How An A-List Make-Up Artist Created A Special Grammys Look

Working with Madonna has also been incredible. Her professionalism is next level. Beyoncé is the kindest, most beautiful soul – we worked on her first Vogue cover, and I kept it very natural, very soft. Then there’s Lady Gaga – a creative dream. I remember doing her make-up one day, expecting something outrageous, but I stopped and asked her to look in the mirror. The look was softer than usual, and she just took it in. She said, "Okay, let’s stop here." It was a shift, a new expression of herself, and it was amazing to witness.

The best beauty advice I’ve ever been given is that your skin needs preparation. A Japanese aesthetician once told me that you can’t just slap on skincare and expect it to work. The skin has to be prepared properly – it needs cleansing, toning, massaging and hydration. It’s why everyone is so obsessed with Korean multi-step routines now. When people say my make-up looks like real skin, it’s because the skin is actually ready to receive it.

The three products that will always be in my kit are the Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner, Sky High Mascara and Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Red 325 Shot Caller. I freak out if I don’t have them. In fact, my earliest beauty memory with Maybelline was with its Maybelline Expert Eyes Eyebrow Pencils. Every make-up artist had them and they always used to sell out.
A neutral lip liner can elevate any look. It works with everything and makes your whole face look polished. Hydration helps too – moisturiser, vitamin C, drinking water. Oh, and quitting smoking. It makes all the difference.

Your face isn’t a Jackson Pollock painting, so be strategic with make-up. I always say concealer first, just where you need it – under the eyes, around the nose, on any discolouration. Then apply foundation in thin layers and not all over. Finish with a sheer powder only where necessary (usually just the T-zone). That’s how you achieve that perfect, fresh, ‘no-make-up make-up’ look.

The trick to long-lasting eye make-up is in the layers too. Start with a thin layer of concealer, then dust powder over the top. Apply a cream shadow stick as a base, then set it with powder eyeshadow. That combo will last through anything.

Lips should be shaped, not just filled in. I love the blurry, diffused lip trend, but I also love a crisp, defined shape. I use Lifter Liner pencils to sculpt – starting at the cupid’s bow, slightly overlining to add height and volume. Then I do the same with the bottom, connecting the corners for perfect symmetry. Once the shape is there, you can fill in with anything – lipstick, gloss, tint, whatever you prefer.

Eyeliner is the one make-up skill everyone should master. It looks good on everyone. The trick? Start small – just at the outer corners. Lift your chin to create a flat lid surface, breathe slowly, and flick upwards. If it’s not perfect, use a cotton bud with remover and try again. You’ll get there.

Age is the biggest beauty myth that needs debunking. Every age has its own beauty, its own attraction. There’s no cut-off point for feeling good in your own skin. Beauty is creative. Beauty is private. It’s your own moment – and it doesn’t need anyone’s judgment or opinion but your own.

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