07-26-09 | Posted by Dorene Kaplan

Share this

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin

 

MEET THE COLOUR AMBASSADOR

As the face behind CHEEK TO CHIC and a Colour Ambassador to La Prairie, Raychel Wade is on a mission to help women navigate the vast selection of products on the market, and keep them from feeling helpless because they don’t know how to properly use all the contents of their overflowing makeup drawers. Sound familiar? Since we at Beauty in the Bag share a similar mission, we had to get the scoop directly from the artist herself.

www.cheektochic.com

What must women carry in their bag at all times, and what should they toss?

There are a few key items every woman should have at her fingertips.  These are non-negotiables in my book, and can be easily stored in a totable makeup bag for on-the-go touch-ups:

• If you have long, straight lashes then an eyelash curler is a must. If your lashes need a boost, then turn to a thickening mascara.
• A product to open and brighten your eyes, and everyone should finish off their eyes with an eyelid brightener. I’m a fan of La Prairie’s Light Fantastic. The clickable pen-type applicator is foolproof, and with just one swoop over your lids, you are lightened and brightened!
• Add dimension to your face with a bronzer, blush or luminizer. Even the most perfect skin needs life and added color to look flush and radiant. I love Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in #1 and La Prairie Illuminating Face Powder.
• A bright pink blush on the apples of your cheeks completes the cheek look.
• For lips, add a gloss to give just a touch of shimmer. I love a subtle champagne color, which looks great over the darkest of lipsticks or beautiful on its own. Try NARS Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday or La Prairie Colour Effects in Firefly Glace (more copper-peachy but still quite neutral)

If you’re looking to toss a few items to pare down your makeup bag to just the essentials, start by giving the heave ho to the GWPs (gifts with purchase) that you’ve accumulated over time but have never used – and the crazy eye shadow colour you bought for Halloween years ago.  Next, check for smells – if your glosses, mascara or foundation smell a bit off, then they have seen better days, and it’s time to toss!  Also, get rid of any strictly mirror compacts – most blush, powder foundation or eye shadow compacts have a mirror built right in so no need to take up extra space with a solo mirror compact.

Do women have a lot to learn when it comes to color cosmetics?

Most women are in better shape than they think with their makeup, but what they lack is  confidence.  With all the information out there, they get overwhelmed and bombarded with thinking that they must be doing something wrong, when in fact they are on the right track.  Most forget that the simple items are the best; think a nice shimmery brown eye shadow and a natural lip color.  It’s important to stay true to who you are.  If you are drawn to warm colors like peaches, browns and golds, then stick with them.  And if cools are your preference – grays, purples, silvers – then honor that and find shades  that you love in that family.

How did you become a Colour Ambassador for La Prairie?

About six years ago, the planets aligned, and through an article about me in Lucky (September 2003), I met beauty publicist Jaime Maser.  What started as a work relationship quickly blossomed into a dear friendship.  A couple of years ago, she recommended me to La Prairie to work with the estheticians at their spa in The Grand Cayman and Beverly Hills, teaching them about makeup application.  When La Prairie started exploring the idea of a voice and personality to help them with their new Fall 2009 colour collection, it turned out to be a perfect fit.  My years of experience with my own business, Cheek to Chic, really works well with their philosophy, and I am able to easily identify with their clients and help then with their makeup needs. It’s all so exciting!

How do you customize color and a look for each client?

The most important discussion I have with clients is not about color and product, but rather about their lifestyle.  If they carry their makeup with them every morning to get ready at the gym post-workout, then liquid foundation might not be the best choice. In that case, I’d opt for a compact foundation (cream or powder) so there’s no chance of spillage in their gym bags.  And if they are married to their Burt’s Bee’s beeswax lip balm, then a lip liner will probably just collect dust, since they obviously like their lips natural with just a touch of sheen and conditioner.  I want my clients to be able to reach into their makeup bag and know that whatever they grab, they will use it and love it.

What are your personal favourite products?

Well, since great makeup starts with great skin, my skin care essentials include La Prairie’s 3-Minute Peel, Shu Uemura Moyoco Anno Cleansing Oil and Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream. My makeup essentials include La Prairie Lipstick in Cashmere, NARS The Multiple in Copacabana, Three Custom Color Specialists Light Clarifying Pencil, Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Nutmeg, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, La Prairie Light Fantastic Cellular Concealing Brightening Eye Treatment and Sonia Kashuk brushes.

Are you a mom?

Nope – not yet.

What’s your favourite bag?

Just one?!  I’m carrying a blood red Balenciaga right now.  But I covet the classics like Bottega Veneta – Veneta bag and the YSL Muse in navy.