Ever wondered what products award-winning, celebrity makeup artists use? We get up close and personal with leading melanin specialist, Joy Adenuga to see the items in her makeup bag.
Joy Adenuga is a professional makeup artist who has worked her magic on celebrity clients like Michaela Coel, Sarah-Jane Crawford and Keisha Buchannan. Passionate about accentuating the beauty of darker skin tones, Adenuga brings her expertise to red-carpet glam, advertising campaigns, magazine photo shoots and bridal beauty.
Furthermore, Joy’s career CV features global advertising campaigns for Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, Google and BBC.
Always looking immaculate herself, we were curious about the makeup and beauty products that she swears by and what she uses on her celebrity clients.
Adenuga told us: “For Foundation I love NARS Natural Radiant Long-Wear Foundation, [£35], the formula is so buildable, and it gives the skin the most beautiful and seamless coverage! If I’m on a shoot, I take with me AJ Crimson Artist Kit Foundation Palette in Warm/Deep, [£149] – Artist kit friendly due to the size and weight when I have to work on multiple models, which is great to create anything from sheer to full coverage.”
Adenuga continued: “I always use Marena Beaute Blush Tarou, [£23.20] for blush and Marena Beaute Tarou Bronzer, [£36] as they are beautiful on women of colour. For eyeshadows I use OPV beauty, [£27], they have everything from neutral to colourful palettes that are kit-friendly and well pigmented.”
Products I cannot live without!
When it comes to hero products, Adenuga lists the following. She said:
“Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré, [£13], available from Boots – is one of the best moisturisers and a favourite among makeup artists. It also doubles up as a primer. On very dry skin I use it as a mask and wipe off after a few minutes.”
“Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, [£28] – is the most multi-use product in my kit. Moisturiser, lip balm, cracked heels, hair frizz tamer, hand cream you name it – it can be used. This is the longest running product I’ve had in my makeup bag!”
Having recently launched her own makeup brand, Adenuga has of course included some of these into her trusty set.
She said: “The newest edition to my makeup bag is my Joy Adenuga Brush Set, [£75], ByJoyAdenuga.com – A 5-piece brush set. Each brush is created to serve a minimum of three functions on the face.”
What’s on your make-up bag wish list?
Adenuga says: “All Augustinus Bader products. The luxury skincare products focus on cell repair to revitalise skin. The cream alone is £205!”
