Product Watch: Victoria Beckham at the British Fashion Awards
Victoria Beckham definitely has a signature look, though it does evolve. The too-tan foundation, black liquid liner and brown lipstick she wore in Spiceworld have been upgraded to a veil of Scott Barnes Body Bling, sheer foundation, nude lipstick and smoky eye makeup. A strict diet and regular runs means she doesn’t need to bother with heavy concealer or lots of contouring, which can be ageing. Her look is universally flattering and young stars like Dianna Agron and Taylor Schilling have sported similar makeup on the red carpet this season. Here’s how to get it at home.
The 40-year-old’s complexion is so great, it’s no wonder her dermatologist went public with her regime before her birthday in April. Victoria has tweeted about Dr. Harold Lancer’s Oxygen Facial in recent months but the LA favourite told E! News that she also uses “The Method.” This involves daily exfoliation (which some skin cannot tolerate), cleansing and using creams high in Vitamins A and C, two powerhouses among anti-ageing ingredients. Lancer Skincare is available at SpaceNK.com. The products often contain potentially irritating quantities of fragrance, baking soda and, in the case of a lone sun cream, denatured alcohol. If you are eager to try the range, Lancer Retexturizing Treatment Cream, €82.29, and Advanced C Radiance Cream, €82.29, are nice options for normal to dry skin that is not sensitive.
Makeup artist Sarah Lucero collaborates with Stila and used quite a few of the US brand’s products for this event, starting with Victoria’s base. She brushed Stila CC Cream, €36.80, all over the face. This sheer formula is fine for a glowing complexion like Posh’s but less pampered ladies will find Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, €42.69, gives better coverage and has the same radiant finish. Touch up with Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer, €26, which will cover problem areas without illuminating them.
Glossy, glam eyes were Sarah’s focus. Stila Eyes are the Window Palette in Soul, 39, and Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Burgundy, €17.50, were layered to create this winged look. Victoria often applies Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, €33/50ml, with a blending brush to achieve a slick, glossy finish. Sarah finished the eyes with Stila Mile High Lashes. Having seen this image and tried the product, I don’t think this mascara provides the best definition or separation for lashes. I suggest Bobbi Brown Smokey Eyes Mascara, €28, for a soft but well-defined look. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color in Dark Brown, €18, filled the brows.
Stila Convertible Colour Dual Lip & Cheek Cream in Camellia, €21.50, gave cheeks a healthy flush of colour. Sarah used Stila Shape and Shade Contour Duo to heighten the cheekbones. The compact is unavailable ’til January. In the interim, try Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, €24.40, to shape and MAC Strobe Cream, €31.50, (another of Victoria’s secrets), to highlight.
Sarah lined and filled in Victoria’s pout with Make Up For Ever Liner in no23, €16.50, and a touch of the Stila blush was dabbed on the centre of the lips.
Estée Lauder recently discontinued Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Mask, an antioxidant moisturiser that safeguarded against pillow-face. I used it as a night cream before early starts and was dismayed by its demise. A silver lining appears this month with the launch of the ridiculously-named Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Ageing Mask Boost, €58. The formula is just as full of skin-soothers, antioxidants, emollients and other supporters of natural collagen growth. You could also use it as a 20-minute fix but that would be a waste of money and great ingredients. Better to apply a thick layer after cleansing before bed.
It is easy to figure out which mascara formulas are designed to volumise, for example, but I find the wands so confusing.
For a natural look: Choose the classic tubular wand and focus your mascara application at the lash-line to create a gentle curl.
For perfect definition: A spiral brush, like the one in Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, €7.49, hits and coats the lash, enlarging the eyes.
For great length: Short bristles, like the ones found on DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection, €18.85, allow you to get right into the roots and distribute the product evenly.
For fuller lashes: Big, densely-bristled brushes, like the one for Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara, €18.60, thicken lashes for major volume.

