Get The Look: We Get Red Carpet Ready With MAC Senior Artist Lesley Kane

From the Golden Globes to the IFTAs to the Oscars next Sunday, award season frenzy is at fever pitch and we have to admit that we’re kind of more interested with what happens on the red carpet before the main event than the awards ceremonies (or the winners!) themselves.

And, if you watched the 10^th Annual IFTA’s last Saturday night you’ll probably have spied some must have makeup looks along with the gorgeous guna’s.

As the official beauty partner, Senior Artist Lesley Kane and her team of MAC makeup artists were on-hand to ensure all the VIP’s were looking the part on the red carpet and provided any necessary touch ups throughout the night. 

And while not everyone has the opportunity to grace a red carpet, the same makeup rules apply on a big night out - and we’ve all had plenty of those – so we asked Lesley for some insider info on how to recreate the same award winning looks at home.

From Caroline Morahan’s deep pink lip to Saorise Ronan’s barely there nude smokey eye, Lesley created a host of beauty looks for us to lust after and has given us an exclusive sneak peek at how she created the looks, what products she used and the top makeup tips everyone should follow on a big night out.  

Saoirse went for a barely there smokey eye - Eyeshadow: Carbon, Lips: Lipstick in Creme de Nude 

You might think that just because you have a new dress or outfit, it’s the perfect time to try out a new makeup look but that’s not necessarily the most sensible thing to do.  

“Plan your hair and makeup the night before to avoid a last minute panic,” Lesley advises “and take inspiration from Hollywood icons past and present. The red carpet is not the place to take fashion, hair or makeup risks.”

Make like Caroline Morahan and go for a deep burgundy or bright fuchsia instead of your usual red - Lips: Pencil in Nightmoth and Lipstick in Rebel

Staying power is also a major factor when planning what king of makeup to use for a night out. Even if you’re not usually a fan of foundation or powder, your usual light tinted moisturiser probably won’t hold up very well and sometimes, a product that creates a light yet flawless finish is the best option.

“Use a primer, but don’t overload your skin with product,” Lesley reveals. “Then choose a long lasting foundation and concealer such as MAC Pro Longwear and dust a translucent powder down the centre of the face.” This will help set your base and avoided the dreaded shiny T-zone that isn’t a good look on anyone!

Dawn Porter opted for a 60s inspired look complete with coffee coloured lips - Eyeshadow:Carbon and Copperplate, Lips: Creamsheen Lipstick in Pure Zen 

And, whatever you do, don’t think that the bigger or more important the event, the more makeup you should use. “Think quality not quantity,” she adds. “Most successful makeup looks focus on one feature such as eyes or lips. Skin, bronzer and brows should complement.”

Her top tip? “Have a small clutch bag to carry your most important items such as your lip liner, lipstick, powder and concealer in case you need to reapply throughout the evening.”