Hot Summer Makeup Trends From Christian McCulloch, Dolce & Gabbana’s New National Makeup Artist

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.”

If you happen to be in San Francisco tomorrow, June 1, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Christian will be available for 30-minute makeovers at the Union Square Saks Fifth Avenue store Dolce & Gabbana counter. Just call ahead, (415) 438-5225, to reserve a spot.

You should go! He’s charming and talented. And he complimented me on my brows. 🙂 LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen