How Zoe Saldaña Masters Minimal Red-Carpet Makeup, According To Her Makeup Artist

“I like to see people’s natural skin,” says celebrity makeup artist Vera Steimberg. So, when applying your foundation, you don’t need to cover up freckles or the natural colour on your eyelids – being one solid polished shade from forehead to chin looks unnatural. “I mix foundation with a bit of moisturizer and really blend them into skin. Of course it also helps when your client eats and hydrates well too [when it comes to naturally-radiant skin].” How you prep skin before foundation also matters. “Depending on time, I use facial rollers, ice globes and under-eye patches from La Mer, Augustinus Bader and Chanel.”

“I love using highlighters. They add good glow to skin,” Steimberg says. “If I’m applying a cream formula, I use my fingers to blend the product into skin. For powder highlighters I prefer to use a brush. Whichever texture you choose, apply your highlighter along the bridge of the nose, on the side of the upper cheeks, on top of the lip and under the eyebrow, being sure to blend it well so any edges are diffused.”

“I like some contouring, but I’m not all for it. Just a little under the cheekbones or the jaw line is ideal – less is more for a fresher and more youthful look. A small amount of a darker color can do the trick. Apply it with your fingers or brush under the cheekbones by creating a ‘V’ shape going upwards towards the ears. Remember to always blend, blend, blend, as that is the trick for flawless makeup that looks natural.”

“I love using both bronzer and blush but the application is very different,” Steimberg says. “Bronzer gives a nice sun -kissed, summer look. I love applying it on the cheeks, around the jaw line, at the temples and a bit on the forehead for a beautiful warm glow. Whereas when it comes to blush, I use a very light application – a simple hint of color on the cheeks can really make your skin pop.”

“To set makeup, use a translucent powder all over your face,” Steimberg says. “But only do this once. Too much powder can make wrinkles more pronounced so less is always better.” If you need to mattify any oiliness or shiny areas throughout the day Steimberg swears by using blotting paper rather than going over the area with more powder to keep skin looking fresh not flat.

When it comes to eyes, Steimberg says the type of eyeshadow formula you use can make a big difference to your look. Liquid textures, in particular, are ideal for creating a natural, ethereal aesthetic that’s still polished and classic. “I often use Chanel Ombre Liquid Eyeshadows on Zoe Saldaña,” Steimberg says. “You can either apply them over the entire lid, dabbing your finger around the eyelid for a uniform color or you can mix a darker colour on the outer edge of the eye or under the bottom lashline to create a shade. The texture looks so natural and delivers beautiful sheer pigment.”

According to Steimberg, if there’s one makeup item you should always have in your kit, it’s lipstick. “It’s the one item that will make your face pop even if you aren't wearing any other makeup at all.” For enhancing lips, the standard makeup artist trick, advocated by Steimberg, is to always use a lip liner with lipstick. “It shapes your lips and can make them look fuller too – simply use a shade slightly darker than your lipstick color to create added dimension.”