Tool Talk with Barneys Makeup Brush Designer Claudio Riaz

Oct 23, 2009

Black bag sightings, a sudden parking shortage and glossy new buildings lining Scottsdale Road -- ah yes, Barneys New York is here and if you didn't have enough reasons to max out your Visa, I've got another one. Last week I met with Claudio Riaz, makeup brush master and creator of the exclusive Claudio Riaz brush line found at Barneys. Revolutionizing the way women apply makeup, Claudio designed each intricate brush by cutting and reshaping ordinary brushes to custom fit a woman's face. After endless hard work and a handful of manufacturers, his line of magic makeup wands are different than any other brush out there. And after testing out the brushes first hand, I'm seriously hooked. Each brush fits flawlessly into the crease of my eye, shape of my brow and length of my face and the expertly constructed shape makes application a serious cinch. Dab a brush in color, tap off excess and whisk once or use a series of quick pats and in Claudio's words "done!" Between swiping and swooning over the brushes I had a chance to ask Claudio five quick questions about his brush line. Here's what he had to say.

What is your No. 1 must-have brush?
The Conceal Brush because so many women tug and pull on the delicate skin underneath eyes, which causes damage and increases puffiness. Insider Tip: The Conceal Brush is shaped and sized like your pointer finger (the finger usually used to apply concealer) and has a triangular shape for precise, easy application. The trick to this brush is to lay it flat on its side and pat the skin instead of pull. Pat vigorously from the outside to the inside of your under eye for diffused puffiness and completely blended concealer.

What is your most versatile brush if you had to choose just one?
The Instant Face Brush (we dubbed it the Scottsdale Face Brush). The size and shape of the brush make it easy to glide quickly over the entire face for an instant tan. Insider Tip: Dab the wooden square of bristles in your favorite bronzer and on each side of the face starting at the middle of your forehead, draw a backward "3" from forehead to nose to chin.

Tell me your favorite part of the face to make up.
Eyes, they are the first thing people notice. Insider Tip: No two eyes are exactly the same so Claudio created different sizes of shadow brushes to fit each individual eye shape, size and distance from brow bone.

Tell me about your makeup cases. Can they really be cleaned with eye makeup remover?
Yes, they were specially designed for easy cleanup so women can travel and use the brushes on the go. Insider Tip: Get in touch with the Travel Makeup Brush Collection that just came out last spring. It's packed with 13 essential brushes you can't live without.

Because you can't be at every Barneys location at once, how do customers get the full experience and help deciding what brushes to use?
Employees are specially trained at all locations to help customers pick the right size, shape and type of brush they need. Insider Tip: You'll get close to the real deal at Barneys Scottsdale because during his visit he personally trained all the employees.

After painting an almost perfect smoky eye and learning Claudio's tricks of the trade, I'm currently looking at ways to fund my new obsession. Brushes run on the pricey side ($35 to $115 for individual brushes) but when it comes to makeup, flawless application and long term good complexion days yield a priceless return.

Get the Claudio Riaz brush line in store or online at barneys.com. Photo: Claudio Riaz Travel Makeup Brush Collection, $695.

This story courtesy of spa girl Carolyn who was so excited when she landed this interview, she got in a little fender-bender or her way to Barneys (not her fault) but still made it in time for the interview. That's dedication!