Despite all those frilly pictures taken during 15 years of ballet classes – I am convinced I went through a tom-boy phase. Maybe that’s why I never properly learned how to apply makeup. Or more likely its because I have a gorgeous mother who never needed it… {Bonus daughter points}….but I digress.
That might be why I was so curious when Sybille and Nathalie invited Jane from Best of Brussels and I to a makeup workshop they were hosting at The Hotel in Brussels a few wintery Sundays ago. The delightful duo, who hail from Antwerp, have been putting tutorials together to help those of us who need a refresher course.
We opted for the daytime makeup class and turned up at 10am for three hours of schooling before a lunch was served at 1pm. The first half of the course covered a lot of ground, including skin preparation, how to choose and apply the right foundation, concealer {interesting color wheels came into play here} and powder.
And then it was time for the show-stopper: EYES. This was my favorite part of the day, as Sybille pulled out an iPad full of pictures of different eye shapes and explained which shades and applications flattered the various types we were seeing. Two or three students among us had the coveted “almond shaped” eye – which drew hushed “oooo”s from the group. {Spoiler: not me.} I was grateful for some personalised tips from Sybille and Nathalie on how to make my eyes “pop” a bit more.
Blush and lips finished off the morning and before we knew it, it was 1pm.
A couple of things made this lesson special:
- I learned it is ALL ABOUT THE BLENDING. I had honestly never understood why makeup brushes are so useful before this lesson.
- Sybille and Nathalie encouraged us to bring our own makeup, meaning the session was not about pushing products (though they did have tons of samples at hand to experiment with) but really about learning how to choose products and apply them correctly. Big difference from a lesson at a makeup counter in a department store.
- They make for kind, patient and skilled teachers, who gave time for one-on-one consultation with each student and offering advice on their favorite products and techniques.
- The classes were conducted in English and came with useful little handouts full of tips they shared during the lesson. They also teach classes to groups of friends at private homes {bridal shower activity anyone?}
And now for the big reveal of what I looked like after the workshop:
Just kidding. That’s a professional shot from their Facebook page. But on the more serious side, I have little doubt that the Make Me Up Brussels team could help you get this look if it is right for you. This is what I really looked like after the class.
The Verdict: A fun, useful, out-with-your-girlfriends activity for those who want some expert advice.
Their next classes will take place on April 21st at The Hotel {Brussels looks great from their 26th floor}, with three themes:
- Level 1.1 : The Natural Look
- Level 1.2: Like Marilyn, eyeliner techniques
- Level 1.3: Play with Light, best tricks to play with contouring
One class costs 45 EUR, two classes run at 75 EUR and you can indulge in all three for 100 EUR. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are included. For more information, visit MakeMeUpBrussels or contact Nathalie and Sybille directly:
Nathalie Peeters
www.makeupartistnathalie.be
peeters.nathalie@mac.com
Sybille De Beuckelaer
www.makeupbysybille.com
info@makeupbysybille.com
