Not everything used on a runway has to be priced for couture. Backstage, make-up artists use what works, and many times that’s a face cream from the pharmacy—and even better, it’s priced affordably.
Combine these face creams with a basic gesture, a mini facial massage to stimulate blood circulation and recover the skin’s luminosity, a favourite of Prada make-up director Lynsey Alexander and YSL global beauty director Tom Pecheux. Below, some creams they like.
Viral on TikTok (and with SPF)
CeraVe’s Facial Moisturising Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is one of the most viral brands on TikTok, and its facial cream with sun protection sneaks into the backstage for several reasons: It is non-greasy, hydrating and soothing thanks to the formula of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and it incorporates enough sun protection to protect the skin of passing models hours behind the scenes but also outdoors before stepping on the catwalk.
A 15-use balm
The famous multi-purpose balm Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream had searches on Amazon than the new iPhone in 2017. It has up to 15 different uses, including setting eyebrows, and model Elsa Pataky confirms that she uses it on her children, and has more than 12,000 honest reviews on Amazon alone. Its balm texture and formula with natural ingredients such as beeswax make it a safe bet to soften dry skin.
Moisturiser also used as a highlighter
Weleda’s Skin Food is another cult staple-classic with fans like Victoria Beckham, who has said that she would love for it to be made “in larger bottles.” Makeup artists love to use it with already made-up skin to give it a finished off glow. Ingredients include oils from vegetable, wild chamomile, and calendula.
French pharmacy staple
Lait-Crème Concentré from Embryolisse is a very light and soothing cream that’s an excellent primer and can even be used as a face mask. And with more than 24,000 reviews on Amazon, the hype is real.
Thermal water mist
The Face Mist from La Roche-Posay is rich in selenium, trace elements, and has great calming power, so it’s a helpful tool for skin between shows. Make-up artist Olivier Échaudemaison suggests: Place a tissue on the entire face as a mask, enhance the thermal water and gently press that paper so that it covers the entire face.
This story was originally published on Vogue.com.
