Skin Secrets Makeup Edition: with Professional Make-Up Artist Brooke Simons

Oct 4, 2022

Skincare and skin prep are the foundation for any great makeup look. You can spend hours applying makeup only for it to shift, smudge, and end up shiny. In this edition of Skin Secrets, Dr Sebagh and Pro MUA Brooke Simons, reveal the best products, tips and tricks for flawless makeup application.

Since graduating from London College of Fashion, professional make-up artist Brooke Simons has built an impressive portfolio working with fashion brands, magazines, and beautifying faces for red-carpet appearances and runway shows. Her client list includes the likes of Ed Westwick, Laura Whitmore, Sadie Frost and it-girl Lady Mary Charteris. Editorially she has worked with various faces from England Rugby star Maro Itoje to Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson and even DJ Fat Tony. In 2021, she made her mark on the social media landscape with her #FilterFreeFriday movement which sought to redefine beauty standards on social media in honour of her daughter.

Face

Brooke says: ‘Dr Sebagh Luminous Glow Cream is an absolute must-have. Beautiful glowy skin is my thing and this cream is the perfect addition to my skin prep routine to help achieve a glow from within. As a trained photographer, I understand what products will help the skin to look its best in front of the camera which is why I always choose Luminous Glow Cream.’

“Always apply the moisturiser to clean skin and spend some time working the product into the skin. I will always take time to give my clients a little massage to boost circulation and in turn create a natural flush/glow to the skin. It will also help reduce puffiness by massaging the water away from the skin. You can also use a face massage tool such as a roller. I have a vibrating T-bar facial massager which works wonders for the skin."

Dr Sebagh says: “Formulated with pearlescent pigments, this lightweight oil-free moisturiser is the perfect primer for makeup application with a glowing finish as it is suitable for all skin types.”

When it comes to male grooming, Brooke says "my main task is to hydrate and mattify", making Luminous Glow Cream a less popular choice for her male clients.

Dr Sebagh says: ‘For a matte finish try High Maintenance Cream – a firm favourite amongst all my clients but especially men.”

Eyes

Brooke says: “My all-time favourite Dr Sebagh product is Supreme Eye Serum, which I love because of its instant brightening and tightening properties. It's almost like giving my clients a 5-minute treatment and this is so effective.”

Dr Sebagh says: “The roll-on applicator gently glides over the skin, delivering an expertly prescriptive, immediately absorbed treatment to instantly illuminate, tighten and refresh the eye area; correct dark circles; alleviate puffiness and soothe the skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles, boost elasticity and add radiance to the eye contour.”

Find out more about eyes in the Eyes: Fine Lines and Wrinkles edition of Skin Secrets here.

Lips

Brooke says: “I also love the Lip Balm as it's so nourishing but doesn't make the lips greasy, which helps with lip liner and lipstick application. It's also great for male grooming as it means the lips are hydrated and treated but left matte and photo or red carpet ready.”

Dr Sebagh says: “I spent 3 years formulating this product, trialling various formulations on all genders with a special focus on those who were generally averse to wearing lip balm. Eventually, one formulation was universally welcomed, with shea butter for natural nourishment and healing, Oleic-Linoleic Polyglycerides for long-lasting moisturising effects on the skin through superficial and epidermis hydration, and mint extract which provides an immediate, intensive and long-lasting feeling of freshness on the lips.”

[Luke Thompson wearing Lip Balm on the cover of Vestal magazine]

Brooke says: “If yours or your clients' lips are extremely dry and cracked, especially in the colder months, I would recommend a lip scrub to remove any dry skin. You can make a lip scrub at home using honey or a skin-friendly plant oil and sugar.”