Lisa Eldridge's four-step guide to flattering make-up at any age
I had an interesting chat with the make-up artist Lisa Eldridge recently. She was telling me how she sees the trend for full-on ‘Instagram’ paint-by-numbers make-up falling out of fashion post-pandemic, in favour of fewer, better products that bridge the gap between skincare and make-up. I couldn’t agree more.
Celebrity clients, including Eva Green, Kate Winslet and Keira Knightley, book Lisa for her flattering approach, which focuses on enhancing the skin, rather than covering it up. And this month, Lisa launches her own Seamless Skin highlighter and blusher, products that have been several years in the making.
Anyone who has tried her lipsticks will know the attention to detail that goes into her products (the densely pigmented formulas are ones I reach for again and again), and her new skin range is no different. So if you’re looking for products to smarten up your look, give them a go. Here’s Lisa’s expert guide to creating the most flattering effect…
Base
With any products, Lisa’s top tip is to apply little amounts in thin layers, which will give your make-up lasting power. ‘Skin make-up is very connected to confidence, so the basics are whatever works for you in a foundation or concealer,’ she explains. Try the new Stick Foundation by Lancôme, which evens out the complexion in a natural way, and has a built-in brush to blend.
Blush
‘To me, blusher is there to bring out a flush in the cheeks, which can be natural or bold,’ says Lisa. As for choosing a shade, pick a ‘colour opposite’ for a brighter blusher – so if you have sallow skin, use a shade that is cool-toned pink (it will show up on the skin more). If you prefer a subtle blusher effect, try a warmer tawny shade. ‘Cream blushers look subtler on the skin, whether you apply them under or over your foundation,’ she adds. Try her Enlivening Blush (available from 15 May), a smart cream- serum formula that helps to sculpt the cheeks.
Glow
When you think highlighter, chances are a glittery or sparkly product will leap to mind. Which can be daunting because, as Lisa says, ‘The areas of the face we like to highlight can often be problematic – the last thing we want is to draw attention to fine dry lines, pigmentation and pores. So it made sense to create something that imparts glow, but also helps disguise and beautify any skin issues.’ Her highlighter, Elevated Glow (available from 15 May), comes in four shades, and creates radiant skin while blurring and tightening, too.
Flourish
Once you’ve got your base make-up perfected, you can add pops of colour on your eyes and lips. ‘I like the idea of having a paintbox of colour,’ Lisa tells me. ‘It’s nice to have a few interesting textures for your eyes – you could try mixing your highlighter with an eyeshadow, or just apply a light wash of colour. Experiment with gloss or matt textures on the lips, too. ‘The past 10 years has seen the mass education in make-up artistry, and now I feel like everyone’s coming out of make-up school ready to play.’ Try OPV Beauty's Flourish Rainbow Splash Palette.
Enlivening Blush and Elevated Glow will be available from 15 May
Follow our Stella Facebook page for the latest from Stella Magazine, and join the Telegraph Women Facebook group, a place to discuss our stories
