Ruby Hammer interview

Internationally acclaimed make-up artist Ruby Hammer has travelled the world working. From working on photo shoots for magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Red, Harpers & Queen, Marie Claire and Italian Vogue, Ruby is regularly quoted in magazines and on the television as an expert on trends, beauty tips and advice.

We chat to Ruby about the latest make-up trends this summer and the importance of natural beauty products.

How important are natural ingredients to you in beauty products?

Very important - ideally I'd love to use natural ingredients in everything, but as part of my job, I have to try everything.

Do you think that women concentrate too much on their face and neglect the rest of their skin?

They probably do, but depending on the woman, she might neglect the face and concentrate on the body instead. Women do need to take care of both their faces and their bodies.

Do body moisturisers really help prevent anti-ageing?

I don't know about preventing, but they definitely improve the condition of the skin. Moisturisers do make it look and feel better and depending on ingredients, they can be tailored to your needs.

Do you have to spend a fortune on beauty products to make a difference?

Absolutely not - something like Jergens Naturals moisturisers are a good example - the products have really good claims and are lovely to use, without costing a fortune.

What are the hottest make-up trends for this summer?

Definitely bright vibrant colours on lips - coral, shocking pink and red. There is also an emphasis on eyes, with mascara being used in lots of different ways. Finally, a sun-kissed look is on trend for this summer, but a more golden glow rather than very bronzed.

How should you select new make-up?

The first thing is to go somewhere you can play with and experiment with the make up. Bright colours are in - but you need to try and find products that suit you and that also fit your budget, so you can save where necessary and splurge on something that stands out to you. It's all about trial and error.

If you don't know how to apply make-up where can you start to find out more?

The best thing is to go to a department store, have a look around and ask the assistants to help. They are all more than willing to answer your questions, and you will pick up and learn from their advice.

Can anyone wear red lipstick?

Red is such a vibrant and intense colour so you must treat it accordingly. Unless you are very confident and bold in character you may find it easiest to wear red in a diluted form. Generally, the darker you are the stronger red you can go for. Warmer tones of red (with orange or brown tones) are more user friendly, but you'll only find what tones work best for you by playing and experimenting.

What are your key tips to making your eyes look bigger?

Work with and accentuate your natural assets - it is possible to subtly enhance the size of the eyes through well positioned eyeliner and a quick curl of the lashes.

How can you disguise red rimmed eyes?

If you've got red rimmed eyes, good use of a concealer will help disguise this. Pat it in to get rid of red rims, and use eye drops to make the eye brighter.

How do you disguise bags and puffy under eye area?

Optrex eye mask is the best product for eye relief. Avoid a lighter concealer, it can make the eyes look more puffy. Use your base to blend puffiness in with your skin tone. Sleep with an extra pillow to drain puffy eyes, and if your puffy eyes are being caused by retaining water, check what you are eating.

What would your recommend to create long lashes other than falsies?

You need to be patient. Get a great volumising or a lengthening mascara and use a technique of applying it from root to tip - drag it along the lashes. Lots of thin coats are better then one thick coat, so comb through the lashes after each coat to neaten and re-apply and re-apply until you get the effect you want. There are great mascaras out there now, so it should be easy to find one that works for you.

What's the best way to even out your skin tone?

If you have uneven skin, you have to address your skin care routine to get to the cause of the problem, and use products that suit your skin to smooth it. Then you should make sure you're using a good base, with well blended foundation and concealer to even where needed.

How would you disguise open pores?

Minimising the appearance of pores can only really be done through illusion, as the problem comes from within. However, there are a few things you can do that will instantly make skin appear smooth. Make sure you exfoliate regularly to clarify and tone. Biore nose strips are also great for removing black and white heads from your nose in one quick step. A great quick trick for tightening the face is a splash of cold water before you apply your make-up.

Ruby Recommends (and we do too!)

Jergens Naturals Body Moisturiser

America's No.1 best selling bodycare range Jergens® bodycare has arrived in the UK. We tried Jergens® Naturals™ body moisturisers to see what all the fuss is about. Smooth, silky and easily absorbed, you'll skin will feel hydrated, soft and smell sweet Jergens® Naturals™ body moisturisers are RRP £4.88 for 200ml, Ultra Hydrating and Extra Softening are also available in 75ml travel sizes RRP £2.44 and is available from Boots, Superdrug and leading supermarkets now.

Play the Jergens game