I like Christian McCulloch, Dolce & Gabbana’s new National Makeup Artist, and not just because he’s charming and tall, or has a really cool Australian accent, or because he complimented me on my brows.
CHRISTIAN MCCULLOCH: Did you do these yourself? — or do you go somewhere to get them done?
ME: I do them myself because I have weird control issues… [SIDE NOTE: I really need to stop telling this to strangers.]
CM: They’re perfect!
ME: For real??
When a fun, handsome guy who clearly loves makeup and (is also kind of a ham) whom celebrities like Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Emma Stone and Jessica Biel have on speed dial tells you that your brows aren’t a total train wreck, yeah, it tends to make your day. 🙂
While we talked about summer and summer makeup trends today at the Dolce & Gabbana makeup counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, Christian often stopped mid-sentence to grab a quad, lipstick or pencil, swatch it on the back of his hand, and start talking so fast about it that I almost couldn’t keep up!
A few of Christian’s top summer trends…
1. Pale, shimmery eyes
This summer, Christian loves the look of nude, shimmery shadows on lids — shades like champagne, and shimmery pinks like the pale pink from the Fabulous Smooth Colour Quad ($59).
Then, to balance the nude eye and round out the look, he likes to add mascara, liquid liner, bronzer, blush and a bright lip. “It’s easy and fresh,” he says.
2. Plum lips
If you’re considering bold colors this year but want something other than the usual summer suspects like coral and pink, try plum lips.
“Plum lips pump up your look,” says Christian, “and when the color wears off, it looks like a stain.”
His go-to plum from the Dolce & Gabbana line? Shine Lipstick in Precious ($32).
“I love to use color, and I see it as an accessory. It’s like wearing a great pair of earrings or a great scarf. It depends on what you’re wearing and how you put it all together.”
— Christian McCulloch
3. Flawless skin
Flawless-looking skin is in this summer, and to get the look without a lot of work, Christian recommends Dolce & Gabbana’s new Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation ($66), an oil-control liquid formula with a velvety finish that’s neither too shiny nor matte.
“I don’t necessarily feel like the makeup needs to be the first thing you notice about a woman. It’s just one element of the whole package.”
— Christian McCulloch
“It’s a one-step product,” Christian says of Perfect Matte, “and you don’t need to layer powder on top of it.” He only applies it where you need a little extra coverage.
And because it contains SPF 20, it’s great for this time of year.
What does Christian recommend every woman have in her makeup bag?
- Dolce & Gabbana’s Secret Eyes Mascara ($30): “This is what I use on photo shoots because I can fan out each lash from root to tip. It’s a detail mascara.”
- Dolce & Gabbana’s Smokey and Contrast Quads ($59 each): “These are look-good-on-everyone colors and my go-to’s for neutral, defined eyes.”
- Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eyeliner in Chocolate ($30): “It’s halfway between brown and black. Great for smokey eyes.”
- Dolce & Gabbana Luminous Cheek Color in Peach ($45): “The perfect peachy pink blush.”
If you happen to be in San Francisco tomorrow, June 1, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Christian will be available for 30-minute makeovers at the Union Square Saks Fifth Avenue store Dolce & Gabbana counter. Just call ahead, (415) 438-5225, to reserve a spot.
You should go! He’s charming and talented. And he complimented me on my brows. 🙂 LOL!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Lulle says
I have yet to try Dolce & Gabbana makeup! The blushes look great, I might start there.
I love to get makeovers and advice from makeup artists, they bring an insight and a fresh, professional eye on what I do. It’s sometimes hard to see yourself objectively, correct your mistakes and enhance your facial features in the most flattering way.
Richa Saxena says
Your posts always crack me up Karen! Love your writing style 🙂
Lauren says
I love when nice people like that succeed 🙂 Good image for the brand too, to have friendly people to market the brand. I know the counters can be intimidating for a lot of people, myself included.
Gowthami says
yu look gorgeous karen 🙂 love the post…
Agata says
I wish there was a D&G counter near me. Looks like you had a good time. Christian looks very handsome but you’re just adorable! Ohh, and that Simply Color collection looks stunning!
Dominique says
You are a lucky one Karen ! Yes very charming, and you look perfect too 🙂 I haven’t tried D&G makeup yet but I love their lipsticks among other products !
Red Weather Tiger says
I have control issues, too–I never let makeup artist people touch my face with ANYTHING. See, you’re not that weird!
He seems adorable and knowledgeable…and tall!
Jenna N. says
You DO have perfect brows Karen! Also I like your dress!
Chelsea says
I’ve never let anyone touch my brows!
You look gorgeous, and I love the tips!
Krystle(Baking Beauty) says
So charming! I really want to try the oil control foundation. I currently use an oil control moisturizer but foundation would be even better!
Jennifer says
OMG I totally have brow control issues too!!! So funny! Great interview!
Victoria says
Hi there 🙂 I absolutely love D&G makeup. The quality is insane, and so is the price but its sooooo worth it!! Im especially obsessed over their eyeshadow quads. Great pigmentation and creamy texture. Im gonna review some of the newer ones this week 😀 Great post, love reading your blog.
Trude says
He seems like such a nice guy! Some great tips, thank you for the interview!