Back to Consult CHiC Pros Main page

Seasonably Cool, Sultry Looks

M·A·C Artist Luc Bouchard

If you're a woman who loves to play up her femininity and sensuality, you will love beauty this season. The bold look of sexy red lips, high volume full lashes and sensual shimmer cheeks are taking center stage. Professional M·A·C Makeup Artist Luc Bouchard is responsible for creating some of the hottest looks of the season. He has worked his magic on countless women for over 20 years and took time out to share a few tips with COCOCACHiC.

CHiC: We see a major return to ultra feminine, ladylike looks of the Victorian days in the fashion world. Is beauty following in the same vein as fashion? Do the looks strongly emphasize femininity?

Luc B: Yes, the looks are ultra feminine, but in a very new way. Big lashes are everywhere, real or not! There is a fair amount of contradiction in makeup. It's the yin-yang of beauty. You see bare faces, very soft and then naturally enhanced with skin tone contours and highlights. Also present is more deliberate makeup inspired by icons, statements in no whispering manner.

CHiC: What colors and textures are hot?

Luc B: Red, taupe, peach, coral, plum, metallic grey, chocolate brown, pearlized or frosted gold or silver. Taupe contouring was definitely a key element of the fall looks. Color combinations of browns, pinks and corals are really hot. There is also a definite trend for gold or silver shimmer as highlights.

CHiC: How can we take our looks from day to night?

Luc B: Less and less do we really make a difference between day and night looks. Everything is more about just making you look your best all the time! With so many pearlized and shimmer colors, just add more shimmer at night. A good way to pump up your makeup is to add more highlights in gold or silver, apply to the bridge of your nose, your cheek bones and brow bones, basically on the high planes of your face. Another option is to add false lashes and a thin black cream liner to give more drama instantly a la Marilyn Monroe.

CHiC: Specifically for women of color, what is the best way to incorporate color into our beauty palette this season?

Luc B: This season there is a lot of neutral browns used with pink, coral and gold or silver. I would say that the easiest way to incorporate color is to do basic makeup in browns and then just add a little pink or coral to give it life. Another easy way to add color to your look is to wear your favorite shade of red lipstick since this classic statement is back in full force this season.

CHiC: Many women of color struggle with uneven skin tone or discoloration. What M·A·C products help with creating a flawless complexion without looking too made up?

Luc B: At M·A·C we have many formulations of foundations and concealers that can help you even out your complexion. My two favorites this season are M·A·C SELECT SPF15 MOISTUREBLEND foundation and SELECT MOISTURECOVER concealer to give model-like skin with a perfect satiny finish. This is the way to achieve perfect looking skin regardless of how much unevenness or discoloration you have. Remember that before you even think of foundation you need to take care of your skin. Clean, well-moisturized skin is necessary to create perfect skin. Here are the skin care steps:

1. M·A·C MICROFINE REFINISHER to gently scrub
2. M·A·C STUDIO MOISTURE FIX to replenish moisture
3. M·A·C FAST RESPONSE EYE CREAM to treat skin around the eyes

Apply foundation like a M·A·C Pro with 190 Foundation Brush to get beautiful, even coverage. 187 Stippling Brush is also easy to use.

CHiC: Is there one look this season that works for every woman, no matter her style or personality?

M·A·C PRO LONGWEAR LIPCOLOUR

Luc B: Red lips are very big this season and they go from transparent and soft to thick and glossy. Inspired by beauty icons, these red lips can be paired with many different styles from the likes of Marilyn Monroe to Dorothy Dandridge or even Marianne Faithful! For reds that stay on, try a PRO LONGWEAR LIPCOLOUR in Lasting Lust (smoldering cream red) or PRO LONGWEAR LUSTRE LIPCOLOUR in Alta Moda (extra-rich burgundy with pearl). Again, big lashes are hot; they open the eyes, creating softness or dramatic definition. Try M·A·C ZOOM LASH mascara, but first apply PREP + PRIME LASH for rich and voluptuous lashes.

CHiC: What are your favorite looks for the season?

Luc B: I must admit that I love the strong contouring trend that we see right now. The reason I love this look is that it's very easily adapted for most people and it can turn anybody into a diva. Try contouring your face with M·A·C BRONZING powders in Refined Golden or Refined Deeper Bronze and then highlight with IRIDESCENT/LOOSE Golden Bronze or Silver Dusk loose powder. This can be added to any makeup look you already wear or just used by itself for a more pure look. Have fun and experiment, its just makeup!

CHiC: What M·A·C products should every Cocoa Chic have in her beauty bag no matter the season?

Luc B: The must-haves are:

M·A·C BLUSHCREME

BLOT FILM: Instantly mattifies skin by absorbing excess oil from the surface of the skin.

LIP CONDITIONER: Conditions, moisturizes and gives sheen to lips.

PRO LASH: Mascara that is lengthening, thickening, non-flaking, non-smudging... totally hard-wearing.

BLUSHCREME: Luxuriously soft and creamy, Blends well; layers exquisitely.

STUDIO FIX: A powder and foundation in one that combines good coverage with ease of application.

LIP PENCIL: Shape, line or fill in the lip. Colours: Chestnut (intense brown), Mahogany (intense reddish-brown), Currant (intense reddish-purple), BBQ (barbecued mahogany).

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH: A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks, brows, anywhere on the body: provides an ultra-deluxe polish to the skin.

For all M·A·C products recommended, please visit www.maccosmetics.com to purchase online or to find a M·A·C store near you.

By Linda Ripoll

Back to Consult CHiC Pros Main page