Celebrity makeup artist Michael Brown discusses lockdown beauty routines and Zoom makeup hacks.
With more time being spent at home, people are gradually shifting from their regular beauty routines.
The lockdown has provided everyone with the opportunity to update and refresh their beauty habits.
No stranger to the beauty industry, Michael Brown‘s expertise as a celebrity makeup artist allows him to educate women in the best makeup application techniques.
Throughout his career, Michael has collaborated with celebrities and supermodels such as Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Sofia Richie and Juliette Binoche.
He has also worked as an ambassador for global beauty brands including Marc Jacobs Beauty, VS Sassoon, Olay and Ardell Lashes.
When asked if women should go more natural or amp up their skin and haircare routines during quarantine, Michael’s perspective is clear.
“Definitely amp it up!” he says. “With more time on our hands for most of us, even if we are working from home, this is a great time to add in extra beauty steps and products that we usually put off because we are time-poor.”
Taking advantage of any extra time for personal luxuries can prove beneficial in the long-term.
Adding extra products that he usually skips to his routine has allowed Michael’s skin to improve.
“I know for me personally, my skin has never looked better, as I have added extra products that I usually skip and I am more rested and relaxed from not working, so at least my skin is a win during this pandemic.”
The lockdown gives individuals the opportunity to really pamper themselves during their off-days.
“Add in that serum you usually skip, pop in a hair mask while working from home, try out that sheet mask you purchased but never used and if you have always wanted more time to try out makeup looks, this is it!”
Some tips to look your beauty best on Zoom
Working from home has become the new normal for Australians.
Although travel time and very early mornings have been replaced by virtual meetings, people still want to look polished on-screen.
“Everyone is all over Zoom, as well as other video call apps and whether it’s for work or personal, why not look our best, it all makes you feel better, I promise!” Michael laughs.
Lighting
As a beauty consultant and celebrity makeup artist, Michael understands the importance of lighting.
He advises flooding the face with as much light as possible within your environment.
“Try to face a window or somewhere where light is hitting your face,” says Michael. “Having a window behind you is not always the most flattering lighting, as you will be backlit.”
Makeup
Michael also notes that a full face of makeup is not necessary and that it is the subtle details that elevate your beauty look over Zoom.
Looking more awake during video-calls using makeup is simple, according to the celebrity makeup artist.
“A touch of concealer under the eyes can be used to brighten the eyes, or used on an area that you want to make look more even.”
To add dimension to a makeup look, using a highlighter will elevate the high points of the face, while the bronzer will add overall definition to the look.
“Use a touch of bronzer across the eyelids and under cheekbones, and a little highlighter on the top of cheekbones.”
To create a natural, fresh appearance, Michael recommends adding a touch of colour on the lips and dabbing this colour onto the cheek area as blush.
“Just add a lash for definition and you are set to look at-home ‘camera ready’.”
For more tips on how to look great on Zoom, read our story here.
