"Reflections" Confessions of a Makeup Novice - By : Morgan Goldstein

Confession: I’m afraid of makeup. I know, I know. I have two degrees in theatre and went through a major goth phase in high school; how can I be afraid of makeup? Perhaps it’s more accurate to say I’m afraid of regular makeup. If it’s not caked-on to counteract stage lights or provide an outward expression of the darkness of my (teenage) soul, then I’m utterly lost.

As a result, my adult, everyday makeup routine consists of a tiny bit of eyeliner and some mascara. Sure, I’ve spent hours scrolling through Instagram, fascinated by the magic of contouring and intricacies of eyeshadow application, but I never believed I could do this myself.

Then, I got engaged.
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I knew from my performing days I needed to wear makeup so that my features would be clear on camera, but my wedding was tiny - 14 people total - and in another state. Finding a makeup artist and using them without a trial seemed stressful, and, frankly, unnecessary. Still, I clearly needed some sort of help, so I turned to the place that I knew always had my back: Labarre Studios.

I knew that Mercedes, the esthetician at Labarre, did great work. She had given me a lash lift before and the results were beyond my expectations. The next time I saw her, I asked about makeup lessons and booked an appointment. Then I went to Ulta and bought every single product the salespeople recommended (#EasilyInfluenced).

When the day of my appointment came, I was almost vibrating from nerves. What if I couldn’t figure out a technique? What if Mercedes thought I was hopeless? These fears were unfounded. Mercedes took me through applying a full face of makeup step by step; as she made up the right side of my face, she explained everything she was doing and mentioned some extra tips and alternate techniques that I could use. She was patient, encouraging, and reassuring. With each step, once Mercedes completed her demonstration, I tried to copy her work on the left side of my face. When the lesson was done, I was blown away by how good I looked. My fiancé couldn’t even tell which side of my face was my work and which was Mercedes’!

The first test of my new skills came about a month later, at my bridal shower/bachelorette. I thought this could be a good test of how well I remembered the steps and the techniques. My best friend sat in my bathroom as I did my makeup. “I think this is why the kids call it ‘beating your face,’” she joked as I used a sponge to blend my foundation. I took a quick selfie and sent it to Mercedes, who immediately texted back that I had done a great job.

My makeup not only lasted a full day of celebration, but also – to my surprise – was the subject of many compliments. My friends and family, well aware of my general makeup avoidance, were shocked. “Where did you learn to do this?!” they asked.

When I told them it was Labarre, more questions came. “You mean that fitness studio you go to?” Well, yes, but that’s the thing: Labarre is so much more than a fitness studio. At Labarre, we talk about caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits, and the space offers the opportunity for just that. The wraparound services available provide a place to truly address all aspects of ourselves. At Labarre, we know that we are cared for and deserve to feel that care.

Mercedes, @mercemakeupandbrows is labarre's in house esthetician

​​On the day of my wedding, I was calm. Thanks to Mercedes’ lesson and ongoing support, I knew that my makeup would look great. After I put on my dress, I took a moment alone to look at myself. Reflected in the mirror, I saw exactly what I had dreamed of for my wedding day: me, but polished. I felt beautiful. I felt confident. I felt like Mercedes, along with the entire Labarre community, was there in spirit, celebrating this moment with me. Labarre is not just where I work out; it’s where I am at home. It is this potential to touch every part of our lives that makes Labarre so special.