We chat to Los Angeles-based makeup artist, Georgie Eisdell, who is responsible for the impeccably glowy complexions of clients Gwyneth Paltrow and Sophie Turner.
Here she talks through the products to call on in a crisis and career highlights.
Which products do you love using on your clients at the moment?
“I am loving Pat McGrath’s lip colours and eyeshadows and Chanel’s new eye collection – Blurry Grey, Green, Mauve and Blue (which launches on Friday) – they are all stunning!” says Eisdell. As for summer staples? “Tom Ford Bronzer because its heating up over here and there is nothing better than a little colour in the face when it’s hot outside. And tints!! I love eye, cheek and lip tints at the moment. Jillian Dempsey’s tints are gorgeous.”
You’re not afraid to experiment with fun and playful looks, how do you incorporate colour and graphic shapes in a way that still looks wearable?
“Wearable is the key here. I have been really into using colour of late and trying different shapes, but for me it has to be wearable. I like makeup to look gorgeous in real life as well as on the red carpet and in print. That to me is the artistry.”
If readers wanted to be a little more experimental, where’s the best place to start?
“Try a muted shadow that is a colour you like, then slowly go brighter when you are comfortable. Try a coloured eyeliner but use black mascara so you get a hint of colour but it’s not too crazy a change. A bright tint on the lips is a nice place to start too, then go for a full lip colour when you’re ready.”
What makeup trends do you think are taking off at the moment and which are you most excited by?
“Colour and graphic lines. I love colour – it’s fun and it can really put a pep in your step in the summer and brighten up your mood in the winter. I’m also loving unusual liners and shapes on the eye. When done well, liners can make a simple classic makeup look cool and modern.”
What are your best insider beauty tips?
“Mmm, there are so many. When it comes to mascara, push and wiggle the brush up the lash to get a good amount on the lash and give it a fluffy look. Too much foundation is ageing and most of the time unnecessary. There is nothing better than good looking skin. Use a tinted moisturiser and concealer for a fresh dewy base. If you want more coverage, use a base that’s highly pigmented, just don’t put too much on. You don’t want to cover your whole face with a ton of base.”
Which three products do you always have in your kit?
“Bronzer, mascara, Brow powders.”
What’s the secret to ultra-fresh looking skin?
“iS Clinical’s Cleansing Gel. Plus, I’m obsessed with Goop’s Instant Facial – it’s the bomb! Also, the 111SKIN masks and Tammy Fender’s antioxidant creme.”
You’re about to get a client ready but they’ve been out the night before, their skin is dull and they’ve got a spot brewing – what do you do?
“I throw on a 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask immediately. Followed by 111Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask. For spots I use Laura Mericer’s Secret Camouflage Concealer. It is oil-free and has chamomile in it so it actually helps calm and heal the spot as well as cover it brilliantly.”
“For sure!!! I went to work with a smaller kit than usual from the day before. I had only packed my kit with pale bases as that’s all I had needed. So I get to my other client who had very olive skin the next day (without re-packing my kit) and had to improvise real quick! Luckily it wasn’t a major disaster but it was a pretty epic fail on my behalf forgetting to re-pack my kit.”
What’s been the best moment of your career so far?
“Wow thats a hard one. There have been many. The first time I had a client Carey Mulligan nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards and doing her makeup for it. The first press tour. The first major magazine cover also Mulligan for Harper’s Bazaar UK in 2013. The first time working with some of my clients that I had always dreamt of working with such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange and Melissa McCarthy and still working with them years and years later. It’s a trip. I love movies and I love movie stars. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to meet and work with so many incredibly talented people that I admire.”
