Deborah Walters, Senior Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager of Beauty, at Saks for 19 years is a true beauty connoisseur. From the best skincare regimen to a jam-packed makeup bag, Walters shares with us everything she loves about beauty.
I knew I wanted to work in beauty when…
I was promoted to my first assistant buyer role in cosmetics. It was love on day one and remains so today.
The best thing about my job is…
Great people and great products. The pace of the business…..everyday….the constant evolution and innovation of products and ideas. Beauty is a category that transcends ages, demographics, ethnicities…. something for everyone. And, most importantly, a category of business that is all about making an individual feel their best and look their best.
My biggest challenge is…
Making the time to get out to visit our stores and customers.
I cannot live without my…
Clarisonic. I use it morning and night, I take it with me everywhere. It is such the perfect way to cleanse your skin and get the ultimate benefits from your skincare regime.
In my makeup bag, you are likely to find…
Too much! I tend to keep adding to my bag and find it hard to take anything out. For now, my top must have’s are: Tom Ford lipstick in Flamingo, Dolce and Gabbana’s lipgloss in Raspberry. YSL Touche Eclat, Dior Diorshow Mascara, Clé de Peau concealer, Nars long-wear eye pencil in every color, Laura Mercier Secret Finish for a quick moisture boost, especially good around the eyes mid-day, Trish McEvoy’s Flawless Lip Color, La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Hand Cream, EAU du SOIR travel atomizer, Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50, Chanel Poudre Universelle Compact, Guerlain Terra Cotta Light.
And, mints, eye drops, Nars Oil Blotting Papers, Tweezerman, nail file.
My signature scent is…
EAU du SOIR from Sisley. Early in my career, on my very first trip to Paris, I had the great opportunity to meet the creator and owner of this fabulously, exclusive, French brand, Hubert d’Ornano and his wife, Isabella. She was and remains such an inspiration to me on both a personal and professional level. She has such style, poise, chic beyond — and a most accomplished woman. I loved the scent she was wearing — it was so unique, complex, rich, feminine. I layer the scent every day starting with the luscious shower gel and the rich, moisturizing perfumed body cream. It is my little luxury treat every day.
My favorite skincare product is…
UV Protection. It is an absolute must step in my daily skincare routine. I will not step out of the house without applying to my face and neck as the last step to my regimen. There are many wonderful products but my current favorite is Chanel’s UV Essential Multi Protection SPF 50. In addition to protecting my skin it’s also a great make-up primer.
This summer, I will splurge on…
My current renovation of my 100-year-old antique home in Connecticut. I do have a personal objective to take up paddle boarding this summer with the kids. So, a paddle board is on my shortlist.
This summer, I cannot wait for…
Our traditional family get away to Martha’s Vineyard. Our extended family joins us from Texas and everyone has a great time. We all start the countdown for next year, the minute we get home.
The best beauty advice I’ve ever received was…
From my mother when I was quite young. She always took great care of her skin and she taught me early on that no matter what, you should properly cleanse your skin every night. I have stayed true to her advice and this has been my mantra as well. Also, she told me to stay out of the sun, but I was not so true to this one. However, I always use sun protection.
MORE:
See more beauty stories on SaksPOV.
Get to know more Saks Insiders.