My Beauty Bag: Celebrity make-up artist Jade Kisnorbo’s trade secrets

What does a professional make-up artist really keep in their kit? Beauty expert Jade Kisnorbo reveals her go-to products and best make-up hacks.

Australian make-up artist Jade Kisnorbo is a beauty industry heavyweight, with and impressive celebrity clientele and countless editorial shoots and campaigns under her belt.

The talented make-up artist and hair stylist has worked with stars including Nadia Bartel, Jessica Mauboy, Rachael Griffiths, Kelly Gale, Sam Frost, Megan Gale, Elyse Knowles, Rebecca Judd, Anna Heinrich, Rachael Finch and Jesinta Franklin.

In the first instalment of our new My Beauty Bag series, we ask Jade to unpack her make-up kit – as well as her top beauty tips and tricks.  

How did you get involved in make-up?

I didn’t always aspire to become a make-up artist. I actually completed a degree in health science and pursuing a career in make-up was a decision I made later.

I’ve always been creative. One day, while living in England, I decided to invest all my money into the best make-up and fashion school in London; since that day I’ve never looked back.

What’s in your everyday make-up bag?

  • Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist: This is a spray-on moisturiser, perfect for those who are time poor as it gives you instant hydration and a glowy finish.
  • Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Translucent Powder: Talc-free and lightweight, this mattifies your base without adding cakeyness or giving a grey cast in flashback photography.
  • Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Brown(Out) 54: Longwearing, waterproof and highly pigmented; what’s not to love?
  • L’Oréal Brow Artist Plumper: Bushier, fluffier brows are on-trend at the moment and this product really helps to achieve the look with ease, adding depth to your brow without it looking overly heavy (aka the ‘sharpie’ brow.)
  • Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser: A certified classic in many a make-up artist bag; if you’re a lover of the ‘your skin, but better’ look, then you need to try this.
  • Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer: It’s one of the biggest selling concealers for a reason. Pigmented and longwearing, it’s a great tool to brighten and contour the face, plus its vegan and cruelty-free.
  • Mecca Cosmetica Hydra Cheek Tint & Illuminating Balm Duo: For my everyday make-up bag I like multi-use products as they’re space savers. This product is great for adding a natural-looking flush of pink to my lips and cheeks.
  • Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel bronzer: Another classic product, this landed on shelves way before the wave of cream contour products and heavy contouring. It’s lightweight, buildable and has a gel to powder formula.

Are your personal make-up products different to your professional kit?

Some products differ, and some I use both personally and professionally.

It really comes down to the skin type of my clients and it’s important to have products for all skin types in your kit.

My personal products are tailored to my skin type, eye colour, what finishes I prefer and so on.

My absolute must-have product is Dr Spiller Collagen Cream; it acts as a moisturiser and primer in one. I’ve used it for the past six years, so it will always be in my kit.

What’s the must-have product for someone just starting in make-up?

An amazing set of brushes. You really can’t go past Rae Morris for professional-grade brushes.

I also love Wayne Goss brushes.

What are the best beauty products for travel?

Hydrating and fixing sprays are key. My current favourites are Tatcha’s facial sprays.

They have sprays tailored to both oily and dry skin types, which help freshen up make-up and tackle dehydration, which often occurs when traveling.

Any products you’ve hoarded in case they get discontinued?

I love highlighters and when I find a formula I like, particularly cream products, I often stock up on them as they tend to sell out.

Another product you can never have too much of is the perfect nude lippy.

It’ll take a lot of trial and error, but once you find your perfect nude, stock up on it as they’re also the first to either discontinue or sell out.

My current fave is Giorgio Armani’s lipstick in Silenzio; all of us make-up artists are using this shade at the moment.

Tell us some helpful hacks you’ve picked up over the years

Lighting is key. Always check your make-up under two or three different lights, it will change your life.

Bathroom lighting compared with car lighting and outside light is incredibly different, so be sure to check all three conditions to ensure everything looks blended.

Who do you look up the most in the industry?

I love (make-up artist) Lisa Eldridge. She’s the reason I got into make-up and also is one of the few make-up artists who stays true to her own style, while moving with the times.

She’s very clever and was one of the first to embrace YouTube and film make-up tutorials.

She does a lot of research on her products.

Written by Charlotte Brundrett.

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