Photo: Instagram
Mario Dedivanovic, Kim kardashian, Emily ratajkowski
If anyone knows about make-up with mileage, it’s A-list aficionado Mario Dedivanovic whose glossy fan club includes Kim Kardashian (he’s her right-hand man), Jennifer Lopez, Chrissy Teigen and Kate Bosworth.
While he loves employing setting powders and fixing mists for a bullet-proof base, Dedivanovic has a truly genius hack for conjuring up a lip with lasting power. The best bit? You’ve probably got all the tools for it stashed in your make-up bag already.
Teaching at a private version of his sell-out masterclasses, Dedivanovic let us in on the technique he swears by. “I like to pat powder eye shadow onto a well-moisturised lip for a look that literally won’t budge, especially when my clients are on stage,” he explained, demonstrating on a model using the shade ‘Cinnamon’ (bottom right) from the 12-piece Nip + Fab Eyeshadow Palette in Fired Up, £12.95.
The result was a warm brown, soft-focus lip. Read: infinitely cooler and more comfortable than a matte liquid lipstick and heavy liner combo. And it seems Dedivanovic’s not the only whizz relying on the same ‘perma-pout’ secret.
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“Mattifying your lips with a loose translucent face powder will help achieve the same long-wear finish, but I like using eyeshadow to add a pop of colour, especially on a monochromatic look,” says make-up artist Zoe Taylor, who’s worked with Bella Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Rihanna. “Build it up lightly and don’t be afraid to experiment with unusual hues,” she adds.
“I’ve been doing this trick for years. I first started doing it to create a velvety, petal-like finish but it definitely helps set the look in place for longer, too,” agrees make-up artist Kenneth Soh who counts Naomie Harris, Jenna Coleman and Anna Friel as clients.
Just be sure to create a flake-free, pillowy canvas first. Soh advises exfoliating to remove dead skin before reaching for a light lip balm. We rate the wipe-off Fresh Sugar Lip Polish and Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, £19.50 each.
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While Taylor advocates popping your eye shadow on top of a clear balm, like Dedivanovic, Soh veils it over a cream or satin lipstick.
“Blot your lip balm with a tissue then apply your lipstick straight from the bullet. Use a flat brush to carefully press on your eye shadow or loose pigment in a single layer. For a softer look, choose a fluffy brush instead,” Kenneth suggests. “You can also create a gorgeous 3D effect, giving the illusion of fullness, by targeting a lighter, shimmering shadow at the centre,” he tells us.
Our favourite eye-to-lip buys? Urban Decay Eyeshadow , £15, and MAC Pigment, £16.50, that come in an incredible 103 and 42 shades respectively. Or why not try a product especially designed for the job?
“This is such a great trick of the trade, it’s inspired Chanel’s global creative make-up and colour designer Lucia Pica to mastermind a ready-made kit. Chanel Poudre à Lèvres Exclusive Creation Lip Balm and Powder Duo, £31, houses a nourishing balm and a pressed powder, in two red shades that look very beautiful on everyone,” adds Taylor who’s a beauty ambassador for the brand. “Apply the balm with the super-cute brush then use the sponge applicator to blend on your colour. Try a soft wash or layer it up to achieve a strong power pout,” she explains.
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This article originally appeared on Harper's Bazaar UK.