Beauty Hacker Of The Week: Nika Kislyak - How To Create A Healthy Glow

Top makeup artist Nika Kislyak talks about her favorite tools and techniques.

Nika Kislyak

Top makeup artist

Perfect skin is one of the most important accents in makeup today. Matte foundation, which lays down in a dense layer, is no longer relevant. The skin should look natural and well-groomed, glow "from the inside". Some of the most popular products among all world makeup artists are products with oily or creamy textures. They are easily shaded, look translucent and absolutely natural. The face becomes hydrated, it seems to glow with health.

Makeup is no longer a mask; overly painted faces are a thing of the past. Now it is enough to slightly remove flaws and emphasize the dignity of your appearance, to make it more expressive, while preserving the unique details, features given to you by nature. Where do you start?

Care

Why is it so important to properly prepare your face for applying makeup? The answer is very simple: the more well-groomed the skin, the less masking will have to be, and therefore the less tones will be used. At least minimal care is important - cleansing and moisturizing. Always wash off your makeup in the evening, and then apply a moisturizer that suits you.

For myself and for work, I really love the micellar water Sensibio H2O, Bioderma. It perfectly cleanses and slightly moisturizes the skin. If the skin is very dry, it smoothes the scales. It can be used both in the evening to remove makeup and in the morning before applying the tone.

For moisturizing there is an excellent remedy loved by many makeup artists - milk cream Lait-Crème Сoncentré, Embryolisse. It is easily absorbed and quickly moisturizes the skin, ideal for the cold season.

I love the Giorgio Armani Prima series. They ideally prepare the face for further make-up, creating the same glow effect: the skin is filled with healthy radiance, it looks hydrated and youthful. Thanks to this, she does not need a dense, heavy tone.

Tone

When you choose a tone, trying it on the back of your hand, note that it should not be too dense and completely matte. You don't need a plaster coat. Choose light and transparent textures with reflective particles.

The foundation evens out the complexion, muffles skin imperfections and redness, but it is not intended to “cover up” all imperfections. For this, a denser and more pigmented product is intended - a concealer. He will point out any problematic moments.

Better to apply the tone with a brush or sponge. Duofiber (a brush made of two piles - natural and synthetic, most often black and white, of different lengths) is suitable for those who have vellus hair or large pores on their face. The brush creates a light, weightless coverage, stretches the tone well.

For problem skin with rashes, a sponge is best. They can stretch the tone semi-transparently, and in areas requiring additional attention, apply with hammering movements.

I'm a fan of Armani foundations, especially Luminous Silk. This is a veil that, even when applied tightly with a sponge, looks light and natural on the skin. By the way, even if you take the matte and densest tone of the Armani brand, it still will not look like a mask on your face. It's all about quality pigments and the right reflective particles. Armani products are loved by makeup artists all over the world, and this is absolutely justified.

For filming, I sometimes like to use the Traceless Foundation tone, Tom Ford on the models. It creates an interesting wet skin effect.

Concealer

I choose concealers with reflective particles. My favorites are the High Precision Retouch, Armani, and the denser Radiant Creamy Concealer, NARS.

To cover up the bruises under the eyes, it is better to choose a lighter texture (Armani concealer), if there is redness or breakouts, choose a denser texture (Nars concealer).

Highlighter

I use cream highlighters - only they can merge with the skin, creating the most natural effect. I have three favorites that I use on the set, and on the backstages of fashion shows, and in everyday life.

1. Highlighter Becca - creamy, airy, looks very natural, the skin seems to be slightly damp. I apply not only to the face, but also to the body - collarbones, shoulders, central part of the leg.

2. Highlighter stick Madina, which, unfortunately, is sold only in Italy. Beautifully layering - from subtle shine to denser and brighter.

3. Highlighter Cream Color Base, MAC, Pearl shade. I love it for the warm, delicate shade, pigmentation and oily consistency, which is easy to stretch to achieve the desired effect.

All products are pigmented and are used very sparingly - they will be enough for you for several years.

For everyday life, I advise you to apply the highlighter to 5 zones: the inner corner of the eye, the upper part of the cheekbone, the space under the eyebrow, the center of the upper eyelid and the outline of the upper lip. It definitely looks beautiful on everyone - the eyes seem to light up, beautiful highlights appear on the face, the skin looks fresh.

Interview and text: Olga Kulygina