With an eponymous make up brand, countless stores and numerous awards to his name it’s safe to say that Napoleon Perdis would have a beauty tip (or 10!) to share. During his recent visit to Australia I asked Napoleon to reveal some of his top make up and skin secrets. Here he reveals the key to achieving a flawless finish, the trick to doing your make up when you’re in a rush and the one thing he wishes more Aussie women would when it comes to their make up…
What’s the number one make up mistake you wish women would stop making?
Chocolate bar contouring. I see it all over social media and I’m not a big fan. Instead I love the look of hydrated, luminous skin. A focus on subtly highlighted skin is a much more modern way to get your skin looking flawless.
For you, what are the three non-negotiables of great make up?
Cleansing – It can make or break your look; priming – not to prime is a crime; and brows are back – think big, beautiful and bold!
Napoleon Perdis Wander-brow
What’s the key to achieving a flawless finish with make up?
To keep you skin looking and feeling its best during the cooler autumn/winter months it’s all about protection, prevention and a little pampering. To achieve a healthier complexion that is even in tone, your skin care and makeup should contain beneficial ingredients like chamomile for redness and antioxidants for anti-ageing. Primers are a non-negotiable! It acts as a bridge between your skin care and makeup. Your foundation should also contain SPF for sun protection and make your skin look smooth and hydrated.
What’s your favourite product in your range?
Definitely my Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer. Whether you are a makeup minimalist or prefer a more dramatic look, it’s important to nourish and nurture the skin with primers. This will ensure your makeup glides on easily and looks fresh all day. Primers hydrate the skin, absorb excess oil and keep makeup on for longer and is suitable for all skin types. With calming ingredients such as chamomile, yarrow extract and vitamin E it’s a great way to keep your skin looking and feeling smooth.
As Perdis says, “not to prime is a crime!”
What’s the key to achieving a great make up look when you’re in a rush?
Always start your make up look by applying mascara and brows first. Not only does it frame your eyes, but when you are pressed for time, you can ensure you have your essentials on. Add a hint of concealer around the eyes and any area of discolouration. Next swipe a creamy lipstick on the lips and cheeks. Double duty beauty!
What are some of your favourite make up trends of the season?
Natural is cool. Keep your base minimal not mask-like.
Coloured lashes. Makeup is a form of self-expression so I love to see women have fun with their look. Blue lashes are so hot right now and really brighten up the eyes.
Strobing not contouring! I not a big fan of chocolate bar contouring and prefer when the skin looks lit from within. Think golden luminosity on the top of the cheekbones and cupid’s bow.
How do you think the way Australian women approach make up differs from other women around the world?
In Australia there is a certain freshness I adore with the textures kept quite real and understated. I really appreciate how Australians have an understanding of what’s modern. They can have a flawless and easy going day look and switch it up for night by adding on a bright lipstick or bold lashes.
What’s the key to long lasting make up?
To keep your make up on for longer, its starts with correct cleansing and priming. Next choosing the correct foundation for your skin type and setting your base with a small amount of powder.
To keep your lipstick looking flawless all day prep the skin with a lip balm, apply a generous coat of lipstick and line lips last. This will ensure your lip line stays crisp and helps to prevent bleeding.
Which celebs do you think are doing really great things with their make up looks at the moment?
I do love Margot Robbie’s look. She has let her beauty shine through and has let her skin do all the talking. She really nailed her make up at both the Oscars and the Met Ball.
I’m a big fan of Rooney Mara also as she takes her look to the dark side with bold brows and a signature deep plum lip.
Perdis loves Rooney Mara’s signature plum lip; Margot Robbie’s fresh look at this year’s Met Ball
What’s your philosophy when it comes to make up?
Cleansing and priming your skin can help keep your look on longer, no matter your skin type. Choosing the correct primer means you can get away with wearing less make up, plus it keeps your base on for longer. There is a primer for almost every skin type from oily to dehydrated and the best part, they are undetectable.
What’s one make up technique you wish women would master?
I would love to see more women experiment with a bit more colour. Make up really is art and a great way to express your style and mood! A sweep of blue mascara can really brighten up the eyes. A bright pink or deep brown lipstick can add drama and interest to your look in a matter of seconds.
Photography: Napoleon Perdis, Forbes, Brit.Co
