The festive season is all about what you devour, the card parties you attend and how you play dress up. Thus, from cat eyeliner to statement eye makeup and a heavy flush of blush to a bold mouth, beauty enthusiasts use the celebrations as an opportunity to experiment with festive makeup looks. Needless to say, a solid foundation aka base makeup is key to tying a look with maximalist elements together. However, expecting your base makeup to endure drinks, sweets and meals, dance sessions and parties can become a little unrealistic, considering the humid weather.
We reached out to Florian Hurel, a celebrity makeup artist, to sound off his most trusted tips to keep base makeup freshly intact. Turns out, he’s big on skip prep for makeup. “It’s all about the prep,” he said, upon being asked about the significant one thing that impacts the longevity of the base makeup. “Skincare is of utmost importance for any makeup look, regardless of your skin type. When it comes to how makeup sits on your face, it’s all about what’s underneath.” Ahead, we break down the most relevant festive makeup tips for every skin type.
Oily Skin + Combination Skin
Zero points for guessing that oily skins are no stranger to challenges when it comes to long lasting makeup, owing to the perpetual secretion of sebum that moves the makeup.
For starters, targeting this excess oil accumulation on the epidermis of the skin is key. “Makeup for oily or combination skin should definitely begin by applying a lightweight moisturiser, followed by a mattifying primer,” suggests Hurel. “Opt for mattifying (skincare) products and massage them gently into the skin.” Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid and panthenol in your skincare products that benefit oily/combination skin in some way.
Relying on mattifying skincare and makeup products, such as the L’Oreal Paris Base Magique Primer or Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer SPF 20 will not only regulate the sebum but also render the skin a shine-free appearance all day round. It is certainly important to keep a loose powder or compact powder handy to mattify any areas that turn too oily and ensure the makeup stays locked in place for prolonged hours.
Pro tip:
In the case of oily skin, going with generous spritzes of a setting spray right after applying the primer can act as an added layer of precaution to prevent melting makeup.
Dry Skin + Mature Skin
It’s presumed that dry skin and base makeup can never be great friends, given the uneven moisture levels across the facial skin, and the susceptibility to peeling, red and flaking skin. However, the right skin prep can be the game-changer you’re looking for. “To achieve impeccable makeup for dry skin, you must go for a heavy-weight moisturiser followed by a dewy primer,” says Hurel, highlighting how the rules take a 180-degree shift. “Build your routine. Remember, cleansing and moisturising are also key parts of prepping for makeup, regardless of your skin type.” As far as dry or maturing skin is concerned, “less is more when it comes to makeup; minimal (and the right) usage of products can make all the difference.”
Hurel’s generic tips to follow:
- Always apply your products by applying thin layers and building as much as necessary
- Set the makeup with a loose powder and setting spray always
- Switch from your tinted moisturiser to long-wear foundations that stay on all day
- Ensure you carry along a beauty blender sponge to mop away the extra oils while leaving your foundation intact.
