Wendy Rowe Takes Us Inside Her Makeup Bag

What do Nicole Kidman, Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham and Jessie Buckley have in common? They all go to the same makeup artist to nail their signature glow: Wendy Rowe. One of the biggest names in the beauty industry, Rowe has not only worked the red carpet, magazine covers and global fashion shows – she’s also shaped the creative identity of some the world’s most recognisable brands, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry and Estée Lauder.

Her work always comes back to her key ethos, which is underpinned by a skin-first approach. ‘My beauty ritual is all about creating the perfect canvas,’ the makeup artist tells C&TH. ‘I feel most made up when I have perfect skin and contouring. That’s where the magic happens for me – when my complexion looks flawless and those sculpted shadows and highlights are in place, everything else just falls into place.’

Below, Wendy Rowe takes us through her makeup bag, the products she can’t live without and her best piece of beauty advice.

What’s Inside My Makeup Bag? With Wendy Rowe

Let’s start with the bag itself – describe it for us.

I’m actually a collector of makeup bags because I haven’t found ‘the one’ yet! I rotate between several – one that lives in my everyday bag for touch-ups on the go, another at home with multiple compartments to keep everything organised, and a dedicated travel bag for when I’m away. Each serves its purpose, but I’m still on the hunt for that perfect all-in-one solution. So watch this space – when I find it, you’ll be the first to know!

What’s your pre-makeup beauty ritual?

I always start by cleansing and really caring for my skin; it’s the foundation of everything. Then I’ll apply a mask depending on what my skin needs that day, but my go-to is the Celestial Black Diamond Lifting And Firming Face Mask by 111SKIN. It’s incredible prep for makeup because it delivers intense hydration without that heavy, product-overloaded feeling. While my skin drinks that in, I apply a subtle lip stain to the centre of my top and bottom lips – just a hint of colour that I’ll build on later. Then it’s time to move on to hair, so everything comes together seamlessly.

 

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Let’s break down your makeup routine – prep?

On a daily basis, I’m devoted to my Augustinus Bader face cream – it’s non-negotiable. I follow that with the BB Cream by James Read, which gives me the most beautiful tint and natural glow without feeling heavy. I also always have the Eve Lom Lip Balm on lips as it keeps them perfectly hydrated throughout the day.

Face?

For my face, I love starting with a tinted moisturiser: Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance SPF is my favourite base. Then I’ll layer in a touch of foundation, either Ilia or Rare Beauty, for added coverage where I need it. Saie’s Slip Tint Concealer is another essential – it’s incredibly lightweight yet buildable.

My absolute non-negotiables are the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick (I use it on my cheeks and jawline for that sculpted effect) and the Merit Flush Balm (which gives the most beautiful, natural blush).

Eyes?

For eyes, I’m all about Mario Dedivanovic‘s line. I reach for an Estée Lauder eyeliner pencil, usually in blue – it’s such a stunning, unexpected touch. For mascara, Doucce is my go-to because it’s a double whammy: it adds gorgeous colour while the argan oil actually helps your lashes grow. I’m also obsessed with the Victoria Beckham’s eye pencils – I use them on top of the lash line, while the Estée Lauder one goes on my waterline. They have incredible colours and serious staying power.

The Chanel Les Beiges Eyeshadow Palette is a must-have for everyone in my opinion, it’s that versatile and beautiful.

Eyebrows?

For brows, Pixi’s gel and pencil combo is genius – everything you need in one. Anastasia Beverly Hills is another staple that never lets me down.

Lips?

When it comes to lips, I adore the Dior liner – there’s one in particular that I think is absolutely perfect. I also love the Clarins Comfort Lip Oil for that glossy hydration, and Violette_FR’s Bisou Balm is phenomenal for effortless, buildable colour.

Finishing touches?

To lock everything in, I use ONE/SIZE Setting Spray; they have two formulas, one matte and one dewy, so I can choose based on the finish I’m after that day.

Tools?

When it comes to brushes, I keep it minimal and intentional. I only use a blush brush and a powder brush for my face, and maybe a small brush for precision under my eyes. If I’m doing eyeliner, I’ll reach for an angled brush as it gives me complete control and the perfect sharp line. Everything else? I prefer using my fingers. There’s something about the warmth and natural blending that just works better for me.

 

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One product you always carry in your handbag?

A lip liner and lip oil (so two, haha).

What’s the most expensive thing in your makeup bag?

It would probably be one of my brushes.

And the most luxurious?

Maybe a Hermès Lipstick or Compact – there’s something incredibly special about those pieces that go beyond just makeup.

What about the hero product you can’t live without, and have used for years?

I can’t live without would be my iPsa Concealer. I’ve used it for years and it’s just brilliant for repairing things and quick fixes – it’s my absolute go-to and from Japan.

Tell us about a beauty trend you love…

I love this because I’ve done it for years, but it’s what they now call underpainting. I like to put minimal makeup on and slightly layer it. It gives the best effect, like you’re not wearing makeup at all.

And one you can’t wait to see fall out of fashion?

For me, the look I don’t care for is the shiny end of nose. I think it’s quite cartoonish and weird.

What’s something you did beauty-wise in your youth that you’d never do again?

When I was a teenager, I did a two-tone lip with a Rimmel Lipstick called Heather Shimmer. It was quite a brownie-mauve and didn’t look good.

The best piece of beauty advice you’ve been given?

You don’t need to cover all of the skin. With makeup, if it’s good, leave it.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

My philosophy on makeup is to keep your individuality, pull forward what’s great, and push back things that are not so great. It’s all about shadow and light, but you need to keep the individuality. Sometimes you have colours in your skin which are amazing, so keep them.

What item do you think should be in every beauty bag?

The items that I think should be in everybody’s makeup bag are eyelash curlers, pressed powder, a tinted lip balm, and concealer.

Makeup: for touch-up or self-expression?

I think makeup should be used to express how you feel, so if it’s about just giving yourself a clean, fresh, beautiful look, or it’s about being sexy or sporty or vibrant, I think it can be used in many different ways. It really is about who you want to be that day.

You can also always use makeup to change your mood – putting on a bright red lipstick will, without fail, pick you up.

More From Wendy

Keep up with Wendy Rowe on Instagram (@wendyrowe) or over at wendyrowe.com