Pop in for Make-Up Application at Water Mill Pop-Up

With just two weekends left before Labor Day, a trio of friends are testing their idea for a make-up salon, setting up shop in Water Mill.

Made opened last weekend in the Water Mill Shoppes, and the pop-up shop will be opened in the former Water Mill Cupcake Store just through Labor Day.

"We jumped on an opportunity," Tracy Parsons, one of the owners, said. "It's a quick adventure" to get their feet wet before opening their first store.

Parsons and her business partners Ana Lubar and Nicole Holbrook have been friends for 11 years, since meeting at Bucknell University. They are preparing to open their flagship store in the Flatiron District in New York City in early 2014.

The friends came up with the concept just over a year ago, and, in June, they left their full-time jobs in advertising to focus on Made. "When we were in advertising, we were working on beauty and luxury goods. We're kind of beauty junkies at heart," Parsons said.

Specialty salons, such as dryer bars and places that offer eyebrow maintenance, have popped up all around New York City in recent years. However, Parsons said a place to get your make-up done quickly and professionally was still missing.

"When it comes to make up, you're really kind of paying an exorbitant amount of money for a professional make-up artist or you're stuck at a crazy, chaotic counter, like at Bloomingdale's, Saks, or Sephora. You never know what you'll look like — a clown or drag queen — and there's often tears associated with it," Parsons said.

At Made, they want to tap into experience, a comfortable atmosphere and price point.

Appointments last about 30 to 45 minutes and cost $40. At the pop-up location, they are focusing on four looks, but will expand on that when they open in New York City. 

Mary Gordon, who has been in the business for over 15 years, has joined as the Director of Make Up Artistry, and several professional make-up artists have been brought in as freelancers from New York City.

The pop-up shop will be open Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m to 7 p.m., and the Sunday before Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-booked appointments are 20 percent off.

For more information, visit Made's website at MadeHamptons.com or its Facebook page Made Make Up Lounge, or call (631) 726-0808.