My Favourite Beauty Products: A Makeup Artist’s Edit
People always ask what I use myself, so here are my favourite beauty products right now. Some I’ve repurchased for years and some are newer finds, in no particular order.
My Favourite Beauty Products for Skincare
Hyaluronic serum: Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum
If this isn’t already part of your skincare routine, add it ASAP. Hyaluronic serum keeps your skin hydrated and plump and gives it a fresh glow. Apply after cleansing and before moisturiser: dispense two drops and pat onto damp skin. Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum
Exfoliation: Biologique Recherche P50W
This has been an absolute game changer for me. You can’t buy it without authorisation from a dermatologist or skincare specialist; I get mine from consultant dermatologist Dr. Catriona Ryan at the Institute of Dermatologists in Ballsbridge. I first met Dr. Ryan when she was a bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding, which I was doing makeup for. Her knowledge and passion for healthy skin stuck with me, and she’s who I recommend to my brides for injectables. Institute of Dermatologists
Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46
I’ve become very passionate about sunscreen, and I’m sorry I left it this late in life! UVA rays (the ageing rays) are present all year round and can penetrate glass. So if you drive or work beside a window, your skin is still being damaged. Dr. Ryan introduced me to this zinc-based tinted sunscreen. I was dubious because it seemed quite thick, but I love it! It sits perfectly under my makeup and doesn’t cause separation. I apply one full pump as the last step of my skincare and wait five minutes before makeup. EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46
Tan
Face tan: Pestle & Mortar Glow Drops
I’m fussy about face tans because most contain alcohol, which dries out your skin. These don’t, and they won’t cause irritation. Add 1–2 drops to your moisturiser for a natural look, or 3–4 drops when you’re wearing body tan. Mix, massage in gently, and wipe your eyebrows and eyelids with a tissue afterwards. Pestle & Mortar Glow Drops
Body tan: Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam (Medium)
I try loads of tans, but I keep coming back to this one. I love the tone, it doesn’t dry out my skin, and it fades evenly. (Tan Thursday, who’s with me?) Bare by Vogue Self Tan Foam
Bridal spray tan: Lusso or Vita Liberata
for bridal spray tans I love the Lusso or Vita liberate both which are available at Skin & Bodyworks , these ladies are amazing at spray tan applications.
My Favourite Beauty Products for Makeup
Everyday foundation: Sculpted by Aimee Second Skin (Dewy)
My everyday favourite. It’s light to medium coverage, applies beautifully and lasts really well on my skin. I apply it with the Carly Fisher foundation brush and set it with By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder to take away shine on my T-zone. Sculpted by Aimee Second Skin · By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder
Eyeshadow: Too Faced Born This Way Natural Nudes Palette
I wear this most days. I adore the colours, I can create anything from super natural to more dramatic, and it suits every skin tone. Too Faced Natural Nudes Palette
Eye brushes: Rebeluna Cosmetics
Rebeluna make the best eye brushes. They’re soft for blending and really durable. Rebeluna Cosmetics
Mascara: Benefit They’re Real! Magnet
I’ve used this since it launched, and honestly, it’s the best mascara ever! Benefit They’re Real! Magnet
Lips: Charlotte Tilbury and Mrs Glam
My favourite lip liner is Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Hot Gossip, a tawny rose. It gives definition and colour, so I can wear it with just lip balm, and it works under lots of different lipsticks. For lipstick, I alternate between Charlotte Tilbury Bitch Perfect (I often recommend it for bridesmaids) and Mrs Glam in Regal Rose. My favourite gloss is Charlotte Tilbury Jewel Lips in Champagne Diamonds. For more lip tips, read my guide to finding the perfect bridal lipstick.
Hair and Lashes
Hair oil: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
It smells divine. I apply it to my mid-lengths and ends after every wash, and it leaves my hair hydrated, shiny, protected and easy to style. Olaplex No. 7
Lash serum: iGlow Lash Maximizer
One of my best ever finds. It takes about six weeks to really work, and you need to use it every night. Run the brush along your top lash line, as close to the roots as you can. It may sting for a couple of minutes, and you might notice some redness along the lash line at first; that’s normal. But the difference in the length of my lashes, I couldn’t believe it! iGlow Lash Maximizer
Your Turn
That’s my round-up of my favourite beauty products. I hope you find it useful! If you’re a bride-to-be planning your prep, have a look at my bridal makeup services. Any questions, get in touch or send me a DM on Instagram. M x
