Some Face-Saving Measures for Party-Goers

What party girl doesn’t want to put a little something special into her holiday look? There are the standard approaches--buying a new dress, splurging on new jewelry or getting a new coif. But for something completely different--and useful for future day-to-day grooming--a makeup application and lesson may be just the ticket.

Many full-service salons in Orange County have house makeup artists who perform this valuable service. This beauty treat, which averages 30 to 45 minutes, is fairly reasonable. Prices range from $5 to as much as $55 for makeup applications, depending on how experienced the artist is and how luxe the salon digs and products are. (In-depth makeup lessons are offered for higher fees at many Orange County salons.)

Quite a few salons prefer advance notice for party makeup during the holidays, but cancellations sometimes provide availability for last-minute bookings.

ATRIUM SALON

At the Atrium Salon, bookings for party makeup increase about five times during the holiday season inside the salon’s skin care entity called SKinergy. The 45-minute applications start at $30 (if patrons arrive with a clean face or cleanse their own on the premise) and escalate to $55 if a mini facial is included.

(Mini facials include a skin analysis, hand or foot massage, steaming, cleansing, toning and moisturizing.)

The salon’s makeup artists/aestheticians use their salon’s private-label products along with Aveda Colour color cosmetics.

Here, the patron is led to the makeup station for fashion consultation and asked about what kind of makeup look she prefers, ranging generally from natural to dramatic. Concealer and foundation are mixed to exact skin-tones. Then, powder is applied, followed by blush, lip liner eye shadows, eye liner, eyebrow color, lip color and mascara.

On request, artists will mist the final makeup application with water. During the holidays, a minimum of a week’s notice is preferred.

15333 Culver Drive, Suite 100, Irvine, (714) 262-2262.

CHEZ MARIE SALON

Patrons who stop into the Chez Marie salon will pay $25 for a party makeup. The application takes between 30 to 40 minutes. Aveda Colour products are used. Makeup artist Cheryl Saxton prefer clients come in with a clean face but will provide facilities for clients to do it themselves.

A brief consultation precedes the makeup application. Colors to be worn are discussed so appropriate shades may be selected. A moisturizer is applied, if needed, followed by foundation and contouring of cheekbones or nose. A powder application precedes eye makeup, followed by mascara.

Blushers are applied next, and brows are touched up. Lips are last. An effort is made to match a client’s existing lipstick if needed, so reapplication later in the evening is simplified.

Saxton prefers a week and a half advance notice during the holidays but can occasionally squeeze in latecomers.

16027 Brookhurst St. Suite. A, Fountain Valley, (714) 531-6542.

JOSE EBER SALON

At the Jose Eber Salon, party makeup applications run $45. Makeup artists consult clients about what they are wearing and are invited to bring their party attire into the salon for viewing. Occasionally, patrons come in already dressed or leave for the party directly from their appointments.

Using Jose Eber color cosmetic products, makeup artists spend 30 to 45 minutes to create a party look. First, the client’s face is cleansed, then moisturized. Eye gel is then applied, followed by a general moisturizer, high-lighter and concealer. Foundation and contouring, a method of accentuating cheekbones, precedes the powder application.

Eyes are then made up, starting with a base followed by an above crease color. A crease color eyeliner is then applied, followed by brow color, lip liner and lipstick. During the holidays a week’s notice is preferred.

South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, (714) 556-5673.

SOLANGE

Party makeup at Solange costs $40 if customers come in with a clean face or cleanse their own on the premises. (Clients wanting a 15-minute mini facial, which includes a cleansing, toning and moisturizer, pay an extra $20.)

Solange’s makeup artist uses Sebastian Trucco products for her sessions which last about 45 minutes. Customers are asked about their special occasion wear if it is not brought into the salon. Foundation is custom-blended for customers based on skin tone and type. Contouring is done, followed by the eyes, cheeks and lips.

A week to 10 days is preferred for patrons seeking weekday bookings; weekends are fairly booked this time of year, but cancellations do occur.

25292 McIntyre, Suite T, Laguna Hills, (714) 859-9109.

BEAUTY SCHOOLS

Though the surroundings may not be as plush as tony area salons, two of the best deals in town for makeup application can be found at the Career Academy of Beauty schools in Anaheim and Seal Beach. At the schools, students work with a variety of products--Revlon, Maybelline and Aziza, to name a few. (Domani color cosmetics are used at the Seal Beach school.)

Students first remove any existing makeup. After that, the customer calls the shots for looks ranging from natural to wild--as long as the process can be completed in a 30-minute time frame. The cost is $5.

Career Academy of Beauty, 663 N. Euclid, Anaheim, (714) 776-8400 and 12375 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach (714) 897-3010.

COSMETIC COUNTERS

If $5 still seems steep, it is possible to head to department store cosmetic counters. At Nordstrom, for instance, make-overs (including special party looks) are offered gratis to those who stop by for an overview of the products. One warning: persuasive counter help offer the free make-over with the likelihood you’ll be tempted to buy the products.

Whatever you spend, getting party makeup done still costs less than the average black dress.