Jessica Alba’s Make-Up Artist Shares Her Go-To Products
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PREP
I always spend at least five minutes on skin prep. Depending on my client’s skin, I’ll use a sheet mask or some under-eye gels. I really like the ones from 111 Skin. I’ll then use a gua sha to massage in some Undercover Créme and, if I need some extra depuffing action under the eyes, 111 Skin Cryo Tools. The YSE Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads are also really handy if a client needs a little refresh to buff away any dead skin. It really revives the complexion and smooths things out, meaning make-up goes on much more seamlessly. I also love the Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream which I’ll often pair with the Béla Nektar Face Mist for a final hit of hydration.
@MONIKABLUNDER
FOUNDATION
My own brand’s Blunder Cover is naturally my favourite base. I love its versatility, as you can really sheer it out or build it up depending on the occasion or preference. I sometimes team it with the Glossier Skin Tint or the NARS Tinted Moisturiser to add a little more glow. For more coverage, I’ll dot the NARS Radiant Concealer where needed, or opt for a heavier duty base such as the Clé De Peau Foundation. I always build the base in layers to achieve a skin-like finish.
@MONIKABLUNDER
SKIN ENHANCERS
Cream and liquid formulations are my go-to when it comes to blusher, bronzer and highlighter – which is why I created the Liquid Flush. I prefer blush that doesn’t contain shimmer – this way you can add a natural shimmer afterwards with a highlighter. My favourite way to apply it is with a fluffy brush or my fingers. For bronzer, again I prefer cream formulas over powders and I really like the Chanel Cream Bronzer. For highlighter, my all-time favourite is (very sadly) a discontinued Marc Jacobs product which was infused with coconut – it was incredible. I’ve been searching forever for a dupe and the Róen Beauty one comes pretty close.
EYES
My favourite eyeliners right now are the Victoria Beckham Beauty pencils. They’re creamy and pigmented but blend out beautifully. I also always make sure to have cream shadows on hand, and the Violette FR ones are my favourite to use as liner or shadow. When it comes to palettes, my most used would have to be the Tom Ford ones – but I also love the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes palette. It’s a staple in my kit because I can create such a range of looks that transition well from day to night. I also use a lot of shadow sticks, my favourites being the Chanel and Sisley ones which are so foolproof. I don’t really use things like an eye gloss very often, but if I’m on an editorial shoot I would use one from Surratt.
@MONIKABLUNDER
@MONIKABLUNDER
LIPS
I always prep using my Botanical Balm Tint for a deeply hydrating boost that adds just a bit of colour too. I also love the balm from Róen in ‘Kiss My…’ and then I go in with a liner to add structure and shape before applying a lip tint over the top. I also can’t go without Chantecaille’s Lip Definers. Lip crayons are another must-have for me, but I always keep traditional bullet lipsticks in my kit too. In terms of shades, I’ll always keep a light, medium and dark nude, as well as a classic red. I also like keeping a more orange-based red, a rosy pink and a true brown shade in there. I can mix them all to build a truly custom lip colour. I typically opt for a satin finish which is somewhere between matte and gloss. When I am applying a classic lipstick, I prefer to use lipstick straight from the bullet rather than a brush or de-potting. I feel like de-potting changes the consistency.
@MONIKABLUNDER
BRUSHES & TOOLS
While I have them in my kit, I almost never use sponges and prefer a brush or using my fingers. My Hybrid Cream Brush is perfect for everything from foundation and concealer to blush and bronzer, while the Call Your Buff brush is perfect for contour or creating an airbrush-like finish. The Tulip Brush is my secret weapon for eyes, spot concealing and perfecting the lips. I also love the Katie Jane Hughes X Spectrum Brush Collection. I typically prefer synthetic brushes and always arrive on a job with fresh, clean brushes that are ready to go.
I also love my lash comb from Tweezerman as it works to separate the lashes and give them a full and fluffy look. I’m a fan of facial cupping tools, too. They plump up the skin and get the blood flowing. I’ve also been into the Dermaflash Deems Plane lately. Shaving the face gives you the smoothest make-up application and gently exfoliates the skin. Finally, I always have baby Q-tips in my kit, as well as pre-moistened Q-tips. They come in handy for touch-ups.
For more inspiration, follow @MonikaBlunder on Instagram.
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