First you need a good primer. I love Smashbox primers – they are all great but I like the Photo Finish Hydrating Primer, £31, which I use in place of my day cream when I need my make-up to go the distance; too much face cream and it can lead to make-up slippage. Obviously, if your skin is very dry you’ll be able to use a day cream and primer without it affecting your make-up’s staying power.
Apply your eyeshadow first, that way if you get any fallout on your cheeks you can remove it before applying your foundation, bronzer, blusher etc. When it comes to eyeshadow (as well as bronzer and blusher) use powder formulas as anything creamy will slide. I love Illamasqua, which is a theatrical make-up brand used on stage and for shoots, the eyshadows are packed with pigment making them vibrant and long lasting, while Dior eyeshadows are always brilliant -the 5 Couleurs Artistry Palettes, £41, include a range of textures in the same colour group for no-brainer application. Bobbi Brown has just launched a long-wear eye collection so that’s worth a look –the new pencils, £17.50, give the smudgy look of traditional kohl without actually wearing off! For bronzers and blushers look to Jemma Kidd or MAC – they’re both professional make-up lines so a tad more robust!
Next up, foundation. I’d avoid anything too lightweight like a liquid or tinted moisturiser. If you have good skin, try Cover FX Cream Foundation SPF30, £X37, and with a concealer brush apply sparingly to the areas that need it.
If you want super flawless coverage, try Chanel’s new Vitalumiere Hydra SPF15, £39, which has the coverage of a compact foundation but the lightweight, comfortable feel on the skin akin to a liquid. It comes in a handy mirrored compact with sponge so it’s easy to reapply if needed.
I have blemished skin and come rain or shine I swear by Vichy Dermablend Dermasmooth Corrective Foundation, £15.50, it’s a liquid but it’s packed with pigment so it works like a camouflage to give you a flawless look. Also, it mingles with your skin and warms up so it actually looks better as the day goes on.
Concealer is such a personal thing. I love Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, £15, but Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage, £26, is also brilliant. Conceal around the areas that wear –the nostrils and chin, under the eyes (not forgetting the inner corners to brighten).
Translucent pressed powder or blotting papers (from Bobbi Brown or The Body Shop) are a handbag must to take down shine on your t-zone. Estee Lauder’s Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder, £25, is finely milled with optical blurrers so it will give the impression of perfectly flawless, luminous skin.
On your lips use a stain first like Max Factor lasting Lip Tint, £7.99, or the dual-ended Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour seal Balm, £21.50, apply a lipstick or tinted balm over the stain - that way when the gloss or lipstick wears off you’ll still have a pretty stained lip, making re-application less of a headache.
If you can escape back up to your room, pack a face mist from Caudalie, Jurlique or Benefit and use it to refresh your make-up once or twice throughout the day.
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