Victoria_Secret_beautyEnergetic, glowing beauty at Victoria’s Secret. Image courtesy Tom Concordia.

Backstage at the Victoria’s Secret show, the angels were illuminated. From Canada’s own Grace Mahary to doll-like Dane Josephine Skriver (see evidence, above), every single one of the models seemed to exude happiness. Part of that was likely due to makeup artist Dick Page’s sleight of hand—though he says that makeup isn’t the big draw for the show. "People aren’t here to see makeup, they’re here to see beautiful girls."

To create a fresh, "energetic" finish to skin, Page used a translucent red pigment on the cheeks of each girl and followed by buffing a bronzer overtop. The same shade worked on all skintones, says Page "because it’s very translucent." The rest of the makeup–brown liner, pink stain with beige gloss, a flash of pink in the inner corner—was smooth and diffused, blending seamlessly from one feature from the next. This technique helped "preserve the integrity of each of the models’ faces" says Page.

I’m still dreaming about that sheer, creamy red pigment. Instead of using it to make a statement on lips or eyes, Page blended it to a nearly undetectable level to create a fresh flush that showcased the skin underneath. "The red symbolizes the energy of the face," says Page.  "That’s what I think makes the girls look so beautiful."

The Victoria’s Secret fashion show airs Tuesday, December 9th at 10 p.m. on CBS.

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