Inside The Make-Up Kit Of A Top Make-Up Artist

“As a make-up artist working with hundreds, if not thousands, of faces, I have to be prepared for every scenario, which is why my skincare kit is so intensive. If someone has had too much salt or wakes up puffy, I always want something on hand that can quickly bring the skin back to life, so Dr Idriss The Depuffer Arnica Roll-On Serum is one of those products I love having in my kit. The night before make-up is just as important, especially if someone is dealing with flaky or very dry skin, which is why I always recommend Dr Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask before a red carpet or big shoot – it makes make-up go on so much more smoothly the next day.

If anyone needs a big shot of hydration, I reach for Rhode Glazing Milk. I use it on myself and my clients, and my skin prep always depends on the finish we’re going for. If someone wants fresh, dewy skin, I like to layer it right before moisturiser. For me personally, Dieux Skin Instant Angel is one of those staples I do not think anything else could replace. And when it comes to primer, I keep coming back to Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer – it is honestly the only primer I have been using.”

“I tend to mix foundations the same way other people mix lipsticks – it is all about getting the exact finish and colour you want. I usually start with a liquid formula, then go in with creams only where I need a little more coverage. I love using Dior Forever Perfect Skin Stick Foundation as an add-on after M.A.C Face And Body, while Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Natural Finish Foundation is another favourite because it is buildable and lasts for so long. When I am in a rush, I reach for my Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick because it is so easy to use and gives the nicest finish on my skin.

For concealer, Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 is amazing because you need so little. It is especially good for areas where the product tends to rub off easily, like around the nose and on the chin. Powder-wise, I love By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder because it is so fine and leaves the skin looking really smooth. I use it on all my clients before going in with a coloured powder, but if someone is oily, I need something that really absorbs shine, which is where Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder wins for me. The shade range is incredible, and the finish is beautiful, depending on how you use it.

For contour, Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick has been my go-to for a while – I love the shade range and can use the sticks as both contour and bronzer. For bronzer, Saie has one of the best powder formulas I have ever used. And one of the best concealers ever is NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – they have really figured out the shade range, and it works beautifully on everyone.”

“I cannot live without Makeup By Mario palettes. I use the  Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals and Makeup By Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: Nature for brows and eyes, and for creating everything from something soft and sculpted to a more defined evening look. I especially love the sparkle shades in the bigger palettes. I always have a soft spot for brands created by make-up artists because they really understand how products need to perform in real life and on set.

“Mascaras really depend on the day and the kind of longevity I need. Sometimes I want something waterproof, and sometimes I want something I can remove more easily at the end of the night, so I always keep a good selection in my kit. That said, I keep coming back to M·A·C Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara, and I also love the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara and Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara because of the brushes and formulas. I keep alternating between them.”

“For lip liners, Mario did it again – they are amazing. M·A·C  will always be a classic, too, and lately I have also been reaching for Mary Phillips, whose lip liners are so beautiful. For finishing touches, I have been loving Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid on the high points of the face – it just pulls everything together and gives the skin that final bit of light.”

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