by EMERSON SLOANE
The vibrant and delicate beauty of the roses surrounding the ruins of Le Chateau de Lancosme was the inspiration for legendary cosmetics brand Lancôme's signature single golden rose. Founder Armand Petitjean, a fastidious man with impeccable taste down to his pastel shirts with white collars and white cuffs, sought to launch a brand that would distinguish itself from all others in the world. He launched Lancôme's perfumes in grand style--in 1935 at the World's Fair in Brussels. From there, it's all...history? Yes, history. And makeup.
Within years, Lancôme's "techniciennes" were global brand ambassadors--welcomed like stars, selling superior quality products packaged in luxurious Baroque style and helping women turn themselves into living portraiture. Now, with the expert assistance of national makeup artists, the Lancôme tradition lives on in timeless style as new looks, new fashions, and individual standards of beauty have kept the name Lancôme fresh and young.
National makeup artist Alex Sanchez is one of the latest of those legendary Lancôme "techniciennes" and ambassadors. His influences in his field of makeup artistry are a mix of architecture and art...the Chicago skyline, rock and roll and fashion, and the elegance and beauty of his own mother. Alex tells me that his mother's "immense" beauty--and I love that he used the word immense to describe his mother's beauty--is the backdrop for everything in his life.
Alex began his career doing test shoots and working on fashion shows in Chicago where his style caught the attention of people who make things happen in the fashion industry. Along the way, he's worked with Badgley Mischka at New York Fashion Week and he's worked with celebrity faces at the Academy Awards, even being sought out in VIP suites by the likes of Paula Abdul for his expert attention. From Paula Abdul to the effervescent elegance of his idol, Isabella Rossellini, Alex has established himself firmly in the beauty firmament--helping women transform what is their natural beauty into something we hold as a founding philosophy here at Haven: la bella figura.
Duluth will have a special opportunity next Thursday and Friday, May 21 and 22, to experience the exceptional artistry of Alex Sanchez while he's here in town at the Lancôme counter at Younkers in the Miller Hill Mall. By appointment only, you can sit down with Alex personally for a makeup consultation.
It's been a fascinating rise for a one time science major and a long way from his first gig on the Jenny Jones Show. Alex is a thoughtful, inquisitive, and intelligent artist in the truest sense of the word. And, from the beginning, I wanted to find out how he establishes a relationship with a woman's face. And there began our interview.
EMERSON SLOANE: In a time where women are at once inundated with multiple expectations of beauty and also feeling more empowered than ever on defining their own idea of personal beauty, how do you gain the trust of your clients and get them to give you their faces?
ALEX SANCHEZ: There are no dictates. My approach has always been born from the perspective of individuality and happiness. It all begins with the mirror in every consultation. I ask and more importantly listen to what they love about their face and what they love in general. This point of view is what the look is built on and how an aesthetic of true personal style is developed.
ES: Is there a difference in the way American women approach makeup and how European women define their own beauty standard?
AS: I can say that the Parisian woman is effortless instead of “perfect." She believes that less is faster and better in makeup and she never wants to look as if she is trying too hard--as the expression goes: you have choose either the “cleavage or the legs."
ES: So, what would you say is the most enduring look for a woman when it comes to applying her makeup?
AS: Nothing is as timeless as a great red lip. It is the little black dress of makeup.
ES: When you're encountering and working with all the evolving looks and trends that come your way in your field of work and also in the greater world of fashion, do you ever find yourself wishing that a particular trend would just absolutely die and go away?
AS: Yes. I really dislike permanent makeup. It is very harsh and doesn’t look like makeup at all.
ES: Is there ever such a thing as “age appropriate” makeup style for women as they age?
AS: I don't think so, because taste is not universal. Also, I feel people get better as they get older. Over time you discover who you are and find your voice. I think there is nothing sexier than that confidence. The key is to live in the present and not get stuck in the past--keep growing, keep learning and stay modern.
ES: So much of the world of cosmetics and especially makeup is geared toward women. We see it in all the advertisements and on all the runways. How can we make makeup more accessible and more acceptable for men to wear themselves?
AS: I always say a little concealer never hurt anybody. As far as making it more acceptable, I say own it. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
ES: So many women are working mothers or young professionals with commitments day and night. They're often looking for quick, accessible, and achievable ways to look their best no matter where they are. How can a woman quickly transition her daytime work makeup look into something appropriate for a night out?
AS: A little Lancôme Black Coffee eyeliner on the waterline is the fastest and most effortless way to create the coveted “smoky eye."
ES: While we're on the topic of quick, accessible, and achievable, what is one tip you would give a woman that would make her change her look for the better with makeup?
AS: I think the biggest mistake is wearing the wrong shade foundation. Make sure that you are wearing a foundation shade that matches precisely without that dreadful line of demarcation.
ES: How should a woman choose a lipstick?
AS: Choose happiness. Don’t overthink it. Choose the colors you are drawn to and love.
ES: You've had a varied and interesting ascent in the fashion and makeup industry. What have been the real highlights of your career--the ones that made you know you were definitely in your element? There always seems to be, for artists, that moment when you are in your groove and you realize you're doing what you were born to do.
AS: Working with Isabella Rossellini was a huge highlight for me on many levels. She was one of my ultimate beauty icons and she truly lit up the room with her radiance and charm. She was so kind and shared so many amazing stories from her experiences as an actress and model in the 70s--my favorite era---80s and 90s.
ES: Switching back to the mechanics of how women can look their very best, outside of the chance to work with a professional artist, what are the best ways women can get makeup tips?
AS: I think Pinterest is an amazing source of inspiration for all things related to all creative DIY endeavors--especially beauty and fashion. Plus you have the links to all the products.
ES: So, what sets you apart. What makes women drawn to your expertise and your talent? In essence, do you have a signature style or technique that keeps women coming back for more?
AS: I adore the hyper-feminine aesthetic. I am known for my fetish for perfected, glossy, glowing skin and decadently full lips.
Join Lancôme’s National Celebrity Makeup Artist Alex Sanchez, and his ProTeam of artists for a customized makeup lesson.
Straight from the runway, learn the latest tips and beauty trends to achieve the season’s hottest looks. Don’t miss this limited engagement with the master of makeup. It will make all the difference in the world between doing what you know and knowing exactly what to do.
Appointments are limited and you really do not want to miss this opportunity. Book your appointment today by calling 218.722.8311 extension 258 to book your time with Alex.
While you're waiting--and after you book--you can follow Alex on Twitter, on Instagram, and like Lancôme right on Facebook.