Michael Brown’s Secrets: Achieving Flawless Makeup with Industry Insights
With a career spanning a quarter of a century, Michael Brown has cemented his status as an industry icon. His expertise in makeup artistry and hair styling has graced the faces of global superstars, including Gisele Bündchen, Kate Walsh, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Hawkins, and Sofia Richie. Over two decades, Brown has honed his understanding of what beauty products truly deliver and which ones are best left on the shelf. Recently, he shared his professional secrets, offering invaluable advice on everything from skin preparation to achieving the coveted “velvet blurring” finish, and even revealing an incredibly affordable chemist find.
The Golden Rule of Skin Prep: Less is More
Before diving into product recommendations, Brown highlighted a common pitfall that can sabotage even the most meticulously applied foundation. The key to flawless makeup, he argues, lies in understanding the art of skin prep, especially as we transition into cooler weather. While hydration is crucial, Brown cautions against overloading the skin with heavy creams.
“I would never use a rich, dense cream under makeup,” he explained. “How is the foundation going to bond to the skin when there is such a big barrier there? Most of my clients are going to events or hosting on TV. I have to think about how that makeup is going to wear in six or eight hours.”
Instead, Brown advocates for a strategy of lightweight, layered hydration. He stresses the vital role of skin prep, favouring hydrating primers and essences to gently soften the skin before any colour is applied.
When it comes to moisturisers, Brown has two particular favourites that he relies on. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is a go-to, described as a richer formula that nevertheless melts seamlessly into the skin, specifically designed to work harmoniously with foundation. He is also currently “obsessed” with products from the brand Naturium.
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Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, $154.
Image: Mecca. -
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, $38.
Image: Sephora.
Embracing the “Velvet Blurring” Finish
For those who shy away from powder for fear of a cakey appearance, Brown suggests a rethink. He’s ushering in a new era of matte finishes, moving away from the “old-school dull matte” towards “velvet blurring.”
“The matte conversation at the moment is really about longevity, making the skin look smoother, less textured, and less lined,” Brown explained. “A velvet blurring finish is still luminous. It isn’t those flat, dry looks of the past.”
To achieve this sought-after effect, Brown relies on a specific cult-favourite product. He admits to using less powder overall but swears by the Fenty Invisimatte Instant Setting & Blotting Powder. He praises its blurring capabilities, noting that it doesn’t feel like a heavy layer sitting on the skin. Instead, it imparts a soft sheen without an obvious product application.
- Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting & Blotting Powder, $52.
Image: Sephora.
The Ultimate Savvy Chemist Find
Professional results don’t always require a hefty price tag. Brown’s ultimate “savey” secret is a humble $10.99 pharmacy staple that he uses on nearly every client to perfect their final look.
“1000 Hour is a brand I use a lot for root cover-up. They sent me their powder products two years ago, and I’m still using the same ones. That’s how long they last,” he revealed.
While many opt for sprays to conceal greys or fill in sparse hairlines, Brown champions the precision offered by the powder formula. “When my clients are going on TV, you can just touch up any greys or gaps and boom. It’s so affordable and available in every drugstore.” He contrasts this with sprays, which he finds can be messy and unpredictable, likening the powder to “an eye shadow for the hair. It’s heaven.”
- 1000 Hour Hair Color Stick/Root Cover Up, $10.99.
Image: Amazon.
Additional Gems from Michael Brown’s Kit
Beyond his star products, Michael Brown’s professional kit is filled with other high-performing items that contribute to his signature looks:
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Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash, $32.
Image: Sephora. -
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $56.
Image: Mecca. -
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm, $59.
Image: Sephora. -
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $57.50.
Image: Oz Hair and Beauty. -
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, $89.
Image: Mecca. -
Kitology Kitsponge Mini, $19.95.
Image: Kitology.
