Is the Makeup Studio About to Become the New Blow-dry Bar?

As a mostly makeup-free gal (a swipe of liner and mascara are as much as I can muster for early mornings), the idea of getting my face done by a professional causes me equal parts excitement and trepidation. But apparently, it’s a thing now. Pre-party or post-baby, the speedy makeup studio may soon be as ubiquitous as the blow-dry bar, offering targeted 15-minute applications (a cat eye here, a bold lip there) to urban girls in a hurry. In recent months, a handful of just such intriguing new spaces have opened their doors in New York City with the promise of making a quick touch-up easier. So, like any sane woman, I immediately scheduled three appointments in four days and set off on a weekend of beauty bar–hopping.

My makeup journey began at Rouge New York, an intimate space in SoHo. Each station is equipped with vanity lights and a reclining chair (you can lay back and nap during your appointment—really, my artist said it happens!). I contemplated the menu, then chose the “You…Only Better” option, explaining that I preferred a natural look­—like a young CK Jeans–era Kate Moss, only with a little more makeup. “But you know, whatever you think is best.” Oops. Twenty-five chatty minutes later, I gazed upon myself . . . only more heavily made up. I had received a decent amount of contouring and heavily shadowed lids. It was lovely, but not exactly what I’d had in mind—something that could be blamed on my wishy-washy “I trust you” attitude. Lesson learned, onward.

Saturday I traveled up to Le Parker Meridien to the West Coast transplant Blushington. Of the three destinations on my itinerary, Blushington most closely resembles your favorite blowout salon. I was offered champagne and had a large throw draped over me while sitting on a white leather seat. This time, a change of tactics was in order: “I want to look As. Natural. As. Possible,” I enunciated. “I don’t want to look like I’m wearing makeup.” This sentiment, I learned, is a tough sell (bordering on offensive) in a beauty bar. When my artist mentioned contouring, I very calmly shouted, “NO! No contouring!” Forty-five minutes later I was contour-free, but wearing a substantial layer of tinted moisturizer, shimmering eye shadow, and a red lip. This was closer to my perfected self, but not quite there.

 

 

By the time Monday evening rolled around, I’d learned some valuable lessons. I walked into the very new MAC Studio in Midtown, a space dominated by floor-to-ceiling illustrations of potential beauty looks and hundreds of pro-grade products. Their extensive menu includes three types of applications (Full, Bridal, Theatrical), lessons, and quick fixes like tattoo cover-ups and false lashes. I was given a choice between a plain old application and a tutorial—I chose a lesson and was seated in a semiprivate room. I repeated my list of demands: natural, no contouring, better version of me, et cetera. My artist, dressed in punky black, nodded, but suggested that since it was a lesson, we might as well try something fun. We agreed to experiment with a deep burgundy eye, but to keep the face as clean as possible. An hour-and-a-half later (this was by far the lengthiest appointment) I stood and surveyed myself. I had the least amount of makeup on my face and felt more comfortable, the eye was heavy but interesting,­ and I had been taught how to re-create it. I would do this again. Success!

Should you try this for yourself? Yes, but a few things to know before you go: Ask for exactly what you want, and be exceedingly clear about what you do not want. Give feedback along the way. Makeup is personal; if you don’t like something, ask to take it off.

So, treat yourself: It’s a decidedly indulgent experience at an un-indulgent price (depending on the service, things run between $30 and $90). Why not pretend you’re famous for a night?

Rouge New York
This cozy SoHo space is best suited for regulars who drop in to prep for after-work events and have a relationship with their makeup artist.
130 Thompson Street

Blushington
Perfect for the weekend partygoer. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful—good for groups or a pre-bachelorette.
119 West 56th Street

MAC Makeup Studio
Artists deliver pro-level makeup jobs—with a backstage-at–Fashion Week, editorial–photo shoot feel.
825 Lexington Avenue

Ricky’s
The ultimate Manhattan beauty supply now offers makeup services, lessons, and lash applications. Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments can be made upon request.
Locations throughout New York City

 

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