Favorite Skin Base Products (summer 2015)

First blog post!
Since I'm so frequently asked what my favorite products are, I figured I would start there. My favorite feature to focus on is skin. Whereas many people think of eyes or lips first when talking about makeup.... I feel like true skill and beauty is in the subtlties of texture and invisible layers of base products. And skin is unforgiving. Poor reactions between products against the wrong skin texture or tone, and it’s next to impossible to hide in person. So these are my staples, brought to every job and trusted to get the best look for any client!

 

[links to purchase on all product names]

 

[Skin products used for Nicole's look above: Embryolisse Lait Creme, milk of magnesia. MAC and NARS concealer, RCMA foundation for contour, MUFE HD Foundation. Hourglass lighting powders. MAC highlight and contour. Body Bling on body. All other colors are custom blends created by me. Above image is unedited or filtered! Ain't she just the prettiest little lady?]

 

 

We HAVE to start any great look with skin care. The following I am loyal to:

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula : used only if my client has flaky or tired skin. Instant rejuvination and game-changer for a perfect base for foundation.

Embryolisse moisturizers : I love the Lait-Creme Concentre for all dry and normal skin types. I use the Hydra-Mat Emulsion anytime I'm doing a more matte or long-wearing look. These are more often than not, the only primer/moisturizer I will use.

Milk of Magnesia : Yeah, of course not the intended purpose of the product, but it's absolutely my favorite way to block oiliness and makeup breakdown through stage, shoots, and long days. And though it drys to a white, chalky layer on the face... absolutely undectectable under makeup. 

 

Foundation/Base:

 

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Illuminator : I blend Sheer Beige into any foundation to which I want to give a warm/mildly pink subtle shimmer glow. I frequently use it to thin my cream foundations as opposed to a standard oil.

RCMA Foundation : If I were to only ever use one, this would be it. Buildable, adjustable, longwearing, and beautiful. Having the palettes are great for my kit. I can do correction, color-matching, contouring etc for any skin tone.

Honorable mention for Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in the original formula. Since it's relaunch, which I've not found to be as creamy or blendable, I'm clinging to my stash! Another favorite for film and photography.

 

 

Conceal and Correct:

 

MAC Studio Sculpt Conceal and Correct Palette : Wishing MAC sold the light pink tone separately, I use it on myself everyday to hide my blue circles under my eye. It's also used on many clients as well.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer : If I need to give the skin a bump of light under the eyes or in the "highlight" zones, this product is smooth and lays beautifully.

MAC Prolongwear Concealer : It's a makeup artist's standard for a reason. It does the job and holds up well. I have noticed that one must pay attention to their moisturizing routine as well as skin hydration on the day intended for wear. This product can quickly emphasis dry undereyes and I would say I usually don't have to set this with a powder because of it's drier formula.

 

 

Contour:

RCMA Foundation: takes it again. Using the palettes and contour color wheels are all I need.

Kat Von D: I have two of these palettes. I think that says enough! I can easily make almost a whole face out of these shades.

Mac: These sculpting powders are soft and blend beautifully. I just wish MAC were cruelty free.

 

Highlight:

Soft & Gentile: This is a daily go-to highlighter on myself. Whereas the chunks of occasionally obvious glitter used to bother me, once I have my whole look blended together, they've been brushed away and you're left with a glow that looks a whole lot more expensive than it really is.

Mary Lou-Manizer: Go-to shade for my pale clients. No chunkiness. Also makes for a lovely eyeshadow.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette: Without a doubt more subtle than the previous two. But one of my favorites to give a full-face glow that doesn't look over-done. My favorite for more mature skin.

 

Setting Powder:

RCMA Translucent: Game changer. Mic drop. Show's over, folks. I call it my "bullet-proof" setting powder for any skin type.

Rimmel: I finish my daily face using this firm but light setting powder under eyes and in fine lines. Used with a flat-top brush, this gives me seemlessly blended skin.

 

 

Hopefully that was helpful and gave you some ideas for great products to add to your collection! Let me know what you think!