Makeup Chat, Charity and Makeovers at Saks’ First Beauty Editors Day

On August 16, I attended Saks Fifth Avenue’s first Beauty Editor’s Day at their flagship store in New York City. For a nominal fee, attendees were able to have a 20-minute appointment with the beauty editor of their choosing (nearly ever women’s publication had a presence). Each beauty editor was stationed at one of the Saks’ beauty counters. 100% of the registration fee went to Look Good Feel Better, a program dedicated to helping improve the self-esteem and quality of life of cancer patients by treating them to complimentary beauty sessions.

I booked the first appointment of the day with the beauty editors from Allure magazine. Upon entering the Saks beauty floor, there was a buzz of excitement as beauty editors and staffers prepared to welcome their readers.  I was warmly greeted by beauty director, Patty Tortolani and associate beauty editor, Sophia Panych at the Chanel counter. To guide the discussions with attendees, they had a few looks from the runway using Chanel makeup. After paging through the looks, we settled into an easy conversation on everything from my blog to Sophia’s beautiful, thick eyebrows to fall makeup trends. Key trends to look for include flush-looking cheeks, nail art, jeweltone eye makeup (e.g., greens, rich burgundy) and detailed nail art.

Of course, given that I had two experts from the beauty bible, Allure, I had to ask for advice on my personal beauty woes! As I have documented here, although I loved my trip to Palma, Spain my skin did not. I am still plagued by the resulting post-breakout brown spots on my forehead. I took the opportunity to ask Patty and Sophia’s suggestions on concealers. Patty suggested Bobbi Brown for the terrific color range. Sophia chimed in that RMS Beauty’s “Un” Cover-Up, was her choice when she had an acne breakout since the formulation not only covered her blemishes flawlessly, but also calmed her skin. Both agreed that Cle de Peau provides great coverage, although pricey.

After chatting with the Allure beauty editors, I was led over to one of the Chanel makeup artists for a makeover. Paolo removed all of my makeup and cleansed and toned my face with Mousse Exfoliante Purete and Lotion Purete. Next he applied a moisturizer and eye cream. For makeup he started with Perfection Lumiere long-wear flawless fluid foundation in the color 94 Ambre. I haven’t used Chanel foundation before and was surprised to find that this formulation is available in 20 shades. He then applied a dramatic smokey eye featuring berry and rose colors with bold black eyeliner. Paolo advised that Perfection Lumiere foundation has an oil-free matte finish and doesn’t need powder to set it. So far, this oily girl is thrilled with the how it has been keeping the oil in my t-zone at bay. To camouflage my acne blemishes, he dotted them with Correction Perfecteur Long Lasting Concealer in #42. He then used a bronzer to highlight my face. My lips were finished off with Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in Parfait.

As a parting gift, I received a white Chanel Beauty travel bag with samples including a deluxe sample of their Sublimage La Creme anti-aging treatment. However, one of my favorite items from the gift bag was a black Chanel Camellia bookmark. Fantastic event for an even better cause, looking forward to next year’s Saks Beauty Editors Day!