We’re going to do a Beauty 101 post from time to time to celebrate those who helped make the beauty industry what it is today. Let’s begin with Way Bandy, who started the whole celebrity/editorial makeup artist movement in the 70s. Before Way, models actually did their own makeup for photo shoots, which is hard to believe. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Way published a book in 1977 called “Designing Your Face” that was a bible for budding makeup artists like Kevyn Aucoin. Kevyn actually stole a copy from the local library when he was young and still had it in his possession at the time of his death. (That’s Kevyn’s copy in the picture above, along with an autograph to him from Way.)
To learn more about Way, check out this great article on People.com. Thanks to MUA Andrew Sotomayor for discovering it. There’s not a huge amount of information about Way on the Internet, so if you know anything about him that you’d like to share, please do so. I’m going to order a copy of his book from Amazon. Once I get it, I’ll do a little book review. It will be interesting to see how different makeup tips were in the 70s!
I'm the guilty intern who didn't know who Anna Wintour was *please keep your booing to a minimum!* Although embarrassing, thank God for Kerry's quizes because it is indeed crucial to know icons if interested in the fashion and/or cosmetic world. So start studying up! And that way maybe you all will dodge the bullet I took…with full responsibility I might add
Peace.Love.Lancome,
Emili the Intern
So here is an idea that I think would be a good company policy of Lancome's. Have the sales girls behind the counter read your blog daily and follow on Twitter so that they are up on what new products are coming out and events. I was at Macy's and asked about the new cream foundation you wrote about, they didn't have a clue. I asked a sales girl at Nordstrom about the new Hypnosis mascara that sold out so fast at Sephora, she didn't know what I was talking about. I have told a bunch of the sales girls that they should be reading your blog. When I called my local Nordstorm about the Indigo make-up artist event, they didn't know about it and it was only two weeks away. They had to call me back. I love Lancome and read your blog and follow on Twitter!!! Keep up the good work and contest.
I had a copy of "Designing Your Face" back in the 80s. It called for a lot of special products that were difficult to come by in those pre-Web days.
My very first makeup book was by Kevyn Aucoin. The book was Making Faces and I was in love. I looked through the pages trying to recreate the looks with my drugstore finds. I am now going to have to get the book that he had to have as a young boy!
I have that book! I begged my mom to buy it for me….I was 12. I then wrote him an awkward handwritten note praising his work and telling him that I wanted to work for him someday! I loved makeup even then
)
What can Sandy Linter say about Way Bandy. He was the person who anybody who was anybody was made up by in the '70's. That is a direct quote to me by Harry King. Harry King and Maury Hopson worked with Way, they were the biggest hair-dressers of that time.
I was lucky, I had a different point of view about makeup, then, so I didn't directly compete with Way, which would have been professional suicide. I have loads more to say, but this is a tiny space
The Beauty 101 posts are a great idea, because I know I, like many others, still need to expand our limited beauty knowledge!
A long time ago, I was approached by a small book company. They had an idea to write a Latina beauty book and I was on the short list of potential writers. I went in for the meeting and they said that they wanted the book to feel like Way Bandy's book. I nodded my head as if I knew what they were saying and as soon as I left I looked him up. To know that Kevyn looked up to him explains it all.
And Emili the Intern…you've come a long way.
xoxo,
Patricia
Don't worry Emili! I too was that intern two summers ago. Kerry asked me on my first day who Anna Wintour was. I was embarrassed as well, because I didn't know who she was. When I came back this past summer, I made sure to read up on everyone that I would need to know. So tip for future Interns, study up before you head over to Lancome. These ladies know their stuff!
Hugs, Kisses, & Lots of Mascara,
Louise the (Ex) Intern
I couldn't agree more… we should learn about the big names in the Beauty Industry!!! I fess up, don't know that much about them, at least not as much as I'd like to… so I guess I'll find this kind of posts super interesting!!!
Emili shouldn't feel guilty… It's not that big a deal if she's willing to learn!!! It's never too late!
Marie
I love the idea of posting information like this because even though I think I know most of the big names, there's information I don't know, and names I should know and don't. We need to know the fundamentals and it's fun learning. Thanks for this!
What a great post and link. Thanks for sharing!
Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces made me fall in love with the beauty industry. It's the most loved (and worn) book on my shelf.
I agree with KatJobson – but this isn't only a Lancome issue it seems to be with all lines. I swear I am educating most of the sales people when I am shopping for cosmetics! I also feel that not only should the sales associates know everything about their own line, but the competition as well. People will only respect you more because of it.
Beauty 101 is a great idea!
Today, Aug. 13th, marks the 23rd year since the beauty industry lost
a major shining star, Way Bandy. And I lost one of the most wonderful
friends anyone could ever dream of having. Way had the great gift of
enhancement, which he generously shared with so many, whether it
was with his makeup artistry or an enlightened observation that would
make you feel better about yourself. Many were lucky enough to
have had Way's hands touch their face, but many more were equally
fortunate to have been touched by his friendship.
How many times have I googled Way? Heard of his work? Spoken to great artists fortunate enough to have worked with the master himself back in the seventies….
I once went to the library in downtown LA to try and find some info, examples of his work and was sorely disappointed, so I am gleeful that I can get this book on amazon!
Check out the controversial photographer Irena Ionesco if you would like to see some fantastic make up… even though most of it is fairly rough and not particularly well applied, there are moments of genius in there.