Natalie Hamzehpour is a makeup artist and former principal of Harpa Kára’s Makeupstudio. She has worked in the profession for more than a decade and has been involved in many places in her career and has worked in makeup teaching as well as projects for television, advertising in fashion.
Over the years, Natalie has worked with many different skin types, age groups and brands, so she has a lot of experience when it comes to evaluating the formulas, textures and longevity of cosmetics.
She is therefore no newcomer to this business and shares here her favorite beauty products at the moment.
Natalie is the former principal of Harpa Kára’s Makeupstudio, which is one of the most popular makeup schools in the country.
Photograph/From a private collection
1. BL+ The Serum from Blue Lagoon Skin Science
One of the most beautiful serums I have tried in a long time. The serum gives the skin a lot of moisture and this unique plumpness that immediately makes the skin fresher and brighter. The formula is silky smooth, absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves it extremely soft without feeling sticky. I also think it’s a great advantage that the serum works well with other skin products and make-up. The skin becomes smoother and the make-up goes on beautifully after use. This is the kind of product that makes your skin look well-rested and extra “glowy” without much effort.
BL+ The Serum.
Photo/Blue Lagoon Skin Science
2. Clarins Double Serum Foundation
Make-up that combines skin care and make-up in an exceptionally beautiful way. I have been really impressed with how this makeup gives the skin a natural glow without being too shiny or heavy on the skin. The formula is light and comfortable, yet it’s easy to build up depending on how much coverage you want. I feel my skin looks extra fresh and healthy when I use this makeup and it stays on really nicely throughout the day without flaking or creasing. This is definitely a make-up for those who want glowing and natural skin with good durability.
Double Serum Foundation.
Photo/Clarins
3. Terracotta Bronzer by Guerlain
Everyone should own this classic. A perfect sun powder that blends exceptionally well into the skin and gives it a natural warm color without being too orange or dry. I find that this bronzer gives the skin that classic “healthy glow” finish that immediately makes the makeup look fresher. The formula is silky smooth and easy to build up the color to taste. This is the kind of product that makes you look like you just got back from vacation. I usually use color 03 for all make-up as it suits most people.
Terracotta Bronzer by Guerlain.
Photo/Guerlain
4. Catchy Eyes Waterproof from GOSH Copenhagen
I love waterproof mascaras and Catchy Eyes has been a long time favorite of mine. It gives the eyelashes a lot of length and a nice lift without clumping, and since it is waterproof, it keeps the “curl” especially well if you use an eyelash curler (recommend Shiseido). The brush goes really well around the lashes and separates them nicely so that the eyes look more open and sharp.
Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara.
Photo/Gosh Copenhagen
5. BL+ Cleansing Balm from Blue Lagoon Skin Science
When using waterproof mascara every day, it’s important to have a powerful and gentle cleanser that removes it without damaging your lashes. BL+ Cleansing Balm is soft and nourishing and melts make-up, sunscreen and dirt from the skin in an extremely gentle way. I really like cleansers that are quick and easy to use, and this cleanser is exactly that kind of product. The texture transforms into a silky oil when massaged into the skin, leaving it clean without feeling tight or dry. I use it all over my face as well as my eyes without it leaving any oil in my eyes. The skin becomes soft, soothed and very comfortable after cleansing.
BL+ The Cleansing Balm.
Photo/Blue Lagoon Skin Science
6. Lip Comfort Oil 00 Cryo by Clarins
Those who know me know that I love blue glosses. Of course, this one impressed me immediately and I just had to try it. Lip Comfort Oil is a soft lip oil that gives the lips a beautiful shine and an extremely fresh feeling. The cryo version gives a light cooling effect which I find particularly pleasant during the day. The formula is nourishing and comfortable without being sticky, and lips instantly feel softer and fuller in appearance. The blue tone is very plain but gives the lips a cooler tone which also helps make teeth appear whiter. I have been using this product a lot both alone and with a lip pencil to give my lips more fullness and shine.
Lip Comfort Oil Cryo.
Photo/Clarins
7. Hydrating Watermelon Face Tan Spritz by AzureTan
A face tan that gives the skin a beautiful and natural sun-kissed color without turning orange or uneven. I’m usually very picky when it comes to face tans, but this one really surprised me. The formula is light, hydrating and easy to work with and I find my skin has a really nice glow after use. The watermelon scent is also fresh and fun compared to many other tanning products. I often use this product at night and wake up with an even and natural color the next day. Usually, my skin reacts badly to tanning products on the face, but this one has worked extremely well.
Hydrating Watermelon Face Tan.
Photo/AzureTan
8. Terracotta Joli Teint by Guerlain
A tinted day cream that gives the skin an exceptionally beautiful, fresh and sun-kissed texture. I find this product perfect when I want lighter coverage but still get an even skin tone and healthy glow. The formula is light and comfortable on the skin, but still provides a beautiful coverage that balances the skin in a very natural way. What I particularly like about this product is how the skin looks like skin, only fresher, smoother and more radiant.
Terracotta Joli Teint.
Photo/Guerlain
9. Mineral Mask from Blue Lagoon Skin Science
This mask is a real classic and I’m actually a little late to discover how good it is. I’ve been really into it as a quick moisture boost for the skin, especially before makeup. I often leave the mask on for about 10 minutes before applying makeup, and I feel my skin immediately feels more hydrated, softer, and fresher. The makeup also goes on extremely well after use. I have also been using it a lot at night as a moisturizing mask and sometimes sleep with it overnight when my skin is extra dry or tired. Then I wake up with very soft, soothed and glowing skin.
Mineral Mask from Blue Lagoon Skin Science.
Photo/Blue Lagoon Skin Science
10. Radiant Lifting Concealer from Shiseido
Incredibly light and beautiful concealer with a gel-like texture that almost melts into the skin. I find this concealer gives really nice coverage without feeling heavy or cakey under the eyes and the finish is extremely natural, almost like skin. The formula beautifully illuminates the eye area and gives a fresher look at the same time as it stays on very well throughout the day. This is definitely the kind of concealer for those who want a light, glowing and very natural skin texture. The texture is so unique, I recommend taking a trip to the store and trying it out.
Radiant Lifting Concealer.
Photo/Shiseido
