Daniel Sandler’s desert island skincare, his most memorable celebrity makeup look and more

When a makeup artist releases their own line of makeup, you can rest assured it’s based on years of deftly brushing on bronzer and blending in foundation; rather than simply slapping their name on a bottle. For Daniel Sandler; it amounts to decades as his eponymous makeup line has completed 20 years of existence. His Watercolour range of liquid blush is so well-renowned, it has even garnered him the title of ‘Patron Saint of Blush’. The British celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur has worked on some of the biggest names in the business; from Kate Moss to Naomi Campbell, created extraordinary artistry throughout his career and discovered himself throughout. In conversation with HELLO!, Daniel Sandler discusses which makeup product is underrated, his favourite celebrity makeup look and more.

HELLO!: What are 3 products you would take on a deserted island? 

Daniel Sandler: I’d take 3 multi-purpose products. One, shea butter because it has a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins which provides intense hydration for nearly every part of the body. On the skin, it’s a deep moisturiser for face and body to soothe dry irritated skin and chapped lips. For nails, it softens and nourishes cuticles and for hair, it conditions a flaky scalp and can tame fly aways in humid conditions. Two, I would take a mineral sunscreen with SPF 100. I use this daily to prevent skin burn, skin damage, and premature aging. It can also act as a makeup primer especially if the formula is sheer, matte or tinted. Third, of course my Watercolour blush, as it can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks because it is a versatile, morale-boosting product that provides a healthy flush of colour. On the cheeks and lips, it adds a pop of colour for a fresh healthy appearance and on the eyes, it adds a subtle wash of colour. 

HELLO!: Which celebrity do you think is the boldest with makeup? 

Daniel Sandler: I think there are two that stand out; Rihanna and Lady Gaga, who both push the boundaries of makeup. Both are fearless, creative and experimental and are constantly redefining glamour. 

HELLO!: Which is an extremely underrated makeup product and why? 

Daniel Sandler: Hairspray. Even though this is not a makeup product, per say; it does an outstanding job of keeping brows in place. Even though there are many brow-fixing formulas on the market, a little hairspray brushed through the brows is an inexpensive and practical way to look “brow perfect”. 

HELLO!: Have you ever had to fix a makeup disaster at the last minute and how did it go? 

Daniel Sandler: Yes. I was doing a cover of Elle UK magazine with photographer David Bailey. I applied a pressed powder blush on top of a self-setting liquid foundation but the blusher looked really patchy and uneven because the base hadn’t set as much as I’d expected. I had to think quickly how I could resolve this makeup mishap. I picked up a damp sponge that had a little foundation on and gently bounced the sponge over the cheeks to smooth and refine the blush. This is one of the reasons why I created my Watercolours as they blend seamlessly on any foundation and they’ve never let me down.

HELLO!: What are your thoughts on the ‘blush blindness’ makeup trend? 

Daniel Sandler: Blush blindness can look great on social media, when extra bright lighting has been used, but in reality and in the daylight, it looks way too much. I love how makeup enables the wearer to express themselves but sometimes, too much can disguise their unique beauty. Social media is often very shouty and loud. Blush blindness feels like someone is shouting at me! 

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HELLO!: Which celebrity makeup transformation was your most memorable? 

Daniel Sandler: Boy George. I was his makeup artist and one time, I painted his face red like the devil. This was for a video for his song, The Devil In Sister George. I normally did natural makeup on him but this was out of my comfort zone and I really enjoyed the challenge. 

HELLO!: How much time does it really take to get a celebrity ready for a major event? 

Daniel Sandler: Time is always of the essence and you have to work within the time you're given. You generally have one hour for both hair and makeup, simultaneously but it can sometimes be much less if they’re running late. This is where experience comes to the fore because you need to know how to cut corners but still create a red carpet finish. 

(Also Read: Malaika Arora on the illusion of perfection and the beauty rule she loves to break)