5 Minutes With Adele’s Make-Up Artist

image via @michaelashton

LA make-up artist Michael Ashton chats to WelleCo about the importance of glowing skin and having a signature beauty look.

When applying makeup, how important is healthy glowing skin?

As a make-up artist one of the most important things for my clients when they step onto the red carpet is to have healthy, radiant looking skin which starts from the inside out. I’m a huge fan of WellCo SUPER ELIXR Greens as it nourishes the skin on a cellular level creating a lit-from-within glow.

You created Adele’s signature beauty look. What was the inspiration behind it?

I’ve always been inspired by classic images of old school Hollywood and how wonderfully put together the stars of the silver screen were. Adele has incredible bone structure and beautiful almond shaped eyes, so she can carry any make-up look. Her make-up and hair has evolved organically over time but I think the essence of her beauty aesthetic has remained true which is aspirational but achievable and is why she has become a modern beauty icon. 

What are your 3 top tips for creating a strong and unique signature look?

Any make-up look starts with a great base and radiant, glowing skin never goes out of fashion. The easiest way to achieve this is by taking care of your nutrition first and having a good skincare regime to ensure skin looks plump and hydrated.

Decide on a facial feature you love about yourself and really play up to that. Be it your eyes, lips or cheeks.

Fragrance is always the final touch and I think everyone should have a signature scent. I personally have one that I wear during the day which is Cartier Roadster Sport and then for the evening or important events I always wear Terre d’Hermès. 

image via @michaelashton

What does your role as Global Artistry Ambassador for Marc Jacobs Beauty involve?

The role sees me meeting with press to discuss upcoming trends, speaking about product launches, hosting master classes, shooting editorial and beauty, working on celebrity red carpet moments to name a few. It is a dream role for me as I not only love the brand and products but it was one of those full circle moments as in 2007 I assisted Dick Page on the Marc by Marc show and ten years later I was appointed Global Artistry Ambassador for Marc Jacobs Beauty.

What is your most radical make-up tip?

Less is more! Make-up should be easy and uncomplicated, don’t feel intimated that you need to be using a million different products, find what works best for you and have fun with it.

What makeup trends can we expect next season?

What is really exciting me at the moment is the freedom that the beauty industry is giving people to express their own individuality and creativity. I’ve always believed with make-up there are no rules and it’s a great way to experiment and play with different characters depending on your mood. One key trend I think we’ll be seeing more of next season is the return of more natural looking skin, accentuating and enhancing rather than masking features.

Which make-up look or image are you most proud of?

One of the make-up looks I am most proud of would have to be a Adele at the 2017 Grammy Awards. It was one of those moments where everything comes together perfectly - the dress, the hair, the make up all worked seamlessly to create an iconic red carpet moment.

Which model/celebrity’s makeup do you dream of doing that you haven’t done yet?

I look forward to the day I work with Angelina Jolie. She has stunning features that are instantly recognizable and I think we are both on the same wave length when it comes to our approach to beauty. 

What are 3 products you can’t live without?

1. Marc Jacobs Magic Marc’er in Blacquer 

2. Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler

3. Lucas Paw Paw Ointment 

What is your favourite make-up look?

I’m always drawn to a make-up look that stands the test of time. Flawless cashmere finish skin teamed with a shimmering bronze eye, full fluttering lashes and a slick of clear lip gloss is one of my favourites as it never looks too overdone. For me make-up is always about enhancing someone’s natural beauty and making them feel like the very best version of themselves.

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How do you power through your day?

My schedule is so busy travelling with clients and I am often on and off airplanes and staying in a hotels, so I need quick and easy solutions to stay healthy and fuel my body. I like to make a shake using both SUPER ELIXIR Greens and NOURISHING PLANT PROTEIN.  I whip it up in a Nutribullet before I do my workout.  It sets me up and gives me energy for the day ahead.