Dawn 'til Dusk

Getting your makeup to last throughout the day can be a challenge, but Melli gives us some industry tips.

Working as a makeup artist in the entertainment industry I’ve learnt many a trick over the last few decades to create a polished look that will last under the hot lights and doesn’t require too many touch ups for the actors and presenters.

For foundation, the trick is layering. Before you apply foundation, prep the skin, applying a primer. I like to use a primer that does double duty as a skin retexturizer. The Velvet Mousse primer does just that: it’s a mousse, so it works almost like Photoshop, smoothing out the skin. It also helps the foundation stay in place and apply beautifully.

Then, then when it comes to your foundation, stippling is the best option. It’s a rolling and pressing bouncing action, and I use it to apply several layers, rather than one thick layer which doesn’t look as good and definitely won’t last as

If skin is quite oily or has enlarged pores I will also do a little trick where I buff in a small amount of High Def powder over the top of the primer in the T-Zone area just before the I apply foundation. It really does work.

Finish off the base by applying the High-Def powder again, concentrating mainly in the T-Zone area using the damp Airbrush FX sponge.

Another tip: always make sure you aren’t too heavy-handed with your moisturiser in the morning, and give it time to soak in before you start your foundation.

Getting eyeliner to stay all day without smudging is something I am asked about a lot. Both on set and in everyday life I always set my liner with an eyeshadow. Do this by using a tightly packed small eye brush and run your brush across a similar toned eyeshadow. Then press the shadow into the liner. This locks it in and stops the ‘migration’ effect. I also love how it tends to soften any hard lines.

Finally, do carry a compact. I think women have lost the art of checking their face in a compact. It’s a beautiful feminine act of self-love to pull out that compact, reapply that lippy, lightly powder your nose and smile confidently, knowing your makeup looks fabulous!

When not creating addictive wearable shades and pretty packaging for her Cruelty Free Makeup Range, Melissa “Melli” Carter freelances as a makeup artist looking after some of Australia’s best-known faces in the TV and film industry. Her favourite thing to do is to share the ‘magic tricks’ she has collected over the last few decades with everyday women to bring out their confidence and natural beauty. Meet her at our exclusive Gorgeous Excuse events in 2020. Click here for more details.