Most Used Products: Backstage at LFW

As I trotted off backstage at London Fashion Week I made sure I went prepared, notepad and pen at the ready, to squeeze makeup artists for all the knowledge they would share, favourite products and best techniques. There seemed to be the same few products that kept cropping up, ones I saw repeatedly again and again on every counter that without a doubt were the makeup artist favourites.  

First up was something that won’t come as a surprise to you, something that was on every single makeup artist station, right bang in the center surrounded by cotton pads, Bioderma Crealine H2O Micellar Solution, (post here), a gentle water cleanser that removes a full face of makeup within a matter of seconds, without irritating the skin or leaving an oily film. When presented with a task like a complicated cat flick at Issa (post here) the makeup artists would use a Q-Tip dipped in Bioderma as the perfect tool for shaping liquid liner and erasing errors. 

Speaking of French pharmacy products, something I've had in my stash for a while that I like to slap on anything dry – lips, knees, hands, cuticles, you name it, Homeoplasmine. A lovely makeup artist backstage said she used this for ‘crusty patches.’ A dollup on the skin for as long as possible it becomes smooth and ready for foundation. 

Another skin savior is the cult Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, which has a plethora of uses. Lips, a cheek highlight, adding some intense glossyness to the skin, on cheekbones, eyes and even lips. Not to mention its hydrating qualities too. It really is one of those cult items everyone seems to have in their stash! 

There seemed to be the same base products going round, firstly Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre which I personally have never tried, but managed to gain a little insight when the lovely artist shed a little light on my lack of knowledge by saying it’s a non greasy moisturizer that suits all skin types and helps make skin look radiant. On top of this it's also an 'exceptionally hydrating cream' which is perfect for dryer skin types. Being more on the oily side myself, I think I'll be saving this one for winter.

Mac Face & Body has been in my stash for years, although it’s not a daily favourite of mine it’s great for using on legs and scars. It provides light coverage, dewy finish and has a runny texture. I did spot a couple of makeup artists mixing this with heavier texture foundations to make them more blendable. It's the perfect texture for bringing down the neck to add some colour and the lack of SPF makes it perfect for flash photography too. 

Something I absolutely had to pick up the day after seeing it on practically every single counter was Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, which is used to set concealer under the eyes. Its extremely light in texture and provides a hardly noticeable difference in person but works amazingly well with flash, helping to conceal dark circles and illuminate the under eye area. It's also helped my concealer last longer too!

Another highlighting goodie is Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Cream which provides glowy cheek perfection. It's brilliant at catching the light and aiding to sculpt the face. Down the centre of the nose, across the cheekbones and on the cupids bow is where it suits best. Its cream formula ensures it appears extremely natural too. 

Lastly By Terry Baume De Rose, which isn't one of those chuck in the bottom of your handbag lip balms, more of a get it out in public for a display as it's absolutely gorgeous. It provides a glow to the lips like no other, moisturises them and isn't too sticky that it will interfere with lipstick. 

So there you have it, the items my makeup magnet eyes gravitated towards backstage. These were those certain items I saw on every counter, that were clearly renown makeup artists favourites!