When it was announced that Same Fine was appointed the new creative makeup director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, I was a bit excited since I felt that the brand could use an update. No shade. Seriously. I’ve always seen the counters at Macy’s but never really connected since I always assumed it was for older women, like my mother.
Last week, I was able to preview the 11-piece collection with the man himself and witness a little demo on just how to wear the products. Inspired by his international travels, Fine wanted this initial collection to have products that he could use on a variety of his clientele (which includes Iman, Jennifer Hudson, and Vanessa Williams to name a few). The lipsticks (eight total, $22 each) range from wearable nudes for brown women to shocking reds and pinks to deep purple hues.
lipstick swatches on Lipstick Fashion Mascara
The Supreme Eye Color Quads (two total, $38 each) are created with four high pigmented, complementing shades that allows you to create an everyday look or bang it out for a full blown smokey eye. Not only are there four colors to choose from but different textures, too, which include a sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer, and a matte. My favorite is Amalfi Coast, a quad that contains a sand, forest green, copper, and chocolate brown combo that is simply divine. The lone gloss in the collection is Canary Diamond ($20), a high shine, sheer gold gloss that Fine created since it works with women of all skin tones and can be worn alone or over a lipstick.
model is wearing Supreme Lip Color in African Violet
The Sam Fine for Fashion Fair Supreme Color Collection is available now at select stores including Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Belk and online.
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting makeup artist Sam Fine. In the middle of Duane Reade.
Fancy, huh?
The makeup artist extraordinaire was on deck dishing tips and tricks for women and filling in a couple of beauty bloggers on his favorite makeup items that don’t break the bank. Now Fine has worked with some of the most amazing faces in the industry, including Jennifer Hudson, Iman (!!) and Vanessa Williams to name a few. Duane Reade has revamped its beauty section and has turned it into the Beauty Look boutique, where you can get a range of cosmetics- from Maybelline to Becca- all in one convenient area. The Beauty Look is undoubtedly a departure from the typical drug store experience as you’re allowed to test (some) products on the spot before purchase.
As Fine walked through the boutique, he dropped his pearls of wisdom on us plainfolk- and believe me, I was taking notes! Here are some of his tips:
If you can’t master the dramatic liner when using liquid liner on your lids, try using a felt tip liner.
Bronzer warms up your face and makes it luminous, so why would you want to give that up once the seasons change? Use bronzer underneath blush- even in the winter- for a glow. What’s his favorite? IMAN Cosmetics Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in “Afterglow”.
Toss mascara after 3-4 months. What is his favorite drugstore mascara? Covergirl LashBlast Fusion because it lengthens and adds volume all at once.
The Revlon ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powders are a must!
Tip for the fellas: when your girlfriend/ sisters/ wives are getting ready to toss their mascaras, snap it up to touch up your mustache and beards
For lips, Sam adores by Covergirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor stating that the color would not budge when he used it on the set of Brandy’s commercial way back when. Although he did warn that you only had a couple of seconds to work with the product before it set.
Women of color listen up: if you’re having trouble looking for a foundation or powder in your shade, head on over to CoverGirl. Fine swears that no other drugstore brand goes as deep in shade as CoverGirl’s Queen Collection does.
When using foundation, don’t even think about skipping out on powder! Apply a bit of powder to your T-zone or wherever you get oily to keep the shine away. Sam recommended Iman Luxury Pressed Powder. If you’re not a fan of foundation and want to use powder solo, Fine recommended moisturizing the skin, tissue off any excess and apply powder.
When trying to hide acne, rather than layer tons and tons of product on your skin, use a heavier formula and just use less of it. This is genius. Skip the liquid concealer and head straight for the heavier creams, honey! Brown girls head to Black Opal.
Lastly, remember “Makeup is a personality” so have fun dolls!
