Ever wondered how models get that gorgeous glowy skin as they walk out on the catwalk? Make-up is only half the story. In fact, it’s almost all to do with skin prep, with make-up artists, facialists and other skincare experts on hand hours before the show priming and plumping models’ faces, making sure their skin feels fresh and hydrated so that it’s the perfect blank canvas for whatever make-up artistry comes next. Vogue speaks to the experts to find out how it’s done.
Milena Naydenov, global head aesthetician at 111SKIN
“We cleanse the skin, followed by a layer of 111SKIN Antioxidant Energising Essence. Infused with revitalising ingredients and powerful antioxidants, the Energising Essence balances the skin, provides instant hydration and fights the signs of ageing.
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“Following a massage focusing on lymphatic drainage we apply our famed 111SKIN Facial Masks (Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask, Anti Blemish Bio Cellulose Facial Mask, Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask and Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Facial Mask) or Eye Masks (Single Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask, Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask). Our Anti Blemish Bio Cellulose Facial Mask was popular amongst the models, catering to skin that is constantly combatting the consequences of heavy make-up.
“To finish, we apply a mixture of our Molecular Hydration Liquid Mask and the Rose Gold Radiance Booster for added hydration, leaving the skin plump with a dewy sheen. The Rose Gold Radiance Booster is our cosmetics-meets-skincare booster that soothes and hydrates while leaving the skin with an illuminated finish. Tired skin will be transformed from dull to utterly iridescent. Taking inspiration from our popular Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, this booster is formulated with rosa damascena extract and pure gold to enhance the natural radiance of skin. Apply all over the face for a lasting luminosity or apply to higher points such as cheekbones and the bridge of the nose for a subtle illumination.
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“Meanwhile our Molecular Hydration Liquid Mask from our most recent liquid mask launch is hydrating, softening and plumping. Melting effortlessly into the skin to restore dry, dehydrated and compromised complexions, this concentrated formula saturates the skin with multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and other humectants to hydrate across all layers. With additional infusions that stimulate the skin’s own processes, this mask is the perfect way to achieve a soft, supple, and youthful complexion. Used in tandem, these products are a match made in radiance heaven!”
Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare
“This season was all about hydration to create a ‘plump skin effect’. I created the Harper Hydrator Facial, my two-step hack for double the plump skin and maximum dew. Start with the antioxidant-infused Nourishing Oil Cleanser to remove any make-up and build up without stripping the skin. Apply an even layer of the Hydrating Floral Mask, a hyper-hydrating mask packed with hyaluronic acid to recharge dry skin. The Hydrating Floral Mask floods the skin with 1,000 micro and macro sizes of hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom, sugar carbohydrates, and 36 other ingredients to instantly quench, replenish, soothe, and plump dry, dehydrated skin.
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“Let it sit for 20 minutes. Wipe off the mask gently with the Green Beauty Towelette. Following the mask, lightly spritz the Hydrating Floral Essence over the face and neck, massaging it to create a milky mix of the products. This technique uses the Hydrating Floral Essence to remove the Hydrating Floral Mask, so you’re supercharging your results and enhancing your benefits by not rinsing the mask off.
“Then, using a cloth or towel, gently pat away any excess product. The result? An instant and lasting dewy, plump complexion. Apply Restorative Eye Crème around the entire eye area to help diminish dryness and dark circles and finish off with Repairative Moisturiser, an ultra-hydrating moisturiser to leave skin with a dewy finish.”
Sunday Riley, founder of Sunday Riley
“To get your skin runway ready, start with a deeply purifying and nourishing cleanse with the Ceramic Slip Cleanser, which pulls dirt and impurities up and out of the skin while pulling in critical hydration.
“Next, a power-drink for your skin, Pink Drink Firming and Resurfacing Essence–a peptide-infused treatment that resurfaces, balances, and firms the look of the skin while supporting the natural microbiome.
“Finish with an all-in-one AHA-infused brightening treatment mask, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, which is designed to remove dull-looking, pore-clogging dead skin while plumping the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
“On top, apply Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream, the bestseller that banishes tired-looking eyes. This cream instantly delivers a depuffed look to the eye area while rapidly reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.”
Priscilla Ono, global make-up artist for Fenty Beauty
“The key to glowing skin starts with exfoliation–the gentle removal of old, dull skin cells on the surface of the skin. Unlike other chemical exfoliators, Pre-Show Glow gives both a chemical and gentle physical exfoliation, thanks to the reusable applicator. It offers double-duty exfoliation to help transform skin by smoothing and refining the look of pores, while evening tone and texture over time.
“Rihanna wanted to create a product that could help retexturise your skin. Great skin is always going to make your make-up look better–I love Pre-Show Glow as a make-up prep step. It takes only one minute and your skin looks so much smoother and glows. Plus, there’s no downtime, so I can apply make-up immediately after.”
