When it comes to achieving flawless day-to-night makeup, skin preparation makes all the difference. Whether you have a long day of filming ahead or want to transform a natural look into a more sophisticated one for the evening, pre-makeup skin care is essential for your makeup to stay put. We spoke with renowned international makeup artist Sjaniël Turrell, a loyal follower of Twelve Beauty, to discover how she uses our products to achieve luminous, camera-ready skin, perfect for any occasion.
1. Let’s start with the basics: what is your philosophy when it comes to skin preparation before makeup and how do Twelve Beauty products help you achieve it?
Properly preparing the skin is key for all day-to-night makeup to work. This is even more important when working with more natural makeup brands: they look and perform much better on well-hydrated skin. I love using Twelve Beauty because its focus is always on providing real hydration: not only deep down, but also with an immediate smoothing effect on the skin's surface. That makes a big difference to the final finish.
2. Tell us about your usual preparation routine for day makeup with Twelve Beauty products.
To prepare the skin for day makeup, I start by making sure it's perfectly clean. I use Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream, or if I'm in a hurry, I sweep a cotton pad with Dara’s Water to remove any residue. Then, I use two sprays of Ultra Revitalising Elixir, apply my favorite serum, and mix it with a few drops of Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil. This combination leaves the skin hydrated, supple, and smooth, ideal for makeup to last all day and easily transition into night. If you prefer to avoid oils, you can opt for a moisturizer according to your skin type and preferred finish.
3. What changes, if any, do you make when it comes to preparing the skin for evening or red carpet makeup?
When it comes to more elaborate evening makeup that needs to last longer, I always recommend applying fewer layers. This helps the makeup stay fixed, without moving, and helps prevent shine from appearing over time or under intense lights. In these cases, I prefer to skip the moisturizer or oil and apply only a good amount of a Twelve Beauty serum. It hydrates, smooths the skin, and absorbs quickly. For me, less is more when it comes to preparation: this is how you achieve day-to-night makeup that stays flawless without constant touch-ups.
"When it comes to more elaborate evening makeup that needs to last longer, I always recommend applying fewer layers..."
4. What Twelve Beauty products do you consider essential for achieving a smooth and long-lasting makeup base?
My absolute essential is Ideal Moisture Level Serum. It's lightweight, doesn't pill or interfere with makeup, which is key when aiming for flawless day-to-night makeup. I love how it smooths the skin and prevents foundation from settling into dry patches, which is crucial for maintaining an even finish from morning to night.
5. In the case of clients with sensitive or reactive skin, how does Twelve Beauty help you in your work as a makeup artist?
Twelve Beauty is amazing because all their formulas are carefully designed and fragrance-free. It's incredibly gentle yet effective, making it perfect for any skin type, even the most delicate. Having products I fully trust gives me confidence, especially during back-to-back sessions or long shoots where I need day-to-night makeup to stay perfect without compromising the skin.
6. Do you have a favorite product you always go back to, again and again? Why?
My "OG" Twelve Beauty product is definitely Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream. For me, it's the best cleanser in the world. I've tried so many gentle, natural cleansers over the past 15 years, and I ALWAYS come back to this one. I haven't found anything else like it. It's the first thing I recommend when a client has dull, stressed, dehydrated, or problematic skin. I firmly believe that the cleanser you choose determines how your skin will respond to the rest of your routine, and that directly impacts how your day-to-night makeup will perform.
As for color, Stellar Aura Bronzing Cream is the best. I was never a fan of cream bronzers until I tried this one: it has an incredible texture and pigment, perfect for achieving natural and versatile day-to-night makeup.
"Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream (...) is the first thing I recommend when a client has dull, stressed, dehydrated, or problematic skin."
7. Any unexpected ways you use a Twelve Beauty product within your makeup routine?
Hyaluroil Lip Treatment is a fantastic all-rounder. I always apply it first to prep the lips while I work on the face. But I also use it as a highlighter on cheekbones and eyelids, and my favorite trick: applying it with a small brush to comb the eyebrows. It shapes them and gives them a healthy, very natural glow. It's a staple in my kit and works wonders for both minimalist looks and more sophisticated makeup, ideal for smooth day-to-night makeup transitions.
8. What's your best tip for transforming a day look into a night look without starting from scratch?
I always carry a Tint & Glow and, of course, Stellar Aura. I apply the bronzer to the lower part of the cheeks, and then add a stronger touch of color to the center. It also looks great on the eyelids applied with fingers. It's perfect for touching up over already applied makeup, as it helps to blend and leaves a dewy finish. I love applying a little under the lash line with my pinky finger: it softens and gives that sensual touch. But if you really want to transform day makeup into night makeup, the easiest way is to add a dark eyeliner (I prefer brown or grey over black). A smudged line on the upper lash line makes all the difference.
9. When you travel or work in other countries, how do Twelve Beauty products accompany you?
What I like most is seeing clients' reactions when they try Twelve for the first time. Many take photos of my kit to buy the products later. They notice the difference in their skin immediately. It's like a special secret that I love to share. When I travel or work in London, I spend a lot of time on public transport, and I always carry Clear Beginning Hand Spray in my bag. Having an alcohol-free hand sanitizer that doesn't dry out hands but is effective as an antibacterial and antiviral is essential for someone who needs clean hands all the time. I use it constantly while working.
10. Why do you think more and more professional makeup artists are choosing brands like Twelve Beauty, which focus on skincare?
Fortunately, in the professional world, there's a growing awareness of the importance of the quality and formulation of the products we apply to our clients. I always think about their well-being. It's not just about looking good, but about feeling comfortable in their skin. What they tell me most often is that the makeup doesn't feel like a heavy mask, which is very common with conventional formulas. Silicones don't let the skin breathe and create an artificial finish. I couldn't go back to using them. I love the look of real, cared-for skin, ready to glow with any makeup from day to night.
EXTRA QUESTION: Is there any Twelve Beauty product that you love, even if it's not directly related to your work?
I'd say I like practically everything from Twelve Beauty. I've been using natural products for over 15 years and have tried many brands that don't reach the level of conventional products, especially in shampoos and conditioners. And I have to say: if any hairdresser or person having difficulty finding effective natural hair products is reading this... Twelve Beauty's Prebiotic Natural Shine Shampoo and Conditioner are fantastic! I love them, and the people I've recommended them to feel the same. Especially those with very fine hair that tends to get weighed down and needs daily washing. This conditioner is the only natural one that softens without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling. Try them. You won't be disappointed.