Kings of the brush
Leco van Zadelhoff. He can rightly be called the most famous hair and make-up artist in the country. For thirty years (he started at the age of seven), he has been responsible for the looks of presenting Netherlands: Leontine Borsato, Caroline Tensen, Angela Groothuizen, and the new generation Chantal Janzen, Sylvie Meis, Anna Nooshin, and Vivian Hoorn.
What characterizes the Leco look?
‘There is not one look. We live in a time of individualization, so I believe in tailored make-up, not in fashion trends. One person thrives with red lipstick, while another feels very uncomfortable with it. I look at the person, at the character, at the occasion, and of course also at the face. The Leco look is always one that brings out the best in someone. I want women to walk out the door thinking: I look very pretty.’
Which makeup can you apply blindfolded?
‘I am sure that if I closed my eyes, I could do Chantal, Leontine, and Caroline's make-up blindfolded. Maybe a little less beautifully blended than usual, but I can do the lines with my eyes closed. I know their faces so well, I have done their make-up so often, that would be a fun challenge. A little bronzer, a bit of concealer, and I would get quite far.’
What do you put in the little bag of your women?
‘Powder! I love shine and shimmer, but it shouldn't look like you have a fever or just ran in. I really like the golden box from Charlotte Tilbury. A dot on the nose and on the roundness of your cheek, just before your cheekbone, those are nice spots to apply a little shine. Be careful with the wrinkle zones, they won't look better with it.’
What make-uptrick would you like to share?
‘People often think that foundation provides a beautiful, shiny skin, but they forget how important a primer is. If you use the right primer to make the surface nice, creating flawless, glowy skin is a breeze. I personally use Hangover from Benefit and my most wanted is the Glowing Base from Sensai, Kanebo. Four small dots and then blend with my beauty blender and you have a great canvas.’
And then your 5 ‘never leave home without’ essentials
- ‘A top cleanser that cleanses and respects your skin. I am addicted to Paula’s Choice because I trust her. I am also a fan of the products from Jetske Ultee. She is really knowledgeable in the field of skin. My work comes after that, I am ultimately the winter painter who applies the varnish layer, but that care must be good. Essential. Take care of the base layer with a cleanser.
- After good cleansing, you need to use a good serum, a cream, and an eye cream. The Germans have a nice word for it: ‘ein verpflegte Haut’, that is ultimately the most important.
- Concealer is much more important than foundation. If your skin is well cared for with the above products, a skin-colored concealer is sufficient. A few spots under your eyebrows, under your eye, and along your nose wing. You can use it to highlight the good parts and mask the less desirable ones.
- A beautiful, full eyebrow is the best anti-aging remedy.
- I love the whole mascara culture. I use Dior a lot and I have been in love with the ball from Givenchy for years. That is also the only mascara that you apply vertically. By the way, it’s also fantastic if you use a false eyelash, because with the brush you push your own eyelash against the false eyelash. And of course also Le Volume from Chanel, really a classic.
For when you want to know more secrets from the make-up artists after Leco's tips... Our latest magazine is available at AKO and the Read Shop, where we share tips from Elles Nijkamp and the make-up artists from M.A.C.
