LA’s favourite Make-Up Artist, Monika Blunder, has a wealth of red carpet and editorial experience, working on the faces of some of our favourite British beauties, from Rosie-Huntington Whiteley, to Emilia Clarke.
Her work has taken her the globe over, but growing up in Austria shaped Monika’s approach to beauty: “I grew up surrounded by nature, and my family used native plants to heal and soothe us. Everything there is just so much simpler, but also more intentional. That’s really how I think about beauty.”
Her personal make-up style is wondrously natural: “I like to think of make-up as mostly corrective, you should still look like yourself. My style is definitely natural with an emphasis on healthy and hydrated looking skin.”
It’s this approach which led to her revolutionary new product, Blunder Cover: a multitasker which sits between a foundation, concealer, and contour balm, for a glossy, gleaming complexion.
With Blunder Cover and a band of masks in tow, we delve into Monika Blunder’s travel psyche.
How do you adapt your beauty regime when you travel?
All of the things that need an appointment I’ll do before I travel. I’ll refresh my colour, get a trim if I need one, and get my nails done.
What’s the best way to downsize your at-home beauty product haul for travel?
Pack for where you’re going and what you’re doing. Take the climate into account: think about what outfits you’re wearing, and the make-up you’d like to wear with them. Plan your make-up looks just like you plan your outfits, and leave the rest at home.
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Do you prefer to pack travel minis or full-size beauty staples? And why?
I prefer minis: they take up less room, so you can fit more products into your bag. They also fit easily in a small evening bag.
Do you have a regular plane beauty routine?
I find myself spoiling my skin during a flight. It’s a great time for self care! I don’t usually put on make-up on the plane, instead I use the time to pamper and massage my skin. I’ll start with really moisturising skincare. I’ll use eye masks like the 111SKIN Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask and follow that up with a refreshing face spray – my go-to right now is Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I’ll use make-up wipes like the Lancer Makeup Removing Wipes, and follow it up with a luxurious oil as planes make my skin so dry. I also always bring hand cream: I love the Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main.
What’s been your favourite vacation spa so far?
The Stanglwirt in Austria is the most beautiful place that I’ve ever stayed. I got married there, and I recently celebrated my 50th birthday there. It just holds so many special memories for me. I feel so relaxed and calm every time I visit, and the views of the mountains are breathtaking. I also visit Cabo quite a bit, and I love to stay at Montage Los Cabos. The spa there is amazing. They have the best massages and beauty treatments.
How do you unwind when travelling?
I try to be on my phone and computer as little as possible. I love taking long walks or hikes to get familiar with the city I’m in.
What’s your favourite country to shop for home-grown beauty products?
Parisian pharmacies are magical, but Korea and Japan have the most innovative products. I love shopping there.
How do you overcome jet-lag skin/eyes when you land?
I think the biggest tip is to try to stay up as late as you can the first night, and try to wake up in the morning with your local time. I like to tire myself out by staying up as long as possible on that first night. I will also eat a very clean, simple meal that first night so I don’t wake up puffy and swollen. I also try to sleep as much as possible on the plane, and I do not drink alcohol on a flight.
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What are your top beauty tips when travelling?
Travelling is when I pamper my skin the most. I like to bring new face masks that I haven’t used, because I usually have more time to do them on vacation than at home. Massage is really important when travelling too; it helps so much if you get swollen and puffy. I also bring a really nice hair mask – and because I’m usually too lazy to do my hair – I will leave the mask in my hair and pull it into a slick, chic bun. I’ll pair it with a red lip and hoops.
What’s at the top of your beauty wish list right now?
I have actually always wanted a sauna in my home. I love how they feel, and they are so good for your skin. I would really love to eventually have one of those. I am also a big fan of ice baths – I love Wim Hoff – so a cool, wooden ice bath would be amazing.
THE PACKING LOWDOWN
Travel light or over-packer?
Travel light.
Spa facial or massage?
Massage.
Vacation air-dry or blow-dry?
Air-dry.
Faux tan or au naturel?
Au naturel.
Desert island beauty product?
Blunder Cover!
Any Questions or Tips to add?