When it comes to makeup as I’ve said many a time I am definitely more spit and polish than polished. I will never be that perfectly turned out woman with immaculate makeup and glossy mane of hair. Ultimately I am far too lazy to try. Not my best trait and not something I can even blame on motherhood. In fact since having the girls my few swipes of the face with a Simple face wipe every evening has evolved into a full on cleanse and bathroom cabinet full to the brim with creams and serums. But makeup wise I am the same – if I even wear any. In mum mode its cleanse, vitamin c, Hyaluronic acid, moisturiser and spf50. When I am working I use a foundation, concealer, blush, eyebrow mascara, mascara and a lip tint. Liner or shadows are for evenings and for lipstick – it has to be a really special occasion.
So when I was given the chance to sit down alone with the incredible international makeup artist and Max Factor ambassador Caroline Barnes I jumped at the chance. Caroline is responsible for many a stunning red carpet moment – she’s worked countless campaigns and her A-lister clientele is really rather impressive.
So armed with your questions you kindly sent me on my Instagram stories I managed to gather some seriously good insider tips…
A Mothers Edit X Caroline Barnes
How can I help my tired puffy eyes?
Firstly always massage around your eyes before starting your makeup routine. Puffiness is due to a lack of circulation so using your ring finger for the right amount of pressure push towards your tear duct and out. I grate cucumber to make my own cucumber ice cubes. Pop one in a soft muslin (not a flannel) and dab it around your eyes. The cold tightens everything up.
Whats the best way to moisturise before makeup?
You need Hyaluronic acid – this pulls all the moisture from the environment into your skin. Then a moisturiser on top. The Ordinary do a great budget Hyaluronic acid for about £6, other favourites are by Skin Ceuticals and Niod.
How can I cover my eye bags and dark circles?
After prepping the area with massage and moisture you can use a concealer under your eyes but make sure its a light reflective one. If you have very dark circles you can use an opaque one but only right in the corner. The Max Factor master touch light reflective concealer is amazing. I also love the Clinique air brush concealer.
And if you are really suffering with big eye bags – makeup your eyes – make them the focus of your face. Its the art of distraction. Kohl is your best friend.
How can I make my lips look their best?
Accentuate your cupids bow. Use a highlighter like the solid miracle glow duo which is very easy to control. Then add a Rimmel Matt lipstick all over to create a lip shape. Once that’s dry use a nice balm.
I don’t want to use foundation everyday but need a bit of makeup help whats the best thing to use?
Use a matt primer and blotting paper, the Body Shop ones are great. Then just dab a concealer where needed, any blemishes, age spots, pimples.
I need a quick makeup routine what would you recommend?
Use a stick foundation. Draw a camouflage style streak down the centre of your face and then blend in with a brush where needed. Comb your brows, add a slick of mascara and finish with a punch of colour on your lips.
And when I asked Caroline what she would do differently with my own makeup she told me not to wear so much. To just use foundation in the middle of my face. And since then… I am a middle of the face kinda gal. Just to say you do need to make sure you’re colour matched perfectly using this technique or you’ll look a little stripy.
With thanks to Caroline and Max Factor – who allowed me the time for questions to celebrate the launch of their new foundation (which I am using, love and have not been asked or paid to write about). It’s linked below and its the perfect amount of glow with longevity. It makes me look more awake and where I need more coverage you can build it up by adding more product.
Max factor Radiant Lift Foundation
I’m seriously laze about my makeup and I have just lost my makeup bag 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ So need to go out and restock. Thanks for this article, means I won’t go out and be suckered in to spending an absolute fortune!