The Beauty Files: Sian Howells

So, tell us about your holy grails?

If I’m honest, I’m not really sure I have too many holy grails. I love experimenting with new products so the items in my makeup bag are constantly changing. However, I do have some cosmetic items that hold a major place in my kit. Nivea’s 48-hour Rich Nourishing Body Lotion is massively important for my skin, whether applying it after getting out of the shower or prepping the skin before makeup. I’ve also become a huge fan of SOSU by Suzanne Jackson’s Primark Exclusive false lash range. They are so affordable, and the quality is insane. My favourite style is ‘Dubai’, and every time I wear them, I get at least one person asking where they’re from. Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow palettes also have a close place in my little makeup heart. The pigmentation is second-to-none, and I can always rely on one of these palettes to sort me out.

You are heading to a desert island and can only pack 5 cosmetics: go!

My 48-hour Nivea moisturiser, obvs. I ain’t getting crusty on no island. A bottle of Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea. That stuff is RE-FRESH-ING; perfect for a little cool down. Probably a tube of Carmex’s original flavour lip balm. I honestly believe that balm is the only saviour for the lips of humanity, and if you don’t have some, I suggest you join the hype. Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion is also to die for. I struggle sleeping as it is, so in the heat of a desert island, I need all the help I can get. I would also pack my Jeffree Star liquid lipstick in shade Anna Nicole. It’s the most PERFECT coral-red shade, and you know, when I’m feeling myself on the island amongst the coconuts imma pop on a red lip for some extra-ness.

Skincare routines are so popular these days, tell us about yours?

I’m genuinely the worst person to ask for advice about skincare routines. I’ve been blessed with fairly decent skin *touches wood*, and my skincare routine is sort of non-existent. I get by with my moisturiser, skincare wipes, and the odd bit of Sudocrem if I’ve ever got a break-out going on. But apart from that, what you see is what you get.

Got any beauty hacks?

I’m not sure any of my beauty ‘hacks’ are really that original, but I do have a few that I tend to lean on. First, hairspray as setting spray. It’s probably not great for your skin but if you’re doing an all-dayer with a full face, it’s probably the strongest thing to hold up your glam. I’ve also found combing your brows through with some false lash glue is AMAZING if you’re going for a more bushy, natural-looking brow. Another tip: if you apply your moisturiser over a still-wet face from your shower, the lotion acts as a barrier and keeps all the moisture in. Sounds sort of common sense, but I didn’t think of it until a friend advised it.

Any products you wouldn’t recommend?

This is a difficult one to be honest – I can’t think of any product I’ve severely disliked. However, I did have this Maybelline mascara once and it was just horrendous. It made all my lashes so clumpy (and not in the good way), and when I took it off it would cling to my lashes in lumps. Not a vibe.

This or That:

Full Glam or Natural? BOTH. I wrote the question template. I get to break the rules.

Moisturiser or Primer? Moisturiser, of course.

Foundation or Concealer? Concealer. Something has to cover up these under-eye Prada bags.

Eyeliner or Mascara? Mascara because I like to look slightly awake.

Bronzer or Highlighter? BOTH. Without bronzer/contour everyone would be exposed to how round my head is. And highlighter is probably my most loved part of any makeup routine.

Lipstick or Lipgloss? In the words of Ariana Grande herself, “my gloss is poppin’”

Who is your biggest beauty influencer?

There are just too many to name. In a world where social media allows anyone and everyone to be a makeup artist and showcase their work, there are just so many talented people out there that I would have never known about without Instagram. I LOVE anything super editorial, that’s probably what I veer towards most when online. However, I do love the works of both Nikki Wolff (@nikki_makeup) and Ellis Atlantis (@ellis_atlantis). Both complete opposites in style, both equally as brilliant.

Got your eye on anything special?

I’ve ALWAYS got my eye on EVERYTHING. I just want it all. But I do need to stock up on my lashes. And I’m hoping 2019 is the year I finally get to immerse myself in the joy of a Jeffree Star eyeshadow palette.