Interview: Vincent Ford
Meet our Sweed friend, Vincent Ford.
London-based makeup artist known for his thoughtful approach to makeup for mature skin, sharing techniques that enhance natural glow and confidence at every age.
Shop Vincent's favorites Sweed products here.
WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY MOTTO?
My beauty motto is “balance tells a story”. So it’s all about creating balance on the face to create a full makeup that tells a story about what feature you want to show and what feature you want to fix.
IF YOU WERE A BEAUTY PRODUCT, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would be a 3-in-1 multi-use universally flattering product that you can do a whole makeup with!
TOP 3 SWEED PRODUCTS?
WHAT MAKES THE MIRACLE POWDER SO SPECIAL?
WHAT'S YOUR BEST BEAUTY HACK?
My best beauty hack is: apply your foundation or concealer, then smile and see where it creases. Remove the excess with a cotton bud and gently press the product in with your fingers. This helps it stay smooth and last all day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOOK YOU HAVE EVER CREATED? AND ON WHO?
My favorite look is actually my mother. She passed away a few years ago, but I have such fond memories from when I was in makeup school. She was my model while I was learning. Every time I did her makeup, it made me so happy to see her look at herself and experience what it felt like to have her makeup professionally done.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AS A MAKEUP ARTIST? AND HOW DID IT START?
I’ve been doing makeup for over 20 years. It started when I was at university, when a theater class I was taking needed a makeup artist. I was the only one who volunteered. I didn’t do a great job, but it made me realize this was something I really wanted to focus on. I later went to makeup school, learned the skills I have today, and the rest is history.
WHAT'S THE MOST COMMON BEAUTY MISTAKE WOMEN 40+ MAKE?
I think the biggest mistake they make is doing makeup like they’re still 20. As you get older, you have to adapt your makeup skills, the colors, the products you’re using for the skin that you’re in currently.
ARE YOU TEAM BROWN OR BLACK MASCARA?
I’m actually team both! I love using a brown mascara on the bottom because I think it really brightens the under eye. And a black mascara on the top for a little more drama.
FAVORITE SPOTS IN LONDON?
My favorite spots for inspiration are the Tate Modern, which is so inspiring, and Kew Gardens. Especially around Christmas time when all the lights and colors make it so beautiful. It really inspires the makeup looks I create.
