Le Métier de Beauté Makeover

As I was in London on Friday, I couldn't miss the opportunity to go and meet the Le Métier de Beauté team and have a makeover. This is actually a really big deal for me as I've previously admitted on here that I get THE FEAR at counters. The Le Métier team are so lovely though I felt in very safe hands.

They started by applying Peau Vierge anti-age complexe (light to medium) all over the face. I was really excited about this. You know me, I'm a complete geek and the technology behind this product really fascinates me.

*Lab coat moment* Peau Vierge uses the inovative Syntoc Actif delivery system. The delivery system acts as a capsule for the Retinol allowing it penetrate the epidermis and travel to the dermis where it has greatest benefit. The issue with many topical treatments is that the actives sit on the skin and very little passes through the Stratum corneum. In the case of Retinols this can cause problems as it can irritate and sensitise the skin. The encapsulation of Retinol in the delivery system reduces the exposure at the skin surface meaning less dryness, irritation and peeling. A reduced concentration of Retinol for the same benefit is also made possible because of the improved penetration. Apparently Syntoc Actif ensures localised delivery so that the Retinol does not pass in to the blood stream. The bottom line is, you get more impact with significantly less side effects.

On the skin this felt lovely, it's moisturising and for me the tint provided enough coverage so that I didn't need foundation. Just a bit of the Peau Vierge concealer and Loose Translucent powder was enough for a natural base. It can be mixed with foundation though if you prefer more coverage.

On my cheeks the make up artist used Blushing Bronzed Duet in Romeo & Juliet. As a base, Dualistic eye pencil in Champagne was applied and smudged on the mobile lid. For the eyeshadows, I opted for a lesson in how to use the Le Cirque Kalidescope which I recently purchased. The Couches de Couleur system for applying these eyeshadows is different to most eyeshadow application. So that I don't ramble on for too long, I shall talk about this in another post! For this look, the eyeshadows were applied from bottom to top (i.e. darkest colour first) but it is also possible to apply top to bottom for a softer look.

I was shown how to use their precision liquid liner to tight line. I need more practice to perfect this technique but I'm determined to crack it as it really adds definition. For my lashes she chose Aubergine rather than black. The colour isn't at all obvious but it does a lovely job of bringing out the colour of my eyes. I really like the fact that you can see how much is left too as the tube is clear.

Last of all, the make up artist used the Lip Kaleidoscope. The colours can be used alone of layered like the eyeshadows. She applied bottom to top, the colours are all quite different but the effect with each one layered is beautiful. It felt so moisturising too (I was smacking my lips all the way home). At this point Mikey Castillo came over for a chat. Mikey is Director of Make Up for Le Métier and also designer of the lip palette. He explained to me that they were careful to choose just the right ingredients for the lip products as so much is ingested. This attention to detail really shows across all of their products. What also shows is how much these people care about the brand they're representing which is so refreshing.

So, this is the end result. I wished I'd taken pictures before I left Selfridges as these were taken in bad lighting after traveling home on a packed and sweaty train! Although they don't do the make up justice I think you can still get an idea for the effect.

I have to confess that I cracked and bought the Champagne pencil despite my spending ban. I couldn't resist, it's a gorgeous taupe colour which looks good smudged on it's own. I'd bought Le Cirque already so I will be posting swatches and looks with both of these very soon. I'm also making a special plea to Santa for some Peau Vierge this Christmas (along with my request for a Tom Ford lipstick of course). This stuff is not cheap at £90 but it felt so nice and I actually believe the science behind it.

The team are still there today and tomorrow (see my post here for details), if you're near to Selfridges I'd encourage you to pop along for a look. Please say hello from me if you do!




*I feel so terrible as I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the lady that did my make up. She was a very beautiful lady, originally from Texas and if anyone knows her name please let me know! I do remember Mel of course, one of the UK team. She's another girl from the area formally known as North Humberside. You know what it's like when two Yorkshire lasses get together.....