1. Is expensive mascara really worth the money and why?
I think firstly you should choose a mascara based on what the formula does, does this suit your lashes…. Do you like the brush? Next it’s worth trying the mascara to see how long it wears for. This is where I find investing a few extra euros can make all the difference. I would much rather spend a little more for a mascara that gave an incredible effect on my lashes and also lasted all day and didn’t flake or smudge. One of my favourite formulas is MAC Studio Sculpt Mascara as its hook shaped brush lengthens, separates and defines every lash, it’s also smudge resistant and it won’t break the bank.
2. Fingers, sponges or brushes - what’s the best way to apply foundation?
It’s a tough one…I always feel foundation looks best and more professionally applied when done so with a brush. A brush will pick up a small amount of product and spread it evenly over the skin, it can also target specific areas to build up product to create a flawless skin look. Sponges can be great for speed, especially when paired with a compact for makeup on the go. If you are using a foundation sponge…remember to change it once a month to ensure hygiene and freshness for your skin.
3. What’s the best makeup money saving tip you have?
Buy products that are multi use, like MAC Cream Colour Base which can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips to save money and space in your makeup bag. Try using products for other things…for example lipstick as crème blusher or Voila - lighter makeup bag, fuller purse.
4. How can I look ‘done’ in the daytime without looking caked?
Make sure you do your makeup in a mirror with good daylight to ensure you don’t do daytime drag! Remember its fine to look glam, think the daytime version of yourself but it’s better to hold back on a few items until later in the evening. When the sun goes down add MAC Kohl Pencil in Smolder to your waterline and smudge, think about adding a stronger lipstick colour or gloss on the lips to take your look to the next level.
5. Is sleeping with your makeup on really a crime?
Yes! Think about all the sebum, oil, dirt, pollution, grime that is coming into contact with your skin every day. Your makeup removal can be super-fast if you use MAC Cleanse Off Oil as it will dissolve everything including mascara in a jiffy and you can be off to dreamland safe in the knowledge your skin can rest, breathe and rejuvenate in peace.
MAC Senior artist Rachel O'Donnell comes from Galway6. Are facial wipes an acceptable way to take off your makeup?
Wipes are best used as a quick fix, not a regular part of your routine. A water based cleanser like MAC Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser is just as quick and much more gentle on the skin.
7. What’s the deal with a primer – do I need it, does it work?
MAC Prep+Prime BB Cream Compact in LightYes they do work but whether you choose to use it depends on every individual. If you are concerned with sun damage, skin tone, skin texture, excess sebum or hydration then there are various primers that can address these issues along with keeping your base on for longer!
8. What formulation of foundation is best for dry skin? And for oily?
I absolutely love Prep and Prime Beauty Balm Compact for drier skins. It is a lightweight foundation with a luxuriously buttery finish with added skincare properties. Matchmaster foundation is incredible on oily skins keeping sebum under control with a velvet matte finish. In saying this, ensure that your skin is indeed dry not dehydrated and oily rather than combination before reaching for these! Ask an artist to help you get the perfect formula for your skin.
9. What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?
Smile in SPF!
10. How often should you really change your mascara?
It is recommended to change once a month. I have definitely been guilty of not adhering to this but fresh mascara is not only wetter, more malleable (ensuring its maximum designed effect) it is also free of bacteria and skin cells that are continually passed from your lashes to the tube and back again. That's pretty nasty when you think about it! *reaches for fresh mascara*
Dubliner and in-demand makeup artist Lesley Keane11. Contouring – a fad or something we should all be trying?
Contouring is absolutely not a fad and can transform a face, however it doesn't have to be as strong as trends we are seeing on a famous reality TV show. A simple sweep of a contour blush such as Harmony or Baby Don't Go blusher under the cheekbones or jawline can work wonders. However the trend is really leaning towards highlighting to create natural shadows, it's more daylight friendly; try our MAC Prep+Prime Highlighters.
12. What's the one makeup product you could not live without?
My MAC Brow Pencil in Lingering. It is the perfect colour for blondes and creates a natural filled in brow shade; the nib is so small that you can actually emulate tiny hairs in the brow so it looks natural. It's my desert island product.
13. Does anyone know (or care) what the difference is between a BB and CC cream?
Yes, you care if you suffer from any form of skin discolouration. MAC Prep+Prime CC Cream is to combat high colouring in the skin, the yellow shade is called Neutralise and on top of high colouring balances the skin tone. I have used this on all ages of consumers suffering with high colouring, and on highly stressed skin situations backstage and it's worked every time, also the Adjust shade is amazing on skin pigmentation. MAC Prep+Prime BB creams are a mix of a moisturising balm and foundation that addresses skin texture as well as giving a weightless pay off, almost like an invisible coverage. Great for someone who doesn't like too much foundation or for men.
14. What’s the best cheat for glowing skin?
Choosing an illuminating product foundation such as MAC Strobe Cream or MAC Mineralize Foundation over well moisturised skin. Using a good concealer to address under the eyes and any challenged areas, then the finishing trick is to use an invisible powder such as Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder with a small brush just in the hotspots.
15. Tell us one tip or trick that you love to use…
I love using lipliners as eye shadows. It gives such an intense pay off, and it's all about warmer shades on the eye this season. My favourite shades are Chestnut and Nightmoth. I just draw under the eye and wrap it into the socket line then blend it out with a brush. Then you can add eye shadows on top for the perfect blended eye.
