MATTE
Photographer: Phoebe Cheong
Model: Holly Buckle
Makeup: Jennifer Newell
Hair: Amy George
A matte finish is only recommended for those lucky enough to have youth on their side (under 35s) as well as having a perfect complexion, as it can sometimes highlight flaws, imperfections and fine lines. For a matte complexion I suggest using an oil free moisturiser followed by a mattifying foundation. I use Mac’s Studio Fluid Fix, which gives excellent coverage with a natural matte finish. I also like using Mac’s Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. This is a dry powder that is brushed onto the skin to create a matte, velvety texture. It contains Silica, which helps to maintain a matte finish by absorbing oils on the skin, as well as Talc to provide a smoother, less reflective, matte finish. I will either use this on it’s own or applied over the Studio Fluid Fix depending on the desired finish.
SATIN SHEEN
Photographer: Phoebe Cheong
Model: Natasha Amoretti
Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Newell
A satin base is a flattering finish for all skin types and ages with the perfect balance between glowing and matte.
For this look the skin was prepped as the same way before to create a smooth canvas. Again, Mac’s Strobe Liquid was applied before the foundation to reflect light. Using a liquid foundation a sheer layer was applied with a brush all over the face then more was added to touch up the areas that needed extra work.
I used Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15 it blends well giving an even coverage making skin look fresh and healthy. You don’t even look like you are wearing any base at all. I also like using Olay Essentials Complete Care Touch Of Max Factor Foundation Moisturising Cream SPF15 for a lighter coverage. It is a hydrating daily moisturiser with sheer colour from Max Factor. It evens out your complexion for a light finish. Rimmel’s Wake Up & Glow Liquid Foundation is another excellent light reflecting base. Its light, moisturising texture gives an instant flawless, natural-looking finish.
A concealer was applied to lift features. Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent was added to areas that looked dark from under the eye to the socket and down the sides of the nose and across the cheeks (forming a curved tick/swoop shape). I use this product to correct and brighten.
DEWY SKIN
Photographer: Phoebe Cheong
Model: George Landless
Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Newell
For dewy perfection prep your skin using the skin regime recommended in the posts before. I would recommend using a rich moisturiser before using a primer. Once I prepped the skin for this look I applied Mac’s Strobe Liquid all over the face, I then used my absolute favourite tinted moisturiser Garnier’s BB Cream, in just one step, it evens, covers, illuminates and hydrates skin. I love it because it is makeup and skincare in one, giving skin a luxurious glow.
TIP: to create a dewy flawless finish I apply this tinted moisturiser with a brush and then use a sponge to blend into the skin.
Next, apply a highlighter to the cheeks and any raised points such as your brow bones, cheek bones and down the centre of your nose. This look is all about creamy textures so steer clear from powders, instead use a cream based blusher to create a youthful rosy glow.
FACE BASES
Get complexion perfect with my favourite foundations, tinted moisturisers, concealers and highlighters.
Whether you want to create a dewy, satin or matte finish to your skin follow my tips to cheat your way to the complexion God didn’t give you!
PRIME TIME
Once you’ve prepped your skin you are one step closer to flawless, polished skin.
Finally, to ensure your makeup doesn’t slip and slide all day long, use a primer and preconcealer for flawless results. While it might seem like a lot of steps, you’ll find that getting your skin in good shape first will give you the perfect palette for which to apply your makeup.
A face primer is one of models’ best kept secrets. For the final pre-makeup skin treatment, look for a primer with silicone as a main ingredient. This will fill in any unwanted crevices, leaving your skin perfectly smooth for makeup application.
An added benefit is that a primer acts as a protective barrier preventing your moisturizer and skin’s oils from mixing with your makeup. A primer sets the stage for flawless makeup application.
Mac’s Prep and Prime Natural Radiance is a silky gel emulsion that hydrates and primes to improve foundation or powder application, control oil and promote smooth texture. Vitamins E and C protect with antioxidants, while caffeine calms and reduces redness. Illuminating pearl powders reflect optic brightening. I never use foundation without prepping the skin first, it gives skin a shot of radiance and really helps foundation last.
I also like to use Mac’s Strobe Liquid to achieve a look that appears healthy, radiant and illuminated from within. Iridescent pigments produce a soft radiant light on the skin, reducing the appearance of skin imperfections by providing a natural looking glow. The texture is perfect and foundation glides over the top smoothly and evenly
As a makeup artist when choosing a skin care range it is recommended to opt for one that is not highly perfumed and is suited for sensitive skin. When doing beauty and fashion shoots, bridal makeup, pre-recorded television, and videos I always use a full range of skin care products that cleanse, tone and moisturise. However, when time is precious or when working on location completing a full skin care regime before applying makeup is not always convenient. Using wipes and moisturiser is required to save time. It is essential to always carry wipes in your makeup kit.
(Image Source: http://www.boots.com)
My Favourite Skin Savers:
Best Spot Treatment: Dermalogica’s Overnight Clearing Gel.
Whether you suffer from the odd pimple or more problematic skin you need to make this your new best friend come bed time! This miracle gel fights spots in your sleep; it inhibits bacteria growth but doesn’t dry out or irritate the skin.
Best Face Mask for Oily/Combination Skin: Clarin’s Truly Matte Pure and Radiant Mask. This deep-purifying mask cleans, tightens and refines pores, leaving a fresh matte result in just 5 minutes. Softens, smoothes and comforts my skin.
Best Lip Product: Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Lip Balm. Helps to prevent and protect my chapped, cracked or wind-burned lips.
(Image Source: http://www.dermalogica.co.uk, http://www.clarins.co.uk/Truly-Matte-Pure-and-Radiant-Mask, http://www.boots.com/ en/Palmers-Cocoa-Butter-Formula-Lip-Balm-with-SPF-15-4g_955261/)
EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation means removing the outer layer of the skin together with dead skin cells. This is achieved by applying a cosmetic which will soften the surface cells and aids the removal of these cells very gently.
Why exfoliate?
Skin texture is improved, products are more readily absorbed, it increases circulation resulting in the respiratory function and colour of the skin is improved.
I believe that the best facial exfoliator is Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. These fine exfoliating grains are so gentle it can be used every day without aggravating the skin. It is very effective in clearing congestion in the skin.
(Image Source: http://www.dermalogica.co.uk)
Usually it is only recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week to avoid drying the skin out or running the risk of bursting delicate blood vessels under the skin. Clarin’s Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream with Microbeads Exfoliating and Polishing Scrub makes a clean sweep of dull, flaky surface cells while tightening pores. Skin emerges fresh, smooth and refined.
(Image Source: http://www.clarins.co.uk)
BEST NIGHT CREAM
I absolutely swear by Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil for Oily/Combination Skin. In the evening, after thorough cleansing and toning, apply a small amount to face and neck. It’s Rebalancing oils are made from 100% pure plant extracts and is a great problem solver for combination skin. This has really sorted my skin out; my skin feels wonderfully supple and refreshed, pores looks smaller, my skin is smoother, and blemishes almost disappear completely. This is one product that I will keep in my regime for years to come!
(Image Source: http://www.clarins.co.uk/Lotus-Face-Treatment-Oil-%22Oily/Combination-Skin%22/C010401003,en_GB,pd.html?start=1)
Another hard working hydrator to use at night is Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex Serum. Sunbathing sins are reversed and lines are smoothed. A little on the pricey side this but you only need to look at the people who use it regularly to see they have incredibly soft skin. I like to treat myself to this when my skin needs a boost.
(Image Source: http://www.esteelauder.co.uk)
Jennifer Newell 