Barneys’ beauty guru…not a bad title! I met Jason Ascher a few weeks ago at a blogger event Barneys hosted where he discussed some of his all-time favorite products. Among his faves were Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 and Hourglass Retractable Foundation Brush
, both of which I use nearly everyday so I was immediately intrigued to learn about his other picks. Plus, with Fashion Week still on everybody’s mind I was curious what he tought about this season’s beauty trends since he trained on Bobbi Brown’s beauty team and has worked on runway looks for Peter Som, Roland Mouret, and Bradley Bayou for Halston among others. So what did easy-on-the-eyes Ascher have to say about Fall 2011 trends, products he thinks women should always splurge on vs. the ones they can buy at drugstores, his favorite brands, and more? Jump to find out!
1. What are the biggest makeup mistakes you see women make?
I see women make a lot of the same mistakes. For instance, a big pet peeve of mine are eyes that are lined below and not above. It’s a look that pulls the eye downward and makes the individual appear older. Other big beauty mistakes…hmm…using foundation to correct skin problems, instead of using the best shade for their skin. Foundation does not provide full coverage for blemishes or scarring. I would recommend a great concealer there.
2. Do you have one hands down favorite brand? Product?
At the moment, hands down I’d have to say that Hourglass Retractable Foundation Brush is my absolute favorite. It sits luminously and it buffs your skin. You won’t be left with any paint stripes or brush marks that are often left from heavy, traditional foundations.
3.What are some of the most innovative products you’ve come across recently?
This was an interesting year for innovations. We didn’t see all of the crazy creams and at-home beauty tools that had launched in the years past.
4.For women on a budget, what do you consider to be the “must splurge on” items and what do you think women can opt to buy at drugstores?
Tinted moisturizer and foundation are always worth the spend because those products define the texture and tone of your skin. The texture builds the foundation for every other product you apply afterward.
To save, ultra-hydrating lip gloss is fine to purchase at a drugstore or at Barneys NY because the texture of the gloss is very subjective. Some women like a richer texture, while other women prefer something light and airy on their lips.
>5.What’s the first beauty product you’ve every purchased?
The first product I ever purchased for myself…wow that was a long time ago…was Clinique M Lotion.
6.Can you describe your own Spring/Summer skincare routine?
I start by washing my face with Eve Lom Cleanser. I change moisturizers seasonally, my newest moisturizer is Fresh Crème Ancienne, for my under eye area I gently pat on Bobbi Brown Eye Repair and finish with Lips By Terry Baume de Rose.
7.What attracted you to working with Barneys?
Barneys New York attracted me right away based on the exclusivity factor. Our products are exclusive and very well edited, as is our clientele.
8.Are there any makeup tools you think every woman should own?
Every woman should have a good set of makeup brushes. It doesn’t need to be a large set, but even a few great brushes can make a big difference in a finished look.
9.Could you fill in the sentence…I woman should never leave the house without this on her face –
SPF with UVA and UVB protection. I recommend my clients use SPF 15 or higher daily. Protect the skin now, so you won’t have to deal with problems later.
10.How much do you think runway beauty trends influence real life women?
Only slightly. When women see a celebrity or model in magazines or film with a very distinct look, they often want to replicate that look in-store. Most of the makeup trends I see come from women in the modern media. Runway is more like watching art – you can appreciate it, but you wouldn’t wear it.
11.What were your fave looks so far for the Fall 2011 shows?
I like clean neutral looks. The makeup at Ralph Lauren was the perfect natural look. If we’re talking about funky colors, Phillip Lim showed a striking goth lip that I could appreciate.
Awesome interview, Tina! I totally agree about getting quality makeup brushes and wearing SPF. I just bought Yes To Carrots Daily Moisturizer with SPF online (http://bit.ly/gTwq7u) based on my classmate’s recommendation. Smells super fresh, too!! 😀