Ask The Expert: Blair Patterson

Of his personal beauty philosophy Patterson says, “Makeup is a visual effect, a trick of the eye. Why can’t women add a little special effect to their everyday lives?” He certainly sounds like a good guy to have in your corner when getting ready for the day. I chatted with Patterson via email last week to get us all the scoop on this year’s Fall/Winter trends and what every woman needs in her beauty kit to put her best face forward. But if you need a little clarification on specific beauty blunders of your own, see the bottom of the post for info on how to book in with Blair in the Toronto and Calgary areas.

Q: What Runway Beauty Trends do you think can be easily translated to real life women this fall?

A: On the runway this fall, there were lots of great looks that can be easily translated to the everyday woman.

The faces are clean and polished, which means they’re gently covered with foundation. To avoid a heavy foundation look, you might want to try one with a semi-matte satin finish. Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Light Foundation can easily recreate this look. The formulation comes in 6 neutral shades, which guarantees you will find your perfect match.

We also saw a lot of the sensuous smoky eyes on the runways. To easily achieve this look, try experimenting with an eyeshadow cream like Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Cream Eyeshadows. They’re easy to apply and long lasting. Apply by taking a finger or a brush, gently dip into the shadow cream and apply to the eyelid. These shadows have a way of catching light and emitting an effect of an effortless smoked out Holiday lid

Q: There has been a shift to really heavy handed looks this Fall with the return of the full on 80’s face, bold red eyeshadows, neon’s, gothic inspirations etc. How would you suggest women avoid looking like a fashion victim with this trend?

A: While an influx of 80’s inspired makeup designs have become popular again in many cities around the world, the need and demand for women’s makeup to be “customized” and “personal” has never been more desired. Women have become savvy when it comes to makeup trends and while they may understand what the current trend is they also know it might not be exactly right for them. Back stage, after the shows, even Super Models tone down their makeup before going out for an evening.

For a woman who likes the 80’s inspired trends, I would recommend limiting vibrant shades to one facial feature. This means, if the electric eyes are your inspiration, try a more muted lip and less blush/bronzer. If a bold shimmery lip is your passion, find a shadow that is neutral and shimmery and pair it with long sensuous lashes. Just remember, you don’t have to directly translate what you see in magazines or on the runway to your face in order to be trendy or stylish. When it comes to makeup, it’s best to customize your looks and the trend will become your own.

Q: On the opposite end of the spectrum there has been a shift towards full on 40’s glamour in both fashion and beauty this fall /winter. What are the key elements a woman needs to know to nail this look?

A: 40’s Glamour has once again become an incredibly popular trend. In my opinion, nothing is more sexy, feminine and easy to achieve than the 40’s Hollywood Siren. All it takes is a little research and some practice. 

To achieve this look, makeup colors and shades are important.  The colors should be warm, soft and play off your natural skin and hair tones. They should never overpower your look.  

If you study pictures of iconic Hollywood Stars from the 40’s like Greta Garbo and Bette Davis, you will see their makeup was dramatic but one feature does not overpower the face

To achieve a 40’s glamorous eye, you want to create thick lashes, and using luminous, pearlized colors on your eyelids, you want to aim for natural arching contour’s that are blended with earth toned shadows and bronzers. As well, you might consider the 5 toned shimmer powder brick by Estee Lauder.  

The lips are vampy, sexy and suggestive for this look. Holidays are a great time to play with this trend as you will begin to notice an influx of red lipsticks shades on the cosmetic shelves. It’s a perfect time to find the right shade of red for you.  

When shopping for red lipsticks keep a few things in mind.

If it makes your teeth look whiter; BUY IT! 

The darker your skin tone the more blue you want in your reds and if you have a lighter your skin tone you want a red with a hint of coral.  

Every woman should have at least one shade of red lipstick that makes her feel instantly confident and sexy. 

Q: Any tips for maintaining your skin during the rough Canadian Winter months?

A: You need a good skin care routine especially as we head into colder, harsher weather. 

The skin is at its driest at night. When you’re sleeping, the body is healing itself and drawing moisture from its biggest organ, your skin. 

By applying a repair product like Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, before your moisturizer, you will help bind moisture to your skin ensuring it has a much longer time to absorb during sleep.  

Q: What are the 5 Must Have beauty items for the fall/winter or every woman should have in her arsenal at all times?

1.) A great moisturizer. Remember, makeup is only as good as the skin underneath. Estee Lauder’s Time Zone Moisturizer is ideal for women who want to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles before they apply their foundation.

2.) A natural and “smart” foundation. The only thing worse than too much foundation on a woman’s face is her having to reapply that foundation over and over through the course of her day. Double Wear Light Foundation is a lightweight, smart shade, long-lasting foundation (15hrs). It looks natural yet gives you the coverage you need, and the formulation feels great on the skin.

3.) Water/smudge proof liners and shadows. The most common complaint I receive from celebrities and customers is with regards to end-of-day dark smudges under their eyes from eye makeup.   These groundbreaking products are guaranteed to last through the workday and even into the night.

4.) Find a great mascara! Ingredients found in mascara have been updated allowing women to achieve different effects for their lashes, but for the first time electric technology has changed the way we think about mascara. The New electric Turbo Lash Mascara by Estee Lauder is like having a Makeup Artist in your makeup bag. The micro pulse of the wand helps settle the brush to the base of your lashes. It quickly and effectively coats every lash individually giving you fabulous thick, long natural lashes.

5.) Create great red lips. Like I said, the Holidays are a perfect opportunity to explore this color, even if you are more of a natural girl. In my opinion, every woman should have one red—go to shade—she knows will make her look instantly sexy and confident.

If you are in the Toronto or Calgary area and have questions of your own for Blair, book an appointment and have him heat up your fall/winter makeup routine in person. Note: there is a $50.00 booking fee that is redeemable in Estée Lauder product.

Toronto:

Holt Renfrew Yorkdale Mall, Thursday, Oct. 29 , 12-8 p.m. 416-789-5377, ext 5011.

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 416-922-2333

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 416-922-2333

Calgary:

Holt Renfrew, Thursday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 403-269-7341 to book.

By: Meghan

Photo Credit: Estee Lauder