Tricks of the Trade: Skin
In honor of award season, we’re asking some of our favorite makeup artists to dish on their red carpet beauty tricks. This three-part series will post daily from now until next week. First up, skin. A perfect complexion is a red carpet (err, and everyday life) must, but, as we woman can attest, getting gorgeous, healthy, even skin takes some serious work. Read below for some key tricks to faking a flawless complexion, and the products needed to get A-list-worthy skin.
1. What are the tricks used to keep skin shine-free all night?
“To keep skin shine-free all night, I love using mattifying primer before putting on foundation. I love Jouer Matte Primer ($38) and Christian Dior Matte Primer ($42). These products keep the makeup in place and prevent the harsh lights from giving off shine. After you put on your foundation, set with translucent powder over your T-zone and then keep blotting papers on you throughout the night to touch up,” says Makeup Artist Deanna Melluso, who works with Natasha Lyonne, Olivia Wilde, Bella Thorne. “Blotting papers by Tatcha ($12) is my product of choice. You can blot away while not removing your beautiful makeup.”
2. What are the tricks used to keep makeup in place all night?
“I love the All Nighter Spray from Urban Decay ($30). It’s always my final touch for red carpet looks that need to last,” says Kirin Bhatty, makeup artist to Jessica Paré, Sasha Pieterse, and Alessandra Ambrosio.
3. What are the tricks used to cover an unfortunate pimple?
“A trick I use for getting rid of an unfortunate breakout is applying a high coverage concealer such as Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer ($48). Make sure it matches your skin tone, if it is lighter than your skin tone you will see the coverage. Then set with powder,” says Melluso.
“If you have the unfortunate blemish, don’t go heavier with your foundation. Instead, go back after foundation with a heavily pigmented concealer – I use Kryolan Dermacolor ($29) – and stipple it only onto the blemish and any redness that surrounds it with a small pointed brush,” explains makeup artist Darlene Jacobs, who works with Kate Mara and Lizzy Caplan. “I like to use short bristled eyeshadow brushes for this, rather than a concealer brush, like Smashbox Definer Brush #15 ($24). If the blemish is raised, you may need to apply a lighter concealer to the bottom side of the blemish to combat any shadow it may cast. Finish with powder and be careful to press the powder onto the blemish so you don’t move the concealer. Keep the part of the face with the blemish free of shimmers or glitters; they will catch the light and draw attention to it.”
4. What are the tricks used to get skin looking even and airbrushed?
“The tricks used to keep skin even and airbrushed is good skin preparation and makeup application. Make sure you prepare the skin well and hydrate it. I love prepping with Sisley Radiant Glow Mask ($128) and then spraying with Sisley Floral Mist Spray ($100). This makes the skin glow,” explains Melluso. “You can then start applying your makeup. For making foundation look airbrushed and flawless, I like to apply it with a damp Beauty Blender ($20). I use the Blender in a tapping motion around the face. This makes the skin even without having too much product clump in certain areas.”
5. What are the tricks used to get beautiful, tanned skin?
“I love a cream bronzer like Chanel’s ($48) and a bronze highlighter like Armani Fluid Sheer ($62) to make skin look tan and glowy,” says Bhatty. Also, Kate Somerville’s Self Tanning Towelettes ($48) for face are a foolproof way to get a tan that lasts and is natural looking.
