w.
C ome and
see wi-iat s new at
Beauty writer Melissa Schweiger dishes on her new book for
Sephora, pretty looks for prom — and potato knishes.
BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Does it sound like a dream job to
sample all the latest lipsticks and eye
shadows, blushes and powders, skin
lotions and hair potions — before
they even hit stores?
Melissa Schweiger (right) can tell
you — it is a dream job. The Ann
Arbor native studied journalism at
New York University, then landed her
first job in the beauty business as an
assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan before adding the most
highly regarded names in the business to her resume, includ-
ing Seventeen, Marie Claire and Sephora. So when Schweiger,
who lives in NYC, turned to freelance writing and editing, it
seemed a natural that her first book should be an insider's look
at beauty secrets from the self-service emporium.
cigni -Rcen -E
<unzite
Ines
Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from
the Beauty Authority (Collins; $27.95) hits bookshelves this
month, in time for Sephora's 10th anniversary in the U.S.
Jam-packed with personal secrets from Sephora's most popu-
lar experts and brand founders (including Frederic Fekkai and
Urban Decay's Wende Zomnir), easy illustrated how-to's, the
proper use of tools, plus a shopping guide of 100 must-have
products, Sephora's most endearing feature is that it captures
the fun of having your own personal makeover.
Here, Schweiger chats with Platinum and offers a sneak
peek inside the book as well as some prom-season advice:
"These earrings are
one-ofa-
are you?"
SciaiRitoir
PLATINUM: What's hot for spring?
Melissa Schweiger: Matte pink lipstick. At the spring
shows, makeup artists eschewed gloss for matte lipstick tex-
tures, and the colors of choice were cool pink tones and beige
and neutral-toned blush. They give a very natural, yet defined
look to the face. Bold colored eyes: Pop Art eyeshadow tones
were everywhere, in colors from bold blue to vibrant purple.
For just a hint of color, try lining the eyes with a color other
than brown or black. Messy updos — these are buns or
French twists that have some of the hair falling out, in an
undone, insouciant way. It's a way to wear your hair up with-
out appearing too severe.
PLATINUM: Which products
keep the summer-heat frizz-
ies at bay?
MS: Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil, Oscar
Blandi Lacca Hairspray and a T3
Flatiron.
PLATINUM: What's in your
makeup bag?
MS: I tend to keep things pretty
simple. I'm all about the no-makeup makeup look. My favor-
ite products are a mix of skincare and makeup that really
enhances the complexion, rather than hides it. I love: Smith's
Rosebud Salve, Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation,
Urban Decay Primer Potion and Tarte Cheek Stain in
Natural Beauty.
PLATINUM: Favorite products?
MS: Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash: Hands-down my
favorite cleanser. The ingredients are all natural, and it con-
tains Icelandic glacial waters. I have very sensitive skin, but
this is really gentle, yet incredibly purifying. Frederic Fekkai
Glossing Cream: This is literally a wonder hair treatment.
I can add a dollop to wet hair, let it air dry and I get per-
fect waves. Or if I'm blow-drying it straight, it cuts out the
frizzies and never makes my hair look greasy. And the Shu
Uemura eyelash curler: Everyone should own one of these.
The difference between my eyes when I curl my lashes and
when I don't is amazing. When I do, my eyes look wide-
awake and so much bigger. This curler keeps them curled all
day long.
PLATINUM: What was most fun about writing
this book?
MS: Talking to all these people who are so passionate about
beauty None of them think of it as a superficial business
in the slightest. Makeup artist Victoria Jackson calls it "the
power of lipstick," meaning that makeup boosts your self-
esteem and gives you the confidence to go out there and con-
quer your day.
JEWELLERS 1 GEMOLOGISTS
across Coolidgefrom the Somerset Collection
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PLATINUM: How can prom-age girls look fashion
forward, but still fresh and young?
MS: A modern way to wear red lipstick is by pairing it with
bronzed cheeks. If you keep the skin pale, it can look a little
harsh and Cruella de Ville-ish. A fresh way to play up the eyes
is with blue mascara. It really makes the whites of the eyes pop!
Instead of wearing a pink blush, try something with a hint of
plum in it — it's very flattering and a little unexpected. Finally,
keep the T-zone area matte. A good way to do that is to pack
blotting papers in your purse.
PLATINUM: What projects are you working on
now?
MS: I'm writing for Shape, Martha Stewart and also working
on a huge, all-consuming project — my wedding!
PLATINUM: Any favorite haunts during visits to
Michigan?
MS: Zingerman's, of course! Even with all the delis in NYC,
nothing compares to Zingerman's. I have dreams about their
potato knishes.