"Perfecting The Base"
Image sourced from Jasmine's portfolio x
At FENN, everything begins with skin health. We believe in maintaining a strong, resilient barrier so skin can thrive and feel comfortable all year round. When it comes to make-up, our philosophy is simple: hero the skin, don’t hide it. Healthy, vibrant skin tells its own story, and when make-up is used to enhance rather than mask, the result always looks and feels effortless and natural.
This shared belief is exactly where we align with the insanely talented make-up artist Jasmine Abdallaoui. Jasmine is an Australian-born make-up artist working between Australia and Europe, renowned for her ability to create flawless skin and enhance individuality with subtle artistry. With a refined, understated style and an intuitive feel for the space between art, beauty, and fashion, her work has featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Russh, and spans the creative industry both locally and overseas.
Together, we explore what “perfecting the base” really means—not as a way to chase perfection, but as a celebration of your own skin. For us, it’s about being proud of the skin you’re in, working towards that natural, lit-from-within glow, and using make-up to complement—not cover—the beauty that’s already there.
FENN: What does “perfecting the base” mean to you as a makeup artist?
J.A - To me “perfecting the base” is about creating a seamless, skin-like canvas that enhances natural beauty without masking it. It’s about striking the right balance between tone and texture to ensure the skin looks fresh, refined and effortless.
FENN: How much does skincare influence the way makeup sits and wears? Can you really see the difference?
J.A Absolutely it does. Prepping the skin is a crucial step that sets the tone for how the entire makeup will perform and last.
Image sourced from Jasmine's portfolio
FENN:What skincare habits or products do you believe make the biggest impact on makeup application?
J.A - Habits... I would say drinking water! It truly makes a difference to your skin texture and complexion. In terms of skincare habits, consistency on cleansing to remove impurities, regular exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells and thorough hydration to follow to keep skin plump and soft.
FENN: How do you approach makeup for different skin types—dry, oily, sensitive, or combination?
J.A - I always tailor my approach based on the skin's needs and also what kind of finish I’m trying to achieve. That might mean mixing different products to suit varying textures or adjusting prep and product placement to treat different areas of the face individually.
FENN: What are your thoughts on mixing skincare with makeup (e.g., tinted serums, SPF foundations, etc.)—genius or gimmick?
J.A - I would say they are more genius if they’re well formulated. They are great for everyday wear or for those who prefer lighter coverage and want their skin to feel like skin.
FENN : Good hygiene and make up- obviously, if you’re using brushes cleaning them regularly is important. Are there any particular “tricks of the trade” you can share with our community on best practice here.
J.A - Regular brush cleaning is so important - it not only protects your skin but also helps makeup apply more smoothly and evenly. I would say at least once a week, especially for foundation/concealer brushes. Don’t forget about the sponges, as they hold a lot of bacteria and should be replaced every few months.
Where do you look for inspiration?
My inspiration comes from so many places! My cultural heritage and others, different eras of fashion and beauty my favourites would have to be 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and even the natural world.
Who is your ultimate make-up muse?
I have so many! Lauren Hutton has always been one of my favourite beauty muses - she is so timeless and effortlessly cool. That perfect mix of classic elegance and laid back attitude that feels both iconic and approachable.
I also love that she is the perfect example of aging gracefully - proving that true elegance isn’t about chasing youth but celebrating life.
Reading… The 48 Laws of Power
Watching… Mob Land
Drinking…. NON toasted cinnamon and Yuzu
Thank you, Jasmine! It's been a pleasure xxx