Latest news with #EliseWilson
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The game changing item that transformed my makeup game forever - but surprisingly most people never use it: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to. If you're anything like me, you've probably stared down the barrel of your makeup bag, clutching your fifth bottle of foundation, wondering why your flawless finish turns into a flaky façade by lunchtime. Let me re-introduce to you the often dismissed, misunderstood, and criminally underrated superhero of our beauty routines, the humble primer. I get it, adding a primer can feel like 'just another step' in an already chaotic a.m. routine that involves wrestling with a Dyson Airwrap and choosing between winged liner or being on time. But, according to Australia's go-to glam king, celebrity makeup artist Shannon JJ Williams (who's painted the faces of Sophie Monk, Jesinta Franklin, Tammy Hembrow and even makeup guru Huda Kattan herself!), primer isn't optional, it's essential. And as a long-time makeup artist myself, I wholeheartedly agree. 'Primers are like secret weapons in my kit,' he told me. 'When humidity kicks in or I'm working with oily skin, a good primer can be a game-changer.' Shannon also agreed that skin prep with a great serum, moisturiser and eye cream is essential, but a primer is there to perfect our complexions and give everything else something to grip onto. And here's where it gets a little confusing for most, because primer isn't a one-size-fits-all tube of silicone anymore. There's now a full buffet of options designed for your skin's every mood, suited to every skin-type, tone, texture and concern. Thankfully, I've broken down the who's, what's and why's of which base-stars you might want to invest in so you can prime like a pro – and finally have a stunning face of makeup that hasn't completely slid off by midday. What are all these priming 'textures'? According to Shannon, your primer's texture really does matter. 'It can be the difference between a flawless, all-day look and a makeup meltdown by lunchtime.' It might sound simple, but there are some rules to follow especially if you're mixing textures in your makeup to stop pilling or a patchy mess. 'Think of it like matchmaking for your makeup - gel with gel, cream with cream, serum with light formulas,' Shannon said. 'When textures play nicely together, your makeup not only looks better, but lasts way longer too.' It's also of note, that picking a primer based on your event and also your skin's needs (i.e. if it's feeling particularly dry, oily, or enflamed etc that day), employing a few textures is encouraged. Think of it like a primer wardrobe. Hydrating Primers - For thirsty complexions try priming formulas packed with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, or you could adopt every make-up artist hack and just use Weleda Skin Food ($17.95). (Everyone from Molly-Mae Hague to Victoria Beckham loves Skin Food as a make-up base – and this is one I always had in my professional kit for any clients with parched skin). Blurring Primers – Kind of like a Kris Jenner Instagram filter IRL. These feather-light formulas work to smooth out texture and fill in fine lines and pores without feeling heavy. They're more silicone-based (lots come silicone free too, btw) and act as a sort-of Polyfilla to level-over any bumpy texture you have. I love using mine just down my T-zone. TRY: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Silicon-Free Smoothing Primer ($52) – Shannon's go-to product! Mattifying Primers - Your answer to the 3pm T-zone meltdown. These shine-controlling primers keep oil in check, especially useful if you like a matte finish without looking flat or cakey. You can slather these all over the face, or dot-prime in the shiny areas you think you need it. TRY: Paula's Choice SHINE STOPPER Instant Matte Finish Oil Control Primer ($42) Illuminating Primers – Great for a no-makeup-makeup look, these are infused with light-reflecting particles to give dull skin a little boost. TRY: Holme Beauty Base Primer ($70) Colour-Correcting Primers - Whether you're battling redness or just some rogue breakouts, there's a pastel-hued primer to neutralise it before foundation hits your face. TRY: Stila One Step Correct ($63) Silky Primers - These are your luxe-feeling, velvet-finish formulas that blur everything with a whisper-soft touch. Shannon told me he loves using these on clients with mature or textured skin, as they sit beautifully without creasing, and can be used on all skin types. So, what about make-up sprays? If you want your make-up game to be elevated to an even higher level, makeup sprays work harmoniously to either lock in your makeup or give it that flawless, skin-like finish. So, a primer (as listed above) goes on top of your skincare and under your makeup, and a make-up spray is the final step before you head out the door. But here's where most people go wrong - they use the wrong spray for the job. To make matters simple, my very talented make-up artist friend Claire Bridgett, recently explained in a video (below) exactly what the difference is between a setting spray and a finishing spray. Absolutely great for novices, and worth a watch like the rest of her videos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claire Bridgett💄 (@clairebridgett) Setting sprays It's in the name guys. These set your makeup no matter what, with a mist that forms a lightweight film over your makeup to make sure it doesn't melt, fade or budge. Formulas often include polymers that bind your foundation, concealer and powder together. 'They help prevent creasing, stopping transfer, and keeping makeup set all day,' said Claire. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Sprays ($54) – This makes your skin look like you have a filter on it. It sets it and hydrates with a unique formula that creates a film over your skin to make it transfer resistant. Definitely a more dewy finish. Urban Decay All Nighter ($66) – With a temperature control it apparently makes your skin stay cool. This version adds a satin finish to skin. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist ($29.99) – The fine nozzle sprays the product like hairspray. 'This stuff is heavy duty and means our makeup will not move at all,' said Claire. Clarins Fix' Make-Up Spray ($52) – Spotted in Rhianna's makeup artist Priscilla Ono's kit, she said 'I actually love Clarins... it makes your skin look like skin again!' Hydrating finishing sprays I should preface by saying that these don't really prolong your makeup as such, but they do help 'melt' it together and are best suited to dryer skin-types or those who love a dewy finish. 'It takes away cakiness and adds hydration,' said Claire. You can apply them under, over or between your makeup layers to enhance that sought after glass-skin glow. These sprays are usually water or glycerin-based and sometimes even include shimmer or light-reflecting particles for that 'I woke up like this' radiance. MAC Cosmetics Fix+ ($54) - a makeup artists favourite for a reason, it melts together all your makeup for a dewy finish. Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-In-1 Mist ($50) - Gently shake the bi-phase mist and spritz in between layers of makeup to soften and hydrate product into the complexion for an instantly refreshed appearance. Glow-getters with sun protection We all know that SPF everyday is a non-negotiable, so I'm ecstatic to report that some of my favourite brands have combined a key makeup step and skin protection in one. A new wave of multitasking bronzing drops and tinted serums are now here to give your skin a golden-hour glow, skincare benefits and sun protection of SPF50+ too. I'd say these are most appealing to all the lazy, low-maintenance makeup users as their formulas add just the right amount of tint to fake a 'week in Byron' with minimal other base products needed on top. On your more off-duty days, think of these as your primer, bronzer, sunscreen and skin tint in one. Blend a few drops into your daily SPF or layer under makeup for that 'your-skin-but-better' bronze. I've just started using Emma Lewisham's brand new Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum ($83), and it's almost replaced my foundation entirely. This one's quite dark, so those with fairer complexions I'd recommend using less and spreading it out a bit thinner (a little goes a very long way, btw) or mixing it will another, lighter consistency SPF formula. It's also includes an ingredient called Palmitoyl Oligopeptide which helps protect against daily environmental stressors and sun damage while you're wearing it. I then go in with a blurring primer just down my T-zone (I've been reaching for the Mecca Max Skin Filter Blurring Primer $25 recently, and I really rate it), then a concealer to dot any blemishes, redness and under my eyes – blended out with a damp sponge. Naked Sundays CabanaGlow™ SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops in Bronze ($45) – the fact that Dakota Johnson's makeup artist Georgie Eisdell just used this on her at Cannes is what initially sold me. 'To bring subtle warmth and definition to the face, I applied the CabanaGlow Drops along the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead. This added a soft, sun-kissed dimension,' she said of Dakota's red carpet glow. Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing SPF50 ($45) – I like that these can be tailored to your preference. Either mix a few drops into your SPF, layer on top of your SPF for a hit of radiance, or blend over make-up as a highlighter or bronzer on the high points of your face. (DISCLAIMER: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW DIRECTS FOR USE) So, the next time you think of skipping primer or settling for one-size-fits-all base products, please think again. Between your perfect match in primers, these skin-perfecting SPF drops and set-all-day sprays, your face will be smoother, glowier, and infinitely more smug as you walk past a mirror at 3:37pm and see your perfect makeup still intact. All opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own and reflect my genuine thoughts and experiences. They are not influenced by any external parties or sponsors.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
My ultimate guide to having the best hair in 2025 - from the treatment worth investing in to the must-have beauty gadget: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to. Off the back of both fashion week here in Australia and the glamorous red carpet of Cannes Film Festival, I've been in a pretty blissful beauty bubble. All in the name of work (yes, I love my job), I've spent a lot of time staring at the stunning makeup looks on the models and A-listers, but it's the hair that's having the biggest moment. Have you seen Bella Hadid 's blonde transformation? Just stunning. Right now, we're living in a golden age of hair innovation. From fancy new tools that promise salon-quality styling at home, to the rise in destination scalp care 'spas' and serums that treat your roots and locks like skincare, the tech really is taking over. As someone who lives and breathes beauty, I've had my hands (and hair) in everything over the years, and although I may only be one hair type, I'm happy to report that 2025's trends are more inclusive than ever. Smoothing treatments are back in a big way (hello, keratin revival), reformulated to be gentler, more customisable, and free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. Think sleek strands without the stiff, overly flat finish of the past. Crimped locks are most definitely back in vogue too – as seen on the models at AFW's runway shows Bianca Spender and Amiss. Which is perfect timing with the surge in barrelled wavers hitting our shelves this winter - to which I can confirm ghd's newest gadget is now certified, by me, as one of the best on the market. And correct me if I'm wrong, (I'm not), but are simple trims now a thing of the past? I'm referring to the haircut that's been the talk of my beauty editor friends recently. Dubbed the 'ultimate' hair transformation, this tailored experience will set you back a cool $750. Worth the hype? Apparently so, but more on that below. Whether you're chasing glossy, frizz-free strands, looking to treat your scalp to a little TLC, or ready for full hair re-do, I've got you covered with these budget-friendly finds, luxe splurges, and everything in between. Crazy about Keratin Is it just me, or is everyone getting a keratin smoothing treatment lately? Specifically, the Kerasilk one - aka the secret behind all those gorgeous, confident, frizz-free women strutting around like Leslie Bibb with their new, and super-smooth 'c*nty little bobs'. I had my mane treated with it a few years ago when it wasn't so well-known, and honestly, I really loved it. For about three glorious months, my hair air-dried smooth, barely needed a straightener, and didn't puff up the moment I walked outside. When debating 'do I really need it', I'm just warning that you may have to choose between this and your three-monthly anti-wrinkle injections, because at around $500, it's not exactly spare change. However, the payoff is silky, humidity-resistant strands with way less styling stress. It's not a straightening treatment per se, as your curls and waves aren't erased, just softened and smoothed into submission. A stark contrast to those polka-straight treatments years ago that left your locks looking, well, just a bit flat. Perfect if your hair has a mind of its own and you'd like to reclaim a bit of control. It doesn't last forever, but for a season of low-maintenance good hair days? Worth it. Tool on trial When I think of hair tools, ghd is always top-of my mind for being innovators in their field. I saved up for my very first straightener when I was 14 and I've been a loyal customer ever since. Which is interesting, because when it comes to their latest launch – the new Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver ($290) – I feel like they're the last ones to market. Maybe we've just saved the best until last? Because upon trying this (rather hefty) new hair crimping device, my locks were transformed within minutes. Featuring dual temperature sensors for 185˚C heat across three barrels, meaning you also get a more consistent bends in the hair, and curved edges for zero indentations. Waves were seen on the models at AFW's runway shows like Bianca Spender and Amiss (pictured left) I parted my hair into three sections and worked from the bottom to the top, holding the tool on my strands for a maximum of five seconds each time. A stand-out for me is the fact that my strands didn't seem to steam with this tool. With others on the market, I've often felt the plates are so hot they might be burning my hair (I could also be paranoid though). It's down to the fact that it features dual temperature sensors for 185˚C heat across three barrels, meaning you also get a more consistent bends in the hair, and curved edges for zero indentations. Another big tick is the safety, thanks to plastic ends attached to it to stop users (me in particular) singeing the tops of their ears or foreheads accidentally. The 'ultimate' hair cut I never thought I'd say this, but I found a haircut that costs more than my last weekend getaway - and I'm still thinking about getting it. Named the 'Texture Edit,' this $750 chop by Sydney hair guru John Pulitano is less about snips and more about a hair transformation. Involved is a full scalp analysis, a hair facial, and a bespoke cutting technique that somehow makes your hair look good undone. It's designed to hold shape and swagger for 12 weeks, meaning it grows out like it's got a stylist on speed dial – or so it promises. Yes, the price is eye-watering and not for every budget, but for those willing to invest, it's being called the new gold standard in personalised, precision hairdressing by Sydney's elite (AKA all my other beauty editor friends). The follow-up cuts drop to $390 which softens the blow slightly, but when you break it down, it's $250 per month for hair that behaves, flatters, and pretty much styles itself. I am very intrigued – so I promise to report back if I can scrape together enough pennies before my next trim is due. Maybe he'll let me go rogue and get a fringe? Probably not. My frizz-fighting product picks of the week John Frieda Silk Drench Smoothing Water ($20.99) Think of this like a hair gloss for some serious shine Think of this like a hair gloss for some serious shine. I was skeptical at adding yet another step in my shower routine, but after one use my hair was beaming and so manageable after. First shampoo your locks, then apply this rinse infused with rice oil and glycerin to help treat frizzy, damaged hair, through your mid-length and ends, rinse, then go in with your conditioner as usual. TRESemme's Lamellar Shine Spray ($18) I have since given away all my other heat protecting sprays, because this is The One. A 'heat-activated shine' this product protects up to 230C. I apply it on my towel-dried strands after my hair oil, and my frizz and flyaways are now basically non-existent. I should mention that I trialled this during Sydney's rainiest month of the year. A 'heat-activated shine' this Tresemme product (left) protects up to 230C, while the AG Care Frizzproof Argan Anti-Humidity Finishing Spray (right) is great for locking in your freshly tonged curls and won't leave any sticky residue thanks to the ultra-fine spray nozzle AG Care Frizzproof Argan Anti-Humidity Finishing Spray ($38.99) Not new, but worth a mention as one of my favourite frizz-fighting hairsprays for every hair type. It only offers a very light hold, but it's great for locking in your freshly tonged curls and won't leave any sticky residue thanks to the ultra-fine spray nozzle. Hair boosters to know about Just because we all need another product to add to our list (sorry), scalp serums are now very much a thing. If you're not yet clued up, think of them like skincare for your scalp. Very light in consistency, designed to leave on, and act as targeted treatments to address specific scalp concerns like dryness, flakiness, itchiness, and hair thinning. Bouf Haircare Tonic ($34.95) I was lucky enough to get a sample of this tonic a couple of months before it's launch date (the whole range is available tomorrow by the way), and although I can't talk to my transformative growth results right now, I'm assured that after 90 days I will. The solution is applied directly to the scalp morning and night and has a fancy patented FGF5 hair tech to stimulate hair growth. By NIKŌL SO'L THIC ($109) This brand is the first that I know of to offer hair growth and strengthening power as well as SPF sun protection too. I know we're in the depths of winter, but any product that defends against UV damage gets a tick from me The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and is formulated with active ingredients including 3% Procapil®, which help enhance and strengthen your hair follicles while boosting density too. Apply morning or night and rub it in. That's a wrap on this week's POLISHED deep dive. Whether you're ready to invest or just want your hair to behave in this dreadful rain we're all having, there's never been a better time to shake up your routine. If there is one thing I've learned though, it's that good hair days don't just happen - they're made, with a little help from the right tools, treatments, expert advice… and a product list as long as your hairbrush handle.
