Bearing in mind that we spend a large part of our time scrutinizing red carpet beauty looks, it’s true to say that while we know only too well what works and what doesn’t, we know relatively little about what it takes to get red carpet ready. With this in mind we were thrilled to be invited to go and hang out chez Dior at their exclusive suite at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, to talk tips and tricks and generous fabulousness with their in-house pros.
The A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Dior suite is decorated in the style of Dior’s famous Avenue Montaigne boutique and full to bursting with the brands’ top make-up artists from around the world. Also boasting a nail room, hair room and facial suite, everything is on-hand to make up those red carpet stars.
Over a chic lunch down at the beach, Dior National Makeup Artist Jamie Combes chatted to us about red carpet “dos” and “don’ts”. Get a load of his fabulous sound bites below…
On Foundation: ‘The thing to bear in mind is that red carpet make-up is quite different for example, from the makeup that you’d create for a studio shoot. The hundreds of flash-bulbs mean that foundation must be kept to a minimal and should be used to perfect, not mask the face.’
On style: ‘Individual style is key when creating a red carpet look, but as a rule it’s good to have a pop of colour on either the eyes, lips or cheeks.’
On eyes: ‘Ladies wearing less jewels can work a bolder eye look than those draped in diamonds.’
On lips: ‘A classic red lip is like a jewel – It dresses the face.’
In individuality: ‘Beauty is about simplicity. It’s important to stop focusing on concerns and instead recognize ones assets and make them work.’
The view from the suite
Next up on our Cannes schedule was a chat with Dior’s brand new and ridiculously beautiful Make-up Designer Violette. With a rostrum of A-list stars including Eva Mendes and Demi Moore under her beauty belt, as well as an accomplishd training as an artist, she knows everything there is to know about face painting. Check out her red carpet rules below:
1. ‘Red carpet flash-bulbs are unforgiving so I always massage moisturiser into the face to condition and relax the skin to make makeup easier to apply.’
2. ‘Using fingers to apply foundation, cream blushers and shadows warms up the product making them easier to apply.’
3. ‘Using a grey shadow to sculpt under the jaw line gives better structure to the jawline.’
4. ‘Make lashes appear more luscious and luxurious by using a sharp black eyeliner to draw in the tiny gaps between the lashes.’
5. Don’t be afraid to cheat when applying your lipstick. I use a red lip pencil to draw in the lip before adding the lipstick and finishing it with a powder.’
6. Using a highlighter to plump skin is my signature trick. Once I have completed a makeup look I apply Dior Skin Flash Primer to the nose (to make it thinner), the cheekbones, cupids bow and just under the lip.
And with all this said, we're off to go and practice being famous if you dont mind so very much!
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