Hyaluronic Acid might sound scary, but it’s an essential ingredient for smooth, moisturised skin, and it’s a must-have skincare ingredient in any makeup artist’s kit. With its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it’s the perfect ingredient to provide a smooth, blank canvas and create a flawless base ready for the application of makeup. But what exactly is Hyaluronic Acid and why is it such an important skincare ingredient?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a gel-like molecule which acts as a magnet for moisture, which is why it’s such a popular skincare ingredient. Similarly to Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid naturally occurs in the human body, however, the levels of Hyaluronic Acid within the skin diminish with age.
This reduction can result in a dull complexion with the formation of wrinkles and sagging, so it’s important to replenish these levels with skincare products in order to keep the skin looking youthful and radiant.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
Hyaluronic Acid attracts over 1,000 times its weight in water, resulting in plump, youthful-looking skin. In addition to attracting water, Hyaluronic Acid is also able to regulate the water levels within the skin to keep moisture levels within the skin at an optimum level.
In addition to being a prominent ingredient in skincare products, Hyaluronic Acid is used as a base ingredient in many facial fillers. Fillers can be used to produce an on-trend full, plump pout, reduce wrinkles and contour the face. As with naturally-occurring Hyaluronic Acid, the body breaks down the Hyaluronic Acid in fillers, making it necessary to go for top-up treatments every 6-12 months.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products
As a makeup artist, one of the most important steps when working on a client is to concentrate on the skin. Without a flawless canvas, your makeup looks will never look quite as perfect as they should, which is why it’s so vital to ensure you spend at least 15 minutes prepping your client’s skin before you start applying makeup.
As well as chemical exfoliators, lip balms and cleansers, you should include products containing Hyaluronic Acid in your professional makeup kit. From serums to moisturisers and eye creams, there are a number of products which are rich in Hyaluronic Acid that will result in a moisturised, glowing complexion.
Some of the best Hyaluronic Acid skincare products include:
Zelens Transformer Instant Renewal Mask
When it comes to prepping the skin for makeup, the Zelens Transformer Instant Renewal Mask is the crème dela crème.
This fifteen-minute mask is a firm favourite among celebrity makeup artists due to its ability to revive, hydrate and energise the skin in such a short amount of time. This incredible Hyaluronic Acid mask instantly revives the skin, resulting in a more glowing, youthful complexion. Simply apply a generous amount of product to the skin after cleansing, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water to reveal a flawless-looking complexion.
From proms and weddings to photoshoots and red carpet makeovers – this product is a must-have in any makeup artist’s kit.
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster
Add a surge of moisture to your client’s skin with the Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster. Infused with Vichy’s Thermal Mineralizing Water and a strong dose of Hyaluronic Acid, this potent serum works to plump and moisturise the skin to leave it looking truly radiant before the application of makeup.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
It’s no surprise that the cult-favourite brand, The Ordinary, has one of the best Hyaluronic Acid moisturisers on offer. The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA contains a blend of amino acids, ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid – to name a few – and helps to keep the outer layer of the skin protected and hydrated. If you’re looking for a truly hydrating moisturiser for your kit, then this is the one for you.