Photo: Courtesy of Emily Cheng
January 31, 2020
5 MINUTES WITH: EMILY CHENG
5 MINUTES WITH: EMILY CHENG
5 MINUTES WITH: EMILY CHENG
By Nateisha Scott
Specialising in fresh and natural makeup, Emily Cheng is breathing youthfulness back into skin with her light but dewy techniques. Working with artists like Yara Shahidi, Kerry Washington and Ella Mai as well as brands such as Reebok and LuLu Lemon, Emily is a refreshing artist within the Industry.
What products are you currently obsessed with?
I explore and dabble with many different products but currently I would say that my favourites are Augustinus Badar Rich Cream, Dr Barbara Stürm Face Cream, Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen. Oh! I can't forget La Mer The Lip Balm and anything from SK-II that includes the miracle essence - the colder weather is here.
Your trusted in-flight essentials?
Because of my job, I end up travelling a lot to see and work with my clients and therefore my routine for flights is very essential. Anything from the SK-11 Midday Miracle Essence, Dr Barbara Stürm Hyaluronic Serum and Chanel's Le Lift - Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer. With my eye masks, I always apply these under my face masks, I love Multi-masking.
Your favourite 111SKIN products?
I love the Rose Gold Radiance Booster, it is super brightening and absorbs well and I’ve even used it as a soft highlighter! I also love the Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel, it’s lightweight but moisturizing so a great prep step for makeup. I also adore the Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, I like to use it before bed - I wake up with really refreshed and hydrated skin!
Any essential skincare for the road?
Sun protection and Lip Balm - Always! From the Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen and a flip between the Cle de Peau UV Lip Protection for a splurge or my trusty Blistex SPF 15 lip balm.
What inspires the looks you create?
I take everything into consideration, the clients personal style, the outfit, hair, the type of event. And from there I draw inspiration from art, nature, anything and everything around me.
Your backstage skin secrets?
Exfoliate! No matter how good a concealer or foundation is you can’t conceal texture. If anything, makeup just worsens the appearance. So I diligently go over areas like the nose and mouth where dryness is common with a gentle exfoliant and sometimes even tweezers to remove as much as I can. Same with the lips!
A product you would take on a desert island?
Shiseido Future Solution Lx - It's marvellous!
Favourite looks to create?
I love creating fresh looks that compliment ones own features. I love a monochromatic makeup and I also love sculpting a soft clean wing! I could work on a wing and fluffy brow all day.
Number 1 rule for skin?
Sunscreen! I Sound like a broken record but it is so important. Prevention is key! And wash your face every night. Again, prevention is key.
Number 1 rule for make-up application?
Prep the skin well and less is always more.
If I am allotted the time I could easily spend a half hour prepping skin on a client before starting makeup.
Now without too much thought, do you go prefer skin prepping or skin setting?
Dewy or mattifying?
Dewy
Brush or blender?
Both for every application but if I REALLY had to pick I’d go with blender, it can create the most seamless applications.
Favourite facial feature to work with?
Eyes, they tell a story.
A Nude or bold lip?
Nude, typical but an undeniable classic.
Working with Luxury or affordable product?
Both - you can look incredible with both luxury & affordable.