We’re thrilled to welcome to the team our new beauty contributor, Abbie-May Hopkins. With a wealth of experience of working with darker skin tones, including as head makeup artist at Africa Fashion Week, London, she shows us how to create one of the hottest beauty looks of the season.
Beauty addicts will have noticed that one of the most popular makeup trends at the moment is the pared back, nude look and I was pleased to create this naturally glam look in the recent Africa on the Square event on Saturday 14 October, celebrating Black History Month.
Africa Fashion Week, London was invited to put on a small fashion show as part of the event, and as the head makeup artist for AFWL, it was my job to create the right beauty look. I decided I wanted to strip back the make-up and let the fashion do the talking! The finished result is a gorgeously natural facade with a touch of gloss.
Here’s how I created the look:
Skincare: Malin + Goetz replenishing face serum, Malin + Goetz Vitamin E face moisturiser & Malin + Goetz Revitalizing Eye Cream.
It’s important to prep the skin before any make-up application to hydrate the skin and create a flawless look.
Primer: Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch primer.
This is a must have in my beauty kit. When foundations and concealers are placed on top, the skins texture appears smooth and pore-less.
Eyes: MAC Cosmetics Mixing Medium in “Shine” on the eyelids, Code Beautiful VLM Mascara, Chantecaille Gel Liner Pencil in “Jet Black” with Ardell Lashes in #415.
The MAC Cosmetics Mixing Medium in “shine” is a firm favourite in my kit. I like the texture and look of the gloss when captured in the right light.
Base: MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, MAC Cosmetics Mineralise Skinfinish Powder, NYX Sculpt & Highlight Face Duo to naturally highlight and contour, NYX Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette to add a hint of blush to the apples of the cheeks, NYX Away We Glow Liquid Highlighter in “Gold Rush” on the cheek bones and ridge of nose.
MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid has a vast range of colours to suit lots of skin tones. It leaves a matte finish and is long lasting.
Lips: MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner in “Chesnut” with NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in “Clear” on the lips.
This lip gloss really does shine! They are long lasting and smell delicious. I like using the “clear” one so that I can add it on top of any lip liner or lipstick.
Credits:
Photography & make-up by Abbie May (@abbiemaymua)
Hair by Allan Henry (@allanhenryhair)
Styling by Soboye (@soboye_boutique)
Models Rebecca Nemere (@beccy_ldn) @stichintimesaves9
