By Chrissy Iley
Sometimes I love the beauty floor of a department store. I like its bustle and buzz. Sometimes I am overwhelmed and get irritated by people spraying me, trying to make me test things. Sometimes I like things to be a little more exclusive but at the same time I want choice.
I came across Violet Grey on Melrose Place West Hollywood by chance. I was looking for stockists of Laura Mercier. My mother really loves their tinted moisturizer in Porcelain. They made her try it at Bloomingdales and she loved it ever since. I think she likes to be reminded of her trip to NYC because she had a great time. She also finds it quite hard to track down in the North East of England where she lives.
I was finding it hard to track down in Los Angeles and that is where Violet Grey came in. A make up store on a high end fashion street; Melrose Place – it is next to Chloe and Isabel Marant.
This is a very special make up shop. It is tiny, yet exquisitely chosen. It is what they call a curated store, with the best picks of the best lines there is. Charlotte Tilbury`s best lip colours are featured, Bobbi Brown`s best lipsticks etc. It is not an arbitrary best, it is chosen my make up artists, it is what they carry in their packs.
It is where I discovered the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki. Khaki is the type of blondy green I have been searching for all my life. It is more green than blonde. It goes on like a dream and provides instant instant intensity and smudge if you prefer. It is long lasting and easy to work with. The depth of the tone is gorgeous – it’s creamy yet stays put. All day and night if you want it to.
You can apply it in a taxi or without a mirror and it looks striking. I am also impressed withe Laura Mercier tinted lip balm. Impressive pigment – glides on and leaves lips super soft and hydrated. It’s more staying power than any other on the market – more potent but super juicy.
My mother ’s Porcelain tinted moisturizer is also perfect. The perfect skin tone and a great coverage for something that is actually a tinted moisturizer and it feels good on the skin.
I feel that Violet Grey is a treasure grove. Also great picks from Tom Ford and Omorovicza skin care. No pressure, just information when asked – a totally uplifting experience.
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Violet Grey
8452 Melrose Place
Los Angeles, California
90069
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