The best sunscreens for sensitive skin

by Wanda Waller

Unfortunately SPF in foundations or powder products is not enough to effectively protect your skin from permanent sun damage. That's why we need to treat SPF like a primer and apply it before makeup.
Make sure that you apply it on daily basis and it is a broad spectrum SPF, which means it offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other light-induced effects of aging ("photoaging")
I recommend using SPF of 15 or 30 for winter/autumn and 40 or higher for summer/spring(depending on where you live and work).
The only two brands of sunscreen that I fully trust and recommend are:
Paula's Choice Australia and MooGoo Skin Care - both reasonably priced, cruelty free and they never made me break out.
For my clients, who will be outside for longer than an hour I apply Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15, before any makeup, it doesn't flash back or give you a "ghost" face as the quality of their ingredients is very high!

Wanda regularly writes skincare and beauty reviews for give a shit about fashion. Read more here

6 questions: Amy Kenny, Make-Up Artist

Since when have you been working as a makeup artist and hairstylist? I started working in retail cosmetics in 1999. I worked my way up to counter manager, and I occasionally freelanced on the side. I have been focusing just on my freelancing for approximately 4 years.

When did you know that this career was for you? I have wanted to do makeup since I was a teenager. I always loved doing my friends' makeup. I'd try to steer them away from their blue eyeliner and encourage them to use more neutral colours. I was torn at the end of high school between going to university, or studying makeup, as I had imagined myself working as a makeup artist. But I studied Environmental Science at University as I was good at maths and science, but I left when my desire to do makeup became too strong.

Where does your inspiration come from? I am often inspired by fashion-clothing colours, textures and styles. But I am also inspired by makeup itself. The colour of a product can set of a whole idea for a look or a shoot. I've had one nail polish give me inspiration for a few totally different shoots! But for my bridal and corporate makeup work, I am inspired by the face of my client, and what will work to enhance their features.

Describe your own beauty/skincare routine - I have very dry skin, so I use Jurlique Replenishing Cleansing Lotion, then Jurlique Rosewater mist or MAC Fix+ spritzed on to the skin. Then I use Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, and I moisturise with Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Cream. I exfoliate only once every fortnight, and use Hydra Intense masque from Lancome as often as I feel I need to. I cleanse with Clarisonic a few times a week for a deeper cleanse, it leaves my skin feeling really soft and radiant. My lips get dry if I don't look after them. I am loving La Roche-Posay Ceralip and Mecca's new Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner.

What is your favourite feature about yourself and can you recommend any products to enhance one's natural beauty? I am obsessed with brows and I am lucky mine grew back after some over plucking when I was younger. They look pretty good now, although I do tint them and pencil them in to enhance them.
I think natural beauty comes from within, if you are a happy and kind person, it shows on the outside. Although a bit of blush and mascara helps too!

List your top 3 make up and/or beauty products-
1. Lancome Hypnose mascara in Noir (I don't leave the house without it).

2. Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser

3. Mecca Lip De-Luscious Overnight Lip Conditioner or Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (It's too hard to choose)

Is there a piece of advice you'd like to give any up-and coming makeup artists? Assist someone who's work you admire. I didn't know about assisting when I first started, and I think I would have had a lot more confidence those first few years had I assisted another artist.

Have a look at Amy's portfolio here and follow her instagram account @amykennymakeup 

I'm looking to feature creatives more regularly on this blog, so if you work in the fashion industry, feel free to drop me a message here