Angela Allen spends career making women shine

Story and photos by SHARON WHITE

New York has Bobbi Brown, London has Charlotte Tilbury and Central Texas has its own renowned makeup artist and skincare specialist: Angela Allen, better known to her clients simply as “Angie.”

Allen recently received one of the most prestigious honors awarded by Lancôme when she was chosen as a member of the elite “Lancôme Rose Society.” Only a select few are inducted into the Society nationwide based on product knowledge, sales and exemplary service.
“What started as a job quickly became a passion,” Allen said. “I always feel good about coming to work. What greater job is there where your number one goal is to make people feel happy!”

Allen has been a familiar face behind the Dillard’s Lancôme cosmetics counter for the past 33 years. She graduated from Temple High School in 1980, and her career literally started at the Temple Mall when she began working as the assistant store manager for Lerner’s clothing shop and later landed a position as a Dillard’s Lancôme counter manager. That’s where, she recalled, “On my second day, I didn’t even know where to find the mascara!”

In her early days, Allen worked with Lancôme associate Margie Flanagan — whom many remember as that “stunning silver-haired lady.”

They made quite an impressive pair and Allen referred to Flanagan as “a dear blessing who was like a second mother and a wonderful mentor.”

“We had great fun together during those seven years,” Flanagan said, “and we learned so much together.”

She now becomes part of an advisory board for Lancôme, sharing her point of view on customer needs, and participating in extensive training and exclusive events. Decades of hard work have earned her the title of “Lancôme Happiness Activist.”

Building genuine relationships with her customers has been the most rewarding part of her career.

“My clients know I care about them as people first and that connection has built trust over time and kept them coming back for guidance and support.”

As a result, she has had hundreds of referrals.

“And now,” Allen said, as tears well in her eyes, “Moms are bringing their daughters — and granddaughters — in for consultations for proms, Wildflower Belle balls and even weddings.”

As a Lancôme skincare specialist and beauty professional, Allen uses her years of training to advise women on complex skin issues and makeup artistry techniques to enhance their natural beauty. She sat down to discuss a few common questions clients often ask when they step up to her counter:

Do you have one or two general recommendations every woman can benefit from? “For younger girls, I recommend starting a consistent skincare regimen early. For older ladies, my recommendation is to buy the best moisturizer you can afford. And never forget the sunscreen … at any age!”

What makeup tips can you share? “For women with daughters who are using the same foundation/skincare products as their daughters, I remind them that as we age, our skin changes and you can’t expect the same results. For older women, I recommend skincare formulations that contain retinol, to help with cellular turnover.”

Is there anything mature women should avoid? “Black eyeliner is usually too harsh on older women. I recommend softer shades. And I see a lot of women wearing lipstick that is too dark, which can age them. The objective is not to try to look like you did 20 or 30 years ago, but to look as fresh and vibrant as you can now.”

When Allen is not working, she loves to garden and spend time with her daughter, who is an aesthetician living in Georgetown. Allen and the Dillard’s staff frequently volunteer their time at community service events like the annual Altrusa Taste of the Holidays Style Show. Lancôme has also donated thousands of dollars worth of products to charitable fundraisers over the years.

Even after three decades, Allen has no plans to slow down. She loves her work and said coworkers and customers make her feel “special … and so valued. Many of my clients put their trust in me outside the realm of cosmetics.”

But, she doesn’t take things too seriously, adding: “I sell lipstick — I’m not saving lives.”

Some of her customers might disagree.