That’s Not My Age

‘I’ve recently been guest lecturing on a degree course at UCA and had to do my CV for the first time in decades,’ says Nadira V Persaud who has been a make-up artist for almost 30 years, ‘it could’ve been four pages long!’ Appreciative of all the opportunities a long career has involved  –  a combination of editorial shoots, working with beauty brands and private clients has allowed her to travel; write a book and launch her own line of make-up brushes – Nadira is now keen to diversify and give something back.

‘Charity work is something I’ve always done. At the Katie Piper Foundation I did a lot of research into burns and became their make-up advisor, and then in 2018 I started working for Look Good Feel Better (facing cancer with confidence). And I’m really enjoying working in education so would like to do some more teaching. ‘

After training at London College of Fashion in the early 90s, Nadira worked hard to break into the competitive industry,’  I slogged to make contacts, which was tough as I had no connections, though eventually with persistence and a creative portfolio, I began to get booked for weekly editorials then onto monthly fashion magazines like Marie Claire and Elle.’ Now 50, her advice to students is to gain as much experience as possible and get used to being part of a team, ‘ It’s a difficult industry to break into but working on a make-up counter will provide the same skills,’ she adds, ‘and make-up application is only part of the job, it’s about doing your research into the best products; showing up, getting on with others and thinking on your feet.’

Make-up by Nadira V Persaud. Photo: Chris Floyd. Styling Shelly Vella

Here Nadira offers her advice for mature skin, together with some of her best beauty buys:

Please tell us about your daily beauty routine…

For my skincare routine, I put the effort in!  I use a gentle face wash in the shower, I love Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as it cleanses and nourishes beautifully leaving skin feeling hydrated. I then follow with a few of my face exercises, as I also do when applying my serum Elixseri Firm Conviction and day cream Age Defy by Ark Skincare.  If I choose to boost my skin with a warm glow, I love to use Cosmetics a la Carte’s Skin Enhancer in Sun Kiss ( disclosure: Nadira is an ambassador for Cosmetics a la Carte).

Beauty-wise I keep it minimal, unfussy and focus either on eyes or lips. I love eyelash curlers so they are a daily habit to emphasise my eyes, then I apply a smudge-proof mascara; at most I would use a cream concealer under the eyes then blend with my NVP #3 Flat Angled brush. No foundation, then a tight ‘eye line’ with a long-lasting pencil along my upper and outer lash, cream blush and lipstick. I’ve recently discovered Matte Velvet Lipstick Santa –  it’s a deep, rich red, perfect for winter months.

We always want to know which products are cheap but brilliant, what are the items you’d buy at Superdrug?

I adore Gosh UK Velvet Touch Lipliner in Raisin, its the perfect ‘nude’ shade for me. Also, some Revolution eye palettes are good and I’m really impressed with the skincare at e.l.f.  Cosmetics. It’s one of those brands I’d recommend and suggest to clients that they add a really good serum, like Elixseri or Bio Effect EGF – the Opening Act Serum (to use at night) is the only product that has lifted old blemish marks from my skin and taken away the pigmentation. Alternatively, I’d recommend using e.l.f. with collagen tablets; I’m coeliac and Ingenious Collagen Supplement seems to help with my gut issues too.

And how would you describe your signature make-up style?

It’s all about the skin. Most of my clients are over-40 and I don’t want their skin to look camouflaged or covered up. I want the make-up to look effortless but you know there’s something going on. The features are enhanced, the make-up looks polished.

Reeta Chakrabarti on the June ’23 cover of GH. Make-up by Nadira V Persaud

And finally, what is the most important beauty advice you can give to TNMA readers?

There is no quick fix to healthy skin, it’s a long-term commitment, always consider the ingredients and integrity of your skincare. Tend to your skin. Your routine doesn’t have to be complex with numerous steps; a simple, streamlined one that works for you is all you need.

As we get older I would recommend focusing on the eyes and eyebrows, or at least that’s what I shall be doing! Wow Brow Gel in Neutral Brown from e.l.f is a steal, really enhances brows subtly and keeps them in place. When it comes to make-up focus on enhancing your features  – and consider new formulations, don’t get stuck in a beauty rut.

Find out more about Nadira’s bespoke beauty service and Cosmetics a la Carte discount HERE.

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