How to Elicit the Ultimate Glow, According to a Renowned Makeup Artist

Lauded in the fashion industry for creating flawless faces, Victoria Martin shares the RATIONALE Formulations she uses to create complexion perfection. 

Lauded in the fashion industry for creating flawless faces, Victoria Martin shares the RATIONALE Formulations she uses to create complexion perfection.

According to Victoria Martin, beauty begins with skincare. First introduced to RATIONALE via VOGUE Australia in February 2015, the acclaimed London-based makeup artist immediately connected with the Brand’s pioneering approach to skincare and, in her own words, hasn’t looked back since.  

“I have been using RATIONALE for several years now, and I have lost count of the amount of compliments when I tell people my age,” she says. “My skin has become stronger, and even though I have aged, it still feels bright and luminous, with very little surface texture. I also feel proud of my skin’s resilience; my dad had skin cancer throughout the later stages of his life, and I know my skin type is susceptible to this. However, I feel confident by consistently protecting it with RATIONALE.”

 Now a beloved RATIONALE Luminary, we sat down with Victoria to talk about the science of beauty, discover the Formulations she uses to illuminate glowing, lit-from-within skin, and ask her The Essential Six Questions.

Professionally, how do you incorporate RATIONALE’s Essential Six Collections in your day-to-day? 

I like to treat every face in my chair with the utmost care and respect. I start every makeup application with a full cleanse and massage using the #4 The Cleanser. Depending on the skin type, I may also use the #4 The Balm. 

I find #1 The Serum and #2 The Serum immediately replenish hydration and balance skin texture. More recently, I have also been using #1 The Hydragel and #2 The Hydragel as a makeup primer. #3 The Enriched Eye Crème SPF15 is magic in a pot, and really effective at hydrating the delicate under eye area whilst reflecting light to lift darkness under the eye—same goes for the #3 The Enriched Crème SPF15 with its instant brightening effect. 

I use either #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+ or Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF50 to ensure the skin has effective protection from UVA and UVB rays. Once I have prepped the skin this way, I often find I need much less makeup. The models or talent are always thrilled about this!

Which formulations do you use to illuminate the ultimate skin glow?

Most of the time I am given a strict time limit to prepare my model. But if I am ever given the opportunity for a little more time, I will always use a mask. I find #1 The Mask or #2 The Mask give an instant boost of vitality to the skin. Following this with an Essential Six Ritual ultimately leads to an incredible skin glow.

What is your daily Essential Six Ritual?

I use The Essential Six Signature Edition plus #3 The Eye Crème SPF15 and #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+ each and every day. To combat the harsh UK winter, I’m also using #1 The Crème to maintain hydration. 

I am also masking more regularly after recently meeting with Richard Parker in London. Richard told me he masks three times a week, so I’m alternating between the #1 The Mask, #2 The Mask, and #5 The Mask throughout the week—he has truly inspired me!

I also love #4 The Integrity Collection during this cooler time of year. It really helps to boost lipids, so I am taking time to cleanse and nurture my skin. Sometimes I will spend an extra 10 minutes doing a light massage with the #4 The PreCleanse Balm before cleansing with #4 The Cleanser. I use a gua sha tool as it’s also a nice way to relax—especially if you’re having a bath!

If you could tell people one thing about their skin and their skincare, what would it be?

Don’t underestimate how much lifestyle choices affect your skin in the immediate and long term. Getting a quality night’s sleep, drinking plenty of water, avoiding inflammatory aggressors, seeking protection from the sun and being diligent with a consistent skincare routine will give your skin the best opportunity to stay healthy and luminous. 

The Essential Six Questions

1. What does resilience mean to you?

Resilience is doing your best; moving onwards and upwards even when life may be difficult.

2. What gives you a sense of vitality?

I get vitality from the small wins; getting something done that has been on your list for ages, making someone laugh, going out of my way to help someone.

3. What’s the most brilliant part of your day?

This depends on the day! It could be creating an amazing image with a great team at work; doing a makeup look I am really proud of; or making a delicious meal for family and friends to enjoy.

4. What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity is about being loyal and standing up for what you believe in; being strong for others when they need it most.

5. Where do you go, or look, for clarity?

When I need clarity I take my whippet for a long walk across fields or in the forest. Nature helps clear the mind.

6. What brings you a sense of rejuvenation and renewal?

A freshly brewed tea, a relaxing bath, a fragranced candle, my RATIONALE Ritual, and time for myself.