What do you do when you get to sit down with the director of global makeup artistry for Estee Lauder, Blair Patterson, for an intimate interview? Why, you pick his brain about all things beauty, of course. Blair's CV—which spans more than 15 years—includes highlights such as working with spokesmodels Carolyn Murphy, Joan Smalls, Constance Jablonski and Arizona Muse; traveling the world for new product launches like the Pure Color Envy eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks; editorial work for the likes of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper's Bazaar, to name a few big-name publications; and a growing presence on Estee Lauder's social networks and how-to videos.
So what can you learn from Blair in 30 minutes? Plenty, as it turns out. Details after the jump!
Tip #1: Giving your everyday routine more oomph shouldn't take long
The next time you're getting ready in the morning, try one of Estee Lauder's 3-minute beauty tricks for glowing skin, brighter eyes, more defined lips...or all of them! Blair's favourite technique is the highlight and contour. If you don't have bronzer for the contouring step, a foundation in a slightly darker shade will also do.
Tip #2: Advanced Night Repair is for more than just nighttime
Estee Lauder's cult fave serum is one of Blair's favourite products, and for good reason: it has a bewildering variety of uses. Blend a few drops with foundation and apply it for a radiance-enhancing glow sans shimmer. Use it to hydrate parched skin during long-haul flights. Apply it at 5pm to refresh cakey makeup.
Tip #3: Every woman should have a power lipstick
Whether it's red, plum, or fuchsia, it's the shade that makes you feel invincible and tells the world you mean business when you wear it. As Blair puts it, "All colour is is a way of saying you're here." Still looking for your power shade? Try one of the Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks, which are long-lasting, highly pigmented, and hydrating.
Tip #4: Play with makeup while watching TV
If you're anything like me, for the past few seasons you've constantly relied on a bold lipstick as a shortcut/crutch for getting ready at night and consequently your eyeshadow-blending skills have seriously atrophied. According to Blair, the quickest way to regain those skills is to dump all your makeup on the coffee table on a Tuesday night and start playing with it while watching TV. Being able to experiment under such relaxed conditions will let you figure out what works in 15 minutes, he promises. By contrast, the worst time to experiment with new eye looks is in the morning (the rush to get ready for work is not your friend) or right before a big event (hello, stress).
Tip #5: Light matters
Apply your makeup under the same lighting conditions that you encounter during 80% of your waking life. Work in an office under compact fluorescents all day? Make sure your bathroom lighting mimics that. Spend all day running around outdoors? Grab a mirror and head to a spot in the house that has plenty of natural light.
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