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I like Christian McCulloch, Dolce & Gabbana’s new National Makeup Artist, and not just because he’s charming and tall, or has a really cool Australian accent, or because he complimented me on my brows.

CHRISTIAN MCCULLOCH: Did you do these yourself? — or do you go somewhere to get them done?

ME: I do them myself because I have weird control issues… [SIDE NOTE: I really need to stop telling this to strangers.]

CM: They’re perfect!

ME: For real??

When a fun, handsome guy who clearly loves makeup and (is also kind of a ham) whom celebrities like Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Emma Stone and Jessica Biel have on speed dial tells you that your brows aren’t a total train wreck, yeah, it tends to make your day. 🙂

While we talked about summer and summer makeup trends today at the Dolce & Gabbana makeup counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, Christian often stopped mid-sentence to grab a quad, lipstick or pencil, swatch it on the back of his hand, and start talking so fast about it that I almost couldn’t keep up!

A few of Christian’s top summer trends…

1. Pale, shimmery eyes

This summer, Christian loves the look of nude, shimmery shadows on lids — shades like champagne, and shimmery pinks like the pale pink from the Fabulous Smooth Colour Quad ($59).

Then, to balance the nude eye and round out the look, he likes to add mascara, liquid liner, bronzer, blush and a bright lip. “It’s easy and fresh,” he says.

2. Plum lips

If you’re considering bold colors this year but want something other than the usual summer suspects like coral and pink, try plum lips.

“Plum lips pump up your look,” says Christian, “and when the color wears off, it looks like a stain.”

His go-to plum from the Dolce & Gabbana line? Shine Lipstick in Precious ($32).

“I love to use color, and I see it as an accessory. It’s like wearing a great pair of earrings or a great scarf. It depends on what you’re wearing and how you put it all together.”
— Christian McCulloch

3. Flawless skin

Flawless-looking skin is in this summer, and to get the look without a lot of work, Christian recommends Dolce & Gabbana’s new Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation ($66), an oil-control liquid formula with a velvety finish that’s neither too shiny nor matte.

“I don’t necessarily feel like the makeup needs to be the first thing you notice about a woman. It’s just one element of the whole package.”
— Christian McCulloch

“It’s a one-step product,” Christian says of Perfect Matte, “and you don’t need to layer powder on top of it.” He only applies it where you need a little extra coverage.

And because it contains SPF 20, it’s great for this time of year.

What does Christian recommend every woman have in her makeup bag?

• Dolce & Gabbana’s Secret Eyes Mascara ($30): “This is what I use on photo shoots because I can fan out each lash from root to tip. It’s a detail mascara.”
• Dolce & Gabbana’s Smokey and Contrast Quads ($59 each): “These are look-good-on-everyone colors and my go-to’s for neutral, defined eyes.”
• Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eyeliner in Chocolate ($30): “It’s halfway between brown and black. Great for smokey eyes.”
• Dolce & Gabbana Luminous Cheek Color in Peach ($45): “The perfect peachy pink blush.”

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Bay Area beauty lovers, do you have plans this Saturday?

If you’re free from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and in the mood for makeup, swing by the Saks Fifth Avenue store at Union Square in San Francisco, and meet Christian McCulloch, Dolce & Gabbana’s new National Makeup Artist.

He’ll be creating custom summer makeup looks by appointment, free with purchase (no minimum, holla!).

To book your 30-minute appointment, just call (415) 438-5225, and then set Siri to remind you on Saturday morning. “Siri, remind me about my awesome makeover.” 🙂

Who is Christian McCulloch?
Fascinated by the power of makeup’s transformative qualities, McCulloch began his career as a makeup artist in Sydney, Australia in his teenage years. His first major project came shortly after with his work gracing the pages of Australian Vogue before the age of twenty-two.

From there he continued to establish himself as an industry trendsetter and has worked with global publications, including Vogue (US, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Turkey editions), Allure, Interview, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle (French, German, UK and US editions), V Magazine, W Magazine (US and Korea editions).

Throughout his career, MuCulloch has become known for his fine attention to the quality of skin, his bold experimentation with color and his precision with contour; as well as his strong smoky eye, which has made him a favorite of many beauty editors and celebrities.

Outside of fashion, McCulloch is one of the most sought after makeup artists for top Hollywood actors including: Rachel Weisz, Kate Winslet, Tilda Swinton, Selma Blair, Rachel McAdams, Joy Bryant, Jennifer Connelly, Naomi Watts, Hilary Swank, Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Nicole Richie, Kanye West, Milla Jovovich, Rachel Zoe, Emma Stone and Jessica Biel.

— Dolce & Gabbana

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen