My adventures at Rouge started a little over two years ago when my friend Jaxson got me the gift of beauty for my 35th birthday.

My friends were having a party for me out in Salem and he purchased a session for me to get my make-up done before the party started by his friend Manda who was a make-up artisit at Rouge (a truly awesome gift to get.) I walked into Rouge and it was like a pretty pink wonderland. I was immediately greeted by smiling faces who took my coat, got me water, and got me set up in a make-up chair. I was really treated like a princess;and it felt fabulous! Manda was amazing and so friendly (that we actually became friends), and Ann the owner of Rouge was so kind to me. I felt like I was at home; a really pretty pink home with all the make up I could ever dream about and more. It was the first time I also ever got false eyelashes,they made me feel like a movie star (and I did not want to take them off, seriously I was sad when I had to remove them and have missed the ever since). After my make-up was applied I left Rouge for my party. I never got so many compliments in my life on my eyes and make up than that evening. I have been a fan of Rouge ever since. I also went back two days later and bought all the make-up they used on me that night and still use those brands and colors till this day! When something works I say stick with it! ;)

Once I was running late to get ready to go to one of my boyfriend's gigs and I had done one of my eyes and then realized my eyeliner ran out (it was the ones you twist to get eyeliner out so you don't know it's gone till it's gone). I freaked because I only had one eye done, I had no more eyeliner, and had to be at D's gig. I called Rouge in a panic asking if they still had that color;they did. I told them my "situation" and the woman on the phone said come on down and they would have it ready for me, and that they would even apply it to help me out.Talk about customer service!  They did all that and they also touched up the other eye! Rock On Rouge, Rock On!

The owner of Rouge is Ann Supple Massey. A really fabulous, kind, smart, and gorgeous woman. Ann realized her lifelong dream of opening her own business in 2007 after working for Filene's Department Stores for 19 years as a buyer and Divisional Merchandise Manager. Ann is an active member of the Salem community and is on the board of directors for Destination Salem and participates on the Main Streets Steering Committee. She lives in Swampscott with her husband Rick and her two children, Brendan and Julia.

Ann was kind enough to let me pick her mind about Rouge, Salem, the holidays, and all things beautiful: My mini interview with Ann Supple Massey:

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Sarah: "What do you love about having a business in Salem?"

Ann:"I love Salem for so many reasons. It has so much character from its history, architecture and people. I also love that most of the businesses in downtown are locally and independently owned and many by women! Salem is also busy year-round due to the fact that people live, work and play here. Loads of locals that support the businesses, and also many tourists. Such a nice sense of community. Salem is continuing to improve!"

Sarah: "What is a favorite make-up tip you would be willing to share with us that could help us all feel a little more beautiful?"

Ann:"My makeup tip is to pick three essentials that help you look put together every day. My suggestions are Mascara, concealer and lipstick or lip gloss. The first two wake up your eyes, and who can't use a little color? These essentials should only take 10 minutes to put on, but wow, what a difference! A makeup artist can help you pick these must-haves, and show you how to build upon these to create a more professional or evening look. Everyone is different and we customize! I don't go anywhere without mascara."

Sarah:"What do you think will be the big selling items at Rouge this holiday season and why?"

Ann: "Big for this holiday are several things. Gift Sets packed with value are huge...Stila Eye Shadow Palettes for $18 and Lip Gloss Kits for $25 as well as BareMinerals Sets.

The beautyblender is also in high demand since Kim Kardashian's makeup artist uses it and it has won an Allure beauty award for 3 years.

The Clarisonic Mia with it's new lower price of $119 (was $149) in several colors including red, fuschia, yellow, turquoise and more is really popular. Invented by the same guy who invented the Sonicare, it cleans the skin 50% more effectively than manual cleansing so all your skincare works more effectively.

Anything for pampering will be big as well like Caudalie's Spa in a Bag for $49. Includes a Crushed Cabernet Body Scrub, Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel, and Vine Body Butter, all natural and from the vinyards of France!

Of course, Rouge gift cards beautifully wrapped are always easy if you don't know what to do."

Sarah: "What makes Rouge special?"

Ann: Rouge is special because we treat our customers and clients in a personal and friendly way that makes them at ease. True artistry, honest non-pushy advise, and a fun vibe all make us a great place to do your holiday shopping or get your makeup done for your holiday event!

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Also for this blog post my friend Malana and I went down to Rouge to take some photgraphs, so not only could you read about the beauty of Rouge, I could also give you a visiual tour;it's like we can be on this adventure togeter! My friend Jaxson (who introduced me to Rouge via my Bday gift) came along for our photo journey adventure of Rouge and was a rockin photo assistant! ;)

Even taking pictures at Rouge was a blast (because it is so pretty and colorful), plus we played around with the make-up too (we were at a rockin cosmetics store,can't help but shop around a little too while we were there!). To check out more of our pictures from Rouge photo shoot and other photos by Malana and I you can go to our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SM-Photography/199571400128963

Visit Rouge Cosmetics on Facebook or on the web at: www.rouge.com

Happy Holidays!