Even a serious writer can admit that attending London Fashion Week has perks: goodie bags, champagne, complimentary blow-outs and makeovers in the press lounge (with product samples), the coveted Mulberry canvas tote, to name a few. Sadly, I never take advantage of many of the freebies due to a lack of time, but since I was writing a more personal take on Fashion Week this season, I decided to try something new. For me, that “something new” was a complimentary MAC makeover in advance of the Smythson 125th anniversary party.

While the party was a chaotic, fire-hazard mess of self-important fashion types and overwhelmed public relations girls–I guess they shouldn’t have listed Samantha Cameron and Bryan Ferry on the invitation on an otherwise slow party night–my makeup was pristine. The lovely Deanne from MAC gave me trendy purple lips and a glowing face that lasted 10+ hours, through cocktails and dessert at Claridge’s Bar. I even ordered the lipstick upon returning home, and plan to make it part of my autumn evening look.

For detailed instructions on how to get the look yourself, check out my post at Verily. An excerpt:

I’m a makeup minimalist. The few times I’ve had my makeup done by a professional, I’ve worried the entire time that I’ll need to run home to my Clarisonic and tinted moisturizer.

Fashion Week, however, is almost as much about beauty as clothing. MAC, London Fashion Week’s official makeup sponsor, was offering complimentary makeovers in the Somerset House press lounge. So, I decided to try some fall beauty trends for my last night in London!

Click here to read the whole thing!

P.S. You’ll rarely see photos of me on this website so, um, enjoy!