5 backstage beauty products to add to your make-up kit
Amid all the luxe make-up at a runway show, there are some key backstage beauty products make-up artists lean on – and they’re actually affordable.
Runway shows not only feature new-season fashion, but also the latest in make-up trends.
The beauty professionals who work backstage at these events often stress the importance of adequately prepping the skin before applying any make-up.
They say this step is crucial to create a flawless finish, and to make sure the look photographs well and stays put for hours.
While expensive, professional-grade make-up is generally used for the runway, some of the most popular products to prep models’ skin are surprisingly affordable – and accessible to everyday consumers.
View this post on Instagram
Here’s our pick of the backstage beauty products you’ll want in your make-up cabinet.
5 must-have backstage beauty products
Micellar water
Starting with a fresh base is integral for any runway look, and make-up artists will use micellar water as a cleanser and make-up remover in one.
What makes micellar water so appealing to industry professionals is its ability to cleanse without the need for water, which is particularly useful when you’re on set.
Proper cleansing ensures there’s no dirt or oil on the face that might interfere with make-up application, and smooths the skin by removing dead cells through light exfoliation.
French skincare line Bioderma was at the forefront of micellar water’s meteoric rise in popularity in recent decades, becoming commonplace both backstage and in beauty cabinets.
View this post on Instagram
Rich moisturiser
Make-up artists have long included French skin care in their toolkits, particularly Embryolisse’s famed Lait Crème Concentrate.
Since it was first created over 70 years ago, this cream has gained a firm following thanks to its emollient, hydrating properties and a formula that includes essential fatty acids and vitamins. Backstage, it’s typically used to prep models’ skin to be supple, hydrated and ready for foundation application.
What’s less widely known is that it’s a versatile, multipurpose product – in addition to being a moisturiser, it also doubles as a cleanser, make-up remover, hydrating mask and soothing aftershave balm (a bonus for make-up artists tight on space in their kits).
View this post on Instagram
All-purpose balm
Another popular multipurpose product commonly found backstage are healing balms and salves.
Pawpaw, lanolin or vaseline can be used on lips and cuticles, as a make-up remover, and to help treat cracked skin and mild burns and cuts.
View this post on Instagram
Eye mask
Models might appear bright-eyed and refreshed on the runway but in reality, it’s often far from the truth because of the relentless nature of back-to-back shows during fashion weeks.
One of the ways make-up artists hide signs of fatigue is by using an eye mask on models in an effort to calm the eye area to help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
View this post on Instagram
Cotton buds
Complex, editorial eye looks designed for the runway are often as technical and messy as they appear, which is where the humble cotton bud comes in handy.
Conventionally, these cotton-tipped swabs are used to clean small areas such as tear ducts or to apply topical medications, but they’re also widely used in the beauty industry to clean everything from eyeliner mishaps to mascara flakes.
View this post on Instagram
More beauty tips and must-haves for your make-up kit:
- Fail-proof beauty tips to hide a big night out
- How an eyelash curler can truly lift your look
- Old-school beauty tools that are making a comeback
- Budget-friendly beauty dupes that are worth the hype
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
