashion Week shows.

James Boehmer

What did I see?
James spoke passionately about his journey and shared his inspiration and skill-set. From the latest looks from NY Fashion Week, to the incredible product launches for 2012 (including the coming soon: Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer). He spoke so openly and honestly. He has been personally trained by François and he felt that to learn from him was such an honour. We then got to practice the looks James created… a Makeup Artist’s dream!

Trends to look out for: Icy metallic eyes (cool lights to deep midnight navy), fresh translucent skin and bold pops of colour on the lips.

I also received a surprise visit from François Nars himself!! What can I say? What an adrenalin rush! The man is simply a genius!

What we ate?
We finished the day with dinner at Brassiere (100 East St between Park & Lexington). Contemporary French fare, sleek modern vibe. Loved the cake icing pipers on the walls! We had the best French onion soup (ever!), so much cheese!

Tony with Tracy Dennis from NARS

On the street?
As it was below zero degrees, the fashion on the street was all about looking stylish while keeping warm. The stand out for me was seeing many different furs in different prints and varied textures all thrown together effortlessly.

Best store?
Jeffery department store in Meat Packers! A mish-mash of designers, all thrown together in the most amazing way. My credit card is in rehab!

Tony visits: KATE SOMERVILLE
When: Wednesday 25th January
Where: Kate Somerville’s Spa – 9012 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
Who: Jackie.O.Yee (Director of Education for Kate Somerville), Ffiona Spilsbury (oracle of all thing’s Kate Somerville, Marketing & PR Manager) and Rose Fernandez (Vice President, Sales).

Tony gets the VIP treatment & tour of Kate Somerville's Spa

Why are they inspirational?
Ffiona Spilsbury has been with the brand for six years and she lives & breathes Kate Somerville. Her product knowledge was exceptional. So friendly and very welcoming. When you walk into the Kate Somerville Spa, you truly feel like you’re walking into a friend’s house; so warm, welcoming & friendly.

What did I see?
After asking directions from some LA-locals, I ended up at the back of Kate Somerville’s Spa, in the VIP entrance by mistake! Luckily, I found my way to the front of the Spa and was greeted by the lovely Ffiona. I was taken on a tour of Kate Somerville’s Spa – it has the most amazing history.

Kate Somerville Clinic, Melrose Place LA

It was all-a-buzz! The day I was there, was a very exciting day for Kate Somerville – unfortunately I missed Kate herself, as she was very busy on air at QVC (USA Television studios) launching her new range, DermaQuench Liquid Lift.

A fantastic red-carpet secret among LA celebrities, is getting an Oxygen Facial prior to any big event. Kate Somerville’s DermaQuench Liquid Lift, is like your very own Oxygen Facial at home. Keep your eye out for its exciting launch in Mecca Cosmetica.

Kate Somerville Clinic, Melrose Place LA

Had an introduction to the entire team and discussed the product line up with all of the estheticians. Was lucky enough to even finish the day with a very special Kate Somerville signature oxygen facial. My skin was so plump and rejuvenated that I was even asked if I had had work done in LA when I got home!

What we ate?
Dined at the uber cool Fig & Olive, and had lunch with Jackie.O.Yee (Director of Education for Kate Somerville) & Ffiona Spilsbury (oracle of all thing’s Kate Somerville, Marketing & PR Manager) and Rose Fernandez (Vice President, Sales).

Tony visits: HOURGLASS
When: Tuesday 25th January
Where: Hourglass 1241 Electric Avenue Venice, CA
Who: Carissa Janes, Founder

Tony with Hourglass Founder, Carissa Janes

Why is she inspirational?
Carrisa’s passion for beauty and the industry is totally organic and her idea how cosmetics can make a woman feel about herself. Her approach is all about empowering women through the transformation of makeup and making sure she has the best technology to do so. Every move she makes with every product has to use the best ingredients, be the easiest to use and the best pay off for the client… What a great mantra!

What did we do?
I met the entire team and got to catch up Laura Jayne (international artist) again, who I had hosted while she was in Australia previously. Laura is hands down one of my all time favourites! There is nothing that lady can’t do.

We discussed the year that was and most importantly Carrisa showed me the products being launched in 2012. WOW!! A new foundation, Immaculate Complexion; incredible matte formulation for that “airbrushed ” flawless finish. Other new products include a new line of brushes, new Matte Lip Shades (there’s the most brilliant shade of orange, I love it!), and my fave, a new hydrating primer with essential oils that magically absorbs into the skin. I had thought for a while that there was a need for a really hydrating primer, so when Carissa told me about Hourglass’ new Hydrating Primer, I was so excited! PS I think she had Australia in mind when she created it!

The Look: Stila for Betsey Johnson

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:00:58 +0000

The world’s top makeup artists create the big trends & key looks hot off the catwalk.

Stila for Betsey Johnson:

Stila for Betsey Johnson

Mecca’s Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann, explains how to recreate this Stila look.

“Keep the lid light and shade the crease for definition. There are so many options in the Stila In The Light Eye Palette, so play and blend. For that retro Gerry Hall glamour, use Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner in Black. Start fine in the inner corner and increase the thickness as you go. Layer two coats of Stila Galmoureyes Mascara (mainly on the top lashes) for a false lash effect. To complete the look, use Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Colour in Caprice for bright, neon pink lips that add perfect balance to the strong liquid eye.”

Stila In The Light Eye Palette

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

: Stila Glamoureyes Mascara

Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Colour in Caprice

The Look: Chantecaille for Christopher Kane

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:00:50 +0000

The world’s top makeup artists create the big trends & key looks hot off the catwalk.

Chantecaille for Christopher Kane:

Chantecaille for Christopher Kane

Mecca’s Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann, explains how to create this Chantecaille look:

” Chantecaille’s Future Skin gives the complexion the most divine translucent, yet flawless finish. Start in the centre part of the face (using fingers to apply) and blend outwards for a natural glowing finish. Highlight the eyes using Chantecaille Iridescent Eye Shade in Rose Gold on the inner corners to catch the light. Dust Chantecaille Cheek Shade in Ecstasy in an upside down triangle over the apples of your cheeks for a pretty pink pop. Finish the look with the perfect lip gloss shade, Chantecaille NEW Brilliant Gloss in Lucky.”

Chantecaille Future Skin

Chantecaille Cheek Shade

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky

The Look: Terry de Gunzburg for By Terry

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:00:48 +0000

The world’s top makeup artists create the big trends & key looks hot off the catwalk.

Terry de Gunzburg for By Terry:

Terry de Gunzburg for By Terry

Mecca’s Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann, explains how to create this By Terry look:

“Line lash line with By Terry NEW Khol Terrybly in Purple Label and smudge out the outer corners. Blend By Terry Ombre Veloutee Powder Eyeshadow in Black Grape over the top and build the colour on the outer two thirds of the lid. Fuse the colour into the crease for more shape. Pat By Terry Blush Veloute – Velvet Cream Blush in Apple Glow over the apple of the cheeks for a natural flush. Line and define lips then fill in with By Terry Laque de Rose in Sinful Rose for a glossy pout.”

By Terry NEW Khol Terrybly in Purple Label

By Terry Ombre Veloutee Powder Eyeshadow

By Terry Blush Veloute - Velvet Cream Blush

By Terry Laque de Rose in Sinful Rose

The Look: Hourglass for Imitation of Christ

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:00:35 +0000

The world’s top makeup artists create the big trends & key looks hot off the catwalk.

Hourlgass for Imitation of Christ:

Hourglass for Imitation of Christ

Mecca’s Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann explains how to get this Hourglass look:

“Blend both shades of Hourglass Visionaire Eye Duo in Prism together and dust over lids to create a sheer wash of colour. Press Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner tight into the lash line to frame the eye. Gently pat Hourglass Aura Cheek and Lip Stain in Flush over cheeks for a true stained effect, then apply generously to lips as a bulletproof base. For extra colour and sheen, layer Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Muse for that perfect coral red. “

Hourglass Calligraphy Eyeliner

Hourglass Aura Cheek and Lip Stain

Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Muse

The Look: NARS for Rodarte

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:00:05 +0000

The world’s top Makeup Artists create the big trends & key looks hot off the catwalk.

NARS for Rodarte:

Nars for Rodarte

Mecca’s Head of Artistry, Tony Baumann, explains how to create this NARS Look:

“Shape eyes using Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Dark Rite. Simply draw over the entire lid & lower lash line to create the base. Press Nars Eyeshadow in Night Flight over the top to set and add greater dimension. Blend out edges to defuse. Blend Nars Cream Blush in Penny Lane over cheekbones using fingertips and also pat over lips. Finish by pressing a little Nars Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Born This Way into the centre of the lips.”

: Nars NEW Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Born This Way

Nars NEW Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Dark Rite

Make a date with a Makeup Artist

Mecca Cosmetica — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:24:34 +0000

Make a date with a Mecca Makeup Artist this Feb 14. Our expert artist’s will create your ultimate Valentine’s Day look on Feb 14 – all you need to do is book! Makeup applications are $90, fully redeemable for product purchased on the day. Book now, spots are filling up fast. Find your nearest store here.

JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS…

Mecca Cosmetica — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:51 +0000

RECEIVE A BEAUTY LOOP SAMPLE BOX WITH YOUR NEXT PURCHASE*

To celebrate the launch of the Mecca Beauty Loop, we’re adding to your next purchase online or instore, a Beauty Loop sample box made up of four deluxe samples from our global beauty brands!

SHOP ONLINE NOW!

*Samples will vary from store to store. Strictly while stocks last.

Did you know? We’ve got free shipping on orders over $150!

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:54 +0000

Did you know we’re offering free shipping on orders over $150? Shop now…

*Standard shipping only. Applies only to orders shipped within Australia from www.meccacosmetica.com.au and orders shipped within New Zealand from www.meccacosmetica.co.nz.

Celebrate the Launch of Beauty Loop

Mecca Cosmetica — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:12 +0000

Mecca Beauty Loop is our way of recognising you! The brands YOU love, the products YOU want and the experiences YOU enjoy. It’s also our way of thanking YOU and giving YOU more of Mecca.

To celebrate the launch of Beauty Loop we are running a month’s worth of in-store events.

20 minutes is all you’ll need. In EVERY STORE on EVERY DAY… And on us! Simply book in with your Mecca Host.

DAY TO PLAY MAKEUP
Go from boadroom to PM soiree in just 3 moves.

FLAWLESS SKIN FAST
What you need and how to achieve it, now!

THE FIRST CLASS CLEANSING FACIAL
Vogue votes it the best cleanser in the world, see if you agree.

ANTI-AGEING OVERHAUL
Lose 5 years in just 10 minutes.

THE PARK AVENUE PEEL
…At home: Why wait 6 months at Dr Gross’ NYC clinic, when you can DIY at home?

WINGING IT
Winged eyeliner made easy, we’ll show you how to bring on your wing.

BIGGER, BOLDER, BETTER
Big news and How-To’s for making eyes, lashes and lips look bigger.

THE NEW SMOKEY EYE
It’s all about colour & confidence.

ALL ABOUT THE PERFECT POUT
How to wear a red lip, fierce fuschia or natural-nude.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?
What you need and how to achieve it, now!

CLOSED DOOR CONFIDENTIAL: RUNWAY REVIEW
We’ll be closing the doors to our store, pouring the sparkling and presenting the latest makeup looks hot off the international catwalks and how to achieve them. Get your friends together and book in now. LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE.

Call your local Mecca store today to book your appointment. Find your nearest store here.