Philanthropic lip service – the best there can be, for sure. Swedish makeup mavericks, Make Up Store have collaborated with South African charity Project Playground: “With emphasis on play we focus on motivating children, to give them self belief, inspiration to care about a future. We believe the development of play and recreational activates are crucial to the struggle against crime and poverty”.

I caught up with Maria Gabriel, the head makeup artist of the Australian Make Up Store to talk about their involvement with the charity and get her makeup expertise.

What is and how did the Make Up Store get to be involved with project playground?

Project Playground focuses on allowing children to be children, enriching their lives through play in deprived areas of South Africa. “Playground” is a shimmering lipgloss that adds a subtle gloss to all lips. The lipgloss is accompanied by an information booklet about the sterling work of the charity, packaged as a set in an artisan paper bag, making it an ideal gift or treat for your self. The product Lip Gloss in “Playground” will be available all over the world and will definitely raise lots of much needed funds for the project.

Tell me how readers can get involved in project playground?

Making the ideal Christmas gift, your $26 will go directly to the charity. For every Lipgloss “Playground” sold, every single penny from the sale will go directly to Project Playground. The entire project has been sponsored by Make Up Store suppliers to ensure all monies make it to Project Playground and their important work in South Africa.

How did you start in makeup?

I have always been a makeup fanatic. Opening Make Up Store here in Australia allowed my passion to flourish, I now spend everyday surrounded by makeup. I love advising customers on what products to use or finding them the correct foundation colour for their skin type. Many women come to me to help them prepare for a special occasion, creating the perfect look for a wedding / formal / party is my forte!

What attracted you to join the Make Up store?

My family and I were aware of the gravitas that Make Up Store held all over the world. I have a huge family in Sweden and it’s the brand of choice over there. We knew that the brand would be a smash here in Australia so we decided to open it down under! The rest is history; with the recent Myer rollout, the brand is going from strength to strength here!

What is the Make Up Store’s philosophy regarding makeup?

We’re all about professional quality makeup, great pigments, fashion forward colours and innovative products. Make Up Store offers an uber cool Scandinavian edge for makeup lovers the world over.

What makes the Make Up Store different to all the others out there?

We have an incredible super glossy in house magazine, produced by our head office called M Magazine. It not only sets the tone for the ‘looks’ of the season but is inspirational for professional makeup artists. The shoots are incredible and celebrities clamber to be featured on the profile pages.

In store we focus on educating the consumer. We want our customers to learn whilst they shop. My staff and I offer constructive advice about what suits the customer. Our dedicated customers lap up the chance to have a private one-to-one lesson with our expert artists. We only employ professional makeup artists in store.

What are your must have’s for the party season?

Party girls can’t get enough of our glitter eyeliner. It adds a subtle sparkle to the lash line for a gorgeous look. Also as women become more daring with their makeup, we’ve seen increased interest in our feathered lashes. They look incredible, adding theatrical finish for a party season look.

For an all round party product women love Luminous Bronzer. The handy pump action wand dispenses a gorgeous glow enhancing liquid, easily applied using the built in brush. From beach to bar, simply swish on some Luminous Bronzer to the bridge of the nose, cheeks and décolletage for instant glamour!

What are the 5 essential products you cannot live without?

Make Up Store Skin Serum is my essential for hydrated base. I use this everyday; it helps moisturise and keeps my makeup looking fresh throughout the day. I love my creamy eye pencil in Darkest Shadow, great for creating a smoky eye. Also, I am a massive fan of our Avocado based lipsticks, my favourite shade is Breathless, a gorgeous soft golden / peach sheer colour. It really suits my skin tone.

Were do you see makeup heading for next season?

I think there will be makeup trend to suit everyone next season. Dolce & Gabana and Lacoste went for bright bold eyes, bursting with colour whilst Gucci and Fendi went with a polish, natural palette.

What is your favourite look for summer and briefly outline how we can achieve this at home?

Its easy to get a bang on trend, summer look this season.

Opt for gold eyes and soft coral lips. For eyes, use a darker bronze base and brighten with a golden eyeliner along the lash line, finished with Make Up Store Eyedust in Carat, it’s a bright metallic finish will add just the right amount of sparkle!

This look really will suit most skin tones, so for lips, this season for coral pinks and orange. My favourites are sheer finishes completed with a high sheen gloss. Try Make Up Store Lipstick in Prairie.

Give the gift of Charity this Christmas with Make Up Store and Project Playground. “Playground” Lipgloss is $26 and is in store December 1st 2010.

Nicola Burford