Eight questions for Sir John
The make-up guru of Beyoncé and Kim K
So I had a chat with Sir John Barnett, the make-up artist from LA. If you plop down in this gentleman's chair, you can place yourself in the same league as Kim Kardashian West, Beyoncé and Karlie Kloss. He is handsome, tall, muscular, and works magic with a make-up brush as if it's nothing. But last but not least, he is also an incredibly nice man to be around. I understand why Queen B, Naomi Campbell, Chrissy Teigen, and Mary J. Blige like to sit in Sir John's chair. ‘I love strong women,’ he whispers to me, while dabbing concealer on my slightly too dark circles under my eyes. I also got a M.A.C touch-up from the best man. ‘I am a feminist and my goal is to make women even more beautiful for the red carpet, on stage, or in front of the camera.’
Can I put this man in a box? The conversation continued, he made me naturally beautiful with a handful of products, and especially for you, I managed to get some nice tips and tricks from him. And of course, I share those with you, because that's just how I am.
1. What is your ultimate make-up tip?
‘So sad, but nowadays women wear way too much make-up. Too much foundation, a nose that shines from highlighter, and eyebrows that are drawn way too heavily. Mix some concealer with your moisturizer and dab it on the areas that need coverage. This way, your skin looks fresh without showing your imperfections.’
2. What products do we need this spring before the first rays of sunshine come through?
‘A liquid bronzer. You can also mix it well with your day cream or foundation for a light glow.’
3. How do you apply your foundation best?
‘AL-WAYS with your fingers. Or with a beauty blender. Many ladies apply their foundation with a brush, but your skin almost gets an airbrush look from that. Use your ring finger to tap the foundation into your skin and use a blender to tackle special spots.’
4. Dry lips + lipstick, give us the ultimate tip.
‘Don't just use eye cream to tackle your bags, but also use it as a base for your lips. The skin around the eyes is just as thin as that of the lips, and the cream hydrates like crazy. Then a dab of lip balm and over that your lipstick or gloss.‘
5. Which make-up trend will never go out of style?
‘The eyeliner. It is the oldest trend in history and always good. In 1961, the first liquid eyeliner was released and Sophia Loren made the perfect black wing popular. Now Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Beyoncé can join the ranks.’
6. And how do you apply that perfect wing?
‘First with brush 201 from M.A.C and the Black Fluidline. Then the Graphblack eyeliner over it. When you draw your lower lash line halfway with the Graph eyeliner, it gives a surprising effect.’
7. Which make-up product must not be missing in your handbag?
‘The M.A.C Mineralize concealer, to cover small imperfections and that souvenir from that sleepless night under your eyes and to freshen yourself up between appointments.’
8. What trends can we expect?
‘The nineties are making a comeback and I love it. Pastel shades on the eyes, dark red on the lips, and perfectly curled lashes. We're going to take it easy with highlighting again and freckles can be seen again. Au naturel, as I said, that's how I prefer to see women.’
