Ask the Cosmetic Experts
May 2012 Article
It’s spring time – and that means that it’s time to think about spring cleaning, But forget about washing your walls or your windows for a minute. Instead think about spring cleaning that makeup bag. Makeup does have a shelf life and it can be a health risk to continue using old makeup. Applying old or expired makeup can transfer bacteria and cause infection.
To start your makeup spring clean, just follow these easy three steps.
STEP 1
Go through your make-up bag and throw away all items that you cannot remember using over the course of the last year. The chances are high that if you didn’t use it in the last year you will not use it again.
STEP 2
Visually inspect and smell all items. Foundation may last up to one year but if it smells or the consistency changes throw it away; lipstick is long-lasting up to three years but if it smells throw it away; mascara is very short-lived at about six months because it is applied closest to the eye, but if it is smelly or clumpy throw it away; eye and lip pencils are also long-lasting up to three years but if they become discolored throw them away; powders, blushes & shadows may last up to three years but if they become discolored throw them away.
STEP 3
Now is the fun part – replace that old makeup. At Merle Norman we encourage you to bring in your makeup bag and sit down with one of our excellent beauty consultants. We will work with you to determine what is current and what could use replacing. As always, our makeover sessions are complimentary. Our beauty consultants will show you our great new spring colors, and will determine what works well with the products you currently have in your makeup bag.
But why stop there? Book one of our complimentary facials and get that skin ready to canvass your new look. We’ll do a skin hydration check so you know exactly what skin type you are – and we’ll answer all of your skin care questions.
Who knew Spring Cleaning could be so fun!
Come see us today in the Medicine Hat Mall, or give us a call at 403-526-6918. You can also check us out on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/MerleNormanMedicineHat
April 2012 Article
We gave ourselves a makeover!
For almost three decades, Merle Norman Medicine Hat has been helping women in Southern Alberta discover their beauty through our complimentary makeovers. We love seeing women of all ages come into our studio, have a seat, and then be treated to a professional makeup lesson complete with seasonal colors and the latest application tips from our fabulous team of beauty consultants.
But one day not that long ago, we realized that we needed a makeover. Badly.
So on Feb. 27th, our transformation began. Our studio was gutted from floor to ceiling. Walls were smashed, then moved. The floor was ripped out, then replaced. Lighting was changed. Cabinets were built.
On April 2, our six-week makeover was officially complete. We’ve made the move back into our original location in the Medicine Hat Mall, and we love our new look.
The layout of our studio has changed dramatically – and we hope you’ll agree it’s for the better. It’s more of an open concept with contemporary colors. We went with a black, silver and white palette to match Merle Norman’s new logo.
Our nail clients will be happy to know that we’ve created a built-in booth for them to relax in while enjoying our services. And we now have two side-by-side pedicure chairs in a separate area complete with a television. These new pedicure chairs use the most hygienic system on the market – ensuring our clients leave relaxed, looking great – and feeling great.
Our makeup consultation area features great lighting and comfy seating – complete with an iPad station that has a makeup app created just for Merle Norman. This app lets you see how you different colors look before we apply them to your face. It’s a great way to try on makeup – without a sponge or brush touching your face.
We are also happy to announce that our studio is fully wheelchair accessible. This was something that was very important to us. We pride ourselves on bringing out the beauty of all women.
I would like to personally invite each of you to come into our new-look studio today to see how our makeover turned out.
March 2012 Article
WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST DRY SKIN
Ahhh, the weather. Spring is such an exciting time when it comes to weather. But your skin might be dreading it. The constant fluctuations in temperature, increased sun exposure, and most importantly – the wind, are all participants in the battle of dry skin.
At Merle Norman, we have our own army to combat dryness. We have dozens of formulas that work together to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Here are some of our “Army Generals” that are a must for anybody’s arsenal at dry season time…
Ultra Rich Hand Cream
For all skin types.
Keep moisture on hand with this luxuriously rich cream. Its ultra-rich formula nourishes and hydrates to protect hands, nails and cuticles. Contains emollients, antioxidants and natural oils to help skin retain moisture, diminish signs of aging and improve the appearance of hands.
Lip Conditioner SPF 15
For all skin types.
Used daily, this lip conditioner helps protect against environmental factors with SPF 15 and antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Extract keeps lips feeling great. Plus, it’s packed with humectants and emollients to smooth soothe and seal in moisture. Can be worn under lipstick.
Daily Moisture Cream
For Dry skin types.
Luxurious, lightweight cream provides deep moisturization and comfort. Advanced formula locks in moisture to help plump away fine, dry lines. Exclusive Merle Norman Bio Moisture Complex™ — a special blend of emollients and humectants — binds moisture to the skin for intense, prolonged hydration. Non-greasy.
Nightly Moisture Cream
For Dry skin types.
Our most hydrating night cream locks in a mega-dose of moisture overnight to help plump away fine, dry lines. Formulated with the Merle Norman Bio Moisture Complex™, an exclusive blend of humectants, emollients, antioxidants and vitamins, it works like a dream to reveal a more youthful, radiant complexion, so you’ll wake up with healthier-looking skin that looks and feels soft and supple.
At Merle Norman in the Medicine Hat Mall, we have the perfect selection of dry weather combatants for any scenario. Call us today at 403-526-6918 to book a complimentary session with one of our outstanding beauty consultants.
February 2012 Article
EYESHADOW
• It’s super important to use eyeshadow base to help shadow apply smoothly and evenly. Apply it from lash to brow using the Face #6 Brush or fingertips. I like LUXIVA® Lasting Cream Eyeshadow or LUXIVA®
Creamy Concealer for a creamy finish, or Cover Up for a matte finish.
• For longer-lasting eyeshadow, set the base with LUXIVA® Flawless Effect Loose Powder or a wash of light or neutral-colored eyeshadow.
• Apply powder in a patting motion with the Eyes #1 Brush. This type of layering keeps product in place.
• For close-set eyes: apply a darker shadow to the outer edges of lid to extend eyes outward.
• For deep-set eyes: keeping color lighter on the lids and darker near the brow will help reduce prominence.
• To highlight your eye color: use a contrasting color. If you have green eyes, don’t use green eye shadow. Try browns or purples, which will complement and not overpower your eyes. Adding a spot of light color above the iris on theupper lid adds “pop” and draws attention to the eyes.
MASCARA
• Wiggle-Wiggle-Out Technique: This helps eliminate clumps and creates a more dramatic look. Anchor the brush at the root of lashes. Wiggle, wiggle and press product between the lashes, lifting brush up and out.
• Use two generous coats of LUXIVA® Ultra Thick Mascara for full, thick lashes or LUXIVA® Xtra Length Mascara for long, flirty lashes.
• I like to add waterproof mascara on top of LUXIVA® Ultra Thick Mascara if you need protection from tears. This is especially good for brides!
• Give your mascara wand a gentle wipe, then apply to lower lashes. This gives some color without being too heavy-looking.
CHEEKCOLOR
• Horseshoe Technique: To give cheeks a really flawless arch of color, apply blush in a sideways horseshoe shape. Starting back at temples, move the brush around the high point of cheekbones, rounding off at
apples of cheeks and back toward the temples. The result is so beautiful!
January 2012 Article
How to clean your makeup brushes
Professional makeup brushes are an investment. And, like any other investment, you want a great return. One of best ways to ensure that will happen is proper brush care. One of the best things you can do for your brushes is to clean them – regularly.
Makeup buildup, especially foundation, makes your brushes feel scratchy. If you have sensitive skin, cleaning your brushes regularly will help them stay soft and lush – your skin will thank you.
How often should you clean your brushes? Here are a few guidelines:
• Foundation Brushes – minimum once a week
• Brushes used for finishing powders and bronzers – once a week
• Blush Brushes – one a week
• Eyeshadow Brushes – every 2-3 days
• Eyeliner Brushes – after every use especially if you use an eyeliner sealant.
Easiest way to clean your brushes:
Use Merle Norman’s fantastic Make-up Brush Cleaner. It’s perfect for all skin types and is specially formulated to clean and condition natural and synthetic brushes. It’s easy to use, and is fast-drying. This cleaner extends the life of makeup brushes and promotes good hygiene.
Pour a bit of the solution on to clean paper tissue. Then, rub the brush into this tissue, and all the makeup residue comes clean off the brush and on to the tissue. Wipe the brush on a clean dry paper tissue and leave to dry. It’s that easy.
When to Replace Your Brushes?
Makeup brushes are an important part of applying makeup. Unfortunately, they also wear out. There are three main things you can look for to determine if it’s time to replace makeup brushes
Shedding
If every time a makeup brush is used, you find little bristles on your face or that have dropped into the sink, this is an indication that it is time to replace that makeup brush.
Acne
Makeup brushes can easily pick up bacteria if they are not cleaned periodically. One way to know that it may be time to replace your makeup brushes is if you notice you’re having more acne breakouts than normal.
Misshapen
If you notice that your makeup brush is not going back to its original shape, then it’s time to replace it.
At Merle Norman, we’ll care of all of your beauty needs. Come see us in the Medicine Hat Mall, or give us a call at 403-526-6918 to book a free consultation with our beauty team. You can also check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerleNormanMedicineHat
December 2011 Article
May Your Season Be Bright with Merle Norman Cosmetics
Our studio has everything you need to sparkle this holiday season. Look your very best and find the perfect gifts!
The Merle Norman Winter 2011 Color Collection and holiday gifts have arrived just in time to prepare for the hustle and bustle of the season!
Our Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in the Medicine Hat Mall is the perfect one-stop location to look your best at all of this season’s holiday parties. Start with a complimentary Merle Norman Express Hydrating Facial to combat dry skin ravaged by the depleting winter air. Next, get ready to sparkle with an expert makeup application using on-trend shades for the season.
Whether it’s the office party, cocktails with neighbors or the annual recital, you’re sure to look your best. Recreate the look at home with the Winter 2011 Color Collection, but don’t forget to start with the new Matte Oil-Free Moisturizer. This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for those with Normal to Oily skin. Some moisturizers strip skin of oil, which actually has a counter effect of producing more oil — exactly what the skin doesn’t need. This special formula contains hollow microspheres that absorb oil and leave skin looking matte and fresh throughout the day.
Merle Norman also offers a great selection of gift ideas for the ladies on your list. Pick up Hussy™ Eau de Parfum, a sensual fragrance that takes its name from a multi-award winning classic car. With a striking red bottle and its glamorous scent, it’s sure to be the perfect gift for that special someone. Also available just in time for the holidays is the Best of Show kit, which includes a purse-size Hussy fragrance, a mini Lip Polish, a mini OPI Nail Lacquer in Hussy red and a retractable lip brush, all packaged in a black velvet bag with a darling rhinestone decoration that’s sparkly and fun.
Also, don’t forget we offer in-studio pedicures, manicures, gel nails, waxing and also free facials to help you look amazing this holiday season. At Merle Norman, we’ll care of all of your beauty needs. Come see us today in the Medicine Hat Mall, or give us a call at 403-526-6918 to book a free consultation with our beauty team. You can also check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerleNormanMedicineHat
November 2011 Article
Our team of beauty experts now does house calls. Whether it’s your wedding day, your graduation, or any other special event, our team at Merle Norman is here to lower your stress level. Let us come to YOU on your big day. It’s one less thing you have to worry about, saves you time, and allows you to enjoy the moment in an environment of your choosing.
We’ll work with you in advance of the big day to plan your look to ensure you feel your very best. And the best part is that our fantastic foundation selection has optical diffusers which are fabulous for picture taking. You won’t look shiny or greasy in photos – and your makeup will stay fresh the whole day and night.
Also, don’t forget we offer in-studio pedicures, manicures, gel nails, waxing and also free facials to help you look amazing on your big day. At Merle Norman, we’ll care of all of your beauty needs. Come see us today in the Medicine Hat Mall, or give us a call at 403-526-6918 to book a free consultation with our beauty team. You can also check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerleNormanMedicineHat
Tamara Steinley
Owner, Merle Norman Medicine Hat
September 2011 Article
Merle Norman’s Packaging Makeover
80 years ago, (and over a decade before Estée Lauder sold her first lipstick), Merle Norman launched her namesake beauty brand in Santa Monica, CA. Today, our quintessential North American beauty brand (every product is made in North America) is still family-owned, with Merle’s grand-nephew Jack Nethercutt (Nethercutt was Merle’s maiden name) now at the helm of the company. In honor of the brand’s 80th birthday, Jack and his wife Helen have decided to give Merle Norman a makeover. Every single product will have new, sleeker, packaging with an elegant new logo.
The redesign of the Merle Norman line has been a three-year journey. Our goal to create a unique and upscale presentation was made possible by hiring an award-winning packaging artist named Marc Atlan who has a vast portfolio of creations for both the beauty industry as well as for other high-end image brands. In fact, Marc Atlan’s designs have recently earned him the prestigious 2011 Stars of Design — Product Designer of the Year Award from the Pacific Design Center.
To begin the assignment, Marc spent a great deal of time learning about Merle Norman:
the woman, the company, and the Studio history. He also researched our packaging archives to understand the company’s evolution so he could carefully consider a design that would honor the past but also carry the brand into the future.
Marc Atlan’s vision was nothing short of genius. His vision was to unify the line with an architectural motif that would carry across all cartons and components from cartons, jars, and bottles to compacts, tubes, and caps. This architectural motif was the design of two parallel lines that would divide each package into three proportional segments. On some items, the architectural motif is molded into the components to provide textural and visual detail, and in other instances, is executed via decoration. He replaced the gold accent with silver to provide a more modern and sophisticated presentation to the packages and created cartons that would provide a complement to the packaging as well as a strong shelf presence. In total, the transformation is stunning and is simply not captured in words.
No more family line. No more LUXIVA. Just one Merle Norman line of high quality skincare, makeup and color products that are made here in North America, right down to the actual jars, bottles, compacts, caps and cartons.
Come see all the great new packaging today in the Medicine Hat Mall, or give us a call at 403-526-6918. You can also check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerleNormanMedicineHat
Tamara Steinley
Owner, Merle Norman Medicine Hat
August 2011 Article
Beauty and Brains
As always, summer goes by too fast. And for students that means it’s time to prepare to go back to school. But don’t stress. At Merle Norman we’re ready to help you look and feel your very best just in time for that first class bell to ring.
Moms – as you know, education is very important. At Merle Norman our goal is to educate our clients. So why not book some time for your student to come in, have a seat, and learn makeup and skin care techniques from our outstanding team of beauty professionals? Eliminate the potential for bad habits and poor grooming. Have your teen come in and learn correct techniques, and work with our beauty professionals to tailor make a skin care regimen that works for their skin type and complexion.
Fresh Start Teen Package
Our teen package introduces grooming to young women under the age of 18 years. Includes makeup and skin care consultation and lesson, a traditional manicure and and eyebrow shaping.
Clear Complexion Teen Kit
We have a great new starter kit for teens that includes Clear Complexion Cleaner, Toner and Moisturizer, Supreme Lash Mascara, New Lip Polish, and Purely Mineral Eye liner pencil – all in a cool cosmetic bag.
Clear Complexion Products
Clear Complexion Spot Treatment
For all skin types; especially formulated for acne-prone skin.
Fast-drying, on-the-spot solution with salicylic acid clears up acne blemishes. Gel formula calms skin to minimize redness and acts invisibly on breakouts to promote healing. Prevents future flare-ups. Fragrance-free. Oil-free.
Clear Complexion Gel Cleanser
For all skin types; especially formulated for acne-prone skin.
Gel cleanser specifically formulated with salicylic acid to clear up breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. Contains botanical extracts to help refine pores and reduce excess oil. Leaves skin clean, clear and shine-free.
Clear Complexion Moisturizer
For all skin types; especially formulated for acne-prone skin.
Soothing, lightweight moisturizer specifically formulated with salicylic acid to target acne blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. Provides essential hydration without leaving an oily residue. Helps improve skin tone and texture. Leaves skin smooth, clear and healthy-looking. Oil-free.
Clear Complexion Toner
For all skin types; especially formulated for acne-prone skin.
Acne-fighting toner specifically formulated with salicylic acid to help clear up and dry up breakouts. Gently and thoroughly lifts away pore-clogging residue. Contains botanical extracts to help refine pores and reduce irritation.
PULLOUT- OUTSTANDING REVIEWS FOR MERLE NORMAN’S LIP POLISH. Merle Norman’s Lip Polish has high shine with hydrating benefits. Long wearing and anti- feathering. Comes in a wide array of fun, versatile colours. Our clients are raving about this product! Come into our studio and check them out…
Follow Us!