The Scoop
The Scoop with Global Makeup Artist, Nathan Kaké
With over 34 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Nathan Kaké knows exactly how to make women look and feel ridiculously good (looking).
His makeup repertoire is extensive (and impressive) and has seen him travel the globe to lend his talents to renowned publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Cosmopolitan, as well as having made up the faces of the likes of Cindy Crawford, Elle McPherson, Megan Gale and Rachel Hunter.
Anyone who has sat in Nathan’s makeup chair knows all too well his glam transforming abilities, developed through years of perfecting his craft.
We caught up with Nathan to get the scoop on all things makeup as well as debunk some common beauty myths that could be holding you back from living your best (makeup) life.
What made you realise you want to become a makeup artist?
It was purely by accident. I had been booked to do hair on a shoot with Rachel Hunter and the makeup artist didn’t show up for the job. The Director looked at me and said, “How good are you at makeup?” I was 21, confident as hell and thought, how hard could it be? Days later I saw the pics from the shoot and was hooked. The power in which beautiful hair and makeup holds is addictive, and so I’ve been addicted ever since.
What are 5 products everyone needs to own?
1. An easy to apply foundation for everyday
2. A hard-working concealer that disguises a terrible night’s sleep
3. A 3-in-1 contour palette which includes blush, bronze and highlight for both cheeks and eyes
4. Mascara to awaken the eyes
5. Lip Conditioner for soft, supple lips
What are 3 things we should avoid when it comes to applying makeup? Be honest, we can handle it.
- Applying too much foundation. I see this every single day. Not only do you most likely not need it, but it can also age you. Focus your foundation application to the feature focus area of your face (the triangle in the middle of your face consisting of your nose, cheeks, and chin) and fuse to nothing for a seamless, natural looking finish.
- Overdrawn brows in the incorrect shade – most often too dark. This combination can make you appear masculine and angry.
- Frosty eyeshadow on mature skin; the shine in the product picks up even the slightest of fine lines.
“For the most natural, second skin results, buff foundation into your skin using a fluffy foundation brush (don’t paint it on). Painting and dragging your brush down and around your face will take you twice as long and you’ll most likely create lines or streaks in the process.”
What are your top tips for achieving a long-wearing base?
Applying a primer before applying your foundation is key. Not only does primer help your foundation glide on effortlessly and stop it from looking patchy, but primer is also designed to act as a bridge between your skincare and base products. For the most natural, second skin results, buff foundation into your skin using a fluffy foundation brush (don’t paint it on). Painting and dragging your brush down and around your face will take you twice as long and you’ll most likely create lines or streaks in the process.
Next, set your base – always! Blot your setting powder over your foundation with a large powder brush and use a smaller brush around your under eyes, nose and mouth for controlled application.
What’s your beauty beginner hack when it comes to applying false lashes? They always seem to lift during the night!
Remove lashes from the tray and wrap them around a medium sized eyeshadow brush or your index finger. This will create a slight curve and flexibility within the lash band, helping the lash to mould easier to your natural eye shape. Depending on your eye shape, cut the last 3 outer lashes off - false lashes are nearly always too long for everyone’s eyes. Apply glue to both ends and wait for the glue to become tacky before applying to the lash line. The most common mistake people make when applying lashes is not waiting for the glue to become tacky. When the glue is wet it just slips around your eyelid and won’t adhere.
“Wait for your eye cream or eye primer to completely dry before applying concealer will ensure it doesn’t slide right off before you even get out the door.”
How do I prevent my concealer from creasing throughout the day?
Don’t over prime or moisturise your eyes before applying your concealer. Wait for your eye cream or eye primer to completely dry before applying concealer will ensure it doesn’t slide right off before you even get out the door.
How can I make my eyes appear bigger?
This is a question I get asked all the time! Extend a deeper shade of liner or shadow beyond the outer corner of your eye moving up towards the edge of your outer brow – this creates a lift. If that’s too complicated, another simple trick is applying eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible - this will create the illusion you have a thicker set of lashes, in turn opening your eyes for a wide-awake effect.
And lips?
I’m currently obsessed with recreating a 90’s lip – this technique is foolproof for creating big, voluptuous-looking lips.
Apply a warm toned brown lip liner to the edge of your lip line and just slightly above – don’t overline as it will look like your liner has bled. Using a soft eyeshadow brush, softly smudge the liner just inside your lip line to fill in your lips. This creates a slight ombre effect. Then, add a lipstick or gloss in a soft neutral tone to the centre of the lips and you’re done!
