A Hollywood Makeup Artist's Summer Secrets
Warm weather makeup secrets from red carpet makeup artist, Fiona Stiles.
Written By LEXY LEBSACK
Beyond the endless sunshine and delightful flings of summer, the season has its darker, undesirable side: heat and humidity. Soaring temperatures will challenge even the most skilled makeup application. To maintain a fresh face through surf, sun, and sand, VIOLET GREY consulted Fiona Stiles. The esteemed makeup artist calls Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Chastain clients and friends. Stiles is also trusted on set by photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Ellen von Unwerth for her impeccable work, no matter the climate. Herewith are the artist’s answers to evading melting makeup and heat-ravaged skin.
ANSWER: “Creamy bronzers like Nars’ Multiple is great because they’re super pigmented, which mean they don’t get streaky on fair skin. If you’re very pale, apply a pressed powder or foundation that’s darker than your skin, to act as bronzer. You can trick the eye into thinking your skin is warmer than it is by applying golden highlighter on your cheeks and décolletage.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “The trick is to blot the sweat! Do not rub, it will undo all your hard work. Oil absorbing papers are great for this.”
—FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “This is all about picking the right formula that will last, like gels or stains. Use a gel bronzer or blush and a cheek or lip stain, curl your lashes, and apply waterproof mascara. You don’t want to look made up, but these will give your face a little color and definition. My best advice is to tint your eyelashes at the beginning of summer. It’s the only thing guaranteed not to run in the water.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “Contrary to popular belief, waterproof mascara isn’t any more damaging than regular mascara, but you do need something greasy or oily to remove it properly or lashes can become brittle and break. Serge Lutens’ makeup removers has been in my kit since day one—it cuts through anything!”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “Body makeup is your best bet to conceal an uneven patch of skin, or you can add a dab of luminizer or foundation into your body lotion to trick the eye a little. To remove the tan, apply lemon juice mixed with body scrub in the shower.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “Powder blush, or a combination of the two, is best. Makeup tends to disappear on a summer day, but if you use a cream or gel blush under a powder blush it will last much longer.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “Oily skin is torture in the summer, I know firsthand. First off, limit moisturizer. You really don’t need a separate day cream and SPF, so just wear sunscreen. Keep blotting papers with you to soak up oil and powder for touch-ups—and try to stay in cool places!”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “You’re probably going to want a cleansing wipe to get the sunscreen and salt water off your face, then it’s all about keeping it simple. Nars’ Mulitple is great for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Curling your lashes really opens up the eyes, then a smudgy liner that you can blend with your fingers is easy.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “It’s best to do more of a stain using a dark lipstick. That way, you can get a deep color look without a hard line. Pat the pigment into your lips with your finger, then apply a little lip balm on top. Pair it with curled lashes, defined brows, and fresh skin.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
ANSWER: “Be mindful not to apply moisturizer, foundation, or concealer on your eyelids, which will make the product run. Instead, use primer if you want to wear shadow. Nars’ Primer is amazing! Nothing budges when you use it. Always use waterproof mascara and liner on your bottom lashline to prevent smudging. You can also apply waterproof mascara on the tips of your top lashes, over your regular mascara, to seal in the color without completely committing yourself to the tedious removal process often associated with these formulas.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
HEATPROOF EYE MAKEUP KIT
Makeup artist Fiona Stiles divulges her secrets to keeping summer eye makeup in place, despite soaring temperatures and impossible humidity.
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THE WEATHERPROOF PRIMER
“This eye shadow primer is amazing. Nothing will budge when you use it.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
NARS SMUDGE PROOF EYESHADOW BASE
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THE BUDGE-PROOF SHADOW STICK
“These are my absolute favorite! I rave about these sticks all the time because they stay in place and are incredibly versatile. My favorite colors are Amethyst and Cocoa.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
LAURA MERCIER CAVIAR STICK EYE COLOUR COCOA
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THE WATERPROOF EYE DEFINER
“I love this waterproof mascara for the big fat brush. You can get into the base of the lashes to create a ‘tightline’ look without eye liner.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
DIOR DIORSHOW WATERPROOF MASCARA CATWALK BLACK
4/7
THE STAY-PUT CAT EYE
“Simply put, this isn’t going anywhere, no matter the weather.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER BLACK INK
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THE FOOLPROOF PALETTE
“Powder shadow is long lasting in heat and humidity. These universally-flattering shades are perfect to create summer drama.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
GIORGIO ARMANI EYES TO KILL EYESHADOW PALETTE 6 BOUDOIR
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THE WATERPROOF EYE DEFINER
“This liner stays in place from day to night.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
NARS LARGER THAN LIFE LONG-WEAR EYELINER VIA VENETO
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THE MIRACLE MAKEUP REMOVER
“You need something greasy to properly remove waterproof makeup. These wipes have been in my kit since day one because they cut through everything.”
— FIONA STILES, MAKEUP ARTIST
