
Professional Make-up artist Mary Wiles knows a thing or two about how to get natural looking, youthful, radiant skin. This explains why she is the go-to for celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Naomi Watts.
Here, she generously shares her some of her favourite tips, tricks and products with us. We had the privilege of working with her on our story ‘My Beautiful Selfie‘ – and believe us – she knows what she is talking about.

What do you love about makeup and being a make-up artist?
I love being a make-up artist because I have the opportunity to do a job I love and don’t consider “work”! I meet people from all over the world from all different backgrounds (from the Masai Warriors to royalty) . I travel all over the world to amazing locations …I could go on…
My recommended key products?
Exfoliation is the key to good skin. It gets rid of dry skin, increases effectiveness of products as they penetrate more efficiently, and creates a great base for make-up. I like Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator, as its gentle enough to use everyday on all skin types (including sensitive) and the Clarasonic Face Brush is also great.
Which skin care products do you prefer?
I like Elemis. The Pro Collagen Marine Cream is amazing and the new Hydra Gel Eye Masks are great. I use them for red carpet celebs, especially after a long flight.
Lancome have also some products I can’t live without: The Bi-Facil eye makeup remover is very thorough and Lancome Tonique Confort hydrates the skin beautifully.
Another great product for radiant skin is Clarins Double Serum.
I have also started using the Terry Douceur De Rose Cleanser which is pure delight and smells delicious! Last but not least, I adore Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, and for a quick fix the Sisley Express Flower Gel.
Favourite MIN look?
You can’t beat a gorgeous radiant skin! It reflects health , youth and vitality.
To enhance natural beauty I use Burberry Fresh Glow either mixed in with a moisturiser, or applied to highlight areas i.e. on cheekbones, brushed along the centre of nose can, on cupids bow and temples. I sometimes mix it with eyeshadow to create a lovely subtle wash of colour on the lids.
Every girl should have this beauty enhancer in her bag of tricks!
Favourite MAX look?
If I am creating a strong look, I like to keep it simple and generally concentrate on one area of the face – be it the eyes, or the lips. Eyeliner is in again for autumn, and I love the liquid pens now available that make this tricky job of creating a straight line fool proof. My favourites are:
– Chanel Ecriture de Chanel , if you prefer a shorter more manageable pen like a felt tip.
– Lancome Art Liner with a longer foam tip to create the perfect flick in lovely colours.
– Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner which is in a great black, and smudge proof.
My favourite make-up application tools?
My Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – we used tea spoons back in the day! I also have an individual eye lash curler that comes from japan, which is great for inner and outer lashes.
The Burberry Kabuki Brush is supper soft and great for applying bronzer.
An amazing device I have is Kelley Quan Pocket Spa which I use pre make-up. It hydrates the skin leaving the skin luminous. My secret is I put rose water inside and all my clients love it! A great product for long haul flights (available at kelleyquan.com, also super soft vegan brushes too).
Make-up tips you would like to share?
Apply in layers! Its much easier to build up slowly – rather than take away.
Exercise makes the largest organ look amazing by bringing lots of oxygen to it…your skin!
The biggest make-up mistake people make?
Try not to get stuck in a rut and stick to the same products year in and year out. With new technology and advances make-up has come on leaps and bounds. For instance, the new foundations create a lightweight luminous coverage, while also protecting and enhancing the skin. I love Lancome Teint Vissionaire, Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing makeup and Chanel Perfection Luminere Velvet.
The colour of your foundation should match your collar bone, and choose your perfect colour in daylight, not artificial light.
What is hidden in your personal make-up bag?
Burberry Fresh Glow, Burberry Fresh Glow BB Cream, Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Sculptor, Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Almond, Lancome Hypnoses Waterproof Mascara, Terry Cellularse Blush Glade in Frozen Petal, Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon and Clinique Instant Lift for Brows in soft brown.
Do you recommend any special products for autumn or winter?
A good foundation or BB cream that protects the skin from harsh weather and Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips, essential for dry lips or bits!
A great look for the Autumn?
Texture in make-up is on trend, using creams on the eyes and cheeks. I love the looks created at the Miu Miu show and Dior. Soft shimmer on the eyes is making a bit of a come back (seen at Chanel), and if you want to make a statement, a graphic eyeliner in a cobalt blue will do the trick.

See more of Mary’s work at www.caren.co.uk