Previously, I never really took advantage of the benefits of being a VIB Rouge Beauty Insider at Sephora. But when we started this website, I decided to make time to discover the talents of the artists available to us. Those who are VIB Rouge can get a Mini Makeover whenever they wish, and can schedule unlimited full makeovers, free of charge.
My appointment was with Amanda at the Shreveport Sephora Inside JCP. Unlike mere cosmetic salespeople, Amanda has actually had training. She explained that they also have monthly visits from their company’s Beauty Educator, who keeps them up to date on the latest information and techniques.
When I arrived, I had on some CC cream. Since I use Retin-A, sunscreen products are an absolute must at all times. After cleansing my skin, Amanda used Algenist Sublime Defense Anti-Aging Blurring Moisturizer SPF 30, followed by Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Eye Cream. She primed my skin with Stila One Step Correct.
The nifty thing about Sephora is they have this little hand-held device that they hold up to at least three different spots on your skin, resulting the best foundation color match possible. After color-matching me, she entered the results into a computer that provided the best foundations for my coloring.
I wanted the chance to “test drive” products that I haven’t used before, which was actually pretty difficult- no surprise if you’ve ever seen my bathroom! Amanda used the new Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation, and Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder. (Yes, I use that all the time, but it’s just THAT good, so she decided to use it any way so I could evaluate the finish of the new foundation.) Now, I don’t usually use bareMinerals, but she used the Broad Spectrum Multi-Tasking Face stuff under my eyes. I must admit, it did look good!
While I love the Make Up For Ever HD powder, I was a bit worried about the foundation. I have several shades of the Pro Finish and Duo Mat foundations, and they are great in the winter, but oxidize and turn orange in the warmer weather. Fortunately, I did not have that problem with the new stick foundation. However, Amanda did explain that it must be applied properly in order to get the best results. Instead of just smearing the stick all over your face, you need to press it on in circles (see photo), then blend with a foundation brush.
Jerry calls this my “Tyler look,” after my nephew, who always seems to have this look on his face.
Amanda had such an intense, serious look on her face, that I just HAD to make a face at her and say “Boo!”
After foundation, powder, and concealer, Amanda contoured my face with the Smashbox #shapematters palette, and used Urban Decay 8 Hour Blush in Bang. She highlighted with Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in the new Champagne Pop color by Jaclyn Hill.
Onto the fun part- eyes! Amanda primed my eyelids with Smashbox Photo Finish 8 Hr Shadow Primer, and used NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Earth Angel (bronzed taupe shimmer/olive shimmer) and NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione (metallic champagne beige).
She lined my top lash line with Sephora Collection Eyeliner in Black, and my bottom lash line with Stila Smudge Stick in Triggerfish (steel grey sheen). I like the look of liner on my water line, but my allergies were so bad that we avoided it, and went with a lighter color on bottom. For my brows, Amanda used Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, and Anastasia Brow Powder in Medium Brown. She chose the new NARS Audacious Mascara for my lashes. (Although I need another mascara like I need a hole in my head, I may end up getting it!)
Finally, my lips were lined with Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lip Liner, and filled in with Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Peche.
The selections Amanda made were spot-on for my skin and coloring, so everything wore well, with no significant fading. The sad thing is, I have had several makeovers over the past few weeks (Troycie, Kristen, Hylisha, Amanda), and the results were so fabulous that I didn’t want to wash my face before bed. I wished I could just leave it on!
The best part about Sephora beauty services? You don’t have to be VIB Rouge to take advantage of them; they are available to anyone. Mini Makeovers are complimentary, Full Makeovers like mine are complimentary with a $50 purchase. (Unlimited complimentary services for VIB Rouge, no purchase required.) To schedule a service, call your nearest Sephora and set up a consultation.
