The brief
A natural makeup on Nina for a recent photo shoot. Fresh, peachy skin that still looks like skin.
The clock
I had about 30 minutes for each makeup on this shoot. Nina's took me 19 minutes.
The skin
Nina has fairly normal skin, and it's amazing. So clear. She was a dream to paint.
One thing to notice: her forehead was more tanned than the rest of her face. That changed how I did her base. More on that below.
Step by step
Prime and protect. I started with the Madge Beauty Clear Primer SPF 50+. It works as a primer and a sunscreen in one. Heads up: it contains vitamin C, so keep that in mind for your client. I like this product as it leaves a glow to the skin but it’s not greasy.
Second primer. Runway Room Mattifiying Primer. I'm loving this one at the moment. I find Mattifiying primers change the appearance of foundation, they make them look dry, this one doesn’t. It is the perfect back to put foundation over. Highly recommend.
Prep the lips. The Ordinary lip balm. I like it because it's not too shiny.
Brows. Just brushed up.
Eyes. Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes in Nude, buffed all over the lid.
Base. The Ordinary Serum Foundation in 1.2YG. I skipped her forehead. It was more tanned and didn't need the coverage, so I matched the foundation to her body and her forehead. I buffed it right in so there were no harsh lines.
Blush. NARS liquid blush in Cue Calor. A peachy tone I really love.
Bronzer. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Nude Bronze Light. I used it on the eyes and around the perimeter of the face, as a contour and a bronzer.
Mascara. Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, applied with a fan brush. I can get as close to the root as possible, and it's better for the environment. Nina's lashes were already really curly, so I didn't need to do much more.
Concealer. Haus Labs concealer under the eyes and anywhere with a little redness, including the chin. I buffed it in with my My Kitco fluffy brush. A fluffy brush blends concealer beautifully, and I find My Kitco brushes really good quality.
Second blush layer. Hourglass Ambient Limited Editions Swan palette from 2025. I mixed Radiant Peach and Vibrant Pink and buffed them all over.
Lip liner. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk in Fair, all around the lips and a little bit in.
Powder. My By Terry powder palette. I love this powder, and the palette is so convenient on set.
Bronzer again. Back over Nina's eyes.
More blush. YSL Make Me Blush in 06 Rose Haze. I find these blushes really blurring on the cheeks.
Blend. Runway Room brush, which is double-ended and fluffy, then back in with my My Kitco brush.
Highlight. Trinny London Trinity Lip, Cheek and Eye in Venice, on the tops of the cheeks for a golden pink glow.
Brows again. Brushed up. I didn't set them.
Finish. A little more blush on the tops of the cheeks, then blend again. Apply and blend. That's the story of my life.
On the day
No foundation on the forehead. It was more tanned than the rest of her face, so I left it out and matched the base to her body instead.
Lashes. Nina's lashes were already really curly, so I left them as they were.
Brows unset. I brush brows up throughout the day on set, and it's easier when there's nothing in them.
Wear time. I worked with Nina on set all day, and the makeup held up really well.
Pro tip
Leave some real skin showing. If the forehead or nose doesn't need coverage, skip it. Showing a little natural skin makes the whole makeup look more natural.