One of L.A.'s top makeup artists and global pro lead artist for Smashbox Lori Taylor talks to Trudi Brewer about emerging trends, the right way to groom brows and how to refine your makeup at any age.
What’s your makeup philosophy?
I love to make women look gorgeous, pretty and enhanced? Not heavily made up, skin, should look like skin; brows should look like brows, and lashes should look like real lashes. Makeup should enhance, never mask your features.
What is the top makeup challenge women face today?
There are so many different types of makeup, take lips, for example, there are matt, liquid and sheer options, women get overwhelmed by the choice and overwhelmed by how to apply makeup. There is also so much information out there, with bloggers, influencers, makeup artists, all sharing information, it's difficult to find something that is right for you.
What are the latest textures and finishes right now?
One of the hottest finishes is demi-matt for skin, it's a radiant matt, a more modern approach to a full coverage, it doesn't look dry - it leaves skin looking luminous. Also, serum foundations, like our Smashbox BB Water, it's a serum foundation that gives a bright, natural-looking finish.
What are your makeup basics?
I am always looking at brows, skin, lashes and the dimensions or angles of the face. I am always looking for a contour product, a concealer that will do everything, including defining features. And we are going back and forth with matt and shiny lips. However, lipgloss is making a comeback, and I'm looking forward to that.
Who inspires you?
Being around and working with makeup artists, keeps me current and gives me fresh ideas. And being at the Smashbox studio, what we are creating, what shoots are happening, and who is walking through the door every day. As far as makeup looks go, I am inspired by 1970’s glamour; that's my moment of all makeup moments, think Studio 54 - the look is rich in tone, nothing was soft, it's full wattage makeup that has a truly glamorous feel to it.
What lessons have you learned from other artists?
Thinking outside the box, not conforming to 'the rules'. And brow guru Kristie Streicher, taught me a technique where you draw colour in opposite direction of the way brow hair grows, almost backcomb the brows with colour, it makes them look full, but natural.
What is your best makeup tip?
Focus on brows. Women often skip filling in brows or and not grooming the end of the brow? The hair is so light and thin, and often it just fades away, so in photo's you can't see them - always fill in brows.
What should every woman carry in their beauty bag this summer?
An L.A. Lights Blendable Lip and Cheek Colour because it’s water resistant and adds an instant highlight. And anything that is going to keep shine diminished, such as primer. Also a bright coloured eyeliner, women need to wear more colour, get rid of black and brown eyeliner and wear a coloured liner such as blue, bronze or turquoise - in fact, think T & T, turquoise and tan those shades go hand in hand - it looks gorgeous.
Any other beauty advice to share?
My number one tip is to start foundation application at the centre of the face, where you have the most discoloration, and blend outward; this will help you create the most natural coverage.
What's your best anti ageing advice?
Sleep… water, and moisturiser. And do not hide behind makeup, as we get older, take off the layers of foundation, never wear a mask of makeup.
The perfect Smashbox products for summer include. The new Camera Ready BB Water SPF30, $75. L.A. Lights Blendable Lip and Cheek Colour in Hollywood & Highlight, $51. Always Sharp Eye Liner, $46. 24 Hour CC Spot Concealer, $44. Bronze Lights in warm matte, $58. Be Legendary Lipgloss In Pout, $40
