Skin First: Make-Up Artist Liz Pugh on Radiance and Refined Beauty
At MZ SKIN, we have always believed that the moments before make-up are just as meaningful as the artistry itself. The quiet rituals, the intentional touch, the way skin responds when it is truly cared for. Few make-up artists embody this philosophy as naturally as Liz Pugh, whose celebrated career has been built on the belief that real radiance comes from preparation, not perfection.
With a portfolio that spans red carpets, Vogue covers, and global press tours, Liz has become known for a style that feels modern yet timeless, polished yet completely authentic.
What sets Liz apart is her instinctive feel for skin. She has a way of bringing out its natural vitality, smoothing where needed, brightening where it matters, while still keeping everything soft, believable and true to the person in her chair.
In this conversation, Liz takes us behind the scenes of her process. From the calming rituals that open every session to the thoughtful techniques that shape her approach to natural beauty. We invited her to share the skin-prep steps she relies on, the kit essentials she never works without and the creative influences behind her work. Her perspective offers something deeper than tips alone: a reminder that make-up is at its most powerful when the skin beneath it is nourished, understood and intentionally cared for.
Meet the Make-Up Artist
Liz Pugh is one of the industry’s most respected global make-up artists, known for her instinctive understanding of how skin and make-up shape modern beauty. Rising through a notoriously competitive world, Liz built her reputation on an ability that feels deceptively simple yet remarkably rare: creating skin that looks alive, luminous and untouched.
For Liz, skin is the starting point, the story and the signature. “I would say that my real talent is skin,” she reflects. “Making skin this perfect surface, glowing and gorgeous, never hidden behind a mask. I love to enhance the natural beauty of a person.” It’s a sentiment that lies at the heart of MZ SKIN: transformation begins with preparation, and genuine radiance is achieved by caring for the skin rather than concealing it.
Her talent balances technical refinement with unique creativity. Liz’s approach to skin preparation lays the base for her to introduce subtle twists that make a look uniquely hers, always working in synergy with the photographer’s vision. It is this collaborative approach that has shaped some of the most memorable images of the past decade, spanning global tours, magazine covers and editorial icons.
Her journey began at home, watching her mother’s beauty rituals. That early fascination became her lifelong pursuit: to contribute to the creation of beautiful, impactful images, where skin is celebrated, not concealed.
Today, Liz continues to champion a skin-first approach in an age of filters and full-coverage trends. Her philosophy remains simple and powerful: honour the skin, enhance what is already there, and let natural beauty set the tone.
The Interview
Beauty and Skincare
What’s the first step in your skin prep routine?
While I’m unpacking my kit and setting up, I always begin by applying an eye mask to my client. It helps to depuff and hydrate, and it works its magic while I am setting up. They always love it. It’s a lovely ritual. I then follow with a gentle facial massage, which allows me a few quiet minutes to study their skin and features. During that time, I start to visualise the makeup look I want to create, although it’s always a collaboration between us. I always take into account what they will be wearing and how their hair is being styled; it is always teamwork.
One product you can’t live without in your kit?
That’s such a hard one! I love multitasking products, but I’d have to say a lash curler. I never finish a look without curling the lashes. It opens up the eyes instantly and gives every face that subtle lift.
Your secret for long-lasting makeup?
It’s all about the skin prep. I’m not a big believer in heavy primers or overly long-wear products. Primers often create an unnecessary barrier and can interfere with the skincare underneath. I prefer to focus on deeply prepped, balanced skin. Makeup lasts longer when the base is healthy. The only exception to my rule would be a long-wear liner.
How do you achieve the perfect winged liner, even on hooded eyes?
Winged liner can be daunting, but it’s all about placement. Start with a fine line as close to the top lashes as possible, and forget the flick for now. For hooded eyes, begin from the centre of the lash line. Look straight into the mirror and lift your chin slightly; this helps you see the lid space clearly and will prevent transfer to the lid.
Use your lower lash line as a guide. Imagine extending it upward as it curves, then place a small dot where you’d like the wing to end. From there, join it back along the upper lash line.
Tightline the top lashes for added definition. Whether you use a liquid, gel or pencil liner is personal preference, though I find brown tones softer and more flattering on mature eyes. And always keep micellar water and a Q-tip on hand for refining. Tightlining also makes lashes look fuller. It’s a great little trick.
Favourite MZ SKIN products for prepping skin?
I love starting with the Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Mask while I set up. It hydrates, cools and depuffs, which is a saviour on early call times.
For massage, the Reviving Antioxidant Facial Oil melts beautifully into the skin.
The Calming Rescue Serum is wonderful for distressed complexions, and the Bio-Placenta Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers deep hydration, perfect for clients hopping on and off planes.
I love the Intensive Bio-Placenta Eye Cream, which ensures the under-eye area is perfectly plumped and ready for makeup. I often tap a little more late in the day around the eyes over makeup to refresh, warming it in my fingers first.
Depending on what the skin needs, I always reach for the light or rich moisturiser.
If I am shooting on location, a non-negotiable is MZ SKIN Expert UV Protector SPF 50.
What do you love about MZ SKIN?
These are science-based products led by a cosmetic doctor. They deliver serious results, which I love.
What do you look for in a skincare product?
High-quality activities that actually deliver. For me, makeup starts with skin. When it’s well-prepped and hydrated, everything that follows looks effortless. The better the skincare, the less makeup you need.
Professional & Creative Insight
What made you want to become a makeup artist?
I’ve been obsessed with makeup for as long as I can remember. My mother always had her face on, and I was fascinated by the transformation, the ritual, the colours, the little pots of potion and the confidence it gave her.
When I was at school, I worked part-time jobs so I could buy magazines, and I devoured every page. I knew I wanted to be part of that world, the creativity, the artistry, the transformation. For me, it was always about making someone look beautiful. However bold the look is, there always has to be an element of beauty behind it.
Who has been your dream client so far?
Honestly, I love all my clients. The trust they place in me means everything. My style is about enhancing natural beauty, never masking it. I love skin and want it to look luminous and alive, not hidden under layers of product.
Most memorable moment in your career so far?
There have been so many. Every job brings something new; that’s what I adore about this industry. Seeing my first i-D Magazine cover on the shelves was unforgettable. I had collected every issue since my teens, so to see my work on the cover was incredibly special.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world and work with extraordinary, inspiring women. I truly love what I do.
Favourite look you’ve ever created?
I worked with Adele for years, and we always went full glam: liner, lashes, the lot. When she returned with a new album after a break, we wanted something completely different for the cover of a magazine, something raw, real and stripped back. It took some convincing, but we went for true no-makeup makeup, and she looked absolutely breathtaking.
It’s funny that my two favourite looks have both been about less. Another was a Vogue cover with Deepika Padukone. I unzipped my skincare bag and that was it: no foundation, no concealer, just massage, pinched cheeks for colour and a bitten lip for the perfect tint. It was all about her natural beauty.
One thing you used to worry about but no longer do?
I’m a worrier by nature, but with time I’ve learned to trust myself more. Experience teaches you to let go.
A piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
Trust the process. Stop overanalysing. Your gut instinct is there for a reason. Listen to it. Everything has a way of unfolding exactly as it should.
Get to Know Liz: Quick-Fire Series!
Coffee or tea?
Always coffee, but it has to be good quality.
Lipstick or gloss?
Gloss. Lipstick has its moment, nothing beats a rich berry or a matte red, but day-to-day I reach for the Volumising Lip Perfector in shades 1 and 2. It gives that juicy, your-lips-but-better finish I love.
Dewy or matte base?
Dewy, always.
Favourite city for inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere, but Buenos Aires and Paris always light something in me.
Makeup trend you wish would go?
Heavy bases and harsh contouring.
Makeup trend you wish would come back?
Loving the skin you’re in; makeup that enhances rather than masks.
The Takeaway
For Liz Pugh, as for Dr Maryam Zamani and MZ SKIN, the best make-up look begins with primed, nourished skin. Her emphasis on preparation and natural beauty reflects the belief that make-up should reveal rather than hide. This shared philosophy is at the heart of MZ SKIN, where advanced skincare and refined artistry come together to create lasting radiance.
For more guidance on skincare, radiance and modern beauty rituals, continue exploring our blog.