Katerina Brans already gave us the tip to look five kilos slimmer by using the right makeup, but now she shares her beauty secrets in this column. Why? She is a true makeup master and also assisted Peter Philips for four years during the shows. For the past five years, she has been part of the core team of the most influential makeup artist in the fashion world: Pat McGrath. Furthermore, she assisted at dozens of shows during the last Fashion Weeks and also works for magazines like Interview US and Harper’s Bazaar. So it's time to subject her to our beauty questions.
MORNING RITUAL
“For my work, I carry a heavy suitcase everywhere, and I feel it in my back. That's why I do yoga exercises every morning and just before going to sleep. Then comes the ritual for my face and body. It doesn't take long, and I'm done quickly. I always cleanse my face with a gentle gel, with ingredients like olive, argan, and coconut oil. It smells wonderful and makes me feel like I'm on vacation. I don't use cotton pads because they are quite rough for my thin skin. Furthermore, I am the ideal guinea pig for creams because I have not only thin but also dehydrated and sensitive skin. That's why I've tried many products until I discovered the organic skincare from Annemarie Borlind. It's simply available at the DA drugstore. I've been using the entire LL Regeneration line from that brand for a few years now, and my skin looks good and feels especially nice, which I find the most important. I apply organic, pure, and natural body oils to my body. I mix my own oils that are of the highest quality. Whipped Argan oil body butter from Josie Maran is also very nice. I found that out because my children always had eczema-prone skin, which led me to come into contact with various products. For my hair, I use different products to get more volume because I have fine hair. The Caviar Bodybuilding line from Alterna, the Dry hair shampoo from Klorane, and the Surf Spray from Bumble and bumble are always on the bathroom shelf for use.”
Eyebrows or lashes
“I find eyebrows very important because they indicate the symmetry in the face, even when you don't wear makeup. If they are too thinly plucked or have an unnatural shape, it stands out immediately. My tip is to let the eyebrows follow the shape of the brow bone. What gives an optical lifting effect is removing the little hairs that fall outside the bottom of the eyebrow shape. Also, eyebrows that are a bit lighter in color are softer in your face, making your eyes stand out much more. Just try it out with, for example, the tinted eyebrow mascaras from MAC. I also find eyelashes beautiful, especially when they are well curled and coated with a layer of dark brown mascara from Annemarie Borlind. This really creates a soft, natural look. If you want sexy and dramatic, I think Babydoll from YSL is good because it is so black and gives a lot of volume due to the good brush.‘
Favorite perfume
“I have a sensitive nose and find perfumes quickly too strong. A while ago, I discovered Tea for Two from L’Artisan Parfumeur in a small perfumery. It's an interesting scent. I also find Chanel no. 19 Poudre to have a fresh and powdery scent. A nice combination of iris, vetiver root, and white musk.”
Most beautiful show
“The shows of Dior with John Galliano were unforgettable. He dares to dream, and that's why the makeup was also insane and technically interesting to do. I also can't get the shows of Alexander McQueen out of my head. He often had a message for his show, which was also translated into the makeup look. Not only was the makeup special to do, but the shows themselves were, of course, masterful. I also took care of the makeup for Peet Dullaert's shows in Paris twice. That was one of my biggest successes.”
Favorites role
“I work with different brands, and each has its own favorites. For example, I really like the Face & Body foundation products from MAC Cosmetics. The eyeshadow and blush products also have a nice texture with a lot of pigment. From NARS, I find the texture of The Multiple (matte & shimmer) nicely creamy. It works well and is good coverage but doesn't run. For the eyebrows, I always use the products from Anastasia, which gives you the most natural result.
CHANEL has several favorites, including the Rouge Allure Gloss, which comes in beautiful elegant colors. The same goes for the Longwear-Luminous eyeshadow, which is easy to apply with your fingers. From Tom Ford, yes, there are many brands I like, I often use the lipsticks and eyeshadows in natural shades. Giorgio Armani has beautiful blush and bronzing powders (nice shades in a transparent texture) and lipsticks in nude shades.”
Best purchase
“I find the eyeshadow refills from MAC very handy. You can create your own palette, and that way, you only have the colors you really use. Good brushes are half the work, and especially those from MAC, Zoeva, and Nars are very nice.”
Never leave home without
“Weleda Skin Food is a rich, fresh-smelling cream. Besides nourishment and hydration, it also works relaxing. It quickly restores dry skin, even on the hands. For a healthy glow, I use it on my cheeks and eyelids. Hand Sanitizer (from EO) is gentle on my hands and smells wonderful of lavender and sweet orange.”
Million Dollar Tip
“I have small eyes and straight eyelashes, so I always curl my lashes. Eyes look bigger and fresher right away. Did you know you can also do that with a teaspoon? Just as easy and with a good result.”
Party tip
“For festive makeup, flawless skin is essential. That doesn't mean a heavy layer of foundation. YSL or Burberry have beautiful foundations that give a healthy glow effect. The smoky eye is always a recommendation, but it doesn't have to be in black. It can also be in soft colors, light brown nuances, or dark brown-purple shades. The best is when the makeup on the eyes and lips enhances the outfit. Don't forget that your makeup can look different in daylight or candlelight. If you find black too intense for the color of the eyeliner, you can also go for a dark brown or dark purple shade. Coffee from MAC and Black Violet from Annemarie Borlind are nice. Smudge the eyeliner for a softer effect. You can define the crease with a matte brown eyeshadow. The eyeshadow from Chanel works very easily on the moving eyelid. The fine glitters in it create a beautiful look. In general, it's nice to blend your look well, as that gives the best result.
You should brush your eyebrows well upwards and possibly fill them in with a brow powder or set them with brow gel. The lashes, which are already curled, can get a few generous layers of black mascara from Tom Ford. On the cheeks, choose a subtle color, for example, the Light Glow Blush in coral pink from Burberry.
Are you ready? Then set the look with a transparent powder. Especially the T-zone can use some powder. Finally, finish the lips with a matte lipstick in a pink or red shade. Or you can use an elegant lip gloss. As long as it doesn't have too much glitter.”
