Here’s How Nikki Wolff, Instagram’s Glow Queen, Achieves Flawless Skin (And How You Can, Too)

Responsible for the glowy skin of the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa and Yara Shahidi, Nikki Wolff is the makeup artist who has become an Instagram celebrity in her own right. And it's not surprising. She can, it seems, do everything, from graphic makeup looks to natural, flawless skin, so it's no wonder the A-list trust her with their faces.

Who better, then, to mine for advice on how to achieve our best skin ever? From her favourite products to how to make your base last longer, Wolff spilled her beauty secrets exclusively to Grazia...

Prep Makes Perfect

‘Skincare is absolutely the first and most important step to achieving a true healthy-looking glow. If your skin texture isn’t hydrated before applying your base, you won’t be able to achieve the radiance you’re aiming for. So taking a little bit more time cleansing and exfoliating will really pay dividends. I use masks in the morning, instead of the evening, so I reap the benefits throughout the day. Hydration really is the key, so even if your skin is oily it’s really important to find a lightweight moisturiser or serum that will even out the skin pre make-up.’

Lay The Foundations

‘Pick a foundation that’s right for your skin type. A lot of people tell me they really struggle with achieving a glow if they lean towards an oilier skin type, with their primary focus being products that will last throughout the day. Overall, I always think it’s more about carefully placed highlights and carefully placed little touches of glow rather than just picking a glowy foundation that might not be to turn your favoured foundation formula into something more lightweight.’

Be Experimental With Shades

‘When choosing blusher or lipstick, it’s more important to consider your skin’s undertone than being too prescriptive with skin tones – for example saying darker tones should always use this and fair tones should favour that. I believe there’s no such set rules. And better still, experimenting with a few different shades and seeing what works for you for the look you want to ultimately achieve is the best option. This way, you can mix it up seasonally, too.’

Don’t Get Muddy

‘I personally love bronzing tints and I use them on my skin every day. As I’m a face toucher, they almost stain the skin, which means when I’m touching my face throughout the day it doesn’t leave those muddy marks that a powder might. I love the Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint, £29.50, and Clinique Sun-Kissed Face Gelee, £24.50, is lovely, too.’

In It For The Long Haul

‘Again, when it comes to making your make-up last longer, it all starts with skincare. If you’ve got your skincare right, then anything you put on top should wear better throughout the day. After skincare I will always wait 3-5 minutes before applying make-up, giving the formulas a chance to be properly absorbed into the skin – and this is key. Next, go with a primer that’s right for your skin type before applying your chosen base.’

Nikki's Top 5 Skincare Heroes

1. 'Spending a little time caring for your skin before applying your make-up makes all the difference. A morning mask is my favourite way to give my skin some TLC and a glow boost that lasts through the day. Revive Masque De Volume, £145, is one of my ultimates. It firms, tightens, nourishes and plumps and leaves my skin looking beautifully bright. I prefer to use to in the morning instead of night to enjoy the benefits throughout the day.'

2. 'Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, £50, is a great, nourishing moisturiser for pre-make-up application. Leaves skin looking supple and feeling hydrated. And it’s vegan and free from all nasties.'

3. 'By Terry CC Serum Illuminating Primer, £61, boosts radiance with built-in skincare, smells and feels divine, leaves skin with a candlelit glow. It comes in 4 different shades so there’s always a perfect match. I love to use the darkest shade on my skin to fake a sun kissed glow.'

4. 'With so many primers on the market, it can be tricky to find the best match. Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer, £46.50, works for every skin type. Leaving skin feeling smooth, pores looking refined, and it helps to keep my makeup on all day.'

5. 'Packed full of anti-inflammatory ingredients, Dr Hauschka Bronzing Tint, £29.50, bronzing tint helps to reduce redness and leave skin looking so naturally sun kissed. Can be used on its own, before foundation application, or I love to mix it with my foundation in warmer months to give a lighter texture and a naturally tanned effect.'

SHOP: Nikki's Top 5 Beauty Products