Lisa Eldridge, founder of one of beauty’s most exciting make-up lines, shares her tips on how to perfect your foundation …
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Lisa Eldridge – the renowned make-up artist to glowing faces such as Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley and Dua Lipa – visited Dublin recently to launch her new Pinpoint Concealer, which might just change how you do your make-up.
We’ve become used to concealers that have a “rabbit’s foot” applicator or come in a pot to apply with fingers, but a neater and more targeted option is the way to go. Just look at Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road colour-correcting crayons and Victoria Beckham’s brilliant brush-applicator Concealer Pen, which allows you to dab the tiniest amount of product on just exactly where you need it (a good job, as it’s €75).
Eldridge goes even finer with her new Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil (€33), available in 16 shades. Say you have broken capillaries on your cheeks, or the odd pigment mark or patchy bit you prefer to cover up, this creamy pencil offers a quick, easy and precise way to do it.
Lisa Eldrige in Space NK.
Our own Christine Lucignano, known as the “skin queen” behind some of the glowiest complexions in the business (and presenting a masterclass at The GLOSS Wedding Salon 2025 next month) gives Eldridge’s foundation her seal of approval; “More than any other small brand, I feel she has come up with the formulas.”
The Seamless Skin Foundation in 43 shades is designed to keep skin looking fresh and natural, while lasting through the day, and can be built up. The Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint is for those who prefer the lightest finish (€45). I love the packaging: the tint is in a neat oval bottle that fits in the palm of your hand, which reminds me of the Chanel No5 L’Eau hand cream.
Lisa talks us through her approach to make-up and her famous “pinpoint concealing” technique, plus shares advice and tips to achieve a natural-looking finish, at every age …
It feels that long-wear/full cover foundations are back this year: do you find current versions different and what kind of skin finish do clients normally request now?
“As I always say, beauty isn’t a one size fits all, but I always set out to create a look that will make my client feel and look their best, especially when under such scrutiny as flashing lights! There are always technical aspects to consider for red carpet beauty, which you don’t usually have to account for every day. Most importantly, finding a foundation formula that won’t ‘flashback’ under camera flashes.
In the past, I had a problem with a lot of the water-based foundations that became very prominent around 2015. I noticed that they changed colour a lot, which wasn’t ideal! I also didn’t like the fact that most of the foundations on the market contained drying alcohols, talc and SPF, which causes flashback in photography. Recognising this was the reason I set out to create my first Seamless Skin Foundation, which doesn’t contain any of these ingredients and works beautifully on all of my clients. When it comes to my preferred skin finish: fresh, seamless skin is always in! I personally love a naturally perfected look.”
Do you find the new-gen long-wear foundations are good for mature skin?
“Instead of using a heavy foundation all over your face, which may result in a cakey finish, start with a lighter coverage foundation or skin tint (I would recommend my Enhancing Tint applied sparingly in a light layer all over to even skin tone, then use my Pinpoint Concealing technique to draw the eye away from any ‘imperfections’ that still persist.
My personal complexion philosophy involves resisting the urge to apply a thick layer of blanket coverage to the skin. Pinpoint concealing is all about moving focus to the skin in between your problem areas – this allows the beauty of your natural skin to shine through.
When it comes to finish, again it really is down to personal preference, skin type and the way you want your skin to look. Let’s take the example of someone who loves a dewy, shiny finish. Choose a foundation that will give you that luminosity and skip the powder, but I don’t think many people want this same finish all over their face. I always say that there is such thing as ‘ugly shine’ and then there is ‘lovely shine’! The best route might actually be to choose a natural finish foundation and just use highlighter selectively, so you’re not committing to that finish all over your face. Then, you get the best of both worlds.”
What’s your advice for a natural-looking finish?
“Good skin prep prior to any foundation application is absolutely key. Gentle exfoliation and a really well-moisturised face are the secret to a good base. Choose a formula that fits well with your skin type and the level of coverage you desire. For a flattering, long-lasting foundation, prep skin by massaging your face with a great moisturiser and then smooth foundation with a brush onto skin using thin layers. Start at the centre of the face and buff out toward the outer edges for a seamless finish. Add more to any areas that require more coverage and, remember, you don’t always have to apply it all over – targeted application also works really well.”
Our top tip: Devotees are delighted to be able to shop the complete range at Space NK in Dundrum in Dublin, so we recommend exploring the lipsticks, in particular. Eldridge’s Velvet Ribbon lipsticks were her brand’s first foray after long stints with other huge brands, so they immediately sold out thanks to their beautiful textures and pigment. The Rouge Experience refillable lipsticks (€59, refills €30) make a particularly glamorous gift – we love the scarlet Ribbon.
SEE MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Make-Up Artist Lisa Eldridge
