Ireland’s top makeup artists pick the foundation they can’t work without

Calling all beauty enthusiasts — something truly beautiful is launching at IMAGE Publications. 2019 will see the very first IMAGE Beauty Festival take place in Dublin city, with every cleanser, curler, concealer and colour you could possibly dream of. With speakers, demonstrations, tutorials and plenty of products, this will be like nothing the Irish beauty scene has seen before.

Who better to ask about their holy grail foundation than the top editorial and bridal makeup artists in the country?

Ailbhe Lynch
@ailbhelynch

Picking a favourite foundation is like trying to pick a favourite child! But one I am never without in my kit is MAC Studio Fix Fluid. It is a classic with good reason. I love it’s versatility. It allows me to create a matte finish or a dewy glow and I can sheer it out for a natural look or build it for extra cover. The range of shades are so true to skin tone and with 60 shades there is something to suit everyone.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid, €32

Gemma Leigh
@gemmale_makeup

It’s hard to choose one foundation, but I’m going with Yves Saint Laurent All Hours. The finish and coverage is beautiful, but it also mixes and performs well with other products making it versatile, which is essential when working on a range of clients. The lasting power is fantastic without looking caked and the shade range is good too, with 33 to choose from.

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours, €44

Bonnie Ryan
@bonnieryan

As a makeup artist I want each of my clients to leave with that beautiful bombshell coverage on their skin, and of course I want the same for myself! Needless to say I’ve tried a lot of foundations and the one I always go back to without fail and find my self continuously stocking my kit with is the classic MAC Studio Fix Fluid. It’s a bonafide classic. This foundation provides full coverage without having that caked look. I love it for brides too, as it is long lasting and almost never has to be topped up. I can guarantee I will be using this foundation for years to come.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid, €32

Sue Brophy
@suebrophy_makeup

“If I had to pick just one, I couldn’t live without MAC Face and Body. I use it to prep most people and I also use it to build coverage. It by far creates the best skin and it mixes great with other foundations, which is important for me as I like to tailor-make a blend to suit every skin texture. It transforms skin and works amazingly when applied using fingers, and there’s a great shade range to choose from.”

MAC Face and Body, €32

Christine Lucignano
@cloochy

“I could NOT paint a face without Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Liquid Foundation. This juice is so versatile and plays well with all powders and concealers. I love to slip a little sheen into it via a liquid highlighter and really give youth and hydration to the skin.”

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, €42

Emma Farrell
@emmafarrell_makeup

“Smashbox Studio Skin is my go to for anyone who wants a flawless, long lasting finish. It provides 15-hour wear, with a natural matte finish which can be sheered out or built up to a fuller coverage. The formula is oil free but also contains my favourite, hyaluronic acid, for hydration so it’s super versatile and suits all skin types. The best part is, it’s guaranteed to never oxidise (get darker during the day) or give the dreaded flashback in photographs so it’s perfect for brides too.”

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear, €37