Makeup Artist Charlie Riddle on a Skin-First Approach, Celebrity Looks and The Hunger Games

Known for a wide spectrum of work – from high-glam to subtle ‘clean-girl’ – Riddle doesn’t box himself into a set style, believing the “great, sweet spot” is variety. But if you put a magnifying glass to his work, you will notice an obvious throughline: his skin-forward approach to makeup.

“When I was a teenager, I had terrible skin and was always looking for something to cover and treat and fix,” Riddle tells The MECCA Memo. “So, at that point, I had a hyper fixation on skincare and all things skin, and so I wanted to be a dermatologist. I even went to school for medical aesthetics, but during the course, I took a three-day makeup course. The moment I picked up a brush, it was instantly relaxing, like I was painting. My passion for skincare still comes through when I do makeup, though, as it’s always skin forward. If the skin isn’t right, nothing else can be right for me.”

As for Stila’s biggest secret: they are the official makeup partner for Lionsgate’s highly anticipated film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The collaboration began when the film’s Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Designer, Natalie MacGowan Spencer, specifically requested Stila products for the characters. This collaboration also brings a highly collectable, limited-edition Stila beauty collection.

“This was the most exciting thing Stila has done in many, many years,” Riddle says, as a self-proclaimed fan of the films. “I think sometimes we get a little bit overlooked as a brand, so we knew this was something we just had to do.

“Our collaboration came in early, from seeing the mood boards, to having calls to discuss what was needed from a product standpoint and even getting to do an early read of the script,” Riddle adds, remaining coy about the details – so yes, you’ll have to wait until the movie’s release for the spoilers. “Getting this access really helped shape how we approached the collaboration. We removed some products from the lineup, quickly added some back in, and even had to fast-track product development based on the script and what would really set the tone. It was such a fun process and truly a collab – we weren’t just slapping the name Stila on it.”

As for the collection, there’ll be a Sunrise Eyes™, All Fire™, Meadow Dream, Pretty Striking and Rebel Beauty – so are you ready to channel your inner Effie (aren’t we all!)?

While the Stila x The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping collection is a given, we asked Riddle to spill on his three beauty bag must-haves. “My three favourite products would be Stila’s Kitten Heaven’s Hue Highlighter – it looks good on everyone, and you can use it on the eyes, body or cheeks and for bridal or red-carpet makeup. It’s gorgeous. Another must-have for me is the Stila Stay All Day® Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liners. I was in the lab working on these, and so they’re like a baby of mine. I use them on almost everyone because I know once it locks in, it won’t move. Thirdly, a really good lip mask – I do love the MECCA one. I even let an overnight one sit on the client’s lips while I’m prepping, as I hate when lips look dry on a red carpet, so I’m keeping them super hydrated always.”