A Model’s Guide to Sensitive Skin
By Emily Weiss, Vogue magazine
Melissa Tammerijn, the porcelain-complected 21-year-old Dutch mannequin, rushes into Nina Ricci and a swarm of frenzied hair and makeup assistants descend upon her. "I have my own products," she says calmly, retrieving a Ziploc baggie from her purse containing three well-used items. The fragile, ethereal skin, for which Tammerijn is known, is so sensitive and reactive, her job wouldn't be possible without these skin-prep essentials.
"Foundations and creams really penetrate the outer layer, so it's the most important step for me," she explains. "I had to find the right ones." The winners: Avène Cicalfate Restorative Cream, which she says, "creates a thick barrier;" Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation in Porcelain Ivory, the fairest shade; and YSL Touche Éclat for concealing and highlighting
Tammerijn reports that most makeup artists know her by now, and are happy to accommodate. Pat McGrath's team at Ricci was no exception: "As long as it's good makeup, which hers is, and the end result can be achieved, it's fine by me," says one artist, smoothing the model's Laura Mercier base across her cheekbones.
Following the month of shows, Tammerijn will "sleep for probably 24 hours, drink loads of water, and take an oatmeal bath. I buy 100% pure oatmeal, put it in a sock, and drop it in [the tub]. The water gets creamy. It's really soothing and moisturizing." A great winter skin idea-for all of us.
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