Interview: Mary Greenwell the makeup artist to the stars

Mary Greenwell

Hero products?

Sisley Black Rose Mask, closely followed by the Sisley Black Rose Oil – both of which I absolutely adore. They leave my skin feeling gorgeous. My hero body product at the moment is Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s Firm and Revitalise Dry Body Oil, which makes my skin feel baby soft and smells delicious.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFbF7FOKsZg/
Make-up bag must-haves?

Sensai Total Lip Treatment, simply because it works and I can’t live without it, either at home or when I’m working. I use it on all my clients.

Chanel Les Beiges All in One Foundation is my go-to everyday foundation as it provides gorgeous natural-looking coverage. Otherwise, I’ve started using the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick which goes on beautifully.

One of my all-time favourite mascaras is the Sensai 38°C (Volumising) which is buildable and doesn’t budge.

I love Tom Ford’s and the new Surratt Grande Pallete eye shadows, which are now my absolute must-haves; the Surratt textures are silky, blendable and highly pigmented.

Chanel’s powder blushers are the best in terms of shades and texture and I love the Finishing Airbrush Flawless Finish by Charlotte Tilbury and Surratt Surreal skin concealers.

I always use Elizabeth Arden’s smoky eye pencils, Laura Mercier lip pencils, Tom Ford eyebrow pencils and my favourite Japonesque Kabuki brush which is just so versatile.

Favourite perfume?

Fire – Mary Greenwell

My FIRE by Mary Greenwell is absolutely delicious in winter; it is a beautiful Oud without Oud fragrance. Otherwise, I wear my original fragrance PLUM by Mary Greenwell which is a sexy, glamorous and overtly feminine.

Who does your hair?

I always see the fabulous Nicola Clark at John Frieda for my colour and the wonderful Joel at Daniel Galvin for cuts.

Beauty inspirations?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIEvzLbg8M3/?hl=en
I take inspiration from iconic faces from the 1940s like Vivienne Leigh, Lauren Bacall and Rita Hayworth who epitomised glamour, but of course, my dear friends in the business – Cate Blanchett, Christy Turlington and Uma Thurman – inspire me every day – they are beautiful people inside and out.

Favourite spa?

I love the E’SPA spa at the Corinthia Hotel.

Best make-up tip?

Stick to what suits you – wild experimentation is for the young. Remember that under-eye concealer is your best friend: it will open up the face and take away tiredness. After a certain age avoid using too much eye shadow underneath the eye – it has a tendency to be ageing.

Best beauty tip?

Look after your skin – it is so important to take the time to look after it properly and to use products that work it. Have a regime and stick to it and you will see the results. I adore the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, and the SK-II Essence, both of which work perfectly for my skin.

Originally featured in our December 2014 issue.