Wendy Rowe is, by any standards, one of the world’s most influential makeup artists. She has more than 20 years’ experience, working her magic on Sienna Miller, Nicole Kidman, Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss, and on campaigns for the likes of Prada, Hermes, Chanel and Chloe. Suffice to say her knowledge of beauty and how wellness impacts our beauty is encyclopaedic. All of which makes her book ‘Eat Beautiful’, a must-read. We caught up with her to talk beauty rituals, self care, and how to get that flawless glow.
What inspired you to become a make-up artist?
When I was younger, one of my friends was a session hair stylist and suggested I did makeup so that we could go on fun trips together! It sounded great, so I did a makeup course and many years on, I’ve never looked back. It’s an inspiring, creative job and I get to meet some amazing people and travel to incredible locations. I know this makes it sound easy, but it was a very long road full of ups and downs but I wouldn't change it.
What was your first big break?
I would say my first big break was landing the Burberry show. 16 years later I was still there, developing products for them.
Tell us about your book, ‘Eat Beautiful’?
It contains everything that I’ve come to know over the years.
Beauty is about more than the makeup you wear, it is also about what you eat, how you look after your skin, and how you feel. I wanted to help people achieve great skin – and my book really is a simple guide to doing just that. It’s a combination of skin tips and tricks, beauty essentials, a herbal pharmacy and seasonal recipes.
It’s so nice to have all of this information written down so I can share it with people; I always love it when people tell me that it’s been helpful to them and benefited their skin.
Can what you eat really impact your skin?
Until recently we treated skin from the outside, but I’ve come to see that skin troubles are a reflection of what’s going on inside. While I live and breathe make-up, I firmly believe that it won’t look good on skin that is clogged or irritated, and skin won’t look good unless you pay attention to your health in general and your diet in particular.
Tell us about your skincare routine…
In the morning, I just wash my face with water, tone, moisturise and apply an eye cream, but in the evening, I spend more time. I cleanse using a cream cleanser, then I tone and moisturise with a richer cream and I might apply a night balm or a mask, depending on how my skin is feeling and the time of year. One thing I never forget is my body – it’s super important not to just stop with your face, so I always make time for my body, including my feet, which a lot of people forget.
As a makeup artist, do you have any beauty rituals that you swear by?
Look after your skin and your makeup will be easy. I’m known as the ‘master of nude skin’ but truly beautiful skin starts before the makeup. Even when I’m working with a client for the very first time, creating their skin look will be at least 50% prepping the skin. If you want flawless skin, it starts from within. Always make sure to have a fun and laugh. It’s important to enjoy life and it really allows you to shine from within.
Describe your relationship to self-care: are you good at prioritising time for yourself?
It is difficult, but very important to prioritise time for myself, whether it be cooking or just having some time in the morning. If I can, I have one MOT day a week which will include a massage, but it's not always possible.
What do you do to relax?
I love cooking, having a nice long walk with my dog Teddy in the park, playing tennis or even just staying at home watching a film.
What’s your…
Favourite scent?
Santa Maria Novella (the original)
Favourite indulgence?
Pizza!
Favourite feel-good song?
Simply Amazing by George Michael
If you had to choose one Balance Me product, what would it be?
Hyaluronic Plumping Mist, which is so refreshing and you can see an instant difference.
Finally, what new and exciting thing are you most looking forward to right now?
I am currently in the process of buying a bigger place and who knows maybe even a new puppy for Teddy to play with!
Wendy Rowe
wendyrowe.com; @wendyrowe