Sunday, March 24, 2013

The Hostess gets a makeover at Bobbi Brown...

Bobbi Brown is well known and respected when it comes to making the best of make up.
Not over doing it, but using a lighter hand to accent and emphasize your best features.

When Mr. HB and I were in Seattle on holiday I did something completely out of my comfort zone.
I sat at the Bobbi Brown counter at Nordstrom's and had a make over!
It was very early so thankfully the store was not too crowded.
"No unnecessary attention please and thank you!"

After watching the Lisa Eldridge videos I realized that I could use some help.
Choosing the shades that are complimentary to my skin tone is something that I have always struggled a bit with
also I knew that I needed a base colour on my face to cover my ruddiness from rosacea and yet I still wanted to add a healthy glow. The cosmetician was helpful and was able to achieve what I was looking for in a very short time.

My morning routine has got to be easy...


A trio of products and a foundation brush.
Porcelain Luminous Moisturizing Foundation
Fresh Melon Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks 
Antigua Illuminating Bronzing Powder

I am happy with the products how easy they are to work with and how the end result looks natural.
If you have never had a makeover do try one
they are free and you can take home samples
having someone impartial give you advice is much easier than you might think!

If you like the products after trying them then go back to the cosmetic counter and buy them.
I wore the foundation for a day before I decided it was right for me.

Thanks for stopping by and spending a little time out of your busy day.
Have you tried anything new lately?

I've got my nose buried in a new book by an author that I have just discovered...
she has penned a dozen books!

Thanks to Julian Fellowes 
writer of Downton Abbey and Gosford Park...


His comment on the front cover made the sale and I am enjoying it
 it feels a bit like I just stepped inside a home like the one in Downton Abbey but with different characters.

What are you reading?

37 comments:

Awakening my Wardrobe said...

I used Jane Iredale cosmetics for many years and still love many of her products (her PureMoist lipstick in "Kate" is my all time favorite to wake up my fair skin) but several years ago I also had a Bobbi Brown makeover and have been very loyal to her system since. Her make up artists are very professional and well trained. My favorite is her EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm. I would not normally spend that much on a product, but for the sun protection, moisture and a bit of dewy, sheer, coverage I love the results. I would have never considered a bronzer until I had my makeover and saw how flattering and subtle the result was. Her make up brushes are excellent as well. How do you like the Pot Rouge? I like the idea of a dual product for cheeks AND lips but Bobbi Brown lipsticks are a bit drying for my skin. Have a great Sunday. Enjoy your new make up.

Susan B said...

I think it's a good idea to get a makeover once a year or so. Even if you'd don't need anything new, sometimes you learn new tricks from the experts. I've just begun reading "A Distant Mirror" by Barbara Tuchman and it's fascinating!

Swissy said...

One of my all-time favorite books, Pseu! BTW, you are looking so wonderful.

Swissy said...

I've always been shy about this "exposure", but you are encouraging. I'm presently using "BB" by Garnier, very inexpensive, but love the look on my skin. People give me compliments, too! I'll bet you look glowing, judging from your color palette.

Sarah said...

Love Bobbi B - she has always been my "go to" for natural looking make up and your products look gorgeous ... and discovered Santa Montefiore a while back - great books and I think I have read all she has written.. especially good is 'The French Gardener' by her.. Enjoy... S x

Pondside said...

I've never tried that line, but perhaps your post will give me courage to step outside my comfort level and try a little makeover.
Reading? Right now I'm reading Mr Golightly's Holiday by the British writer Salley Vickers. Love it!

Lacey R said...

I really like Bobbi Brown makeup, my favorite is the gel eyeliner - it's the best one I've tried! Great formula.

Patricia said...

I must say Hostess that if I were to do a department store makeover, then it would be at the Bobbi Brown counter. I'll have to look out for one next time we go to Toronto.
I just finished reading Bossypants by Tina Fey (hilarious!) and have just
started a memoir by the father of George Soros, the Hungarian-born philanthropist. It was first published in 1965 in Esperanto! Luckily there is an English version now and I think it will be very interesting.

Kristien62 said...

I have been looking for a foundation that would give me a "dewy" look, not a dry, chalky look. I have used Clarin's tinted moisturizer for some time, but think I will stop by the Bobbi Brown counter to check the Moisturizing Balm. I need good SPF coverage and hate adding an SPF in addition to moisturizer.

Kristien62 said...

I am reading the Silver Linings Playbook and am enjoying it. However, I also saw the movie and think they did a wonderful job with it. I actually liked the characters as portrayed in the movie better than the book.

I haven't been to a Bobbi Brown counter in a few years and think I will stop by. I have been trying to use up the products that I have, but as I approach my 64th birthday, I think I need a change, something a little brighter.

Madame Là-bas said...

I really enjoy books by Barbara Tuchman. I read it a long time ago but I would like to reread it.

Madame Là-bas said...

I think I will try a makeover in Paris. I haven't tried Bobbi Brown. Did you feel beautiful? We do always need new ideas.

sparrowsandsparkles said...

I love Bobbi Brown products and use them daily. So glad you found some nice colors. I just finished The Life of Objects by Susanna Moore and have started on The Corpse in the Koryo by James Church.

California Girl said...

"I did something completely out of my comfort zone." I hear you and applaud. You do feel exposed having one. I'll do it at Sephora but dept stores freak me out.

Bonnie said...

Love Bobbie Brown. I just purchased my first pot of rouge a couple of month's ago. I have been very happy. I am just beginning "The Dry Grass of August" for book group. I am a bit behind. Have a great week. Bonnie

Donna said...

You must read "The French Gardener". It is my favorite Santa Montefiore book. As a rose lover, it is right up your alley.

KSL said...

Bobbi Brown makes great products and I agree with Deja Pseu, that it's good to sort or "re-examine" all of your makeup about once a year or so. Great that you're happy with your new routine - did you pick out one of her lipsticks? They're great! I'm on a binge of Scandinavian crime novels - reading Karin Fossum's "The Caller".

Judith said...

Did have a foundation by BB which I found suited my needs,have only heard good reviews on her products.Have never used a bronzing powder,are you pleased with it?

Just finished reading 'V for Vengence' Sue Grafton's latest alphabet book,have been with her since her first one 'A' can't wait for 'W',she is an American who lives in Montecito (Montebello in the books) a place that the book makes you want to visit......especially today with the snow,-3 temp.here.Ida/Judith

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Awakening my wardrobe ~ I love the pot rouge and think it's great to have a dual product! I had never tried bronzer before and I am surprised how much it warms up my complexion. I like it a lot!

Kristien62 ~ The Balm did not work for me but the moisturizing foundation does. Please do try their samples and see which formulation you like best before purchasing one.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Deja Pseu ~ You look fabulous and thank you for the book title I'll add that to my list.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It's great to find something that imparts a bit of a dew and a glow. I think it is something that disappears with age.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sarah your skin always looks wonderful!

I saw that title and thought it might be the next one to read.
She has royal connections too!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've heard that is a fun romp! I think one of my friends has a copy that I can get my mitts on...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ooh I must try that out then...thank you.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Let me know how you like the results of your make over. Tina Fey is so funny!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

My daughter saw that movie and loved it too.
Sounds a bit like we both are on the same wave length...a new brighter look. Spring might be what is urging us on...have fun and Happy Birthday!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Well Paris will have many more options. I hope that you have fun!
Beautiful is never a word that I associate with my looks...I felt better, more confident and I did like the look of my skin more. Isn't that true? New fresh ideas are vital.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have seen Susanna's books before but never read one.
Thank you for that title.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

If I can do it anyone can...but do go early if like me you are rather shy about being fussed over in public!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thanks Bonnie...will check out that book.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have it at the top of my list now...the mention of roses nudged it up to the top!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I opted for the pot of rouge for lips and cheeks...
ooh crime novels are for those who are able to sleep at night....not me they are far too chilling!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I really like the bronzing powder it does not make you look tanned per se just imparts a healthy glow which I like. Montecito would be a welcome refuge as I have heard about that cold snap in the UK and France. I hope you have a fire going and a warm cashmere sweater and socks on to chase that chill away!

mette said...

Placing makeup on is a very private " thing " for me. Could not imagine anyone doing it for me. But it´s just me..
BB products are not familiar to me either. I´m happy you got some nice ones for yourself.
I finally finished the Finlandia priced book.
Too early to comment on it yet; too early to start a new book.
I need time to go through all I´ve read.
Have a nice start for the Easter week!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I agree mette and if there were a private area in the Bobbi Brown section I would have certainly opted to go there!

Sandra said...

I've really enjoyed the Santa Montefiore books. Enjoyed The French Gardener and The Itaalian Garden. Another series you might enjoy is the English author Penny Vincenzi. It is a trilogy and I think very Downton Abbeyish. Start with No Angel and then go on. I gave these books to my sister and she couldn't put them down. Good reads.

Oh, also enjoyed the Masie Dobbs books.
Have fun.

Sarah said...

Ahh, thank you Hostess for that lovely compliment. How kind of you ...X