Are you one of those people who’s always on board for getting some behind-the-scenes intel? I certainly am! In fact, some of the best cosmetic, skin, and even hair styling tricks in my arsenal came from either paying close attention on celebrity photo shoots (before the camera started clicking) or from magazine articles where beauty experts reveal their go-to’s for products and application techniques.

With this in mind, it was a very lucky day when we secured globally renowned makeup artist Colleen Runné to work her magic with Karen Elson for our Volume 5 cover. The array of products and brushes on display wasn’t unusual, but her meticulous records of what she used (and how she applied each item) was a rarity that I haven’t experienced in my 20+ years of being on-site for cover shoot prep. She provided not only comprehensive lists of utilized cosmetics but also dual drawings of the model’s face with each look. Talk about going above and beyond! With all of that information, I just had to share as much as possible so that other beauty junkies could soak up some of her wisdom.

 

Colleen’s Shoot Inspiration:

“My muse was definitely her (just released) book, The Red Flame, which featured a strong array of gold and copper tones along with warm reds. I also wanted to avoid heavy foundation coverage and highlight her naturally beautiful skin. Her signature has always been a pop of an orange-toned red with just a bit of color on her eyes, focusing on her luminous skin. That was the plan for the Edit shoot as well.”

– Colleen Runne

START WITH SKIN

Preparing the Canvas is a key step, and according to Colleen, this can be done on any budget. With effective products available in all price ranges, she’s opted to give a budget version as well as a more luxurious list of items she suggests using before any event, appearance, or photo session.

 

BUDGET-FRIENDLY

 

MORE OF A SPLURGE

Karen’s Look #1

  • SKIN PREP: Skincare applied with Anisa Beauty Skincare Brushes, 111SKIN Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask (hydrogel eye mask contains antioxidant-rich colloidal gold and rose damask extract to boost skin radiance under eye area), Shiseido Vital Perfection Lifting and Firming Day Cream SPF 30, 111SKIN Rose Gold Radiance Booster (creates an inner luminance and radiance under foundation).
  • LIP PREP: Whish Beauty Pink Champagne Lip Balm with Bakuchiol (Karen loved this one, I gave her one to take home).
  • SKIN: Dior BACKSTAGE Face and Body Foundation applied with a disposable base sponge from Alcone, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer blended with an Artis Brush Elite Oval 4, Becca Cosmetics Under Eye Brightening Setting Powder, Lancôme Absolue Powder Radiant Smoothing Powder in Absolue Pearl applied with Artis Brush Oval 7.
  • CHEEK COLOR: Chanel Joues Contraste shade In Love (55), Lancôme Dual Finish Highlighter Multi-tasking Illuminating Powder in Shimmering Buff.
  • BROWS: KVD Vegan Signature Brow Pencil Taupe, MAC Cosmetics Deluxe Brow Liner in Redhead.
  • EYES: Prepped with LORAC Eyeshadow Primer, Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP Sublime Bronze Ambition Eye Palette Gilt Trip x Bronze Struck, Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Pencil M60, Tweezerman ProCurlEyelash Curler, Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Black.
  • LIP: Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance in Elson applied with a soft fluff brush to create a diffused finish.
  • SKIN FINISH: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.
  • BODY & LEGS: MAC Cosmetics Face and Body.

 

 

GIVEAWAY – GIVEAWAY – GIVEAWAY

Some of the most coveted products in both Colleen and Karen’s bags were indulgent cosmetics from high-end, designer lines. We partnered with Dillard’s at The Mall at Green Hills to offer our beauty-loving audience a chance to scoop up a few of these game-changing products on us. Along with the product stash, we are also giving away a personal copy of Karen Elson’s The Red Flame.

Here’s what our winner will receive along with the beautiful book.

  • Dior Airflash Spray Foundation – you will be transformed with 12-hour wear airbrushed radiance in the shade customized to your skin tone.
  • Lancôme Absolue Radiant Smoothing Powder in Pearl—the ultimate finish for a fresh face.
  • Chanel Joules Contraste Powder Blush – the shade is aptly named ‘In Love’ – it gives a subtle lasting look of a real flush for your cheeks.

Watch our Social Media Channels through December 10 for details on how to grab this incredible package, which will be given away on Dec 11.

 

 

Karen’s Look #2

  • SKIN PREP: Skincare applied with Anisa Beauty Skincare Brushes, 111SKIN Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask (Hydrogel eye mask contains antioxidant-rich colloidal gold and rose damask extract to boost skin radiance under eye area), ShiseidoVital Perfection Lifting and Firming Day Cream SPF 30, 111SKIN Rose Gold Radiance Booster (creates an inner luminance and radiance under foundation).
  • LIP PREP: Whish Beauty Pink Champagne Lip Balm with Bakuchiol.
  • SKIN: Dior BACKSTAGE Face and Body Foundation applied with a disposable base sponge from Alcone, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer blended with an Artis Brush Elite Oval 4, Becca Cosmetics Under Eye Brightening Setting Powder, Lancôme Absolue Powder Radiant Smoothing Powder in Absolue Pearl applied with Artis Brush Oval 7.
  • CHEEK COLOR: ChanelJoues Contraste shade In Love (55), Lancôme Dual Finish Highlighter Multi-tasking Illuminating Powder in Shimmering Buff.
  • BROWS: KVD Vegan Signature Brow Pencil Taupe, MAC Cosmetics Deluxe Brow Liner in Redhead.
  • EYES: Eye Prep LORAC Eyeshadow Primer, MAC Cosmetics Art Library in Flameboyant, Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Pencil M60, Tweezerman ProCurlEyelash Curler, Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Black.
  • LIP: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Infatuated Red.
  • SKIN FINISH: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.
  • BODY & LEGS: MAC Cosmetics Face and Body.

 

We can’t thank Colleen enough for all of the insider information. There are certainly new products on our shopping lists, and we are following her lead on less foundation and more skin going forward. We love it when our cover models (see Kacey Musgrave’s) and their glam teams share secrets (get Lily Aldridge’s look) with us so that we can pass them on to you. No matter how you are spending the holiday season, with these leads to follow, you’ll be glowing from head to toe.