Despite working at a fashion magazine, I’ve never quite cracked the code for perfectly applying a full face of make-up. My routine leans heavily on a few tried and true staples, with a slightly dialled-up version for evening (such as: a flick of eyeliner or a touch more eyeshadow). But, no matter how many tutorials I watch or brands I experiment with, I’ve never been able to achieve that elusive flawless finish. So, when I was invited to receive a makeover courtesy of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics I jumped at the chance to refresh my look.
With a legacy spanning more than 25 years, Youngblood is one of the original pioneers of clean beauty. The brand is known for high-performance formulations made from natural, pure, and ethically sourced ingredients. Its award-winning, dermatologist-approved products are designed to feel lightweight and breathable on the skin, delivering an effortless glow while addressing common concerns such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and acne, all without compromising on coverage or care.
When I sat down in the chair of Amy Elgar, Youngblood’s make-up trainer, I sheepishly confessed my lack of make-up expertise — a concern she quickly put to rest. We began by talking through the kind of look I was after: natural and pared back, in line with my everyday style. Elgar reassured me that with Youngblood’s lightweight, buildable formulas, it’s almost impossible to go wrong. Even the occasional misstep, she explained, can be easily blended out with your go-to brush.
Now, for the products. We started with the Mineral Primer, a silky, colourless base that blurs pores, fine lines, and texture without feeling heavy on the skin. Next came the Pro Sculpt Crème Contour Stick. Traumatised by past contouring attempts (I’d aimed to look like a Kardashian but ended up with tiger stripes instead), I’d always steered clear, but this creamy, buildable formula made definition foolproof. It lifted and bronzed in all the right places, blending seamlessly from temple to jawline with zero harsh streaks.
For coverage, we used the Liquid Mineral Foundation. Offering a radiant, medium-coverage finish, it evened out my skin tone beautifully while calming ingredients such as cucumber and calendula kept my complexion hydrated. I was genuinely impressed by how seamlessly it applied. The VividLuxe Crème Blush Stick in Pink Prosecco added a peachy flush to my cheeks with skin-loving benefits such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. For eyes, the Weekender Palette was a true standout. Packed with nine eyeshadows (from rich mattes to luminous metallics), two blushes, and two highlighters — all infused with vitamin E and jojoba oil — it’s an all-in-one hero.
Finally, a swipe of the Everglow Lip Oil in Spritz gave the perfect hydrating, high-shine finish. As I looked in the mirror post-makeover, I finally saw it — that elusive flawless finish. But, could I really recreate the same results without a professional make-up artist on hand? To my surprise, the answer was a resounding yes.
Armed with the same Youngblood products from my makeover, I switched up my routine and was genuinely taken aback by the results and compliments that followed. Whether it was an easy, everyday glow for the office, a more elevated look for a magazine photo shoot, or full glam for the FQ Fashion Awards, this range delivered every time. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more confident in my skin and in my ability to apply make-up. Consider me a Youngblood convert.
Shop the Youngblood range at aboutface.co.nz
This article originally appeared in Fashion Quarterly’s Spring 2025 issue.
Words: Natalia Didovich
Photography: Supplied
