Blushington's Makeup Guru Agrees: Less Is More

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Stephi Maron got the idea to open a makeup and beauty lounge a couple of years ago because there simply wasn't one in her L.A. neighborhood. Voila! Blushington was born— first in West Hollywood, and then, in Dallas last year. (Now, there's also a Newport Beach, Calif. location too.)

Known for its frilly, peach-and-white motif (and not to mention expert makeup artists), the lounge welcomes a diverse clientele. We caught up with founder and CEO Maron to talk trends in makeup and beauty, and she gave us the scoop and more.

What inspired you to start Blushington?
I decided to create Blushington because I noticed there was something missing in the beauty industry. That something was the convenience of coming into a relaxing environment to get your makeup done at any day/time of the week for a specific reason, or no a reason at all! The more research I did, the more I realized that this place did not exist. There wasn't a business that offered make-up application at affordable prices, in a fun welcoming atmosphere, with professional makeup artists that made you feel great when you walked out the door. I myself never had a satisfactory experience at a typical department store beauty counter, and I sought to create Blushington—a luxe makeup and beauty lounge with professional makeup artists who listen to your every need, and you leave feeling pretty...and without the pressure to buy products.

Who is your typical client?
Our average clientele are women in their mid-20s to 50s. They are working business women. But, we also get a wide range of all ages anywhere from three-year-olds to 99.

Do you see a trend this spring for makeup?
Bright orange lips: My favorites are Grace by Jouer, and Belle Noir by Julie Hewett

Sexy makeup: Use the Gold Glow trio, as it has a beautiful bronze color in the middle, Citrine by Stila shadow, and for liner, Lionfish by Stila. Jouer lip gloss in Starfish is great way to finish this look.

Bubble Gum lips: Kate by Jouer is the BEST color for this trend! It is the softest pink color and looks like it came straight from the '60s. Top that with Peony lip gloss also by Jouer.

Blue eyeshadow: Hitchcock by Julie Hewett, Stila shadow in Blue Sapphire, and if you want a bright vibrant blue, go for Stila smudge stick liner in cobalt layered with any of these shadows.

Why have you chosen certain brands to showcase in the salon? Do you have any plans to add more, or will you always use these specific lines?
We wanted an array of different brands. We wanted to have well-known brands, not as well-known/harder-to-find brands, brands with a higher price point and also products that were on the more affordable side. At Blushington, we want to reach all clients' needs. Right now, we love the brands we carry, but, yes, in the future we plan on bringing some additional brands to Blushington.

Is there a secret to good makeup application?
Less is more!

What about any shortcuts to getting a "made up" look?
When wanting to go full-glam, always go for a red lip. Throw on a great bronze smokey eye, or just a heavy-winged liner and false lashes. Add bronzer to add some definition to your cheekbones. This will get you the "made up" look.

Any more plans to branch out in Dallas, or further in Texas?
We definitely would love to branch out in Texas. I would love to go to Austin or Houston or both!