Greta Constantine: Backstage with MAC Cosmetics Senior Artist Melissa Gibson

(photo: George Pimental)

Last week I got to head backstage at the Greta Constantine show, and learned how to re-create the signature beauty look from M∙A∙C Cosmetics Senior Artist Melissa Gibson.

I’m a big fan of M∙A∙C products – my first grown-up lipstick was M∙A∙C Sequin, bought for me by my mother when I was a teenager, and I was excited to get a makeup lesson from one of the pros! 

Working with Greta Constantine’s design duo, Melissa created a really unique look to showcase the Spring/Summer collection: “The girls looked slightly masculine. Dewy skin that gave a youthful appearance, but a technically grown up application. It wasn't overdone but left you feeling that you were looking at a strong woman who was comfortable in her skin.”

The models’ creamy neutral skin contrasted nicely with a dark “oil slick” eye, and the layering of sheer products - “like painting a watercolour” - gave the look an easy lived in quality while still being polished. Here’s how you can get the Greta Constantine look in 5 simple steps:

(photo: George Pimental)

1. Melissa wanted this look to be easy and consumer-friendly. She told me it was fine to start out with whatever your normal foundation/priming routine is, and to top up with some powder in the t-zone. For the show she mixed M∙A∙C Cosmetics Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation with moisturizer to get a nice base followed by M∙A∙C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder/Loose.

2. She used a medium sized fluffy brush to apply a sheer layer of M∙A∙C Cosmetics Cream Colour Base in Root on the eyelid, then added M∙A∙C Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Club over top keeping the colour stronger toward the lash line and blending up and out.

3. Next, Melissa mixed M∙A∙C Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Black Tied with M∙A∙C Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Print dusting them both on the lash line and using the brush to push the colour in. She wanted the colour to be darkest closest to the lash line and then to gradually fade up. To finish the eyes, Melissa used M∙A∙C Cosmetics False Lashes Waterproof Mascara on the upper lashes only. 

4. To contour the face, Melissa used M∙A∙C Cosmetics Paint Stick in Deep Brown (or the Coffee Walnut Sculpting Cream depending on the model). She suggested using a fan brush with the sculpting cream as an alternative.

5. The look was finished with an application of M∙A∙C Cosmetics Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer on the lips topped up with a glossy lip conditioner. 

contributor: Sidonie Wybourn