Any age can wear the look; simply MODify it for the age of your client. Always keep in mind the client and her expectations. The ultimate goal is for her to feel glamorous and groovy!
Black is back! Dark, smoky eyes are in vogue once again. The look is thick black liner with a touch of white eyeliner or shadow around the eyes to really set them off. Pair this look with long lashes and heavy mascara and for extra oomph supplement false eyelashes. It’s MODness!
If the “mod” look isn’t for you, there is always the classic look of fall. The classic look is understated eyes, slightly defined cheekbones, and overstated red lips. There is a shade of red for everyone, it’s just a matter of finding the color most complementary to your skin tone. Sheer red, matte red, red orange, clear red, or blue red, whatever color you choose you have to love it to pull off this hot look.

(see chart below to find your best red)

How to Achieve the Perfect MOD Look

Step 1 Primer
Apply a primer to the lid, a silicone based primer works best. Since the colors are dark and intense the blending must be smooth and even and priming the lid is key.

Step 2 Shadow
Blend the dark color up to the crease, applying evenly and generously over the entire lid and layer until even. If the eyes are narrow, blend the shadow outward, swinging the color up to form a wing. Lastly, apply a white frost under the eyebrow with a blending brush. Be careful not to blend the white into the crease color so the dark color does not change to a blue-black or ashy tone. (see illustrations for correct application for different eye shapes).

Step 3 Liner
Apply thick black liner close to the lash line on the upper and lower outer lid. Set the liner with black shadow using a shadow brush to give strong detail to the liner and keep it in place. Small eyes should line from the center of the eye outward. Larger eyes should start from the corner of the inner eye and line outwards. Line the inside of the lower eyelid with white eyeliner to make eyes really pop.

Step 4 Mascara
Apply, two to three coats of mascara to both upper and lower lashes. Allow lashes to dry and curl in between coatings. When curling between mascara applications, be extremely careful not to pull on the lashes. For thinner lashes, applying false eyelashes is always a great option.

Step 5 Blush
Dust on a soft pink or peach to add a touch of color to the cheekbones. Remember, cheeks are extremely minimal this season so keep them soft.

Step 6 Lips
Line lips with a natural tone. If you are using a lip gloss, fill in the entire lip line first with liner then apply lip gloss. If using a lipstick, be sure the liner matches the lipstick. Blend the lipstick into the lip liner so there is not a line of demarcation.

How to Achieve the Perfect Classic Look of Fall

Step 1 Shadow
Blend a light color up to the crease; a soft pink or opal color works best. Apply a medium tone brown or gray (depending on the client’s undertone) in the crease with a blending brush. Apply a soft highlight color under the eyebrow to set the eyes off.

Step 2 Liner
Use a soft gray or brown liner to frame the eyes, blend in or smudge the liner to soften the line. Next, apply the crease color to liner and set. The color around the eye should be soft and understated.

Step 3 Blush
Apply a bronze or a soft shade of red color to the cheekbone. The color on the cheek is evident with this look but not overstated. Cheeks should be seen, but not exaggerated.

Step 4 Lipstick
Apply a lip primer over lips. Select the appropriate red, then define and line lips with a sharp pencil in the same color as the lipstick. Apply over the lips, blot and re-apply.

The Perfect Red

Tips for Cosmetic Retailing

Create Excitement in the Spa

• Change the make-up counter and displays seasonally.
• Wear the current fashion trends – tastefully.
• Promote the latest look through monitors or laptops.

Offer Seasonal Promotions

• Highlight a product that addresses a specific issue common to the upcoming season.
• Create a gift with purchase to go along with the look of the season
• Offer special pricing on the trendiest new cosmetic

Marketing To Your Clients

• Send postcards or an e-mail blast to clients advertising the newest look or product.
• Call clients to inform them of a promotion

Get the Client in Your Chair

• Promote within the spa. Ask your co-workers to send their clients to you for quick touch-ups after treatments or services. Clients trust the opinion of their service provider and are more willing to work with you when referred.
• Offer touch-ups. Ask the client the amount of time she can spend with you. A quick touch-up should take 5 – 10 minutes, a quick make-up application 20 minutes. Touch-ups are offered to create sales. Ask your client what products she is running low on or looking to replace. Show her the newest look in make-up, age and lifestyle appropriate for her.

LISTEN To Your Client

• As a make-up artist you may have incredible talent, but if you do not meet the needs of your client, you set yourself up for retail failure.
• Ask questions; what is their lifestyle, how much time do they spend each morning on their make-up, what colors are in their wardrobe, what is their best feature, what are their likes and dislikes. Apply make-up according to the information they have given you.

Educating the Client

• Clients should know why you have chosen the cosmetic line used in the spa.
• Teach the client how to use the products you are applying. Clients who have been taught to use the colors and products correctly will me more confident in their at home make-up application and have greater trust in you.

Keep Good Records

• Create face charts for your clients. Charts allow them instruction to follow when it’s time to re-create their face. It also documents the colors you used on them. Many times clients think they have the same product at home only to realize they really do need a specific item to duplicate your work. Charts also allow the make-up artist documentation of the colors used in a make-up application. Always review the colors you have used on a client previously and try something unique each time you see them.
• When you have completed your make-up application, fill in the chart with the colors used, as well as make-up brushes used and specific techniques. Go over the face chart with her explaining again the methods and tools used for her to re-create her new look.

Keep A Portfolio

• Create a book of your work. Include before and after looks of your BEST make-up application.
• Current trends should be included in the book and updated each season. Tear out photos from magazines representing current fashion.
• All ages should be represented in the book. Include photos of make-up application ranging from the minimalist to the diva.

Client Appreciation

• Thank the client for their purchase at the time of the sale and ask them to come back and see you the next time they have a special occasion.
• Send a thank you note or make a phone call telling the client you appreciate their business.
• Call clients when you are having a special promotion on their favorite product.

Trouble Shooting

• When a client has purchased a new look or you have taught them new techniques, call after a few days to make sure they are successful in re-creating their look.
• Be sure and have a sign posted with policies on returns. Display one at the check-out counter and the cosmetic counter. If it is a first time client, state the policy to them. Women can sometimes get caught up in the moment and realize they next day they shouldn’t have spent so much money.