Madeleine popped up on my radar some months back and I felt an instant draw to her witty and honest style of writing. She has this grounding essence to her writing that draws you in, she is open to sharing with her readers the things that deeply resonate with her.
Madeleine founded her blog Madeleine Loves several years ago. With an extensive background in journalism and freelance writing for such coveted titles as Glamour UK, ELLE UK and Stylist (to name a few). She has since fused her passions by hosting her own podcast Beauty Full Lives. Engaging in conversation with influential women, discovering their beauty rituals and the memories and emotions linked to these, thus, opening up the discussion as to what makes us so attached to certain beauty products and fragrances and why they hold such a special place in our lives.
To add to her list of skills she is also a talented make up artist who frequently shares her love for all things skincare and make up related on her Instagram page and blog.
Madeleine was kind enough to answer a selection of questions, from what inspired her to work as a make up artist, the best foundations currently out there on the market and how to transition your skincare and wellbeing to see you though the winter months....
What inspired you to want to become a make up artist and what advice would you give to others starting out in the industry?
For as long as I can remember, faces fascinated me, and I’d find myself studying other people’s, mesmerised by how expressions transformed them, and wondering what effect a little line here or colour there might have. When I got to an age where people let me put make-up on them, I found I had a knack for it, and lots of them started to come back asking me to make them up for events.
I grew my clientele by word of mouth, and now make people up regularly, as well as consulting to help people find the right make-up products and techniques for their face.
I learned so much from practising on so many different faces, and my advice to anyone starting out would be to practise as much as possible, and to really look at a face - studying the individual, not fixed techniques, informs what I do. I’d never want anyone to feel they weren’t perfectly comfortable in the make-up I’d applied on them.
Also, I’d recommend only doing it if you love the job, not because you want to be a famous make-up artist or meet celebrities - that’s the preserve of so few make-up artists and the reality of that life is that it is bloody hard work and involves a lot of patience. If you love the actual job of putting make-up on, you can find joy in making anyone up, and there’s a real market for it now, if you’re good.
There is such an array of Foundation formulas and finishes available, it can make it impossible for a consumer to choose one. What are your current top 5 foundations?
I love L’oreal Infallible Glow Pro for its glowing, healthy-looking finish. It is sadly only available online, though if you’re unsure of picking colours for your skin, I always advise people buy two they suspect will be close to their hue and then mix them. That way when your skin colour changes throughout the year, you can always customise your base.
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder similarly unifies skin, though it offers less coverage so is perhaps one if you have pretty clear skin and just want to illuminate and unify skin tone.
Another option if you like your skin to look luminous is It Cosmetics CC cream. It offers a decent amount of coverage but still looks fresh when on.
Those worried about shine and are after something that won’t slide around their face might like Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Skin Perfecting Make-Up, while anyone after more coverage and a slightly more flawless finish should get their hands on Dior Backstage Airflash Foundation. (A word of warning: don’t spray it directly on your face, but instead apply to a buffing brush and work into skin for best results.) British beauty and skincare brands are really making an impact in the industry for sustainability and innovation. What British brands are currently part of your professional and personal collection that you are loving at the moment?
I always love Oskia for skincare, and The Body Shop for their amazing body butters. Sam Farmer makes some really great products aimed at teens but which I’d happily recommend to any adults wanting to simplify their routine, and Dove make brilliantly affordable and cleverly-formulated haircare. What do you consider most important when transitioning your skincare routine into autumn/winter as to reflect the effect this has on your skin?
I think the most important thing is to get outside more and get some fresh air and movement into your day. Skin loves that. In terms of products, I continue to use SPF throughout the winter and also sometimes add a second layer of moisturiser before bed if mine is a bit dry. Also, I try not to forget to eat veggies and take my omegas to keep my skin hydrated.
Connect with Madeleine through;
Instagram @madeleinelovesthis
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