As a professional makeup artist, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether high-end products really are better than drugstore ones. The truth is, it’s not always about the price tag. Some budget-friendly gems can rival the luxury favourites, and vice versa (there are certain splurges that really are worth it). Today I’m breaking down some of my favourite drugstore and high-end products that deserve a spot in your makeup routine!
The Perfect Base
Think of your base as the foundation of your makeup. When it’s done well, everything else falls into place.
Drugstore Pick: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation
This foundation is medium coverage, natural, and buildable, giving you that flawless finish without feeling too heavy. Truly an everyday essential, and in my opinion, one of the best drugstore foundations on the market.
High-End Pick: NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
If you want something that lasts beautifully through long events (think weddings or special occasions), this foundation delivers that seamless, radiant skin finish with just the right amount of coverage.
Concealer Must-Haves
A good concealer is like a beauty shortcut. It brightens, covers, and makes you look like you’ve had your 8 hours of beauty sleep!
Drugstore Pick: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
Creamy, super blendable, and brilliant for under eyes. It’s been a cult favourite for years for a reason!
High-End Pick: Tarte Shape Tape
Full coverage, long-lasting, and perfect for when you need that extra confidence boost. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Blush Favourites
A bit of blush can completely lift your complexion, making you look healthier and more radiant in seconds.
Drugstore Pick: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
This blush has a peachy glow that flatters almost every skin tone, giving your cheeks a natural, luminous finish.
High-End Pick: NARS Orgasm Edge Blush
This blush is iconic for a reason; it adds the perfect pop of colour with a subtle shimmer that works beautifully on so many complexions.
Mascara Magic
If there’s one product that makes the biggest difference in a routine, it’s mascara. A few coats can instantly open up the eyes, make you look more awake, and pull together your entire makeup look.
Drugstore Pick: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara
It creates length, volume, drama… everything you want from a mascara without breaking the bank! The fluffy brush makes application quick and easy, and it definitely rivals the more expensive options.
High-End Pick: Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
This mascara is luxurious, buildable, and perfect for creating lashes that stay full and fluttery all day. Its formula doesn’t clump or flake, making it a brilliant choice for weddings or long events.
Lips That Last
Lip products are a staple, whether you want something soft and natural or bold and glamorous. The right formula doesn’t just add colour, but it can hydrate, define, and make you feel more put together.
Drugstore Pick: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
This is lightweight, comfortable, and available in so many shades. It’s perfect for everyday wear and a great way to try out different colours without spending a fortune.
High-End Pick: Dior Addict Lip Glow
A luxurious balm that enhances your natural lip tone while keeping lips nourished. It’s the kind of product you’ll find yourself reaching for every day because it’s so effortless and chic.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, makeup is about finding what works for you. Some products are worth investing in for their longevity, finish, or luxury experience, while others prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get stunning results.
Whether you’re looking to refine your everyday routine or glam up for a big event, I love helping my clients discover products that suit their skin, style, and budget. If you’ve got an upcoming special occasion, why not book an appointment with me? Together we can create a look that feels flawless, effortless, and completely you. Make a booking today!
Whilst we love the warmer weather, when it comes to having to wear makeup in the heat it can sometimes be a disaster. When you face feels sticky and your once flawless base feels like its melting into your collar, it can sometimes feel like a losing battle. Whether its office commutes, rooftop cocktails, or even a holiday somewhere warm, here are some of my tried and tested tips to keep your makeup fresh, and far from cakey no matter how hot it gets.
The key difference between melt-proof and meltdown makeup starts with the prep. In the warmer weather you need to say goodbye to heavy creams and say hello to a lightweight moisturiser (hydration without grease). Products including the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat provides the perfect shine-controlling base, or the TATCHA The Dewy Skin Cream which is hydrating but not too heavy for the summer.
Summer is not the time for heavy duty coverage, it’s all about letting your skin breathe. Think skin tints, BB creams with SPF or even tinted moisturisers. Not only are these more comfortable, they allow your skins natural skin to shine through. I recommend the NYX buttermelt glaze soft glow skin tint.
Apply mattifying primer only where you need it, this is typically the T-zone, and follow with light layers of foundation or concealer. A translucent powder after cream products in thin layers helps to ensure your makeup stays locked in place.
Cream blushes, bronzers and highlighters will be your best friend in warm weather, they blend nicely into the skin and give a natural finish. They are also less likely to go patchy or cakey throughout the day. I always recommend the Charlotte Tilbury sun-kissed glow bronzer.
SPF doesn’t just belong in your beach bag; it is an everyday essential. If you are worried about reapplying over makeup, reach for a spray on SPF such as the Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup UV face mist. It gives your skin the protection it needs without messing up your makeup.
Summer makeup doesn’t mean you have to pile on the powder products or just abandon your look entirely. With a few smart changes, you can beat the heat without having to sacrifice the perfect makeup look. If you have an upcoming event this summer and need your makeup to last all day I would love to be part of your day, view my makeup portfolio today or book an appointment!
Before creating any makeup look, no matter the occasion, it is important to prep your skin. With the correct skincare any makeup look can look glowy and smoother looking.
Skin prep as a makeup artist means the skincare steps I will complete before applying makeup. This is similar to your everyday skincare routine however the main goal is to prepare the skin for makeup. Skin prep focuses on using skincare to help it look smoother, plumper, and more radiant. Serums, moisturisers and face masks can help hydrate the skin and smooth out any texture, once complete makeup can apply and blend more seamlessly.
To best prep your skin I always recommend starting with a gentle face cleanser and finishing with a moisturiser. I aim to reach for products that contain key ingredients such as vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, this will help add moisture to the skin and give it a glow that shines from underneath makeup. When working with clients I always ensure to ask them about their skin type and any skin concerns they may have, this helps me determine the best products to use.
Cleansing is a vital part of any skincare routine, not just prep. Forgetting to use a gentle face cleanser can result in unwanted irritation and inflammation, especially if the makeup look is full coverage and will be worn for a longer period of time.
Cleansers are also great to eliminate poor-clogging bacteria, meaning you have fresh skin for the rest of your essentials. However, it is important to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates, as these can strip the skin of natural oils.
Exofliant’s are a good way to help make skin look smoother and healthier. Applying an exfoliator will help remove dead skin cells from the surface and reveal new skin with a natural glow.
Similar to cleanser when exfoliating the skin it is important to check the ingredients and avoid any with harsh alcohols that can strip the skin of natural oils.
A moisturiser is a pre-makeup must for clear, smooth skin! It also helps with easy makeup application and blending out foundation. Applying a moisturiser before starting makeup with help retain makeup looks for a longer period of time.
Skin prep is the ultimate key to a perfect long lasting makeup look. By following our simple skin prep for makeup routine, you’ll be amazed at how flawless your foundation looks, and how long your eye makeup will last without smudging or fading. If you are planning an event and would like your makeup to last all day I would love to be part of your day, view my makeup portfolio today or make an appointment!
I have been fortunate enough to glam brides far and wide in the last few years. From stunning English rural locations to very glam London venues, each wedding has been an unforgettable experience.
However, there is nothing better than waking up to the beach and sunshine before work. To do some amazing international weddings in breathtaking locations such as Malta, Portugal, and Menorca has been a dream come true for me!
From working on these incredible international weddings, I have definitely I learned a thing or two about how the heat and humidity can affect makeup and hair. So I thought I would share some of my top tips and tricks to help destination brides stay flawless all day long.
There is a fine line between a glowy radiant finish and looking shiny, especially when in tropical climates! Every bride wants to look radiant on their special day but not wanting to look sweaty/shiny.
For international weddings in warmer destinations, I always recommend using a matte primer alongside a water-based moisturiser. This helps to control sweat and oil without compromising that stunning bridal glow.
My Top Picks:
NYX Pore Filler – Ideal for oilier skin types to keep shine at bay.
NARS Matte Primer – Perfect for those who are less prone to oil but still want their makeup to last.
As someone who personally has to tackle the frizz on a daily basis, I completely understand the struggle! Whilst I love the heat, my hair doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. For my international brides – especially those opting for a down do – I would blowdry in Colour Wow Dreamcoat, this helps to smooth the hair and keep frizz under control.
For extra control, after styling I would use the Living Proof anti frizz spray and serum.
For brides who are more prone to sweating, controlling the shine will be essential. Instead of layering on the powder, which can quickly look cakey, I recommend using either blotting papers or a powder puff. Both of these are a great way to absorb sweat/oils without disturbing the makeup, keeping your bridal look fresh from “I Do” to the last dance.
International weddings are magical, but they can come with their own beauty challenges. By prepping your skin and hair correctly, you can ensure your bridal look stays flawless no matter the temperature. If you’re planning a destination wedding and want expert, heat-proof glam, I’d love to be part of your big day, view my wedding makeup portfolio today or make a booking!
The festive season has arrived, bringing plenty of opportunities to dress up, sparkle, and enjoy a glass of bubbly. Whether you will be attending a work do, family gathering, or festive night out with friends, here are some Christmas party makeup tips that will help you look and feel fabulous:
Nothing says Christmas like a little shimmer. Elevate your usual soft glam by simply adding a hint of silver or gold glitter to your eyelids. It’s a subtle yet festive way to transform your look into something extra for the season.
A bold red lip is a Christmas classic! Whilst many of my clients typically prefer a softer shade, I always recommend trying something a bit brighter in the festive season. Pairing a simple, clean makeup base with a bold red lip can create a timeless elegant look. It’s the perfect way to bring a little holiday magic to your style.
Summer may be the season for bronzed gold and warm tones, but Christmas is the perfect time to embrace cool shades. Think silvers, icy blues, and soft pinks, paired with a pinkier blush for that wintery glow. Channel your inner 90s supermodel!
Want to feel fabulous at your next Christmas party? Let me help you achieve a stunning festive look that will complement your outfit and make you feel amazing. For all Christmas part makeup bookings, please email me at makeupbyemie@gmail.com
Most people would think that a lot of my makeup artist work consists of impactful makeup with lashes, pink cheeks, sculpted contour and glossy lips but in fact I spend a lot of time focusing on creating barely there male grooming.
I have been lucky to work with some amazing male talent including, Robert Bathurst, Eliud Kipchoge, Nigel Farage, Declan McKenna, The Fellas Podcast hosts and many more.
The key areas I focus on to create a seamless and unnoticeable look are;
You want the skin to look healthy, glowing and give the appearance of having a few more hours of sleep than these busy men have actually had!
Products I always reach to;
This is a great light moisturiser with a cooling effect on the skin.
Hydrates the eyes and light reflects to help cover any dark circles.
Unlike with my makeup looks on women who want a more dewy look. On men it’s important to reduce any shin, especially on camera.
The makeup products I use are of course all very light coverage as the aim is for no one to notice they have any on – just look naturally great!
Light coverage and super blend able, sinks into the skin while giving a freshness under the eyes and help cover any small blemishes/ dark spots.
Perfect powder for on camera as it blurs the skin while keeping any oil/ shine at bay. But as it’s a light weight powder won’t look cakey or powdery on the skin.
Men are much less likely to be found at the brow bars so often a bit of brow control is needed so that they don’t look to fluffy/ unkempt on camera. So some clear gel and maybe a small trim works a treat.
Male grooming doesn’t just stop at makeup I also style hair. Most of the work I do with men is corporate so they often have very well kept, short hair so styling is minimal.
I use a range of gels/ serums/ sprays depending on the hair type and style but these are some of my favourites;
Super lightweight so doesn’t look heavy shiny on camera but does a great job at controlling any fly aways.
This is for a more slick look and this gel is super strong so this will be holding the whole shoot!
To view some of my latest work with male talent click here. Alternatively book your appointment today.
We are now in the full swing of winter and all that comes with it – including changes to our skin. Some absolute must haves to battle the cold and keep your skin from drying out are as follows;
Skin Food Weleda
This is such a must have in the winter months. I use this mainly at night to rehydrate my skin while asleep. This is also because this is a very
thick cream and doesn’t work well as a base under makeup. But is the most hydrating moisturiser I have found to date.
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream
This is the most perfect under makeup base for the cold season. Really hydrating but isn’t greasy and sinks into the skin beautifully, so not to disturb makeup. It’s also made with natural ingredients so if your skin is irritated with the central heating, it won’t cause anymore irritation.
La Roche – Posay SPF
Just because the sun isn’t blaring down and 30 degrees doesn’t mean there isn’t damaging UV Rays coming through. Yes there is less sun damage in cloudy weather but keep consistent with your spf and keep those wrinkles away!
Naturium Balm
I have honestly owned every lip balm there is and I can safely say these are the best. I love the tinted pinky ones for a no makeup day and Ioften use the clear one as a gloss to give my lips some extra hydration. Stays on super well with eating/ drinking and really keeps the lips hydrated. 10/10.
MAKEUPBYEMIE™
