Text-Written/Edited and Photos by J. Ecochard
The new trends in beauty, like those detected on the Fall 2007 fashion runways, are geared towards a more sophisticated customer... with less over-the-top glittery frills ...but with more polished panache for around the clock wear.
At the annual trade show, The Make-up Show NYC 2007, (sponsored by beauty innovators - The Powder Group), the latest, multi-tasking beauty products soon to appear on retail shelves… did double duty as either skin care treatments -or as tools to mitigate the microscopic effects of HD television. And yes, the goods really do work to neutralize the march of time, dermis-wise, like wrinkles, blotchy, uneven tone and sagging skin.
Two minerals based make-up lines, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and Color FX , offered 100% pure, talc and scent free, anti-inflammatory mineral powder foundations in assorted global shades. They offer great coverage for all skin types, an SPF 18 or SPF 15 ‘natural’ UVB and UVA sunblock protection respectively, and contain no synthetic ingredients. Iredale also launched a men’s bronzer, H/E, for undetectable chemical free coverage. Its matte finish differs from the female goods’ subtle shimmer…but masks imperfections of both genders for hours while still looking fresh.
Cover FX, developed as a corrective cosmetic for scarred hospital patients, introduced makeup pros to the line’s creamy foundation base, pure mineral powder base and the Skincare FX, the 1st “Cosmeceutical Primer-Treatment and Priming Serum” that seems to float on the skin at the same time as filling in lines. (Available nationwide at Nordstrom’s).
It’s obvious that airbrush foundations, spray highlighters, and air brow and eye shadows are destined for the mainstream …with makeup artists expanding its use beyond HD television performers and special events (like weddings), to create everyday optical illusions of perfection. Several manufacturers including Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Temptu, Kett and Aircraft Cosmetics offered airbrush systems plus head spinning kaleidoscopic assortments of liquid potions for a flawless visage that not only offers hours of rub proof coverage, but often contain cocktails of skin enhancing anti- oxidant treats. And though there are liquid foundation products out on the market claiming to provide high def quality coverage, there is really nothing quite as good as an airbrush wand, misting microscopic drops on the skin. Some demonstrators at the show were even adept at self-application. For most of us however, training and experience are mandatory…and equipment costs go for several hundred buckaroos. This perfection may be worth it however, given the high price of premium cosmetics.
Naturally, the tradeshow proffered the fantasy that spectacularly inventive special effects make-up conjures up. There were several eye catching body art displays trolling the aisles, courtesy of ‘the Picasso of body art’, John Vargus of Vargas Bodypainting, Mehron Cosmetics and Temptu (remember the fab Absolut Vodka print ad of a nude, tattooed guy and Demi’s pregnant bod on the cover of Vanity Fair?). And the booths of cosmetic lines MAC Pro and Make-Up Forever were perpetually packed as both seemed the editorial favorites of makeup pros who love their dense pigmented eye shadows of rainbow colors, versatile foundations and flirty false eyelashes. For longer lasting feathery sweeps, Xtreme Lashes eyelash extensions, are pricey (typically $200-$350 depending on the salon)…but last 3-5 weeks.