(Published in the Cayman Compass Weekender, Friday, July 15, 2016)
https://www.caymancompass.com/2016/07/14/red-carpet-cosmetics/
Beauty experts from the Penha cosmetics store in downtown George Town were on hand on Monday for the “Red Carpet Makeup, Cosmetic and Treatment” workshop, part of the CayFilm lineup.
Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, guests learned skin-care and beauty tips, as well as how to recreate a red carpet, glamorous smoky eye at home. After the tutorial, guests were then free to try out the skills they had been taught, using a wide range of cosmetics from luxurious brands, including MAC, Estée Lauder, Lancôme and Clinique, with the help of makeup artists and beauty advisers from Penha.
Here’s our pick of some of our favorite standout products.
Galatee Confort Cleansing Milk
Lancôme
Take the day off with this luxurious cleanser from French brand Lancôme. This comforting facial cleansing milk is enriched with honey, almond extract, yeast and milk proteins to help make skin smooth and supple. A longtime favorite and staple in the Lancôme line of skin-care products.
Clarifying Lotion
Clinique
I first discovered Clinique’s famed 3-step system at 16, and some 20 years later I’m still a fan. This dermatologist-developed clarifying lotion leaves skin feeling squeaky clean. After cleansing, but before applying serum and moisturizer, simply soak some cotton wool and sweep over skin. It instantly removes dulling flakes and excess oil so serums and moisturizers can effectively get to work. Available in four strengths to suit all skin types.
Advanced Night Repair Serum
Estée Lauder
It’s easy to see why this product is a cult favorite and a longtime staple in beauty editors’ cosmetic bags. This repair serum fights the key signs of aging to help reveal smoother, more radiant, younger looking skin. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, the serum restores moisture to turn back the hands of time. Use at night after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. Feels decadently moisturizing, yet light-as-a-feather on the skin. A must!
Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging All-In-One SPF15
Estée Lauder
This newly launched day-cream is deliciously rich, yet feels light on the skin. Featuring Moringa Extract, this silky-soft, deeply nourishing multi-action cream encourages skin’s natural power to amplify collagen and elastin production. Helps reduce the looks of lines and wrinkles while increasing skin’s firmness and elasticity. Use morning and night, or whenever skin needs a pick-me-up.
Visionnaire 1-minute Blur
Lancôme
I’m not usually one to reach for primers, but I will be adding this to my makeup routine. A lightweight, oil-free skin-finisher, this primer helps blur imperfections for picture-perfect skin and a velvety matte finish. The perfect base for foundation.
Teint Idole Ultra Foundation
Lancôme
My favorite discovery of the day. This oil-free, light-feeling foundation not only delivers buildable medium-to-full coverage, it also leaves a natural-looking, velvety matte finish. Infused with perlite and silica, this foundation helps skin look shine-free for hours, yet also doesn’t look caked on – as so many matte foundations can do. Available in 35 shades, everyone will be able to find their perfect match.
Pro Longwear Paint Pot
MAC
I’ve long been a fan of this blendable eye shadow. It goes on creamy and dries to an intense, vibrant finish, yet has a skin-like formula that makes it foolproof to apply. Use as an eye primer, or as a standalone eyeshadow color. Available in a wide range of highly pigmented shades with the staying power to last throughout the day. Painterly is the shade of choice of MAC makeup artists; a neutral shade for fair-to-medium skin tones for a no-makeup look, or as a base for a glamorous smoky eye.
Prep + Prime Fix+
MAC
It’s easy to see why this product is a best-seller. Infused with a blend of green tea, soothing chamomile and cucumber, this fixing mist gives an instant boost of hydration while delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup. Available in a selection of sizes; keep the travel size in your handbag and mist over your face whenever the heat is turned up.
Makeup brushes
MAC
Perfect makeup application requires the right tools. MAC stocks a staggering selection of makeup brushes, from large rounded buffing brushes to angled brushes for precision application. The 224 Tapered Blending Brush features soft fibers that taper to form a medium-sized dome and is a favorite with MAC makeup artists for creating a red-carpet smoky eye.
Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color Balm
Clinique
Loaded with moisturizing shea butters to help keep lips feeling comfortably soft, this chubby stick is the perfect happy medium for those who don’t like the heavy feel of a lipstick, yet feel glosses don’t quite deliver the color impact they require. Available in 10 sheer-to-vibrant shades to suit all skin colors and moods. My favorite of the day? Roomiest Rose, a punchy pinky-red that gives just the right amount of rouge without being too overpowering.
All products are available from Penha and the MAC boutique on Cardinall Avenue.
Joanna Lewis 