'While the on-catwalk fashions change drastically from season to season, the same beauty products are used over and over backstage'
I attended my first London fashion week in 1990 and it's interesting to me that while the on-catwalk fashions have changed drastically from season to season (I remember lusting over a Rifat Ozbek jacket bearing an enormous sequined eyeball, for goodness sake), I seem to see the same beauty products being used over and over backstage.
During fashion week, speed of application and no risk of causing irritation are essential, and versatility is key because models come in all shades and skin types. Makeup artists tend to use the same bespoke capsule palette of colours on all a designer's models, to give a strong and uniform look to the show. The rest is made up of backstage beauty stalwarts that have withstood the rigours of countless seasons. Some products just work for fashion shows. Mascara that gives exaggerated lashes that can still be seen from the cheap seats, lotions that give instant vibrance to knackered girls, creme blushes that make the whitest and blackest cheeks glow. This is the one environment where cleansing wipes are used by professionals for fast changes, and quick, perfecting body makeup is as important as foundation. The products below are some that never went out of style.
Mac Strobe Cream, £12.50, maccosmetics.co.uk
The fastest way to give any skin a halo-type glow. Can be mixed with face or body makeup, or used alone for an ethereal look.
Elnett Extra Hold Hairspray, £3.79, superdrug.com
The best hairspray there is – few stylists disagree. Brushes out fast without leaving residue.
Dior Diorshow Backstage Mascara, £19.55, escentual.com
Used so often in shows and on photoshoots for maximum length and volume. Easily removed with wipes.
Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Wipes, £3.25, boots.com
Many makeup artists's wipe of choice, these remove even heavy makeup fast and without causing redness or dryness.
Mac Face & Body Foundation, £20.50, maccosmetics.co.uk
A great all-round foundation that evens out skintone anywhere a designer cares to expose.
Carmex Lip Balm Pot, £2.99, bathandunwind.com
A no-frills balm that mixes well with lipstick for a sheerer finish, without looking too glossy or sticky.