Make-Up Artist Zoe Taylor Shares Her Beauty Staples

Make-Up Artist Zoe Taylor Shares Her Beauty Staples

Ever wondered what a pro make-up artist keeps in their kit? In this series, we ask industry insiders to share their secrets. Known for her impeccably glossy looks and ability to make colour wearable, A-list make-up artist and SL Beauty Insider, Zoe Taylor, is something of an authority when it comes to all things beauty. From the brushes she loves to the formulas she swears by, this is what she won’t be without…
Photography: @ZOETAYLOR

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BRUSHES & TOOLS:

“There’s always a real mix of brushes in my kit, but never any sponges or beautyblenders – they harbour so many germs. I love the MyKitCo Brushes as they come in great shapes and the quality is second to none. Those aside, I like to use and keep a lot of art brushes handy – I love nothing more than heading into an art shop to pick up a selection of new ones, along with all my other art supplies. The Chanel Double-Ended Brushes are so good, too. I often keep these with me on set as they have lids, which not only preserves their cleanliness, but also helps them to maintain their shape, so fewer hairs fall out. In terms of other tools, I always keep a few bamboo toothbrushes in my kit – one I spray with hairspray to comb and set people’s brows, the other I use to tame and lengthen lashes. If I want to clean my brushes, I’ll always use IPA – it’s quick drying and very hygienic, so it’s great when I’m on set. Finally, I’m never without medical tape – it’s the best for keeping specific areas clean during make-up application. Same goes for Sellotape – nothing picks glitter up off the skin better.”

COMPLEXION:

“This section is guaranteed to be short and sweet as I only have a handful of base products I use on rotation. For all over base make-up, I swear by Chanel’s Water Fresh Tint. Its tiny beads break over your complexion as you massage it in, leaving behind the kind of believable coverage and dewy finish that allows your natural texture to still come through. I love Hourglass’ Vanish Concealer, too. It’s essential for smoothing uneven tone and brightening dullness. Finally, Chanel’s Baume Essentiel stick in Transparent is the only highlighter I use. Whether I’m patting it onto cheekbones, or the eyelids, or cupid’s bow, it’s a product I truly couldn’t live without.”

MASCARA & BROWS:

“I go through heaps of eye products, but my favourite mascara has to be Guerlain’s Mad Eyes. It’s a mainstay in my kit as the clever brush coats every little lash, while also pumping up the volume, too. For brows, I love Kevyn Aucoin’s cult pencil as it has a thin lead that enables you to draw in each hair without looking too heavy – it’s brilliant for all my clients, too, especially those who suffer with sparseness. My kit is full of disposable bamboo mascara wands, as well. In our new post-pandemic world, having these is so important and they’re brilliant – they’re dense enough to comb through your lashes and gently build up the product for maximum impact, too. Everyone needs a good lash curler, too – I’ve used Shu Uemura’s for years and to this day, they’ve never lost their magic.”

EYE MAKE-UP:

“Different textures of eye make-up suit different skin types and occasions, so I always have a number of options in my kit. That said, there are a few key items you’ll always find in my bag, including Maybelline’s 24Hr Colour Eyeshadows. They make great bases and anything you choose to put on top of them never creases or shifts. Cream eyeshadows are my preference as they’re so soft and are the perfect imitation of that slightly sweaty, sexy skin. If I’m worried about creasing, I’ll layer powders on top of any creams to enhance and pump up the colour. I also really love a good eye gloss and often use a lip gloss on lids – you’re not meant to do this, but in all honesty, it’s the best way to get that high-shine, vinyl finish, just be sure not to use anything with menthol in. Finally, I swear by the Surratt Eyeshadow Palettes – the textures, finishes and colours are second to none. If time is tight, I’ll switch between Sisley’s Shadow Sticks and Rimmel’s Eyeliners to create a speedy smokey eye – both ranges include some incredibly rich, jewel-like tones.”

LIPS:

“My kit weighs about 60kg – mainly thanks to my lipstick collection. I store hundreds of them in my Vueset Palettes – they allow me to mix colours and create bespoke ones. I always carry a multitude of Chanel lipsticks in my Muji Vanity Cases, too – they have some of the best finishes and quality. In terms of suits-all tones, I’m never without: NARS’ Dragon Girl, Chanel’s Boy and Victoria Beckham’s Posh Lipstick – the latter is great for deeper skin tones especially, while ‘Boy’ is better for those who are fair. I carry various textures, but especially creamy lipsticks as they’re easier to amp up or sheer out for a more muted finish. Matte is great, but I don’t like to use ones that are too powdery – it can actually make lips look smaller and dry. My trusty Tinker Taylor Lip scrub will always be in my kit, too – it’s the best for buffing and hydrating lips, prepping them perfectly for any colour that colours.”

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