Makeup Shopping in Paris and Maqpro-
Last fall when I visited France for an extended vacation I made sure to take some time in between my wine sipping, extensive walking, and croissant eating, to do some “work”.
I knew that I wanted to visit several French pharmacies and any makeup stores I came across. This was a random adventure as I stopped into any one I happened to walk past. I found some great products that I cannot purchase here in the US, and a few makeup products that are available but were unknown to me.
One item on my list was to visit with one of the professional makeup lines that is unique to Europe. Someone suggested that I visit Maqpro. (NOT MAC, and not at all affiliated!)
Maqpro, or “Le Maquillage Professionel”, is a family run professional makeup company that is manufactured and sold in France. It has been around since the 1970‘s and although known in Europe, it is just coming into the pro market here. Even amongst professional artists here, the line is not well-known.
Maqpro is most known for its “Fard Creme” which is a wax-based makeup that comes in over 200 colors. It does not melt or separate and so wears extremely well. “Fard Creme” also looks real on the skin because of the texture of the wax. Many artists find it hard to work with because you have to warm and work the product. But if you are willing to put in some prep-work with it, you will have one of the most beautiful makeup applications around.
I contacted Maqpro online and despite the fact that I speak no French, I set a date to visit their boutique while in Paris. I decided to walk from our apartment near Notre Dame to their quaint boutique at the Eiffel Tower which was an adventure that took me 1 1/2 hours! When I arrived I was greeted by Alain Brunner who is one of the owners and a highly reputed makeup artist. He was lovely and spent a great deal of time showing me the line and teaching me about the products that they create and manufacture in France. He sent me home with a bag of sample products to play with and a idea: If I was interested, Maqpro would manufacture a makeup line with me…..
I really had never thought I would have my own makeup because the market is so saturated with product. I said that if I found products that I felt were unique and filled a need in the market, I would consider it. When I left Alain (and their puppy and family members) I had a bug in my ear. I told myself I’d work with the product and see. To be continued…..
Here are some pictures from my trip.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Until next time, Terri Tomlinson Makeup Artist Dallas TX
