7 beauty tips from top make-up artists

Image credits: Getty Images

There are two key criteria for successful make-up when you’re under the glare of the A-list spotlight: it has to be naturally flattering and it has to last until the after-party. speaks to Sir John, the superstar make-up artist who Beyoncé (above) and Joan Smalls have on speed dial, and Mary Greenwell, who works with the likes of Cate Blanchett and Jessica Chastain, for their expert advice on how to create red carpet-worthy looks.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

“I like the last thing I put on before the foundation to be moisturiser, a super-hydrating day moisturiser,” says Greenwell. “Especially when it comes to the red carpet.” Quenching the skin before applying make-up helps to boost brightness: “I’d use something like the 111 Skin Rose Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, leave it on for 20 minutes, then a light serum instead of a primer,” she tells .

Glow up

The holy grail when it comes beauty these days is ‘lit from within’ skin. And this particularly applies in summer, when heavy make-up is out and natural radiance comes into its own. Sir John confirms that the look his clients ask for most is: “Glowing skin, statement eyes and/or lips.” That VIP glow sets the tone for the whole aesthetic.

Play with textures

For make-up that really lasts, Sir John says: “Duality is key. Make sure you finish each cream application with powder – for example, pencil in the brows and then set with a shadow. This double-application technique creates a Teflon face.” The same rule applies for your base, foundation, blush or highlighter – set all cream-based products with a finishing powder for long-lasting velvety skin.

Lead with the eyes

The order in which make-up is applied often divides the experts, but according to Sir John, “this is how it goes: moisturiser, brows, eyes (clean up any fall-out shadow with cotton bud and water-based make-up remover), stipple on foundation or skin tint with a wet beauty blender, concealer, then set concealer with a loose powder, sculpt or contour, then apply highlighter, blush, and top it all off with two coats of mascara and the lip.” Et, voilà!

Match shades carefully

Getting your base shade just right will make all the difference, especially if you want your make-up to look like an extension of yourself, rather than a separate mask. “To find a colour match, test the product on the side of your neck, in the best light possible,” advises Greenwell. “Even if you’re in a department store, try to get to a window and look in the strongest natural light. If it works on your neck, it will work on your face.”

Neutral is the warmest colour

While different skin tones and eye colours will suit different eyeshadows, a neutral hue guarantees a chic but subtle impact. Sir John says that “a warm brown, one shade deeper than your complexion” is the most flattering shade to enhance the eyes. For dark circles, he adds, “a peach- or pink-based concealer (something with a warm undertone) will neutralise any blue you see under the eyes.”

Don’t underestimate the power of the brow

Great brows will add immediate dimension and help to sculpt the face, but keeping the look natural is key. “If you’re filling in your brows, you want a natural overall shading, rather than to fill in the hairs individually,” says Greenwell. “I take the pencil right down to the skin and literally shade it in, it’s much better than creating pencil lines which can look a little drawn on. Once the brows are shaped and defined, then add the gel – brushing upwards to apply.”

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