Charlotta Flinkenberg is a seasoned media profile, with a past as editor-in-chief for several different fashion magazines. Today she works as an influencer and inspires with fun and informative beauty reels on Instagram.
What do you like about Inika Organics products?
– The quality and sustainability. I especially like that several of the products are pigment-rich and generous, and that they simply perform well.
Do you have any particular favorites from the range?
– The first product from Inika that I really fell in love with was the Organic Lip Crayon. which completely knocked me out! I'm quite lazy and don't always have the energy to do several steps in my makeup. Being able to get a precise definition of the lip contours, like with a lip pencil, but at the same time also get the creamy and long-lasting consistency and shine like from a lipstick - in one and the same product, wow! My favorite shade is " Pink Nude ". Most other neutral colors go too much towards the brown side in my opinion, but this one is perfect. I'm also very fond of the wide range of quality brushes. Since I'm doing more and more makeup with the videos I post, I've understood how important it is to have the right tools to get a professional result.
Tell us about your product choices for the everyday makeup you show here!
– I base with Radiant Glow Veil . As a 50 plus person with dry skin, I know how important the foundation itself is for the rest of the makeup to be good. It needs a lot of moisture and this is a 3 in 1 solution with moisturizer, primer and highlighter in one! Then I apply Serum Foundation with Foundation Brush (It is important to shake the container well.) It provides just the right amount of coverage for a fresh everyday look. Full Coverage Concealer I dab on a sparing amount, as a base over the eyelids and on other areas of the face where I want to brighten. Baked Mineral Bronzer is the salvation for dull days, I don't leave home without bronzer, the best perk-up trick there is! Lip & Cheek Cream ” Petals ” is super nice on both cheeks and lips. I love the Eyeshadow Quad “Flowers” palette because the colors are incredibly nice on absolutely EVERYTHING. This is because they contain pink and slightly aubergine tones. Eyeshadows often look best when they are in contrasting tones and no one has pink or purple eyes, which is why this palette works so well. I only apply Long Lash Mascara to the upper lashes for everyday use. Cream Illuminisor “Pink Pearl” highlights high points on the face. I apply it to the cheeks, chin, tip of the nose, above the cupid's bow and just below + above the eyebrows. And then my favorite product Organic Lip Crayon “Pink Nude”, as I have already mentioned.
No eyeliner for everyday use?
– No, I often skip it if I'm in a hurry. It's often about time priorities in the mornings... I think it's more important to have a fresh glow and radiant skin than to fiddle with eyeliner etc. Sometimes I shade a little softly with an eyeshadow with a thin brush under the eyes.
You have then transformed this everyday makeup into an evening look for after work. How then?
– I simply built on certain parts of the makeup, without having to remove what was underneath. If you go straight from work to an AW or party, you don't always have time for this restart moment. During the day, the makeup may have "melted" a little. I usually freshen up my face with a moisturizing spray, I love Moonsun Organics Refreshing Face Mist . Just to bring the moisture level in the skin back to life. Then I apply some new foundation, this time the slightly more covering Liquid Foundation (shade " Cream "). But I only carefully dot it in certain places, not all over the face. There is already a nice base and I just dab a little, on the nose, forehead, chin, etc. Then I use the same eyeshadow palette as in the morning, but now I add the darkest, eggplant-colored shadow. It frames the entire eye and gives a softly smoky look. I smudge with my fingertips and a top. And then I press the pink shimmery shadow with my finger on the middle of the eyelid and a little upwards. It's the finishing touch for this dramatic eye look. So pretty! Another coat of mascara. I set the makeup itself with a loose, transparent powder, Mineral Setting Powder Mattify . It gives an incredibly silky finish. Finally, I change my lip crayon to the one in a chili red shade, to signal a femme fatale feeling. If you want, you can gently dab the mineral powder over your lips to dampen the shine. But I chose to have shine this time.
What are the most common mistakes women make with their makeup?
– Neglecting to moisturize before applying makeup. Many people also use too much product. Older skin has difficulty handling multiple layers of makeup, which settles into lines and creases. One tip is to first “prep” the brush itself with foundation/bronzer/loose setting powder, etc., then “tap off” the excess on the back of your hand before applying it to your face. You should also avoid “dragging” the brush over your skin, as this can sabotage the previous foundation. Instead, press and dab the makeup in.
Any tips you'd like to share, in general?
– Don't be so cowardly about using color! We need color on the face. It warms up a pale look, adds contours and depth. Also be a little braver about applying eyeshadow higher up. Many women wear makeup the same way when they are 40 plus as when they were 20. But the eyes change, they sink in, we get droopy eyelids, etc. You need to raise the placement of the shadows for them to be visible at all. Finally - experiment more with makeup! It's just makeup, not a tattoo. If it goes wrong, you can wash it off.
What's the most fun thing about makeup?
– It's playful and involves creative creation. I have an art college education and painting portraits on canvas is not much different from applying makeup. You just have a few more challenges with your canvas (the substrate). But otherwise it's the same techniques with optical science, how to "trick the eye", highlight or hide, be mischievous and bold, or calm and methodical. Art comes in many expressions, so does makeup. It's about aesthetics and a love of color and creation, which doesn't have to be particularly normative or conservative. In my opinion, the beauty industry is more permissive than the fashion industry. Everyone is welcome here, young and old, ugly and beautiful, men and women. I follow several male makeup influencers on Instagram who are incredibly skilled. Most people are happy to see how makeup can enhance a personality. Makeup should be joy, otherwise you might as well give it a miss.