Sitting down with an expert: Smashbox NZ’s Neisha Henry

One of my favourite local stores is the Smashbox concept store at the end of Ponsonby Road, near Servilles. As well as some rather talented staff they have some great products to play with, and new ones being launched all the time. I was lucky enough to sit down for a coffee with the very busy Neisha Henry (pictured), Educator and Brand Manager for Smashbox in New Zealand. She also works internationally with the LA-based make up giant, often travelling to brand launches and events in the Asia-Pacific region as a Smashbox International Pro-Artist. On a local level, Neisha has provided creative direction for some of the looks seen on the runways at New Zealand Fashion Week, and last year her team worked on the Nom*D and Federation shows (amongst others), which were two of my absolute favourites.
Neisha travels for work to Asia and Los Angeles four times a year, usually in the company of Davis Factor, co-founder of Smashbox and the great-grandson of make up legend Max Factor. As the company's HQ - Smashbox Studios - is also the venue for LA Fashion Week and hundreds of shoots a year, the petite brunette gets to see trends as they happen.
When asked what make up look she sees emerging for Winter 2010, it seems that our old friend the Smokey Eye is still an absolute favourite due to its ability to make pretty much any woman look downright gorgeous, “but it’s no longer about greys and blacks”. She says that “wines like warm, rich cabernets are coming through, and these are surprisingly easy to wear if you get the application right, as well as the right shade for you”. Those blessed with blue eyes can rock this trend with ease, “but if you have brown eyes you can look a little bruised, which isn’t ideal!” She says for the former, a purple or wine tone can come through as a liner, lip or a cheek colour, “but I really recommend you come into the store and get a professional to steer you in the right direction”. A 45-minute makeover at Smashbox will cost you around seventy dollars, redeemable on any product purchased on the day. They are experts at looks for both night and day, and the fact that parking is easy and free in the large car park behind the store is an added bonus. They also offer the option of a 90 minute make up master class so that you can find out a few tricks of the trade and recreate the look yourself at home. “You can dabble in a trend without being to literal about it,” she explains, “as usually they’re photographed on very young girls with totally symmetrical faces. You can use elements from that, but tailor it to suit your style and face shape.” She says that despite the fact that the brand product tests on the runway, they always keep the end user in mind. “We just love making women look beautiful,” she explains, “nothing gets too crazy, we like to keep things pretty and wearable.”
The Smashbox make up artists are also on call for corporate groups looking to spend their lunch hour getting gorgeous, and will soon be launching a frequent flyer-type programme for those who just want to whip in for a 20 minute eye application before a big night out. This is a godsend for women who may be a little nervous about getting this right, and I for one am all ready to sign up. Watch this space!