Laura Mercier & The Retail Makeup Rite of Passage

I've been a freelance makeup artist for about 13 years. The photo shoots and fashion shows I work on today didn't always come easy. I had to work at it...a lot! I paid my dues and honed my craft not only by assisting other artists but by working at makeover studios, kids face painting,doing weddings and like many other aspiring makeup artists out there, I worked on counter for various cosmetic companies. I was a part time consultant for MAC in both the UK and NYC, I helped launch Lancome's Newest Collection each season in various department stores and I also spent a brief time working as a freelancer for Laura Mercier.

As happy as I am now that those days of retail are long gone, I am grateful for my time working within the sales side of the cosmetic industry. This gave me a chance to get to know various products and practice how they worked on skin aged 16-60. Let's face it, if I'm on a shoot and I have some young 17 year old model, chances are no matter what product I apply on her, it's going to look great. This route of retail makeup is something I always suggest to all newbie makeup artists as it's a fantastic training ground for the future.

From this time period I've also learned to love a few key choice products that I still use religiously today! One of my favourite all-rounders in my makeup kit is Laura Mercier's loose powder. This is a huge Hollywood favourite as it contains no silicone in its formula so it's a perfect choice to use on top of air brush makeup for HDTV. I really like the fine grain texture of the powder as it just sets the makeup without leaving any chalkiness. Laura Mercier is available in London at Selfridges and Liberties... and remember next time you hit the cosmetics counter be extra nice to your sales girl, she may be the next Pat McGrath!