A Date with Dolce & Gabbana National Make Up Artist Christian McCulloch
What: Dolce & Gabbana National Makeup Artist
Where: The Dolce & Gabbana Cosmetic Counter in Saks Fifth Avenue @ Phipps Plaza Mall
As I walked into the beauty department as Saks, the Dolce and Gabbana counter stood out immediately. The gold counters and bright lights were eye catching, as were the brilliant displays of beauty products. Ashley, the Senior Account Executive for Dolce & Gabbana Make Up and Fragrances, greeted me with a warm and friendly smile on her face, explaining that Christian would be returning in just a moment. While Ashley and I waited, we exchanged a brief laugh at the fact that she had broken her heel earlier that day and was teetering on her right foot, trying to keep her balance and avoid the heel from snapping completely. A tall, slender man wearing a black suit and tie walked up, and introduced himself (in his Australian accent) "Hi I'm Christian, welcome!" I walked into the Dolce and Gabbana cosmetic corner, sat down at a gold vanity countertop, and pulled out my notebook.
Christian is originally from Sydney, Australia (hence the fabulous accent). He began his career at a young age as a hair stylist in Sydney, working on sets for magazine photo shoots. At the age of 23, he moved to London, England, where he purchased his first makeup kit. He assisted a top makeup artist, where he gained the experience and connections, doing makeup for a variety of pop singers and models around the world. It was then that he began working with A-list designers such as Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney on editorial shoots. Christian moved to New York City about ten years ago, where he still resides today. Since then, Christian has not slowed down a bit. He has worked with many well-known names such as Scarlett Johansson, Katie Holmes, Kate Bosworth, Emma Stone, Olivia Wilde, and Karlie Kloss, as well as some major publications including, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Vanity Fair.
Me: What is your idea of beauty?
Christian: My idea of beauty is when a woman can feel beautiful in her makeup, while still being able to express who she is, her inner-self. When someone sits in my chair, I really want to know what makes them feel beautiful; that way, I can combine bold colors and shades with their personal style. It is really a harmony between being bold and staying true to your authentic self.
As we continued to explore and discuss some of his favorite Dolce & Gabbana beauty products, I asked him to create an ideal "Make Up Travel Kit" for me, made up of all of the cosmetic essentials that I would need while on the go.
1. Concealer: The Perfect Luminous Concealer
I had the pleasure of trying this concealer out when getting my makeup done by Christian and Saks Fifth Avenue D&G Makeup Artist, Gigi. It is perfect for illuminating those minor imperfections and conditioning the skin. This concealer is a great pick for those needing long lasting coverage.
The eyeliner that Christian used on me, gave my eyes a wonderful pop! The double ended liner contains a smudge applicator on the other end, which was great for blending and buffering the eyeliner into my lower lash line, to give my look a bit of an edge.
3. Red Lipstick: Scarlett 195
We both agreed that red is a timeless and classic color, making it easy for any age to wear.
Gives the face a fresh and healthy looking glow, while contouring the face by adding a pop of color to the cheek bones.
This beautiful bronzer gives the skin a sun-kissed look, and adds a warm glow to the cheeks.
Christian showed me that putting the liner on after the lipstick is actually more effective than applying it before. This way, you can outline your lips, creating a define lip line and intensify the "cupid's bow" on your top lip, as well as buffer the lip liner into the lipstick, which stops it from feathering or bleeding into your skin.
7. Passion Eyes Duo Mascara: Nero 1 and Blu Indaco 3
This mascara (which I fell in love with and had to buy) contains a two-in-one curling and volumizing aspect. While the tapioca polymers help hold the lashes up, the glycerine helps condition the lashes, creating a beautiful curl. So leave that eyelash curler at home! This mascara is perfect for those on the go all of the time, like myself.
8. Eyeshadow: The Smoky 105 Palette
This shadow is an amazing investment for those looking to complete a day-to-night look. This palette contains a black, dark brown, lighter brown, and a light pink (to highlight the eyebrow bone) all with a bit of shimmer in them. These colors not only offer versatility, whether you are looking to complete a simple day time look or bold eyes for a night out, but also last for a solid, 8 hours.
Christian really opened my eyes to a lot of Dolce and Gabbana products that I had never even thought of trying before. He is such a fun and upbeat individual, with a fabulous talent for creating and perfecting chic and stylish beauty looks; There is no doubt in my mind that his success will only keep growing. Thank you Christian McCulloch, you are truly one of a kind!
Also, a special shout out to Ashley Dexter for making this happen. Thank you!
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