Tips & tricks to making your makeup last!

I hear this all the time.....will my makeup last all day, night, week?

There really isn't a simple answer to this. The longevity of your makeup begins with your skin. If your skin is well maintained, exfoliated, well moisturised you're 80% there. We are not lying when we say that! Makeup sits nicer, it melts nicely into your skin and it gives your makeup a chance to do what its meant to do - last for a long time. If you are preparing for your wedding or a special event I highly advise investing in facials. These skin angels (aka facialist) are well trained in assessing your skin condition and needs and will ensure your skin is in the best condition for the day. For all you Melbourne peeps I highly recommend:
www.skinologie.com.au or www.erase.com.au

Once you have sorted your skin out that's when makeup matters. Lets start with your base. Depending on your skin type (oily, combination, dry) I like to use a suitable primer. If you have dry skin a beautiful moisturiser for dry skin is more then sufficient (don't buy into all the marketing!!). For oily, combination or normal skin I like to use a primer. For very oily skin I tend to go for a mattifying or oil free primer, something that absorbs the excess oil. For normal or combination skin you have the freedom to choose the finish - radiant, oil free, illuminate, matte etc. 

Below are some of my favourites: By Terry Hylaronic Primer available at MECCA , Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer available at Selfridges and the iconic Embryolisse 

The only other primer I use on the face is an eye primer. As your eyelids are the oiliest part of your body I HIGHLY recommend using one.... as in YOU HAVE TO USE ONE!!!! My two favourite (tried and tested) are NARS Pro Prime and MAC Prep + Prime 24 hr Extend Eye Base. They will ensure your eyeshadow stays put and assists in the product not creasing or moving around.

Last but not least, once all your makeup is on I like to spray the face with a setting spray. Is this a necessary step? no, but it helps.  A few quick spritz of this unicorn water is all you need before you hit the town! The two I use the most are Model In A Bottle and Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

As mentioned there is no simple answer to ensuring long lasting makeup. These steps will definitely help you get your face party proof ready!

Feel free to contact me with any questions or to book a makeup application.

Zoe Karlis - Melbourne Makeup Artist
info@zoekarlismakeup.com.au

My current must have products.

I'm a total beauty junkie. In fact, so much so it's embarrassing. But on the bright side my embarrassment is your benefit. Im forever trying and testing all the new amazing (and not so great!) goodies.

Here are a few products that I have been religiously using, some old & some new.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
Yes. Yes its still on my list. I have tried & tested many foundations both on myself and clients and I have yet to find a better one. The finish is just beautiful, it replicates skin and the colour range is generous. If you have very oily skin I would suggest priming your skin well with a mattifying primer. For makeup artists who would like to stock it in their kit Id suggest colours #2, #6, #6.5, #9 & #14.

David Jones 
Selfridges 
Barneys

La Roche Posay Corrective Fluide Foundation
OH MY GOODNESS!! This foundation is my personal absolute favourite. The coverage - perfect! It is high coverage but still looks like beautiful natural skin. The colour - perfect! I use #Tan and I have never found a colour so perfect. The longevity - perfect! I wear this all day long and it lasts. Now if that is not enough it is also good for your skin:

• 100% allergy tested.
• 0% parabens, fragrance and alcohol.
• Formulated with neurosensine.
• Non-comedogenic.
• SPF 25.

La Roche Posay Website
Priceline 

Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara
This mascara has been a long time staple both in my personal makeup bag and my professional kit. I can apply this unique Japanese fibre mascara and know it wont budge, smudge or flake....not one little bit. And because the formula tubes around the lash you can easily wash it off with warm water. I LOVE THIS!!!!

Mecca  

By Terry Dual Powder #8 #7 #6
This I can claim as my recent discovery. Although being out for a while it took me a little bit to purchase a few to try (lets be honest I knew I was going to be addicted). Guess what, Im addicted! The soft, buttery, powder formula is so fine and beautifully pigmented that is blends perfectly.  I have #6, #7 & #8 which I find quite universal and suits most skin tones.

Mecca

Make Up For Ever Aqua Paint XL
Without a doubt Make Up For Ever are a well respected brand particularly amongst makeup artist. THEY KNOW THERE STUFF! I have been using there aqua paints not only for their beautiful colour but also for their incredible staying power. As most of us know, our eyelids are the oiliest parts of our body but despite that these creme shadows withstand all of that and last forever!  

Sephora
PM Studio

Makeup fit for a princess!

I think it's only fair to dedicate my first blog post on my new website (finally!!) to the most gorgeous bride I ever did see - Megan Markle aka 'The Dutchess of Sussex.

Being an avid Suits fan I felt I knew Rachel, ah i mean Megan, quite intimately. I waited with much anticipation not only to see her gorgeous dresses but to also see what her preference was for makeup and hair. She didn't disappoint.

Aided by Danial Martin, Megan went for a refreshingly, low maintenance look, opting to naturally enhance her beauty. This I thought was a very clever and stunningly beautiful thing to do. I am a working Australian makeup & hair artist and do many weddings a year. I cringe, in fact secretly loath, receiving reference shots of overdone, caked on, severely edited images *cough Kim Kardashian *cough. Im all for looking the absolute best on your very special day but you don't have to plaster your face with makeup or do a traditional bridal hairstyle just because its your wedding. Do whatever is going to make you feel comfortable and beautiful and your confidence that comes with that will take care of the rest!