What's Going Up in Make-Up!

The other day I was browsing through the shops in the city for the first time in ages and since I insist on losing every lipstick I buy, I decided to check out the make-up in David Jones. Like I say, I hadn't been shopping in a long time (and am actually not a big fan of shopping despite what you may think) and noticed there is now a MAC store in DJs.

I had in mind the lipstick colour I wanted (a deep, dark red - as I am a bit over the scarlett variety) so took some time checking out the colours on offer. Before long one of the counter staff approached me asking if I would like some help. My experience with counter people is not terribly good so usually I would say a flat out no and avoid being persuaded to take home something I really didn't need or want, however this girl had the most amazing make-up on and I couldn't take my eyes off it. We got talking and very soon into our rantings on celebrities and the key trends in make-up at the moment, it became very clear that this was not your usual - head in the clouds - shop girl.

Erin is a serious make-up artist and told me that all MAC staff are trained professionals who must update their training every three months. Anyhow it turns out the colour I was after - quote to Erin "A blood red that looks as if you are dying," her reply "Oh yes, we have this in our Limited Edition range - it is the colour of the season." 

Now just as an aside I am quite old-school in my buying behaviours. I think it has something to do with being a Leo and having worked in Brand Management, but I am of the opinion that if someone is going to be rude or 'stand-off-ish' when all I want to do is give them my money, then I am not going to give that person or their company my services nor will I ever go back there or recommend them to my friends.

Anyhow, I tried on many varients of the lipstick colour I was looking for with Erin by my side the entire time giving me some helpful feedback along the way. The other girl who worked there also came over and joined in on the banter, again being very friendly. (If anyone from the - other - MAC store in Perth is reading this, take note). Erin and I continued discussing our thoughts on all matters in make-up and she even got out a book to show me that she found in Borders (published only once every two years) that highlighted trends from the shows at all the fashion capitals around the world. I decided right there that I must share this girl with you all.

 Oh and I took home the exact lipstick I went there to purchase - there's a first time for everything and if you ask me that's something worth being loyal for.

Below is Style Voyeur's interview with MAC @ David Jones, Make-up Artist Erin Butcher.

WHAT ARE THE KEY COLOURS/TRENDS IN MAKEUP FOR SPRING/SUMMER 08/09?

Right now it's all about beautiful pale skin, with dark burgundy, cherry, red lips. Brows are fuller and more defined. Cheeks are girly pinks and lilacs which merge into the eye shadow. Pale faces with vivid quirky colours of blush. Neon yellow/green on the eyes or blush if you're brave. Moving into summer the looks soften with beautiful buff pinks on pale skin, doll like stained lips and cheeks in Pinks, rose and soft coral. There are lots of smoky purple eyes. The look is polished but it has an edge. The retro feeling is still present but it's less perfected, it's smudged. It's about being confident in your beauty, but not so safe and making a statement.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TRIED & TRUE PRODUCT OF ALL TIME?

I can't pick just one! Lucas' Papaw ointment, MAC Zoom mascara, MAC select cover up concealer and Neways Sunbrero sunscreen.

IF YOU COULD DO ANYONE'S MAKE UP WHO WOULD IT BE?

At the moment I would love to do Amy Winehouse's makeup because I don't think I can stand to see anymore badly winged eyeliner.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVISE ON HOW TO GET NOTICED THIS SPRING/SUMMER?

To be creative and make a statement. I wish people weren't so afraid of make up and colour!!! A pop coloured eye liner or bold coloured lips are such a cool accessory.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST?

Without sounding creepy, I just love watching and observing people. I like seeing what other people are wearing and adapting their style to suit me. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut with the same hair cut and same makeup. Watching another makeup artist at work is always great because I constantly learn new things and ways to wear products.

ARE THERE ANY BANDS OR ARTISTS YOU THINK WEAR COOL MAKEUP?

I love the way Regina Specktor looks. Her makeup is simple but she seems like she's stepped out of another era. I also love Dita, she's so striking and confident which is sexy.

I have produced, art directed, styled, photographed and assisted on many photo shoots in my life and out of a full day shoot there are usually only ever about five (5) or six (6) useable images in total. Although the expectations are slightly lower for 'backstage' shots, never before have I had so many useable images from one evening or lunch or show then ever before, until I worked with the models of the Perth Fashion Festival. They are a delight to photograph and almost every frame is useable - this, I think, is because they are all professionals, naturally amazing on the inside and out and are willing to have fun with the directions they are given. I expected to get some amazing pictures over the course of the nine day event, however what I didn't expect was to meet and make friends with some of the most sweetest, fun and brightest young things this city has to offer.

As I say there were so many great pictures to choose from, so this may indeed be the most epic post in blogging history.

Perth Fashion Festival Make-up Director Bobby Bujisic told me that his concept behind the make-up for the collections shows was that the reality is - model's are mannequins. Usually in the modelling world some models are favoured over others and some look better with certain make-up compared to the rest. All of this was avoided to create a uniform look for all 29 girls. 

Couture jewellery by Alister Yiap. These innovative and some-what bizarre pieces were created for the runway. Alister (who was previously captured by SV back at the Kooey Launch) told me they symbolise facets of personality.

His more wearable pieces can be found at Libertine in Mt Lawley. 

There is such a juxtaposition between the tough media used and the soft, heavenly connotations associated with fairy wings. Relating it back to Alister's references to the facets of personality - this indicates to me the yin and yang in all of us. The good and bad elements we all have inside. I like how these creations bring so many questions to the tip of your tongue. 

I was sitting down to rest my feet and saw this strange futuristic, insect like creature in front of me. The piece looks so much like something out of War of the Worlds. I didn't ask but am assuming Alister created these objects with consideration to the proportions of the human body in mind - otherwise there would have been some very big logistical issues when fitting them to the models. In considering that, it is mind blowing to think of the amount of work that must have gone into each and every one of these pieces. Highly impressive and very exciting. I wonder what is next in store for this budding artist? 

Cute custom made crowns (on closer inspection I saw that they were made from sticking gold chains onto woven baskets and then adorned with jewells and sheer, luxurious material) at Ruth Tarvydas.

 It's all about bold colour for Spring/ Summer 2008/ 2009 and if the floral paisley print doesn't work for you, you can re-create the look your own way by using all the colours of the rainbow mixed together as seen (above).  

Empire Rose - stylist and model for the label. 

Emily and Rachael showing us - In Emily's exact words: "Westside! for Western Australia"   

Variant hand signals and Tom (second from the right) showing us how to turn it up. I love the metal cuff links (below).

Move over Doc Martins, it's all about the Rossi boot.