Make-up artist Max May is renowned for his bronzed beauty creations - the quintessential Aussie beach girl with a glowing complexion and highlighter on fleek. But without the right tools, May’s penchant for perfect, sun-kissed skin wouldn’t be possible.
It’s a mantra that has helped partner May with Artiste as ambassador for the brand’s Airbrush Collection - a brush range intended to help professionals and amateurs alike create flawless complexions and contour. BD recently spoke to May about his new role and his essentials for a perfect base.
What was the appeal of working with Artiste?
Once you have created the perfect canvas I believe anything is possible. The Artiste brush collection is specifically designed to help even the most make-up challenged of us to create the ‘ultimate complexion’. What I specifically love about the collection is how they have hand-cut each brush with the intention of the user using it on themselves and to fit perfectly into the area that it is to be used. They’re not trying to over complicate what can be a scary part of make-up application. The collection is a tight edit of make-up artist-inspired brushes that are simple and effective.
What is your favourite brush in the range?
I'm a huge fan of the Blurring Foundation Brush. I love the round wide end of the brush and that I can blend the foundation around the face evenly and then buff it in. I have also been using the Crease Brush a lot lately, not as an eye socket brush but as a concealer brush. It has the perfect angle to pick up and blend concealer around the eyes and nose before buffing. Being a superfine synthetic fibre, you can use the brushes both in creams and powders!
What do you first look for in your own make-up brushes?
It's all about the cut. I want to see that the brush is cut in the special angle I will be using it for. That, and the density. It's a balance of getting the right thickness at the base of the bristles and a fineness at the tip so you can deposit and blend perfectly.
Do you have any tips for keeping brushes in top condition?
I advise everyone to shampoo their brushes regularly. I actually use a baby shampoo as it's super mild on the bristles but tough enough to get any build-up out of the deepest part of the bristle (that can and will affect your make-up application). I advise to towel dry [the brushes] and leave [them] to dry lying down - this stops any water from seeping in the glue or handle of the brush.
What is the one make-up brush every woman should own?
A contouring or bronzer/blush brush! The Soft Focus Blush Brush is my go-to for this. You can lie it on its side to contour your face and use the soft fluffy end to sweep blush over the apples of the cheeks for colour. Now that we are coming into winter, these are two steps that should not be missed. They will keep your skin looking bright and youthful.
For which type of make-up is brush application essential?
Having a brush to do the eyes is essential. What I love about the Artiste brush range is they have cut it down to two bushes! You don't need to over complicate what can already be a tricky part of applying make-up.
You are renowned for your love of highlighter and bronzer. Which of the Artiste brushes would you use to create these looks?
The Mega Bronzer Brush is perfect for warming up the skin and the tip of the Soft Focus Blush Brush has the perfect lightness to evenly distribute a powder or cream highlight without it catching or clumping. The key to applying a highlighter is for there to be no hard edges.
What are your top tips for creating a beach bronze look no matter your skin tone?
My key tips to creating a bronzed look is to first add a liquid illuminiser into the foundation. My favourite shades to use are either a gold or a bronze. This will lift the all-over colour and give your skin maximum luminosity. The next is to use a bronzer. Nothing too orange and preferably one with a little shimmer to make it easy to blend though the contours of your face without catching. The third is to use a blush. Blush is the unsung hero of make-up and of my bronzed looks. I either use a cream bronze stick blush or a vibrant peach shade. It instantly brightens the skin and eyes making everything come together! The attention is always in the detail so don’t forget to use a little cold metallic shadow and highlight the inner corners of the eyes, the cupid’s bow of the lips and down the centre of the nose.
Article written in partnership with .