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

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 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.

To shop the No7 Future Renew range, visit boots.ie.

Photography by Anthony Woods.