This is what you always wanted to know
10 questions
Blair Patterson works as Director of Global Makeup Artistry for one of the largest and most beautiful beauty brands on earth. Estée Lauder. I found it very fun and exciting that I got to chit-chat with him for half an hour about trends, passions, and inspiration a while back. Because when you talk about Estée Lauder, you talk about history, quality, and luxury, when you talk about Blair Patterson, you talk about creativity and knowledge. Seems like a clear story that you are all probably very curious about.
What is your philosophy when it comes to makeup?
“There is an incredible amount of information available offline and online about new makeup: where to get it and how to apply it. I can imagine that it can be quite overwhelming and a lot. That doesn't seem to be the intention, because I believe that makeup should be a lot of fun. You don't want people to say, ‘What a beautiful lipstick color,’ you want people to say, ‘Wow, what a beautiful smile you have.’ You want people to not point out your eyeshadow but to say that you have amazing eyes. And you also don't want people to compliment your foundation; you want them to say that you have a beautiful, breathing skin. Makeup should not be a second layer; it should be something that gives you confidence and that you have made your own. It should feel like yourself.”
Some women find trends very difficult. Because what suits you, and what doesn't?
“There are always trends, such as the new looks around Fashion Week, red carpet trends, and magazine covers that inspire. There are always things that are trendy. I just don't think you should try everything. You have trends and you have a fun way to change your routines. The latter should be it. Therefore, you never have to copy an entire trend from me. You pick out what you like and apply that. Try it, apply it, and see if it is indeed fun to incorporate this into your daily beauty ritual.”
This is what you should do this summer
“I really think the trend color marsala is the color of 2015. It has a bit of a rosé-wine color and I find it very special because it is a bit more lasting. Usually, trend colors are very bright or very dark, which often makes it a bit out of control. It really scares people away from trying something. Marsala is a very accessible color that is very universal and can be worn everywhere. As a color on the eyes, on the cheeks, and on the lips.
Furthermore, you will see a lot of trends with eyeliner this summer. Because yes, with an eyeliner, you can really create so many types of eyes. From big wings to cat eyes. The trends from Europe and Asia are being combined. I also see that eyeliners are actually changing your beauty ritual. Technically it is very difficult, so you do need some practice, but once you succeed, it is really cool.”
The weirdest thing about this summer
“At the shows, I have seen a lot of the trend of bleached eyebrows . Almost something that doesn't exist, they are so worked away. I do not recommend it. You see a lot of these artistic and conceptual trends at Fashion Week. It always fits well with the collection, but I don't think they need to be literally adopted in the street scene. Any trend that changes the facial structure in any way, I simply do not recommend.”
Eyebrow or lashes?
“For daytime, I would definitely go for the eyebrows. It gives focus and helps draw attention to your eyes. For nighttime, I would really go for lashes. You can then play with them to make them as big and sexy as possible. Fake lashes, for example, I would never wear during the day, but always in the evening.’
How can we achieve a perfect flawless skin?
“The first and most important step is to take care of the skin. If the skin is well cared for, a touch of foundation is often not even necessary. Sometimes a bit of concealer is enough. Start the day with a good moisturizer that also contains a good SPF. That is very important for the short term, but also for the future. Keep your skin well hydrated, especially in cold spaces where the air conditioning is very high. The second step is not to slather your entire face with foundation, as that can make it look dull. Start with a concealer and apply it to spots or imperfections, then you know where it is really needed.”
Most common mistake in foundation
“Many women use a liquid foundation as a base and a powder foundation as a second layer. Seems quite redundant to me. One is really sufficient. The second mistake is the color. Many women want a nicely tanned look, but you really can't achieve that with a foundation. Go for a BB, CC or EE cream, then you avoid all those common mistakes.”
Sometimes we just don't have much time to do our makeup. What is the trick to still look good?
“We just set up a platform with Estée Lauder where you learn ten basic rules in less than three minutes. Some take only 30 seconds. Additionally, I believe you should only go for one accent. Focus on the eyes, do a statement lip, or go for color on the cheeks. Then really take the time to choose that perfect lipstick or eyeshadow color. Once found, you can really do it within five minutes, and you are guaranteed to have a good look. Furthermore, makeup doesn't always have to be perfect. It can be a bit undone and worn, that is sexier. Perfect is Miss America, and nobody wants that.”
How can we change our day look to a night look?
“During the day, you can choose matte colors that give you an extra swing in a metallic at night. It can be the same color, but with a shine, you quickly make it a bit more exciting. The same goes for blush. If you choose the powder version during the day and the cream version at night, you give just a bit more glow to your appearance.’
Beauty style icon?
“I think Kate Moss is amazing. And I can't take my eyes off Kendall . She is really getting bigger and more interesting by the day. She knows what she wants and goes for it. I respect that in her.”
