How to achieve a lit-from-within glow

If there’s one thing we learnt from watching years of America’s Next Top Model, it’s the importance of ‘finding your light’ during photos. But thanks to the new Smashbox offering, the Light It Up collection, you’ll no longer be storming around the house with phone in hand to find the best natural light for your #selfie.

Just in time for adding to your Christmas wish list, choose from one of six Light It Up makeup sets to illuminate your look – day or night. Inspired by the neon lights of Los Angeles, the resulting collection was a collaboration with Californian Neon Artist Meryl Pataky to create the various shades and textures. From contouring palettes to brightly hued lip glosses, this collection will have you brightening and highlighting your way to a stunning summer look.

We caught up with Will Malherbe, Director of International Artistry and Education from Smashbox L.A for his top tips on how to create a good to glow look in five minutes or less.

1. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT FROM THE LIGHT IT UP COLLECTION?

The Lipstick + Lip Mattifier is my hands-down favourite. I love creating a mattified finish that lasts all day.

2. NUMBER ONE MAKEUP TRICK?

If you lightly spray the Smashbox Primer Water onto skin before and after makeup application it creates a naturally radiant finish. It also helps to cool you down during the summertime if you keep it in the fridge!

3. I ONLY HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO GET READY, WHAT ARE MY MUST-DO’S TO CREATE A MAKUP LOOK FAST?

Apply your best suited Photo Finish Primer to skin, depending on your skin’s needs. Follow this with brightening your eyelids using the Photo Finish Lid Primer, eliminating the need for an eyeshadow. Use BB Water SPF30+ to even skin tone, using your finger tips to blend in using a swiping motion for a sheer application, or tapping to build coverage. Perfect your brows with Brow Tech To Go pencil, and apply a generous coat of Full Exposure Mascara to lashes. Buff colour into cheeks and lips with the Light It Up Lip & Cheek colour. If you have time spare, smudge the Always Sharp Eye Liner along your lash line for further definition. Voila!

4. WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRANSFORM MY LOOK FROM DAY TO NIGHT?

Use a Black Always Sharp Eye Liner and smudge along upper and lower lash line for a slight smokey effect. Apply a bold matte lip to finish the look.

5. WHAT SHADES DO YOU PREDICT WILL BE HUGE FOR SUMMER?

For the New Zealand summer, bold matte looking lips are a must have essential. If the lipstick you’re using isn’t matte, simply apply Instamatte Lip Transformer over your lipstick to transform the look. Skin should be radiant and dewy to contrast the matte lip, where eyes are more soft and simple, so that lashes look more enhanced. Colour wise, champagne gold and rose gold hues are my pick for eyeshadow shades, to reflect the sky at sunset. Spoiler alert: these same colours will continue to be big coming into autumn 2017, with the addition of punchy terracotta.

The Smashbox Light It Up Holiday collection is available at selected Life Pharmacies nationwide, click here for find your nearest store.
All other Smashbox products are available here.