In the Kit… with Lan Nguyen-Grealis
With so many products on the market, it can take time to find products that resonate with you and that you love working with.
Industry experts and professionals at the top of their game are lucky enough to have access to the best beauty products on the market, meaning they know what really works for them and their clients.
As part of PB’s new “In the Kit” series, these experts will be sharing their ride-or-die products and the reasons they love them so much, beginning with leading session MUA Lan Nguyen-Grealis’s five shoot essentials.
1. Seoulista Rosy Glow Primer sheet mask
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One thing Nguyen-Grealis swears by for perfect application is skin prep, normally centred around the MUA’s favourite sheet mask from Seoulista.
Infused with Bulgarian rose oil, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the sheet mask claims to smooth, hydrate and minimise pore size to create photo-ready skin in just five minutes.
Why Lan loves it:
“This face mask works so quickly, giving a beautiful skin glow and fresh illumination before make-up application. It calms any redness and evens up the skin tone, feels luxurious on the skin and cuts time compared to a facial – it’s my go to.”
2. Makeup Forever Pore Minimiser primer
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Makeup Forever’s Pore Minimiser primer works to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and texture for visibly smoother skin.
With ingredients including ginseng, polymers, silica and spherical powder, the formula absorbs sebum for a blurring and smoothing effect and claims to be transfer-proof and water resistant while delivering up to 24 hours of wear.
Why Lan loves it:
“I love using this primer to prep skin before make-up – it refines small wrinkles and hides the pores, especially by the T-zone, and gives a natural anti-shine finish for all skin types and faces I work on. It also creates a brilliant smooth base for make-up application.”
3. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint
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This lightweight, hydrating tint is composed of 75% water for eight hours of freshness, utilising micro-droplets of encapsulated pigments which melt into the skin on contact creating a radiant bare-skin effect.
Available in eight shades from light to deep plus, the tint creates an even and natural glow.
Why Lan loves it:
“To get the best skin, I like to start with this because it has a slight coverage and feels super light. It’s best to give the most natural and flawless tint before any coverage.
“It evens out the skin, works on all skin types, and can be used as a bronzing tint that goes on the skin so seamlessly. It looks good all day and is amazing for tired skin or older skin. There is a great range to suit all skin colours.”
4. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating
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This silicone-free primer seals in skincare and creates a protective barrier to extend make-up wear.
Featuring both jojoba and castor seed oils, the product acts as both skincare and make-up, infused with micronised pearls to reflect light and refresh dull skin.
The multi-purpose product is more than just a primer, with Nguyen-Grealis using it to highlight, and even mixing with foundation for extra glow power.
Why Lan loves it:
“A highlighter is one of my must-have products to give extra dimension and glow to the skin. It’s a great way to perfect the skin – it can be used before or after foundation application, mixed into concealer to brighten the under eye area, and even along the collar bones and arms for extra glow and lift. Plus, it’s suitable for most skin colours.”
5. Egyptian Magic multipurpose cream
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Egyptian Magic’s multipurpose cream hasn’t changed its formula since 1991 – and for a good reason.
The all-purpose skin cream, featuring olive oil, honey, propolis and beeswax and pollen, is made from 100% natural ingredients and can be used for anything from lip balm and hair conditioning to burn healing and even lubricant.
Why Lan loves it:
“This is probably one of my all-time favourite multi-use products – I go through a lot. For all my clients it’s a great moisturiser, lip serum and helps with dry skin.
“I use it to add shine. whether I mix with lip products for a balmy lip finish or mix in with my moisturiser for the body. I also use it to remove difficult makeup and fix any mistakes during application. Sometimes I use it on hair and to soften cuticles too.”
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