Melissa Lenberg is on a mission to make our lives more naturally glamorous. Owner and founder of Citrine Natural Beauty Bar at the Biltmore Fashion Square's hip UNION district in Phoenix, Melissa is a striking beauty with a personality that outshines her glowing complexion. During a stint as a makeup artist in L.A's music circles, this Phoenix native rubbed shoulders with A-listers galore, including the legendary Donna Summer. But she's no name-dropper (we had to pull that out of her) and on the day we visited her charming beauty bar, we were struck by her exuberant passion for mixing up the most amazing scent combinations with natural exotic oils. She also finds true delight in using simple makeup techniques to bring out the best in her clients' features. You wouldn't know it to gaze upon her porcelain skin, but this down-to-earth gal once battled cystic acne and has a genuine appreciation for the deep connection between how you look and how you feel.
So, as you can imagine, we couldn't wait to dig out the treasures hidden in her makeup bag. Here, she shares her favorite beauty finds as well as a few tips to keep you pretty on-the-go!
What three beauty products do you absolutely keep with you at all times?
Mascara, lip gloss and lavender essential oil.
What are the top three makeup products you couldn't live without?
Per-fekt Lash Perfection Gel – It helps lashes grow and won’t clump. Jane Iredale BB Cream – It's the perfect foundation with great coverage but a lightweight look. I always joke that I’ll die in BB cream. Apothia LA IF Roll-on Pure Oil – When I have touched up with this and walk into a room, people always ask me what I’m wearing.
As a seasoned makeup artist, what is your advice for keeping our look fresh and natural?
First, drink tons of H20 to keep you hydrated and moisturize! You have to start with that. Then, find the foundation formula that works best for your skin type to give you that flawless canvas. I'm a blush girl and believe every woman should wear it. If you are going from work straight to a night-out-on-the-town, pack Per-fekt Lash Perfection Gel, press up and hold your lashes for 20 seconds and then apply mascara. (This really works, she showed us!) Next, a little gloss and you are good to go!
Your skin is absolutely flawless. What are your go-to skincare products?
I'm super sensitive and prone to breaking out so I keep it simple with natural products like REN’s Micro Purifying Facial Polish to renew my skin and remove any dead cells (seems like 95% of us in AZ are super dry) so I think its important to polish the skin. And I love me some PATYKA Radiant Eye Contour, the only eye cream I have ever found that lightens my dark circles and hydrates.
You custom blend scents for clients made from exotic essential oils. What scents define you?
That can change by the day and mood! I love Ylang Ylang in almost anything I make though. It's fresh, powdery and light, and I love that. Oh, and Jasmine anything makes me feel like the ultimate seductress.
How do you define beauty?
I believe that there is a unique beauty in all of us. Being your most naturally glamorous self at all times and CONFIDENCE!
What is your all-time favorite spa treatment?
Any body treatment or wrap where I am warm and cozy. I also love just going to the quiet room at Montelucia Resort's Joya Spa.
How do you relax?
A nice trip to Sedona and brunch with my best girlfriends.
For a serious dose of feel-good beauty, visit Citrine Natural Beauty Bar at the Biltmore Fashion Park's UNION in Phoenix. More at citrinenaturalskin.com.
