Jessie Buckley’s Makeup Artist On How To Get Statement Skin

“Skin is always the starting point,” says makeup artist Nina Park. “I spend time really prepping before any makeup goes on. I like to use a mix of gentle sculpting tools, a hydrating sheet mask and a bit of face icing to wake up the skin and bring circulation forward. It’s simple but intentional.”

When and where you apply certain products is the key to keeping skin looking natural and avoiding product overload. “After skincare but before applying base, I like to prime areas of the face with different solution products,” says Park. “For example, I use an anti-shine blurring primer for the T-zone. Applying this under the base softens shine, and I don’t need to use as much powder afterwards.”

“For sculpting and highlighting, it’s really about restraint. I like to work in thin, intentional layers and usually start with a liquid highlighter before foundation to create that lit-from-within effect. After that, I’ll add a soft cream or powder highlight only where the light naturally hits. I’m a bit obsessed with the face catching light as it moves – it should feel alive and dimensional, not overly done.”

“Most of the time, I apply a light liquid foundation on the face down to the chest to even out the skin overall. Then I go in with a cream concealer, as this grips onto the skin well, but only on areas that need more coverage. Skin that catches light in certain areas but is softly matte in others is how I create skin that glows. Plus, the texture of the product being used and the placement on the skin is what creates a truly modern complexion.”

“I absolutely love blush; it instantly finishes a look for me,” says Park. “I tend to go for a dewier, creamier blush in brighter colors to create a fresh, juicy effect on the cheeks.”

Eyeliner is essential when it comes to highlighting your polished complexion. “I love ‘tightlining’ the eyes,” says Park. “It works with all skin tones and eye shapes, so is a universal hack. Sometimes, the winged-liner look is too strong, or feels dated, if you’re going for a no-makeup effect. I often like to cheat and create a ‘lifted’ eye by applying individual lashes to the outer corners only. This feels modern and effortless and doesn’t take away from the whole look.”

“I’ll often mix two or three lipsticks or liners together to create a tone that feels more personal and worn-in, rather than using one straight from the tube. After applying, I soften the edges with my fingertip, so it looks diffused and natural. Lip liner is essential for adding depth and shaping the mouth, but I always blur it slightly into the lip, so it feels effortless rather than defined,” says Park.

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