Anthony Woods

How to prep your skin for a flawless make-up look, from MUA Elaine Cruz

After all, 'make-up is only as good as the skin that it’s on'.

Talented make-up artist Elaine Cruz (aka @1misscruz) is known on social media for her full-time beauty advocacy, whether it’s putting together a glam make-up look or learning to love your body in its natural and most beautiful state.

According to Elaine, the key to glowy, natural-seeming make-up is performing the right prep for our skin. Here are her beauty bible rules for radiant skin, all of which start with the effective skincare products from No7’s new Future Renew range available at Boots.

What inspired you to pursue your creative passion?

I have been a make-up artist for the past 15 years and am lucky enough to have worked for some prestigious brands as a trainer and educator. Now, as a freelancer, I have graced many a beauty shop in Ireland with my presence.

Before make-up I was a body piercer for 10 years, so I guess I have always had an interest in self-expression and how we use our face and body to present who we are to the world, and how we feel on different days and throughout stages of life.

As an expert ‘life juggler’, what does a typical workday look like?

The juggle is real! There’s no such thing as a typical day for me. My work is quite varied so I can be based in my studio space working on clients for their special occasion glam, doing lessons, shooting campaigns with models, running from one location to the next, or working with brides creating and perfecting their wedding look for the big day.

No two days are the same. It can be hectic at times but the diversity of my work and getting to meet new people all the time and having all the chats is the part of my job I love most.

What self-care tool do you use regularly?

The one thing I do every day without fail is shower so I like to make it a bit of an experience. It’s the one place where I am alone with myself, stripped back with no distractions, no phone, no airs or graces. I light candles, hang eucalyptus to steam, burn some Nag Champa incense and find a playlist that suits my mood. It really helps me decompress, clear my mind and process the day. Plus the added benefit of candlelight helps me to focus on how my body and skin feel and not on how they look.

As a MUA, skincare is such an important part of make-up prep. What are some vital skincare rules you live by?

My motto has been and always will be “make-up is only as good as the skin that it’s on”.

First and foremost, apply SPF all day every day, no matter the weather or your skin tone. It’s the best prevention for premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and all types of skin damage.
Use a pre-cleanse or make-up remover before washing your face. A quick once over with a wipe just ain’t gonna cut it I’m afraid.
Be gentle and take your time applying your skincare. Allow your skin to breathe for a second or two before you use products. Recognising how your skin feels in its natural state can help you make informed decisions on what it may need. For example, if it feels tight or looks like a flaky pastry, she may need some extra hydration.

What is one skincare regret that you’ve had?

I am a child of the 80s, so SPF just didn’t enter my consciousness. Sure, you only need that on your holidays, right? As soon as the sun was out, it was a half pint of baby oil all over. I wish I’d known of the skin damage sun exposure can cause.

Why would you recommend the new No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal collection? What effects does it have on ageing skin?

I would recommend it because the focus is not on “anti-ageing”. Ageing is a privilege, but these products can help right some wrongs and make up for mistakes we’ve made in the past. When we know better, we do better! This range adds radiance, firmness and plumpness to the skin, which makes us look and feel more youthful and skin feels more supported.

Consisting of four effective products, the range was created following 15 years of research into skin ageing and repair with the University of Manchester. It contains a world-first super-peptide blend proven to harness the skin’s natural repair process and supports the renewal of over 50 key proteins in skin cells.

What is your favourite product from the range?

Oooh, that’s a tricky one. That’s like asking me to pick a favourite child (even though I have none!); I do love the lightweight texture of the Future Renew Serum but also the Future Renew Day Cream SPF40. My skin is extremely combination so really dry and oily, so the consistency of the formula feels rich enough to sort the bits that look like a jambon but light enough to not feel heavy or greasy.

When do you feel most beautiful?

I feel most beautiful when I’m bra-free, make-up free dancing ’round my kitchen, singing at the top of my lungs while watering my plants. There’s an undeniable beauty in being comfortable in your own skin.