Make Up and Skin Tips for the Party Season Thrive x MakeupByMegan

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Megan Vaughan is a professional makeup artist based in Berry on the NSW South Coast. A renowned weddings specialist, Megan’s talent sees her in constant demand creating radiant brides for their big day.

A self-confessed skin nerd and Thrive regular, Megan maximises the synergy between skin and make-up, and is experienced handling every skin challenge. Here, she answers the most commonly asked questions to help us mere makeup mortals achieve a flawless look.


WHAT DOES ‘GREAT SKIN’ MEAN TO A MAKEUP ARTIST?

For Megan, this is a no-brainer. “Great skin is hydrated skin. It makes a smooth canvas that makeup glides on” she states. “But that doesn’t mean applying lots of moisturiser before you apply your makeup. It means consistently caring for your skin so your skin is healthy and well hydrated, and using professionally recommended homecare products that are right for your skin type as part of your daily routine”. Keeping up your water intake, even over the cooler months, is vital for maintaining skin hydration from the inside out.

 

HOW SHOULD I PREP MY SKIN FOR PERFECT MAKEUP?

In essence, less is more when preparing your skin for makeup. And if you’ve got an event that you want to glow for, Megan recommends starting in the clinic. “Booking a dermaplane treatment a few days before your event is ideal. It removes downy hair and surface debris leaving smooth, fresh skin. This means your makeup is applied evenly, smoothly and lasts longer.” The HydraFacial is another in-clinic treatment Megan recommends if you want to look and feel your best. It’s a three-step process that leaves your skin clean, fresh and deeply infused with hydration and nourishing peptides. “You can book a HydraFacial plus dermaplane at the one appointment” says Megan “and it’s the best prep you can do.”

 Then when you’re ready to roll, start with cleansing. Next, apply a moisturiser with SPF if you’ll be outdoors during the day “and wait about half an hour if possible to let the product absorb before you start your makeup. Moisturiser is designed to be absorbed, so let it settle so the process doesn’t affect your foundation”. If you’re heading out in the evening or to an indoor event, use a primer to help your foundation glide on. There’s no need to wait after using primer to start your makeup. “But never use both moisturiser and primer!” she emphasises. “And extend your prep down the neck to make blending foundation seamless, but avoid the eye area completely”.

 

WHAT ORDER SHOULD I APPLY MY MAKEUP IN?

This seems like a basic question but Megan says lots of clients still follow the same routine they’ve used since their teenage years when they were informed by Dolly Magazine or the cool kid in the school bathrooms.

If you’re in the hands of a makeup artist, relax and let them work their magic. But at home, use this as a basic guide:

  • Concealer as needed for spots and under eyes

  • Foundation

  • Brows

  • Eyes - eyeliner, then shadow, then mascara

  • Lips

  • Blush


WHY DO I GET PANDA EYES, EVEN IF I WEAR WATERPROOF MASCARA?

Megan explains that the eye area is naturally the ‘greasiest’ on the face. Avoid the eye area entirely when you prep your skin with moisturising SPF or primer - this is the main culprit of mascara migration. Apply an undereye concealer if you like to, and use a product specifically designed as a base for the eyelid area to keep your eye artistry where it should be.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR MAKEUP TIPS FOR MATURE SKIN?

What about those of us with skin that is tending towards the mature? Megan says again that hydration is key. “By this, I mean daily hydration with a moisturiser selected specifically for your skin by your dermal therapist. One size does not fit all. And applying lots of moisturiser the morning of your event isn’t the answer” she emphasises. Megan also advises selecting moisturising products for your primer, foundation and under-eye concealer. And powder is not our friend. “Avoid using powder. It’s unflattering for older skins”. Megan says. If shine reduction is called for, her tip is to reach for the blotting paper.

 

I HAVE ACNE - CAN I COVER IT WITHOUT MAKING IT WORSE?

Megan gives IT Cosmetics concealer her professional vote as a product that will effectively cover spots or older pigmented patches, without provoking a new outbreak. “It comes in a tube so use a brush to apply to areas needing coverage” she says. “A brush lets you blend really well with surrounding skin. Just squeeze a little concealer onto the back of your hand so you keep your product germ-free, and always wash your concealer brush with soapy water and air dry after each use”. She also advises removing makeup before you go to bed - no matter how late you get home! It’s always worth booking a consult with Dr Jemima Grant to look at addressing underlying causes and reduce outbreaks.

 

I HAVE PIGMENT OR ROSACEA - WHAT MAKEUP IS BEST?

For those with rosacea or pigment patches on their skin, Megan recommends using a moisturising, fuller coverage concealer product like IT Cosmetics CC cream, which can be blended down or built up as you need. “There are lots of effective treatments for rosacea and pigmentation these days that we didn’t have ten years ago” Megan says. “Don’t be discouraged if these concern you, and talk to Thrive about options”.

 

HOW CAN I MAKE MY MAKEUP LAST ALL DAY?

If you need longevity from makeup, the less you can apply underneath it - the better. Cleanse, prime or moisturise (don’t forget to wait half an hour if you’re moisturising!) and include the neck. stay away from that eye area and include the neck!

  

HOW SHOULD I REMOVE MAKEUP TO PROTECT MY SKIN?

Micellar water is an effective choice, but you’ll also need an oil-based makeup remover for any waterproof products. “Be gentle - don’t scrub and pull at delicate skin. Rinse thoroughly, then follow with your recommended daily cleanser and usual homecare routine” Megan advises.

 

THE FINAL WORD….

Megan reminds us that healthy skin makes the best canvas for makeup: defining your natural features, enhancing your glow and lending a pop of colour is what it’s all about. “Book a consult at Thrive and find out what homecare is really going to work hard for you” she advises. “Don’t waste money on the latest trends and end up with a hundred useless products cluttering up your bathroom”. And always check when buying products that they are cruelty-free or even vegan. We’re spoiled for choice.

 

ANY MORE MAKEUP QUESTIONS FOR MEGAN?

EMAIL US AT INFO@THRIVESKINCLINIC.COM.AU AND SUBSCRIBE HERE TO STAY UP TO DATE.

https://www.makeupbymegan.com.au/