Midday Makeup Refresher | The Violet Files

THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

Soothe and calm hot-and-bothered skin without disturbing your makeup.

Written By Jess Basser Sanders

Midday Makeup Refresher | THE VIOLET FILES | @violetgrey

— PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE STUDIO WITH VIOLET GREY

It’s perhaps the opposite of afternoon delight: that point in a warm day when, after rushing to pick up lunch and drop off the dry cleaning, even the most carefully applied makeup is can be overcome by an oily, uninvited shine.

And because the goal is to look polished, not shiny, VIOLET GREY makeup artist Merrady Wickes has perfected a targeted three-step process for cooling down the complexion. Here’s her two-minute tip sheet for an instantly refreshed face.

COOL THE
COMPLEXION

Tatcha - Original Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets

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BLOT AWAY SHINE

First step: Relieve your face of excess oil. Wickes favors Tatcha’s blotting papers for their double-duty composition (you can use both sides of each sheet). And most important, she says, “They are made from hammered abaca leaves, so there’s no wood pulp which can irritate the skin.” Lightly dab onto the face to wick away shine elegantly.

Tatcha

Original Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets

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COOLING MIST

This French spray—a cold drink of water for the skin—is infused with energizing mint, orange, and rosemary. “The balm mint and peppermint instantly refresh, and it’s hydrating without being sticky,” says Wickes. Mist over the face, chest, and even legs for an instant cool.

Caudalie

Beauty Elixir

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BY TERRY - Light Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush 3 Honey Light

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TOUCH-UP

“This is amazing for touch-ups,” says Wickes, who prizes this foundation pen for its ability to remedy redness and melted makeup. “You can have ten layers of makeup covered by two layers of sweat, oil, and grease, but this pen makes everything perfect again.” Bonus points for the anti-inflammatory date seed extract and moisture-binding sodium hyaluronate in this calming formula.

BY TERRY

Light Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush
3 Honey Light

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