Inside My Make-Up Bag: Caroline Barnes, A-List MUA

Inside My Make-Up Bag: Caroline Barnes, A-List MUA

Known for her speedy beauty looks and foolproof tutorials, Caroline Barnes is the make-up artist of choice for more A-listers than we can count. With her authentic product advice and no-nonsense approach to products, what she doesn’t know about beauty isn’t worth knowing. Here, she gives us a sneak peek at the essentials that are always in her make-up bag, from the budget brow buy to the mascara she’s never without. Take notes.

MILK Hydro Grip Primer, £13

I have tried numerous primers since being a make-up artist but this really is one of the best on the market. Lightweight, it holds make-up without making it look thicker in texture, and uses hyaluronic acid and vitamin B to keep skin feeling quenched and plump. It’s genius.

Available at Cultbeauty.co.uk

Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation, £35

Shiseido does some of the best foundations and this is always in my make-up bag. It’s so hydrating and glides over skin seamlessly for coverage that lasts. Plus, it has a dewy, sheer finish I absolutely love.

Available at Cultbeauty.co.uk

Vichy Dermablend Corrector Concealer, £10.50

This is inexpensive, offers great coverage and is a perfect size for any make-up bag. It’s quite creamy, so gives you time to play, build and blend. Nothing beats it for covering acne, scarring and pigmentation.

Available at FeelUnique.com

Dr Perricone No Concealer Concealer, £29

Because I look for something more hydrating and sheer, I use a separate concealer – like this one from Dr Perricone – for around and underneath my eyes. Packed with vitamin C, it gently brightens and illuminates without ever caking or looking ageing.
Available at Lookfantastic.com

Laura Mercier Moonlight Caviar Stick, £24

These sticks are buttery soft and great for scribbling onto lids when time is at a premium. This is my favourite shade because it’s subtle enough for daytime, with a brightening effect that frames the eyes. It has serious longevity too.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Max Factor Brow Revival, £9.99

My other favourite brow buy, this is great for thickening hairs and holding them in place. It also has five wearable shades to choose from and hides any gaps with just a few sweeps. Ideal if you’re someone that likes definition in your arches.

Available at Boots.com

Kiko Maxi Mod Mascara, £9.99

When it comes to mascaras, I love a small brush and this one loads on pigment quickly and effectively. Plus, it reaches every single lash and gets right down deep into the roots for full inkiness.

Available at Kikocosmetics.com

By Terry Hyaluronic Powder, £42 10g

It’s hard to find good make-up powders. By Terry’s is the one I swear by. It sets make-up beautifully and feels ultra-soft to touch. It’s also completely invisible once on the skin and it never settles into creases like some powders do.

Available at SpaceNK.com 

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in Honey, £21.60

A perfect warm nude blush that shapes your face without ever overpowering it. The creamy texture is really anti-ageing and flattering.

Available at Johnlewis.com

Honest Beauty Lip Crayon Demi Matte in Honey, £16

Easy to draw on, the lightweight formula sculpts lips and lasts for hours. There’s no feathering or movement with this and, despite it being a matte finish, it doesn’t feel drying either. I’m obsessed, especially with the suits-all Honey shade that’s perfect for both daytime and evening wear.

Available at Boots.com

PUR Out Of The Blue Light Up High Shine Lip Gloss in Dreams, £8.50 (was £17)

Everyone needs a reliable lip gloss in their make-up bag, and this is mine. It’s so soft in texture and the shade is a beautiful, caramel nude that’s sophisticated with a healthy finish. It works on all skin types. There’s no stickiness either, despite it being a high-shine gloss.

Available at Feelunique.com

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