Sam Fine's Top Makeup Tips and Duane Reade's Look Boutique



Picture it with me... Duane Reade as a beauty lovers/product junkie's paradise. Having a hard time? So did I, but then I had a chance to check out the Look Boutique, a specialized section of Duane Reade, and found that such a place really does exist.

The Look Boutique is the store's economical answer to Sephora. It features high and low end beauty products, with everything from $31 Rilastil mascara to $1.99 Sinful nail polishes (both of which lit my fire). With a staff of freelance makeup, eyebrow and nail artists on the ready, this is an extra convenient one-stop shop for women (and men) on the go. Sam Fine, expert makeup artist to celebrities such as Iman, Tyra and Jennifer Hudson, gave a group of us lucky ladies a guided tour. While pointing out some of his favorite products (L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Iman Bronzer in Afterglow and Luxury Pressed Powder, Maybelline Brow Pencil, Covergirl Outlast Lipstick and Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara), he also picked up a couple items to take home (Black Opal Patent Lip Liquid Lipstick, I believe in Violine and Maybelline Falsies Mascara for a first run).

Instead of giving product must-haves, Sam preferred to stress that "makeup is a personality," and encouraged us all to get to know our faces more intimately and use that knowledge to find products which best compliment our individual features. Each of us, he is convinced, is only one product away from upping our makeup game and giving better face. So, identify one product that you are not using and experiment with it. And remember that concealer is for highlighting, powder is for setting, bronzer is for adding luminosity and eye shadow is for giving those gorgeous eyes definition.



More sage advice from the master:

  • Foundation is like an undergarment. Make sure your face is smoothly finished and then build with more detail.
  • Look for lipsticks that tout being highly-pigmented or long-lasting and then start thinking about your color choice.
  • Waterproof mascara builds faster than regular mascara.
  • Felt tip liquid liners are best for beginners and those who want to get close to the lash line with fewer mistakes. Liquid liner with a brush is great for those with a steady hand who love to rock the thicker line of a 60s-inspired eye.
  • Shop like a makeup artist. Don't get stuck on one brand for all products. Just because you loved a brand's foundation, does not mean that their powder best suits your complexion. Mix and match!
  • Do not be thrown off by the terminology - a concealer is a dense foundation. Switch between creme and liquid foundations and concealer depending upon the kind of coverage you seek.
  • Men can also wear makeup without looking made up. A primer can be used as a moisturizing base, followed by powder for an almost bare finish.

If you could ask Sam Fine any question, what would it be? Post your questions in the comments section and we will ask Mr. Fine himself and share the answers in an upcoming post.


All the best, Lovelies! - Zee

 

7 comments:

Unknown said...

HI!

Thanks for this lovely journey with our beloved Sam Fine & Duane Reade. Duane Reade! LOL! I cannot wait to pay the 'Look Boutique' a visit! So exciting.

Hope this type of location is a national trend where a few more pop up...just a few.

Sam's expertise is always fresh!

Just delightful!

November 11, 2010 at 3:39 AM
Najah Drakes said...

Zee, what a great addition you are to the Mischo Beauty Team! I look forward to reading your pieces.

November 11, 2010 at 6:26 AM
Zee said...

Hi there Jennifer James Beauty :)Unfortunately, unless you find yourself in the New York/New Jersey area, you will not find a Look Boutique. But it is definitely worth checking out if you are! Just check for a Look Boutique location via the search engine on this page: http://www.hopstop.com/dr?num=4

Let me know what you think if you go!

November 12, 2010 at 10:55 AM
Zee said...

Thank you so much, Najah!! Looking forward to keeping you enthralled. LOL!

November 12, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Maisha said...

Okay, got it!! ..."concealer is for highlighting, powder is for setting, bronzer is for adding luminosity and eye shadow is for giving those gorgeous eyes definition."

Thanks Zee. Keep up the great work!!

November 12, 2010 at 1:02 PM
Maisha said...

I love me some Black Opal too!!

November 12, 2010 at 1:07 PM
Zee said...

@Maisha--I was sleeping on Black Opal but I am now a believer. Sam Fine advised me to use the creme stick foundation under my eyes as concealer and lo and behold, not only was my lip gloss poppin'...my eyes were too! lol! And thanks for the great feedback :)

November 12, 2010 at 3:48 PM

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