Chicago has upped it’s beauty game just in time for the holidays! New York-based MAKE beauty launched last weekend at Barneys New York in Chicago and feted the launch with a visit from MAKE’s Director of Brand Partnerships & Communications, William Smolen. Smolen introduced me to MAKE’s Fall/Winter 2014 Core Collection, the first collection to be sold in Chicago at Barneys. Smolen described it as an introspective look into MAKE’s core values: Timelessness. Classic. Sophisticated. Contemporary. The collection consists of multi-functional staples that ” transform the MAKE woman’s makeup, making building-blocks for the everyday. He also noted how the current collection is a move away from the incessant fashion calendar and a nod to what he calls “s l o w beauty”– inspired by each individual and her personal style. Developed over years, nuanced and changeable but driven by self-expression, not trend.
Taken aback by the vibrant kaleidoscope of colors (a signature brand asset), and the bold, artful packaging, I asked Smolden on the back story of the company. MAKE is the first for-benefit brand of We See Beauty, a for-benefit marketplace of of innovative ideas and products that support the cooperative movement, which believes that through shared ownership a more equitable and beautiful society can be established for all. From the We See Beauty website, the company’s missions statement states, “We believe in starting local with the hope that these ideas spread globally. By selling beautiful ideas and products, we can empower local economies and strengthen communities, starting with our own in New York.” Now that movement has come to Chicago in a burst of full wash shadows and soft, matte finish lips.
MAKE’s vivid, moisturizing Silk Cream Lipsticks
And with shades and products this cool, how could you NOT want to support this amazing cause?? The products are all vegan, not tested on animals, paraben-free and hypoallergenic. 33.3% of all sales on WeSeeBeauty.com is donated to the We See Beauty Foundation. And the lust-worthy shadow and blush palettes are inspired by contemporary designers like Faye Toogood, photographer/filmmaker Erik Madigan Heck and New York based-makeup artist Sam Addington.
New Medieval Palette inspired by British Designer Faye Toogood
And as fascinating as it was to learn about the brand’s history and philosophy, I couldn’t wait to try them out myself! Makeup artist Kyan took special care of me, having a field day experimenting on my eyes with the line’s Molton Shadows, Face Gloss, Soft Focus Foundation, Powder Liner, Super Matte Lip Pencil, and Silk Cream Lipstick. Each product went on smoothly, soft and blended in seamlessly with the others to create one flawless look at the end. And despite the lightness, the makeup didn’t budge for the rest of the night, even after a late night holiday party! Be sure to stop by Barneys New York at 15 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611 to spruce up your beauty bag for the holidays! Shop MAKE at Barneys.com and for more information on MAKE, visit weseebeauty.com.
MAKE’s Satin Luminous Lip Glosses in tons of festive shades!A rainbow of colors beckon with MAKE’s Satin Finish and Glitter Eyeshadows
—Alia Rajput
Photos: MAKE Beauty, Second City Style
Chicago has upped it’s beauty game just in time for the holidays! New York-based MAKE beauty launched last weekend at Barneys New York in Chicago and feted the launch with a visit from MAKE’s Director of Brand Partnerships & Communications, William Smolen. Smolen introduced me to MAKE’s Fall/Winter 2014 Core Collection, the first collection to be sold in Chicago at Barneys. Smolen described it as an introspective look into MAKE’s core values: Timelessness. Classic. Sophisticated. Contemporary. The collection consists of multi-functional staples that ” transform the MAKE woman’s makeup, making building-blocks for the everyday. He also noted how the current collection is a move away from the incessant fashion calendar and a nod to what he calls “s l o w beauty”– inspired by each individual and her personal style. Developed over years, nuanced and changeable but driven by self-expression, not trend.
Taken aback by the vibrant kaleidoscope of colors (a signature brand asset), and the bold, artful packaging, I asked Smolden on the back story of the company. MAKE is the first for-benefit brand of We See Beauty, a for-benefit marketplace of of innovative ideas and products that support the cooperative movement, which believes that through shared ownership a more equitable and beautiful society can be established for all. From the We See Beauty website, the company’s missions statement states, “We believe in starting local with the hope that these ideas spread globally. By selling beautiful ideas and products, we can empower local economies and strengthen communities, starting with our own in New York.” Now that movement has come to Chicago in a burst of full wash shadows and soft, matte finish lips.
