Behind the Glow: Day to Night Makeup Prep with International MUA Sjaniël Turrell
When it comes to flawless day to night makeup, skin prep is everything. Whether you’re heading into a full day on set or transitioning from a natural daytime look to a bold evening statement, the right skincare can make or break your makeup. We sat down with international makeup artist Sjaniël Turrell, a long-time fan of Twelve Beauty, to get her professional insight on how she uses our products to create radiant, camera-ready skin – no matter the occasion.
1. Let’s start with the canvas - what’s your philosophy when it comes to skin prep before makeup, and how do Twelve Beauty products help you achieve that?
Skin prep is one of the most important parts of your entire makeup look, especially when using more naturally formulated makeup brands – they will sit and look better on well-prepped and hydrated skin. I love Twelve Beauty for my skin prep because the focus is always on giving hydration, not only to the skin in general, but with an immediate smoothing and hydrated effect on the skin’s surface.
2. Can you walk us through your go-to daytime makeup prep routine using Twelve Beauty?
For a daily makeup skin prep, I would make sure my skin is clean – either by using Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream to wash my face, or by using Dara’s Water as a once-over on a cotton pad to remove any residue. Then I spritz with Ultra Revitalising Elixir, layer my serum of choice, and blend it with a few drops of Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil. This combination leaves my skin hydrated, smooth and plump – perfect for light, natural day to night makeup looks. Some people might prefer a moisturiser instead of a face oil, and that will depend on your skin type and the feel and finish that you prefer on your skin.
3. What changes, if any, do you make to skin prep for an evening or red-carpet look?
For heavier makeup that you want to last longer, I always recommend lighter layers on the skin – this will allow the makeup to sit better and not move around or look too shiny in bright lights or if you tend to get a bit hot in your face when you have a long evening/day out. I would skip the moisturiser or face oil altogether and simply apply a good amount of a Twelve serum, which will keep the skin smooth & hydrated without needing too much time to absorb. I believe fewer layers on the skin are better for makeup to stay put – ideal for a seamless day to night makeup transition.
"For heavier makeup that you want to last longer, I always recommend lighter layers on the skin..."
4. Which Twelve Beauty products do you find essential for achieving a smooth, long-lasting makeup base?
My absolute must-have is Ideal Moisture Level Serum. It’s so lightweight and never pills or interferes with makeup. I love that it smooths the skin and prevents foundation from clinging to dry patches – crucial for maintaining a polished look through a day to night makeup routine.
5. For clients with sensitive or reactive skin, how does Twelve Beauty support your work as a makeup artist?
Twelve is a dream to work with because of the fragrance-free, thoughtfully formulated INCI lists. It’s incredibly gentle, yet effective – perfect for all skin types, including clients with sensitivities. Having products that I trust makes things much easier and stress-free, especially when you’re working back-to-back appointments or on set.
6. Do you have a favourite product from the line that you find yourself reaching for again and again, and why?
My OG Twelve Beauty product has to be Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream – it is, in my opinion, the best cleanser in the world. I have tried many, many gentle, naturally formulated cleansers over the past 15 years, and I ALWAYS go back to this one. I’ve never found another one like it, and it’s the first thing I recommend to all my clients to change stressed, dull, dehydrated or problem skin. I 100% believe that the cleanser you use sets up how your skin responds to everything else you use in your skincare regimen.
For colour, Stellar Aura is the standout. I wasn’t a fan of cream bronzers until I tried this—it has the best texture and pigment for effortless day to night makeup.
“My OG Twelve Beauty product has to be Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream (…) it’s the first thing I recommend to all my clients to change stressed, dull, dehydrated or problem skin.”
7. What’s one unexpected or off-label way you’ve used a Twelve Beauty product in your makeup routine?
Hyaluroil Lip Treatment is such a fantastic multi-tasker – not only is it the first thing I put on lips while I prep and do the face to soften lips, I’ve also used it as sheen on the cheekbones and eyelids but my best use for it by putting some on a spoolie brush and grooming eyebrows with it. It helps to keep eyebrows in place whilst also giving them a natural, conditioned sheen. It’s a kit essential and works beautifully in minimal or elevated day to night makeup looks.
8. What’s your top tip for transitioning a fresh, daytime look into something sultrier and evening-ready, without starting from scratch?
I keep a Tint & Glow colour pot and definitely Stellar Aura in my makeup bag. Stellar Aura is such a great, soft bronzer colour that I would use on the lower half of the cheeks and then add a pop of a brighter colour pot on the apple of the cheek. It also works well all over the eyelid using a finger, plus it’s great for touching up over existing product because it helps blend existing makeup and gives a soft sheen. I like taking the tip of my pinky finger and gently smudging a line of it under my eye, too – this makes it softer and sultrier. Although the easiest way to upgrade a look and give it a more glamorous edge is a dark eye pencil (I prefer dark brown or grey to black), I think a subtle bit of colour along the length of your lash line and gently smudged along the top edge of the liner gives a stunning, sultry finish – a perfect day to night makeup transformation.
9. When you’re travelling or working internationally, how do Twelve Beauty products support you and your kit?
Firstly, I just get excited over my clients experiencing Twelve for the first time. The number of people who take pictures of my skin prep set to buy some for themselves is crazy – they can feel the difference in their skin right away. I feel like it’s this special secret that I get to tell people about. When travelling abroad or just working at home in London, I’m often on public transport, and I always have Clear Beginning Hand Spray in my handbag. An alcohol-free hand sanitiser that doesn’t dehydrate your hands but has a proper anti-bacterial/viral formulation is amazing for someone who needs to clean her hands constantly. I use it all the time while I’m working to make sure my hands stay hygienic.
10. Finally, why do you think pro makeup artists are increasingly reaching for skincare-first brands like Twelve Beauty?
Thankfully, many in the professional field are starting to understand that the quality and formulation of the products you use on your clients matter a great deal. I always keep my client’s well-being at the forefront of my mind. I want them to not only look good once I’ve done their makeup, but I want them to feel good in their skin. The number one comment I get from my clients is that they cannot feel the makeup sitting on their skin like a mask, which is often the case with mainstream makeup. Mainstream silicone-based skincare and makeup don’t allow the skin to breathe – they feel heavy, and I think they don’t make skin look as good as naturally formulated brands that focus on skin health first. I could never go back to using those types of products because I simply love the look of real, healthy skin.
BONUS QUESTION: Is there a Twelve Product that you love that doesn't relate to your makeup work?
I’m going to say, I love pretty much anything Twelve Beauty – but since I’ve been using natural products and brands for about 15 years now, I have tried so many things that don’t quite live up to their mainstream alternatives. Specifically, shampoo and conditioner! And can I just say – if any hairdressers or people who struggle with naturally formulated hair care products are reading this – the Twelve Beauty Prebiotic Natural Shine Shampoo & Conditioner are IT! I love them so much, and the feedback I’ve had from others is the same. Especially from people with very fine hair, who get product build-up quickly and feel the need to wash their hair daily, the Twelve conditioner is the only natural one that softens the hair without weighing it down and creating an oily buildup. Try them. You won’t be disappointed.
