Cosmetics company opens in Sisters

The Belle is a new store in Sisters with old-fashioned appeal - yet there is an international company behind it. The store, which holds its grand opening this weekend, touts its "cosmetics and fancy goods." The Classified Cosmetics it sells were developed by a couple with Sisters connections.

Yolanda and Rodger Halston created a one-of-a-kind spray on foundation for post-surgery patients. However, the aerosol can which works like an expensive airbrushing machine quickly caught on with celebrities and is now sold around the world. The long list of celebrity customers includes Demi Moore, who once stopped shooting a movie when she ran out of Classified's foundation.

The Halstons have flown more than one million miles around the globe selling their unique product. Cosmetic counters in Japan, New Zealand, France, England and Italy sell Classified Cosmetics. The couple purchased unique items on their travels, from Japanese umbrellas to hand-woven pillow shams, which they sell in their new store along with make-up.

"When you walk in the store, it should feel like an old hotel lobby or parlor," said Yolanda Halston.

Halston sees many famous faces in her work as a Hollywood make-up artist. Yet, it was the face of a female police officer that inspired her to launch the company. After years of sun damage, the officer underwent laser skin resurfacing. While doctors tell their patients they can return to work in about a week, the officer along with many other patients still had skin that was as shiny and red as a tomato.

The doctor asked Halston to recommend a foundation to hide the healing skin but none would cover the intense color.

"It never left the back of my mind," said Halston.

Halston thought about the popularity of applying make-up to actors with an airbrush. Then she worked on the technology for five years before launching ERA Face foundation which is simply sprayed on in seconds and gives a natural look. She is the founder and CEO of Classified Cosmetics.

"I was creating a product to go on injured skin so it had to be the best," said Halston.

Her husband, Rodger, grew up in Sisters. He left for Hollywood in his 20s with only $100 in his pocket and slept in a tent in a friend's backyard while he pursued an acting career. His gamble paid off and he has acted in more than 30 films and television productions. At one of his acting jobs he met Yolanda and they now live in Malibu, California. As co-founder and president of Classified Cosmetics, he oversees manufacturing and develops marketing concepts.

Rodger's family, who live in Sisters, are assisting in running The Belle. Yolanda hopes the atmosphere, where customers sit at antique vanities, will be friendlier than trying on cosmetics under harsh department store lights. Future plans for The Belle include spa treatments on the second floor. Yolanda has a long list of Hollywood celebrities who use her product but she wants The Belle to be a destination for the local people of Sisters.

"It's going to be a place where moms can come with their daughters and friends can come too," said Yolanda.

As the parents of a baby girl, the Halstons are glad to have more excuses to visit their family here in Sisters as they get their new store off the ground.

The Belle is located near Sisters Library at 450 E. Cascade Ave. The grand opening begins this Friday, August 4 and runs through Sunday, August 6.