If you've ever seen a Beyoncé performance and wondered how her makeup stays on even after the intense dance moves, you've likely been impressed by the work of her makeup artist Sir John [1]. He's the man responsible for the flawless looks [2] in many of her music videos, concerts, and red carpet appearances — and he just revealed some of his secrets in a makeup tutorial with YouTube personality Desi Perkins [3].
The makeup artist [4] revealed in the video how he applies the star's makeup so that it lasts through sweat and hours of dancing and shared expert tips with Perkins for looking your absolute best.
Check out the video and his secrets ahead.
How to Prep the Skin For Makeup
To make your foundation look like second skin instead of a layer of heavy makeup, Sir John stresses the importance of prepping the skin with moisturiser. "When your skin is freshly moisturised is the best time to apply foundation because when your moisturiser dries, it looks lived in," he said.
How to Keep Your Brows in Place
To ensure eyebrow hairs stay put even in humidity or dancing, Sir John revealed that after using an eyebrow pencil to fill in the brows, he likes to brush them through using wig glue on the end of a spoolie.
How to Keep Eye Shadow on All Day
In the video, he also explained that he isn't a fan of using eye primer or concealer on the lid because it makes the eye shadow oxidise. Instead, he prefers to use a creamy pencil underneath shadow.
How to Apply Eye Shadow
He prefers to use his finger to press shimmery eye shadow onto the lid. "Your body heat warms up the temperature of makeup; it makes it look more organic and lived-in," he said.
When to Apply Concealer
While you might be used to applying your concealer right after foundation (and well before your eye shadow), Sir John recommends applying concealer right after eye makeup. "Concealer can be your best friend when it comes to sculpting the eyes," he said. "I'm going to clean up the makeup and [use it] to shape and lift the eyes."
The Right Way to Hold a Makeup Brush
The makeup artist explained that it's important to hold the brush at the end instead of by the barrel to get a softer look.
How to Contour
According to Sir John, using a cream contour is very important. "The reason I'm using cream is I really want to lay the groundwork for any powder we use later," he said. He explains in the video that layering creams underneath powders helps the makeup to last longer. He also stressed the importance of using a cool-matte shade for contouring, and he incorporated the shade into the crease of the eye as well as the crevices of the face.
He then layered powder bronzer over the contour with a very light hand for a natural look. "As soon as [the brush] hits the skin, I'm moving it," he said.
How to Apply Highlighter
If you are breaking out on your cheeks, Sir John recommended applying only a few thin layers of product over it to keep it from emphasising the texture and keeping your highlighter high up on your face where people are less likely to experience breakouts. "Put your emollient highlighter high up around your orbital bone," he said.
Where to Apply Your Blush
Don't just apply your blush to your cheeks; Sir John recommended placing some colour on your temples and chin as well. "It warms the skin up and makes it look really healthy," he said.