My Essential Beauty Tools: Make-Up Artist Valeria Ferreira

“I alternate between foundation brushes, Beautyblender sponges and my fingertips. It all depends on the coverage and finish I want to achieve. For lighter coverage, I use a combination of stippling brushes, like Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Brush – these keep all the water in the foundation and deliver it straight to your skin, which is well worth remembering next time you pick up new tools. Fingers are great for blotting any excess shine where needed, but still maintaining good glow. If I am creating a red carpet look and want more coverage, I’ll ‘bake’. I use a round-tip condensed foundation brush – like Zoeva’s Foundation Brush – and then go over everything with a damp sponge to apply loose powder to help everything set. Beautyblender sponges still reign supreme for me. They have pores that absorb product and when they are damp, they mix incredibly well with thicker foundations, helping the skin to receive the product better and help it settle in smoothly. Just remember to keep them clean.” 

“Eye brushes are so important. My collection is extensive, but there are some that stand out from the crowd. They include the Laura Mercier brush I mentioned above, and the Zoeva Angled Eyeliner Brush which is a must for defining the eyes and creating smooth feline flicks. As for brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills tools will always be my go-to. She has mastered the art of a perfect brow and the products are testament to that – no other tools have come close. My tip for brow tools is to always observe the direction in which your natural hair grows and follow it as a guideline. This will help you to achieve a full brow, but an arch that’s natural and effortless. I also keep brow scissors and brow blades in my kit, but I only ever use them if my clients ask for advice on the shape – otherwise, it’s best left to a professional.”

“To buff in blusher and bronzer, I always use my Trish McEvoy 2B Blusher Brush. It’s so fluffy and deposits the perfect amount of product every single time. I love a good make-up puff, too – Dior do some great ones, as do other high-street retailers. I often keep one hooked on my finger so that when I am leaning on a client’s skin, I don’t leave marks behind. Puffs are ideal for baking, too, and setting powder into the skin for longevity.”