Photographs by Jonathan Pollock
After spending nine years as a traveling Trish McEvoy rep, 45-year-old Sandi Czapla (pronounced chop-law) found a new home last fall as Wish Shoes’ (9765 Clayton, 314-432-0800, wishshoes.com) first full-time makeup artist. With Czapla also came French skin-care and makeup line By Terry—typically found only at Barney’s—and Rodial, a London-based skin-care line. On a busy Tuesday, between answering calls and assisting shoppers, Czapla dished on her past and the boutique’s present makeover.
How did you learn to apply makeup? I started working for this photographer in Georgia. I was his receptionist, and then, you know, you’re pulled in to do more because it was a really small business. And I loved it. I just had a knack for makeup. When I moved to St. Louis, I started working at Dillard’s downtown for Clinique.
What brought you to Wish? I have been doing Laura’s [Laura Bryan, owner of Wish] makeup since she was 14. I sold her Trish at Saks. Laura’s mother, Felicite [Pollnow], believed in good skin care and good makeup. I even did the makeup at Laura’s wedding not too long ago.
How did you get By Terry in the store? It’s about being at the right place at the right time. We had to send a By Terry rep this huge packet with pictures of the store, what we were, our lines. Once they got that, they responded pretty quickly. What makes By Terry unique? The shades of the lip colors, glosses, and even the eye shadows are vivid, but they’re clear-colored. The French like color, but they like sheer color—not opaque. I also really like the enhancer; you can use it as a primer, or you can mix it with your foundation.
Tell me about the other new line. It’s a skin-care line called Rodial. They have products with fun names like Tummy Tuck, Bum Lift, and one called Boob Job. It actually does increase your breast size. No one else in St. Louis has the line, and only a few stores in the country do.
What makeup tip do you emphasize? Good skin care. Use something with an SPF. No matter what makeup you use—you can spend $105 or $10—if you aren’t taking care of your skin, it will show. For an eye cream, I love By Terry’s Contour Des Yeux Éclat Ressource ($145). Also, Rodial’s Glamotox ($130); it freezes the muscles in your face like Botox, and you can use it under your eyes.
What’s a common mistake? The biggest mistake is wearing too much makeup. If your complexion isn’t very good that day or is never great, many women put more base on. To me, that’s like drawing a circle around the problem.
Do trends seem to be less extreme in the Midwest? Absolutely. The funny thing is, you don’t see women with a lot of makeup on here. But they all want the look for evening and for their parties.
What’s hot this season? The smoky eye is still big. As far as color, we’re seeing a lot of plum, purply colors. We also see a lot of grays and a pop of sheer color on the lip.
Will Wish’s makeup offerings be expanding? Yes, it’s safe to say. We like things, of course, that Saks and Neiman don’t carry. We look to Europe to bring in different things.
