My interview with Lancôme’s makeup artist and Beauty at Every Age Expert

When I was offered the opportunity to interview Sandy Linter, Lancôme Beauty at Every Age Expert and makeup artist, I could barely contain my excitement!

Every time I have the opportunity to speak to beauty insiders, I never miss out on the chance. How else are you going to get those beauty secrets that you cannot get any other way?

Lancôme is coming out with a beautiful summer 2008 collection called ‘Summer Bronzing’ … don’t you love the name?

During my interview with Sandy, I wanted to talk more about the collection and summer 2008 makeup trends, but I also wanted to discuss how these trends applied to women over 35. You’ll find a lot of great beauty secrets in this interview.

Before I forget, I’ll give high marks to French cosmetic giant Lancôme for having an expert on ‘beauty at any age’ … this is testament that companies are recognizing that as women add candles to their birthday cakes, they still want to continue having fun with makeup.

Beauty Match speaks to Sandy Linter, Lancôme Beauty at Every Age Expert and makeup artist:

1) Beauty Match: I know that bronze shades are hot, hot, hot for summer 2008, but why is the Sun Cherub Compact Bronzer from Lancôme’s summer 2008 Collection so popular with celebrities and makeup artists?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: I love using this compact because it glides on the skin. Even pale complexions look natural, healthy and energized after using this bronzer. Let’s face it – bronzers are a blessing. I use the #7.5 Shu Uemura fan brush to apply. Especially on lighter skin tones because it distributes the color evenly. Then I also dust on collar bones and décolletage. I love the Sun Cherub compact and use it on my celebrity clients.

2) Beauty Match: Do you think women should wear bronzer only in the summer, or should this be worn year-round?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Bronzer can be used all year long to warm up the skin tone. It doesn’t necessarily make you look tan, but gives you a warm glow.

3) Beauty Match: One of the Color Design Cabana Bronze Eye Shadow Palettes is centred on a gorgeous palette of bronze shades. Can any skin tone wear bronze shades? Are certain complexions not suited for those shades?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Bronze shades can be worn by anyone. The idea is just to wear one shade at a time, so the eye doesn’t look too metallic. Darker skin tones should use more yellow, dense colors. If the hues go too metallic on a mature eye, simply mix the shadow with a matte hue to soften the shimmer.

4) Beauty Match: I know that you’ve recently appointed two beautiful spokesmodels over 40 (Juliette Binoche and Laura Morante) for your new Lancôme promotional campaigns. Would you say that women over 35 can (and should) embrace this new “bronze” trend?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Age has nothing to do with bronzing. It is a preference. Juliette Binoche has flawless pale skin. She looks stunning either way. I’m sure Laura Morante would look beautiful with a bronzer.

5) Beauty Match: Smoky brown and beige eyes have replaced the dark smoky eyes from last winter and we’re seeing a lot of metallic colors for summer 2008. Can the “smoky brown and beige eyes look” work from day to night or should we keep a neutral look for the day with smoky looks for the evening?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Of course it works! Just don’t apply too much metallic on the eyes. If you are wearing a liner, it can accentuate the metallic pigments, so a light touch is key.

6) Beauty Match: Would you say that women over 35 can play with the smoky eye trends?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme: Yes! Women over 35 can achieve a beautiful smoky eye which can soften the skin. Don’t use strong liners around the eyes. Keep everything blended and beautiful.

7) Beauty Match: What are the three “must-dos” women in their mid/late 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s should take into consideration when approaching summer 2008 makeup trends.

Sandy Linter from Lancôme:

1. Use body moisturizer. Add colour to skin if necessary with self-tanners and don’t forget the tops of your feet.
2. Don’t embrace every single trend that comes along, but certainly keep an open mind!
3. If you think you can’t wear a certain lip shade, don’t give up. For a softer look, apply the lipstick, then go back and add liner as needed.

8)) Beauty Match: What are some of the three biggest mistakes women in their mid/late 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s make when it comes to their makeup in general?

Sandy Linter from Lancôme:

1. Don’t forget to apply blush to the cheeks when you’re wearing strong eye makeup. Otherwise, you’ll look off balance.
2. Less is not more. The “less is more” approach makes women afraid and as they get older, they ultimately wear nothing. It’s all in the technique. I’m a big believer in teaching women how to do their makeup. Even something as simple as curling your lashes the correct way can open the eye area.
3. Over-plucked brows are a no-no. Learn how to fill in brows that have become sparse over the years. Use a perfectly coloured brow pencil and brush them upwards. If you’re unsure about brow maintenance, visit a brow specialist who can work with you and your brow shape.