I
can’t believe it, but I’ve been living in {and around} Paris for about 10
months. While living here and observing
Parisian women, I’ve found myself wondering how I can adopt their sense of
beauty & style. I also turned 31 this year {what!?} and have started to think
about how I can tap into that fountain of youth. Luckily, I have a friend who
is a professional makeup artist that has been working in the industry for about 20
years. I contacted Renee to talk about these things, and she has so many
helpful hints and reccomendations.
BK: Hi Renee!
Thank you so
much for your time and input. I’ve really been looking forward to our
interview.
So let’s talk
beauty! There are two overarching concepts I would like to hit: 1) French
beauty and 2) Application techniques for women who are starting to age, but
might not know what to do with their “beyond (or late) 20s” skin.
The thing I’ve
noticed and love the most about French women is that they keep it simple.
Many women I see have an “I woke up like this” approach to hair and
makeup. Meaning, hairstyles look simple, but classy, and makeup looks
natural and barely there. On your instagram feed, it looks like a lot of your
work tends to bring out the natural beauty of your models instead of covering
it up. You can still see their freckles!
So my first
question is this:
How do you achieve that natural beauty
look?
RL: Achieving the natural beauty look starts by taking care of
your skin. I recommend a mild cleanser and a hydrating toner to balance skin,
a moisturizing serum too for hydration,
and of course sunscreen to protect skin from getting
sunburnt. Also, add in a mask and an exfoliator weekly to renew your skin.
Taking care of your skin sets up an excellent canvas where you hardly have to
wear any makeup.
As far as makeup
goes, I recommend using a lightweight foundation to even out
your skin. Start in your t-zone and work your way out. A little foundation goes
a long way, so don’t over do it! Add a little concealer under the eyes for any
discoloration and also on any dark spots your foundation didn’t
cover. Next, using your fingers, tap cream
blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend out for a natural
flush. Swipe on a couple coats of mascara to define your eyes and
lastly, apply a hydrating rose or berry colored lippy for a subtle stain. This is all
you'll need to achieve a natural beauty look!
BK: For someone like myself, who is
starting to see wrinkles (and not just fine lines), what are your tips for
applying makeup that won’t make the wrinkles look worse?
RL:
Getting facials monthly with a little microdermabrasion really helps with
wrinkles. I am an advocate when it comes to taking care of your skin! And I
love using products that are hydrating because they help plump the skin.
BK: What are the best things a woman can do for her skin?
RL:
Like mentioned, monthly facials and using sunscreen are the two best ways
to care for your skin. Facials will deep clean all the gunk that is built up in
your skin, clear away black heads, and exfoliate dead skin which clogs your
pores. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays which cause sun damage and
premature aging.
BK: For those who want to keep things simple, what would you
recommend as makeup bag essentials?
RL:
Makeup bag essentials, when keeping it simple, are mascara and a rose or berry
lip color. Using a mascara can instantly brighten and define your eyes. It’s a
total pick-me-up! And if you still need that little extra something, add your
favorite lip color to your cheeks too. It’s such a quick and easy way to look
fresh and well rested!
BK: Since
living in France, I’ve become very familiar with Micellar water. What’s
your take on this item?
RL:
I do like Micellar water, but still feel you need to actually cleanse your face
beforehand. I like to use a gentle cleanser first to deep clean and remove all
my makeup, afterwards I use the Micellar water to swipe away anything I missed.
Follow with a hydrating toner and moisturizer.
BK: For those on a budget, do you have any
recommendations for good drugstore/target priced brushes and applicators?
What should you look for in these items?
RL:
I love Real
Techniques brushes by PixiWoo. They’re good quality brushes
that don’t shed and feel soft on the skin. As far as applicators, I only
recommend Beauty Blender. Other makeup sponges that
mimic the style and shape of a Beauty Blender hold on to foundation too
much, so when applied the makeup looks cakey and unnatural.
BK: In the same line, for cosmetics, which
items, if any, would you say are ok to buy at a drugstore price vs those that
you should probably invest more money in, and why?
RL:
Lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes are fine to buy in a drugstore.
But, there aren’t many color choices to choose from. If you’re looking for
something really specific, I would recommend buying at a department store
like Sephora where there is more of a selection. At a department store
you’re able to try before you buy to make sure it’s the right color.
Unfortunately, you really can’t do that at a drugstore.
BK:
Red lipstick. It’s true- the
French women rock it. MAC’s Russian Red lipstick seems to be the
quintessential color in Paris, but is every red made alike? How can women
pick the most flattering red?
RL:
Every red is definitely not the same and one color doesn’t
necessarily work for everyone. It really depends on what you’re looking for.
There are red lipsticks like Russian Red or Ruby Woo, that both have a blue
undertone and look fantastic on fairer skin tones. FYI: Thrive Causmetics has
launched a gorgeous blue red named Kennedy that’s giving both of those
colors a run for their money! For skin tones with a more olive undertone brick
red colors like Nars Audacious Marlene or burgundy
hues like Maybelline Burgundy Blush work best.
That Nars color is in my personal kit for when I’m feeling fancy! With deeper
complexions, you want to lean more towards a bright orangey-red like Ritual De Fille Bloodroot or an
oxblood red like NYX Goal Digger.
BK: And now my final questions, What are the must-have items in
your personal make-up bag?
RL:
Right now, in my personal makeup bag are Glossier Cherry Balm DotCom to add a
subtle sheen to my cheek bones and eyelids, Kiehl’s Touch of Berry ButterStick for
a quick cheek and lip stain, and my discontinued Bobbi Brown “Extra" Hand
Cream to keep my hands moisturized. It has the loveliest rose scent!
BK: Do you recommend any vloggers or online makeup tutorials?
RL:
My favorite vloggers are Violette_fr, Lisa Eldridge, Katie
Jane Hughes, and Grasie Mecedes. I appreciate their
creativity, product knowledge, and sense of style.
BK: Is there anything you wish more women knew about makeup and
beauty?
RL:
I think nowadays there is actually so much information out
there about makeup and beauty that can be overwhelming. But with all this
information there is still a lack of knowledge on finding and matching
your foundation color and also the proper way to take care of your skin.
BK: Thank you so much Renee for taking the time to respond!
RL:
You’re welcome!
Renee is a
professional makeup artist working in LA. She has been in the business
for almost 20 years and is passionate about healthy, glowing skin. Her favorite
pastimes are cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. You can
find out more about what she does and see what she’s currently up to on
instagram @reneeloizmakeup. Also, be sure to check out her blog!
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