My Most Asked Beauty Questions: Vivi’s Make-Up

Question: What’s The Best Way To Fill In Your Brows Naturally?

Vivi’s Answer: “Use a good brow gel. They’re the best formulas for achieving a fluffy effect that’s full, but not too sharply defined. Alternatively, start by brushing your brows with a clear gel. I love the HD Brow Glue, which locks wayward hairs in place with zero stickiness. Then, go in with a brow pen, like the one from Glossier or from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Use gentle, deft upward motions. Pens are brilliant as they allow you to mimic the look of real hairs with subtle strokes. You just need to have the time and patience to use them – don’t rush it.” 

Question: Is There A Right Way To Control Excess Shine?

Vivi’s Answer: “Start by using a primer that’s dedicated to minimising excess shine, like Tom Ford’s Soft Matte formula. Also, choose a foundation that isn’t too glow-y. As the day wears on, it can have a tendency to look oily. I love the Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation, as well as Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing formula. Both are oil free but still give skin a healthy finish that isn’t dusty or grey-looking. Finally, use powder in the areas where your skin tends to get oilier, like your T-zone. Even a light dusting will make a big difference. Use hydrating powders such as By Terry’s Hydra formula. It’s incredibly lightweight so you barely feel it on your skin, and you never see it, either.”

Question: How Can You Prevent Make-Up Turning Cakey?

Vivi’s Answer: “If you choose the wrong products for your skin type, make-up can easily end up looking cakey. For instance, if you have dry skin, you won’t want to go for matte textures that will only add to the dryness. Likewise, if you’re prone to oiliness, you’ll want to opt for more matte textures. It’s all about understanding what your skin needs to look its best. Once you have the right products, avoid heavy, thick layers. Instead, build everything up in light, thin layers and really buff and blend each one into the skin. This will stop it caking throughout the day or looking streaky. Blending is the key to a seamless finish.” 

Question: What’s Your Best Advice For Glowing Skin?

Vivi’s Answer: “A beautiful glow all depends on the right highlighting product. My forever favourite is By Terry’s Cellularose CC Serum. It’s a hybrid product, so you get a glossy sheen, as well as hydration and a subtle skin tint. It’s always in my kit – for me, it’s the answer to healthy-looking skin. Use it to prep your entire complexion. Then, when you apply your foundation, the glow will come through naturally. Or use it by itself on those no-make-up-make-up days. Finally, tap just a few pumps over the highest points of your face, after applying your foundation. I love to use a bit on the eyelids to make them pop, too.”

Question: What’s The Best Way To Do An Everyday Smokey Eye?

Vivi's Answer: “Eyeshadow sticks are the simplest route to an easy smokey eye. There are several on the market, but Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks are my favourites. They are so creamy and easy to blend, but still long-wearing and a great base for any other shadows if you want to apply them on top. Simply run the stick directly over your main eyelid, then blend it out upwards and towards your eyelid crease. There are no real rules – just keep blending.”