Make-up, skin and hair

The Beauty Edit

What make-up artists actually use before a premiere, and how to get the same finish at home without a glam team.

Every product is tested by our editors.

Shade finder

Find your red

Look at the veins on your inner wrist. Blue or purple means cool, green means warm, and a mix of both means neutral. Pick yours.

Berry CrushSatin · #8B1E3F

Blue RedMatte · #B3122E

WineCream · #6A1528

The 7-day plan

The order matters. New products go in early, never on the day.

7Days out
Exfoliate, then book everything
Last chemical exfoliation, brow appointment and nails. Anything that can irritate skin happens now, not later.
3Days out
Hydrate hard
Sheet masks two nights in a row, a humidifier in the bedroom and less salt. Plump skin holds foundation better.
1Day out
Nothing new
Do a full make-up rehearsal and photograph it with flash. Flash shows white cast from SPF and patchy powder.
0Morning of
Ice, prime, set
An ice roller for two minutes, a gripping primer, thin layers of base and a setting spray between steps.
1hBefore arrival
Blot, line, go
Blotting papers instead of more powder, then lip liner over the whole lip so the red lasts the night.

Skin, colour and scent, tested by the desk.

Editor tested

Editor tested

Editor tested

Editor tested