Make-up artist Melanie Schoene

UND GRETEL Melanie, when did you discover your passion?

Melanie Meine My grandmother was an artist, and my mother was a hairdresser—my love of makeup didn't take long to develop. My first self-experimentation took place at the age of five. I can even still remember the pastel colors and the lip gloss that tasted like cola.

UND GRETEL How would you describe your style?

Melanie Modern elegance with a sporty twist.

AND GRETEL What does "beauty" mean to you?

Melanie A well-groomed appearance, with properly placed make-up accents, that is what beauty means to me.

UND GRETEL Let's be more specific: Which makeup piece could you and your clients never do without?

Melanie For me, concealer is really important – a beautiful complexion is always the best basis for a great, fresh look.

UND GRETEL In general: Which makeup tool do you think is overrated and which is underrated?

Melanie: In my opinion, the fake lash trend is overrated. It simply doesn't look natural at all, and in many cases, it's not ideal for the wearer, as it often creates a very tired impression. I think eyelash curlers are far too underrated. Combined with mascara, they're perfect for opening up the eyes and creating a more awake look.

UND GRETEL Which is your favorite UND GRETEL character and why?

Melanie My favorite is the TAGAROT lipstick in the shade WOOD 06. A great color that suits everyone and also works great as a multifunctional blusher and eyeshadow.

UND GRETEL Melanie, and when was your first UND GRETEL moment?

Melanie Someone gave me the ILGE Translucent Compact Powder to try, and I was immediately impressed. ILGE works like a soft focus for me—a fantastic effect. Even when applied repeatedly, ILGE always stays fresh and light without weighing down the skin.

UND GRETEL Will you tell us your 5 easy make-up hacks that everyone should know?

Melanie

No. 1
Before applying lipstick, always apply a little foundation in your skin tone to your lips. This creates an even, neutral tone. This makes each lipstick color stand out much more.

No. 2
If you apply a matching lipstick underneath your lip gloss, it will make the texture of the gloss last much longer.

No. 3
I always apply LIETH Foundation with my fingers – never with a brush or sponge. The warmth of my fingers melts the precious oils and waxes, allowing them to blend much more beautifully with my skin. A pro tip that's super easy to follow. ;-)

No. 4
For me, the TAGAROT Lipstick in WOOD is an absolute all-rounder: for the lips, for the cheeks, or as a creamy eyeshadow. A little tip: If you use the shade WOOD as eyeshadow or blush, it also looks great when you add a bit of IMBE Eye Shadow in SEASHELL 04 or BRONZE 03. This gives the look a bit more glow.

No. 5
Coverage can be increased through layering. With the LIETH Foundation, you can achieve very beautiful, light coverage with just one application. My tip: If you want to look a little browner and fresher, you can even go a shade darker, as the natural foundation acts like a kind of tanning fluid. For more intense coverage, you can apply a second layer. Please make sure you stick to your existing shade, as this will create a very beautiful, opaque look. Please remember to allow some time between the first and second layers of foundation to bond with your skin.