Saturate; In the Face of Colour

I remember receiving my very first ‘MAKE UP FOR EVER 12 Flash Colour Case’, I felt energised to be creative; the possibilities seemed endless. I then acquired their powder pigments and literally ‘LOST MY MIND!’ An assistant questioned “What are we meant to do with these?” “have fun!” was my reply. For one shoot I simply splashed the powders on the face using a traditional powder puff and I LOVED IT! Pure pigments release the experimental side of a Make-up Artist, I feel they give permission/freedom to play, make mistakes and to simply enjoy. Even though pure pigments are mainly found in the ‘Pro’ section of some brands it doesn’t mean to say a make-up lover can’t find a use for them too. The creams and gels tend to be waterproof therefore perfect for body art.

The two main brands I rely upon are MAC and MAKE UP FOR EVER powders or creams, MUFE also have liquid/ink pigments. Transparent mixers are often sold along side these products and achieve either a matt; gloss or satin finish. My MAC Lip Mixes live in my kit, they go on every job with me incase I want to create individual colours for eyes, lips or cheeks or to add to existing lipsticks, they are my saving grace.

When I require true to colour cosmetics (no messing or wasting time re-applying) the brands I turn to are Illamasqua; Kat Von D; Kiko; Nyx; Smashbox; Sleek; Bella Pierre; Zoeva; Urban Decay, these are highly pigmented with a few unconventional colours too — what you see is what you’re going to get — whether it be a lipstick; eyeshadow or blusher.

Highly pigmented colours don’t only come in primary or secondary colours. Cover FX launched Custom Cover Drops a few years ago. These are skin/flesh colours designed to mix with your favourite cream to make either a tinted moisturise, a full cover foundation or to adjust your own foundation.

Companies that sell pure pigments are enabling the consumer to individualise their make-up, I recommend everyone release their inner Make-up Artist and buy at least one pigment in their life time and just have fun!