Cos Bar shares tips on how to get your “game face” on and out the door in seconds

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - What’s a busy working woman to do on those crazy early mornings to get out the door fast, yet hit the office looking fabulous? The team at Cos Bar at Market Street – The Woodlands shares several savvy, if not downright strategic, tips for going from raw to ready in seconds flat.

“Look for dual-purpose products that are time-saving workhorses,” says Cos Bar make-up artist Cliff McAden. “For example, a lip/cheek rouge by Bobbi Brown adds long-lasting color to endure your busy schedule. And, recently debuted are jumbo eyeliner pencils by Sisley that blend easily to slice the effort to build contrast. Try to focus on one area of the face that truly makes you look awake, such as they eyes or lips. With a well-stocked purse-sized make-up bag, you can touch up and enhance as the day goes on.”

Another tip McAden tells clients, especially those who have to rise very early, is to pre-load their make-up brushes with color and finishing powder the night before. “It’s a huge time saver,” he says.

Skin care specialist Velma Patterson suggests letting products work for you while you sleep. “Keeping up with regular facials, getting plenty of rest and water, and religiously using sunscreen are ideal for great skin,” she explains. “But if there’s no time for a facial, why not let products work overnight?” Patterson suggests applying a thin layer of a quality hydrating masque or skin serum before bed, and in the morning wake up to perfectly prepped skin that’s ready for anything. For tired skin, she notes there are great fixers to reduce the appearance of under eye bags, dark circles, and paleness from exhaustion. “Sisley makes fabulous treatments for tell-tale tired eyes, and Guerlain makes believable bronzers customized to skin tones that present a healthy glow,” she adds.

Patterson also recommends seeking corrective treatments from a dermatologist or medical spa – such as microdermabrasion to polish the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, or perhaps photofacials to diminish fine broken blood vessels, reduce uneven skin pigmentation and redness – which can cut prep time and camouflage needs significantly.

Store manager Colleen Clooney shares the skinny on which products to splurge on. “Hands down, you want to invest in a quality moisturizer that’s ideal for your skin type and is made with effective ingredients without unnecessary fillers,” she explains. “Brands such as La Prairie, La Mer and Revive are tops and you’ll find a little goes a long way. Also, using a gentle exfoliator such as Buff and Wash Facial Gel by Sisley to remove dead skin cells and maintain a fresh complexion skin helps your moisturizer absorb effectively and your foundation apply and blend in so much faster.”

For that upcoming gala, big presentation or speaking engagement, assistant store manager Emma Brooks recommends tapping Roloxin Lift, a new 12-hour-facelift product that instantly improves firming, toning, lines and wrinkles, skin texture, appearance of pores, and evenness and luminosity of the skin. Priced at approximately $10 per application, one use gives noticeable, if not remarkable, results for up to 12 to 24 hours.

Cos Bar offers the most exclusive lines of designer cosmetics, luxury skin care and elegant fragrances, many of which are only available in Houston’s Galleria area. “Our customers love the intimate setting of our store because it lends more privacy than being out on display in the middle of a major department store,” adds Clooney. “We even have a curtained area in the back for those who want to try products and make-up incognito! We can recommend the best color palate for all skin tones and show fast techniques for make-up application.”

Cos Bar at Market Street - The Woodlands is located at 9595 Six Pines Drive, next to Uni Sushi near Cinemark Theaters and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The assistant store manager, Emma Brooks, is fluent in both Spanish and English. Make-up lessons, private parties, facial services, special event makeovers, and speaking engagements are also available. For more information about Cos Bar at Market Street - The Woodlands, please call (281) 419-2269 or visit www.CosBar.com.