August 07 - Lisa Lopez, Makeup Artist

Lisa Lopez, global makeup artist for hot Los Angeles-based beauty brand Too Faced, talks tips and tricks …

What’s your signature makeup look?

“It’s very glamorous - very forties, very pin-up. Think Veronica Lake. I love that this look is suddenly on the catwalks. And I love that lipstick is back. I think everyone is very happy about that. Lipstick is a more glamorous finish than gloss.”

Any other looks you’re loving?

“We’re also seeing a lot of eyeliner and long lengthy lashes out there right now. People are even doing lash extensions. Statement lashes help to balance out bold lips, without fighting for attention.” Pictured: Too Faced Lash Injection, $35

With all the lip and lash action going on, what’s happening with skin?

“You can never just apply colour and think that you’re going to have this gorgeous look. You need to prep and create a perfect canvas. That’s not anything new - but just to reiterate the fact in case anyone has forgotten: It is a golden rule that you must work with a perfect canvas, as perfect as can be so colours can really pop. For customers with a little bit more texture in skin, I truly recommend using a primer (such as Too Faced Wrinkle Injection, $49) overall before applying foundation. I also love ending with a face brightening powder. That highlighted effect makes the whole overall look modern and not too retro.”

So a face of foundation can be modern?

“Absolutely. Key is a well-formulated foundation. Ours is primarily made with seawater, which is very soothing for the face. There’s also pomegranate, vitamin C and camellia leaf extract, so it treats the skin too. It gives a glowy effect. And because it comes attached with a synthetic brush, you can perfect a really clean look.”

Retro looks aside, who do you think is the most influential beauty icon right now?

“Jennifer Lopez. Women still always ask for the Jennifer Lopez look.”

What is a Jennifer Lopez exactly?

“That bare nude glowy look. But you need to apply lots of makeup to achieve that kind of look. It’s absolutely necessary if you want to look flawless from every angle. You need to work with foundations and concealers and powders, and layer so that nothing is moving. You don’t necessarily have to cover the entire face - strategically placed is key. I would focus on t-zone area, rather than the sides of the face - stick where light is going to hit you most. In terms of glow, this is a second step. You want to use a lighter highlighter colour from the top of cheekbones all the way up to your hairline. And then, in the cheek area, focus on really soft shimmery pink to really achieve that very feminine soft look.”

You have a beautiful skintone yourself - what colours do you recommend for other women with darker complexions?

“Gold is so complementary as a highlighter, it really gives you a pop and wakes you up. And also apricots. A soft touch of apricot on the cheeks really enhances femininity.”

What’s always on your face?

“On a regular day: concealer, base, highlighter, mascara, lip plumper and lip gloss. I apply our Lip Injection Mask ($50) three times a week. I really like to have the smoothest base for my lips, very clean soft lip base is best for working with lip colour.”

What about skincare?

“I’m a skincare freak. I tend to go back and forth, between La Mer and (American dermatologist) Patricia Wexler. Moisturiser and water are essential for all skins.”

Any other favourite beauty buys?

“I’m a big fan of Biolage haircare. And in regards to fragrance, I’m usually either wearing Agent Provocateur or Donna Karan Mist.”

What’s the biggest makeup myth?

“Many girls think they don’t need to use moisturiser before applying makeup. They’re wrong.”

The biggest makeup mistake?

“Blending. Or rather, lack of. I see women either putting their makeup on in the wrong lighting. Or they’re using the wrong brushes. The last thing you want is for someone to look at you and not see you, but see your makeup application. The key is to work in natural light and to work with synthetic-bristled brushes, and really buff makeup into skin. One reason I adore working with synthetic brushes is that they remain so soft for the skin. It’s like shining a shoe.”

What’s the next big trend we should look out for?

“The strong brow. We’ve stayed away from it for a while but it’s coming back and works perfectly with the glamorous looks that we are starting to see on the catwalks.”

PS - Editor’s Favourite Too Faced Buy: Liquif-Eye ($32) looks like a regular liquid eyeliner. It’s actually colourless. It’sdesigned to be used with any eyeshadow. Simply dab the brish tip into the shadow and you’ve made yourself an instant eyeliner. A genius way to use up all those bright eyeshadows you have hidden away in those bathroom drawers.