#GGTakes5 is a new series that features those men and women who are associated with the beauty industry. In this series, you will find a host of insider tips, product recommendations and incredible advice from the best of the best.
Our next interviewee is makeup artist, Molly R. Stern. Dubbed as a favourite amongst several celebrities, Molly is known for creating statement looks, whilst making the skin look natural. Her roster includes the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Lily Collins, Cara Delevingne, Mindy Kaling and Vanessa Hudgens, to name a few. Scroll ahead to see our interview with her.
Reese Witherspoon | Source: Molly Stern (Instagram @mollyrstern)
Team GG: What is your signature look, and which products do you love using to create it?
My signature look would be fresh skin and a flushed cheek. I love using foundation sparingly, only where it’s needed. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation is my favorite. It’s sheer in its nature, but extremely buildable. I try other foundations, but always come back to the Chantecaille. For cheeks, I like to build them. I first start by hollowing out the cheekbone, softly and subtly. Then, I add a pop of color, and it’s usually a bright cream blush on the apples of the cheek. Lastly, I dust a matte soft pink over top for an ethereal finish.
Vanessa Hudgens | Source: Molly Stern (Instagram @mollyrstern)
Team GG: We’ve noticed that several of your clients rock bold lipsticks or eye shadows on the red carpet. How do you stop these products from fading and smudging?
It’s all about a strong base. If it’s a lip, I will layer the color and blot it several times as to stain the lips with the color. For eyes, I always use a cream base and then set the eye shadow look with a powder. It helps wear well.
Lily Collins | Source: Molly Stern (Instagram @mollyrstern)
Team GG: What is the best tip you’ve picked up on the job?
A quick spritz of rose water spray on the back of the neck or on the inside of the wrists can cool down a bout of sweat instantly.
Cara Delevingne | Source: Molly Stern (Instagram @mollyrstern)
Team GG: What are 3 makeup products you can’t live without?
NARS ‘Blondie’ Matte Eye Shadow, Laura Mercier ‘Blaze’ Crème Cheek Colour and Elizabeth Arden ‘Power Red’ Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick.
Team GG: What’s been the most exciting moment for you career-wise?
Oh gosh, that’s a hard one. I’ve had many! I try to approach each day with fresh enthusiasm and look for new exciting moments. A few that stand out…getting to shoot the cover of Vogue magazine with Reese Witherspoon and Annie Leibovitz, seeing my Armani campaign with Cara Delevingne larger than life at Times Square and traveling to New Zealand for the Disney movie, ‘A Wrinkle In Time’ and sharing a makeup trailer with Oprah Winfrey.
Ed. note: This interview has been edited for clarity.