5 Bafta red-carpet make-up artists share the one product they swear by, from foundation to face oil
These MUAs have mastered looks that will last long after the ceremony
(The Independent)The British Academy Film Awards, also known as the Baftas, provide an opportunity to celebrate the very best national and foreign films made every year.
Now in its 74th year, the 2021 ceremonies will be taking place on 10 and 11 April and will be hosted by Dermot O'Leary, Edith Bowman and Clara Amfo.
Looking a little different this year due to the ongoing pandemic, nominees, including Vanessa Kirby, Alfre Woodard and Riz Ahmed, as well as audience members, will be joining virtually.
Despite this, you can still be sure to see the biggest movie stars dressed up to the nines in glamorous black-tie outfits, designer gowns and beauty looks that are sure to impress, even if it is over Zoom.
Red-carpet make-up is some of the most glamorous we see all year, and make-up artists play an important role in awards season.
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We’ve spoken to five leading industry experts with a wealth of experience to find out the best-kept secrets in their kit.
Each has shared the one product they swear by and why, from the essential skincare prep to foundations that photograph best and, most importantly, will last throughout the ceremony, photoshoots and after-parties.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Pat McGrath Labs sublime perfection foundation
London born, Jamaican MUA Giselle Ali has a long roster of clients including Michaela Coel, SZA and Winnie Harlow, and was the artist behind Cynthia Erivo's 2019 Baftas look – a stunning purple shimmer smokey eye.
“I love using the Pat McGrath Labs sublime perfection foundation for the red carpet. Sheer but buildable, it drys down to a satin, skin-like finish and photographs beautifully,” she says.
Preparation is key, as Ali explains. “I apply over a Glossier super bounce serum (£24, Glossier.com) with a KJH Spectrum collections brush in 03 and buff it into the skin, building up coverage where needed.”
“I also finish off with a fine dust of Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder in ‘medium deep’ (£32, Boots.com) and Spectrum Collections KJH 01 fluffy blush (as part of a kit, £159.99, Spectrumcollections.co.uk).”
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges.com
Lancôme galatée confort cleanser
Taking credit for many of the make-up looks worn by Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o, Salma Hayek, Lily Collins and Penelope Cruz is Alex Babsky.
He swears by Lancôme galatée confort cleanser: “A good amount of it massaged firmly around the face and wiped away leaves skin softened, nourished looking, gleaming, and improves the look of any foundation from the glare of a flash photo.
He also loves the Lancôme l’absolu rouge drama matte lipstick in “tapis rouge” (£27, Boots.com), which he describes as “the ultimate red-carpet lip”.
“It’s not for the timid, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more sumptuous lipstick.”
Buy now £42.50, Johnlewis.com
Chanel baume essentiel
For make-up artist Ninni Nummela, her must-have product is the Chanel baume essentiel in transparent for clients that include Priyanka Chopra, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Felicity Jones and Gemma Chan.
“It’s my key product for achieving natural, radiant skin when working with clients attending red-carpet events. Its smooth, creamy texture gives you a healthy luminosity without looking like you’re wearing a highlighter.”
To apply onto skin, Nummela uses one of two ways. “It is easy to dab on with the warmth of your fingers, or by using a small synthetic brush. By applying it on the high areas where the light would naturally catch your face – high on top of the cheekbones and bridge of the nose – it beautifully sculpts your features without the need for any contour products.”
“I also like sweeping it over the eyelids and to the middle of the lips for added dewiness. Instantly, your skin looks red-carpet ready.”
Buy now £35.00, Feelunique.com
Decléor neroli bigarade aromessence hydrating serum
Emma White Turle, who counts Carey Mulligan, Michelle Dockery, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jared Leto, and Niall Horan as clients, is a huge fan of using oil to prepare skin ahead of make-up application.
“I love the Decléor neroli bigarade aromessence hydrating serum because it absorbs quickly into the skin which means it helps create the perfect canvas for make-up application.
But that’s not all. “It can be a stressful time before a big event or awards ceremony, so I take the time with the actress I am working with to do a facial massage to plump skin, but also [to give] time to unwind, with the essential oils also creating a calming experience,” Turle says.
Buy now £52.00, Lookfantastic.com
Lancôme teint idole ultra wear foundation
For the 2019 Baftas, Cher Webb was one of the leading make-up artists, working with VIP stars such as the cast of Derry Girls, Lily Travers and Lolly Adefope. “With any red-carpet make-up look, it all starts with the complexion – if the skin is on point then everything else just falls into place,” she says.
“After prepping the skin, I love to apply the Lancôme teint idole ultra wear foundation with its 24-hour long-wear. There is no need for any touch-ups with this low-maintenance formula which stands the test of time and looks fresh and flawless from application right through to the removal.”
According to Webb, it has a medium-full buildable texture that glides onto the skin and never looks heavy, while being transfer-resistant and smudge-free. She calls it a “make-up-artist kit essential”.
“Use a foundation brush and start the application at the centre of the face as this area tends to get oily and shiny first,” she recommends. “Start through the T-zone and work your way out to the rest of the face, bringing it down the neck for a seamless finish.”
Buy now £34.50, Boots.com
For more make-up recommendations, read our guide to the best foundations for dark skin tones that deliver on colour accuracy and coverage
