A close brush with Claudio
Makeup artist Claudio Riaz works his “brush” magic on Courtney Smith. Claudio will be at Balliet’s Wednesday and Thursday.
Cleaning all my makeup brushes isn’t enough.
I hoped it would be, but, alas, I still want new ones. I want those by makeup artist Claudio Riaz.
Tuesday afternoon, I breezed into Balliet’s in Oklahoma City to meet Claudio and listen as he explained exactly what makes his brushes different than – well, than mine.
He demonstrated and explained and the more I listened, and learned, the more I wanted those brushes.
“If a woman doesn’t know how to use a brush, she can buy all the product in the world and not duplicate the look,” he said.
With his Instant Smoke Brush, and in the blink of an eye, he created a smoky eye. Even I could do it. His Conceal Brush is patented for massage-like application. The diamond-shaped Powder Brush is designed to use each of the four sides to apply powder to different sections of the face. Load it once and that’s it.
The staff, me included, oohed over the Instant Arch Brush with a wide, flat edge that highlights the brow bone in a single motion, and the Instant Brow Brush that follows the natural brow line. In one swoop, brows are defined and beautiful.
The Instant Liner Brush with an extra-long brush makes it easy to apply liner. Just lay it flat on the lash line at the inner corner of the eye and sweep lengthwise toward the outer corner.
I interviewed Claudio by phone for my Fashion Matters column that ran in the Sunday Living section on April 13, so I wanted to meet him. Go to NewsOK.com/fashion to read the story. Trust me, ladies, he’s as knowledgeable and charming as I expected. He’ll be at Balliet’s Wednesday and Thursday. Call 848-7811 for an appointment or just go by anytime and check out the brushes.
The brushes were five years in development. He actually bought makeup brushes and cut and angled them until he was satisfied with the design. He measured women’s lids so he could create brushes that would perfectly fit over the lid or the curve of the lid.
Claudio went to six different manufacturers before one believed in his vision. Now women are clamoring for the brushes.
These brushes aren’t cheap, ranging in price from $35 for the Lip Contour to $115 for the Double Blush. Instant Brow and Instant Arch are $95 each. The Conceal Brush is $65.
After reading my story in the Living section, one of The Oklahoman’s copy editors asked if I would spend that much money on a makeup brush.
No, I said.
I’m probably going to eat my words.
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